Tappet Patents (Class 123/90.48)
  • Patent number: 7748354
    Abstract: A method of controlling cylinder valve switching between a first valve condition and a second valve condition for transitioning between combustion modes of an engine comprises adjusting timing of a signal to switch between said valve conditions in response to information from a combustion sensor, wherein said combustion modes include spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Themi Philemon Petridis
  • Patent number: 7748359
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tappet assembly for a machine. The assembly may include a tappet body, a pin fixedly mounted in the tappet body, and a substantially cylindrical roller mounted about the pin. The roller may have a substantially cylindrical outer surface with a circumferential dimension and a width dimension, the width dimension being defined by two lateral edges. The roller may be configured to provide rolling contact between the outer surface of the roller and a cam lobe. The outer surface of the roller may be crowned such that at maximum operational loading conditions of the machine a footprint of contact pressure from the cam lobe is spread substantially the full width of outer cylindrical surface of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, Alan R. Stockner, David C. Mack
  • Patent number: 7739991
    Abstract: A rocker cam is comprised of a first split body and a second split body, which are joined with a joint split face that contains an axial line of a cam shaft. The first split body has a first pin support portion that supports one end portion of the connection pin, and the second split body has a second pin support portion that is located so as to face the first pin support portion and supports the other end portion of the connection pin. The connection pin is supported at the first and second pin support portions at its both end portions. Accordingly, a separation force that acts on the first and second split bodies of the rocker cam during its repeated rocking movement can be reduced without improperly increasing its rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Kotani, Hirokazu Matsuura, Shinichi Sugihara
  • Patent number: 7721696
    Abstract: Proposed is a cam follower (1) for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having a roller (3), which is rotatably mounted on a journal (2), as a cam thrust face, which journal (2) runs with its outer casing (4) in a respective bore (5, 6) of a first and second guide wall (7, 8) of the cam follower (1), between which guide walls (7, 8) the roller (3) is held, which outer casing (4) is composed of a first and a second section (9, 10), which first section (9) intrinsically has a greater diameter than the second section (10), wherein the journal (2) has an axial travel limitation in one direction by means of its collar (11) which is situated between the sections (9, 10), and in the other direction by means of a radially projecting element such as a securing ring (12), which collar (11) and which securing ring (12) abut against one of the guide walls (7, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, Debora Manther, Donald Haefner, Richard Best
  • Publication number: 20100077975
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket basic body with a ring-like base. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base, and in the bore of the projection an inner body extends. Two coupler pistons lie opposite one another and, to achieve a full valve stroke, engage in sections with a driver surface of the bucket basic body which run in a radial hole of the inner body. A zero valve stroke is achieved when the coupler piston is displaced completely into the radial hole of the inner body, which is baseless and free of contact with a cam. The projection has a window-like aperture, with the underside acting as the driver surface for an upper side of the coupler piston during coupling. The region of the base is an approximately symmetrical and continuously thin-walled formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer, Lothar Von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Mario Kuhl, Michael Haas
  • Patent number: 7685984
    Abstract: A switchable valve train member, such as a deactivating valve lash adjuster or a deactivating hydraulic valve lifter, including a pin housing slidably disposed within an axial bore in a body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains a retractable locking pin that engages a feature in the body including a locking surface whereby the body and the pin housing are locked together for mutual actuation by rotation of a cam lobe. A lash ring at the outer end of the body includes a portion extending into the axial bore that limits the travel of the pin housing within the body and thereby sets the internal mechanical lash in the switchable member. The axial thickness of the lash ring may be varied between assemblies to compensate for manufacturing variation in the components and is secured to the body in any of various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, John J. Burns
  • Patent number: 7681543
