Hydraulic Patents (Class 123/90.46)
  • Publication number: 20120167850
    Abstract: An assembly for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which has a hydraulic support element and a cam follower resting on one end via a bearing surface located on the bottom side thereof on a complimentary end side of a pressure piston of the support element. The piston extends across the outer shell in a bore of a crucible-shaped housing of the support element. The housing has an opening for hydraulic fluid, which is conductable via a channel between the housing and piston through a passage in the pressure piston to a storage chamber. In a section of a direct contact region between the bearing surface of the cam follower and end side of the piston, an anti-turn mechanism for the piston in relation to the cam follower is implemented. The piston is installed in a defined manner and is torsionally oriented in relation to the cam follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Christgen, Frank Himsel, Junichi Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20120160200
    Abstract: An engine valve system comprises two cams (10,12) mounted coaxially, a summation rocker (14) coupled to followers (16,18) of both cams and movable in proportion to the instantaneous sum of the lifts of the respective cams, and a valve actuating rocker (20) pivotably coupled to the summation rocker (14) and operative to open an engine valve (22) in dependence upon the movement of the summation rocker (14). In the invention, the actuating rocker (20) rests on a hydraulic lash adjuster (24). A control spring (136) is provided to urge the summation rocker (14) in a direction to compress the hydraulic lash adjuster (24). A stop (138) associated with the control spring (136) limits the movement of the summation rocker (14) towards the lash adjuster (24) so as to set the clearance in the valve system when the valve (22) is closed and the cam followers (16,18) are on the base circles of the two cams (10,12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ian Methley, Timothy Mark Lancefield
  • Patent number: 8156909
    Abstract: An end pivot valve train is provided in a cylinder head to open and close a cylinder valve. The end pivot valve train includes a cam follower forcing the cylinder valve, and a cam holder assembled onto an upper portion of the cylinder head and includes a receiving groove to receive the cam follower therein, wherein the cam holder has a protrusion configured and dimensioned to interfere with an upper surface of the cam follower when the cam follower rotates such that a longitudinal edge thereof moves up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Sul Seo
  • Patent number: 8146566
    Abstract: A compression release engine brake unit includes an oil outlet passage formed in a socket brake, which stores engine brake oil, and a reset member opening or closing the outlet passage. The reset member discharges the engine brake oil by opening the oil outlet passage in response to the rotation of a rocker arm during engine braking and, thereby, the engine brake restores the initial state. Since the compression release engine brake can restore the initial state, the return valve lift is the same as when the compression release engine brake is not actuated. Accordingly, the valve does not butt against an engine piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gi Ra Lee, Jung Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8136493
    Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which includes a cylindrical housing having an open top and formed with an internal thread on an inner periphery thereof, a screw rod having an external thread formed on an outer periphery thereof and in threaded engagement with the internal thread, and a spring biasing the screw rod outwardly of the housing. Each of the internal thread and the external thread having a pressure flank configured to receive pressure when a force that tends to push the screw rod into the housing acts on the screw rod, and a clearance flank having a smaller flank angle than the pressure flank. The screw rod has an end protruding from the housing and configured to support an arm of a valve operating mechanism so as to be pivotable about this end. Oil film expelling grooves are formed in the pressure flank of the external thread, using a tap having a thread that extends so as to cross the internal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Bunko, Eiji Maeno
  • Patent number: 8087392
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Swanbon, Brian L. Ruggiero, Richard E Vanderpoel
  • Publication number: 20110303174
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to decrease the size of rocker arms and reduce friction in a variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine having a hydraulic lash adjuster arranged in rocker arms. A variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine of the present invention includes a first rocker arm that contacts a cam, a zero lift cam (low lift cam) provided coaxially with the cam, second rocker arms capable of contacting the zero lift cam, a switching mechanism capable of connecting the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to each other through a pin, valves that open by being pressed by the second rocker arms via hydraulic lash adjusters arranged in the second rocker arms, and an oil supply path formed inside the second rocker arms that supplies oil to the hydraulic lash adjusters. A radius of a base circle of the zero lift cam is smaller than a radius of a base circle of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuichi Ezaki, Shuuji Nakano
  • Publication number: 20110290206
    Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a rocker shaft having a hydraulic fluid supply circuit extending through the rocker shaft to a port on the outer surface of the rocker shaft and a solenoid valve adapted to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to the rocker shaft hydraulic fluid supply circuit. The rocker shaft may be supported by one or more rocker shaft pedestals. A lost motion housing may be incorporated into a rocker shaft pedestal and disposed about the rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may have an actuator piston assembly and a control valve assembly connected by an internal hydraulic circuit. The lost motion housing may be secured in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft. External hydraulic fluid tubing may be provided between the solenoid valve and the control valve in the form of jumper tubes extending between adjacent rocker shafts or in the form of external hydraulic fluid tubes extending from control valve to control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zdenek S. Meistrick, Robert S. Perkins, Neil E. Fuchs, Yan Dong, Steve R. Kacmarcik
  • Patent number: 8065987
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for converting an internal combustion engine from a normal engine operation (20) to an engine braking operation (10). The engine includes exhaust valve train components comprising at least one exhaust valve (300) and at least one cam (230) for cyclically opening and closing the at least one exhaust valve (300). The apparatus comprises actuation means (100) having at least one component integrated into at least one of the exhaust valve train components, such as a rocker arm (210) or a valve bridge (400). The actuation means (100) has an inoperative position and an operative position. In the inoperative position, the actuation means (100) is retracted and the small braking cam lobes (232 & 233) are skipped to generate a main valve lift profile (220m) for the normal engine operation (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Zhou Yang
  • Patent number: 8056523
    Abstract: The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine. For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyoung Pyo Ha, Jin Kook Kong, Woo Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8056533
    Abstract: In a gas exchange valve actuating device for transmitting a drive movement to at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine which includes a braking unit having at least one actuator, the gas exchange valve actuating device is provided with a locking unit for locking the actuator counter to an opposing force when the actuator has reached a specific position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Marc Oliver Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110271923
    Abstract: A rocker arm for a tappet pushrod valve train, which has a contact surface for a gas exchange valve on an underside at one end and a first bore in which a hydraulic lash adjusting element is arranged at another end. A second bore extends transverse through the rocker arm, between the ends. From the second bore, a passage leads to the first bore. A venting passage extends from a bottom of the bore at the another end and has an outlet aligned with the primary passage. A secondary passage branches from the venting passage and has an opening that extends to an upper side of the rocker arm and is situated in a longitudinal channel. The channel extends along the upper side and into a region on the one end. From the region, the hydraulic medium can be routed through an end passage to the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver SCHNELL
  • Patent number: 8033262
    Abstract: A cylinder valve operating system for a variable displacement internal combustion engine having poppet valves includes a cam arm driven by a camshaft and a valve arm selectively driven by the cam arm. A valve arm positioner, which may be hydraulically cushioned, adjustably maintains the valve arm in contact with the valve stem when the valve arm is not being driven by the cam arm, in order that the valve arm will be accurately located for speedy and precise linkage of the cam arm to the valve arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Anthony Morelli, John W. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110220052
    Abstract: An internal combustion piston engine based on a four-stroke process, having a crankcase in which at least one cylinder/piston assembly is arranged, the piston being guided by a connecting rod connected to a crankshaft. At least one cylinder head (1) closes the cylinder, each of whose intake and exhaust channels are controlled by at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve (2, 2a). The intake and exhaust valves are actuable by a finger lever or a rocker arm driven by a camshaft (12) through intake and exhaust cams. The finger levers or rocker arms are guided on at least one axle (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell, Oliver Witter
  • Publication number: 20110196567
    Abstract: A method and control module includes a pressure sensor data comparison module that compares measured pressure volume signal segments to ideal pressure volume segments. A valve actuation hardware remedy module performs a hardware remedy in response to comparing the measured pressure volume signal segments to the ideal pressure volume segments when a valve actuation hardware failure is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wiles, Craig D. Marriott
  • Publication number: 20110079196