    Abstract: A tappet apparatus cooperates with a valve and a cam. The apparatus includes a case to reciprocate motion of the cam; and a locking unit in the ease, movable between an activated position at which the valve reciprocates motion of the case, and a deactivated position at which the valve is stationary regardless of the motion of the case. The locking unit may include first and second passages in the case; a pin, movable between a first and a second position within the first passage; and a column in the second passage. The pin may be situated in the column when the pin is in the second position. The activated position may be defined by the pin being in the first position, and the deactivated position may be defined by the pin being in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ki Uk Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Won Geun Lee, Kiyoung Kwon
  • Patent number: 7673607
    Abstract: A tappet carrier for a barrel type internal combustion engine includes a body having a central bore that is coaxial with a camshaft of a barrel engine. The tappet carrier further comprises a plurality of radially extending bores that are continuous with the central bore so as to allow mechanical communication between the tappets and the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas Engine Company, LLC
    Inventor: Anton Polt
  • Patent number: 7673604
    Abstract: A valve mechanism drives an exhaust valve with a valve lifter and an exhaust camshaft. Oil is supplied to a journal surface of the camshaft and a bearing supporting the camshaft journal surface through an axial oil passage formed in the camshaft. The bearing is defined by a cam cap and a bearing main body. An oil collecting recess is defined between cam cap and the bearing main body. An auxiliary delivery passage extends from the oil collecting recess to a sidewall of the bearing that is located adjacent to the valve lifter. A guide wall is formed in the sidewall to lead oil from an opening of the auxiliary delivery passage to a part of the valve lifter that generates a striking noise in the absence of buffering oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Takane, Minoru Akahori
  • Patent number: 7669562
    Abstract: In a multi-cylinder engine provided with a cylinder pausing function, a hydraulically-operated valve-pausing mechanism is capable of selectively suspending operation of at least one intake or exhaust valve of one or more selected cylinders, depending on engine operating conditions, such that the suspended valve is temporarily held in a closed state. A hydraulic-pressure control device, for controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to the valve-pausing mechanism, is disposed on an engine body so as to minimize an amount of protrusion of the hydraulic-pressure control device from the engine body, while situating the hydraulic-pressure control device near the valve-pausing mechanism. A recess portion is formed on an external surface of a cylinder head or a head cover, and the hydraulic-pressure control device is disposed on the engine such that at least part of the hydraulic-pressure control device is accommodated in the recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Shinji Saito, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Patent number: 7661413
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel supply pump including a tappet structure body having a roller that contacts a cam and a tappet body disposed with a roller housing portion in which the roller is housed, with a pressure adjusting member for dispersing load force being interposed between the tappet body and a plunger. The pressure adjusting member includes a concave portion in a center portion of a surface that faces the tappet body and contacts the tappet body at the peripheral portion of the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Sakae Sato, Nobuo Aoki, Misao Tanabe, Tsutomu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7658173
    Abstract: A tappet for an internal combustion engine is formed from a high-carbon, bearing grade steel. The high-carbon, bearing grade steel has a relatively high surface fatigue strength that provides the tappet with the ability to absorb a relatively large contact stresses during operation, thereby minimizing the formation of cracks within the tappet. Additionally, the high-carbon steel tappet can be heat treated to provide a substantially uniform hardness, between about 58 Rockwell Hardness C (HRC) and 62 HRC, and a substantially consistent microstructure throughout the tappet, thereby minimizing wear of the tappet during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Jason William Carroll, Brock Spigelmyer
  • Publication number: 20100012065
    Abstract: The invention proposes a mechanical roller tappet (1a, 1b) comprising a tappet housing (2a, 2b) shaped out of sheet metal, a drive roller (3) actuable by a cam (9) and an axle (5a, 5b) on which the drive roller (3) is mounted, end portions (24) of the axle (5a, 5b) being supported in axle eyes (23) of the tappet housing (2a, 2b), said tappet housing (2a, 2b) comprising a tappet skirt (10a, 10b) and a tappet bottom (16) possessing a contact surface (21) for an adjacent engine component on a power take-off side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Dorn, Norbert Geyer, Manfred Jansen, Karsten Kucht, Norbert Radinger
  • Publication number: 20100012064
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve lifter, including a buffer layer, a Me diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 0.3˜0.6 ?m, and a diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 1˜1.5 ?m and a SP3 bonding fraction of 60˜70%, which are sequentially formed on a base body which is subjected to carbonitriding treatment. The valve lifter can exhibit superior low-friction characteristics and wear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: In Woong Lyo, Sung Moon Choi, Woong Kim, Jeong Uk An, Hyung Ick Kim, Seung Gyun Ahn, Hong Kil Baek, Jin Won Jung
  • Patent number: 7637237
    Abstract: A switchable double tappet (1) is provided, especially for a tappet-push rod valve train of an internal combustion engine, with a cylindrical housing (2), which is arranged so that it oscillates via its outer casing (3) in a guide (4) in the internal combustion engine side and which has a bore (5) on the camshaft side, in which an inner element (6) moves axially relative to this borehole, wherein, on one side, a cam contact surface (10) is intrinsic to this inner element on its end projecting past an edge (7) of the borehole (5) or lower head (9) running in the region of the edge (7) and also, on the other side, at least one coupling slide (11) is intrinsic in its interior in the decoupled case, and this coupling slide can be displaced partially for a coupled case in or under a respective catch surface (12) of the housing (2), wherein between an upper head (13) of the inner element (6) facing away from the lower head (9) and a lower side (14) of a crossbar (15) of the housing (2), at least one lost-motion spr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, Florin Bugescu
  • Publication number: 20090314236
    Abstract: A lift transmitting component (1), particularly for a gas exchange valve train or a fuel pump drive of an internal combustion engine, and a method of manufacturing such a lift transmitting component comprising a housing (2) and a bearing pin (6) fixed in a reception bore (5) of the housing (2) as also a roller (4) rotatable about the bearing pin (6) and optionally mounted on a rolling bearing, said bearing pin (6) being connected to the housing (2) by positive engagement through radially widened front ends (8), the bearing pin (6) is core-hardened over its entire length with a core hardness of at least 58 HRC and its front ends (8) are widened by radial spot riveting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Marco Meisborn
  • Publication number: 20090288623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable valve lift system for engines, which can prevent deterioration of fuel efficiency due to a friction loss by a return spring even in a low lift operation state by making a high lift swing angle be larger than a low lift swing angle, easily implement the CVVL by reducing a lost motion angle to an optimum condition, and securely generate an advancing effect in spite of reduction of the lost motion angle. Further, the continuously variable valve lift system is easy and convenient to adjust a clearance of an oscillating cam link, prevent the clearance of the oscillating cam link from being accumulated, and has a convenience of workability in adjusting the clearance in a narrow engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eunho LEE, Younghong Kwak, Kiyoung Kwon, Jinkook Kong, Soohyung Woo, Kyoungjoon Chang
  • Patent number: 7621244
    Abstract: A titanium alloy tappet that is slidable at a high speed is provided by covering shortcomings of lightweight and high-strength titanium alloy. A surface 1A of at least a slidable portion of the tappet 1 for use with a valve system is subjected to a carburizing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Aki Kodai, Kozo Isano, Hideyuki Ogishi
  • Patent number: 7617807
    Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with a pair of valves operated by a common camshaft lobe and a cam follower. The valvetrain may include independently operable mechanical or hydraulic lash adjusters. The cam follower contacts the common camshaft lobe and at least two pushrods with each pushrod having an associated single plane rocker arm which couples to a fulcrum mounted to the cylinder head to actuate the at least two valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Diggs, Wally Beaber, Robert Innes
  • Patent number: 7610888
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body having an internal surface and an external surface. A tappet assembly includes a non-guided tappet and a plunger assembly, and is mounted on the injector body. The tappet assembly is movable with respect to the injector body a displacement distance between an advanced position and an extended position. A portion of the plunger assembly is slidably guided along the internal surface of the injector body, while the non-guided tappet is free of contact with both the internal surface and the external surface of the injector body in the advanced and extended positions. The tappet assembly may be prevented from moving beyond the extended position using a snap ring positioned within a retention opening of the fuel injector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Rogers, Stephen R. Lewis, Dana R. Coldren