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust valve for removing exhaust gas from a combustion chamber and an engine braking device with a hydraulic valve control unit by which the exhaust valve can be held in an intermediate open position when the engine braking device is actuated. A hydraulic valve lash compensation mechanism for the exhaust valve and a control channel formed between the hydraulic valve control unit and the valve lash compensation mechanism for feeding oil to the hydraulic valve control unit that can be closed by a closure element to compensate for the valve lash of the exhaust valve. A counter-holder is constructed as a piston-cylinder unit. The counter-holder forms a variable stop for a valve bridge cooperating with the valve lash compensation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventors: Florian Kraft, Thomas Leitel, Norbert Schatz
  • Publication number: 20110000451
    Abstract: A unitized valve train assembly includes a finger follower having a pocket and a peripheral surface adjacent the pocket, and a hydraulic lash adjuster having a body, and a plunger extending from the body and received within the pocket of the finger follower. The plunger defines a longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a single-wire coupling device having a first arm configured to selectively engage the finger follower, and a second arm clamped to one of the body and the plunger. The second arm is spaced from the peripheral surface of the finger follower when the plunger is received within the pocket of the finger follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard D. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20100307436
    Abstract: A variable valve lift device equipped with a swing arm variably lifting an exhaust valve or an intake valve may include an outer body in which a mounting groove is formed in the middle portion thereof, an inner body mounted inside the mounting groove of the outer body and with a rear end thereof pivotally-connected to the outer body in the outer body, and a latching portion formed in the outer body and the inner body and fixing or releasing a front end portion of the inner body to the outer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ju Hun LEE, Jei Choon Yang, Gee Wook Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim
  • Publication number: 20100275864
    Abstract: A valve drive system (1) having a support element (2) and a switchable cam follower (3) that is linked on this support element in an articulated way is provided. The cam follower (3) is made from an outer lever (4) between whose arms (5) runs an inner lever (6), wherein at least the outer lever (4) is provided on its top side (7) with a contact surface (8) for a lifting cam, n the inner lever (6) has, on a bottom side (9) on a first end (10), a contact (11) for a gas-exchange valve and at least on the other end (12) two side walls (13) that are spaced apart and in which extend opposing boreholes (14). The side walls (13) are bridged by a tubular axle piece (15) that sits in the boreholes (14) and in whose opening (16) run two diametrically opposed coupling pistons (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Gemein, Lucia Hinkovska, Arne Manteufel
  • Publication number: 20100251983
    Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a lost motion housing having two spaced collars surrounding a rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may include an internal hydraulic circuit connecting a hydraulic fluid supply passage with an actuator piston. The system may include a means for securing the lost motion housing in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: ZDENEK S. MEISTRICK, Robert S. Perkins, Neil E. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7798114
    Abstract: The valve train assembly with magnet uses the magnet to collect ferrous metal particles that are in the oil prior to their arrival at the high pressure cavity of the hydraulic lash adjuster. The magnet can be positioned in the low pressure cavity of the hydraulic lash adjuster, in the bore of the hollow rocker arm shaft or in the bore of the hollow push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Schaeffler KG, Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mark McElwee, Jermel Jones, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7762223
    Abstract: A valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (2), said valve train (1) comprising a support element (10) and a finger lever (5) or a rocker arm for operating a gas exchange valve, said finger lever (5) or rocket arm comprising a joint socket (8) comprising a semispherical portion (12) for mounting the finger lever (5) or rocker arm on a joint head (9) of the support element and further comprising, adjacent to the semispherical portion, a depression (13) from which a spray bore (20) starts to extend through the joint socket, the spray bore (20) is in hydraulic communication with a supply bore (19) that extends through the joint head which provides a valve body (15a, 15b) that is arranged for displacement in the depression and comprises a projection (18), so that, in the closed position of the gas exchange valve, the spray bore and the supply bore are substantially or entirely separated hydraulically from each other by a snapping of the projection into the supply bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Christgen, Thomas Kern
  • Publication number: 20100139595
    Abstract: An end pivot valve train is provided in a cylinder head to open and close a cylinder valve. The end pivot valve train includes a cam follower forcing the cylinder valve, and a cam holder assembled onto an upper portion of the cylinder head and includes a receiving groove to receive the cam follower therein, wherein the cam holder has a protrusion configured and dimensioned to interfere with an upper surface of the cam follower when the cam follower rotates such that a longitudinal edge thereof moves up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Sul SEO
  • Publication number: 20100108007
    Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a lost motion housing having two spaced collars surrounding a rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may include an internal hydraulic circuit connecting a hydraulic fluid supply passage with an actuator piston. The system may include a means for securing the lost motion housing in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Zdenek S. Meistrick, ROBERT S. PERKINS
  • Publication number: 20100071648
    Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which includes a cylindrical housing having an open top and formed with an internal thread on an inner periphery thereof, a screw rod having an external thread formed on an outer periphery thereof and in threaded engagement with the internal thread, and a spring biasing the screw rod outwardly of the housing. Each of the internal thread and the external thread having a pressure flank configured to receive pressure when a force that tends to push the screw rod into the housing acts on the screw rod, and a clearance flank having a smaller flank angle than the pressure flan. The screw rod has an end protruding from the housing and configured to support an arm of a valve operating mechanism so as to be pivotable about this end. Oil film expelling grooves are formed in the pressure flank of the external thread, using a tap having a thread that extends so as to cross the internal thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Bunko, Eiji Maeno
  • Publication number: 20100006063
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one exhaust valve for withdrawal of exhaust gas from at least one combustion chamber, and an engine brake device having a hydraulic valve auxiliary control unit by means of which the exhaust valve can be held in a temporarily open position when the engine brake device is actuated. The engine also includes a hydraulic valve play compensation mechanism for the exhaust valve, and an oil channel that for supplying oil to the valve auxiliary control unit is formed between the latter and the valve play compensation mechanism. For compensation of valve play of the exhaust valve, the oil channel can be closed off via a closure unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Dilly
  • Patent number: 7640906
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve lash adjuster with idle stroke function for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said hydraulic valve lash adjuster comprising a piston (2, 2?, 2?) that is guided for displacement in a piston housing (4) and elastically supported against said housing (4), said piston (2, 2?, 2?) comprising a low pressure chamber (3) that communicates via an axial opening (7) in a piston bottom (8) with a high pressure chamber (5) defined by the piston housing (4) and the piston (2, 2?, 2?), and further comprising a control valve (9, 9?, 9?, 9??) acting between said pressure chambers (3, 5), said control valve (9, 9?, 9?, 9??) comprising a valve closing body (10, 10?, 10?) that can be brought to bear sealingly against a valve seat (15, 15?) that surrounds the axial opening (7) on a piston body undersurface (18) and is received in an element (12, 12?) that limits a closing body stroke (17), and said control valve (9, 9?, 9?, 9??) further comprising a control valve spring (11) that loads the valve cl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell, Christian Schäfer, Andreas Hempfling
  • Patent number: 7637238
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve play compensating element for generating valve play compensation for a gas exchange valve in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine, having a piston housing in which a piston, which is elastically supported against the piston housing via a piston spring, is guided in a movable fashion, in which the piston has a low-pressure space which is connected via an axial opening in a piston head to a high-pressure space which is enclosed by the piston housing, and having a control valve which has at least one control valve closing element which can bear in a seal-forming fashion against a valve seat, the letter surrounding the axial opening on a piston head underside, and comprises a control valve spring which is preloaded in the opening direction, wherein, in the event of a collapsing movement between the piston and the piston housing when the gas exchange valve is actuated, the control valve closing element can be acted on hydraulically in the closing direction by means of a bu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Donald Haefner, Lu Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090308339
    Abstract: A switchable valve train device including a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having a transverse bore. A stepped plug in the transverse bore extends beyond the pin housing to engage a slot in the body to prevent rotation of the pin housing. The upper end of the slot limits travel of the pin housing. The plug is a seat for a compression spring. A locking pin is disposed in the transverse bore against the spring to selectively engage a locking port in the body, the locking pin and the locking port have mating flats to distribute the load. Mechanical lash is set by use of a gage tool during assembly, allowing selection of a locking pin of appropriate thickness. The device may be, for example, a switchable hydraulic lash adjuster or a switchable valve lifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Nick J. Hendriksma
  • Publication number: 20090288626
    Abstract: A valve bridge configured to engage an engine valve is disclosed. The valve bridge includes a bridge cavity formed within a center portion of the valve bridge and including a bottom surface. A hydraulic lash adjuster is slidably disposed within the bridge cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Edwin Henry Langewisch