  • Patent number: 7610886
    Abstract: A force transmitting device (4) for a valve drive (1) of an internal combustion engine (2) with a hydraulic valve lash compensating device (6) is provided. The force transmitting device (4) has a hollow cylindrical compensating piston (13), which on one end defines a working chamber (35) of the valve lash compensating device (6) and on the other end encloses an internal hydraulic medium reservoir (15) used to supply the working chamber (35). This is connected to a hydraulic medium supply (16) of the internal combustion engine (2) and is protected from a return flow of hydraulic medium in the direction of the hydraulic medium supply (16) by means of a valve plate (26), which can be pressurized and which can move axially, in that the valve plate (26) interacts in a sealing way with an axial annular surface (28) of the compensating piston (13) for a non-pressurized hydraulic medium supply (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Lothar von Schimonsky
  • Patent number: 7610887
    Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a recessed face on the pin housing for making contact with the a crowned surface region of a roller follower. The lifter includes a pin housing that is slidably disposed within an axial bore in a lifter body. Pins for variably locking the pin housing to the lifter body may be disengaged to place the lifter in lost-motion mode by application of engine oil to the outer ends of the pins. A surface of the pin housing, preferably configured as a dished surface, is formed on the bottom end face of the pin housing that approaches the cam-following lifter roller for making contact with the roller follower so as to avoid contacting the roller follower's crowned surface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Spath
  • Patent number: 7600499
    Abstract: A lightweight and high-strength valve lifter is excellent in wear resistance and sliding properties. The valve lifter is made of a titanium alloy having a hardened layer on the top surface thereof, on which a cam is caused to slide. The hardened layer is composed of an ?-case and an oxygen diffusion layer under the ?-case. The ?-case 22 is formed in a thickness of not less than 3 ?m and not more than 15 ?m. The oxygen diffusion layer has a thickness of not less than 10 ?m. The hardened layer on the top surface of the valve lifter is formed by oxidation treatment in a furnace at a temperature of not less than 600° C. An outermost oxide layer 21 formed on the ?-case as a result of the oxidation treatment is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tanaka Seimitsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Horimura, Kosuke Doi, Masaya Takata
  • Publication number: 20090241870
    Abstract: An intake valve assembly of an internal combustion engine that includes a combustion chamber and an intake passage. The intake valve assembly comprises an intake valve movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat, a reciprocating primary valve tappet, and a secondary valve tappet axially non-movably attached to the primary valve tappet. The intake valve is mounted to the primary valve tappet and axially freely movable relative thereto. The primary valve tappet is configured for axially engaging the first intake valve to limit the axial movement thereof said intake valve away from the valve seat. The secondary valve tappet is configured for axially engaging the intake valve for mechanically moving the intake valve away from the valve seat. The intake valve is further operated fluidly in response to pressure differential between the intake passage and the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Ralph MOORE
  • Publication number: 20090199800
    Abstract: A valve lever assembly having a switchable valve actuating mechanism comprises a first follower surface for following a first cam, at least one second follower surface for following a second cam and a valve lever, which is supported on an engine-affixed component and on the to-be-actuated valve, wherein the second follower surface is rotatable relative to the first follower surface by a lockable eccentric device borne on the valve lever and the eccentric device comprises an eccentric opening, which penetrates transversely through the valve lever and is fixed relative to the valve lever to as to rotate therewith, and an eccentric shaft rotatably borne in the eccentric opening, the eccentric shaft defining the position of the second follower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Joachim REINICKE-MURMANN, Rudiger ERZ, Dirk KIRBY
  • Publication number: 20090199803
    Abstract: A switchable valve train member, such as a deactivating valve lash adjuster or a deactivating hydraulic valve lifter, including a pin housing slidably disposed within an axial bore in a body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains a retractable locking pin that engages a feature in the body including a locking surface whereby the body and the pin housing are locked together for mutual actuation by rotation of a cam lobe. A lash ring at the outer end of the body includes a portion extending into the axial bore that limits the travel of the pin housing within the body and thereby sets the internal mechanical lash in the switchable member. The axial thickness of the lash ring may be varied between assemblies to compensate for manufacturing variation in the components and is secured to the body in any of various configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, John J. Burns
  • Patent number: 7568461
    Abstract: Improved end shapes are provided for laterally confined tappet rollers in high pressure fuel pumps and similar applications for improving lubrication and wear performance when rotating against a cylindrical surface. The roller ends are provided with annular end faces having diameters smaller than the roller diameter but spaced around the roller axis. Rotation of a roller end against a cylindrical surface provides two contact areas on opposite sides of a central plane through the axes of the roller and the cylindrical surface. The arrangements separate the surfaces between engagements with the contact areas and permit lubricant to reach the end face surfaces between contacts with the two areas. The improved tappet roller should improve service life for the fuel pumps and engine fuel systems in which they are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Straub
  • Patent number: 7565890
    Abstract: A rail used as a torsional stop for the valve train of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The rail includes spaces (10) which are arranged in a row spaced apart at a distance from one another within the rail (8) and accommodate inserted valve lifters provided as roller tappets (9). Two parallel torsional stop areas (15) are configured on the outer surface of each roller tappet (9) in the form of planar flattened zones in order to secure the roller tappet (9) against rotation about the central longitudinal axis thereof. The torsional stop areas (15) rest against guide areas of the rail (8), which are located inside the associated accommodating space (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Hermann Keller, Roland Krapp
  • Publication number: 20090178638
    Abstract: The invention allows for a larger bronze axle outer diameter for increased contact area to carry system loads in tappet body assemblies of engine valve trains; thereby, improving wear and improving the life of the tappet. Relatively small diameter steel pins are used to secure the bronze axle and because the pins are within the bronze axle they do not need to be specifically processed for stress contact or retention. The bronze axle requires the cam roller follower inside diameter to increase as well to reduce the cross section of the cam roller follower. This thinner cross section improves the rotational inertia reducing the risk of skidding at the cam-to-roller interface. Skidding at this interface significantly reduces the life of the cam roller follower and/or the cam lobe. The smaller pin diameter provides addition clearance when packaged next to an adjacent cam lobe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Ray C. Hartzell, Louis J. Beregszazi, Scott P. Smith, Scott P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090173302
    Abstract: A switchable double tappet (1) is provided, especially for a tappet-push rod valve train of an internal combustion engine, with a cylindrical housing (2), which is arranged so that it oscillates via its outer casing (3) in a guide (4) in the internal combustion engine side and which has a bore (5) on the camshaft side, in which an inner element (6) moves axially relative to this borehole, wherein, on one side, a cam contact surface (10) is intrinsic to this inner element on its end projecting past an edge (7) of the borehole (5) or lower head (9) running in the region of the edge (7) and also, on the other side, at least one coupling slide (11) is intrinsic in its interior in the decoupled case, and this coupling slide can be displaced partially for a coupled case in or under a respective catch surface (12) of the housing (2), wherein between an upper head (13) of the inner element (6) facing away from the lower head (9) and a lower side (14) of a crossbar (15) of the housing (2), at least one lost-motion spr
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, Florin Bugescu
  • Patent number: 7556005
    Abstract: An automatic tappet clearance adjuster comprising a unit for adjusting the projection by advancing/retracting an adjust screw from the forward end of a rocker arm, a section for detecting the torque by rotating the adjust screw, and a control mechanism section for controlling the adjusting unit according to the torque value measured by the torque detecting section. The control mechanism section measures the torque value continuously when a valve is closed by retracting the adjust screw from the open state of the valve. A rotation reference position corresponding to the intersection of a first approximation line and a second approximation line approximating the sections immediately before and after the inflection point of differential value of the torque value is detected as a reference point, and the adjust screw is retracted by a set amount from the reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tachino, Toshiyuki Miyajima, Tomoaki Tsuyoshi