  • Publication number: 20090205595
    Abstract: In a dual intake valve arrangement for an internal combustion engine, a continuously variable valve lift (CVVL) system controls two intake valves for one or more engine cylinders. In each cylinder, one of the intake valves includes an associated valve deactivation device, and the other intake valve does not. To improve in-cylinder air flow turbulence under low valve lift, one of the intake valves may be deactivated, resulting in mixture intake through only one valve, resulting in strong swirl by unbalanced flow. A CVVL-equipped engine including a valve deactivation device provides the same amount of air flow for the same engine load as a prior art CVVL engine. A method of introducing a swirl to the mixture is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jongmin Lee, Richard B. Roe
  • Patent number: 7568460
    Abstract: A variable valve drive (1) of an internal combustion engine is provided which is used to actuate a gas exchange valve (5). Displacement thereof takes place via a cam (7) generated lift and via a lift generated by a piston (14, 32) of a hydraulic force applying device (4a, 4b), which is superimposed on the cam lift and which is independent thereof. The hydraulic force applying device is connected to a hydraulic fluid line (S-P) which provides an adjustable hydraulic pressure medium and includes a pressure chamber (24a, 24b) which is limited on one side by the piston (14, 32), in addition to a hydraulic valve lash compensation device (23a, 23b) which includes a working chamber (22a, 22b) which is radially defined by a housing (13a, 13b). The housing (13a, 13b) is also used to radially define the pressure chamber (24a, 24b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Volker Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090159028
    Abstract: A hydraulically lashed end pivot rocker arm assembly finds application in high performance valve trains of internal combustion engines. The rocker arm is mounted at one end upon an eccentric bearing assembly and includes a surface for engaging a valve stem at the opposite end and a roller engaged by a camshaft disposed between the ends. The eccentric bearing assembly includes a stub shaft or cylindrical body that is received within a bore in the rocker arm and an eccentric bore which receives an inner shaft which extends along the cylinder head and supports the eccentric bearings and the rocker arm assemblies. The stub shaft or cylindrical body includes an ear or lug which is engaged by a hydraulic lash adjuster disposed parallel to and offset from the vertical plane of motion of the rocker arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric C. Douse, Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20090151679
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus of a variable valve system may include a variable valve device for controlling lift characteristics of a valve, a hydraulic pressure control pipe in which an slot is formed from the interior toward the exterior and hydraulic pressure is supplied to the inside thereof, and a driving unit for rotating the hydraulic pressure control pipe, wherein the hydraulic pressure is selectively transferred to the variable valve through the slot according to a rotation of the hydraulic pressure control pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Youngsoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20090145390
    Abstract: A cylinder valve operating system for a variable displacement internal combustion engine having poppet valves includes a cam arm driven by a camshaft and a valve arm selectively driven by the cam arm. A valve arm positioner, which may be hydraulically cushioned, adjustably maintains the valve arm in contact with the valve stem when the valve arm is not being driven by the cam arm, in order that the valve arm will be accurately located for speedy and precise linkage of the cam arm to the valve arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony Morelli, John W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7543555
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash compensation device for an engine includes a plunger assembly slidingly received within a body bore to define a high pressure chamber. The plunger assembly includes a lower pressure chamber, an upper plunger element, and a lower plunger element. A mechanical lift loss feature includes a generally annular lift stop member retained to the upper plunger element by an adjustment member that extends through the lift stop member and is adjustably received in upper plunger element. The lift stop member is biased away from upper plunger element by a spring. When the upper plunger element is received into the body, the upper plunger element is offset a predetermined distance from the lower plunger element by virtue of the lift stop member's engagement with the lower plunger element. The offset is adjustable based on the position of the lift stop member relative to the upper plunger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Genise
  • Publication number: 20090090324
    Abstract: The liquid is sealed in the lash adjuster so that the volume “V1” of the gas, in the reservoir chamber when the lash adjuster is being produced and the plunger protrudes from the body, is equal to or more than 1.24 times as great as the sum of the volume “Vo1” of the liquid discharged from the high-pressure chamber when the plunger moves downward, and the increase “Vo2” in the volume of the liquid that expands, due to heat, when the temperature of the gas in the reservoir chamber is increased from the production temperature to the maximum use temperature, and the ratio of “V1” to “Vo1+Vo2” is equal to or higher than a ratio, which is derived based on the production temperature and the maximum use temperature, when the inner pressure of the lash adjuster increases by 500 kPa at maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shouji Katsumata, Akihiko Hosaka, Ryo Kojima, Junichi Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20090031976
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash compensation device for an engine includes a plunger assembly slidingly received within a body bore to define a high pressure chamber. The plunger assembly includes a lower pressure chamber, an upper plunger element, and a lower plunger element. A mechanical lift loss feature includes a generally annular lift stop member retained to the upper plunger element by an adjustment member that extends through the lift stop member and is adjustably received in upper plunger element. The lift stop member is biased away from upper plunger element by a spring. When the upper plunger element is received into the body, the upper plunger element is offset a predetermined distance from the lower plunger element by virtue of the lift stop member's engagement with the lower plunger element. The offset is adjustable based on the position of the lift stop member relative to the upper plunger element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: David G. Genise
  • Publication number: 20080308055
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce A. Swanbon, Brian L. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20080245327
    Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (2), said valve train (1) comprising a support element (10) and a finger lever (5) or a rocker arm for operating a gas exchange valve, said finger lever (5) or rocket arm comprising a joint socket (8) comprising a semispherical portion (12) for mounting the finger lever (5) or rocker arm on a joint head (9) of the support element and further comprising, adjacent to the semispherical portion, a depression (13) from which a spray bore (20) starts to extend through the joint socket. This spray bore (20) is in hydraulic communication with a supply bore (19) that extends through the joint head. The invention provides a valve body (15a, 15b) that is arranged for displacement in the depression and comprises a projection (18), so that, in the closed position of the gas exchange valve, the spray bore and the supply bore are substantially or entirely separated hydraulically from each other by a snapping of the projection into the supply bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Wolfgang Christgen, Thomas Kern
  • Publication number: 20080230023
    Abstract: The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism that varies amounts of opening and closing of a valve includes a rotating cam, a rocker arm, two lash adjusters, a hydraulic passage, and a switching mechanism. The rocker arm includes an input member and an output member. The two lash adjusters support the rocker arm so that the rocker arm can rock. The hydraulic passage includes an internal oil passage that is provided in an interior of at least one of the lash adjusters, and an arm oil passage that is provided in an interior of the rocker arm and that is connected from the internal oil passage. The switching mechanism uses a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic passage to perform a switching between a linked state and a released state, and the switching varies the amounts of the opening and the closing of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: OTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Sugiura, Tomiyasu Hirano, Tamotsu Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080223325
    Abstract: A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a lost motion housing having two spaced collars surrounding a rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may include an internal hydraulic circuit connecting a master piston bore with a slave piston bore. The lost motion housing may include a means for securing the lost motion housing in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft. A master piston may be disposed in the master piston bore and a slave piston may be disposed in the slave piston bore. A rocker arm may be disposed on the rocker shaft between the spaced collars and may have a first portion adapted to contact a cam and a second portion adapted to contact the master piston. In a preferred embodiment, the system may be used to provide compression release engine braking or bleeder engine braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Zdenek S. Meistrick
  • Publication number: 20080216785
    Abstract: A lash adjuster includes a plunger and a cylinder. The cylinder includes a high-pressure chamber defined therein. The plunger has a valve port provided through a bottom wall thereof. The valve port includes a seat. A spherical valve body is accommodated in the high-pressure chamber. The valve body is made of ceramic material containing silicon nitride. The valve body is arranged to have a surface roughness average (Ra) of equal to or less than 0.13 ?m. The valve body is arranged to have a contact pressure of equal to or lower than 1386 Mpa with the seat in a state where the valve port is closed by the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujii, Kimihiko Todo, Tomiyasu Hirano
  • Publication number: 20080196683
    Abstract: A high performance overhead valvetrain assembly includes a hydraulic lash adjuster which is received within and supports a trunnion. The trunnion, in turn, is received within a cylindrical passageway in one end of a rocker arm. The opposite end of the rocker arm engages a valve stem. Between the trunnion and the valve stem is a roller adapted the engage a cam of a camshaft. The trunnion stabilized rocker arm permits significantly increased valve lift and improved engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine, Eric C. Douse