  • Patent number: 7556006
    Abstract: To provide an inner shim that is unlikely to fall off from a spring retainer even when an anomalous operation of a valve occurs. A spring retainer fixed to the upper end portion of a valve shaft has a shim-attachment hole. An inner shim is fitted into the shim-attachment hole. The bottom face of the inner shim is in contact with the upper end portion of the valve shaft, and the top face of the inner shim is positioned below the upper edge of the shim-attachment hole. A tappet is disposed above the spring retainer, and is allowed to move freely in the axial direction of the valve shaft. A shim-holding projection sticks out from the under face of the tappet, and extends downward. The projection enters, from above, the inside of the shim-attachment hole, and is in contact with the top face of the inner shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Eguchi, Yosuke Hoi, Kazuhiko Tomoda, Michio Izumi, Kazuhiro Shimazaki
  • Publication number: 20090159029
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3),
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schafer
  • Publication number: 20090151682
    Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a low lift cam, a high lift cam in parallel with the low lift cam, a low lift tappet body that selectively contacts the low lift cam, a high lift tappet body disposed within the low lift tappet body and constantly contacting the high lift cam, a guide portion that is connected with a valve and selectively connects the low lift tappet body and the high lift tappet body, and a lost motion spring that is disposed between the guide portion and the low lift tappet body and supplies restoring force to the low lift tappet body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Hong Kwak, Kiyoung Kwon, Ki Uk Shin, Jin Kook Kong
  • Publication number: 20090145383
    Abstract: A variable valve system includes a camshaft in which a first lobe having a first height and a second lobe having a second height that is higher than the first height from a rotational center axis of the camshaft are formed; a first tappet that corresponds to the first lobe and that has a depression negatively formed in one side thereof; a second tappet corresponding to the second lobe and that is inserted into the depression; at least a pin positioned at the first tappet and fixing a position of the second tappet; and a hydraulic pressure control portion that transfers hydraulic pressure into the depression so as to move the second tappet upwards or downwards and to the pin so as to engage or disengage the first tappet with the second tappet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Hong Kil Baek
  • Publication number: 20090126661
    Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes a lift body that contacts a cam and a valve. The lift body has a first hole for receiving hydraulic pressure and a second hole for exhausting the hydraulic pressure. A spring is provided in the lift body. A hydraulic pressure supplying portion supplies the hydraulic pressure to the first hole, and a hydraulic pressure exhausting portion receives the hydraulic pressure from the second hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Sang Hyun Bang
  • Patent number: 7530339
    Abstract: A valve system lifter for combustion engines includes a hard metal face pad connected to a lower-grade metal lifter body. The connecting material is one or more materials that are different from both the lifter body and the face pad. Preferably, the connecting material is a silver-and copper-containing material, that may take the form of a wafer with silver or silver alloy layered over a copper alloy core. The preferred body includes one or more ferrous compounds, and the preferred face includes tungsten carbide. The resulting lifter is resistant to the cracking, breakage, and wear that plague conventional lifters, due to the harsh temperature and impact environment of the lifter. The resulting lifter may be used to reduce the need for change-out and down-time in many engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Jerry Burnham of C & B Aviation
    Inventor: Clyde G. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20090090319
    Abstract: A variable tappet includes a tappet body; a variable portion in the tappet body, configured to open and close a valve; and a control portion to maintain the variable portion in either a first state, at which it can open and close the valve, and a second state, at which it cannot open and close the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Young Hong Kwak
  • Patent number: 7506624
    Abstract: A valve actuation system for a power system is provided. The valve actuation system has an engine valve moveable to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve. The valve actuation system also has a cam assembly with a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe. The valve actuation system also has a cam follower with a first tappet protrusion and a second tappet protrusion. A selective rotation of the cam follower engages either the first tappet protrusion with the first cam lobe to move the engine valve through a first valve event, or the second tappet protrusion with the second cam lobe to move the engine valve through a second valve event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Deane
  • Publication number: 20090056659
    Abstract: Objects: To provide a direct-acting type valve lifter that is simple in structure, involves a small number of components, and is capable of switching its valve lift between a high and a low lift. Means for Carrying Out the Invention: The valve lifter is mounted between a cam unit (20) and a valve stem (15). The cam unit (20) comprises a high-lift cam (22) and a low-lift cam (24) integrated to the high-lift cam. The valve lifter (30) is equipped with a side lifter (32) for slidably lifting the low-lift cams (24), a center lifter (40) for slidably lifting the high-lift cam, and hydraulic means (oil groove) (11b) for sliding the center lifter (40) so as to switch the valve lift in two levels, i.e. to switch between a high and a low lift. A cylindrical body of the valve lifter is provided on the top end thereof with a slit (33) for allowing the high-lift cam to freely rotate therein, and with sliding surfaces (32a) serving as a side lifter (32) to be in sliding contact with the low lift cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayasu Nagado, Teruaki Ando
  • Patent number: 7497194
    Abstract: A tappet clearance automatic adjusting device comprising an adjusting unit for advancing/retracting an adjust screw from the forward end of a rocker arm and adjusting the projection amount, a torque detecting section for detecting the torque by rotating the adjust screw, and a control mechanism section for controlling the adjusting unit based on a torque value measured at the torque detecting section. The control mechanism section starts retracting the adjust screw when a valve is opened and continuously measures the torque value obtained when the valve is closed. A position, corresponding to time when variation in the filtering value obtained by smoothing the torque value through moving average is a threshold value or smaller, is detected as a reference point and the adjust screw is retracted from the reference point by a set amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tachino, Toshiyuki Miyajima, Tomoaki Tsuyoshi
  • Publication number: 20090050091
    Abstract: As this radial needle bearing 7c, a radial needle bearing is used which includes a cage 10b. Respective pillar portions 12, 12 which make up the cage 10b are disposed more radially inwards than a circle pitch of respective needles 8, 8. In addition, the needles 8, 8 which are adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are caused to approach each other, so as to secure the number of such needles 8, 8. As a result, no large bending stress is applied to a tappet roller 6 without increasing the thickness of the tappet roller 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Watanabe, Satoshi Kadokawa
  • Patent number: 7484488
    Abstract: A tappet assembly includes a first follower engaging a cam lobe profile, and a second follower engaging an engine poppet valve. A latch member is operable to fix the first follower in an extended position, to provide a high lift condition. The first and second followers define first and second stop surfaces, respectively, such that when the latch member is retracted, the lift portion engages the first follower and moves it toward the poppet valve until the stop surfaces engage, and thereafter, further downward movement of the first follower moves the second follower to provide a low lift. One benefit of this feature is to prevent accumulation of unburned fuel in a port fuel injection type of gasoline engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Majo Cecur, Kynan L. Church
  • Patent number: 7484489
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dual oil feed structure of a cylinder de-activation engine for a vehicle, comprising: (a) a main oil hole supplying oil to a hydraulic lash adjuster to adjust a valve gap; and (b) a sub oil hole supplying oil to a roller finger follower which operates the cylinder de-activation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Soon Il Hong
  • Patent number: 7478615
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial fixation (17) of a spring support part (9) of a switchable tappet (1) for direct transmission of a cam stroke to a tappet push-rod (7) of a valve drive of an internal combustion engine. The tappet (1) has an inner part (3), which receives the force of a spring means (13), in that the spring support part (9) used as a support (12) for the spring means (13) is fixed axially to the inner part (3) in a direction of force of the spring means (13), such that the spring support part (9) and the inner part (3) face each other in a region of the axial fixation (17) and form a common channel (18) by means of formed parts (20, 23) aligned with each other, in which a retaining ring (19) is arranged for positive-fit connection of the spring support part (9) to the inner part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Calin Petru Itoafa, Mario Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20090013950