  • Publication number: 20080022955
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve lash adjuster for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, for example for an automotive vehicle, said hydraulic valve lash adjuster comprising a piston (2) that is guided for displacement in a piston housing (4) and elastically supported against said housing, said piston (2) comprising a low pressure chamber (3) that communicates via an axial opening (26) in a piston bottom (19) with a high pressure chamber (5) defined by the piston housing (4) and the piston (2), and further comprising a control valve (6) acting between said pressure chambers (3, 5), said control valve (6) comprising a valve closing body (7) that can be brought to bear sealingly against a valve seat (24) that surrounds the axial opening (26) on a piston body undersurface (28) and is received in a closing body cap (9) whose cap bottom (21) acts as a stroke limitation of the valve closing body (7), and said control valve (6) further comprising a control valve spring (8) that loads the valve closing body (7) in opening
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell, Christian Schafer, Andreas Hempfling
  • Patent number: 7146954
    Abstract: A reverse spring hydraulic valve-lash-adjusting element for the valve train of an internal combustion engine having a plunger (1), in the plunger head (2) of which a control valve (5) is arranged, this control valve (5) controlling a central axial bore (6) which connects a low-pressure space (4), arranged above the plunger head (2), to a high-pressure space (3) arranged below the plunger head (2), the control valve (5) having a valve-closing body (7) which is loaded in the opening direction by a valve-body spring (17) and as a result passes from a cylinder-ring-shaped sealing surface (8) arranged on the plunger head (2) to a travel-limit surface (9) of a center piece (24), whereas the closing of the control valve (5) is effected by displacement of oil from the high-pressure space (3) into the low-pressure space (4) wherein the valve-closing body (7) reaches the sealing surface (8) on a linear path without lateral movement or rotation of said valve-closing body (7) by virtue of the fact that a circular-cylindr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7069888
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for actuating an engine valve. In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an engine having at least one engine valve, the system comprising: means for imparting a valve train motion; a first valve actuation subsystem for transferring motion from the motion imparting means to the engine valve, the first valve actuation subsystem capable of providing valve actuation for at least a portion of a main exhaust event during a first engine operating condition, and a full main exhaust event during a second engine operating condition; and a second valve actuation subsystem for transferring motion from the motion imparting means to the engine valve, the second valve actuation subsystem capable of providing valve actuation for an exhaust gas recirculation event during the first engine operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Zhou Yang, Brian Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 7047925
    Abstract: An improved dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a hollow body and a plunger assembly disposed in a bore of the engine. A one-piece plunger body includes a first chamber for forming a low-pressure oil reservoir and receiving a lash adjustment mechanism, and a second chamber open at one end and partially closed hemispherically for supporting a rocker arm and providing valve deactivating oil thereto for an auxiliary valve actuation system. The first and second chambers are separated by a transverse web, optionally having a small-diameter passage therethrough for air evacuation. The one-piece plunger body provides a high degree of resistance to side loads which may be imposed on the HLA in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Timothy W. Kunz
  • Patent number: 6957634
    Abstract: An engine valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine valve actuator includes a housing having an opening and a first fluid passageway leading to the opening. An adjustment member is disposed in the housing and includes a protrusion that extends into the opening of the housing. A piston is disposed in the opening of the housing and has a bore adapted to receive the protrusion, a chamber, and a second fluid passageway that connects the bore with the chamber. The piston is adapted to move in a first direction relative to the housing in response to an introduction of pressurized fluid into the first fluid passageway. The piston moves in the first direction until the protrusion substantially withdraws from the bore. A push rod is operatively engaged with the piston such that movement of the piston in the first direction causes a corresponding movement of the push rod to thereby engage and open the engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Y. Chang
  • Patent number: 6854433
    Abstract: A system and method for actuating at least one engine valve in an internal combustion engine to produce an engine valve event is disclosed. The system of the present invention may comprise: means for imparting motion to the at least one engine valve for producing the engine valve event; primary means for transmitting the motion from the motion imparting means to the at least one engine valve; and auxiliary means for transmitting the motion from the motion imparting means to the at least one engine valve. The auxiliary means may actuate the at least one engine valve only when the primary means is shut-off or fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Vanderpoel