    Abstract: The dual valve lifter assembly has a dual valve lift with two hydraulic lash adjusters therein and a guide for orienting and preventing rotation of the dual valve lifter. The guide has four ledges and the dual valve lifter has four flats which mate with the four ledges. The flats and the ledges prevent the rotation of the lifter. One pair of flats and one pair of ledges are spaced the same while the other pair of flats and the other pair of ledges are spaced at a different distance than the first pair of flats and ledges. The difference in the spacing of the pairs of ledges and flats allows for correct orientation of the lifter when mating it with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Lutz KIRBACH, Florin Bugescu
  • Patent number: 7469668
    Abstract: In an engine in which a lift amount of a valve can be changed continuously, an engine valve operating system including a valve lift-changing mechanism is capable of increasing and decreasing the lift amount of the valve without changing an opening angle for the valve and capable of decreasing a tappet clearance in accordance with a decrease in lift amount of the valve. Thus, it is possible to prevent the ratio of the tappet clearance to the lift amount at a low valve lift from being increased to minimize the influence of the dispersion of the tappet clearance and to reduce the seating speed of the valve at the low valve lift to prevent the generation of a noise. It is also possible to prevent a reduction in performance of the engine at a high valve lift due to the dispersion of the tappet clearance and to decrease the seating noise of the valve at the low valve lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Fujii, Akiyuki Yonekawa, Katsunori Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080314348
    Abstract: A valve operating system that includes a drive shaft, a drive lever that is fixedly provided thereon and can pivot in a direction of movement of a valve body, a follower arm that is fixedly provided on the valve body, a link, a first connecting shaft that connects one end of the link and the drive lever, and a second connecting shaft that connects the other end of the link and the follower arm; in response to a movement of the valve body from a first position to a second position by pivoting of the drive lever, a center of the first connecting shaft approaches from one side a straight line connecting two centers of the drive shaft and the second connecting shaft, and after the valve body reaches the second position, further pivoting of the drive lever is carried out through a predetermined angle so that the center of the first connecting shaft moves to the other side of a dead point on the straight line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigehiko Ota, Fumio Kawamata, Makoto Hirata, Takashi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7464679
    Abstract: What is proposed is a hydraulic lash adjuster (1), for example for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The lash adjuster (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical housing (2) that is inter-inserted with an axially relatively displaceable pressure piston (3). A high pressure chamber (6) for hydraulic medium extends between opposing front ends (4, 5) of the pressure piston (3) and the housing (2). The high pressure chamber (6) can be supplied, via a one-way valve (8) arranged on the front end (4) and opening towards the high pressure chamber (6) with hydraulic medium out of a reservoir (9). A leak gap (12) for the hydraulic medium is formed between an outer peripheral surface (10) of the pressure piston (3) and a bore (11) of the housing (2). In its portion adjoining the front end (5) of the housing (2), the bore (11) of the housing (2) merges into an annular enlargement (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: INA Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7464677
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a lash adjuster feed channel for an engine assembly. The engine assembly includes first and second sets of hydraulic lash adjusters responsive to a variation in hydraulic fluid pressure to cause a variation in lift of first and second sets of engine valves respectively operatively connected thereto. The cylinder head defines a first feed passage in fluid communication with the first set of hydraulic lash adjusters, and a second feed passage in fluid communication with the second set of hydraulic lash adjusters. The valve lift of the first set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the first feed passage, and the valve lift of the second set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the second feed passage. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott