Abstract: A switchable tappet for directly transmitting a cam lift onto a tappet push rod, includes a housing having a push rod distal end which is formed with a ramp surface for contact by a cam. An inner element is placed in a recess of thehousing and has a push rod proximal end formed with an abutment for the push rod. Secured to the push rod proximal end of the inner element is an attachment to extend the inner element beyond the recess of the housing, wherein the attachment has a housing-distal end formed with a shoulder. A helical compression spring extends between the shoulder of the attachment and a rim of the housing for urging the inner element in a direction of the push rod, and conically expands, at least partly, in the direction of the push rod and is wrapped around the attachment of complementary conical configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical valve play compensation element for a valve drive on a piston combustion engine, comprising a first pressure part (1) which is axially displaceable in relation to a second pressure part (2) and which is fixed in such a way that it can turn about the axis of displacement; a torsion spring element (10) which acts between the first pressure part (1) and the second pressure part (2) and is axially flexible at least to a certain extent; and at least one helical surface (9.1) on the first pressure part (1), to which a corresponding helical surface (9.2) on the second pressure part (2) is allocated, these forming a pair of helical surfaces (9). The surfaces of the helical surface pair (9) are configured as a rough surface and are pressed against each other by the torsion spring element (10).

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly has a rocker arm that forms an adjusting mechanism bore, an insert bore, and a transverse central bore. An adjusting mechanism, e.g., a screw, is installed in the adjusting mechanism bore and is used to adjust the travel of the rocker arm as it pivots about the central bore during normal operation. An insert having a hemispherical end is installed in the insert bore. Additionally, a button that forms a hemispherical chamber that is sized and shaped to be received to the hemispherical end of the insert is press fitted onto the insert. As the rocker arm assembly pivots about the central bore the button rotates with respect to the insert. The cooperation of structure between the insert and the button allows the button to rotate with respect to the insert, but prevents the button from falling off the insert and damaging the engine in which the rocker arm assembly is installed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a motor block (6) and a longitudinal extending anti-rotation guide (5), which includes receiving recesses situated at apportioned spatial distances, one from the other to receive valve tappets and is affixed in a receiving groove of the motor block (6). The guide (5) is constructed as an injection molded component with a one-piece, molded-on, elastically expanded or deformable clip, which engages in a complementary receiving contour on the motor block (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable valve drive for a cam-actuated lift valve of an internal combustion engine which is loaded by a closing pressure against the direction of opening, with a hydraulic power generating device acting on the lift valve against the closing force with a control piston arranged longitudinally displaceable in a cylinder and adjacent to a hydraulic control chamber, with a stroke of the lift valve produced by an actuating cam being at least reducible by removing hydraulic liquid from the control chamber by means of a control valve. In order to arrange the valve stroke and valve opening as free as possible in the simplest possible way it is provided that the control chamber is connectable with a high pressure level preferably by means of the control valve.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switching element comprising an outer element (2) and an inner element (4) that is arranged for axial displacement in a bore (3) of the outer element (2), each of the outer element (2) and the inner element (4) comprising at least one reception (12, 9) aligned to each other in an axially distant relative position which is achieved through a lost motion spring (8), at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (12, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (12, 9) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner element (4) and the outer element (2).

Abstract: A tappet is used in a valve-operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The tappet has a top wall and the upper surface of the top wall is engaged with a cam. The lower surface is engaged on a poppet valve which moves up and down. A downward projection which has a recess for storing lubricating oil is formed in the middle of the lower surface of the top wall of the tappet, thereby lubricating interfaces with the cam or valve to improve frictional or wear resistance.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism includes a tappet assembly which comprises a center tappet, a pair of side tappets between which the center tappet is interposed so as to move relatively to the side tappets, and a locking/unlocking mechanism operative to mechanically couple the center tappet to both of the side tappets and to uncouple the center tappet from both of the side tappets so as to selectively transmit rotation of a high lift center cam and low lift side cams to twin valves such as twin intake valves and twin exhaust valves per cylinder. Locking/unlocking of the center tappet and each side tappet is performed in a position which is in a vertical plane including a center axis of each side tappet and intersecting perpendicularly to an axial direction of a camshaft and is offset from the center axis of the side tappet.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting valve lift (VVL apparatus) is made up of a substantially cylindrical tappet casing having on an upper end thereof a cam contact portion which comes into contact with a cam which is provided on a camshaft and which has a high lift cam profile; an outer tube coaxially disposed inside the tappet casing; an inner tube coaxially disposed inside the outer tube so as to be axially slidable and circumferentially rotatable; and a helical spring which is disposed between the inner tube and the tappet casing and which constantly urges the inner tube in a direction of increasing an amount of axial displacement of an intake valve. A ramp groove with which pins of the inner tube are engaged is an arcuate groove having a curve of secondary degree. Collision noises in low lift mode are thus arranged to be adequately absorbed. Silence at a low engine speed can therefore be secured and the number of parts is reduced and the weight of the VVL apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A variable timing system for i.c. engines, especially for motor vehicles, with suction and/or exhaust valves provided with hydraulic tappets in which the position of the oil inlet passages within the chamber of the hydraulic tappet can be selectively regulated in such a manner as to appropriately vary the moment at which they become closed by the cup member of the tappet, thus either retarding or advancing the opening of the valve i.e. diminishing or increasing its lift continuously from zero to a maximum value.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (1) for a switchable valve drive element (10) of an internal combustion engine (33) is provided and includes a throttled connection (13) created from a second channel (9), used to actuate a hydraulic play-compensation element (11) using hydraulic fluid, directly to an external radial side (12) of a coupling element (8). The coupling element (8) is supplied by a first channel (7) with the switching hydraulic pressure. These measures make it possible to keep the first channel (7) as free as possible of undesired air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable valve lift system that varies a valve lift in two stages by selectively rigidly engaging a tappet shim.

Abstract: To provide a valve system for an engine, in which a valve stem for an engine valve is slidably fitted in a guide cylinder provided in a cylinder head. A rocker arm is interlocked to rock with rotation of a camshaft. The rocker arm is also interlocked with the valve stem. With the above construction, local wear, galling, and the like in the guide cylinder can be prevented. Accordingly, the reliability can be improved. A lifter is interposed between a rocker arm and a valve stem. The lifter is formed into a cylindrical shape with a closed bottom and has a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the valve stem. The lifter is fitted in a lifter housing in such a manner as to be slidable in the axial direction of the valve stem. The lifter housing is fixed to a cylinder head.

Abstract: The cup tappet (1) of the invention for a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) whose one end (3) is connected to a bottom (5) for making contact with a cam. The skirt (2) has a clearly smaller height than the overall height of the cup tappet (1), and the bottom (5) rises in a roof-like taper from said end (3). By virtue of this configuration, the bottom (5) has a very high rigidity, so that it is possible to minimize its thickness ‘d’ significantly compared to thicknesses of prior art cup tappet bottoms.

Abstract: A tappet (1) for the transfer of a lifting motion to a sliding part is provided having two parts, including a circular shaped section (2) with a base (5) connected to it as one piece and a separate dome-shaped socket (9) connected to the base (5) made of thin-walled material with a contact surface (10) for the sliding part. The tappet (1), whose socket (9) extends over a considerable length of the circular shaped section (2), can be economically manufactured.

Abstract: A lifter assembly for an internal combustion engine, including an elongate sleeve having an upper radial wall portion provided with oil feed and oil bleed holes through which oil respectively enters and exits the lifter assembly. An elongate, hollow lifter body closed at one end is reciprocatingly disposed within the sleeve, and has a plunger reciprocatingly disposed therein. The plunger has an internal cavity at least partially defining a low pressure oil reservoir which is in at least periodic fluid communication with the oil feed hole. A high pressure oil reservoir is at least partially defined by the plunger and the lifter body closed end, and is in one-way fluid communication with the low pressure oil reservoir. A cap is reciprocatingly disposed within the sleeve and engaged with the plunger. Seals are provided which preclude oil from exiting the lifter assembly through the ends of the sleeve.

Abstract: What is proposed is a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. The tappet (1) comprises a hydraulic clearance compensation element (31) and has an excellent hydraulic rigidity compared to the prior art. This is achieved by a leak gap positioned radially very far outwards. This leak gap is situated directly between a housing (2) and a pressure piston (4) which, in its turn, encloses an inner element (11) that acts on a tappet push rod.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. A coiled compression spring (15), used as a lost motion spring, for loading the inner element (4) is shifted axially out of a housing (2). For this purpose, the inner element (4) comprises an extension (15a) that projects out of the housing (2) and is surrounded by the coiled compression spring (15). This measure contributes to minimizing the total mass of the switchable tappet (1) because the overall length of the housing (2) is shortened.

Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine (18) comprising a switchable, rotationally symmetrical component (1) such as a cam follower, a first body (8) acting as an anti-rotation device and a second body (12) acting as a mounting safety device project beyond the component (1). Due to the additional, second body (12) that acts as a mounting safety device, said component (1) can no longer be installed in bores for non-switchable components, for example, in the same internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel pump includes a pumping plunger reciprocable within a bore formed in a pump housing under the influence of a cam drive arrangement. The cam drive arrangement includes a reciprocable tappet member, a surface associated with the tappet member defining, in part, an auxiliary pumping chamber. A flow path interconnects the auxiliary pumping chamber and the bore such that fuel displaced from the auxiliary pumping chamber, in use, can be supplied through the flow path to the bore.

Abstract: A tappet is provided including a foot having a cam contact surface and an axial bore formed therein; a tappet body having a body portion with an axially extending hub for reception in the axial bore of the foot; and a bearing assembly positioned between the foot and the tappet body, the bearing assembly operating to reduce friction as the foot separately rotates axially about a centerline of the tappet body.

Abstract: A plurality of modular camshaft follower assemblies of substantially identical construction and configuration are positively connected to a camshaft supporting structure of an internal combustion engine and adjustable to position a plurality of camshaft following lever arms at a proper timing location relative to a camshaft. Conduits in sealed serial communication with shafts pivotally supporting the camshaft following lever arms of the modular camshaft following assemblies deliver fluid flow from an engine block of the internal combustion engine to the camshaft following lever arms. The plurality of modular camshaft follower assemblies are each mounted on the engine through access openings in a side wall of the engine block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller tappet comprising an axle which supports the roller. The aim of the invention is to secure said roller in a simple manner in the roller bearings. To this end, the base body of the tappet is provided with a surrounding groove at pin level. A locking ring similar to a piston ring is arranged in the groove.

Abstract: A valve resting mechanism, for use with an internal combustion engine, which is capable of facilitating assembly of a valve lifter in the valve device. A valve device having a valve resting mechanism used for an internal combustion engine is configured such that a valve lifter having a lost motion mechanism is interposed between a cam and a stem of a poppet valve; the valve lifter is usually biased by a lifter spring in the direction in which the valve lifter is engaged with the cam; and a peripheral groove is provided for introducing hydraulic pressure for driving the lost motion mechanism is formed in an inner peripheral surface of a valve lifter hole for slidably guiding the valve lifter. In this valve device, the valve lifter, the lifter spring, and the peripheral groove are formed in such a manner that a lower end A of the valve lifter is positioned under a lower end of the peripheral groove in a state in which the lifter spring is freely extended.

Abstract: In an engine valve assembly, a valve lifter comprises a cylindrical main body portion and a head wall portion by which an opening of the cylindrical main body portion is enclosed and with which a cam is brought in contact, a valve stem is contacted on an axial center of the valve lifter and is disposed obliquely with respect to a direction of gravity, an exit of a lubricating oil supply bore is opened to an inner space of the head wall portion and is revolved due to a revolution of the valve lifter caused by a friction developed on the basis of a revolution of the cam, and a spring retainer supports an end of a valve spring, the spring retainer being attached onto the valve stem.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system applicable for varying the opening and closing cycle of the inlet and outlet valves of an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a cam follower and a cam which is rotated about the cam shaft to move the valve between its open and closed position. To vary the cycle of the opening and closing valves, a rotational means is connected to the cam follower to rotate the cam follower such that the cam follower and cam are out of alignment such that the cam lobe engages the contact surface at a higher point and hence earlier than if the cam follower and the cats are aligned. Therefore the valve is opened sooner and closed later, increasing the degrees of cycle for which the valve is open, for example, as the engine revolutions increase.

Abstract: A valve timing gear of an internal-combustion engine is provided, in the case of which a camshaft acts by a timing cam upon a valve by way of a tappet whose cam-side contact path can be changed by a control device for changing the valve opening period. For achieving a small-sized control device, this control device comprises a slider rocker guided in the valve lifting direction by way of a first sliding hinge joint arranged on an engine section side and an additional sliding hinge joint provided on the tilting segment side, with a control opening penetrated with play by a timing-cam-free section of the camshaft. An element, which can be operated in a controlled manner, of an adjusting device is arranged in/on the camshaft, while rotating with it, and being applied such to the circumference of the control opening that the adjustable slider rocker, while the camshaft is rotating, carries out for each valve lift a periodic rocking movement which is used for forcibly controlling the tilting segment.

Abstract: A lever-type cam follower (1) of a thin-walled material like sheet metal is proposed. It has a simply structured valve stem guidance in the region of one of its ends (5). The guidance comprises a separate securing element (6) with a basically U-shaped cross-section. A web (9) of the securing element (6) bears against a crossbeam (3) of the cam follower (1) and possesses an opening (11), for example punched, for receiving a valve stem.

Abstract: A switchable, hydraulic support element (1) requiring only a small design space is proposed. For achieving this, a bore (16) for a slide (23) is arranged laterally of a pressure piston (10) of a hydraulic clearance compensation element (11) in the inner element (7) and is configured as a pocket bore. This dispenses with the stacked arrangement of the bore in the inner element and the clearance compensation element on top of each other as seen in prior art. At the same time, the slide (23) is installed in a housing (19) that extends in the cylinder head (5).

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable support element (1) requiring only a small design space. For this purpose, a slide (12) that serves to couple an inner element (6) to an outer housing (3) in the support element (1) is positioned laterally in a housing (2) arranged in the cylinder head (5). At the same time, a bore (8) in the inner element (6) for the slide (12) is made as a pocket bore, the housing (2) being seated through an annular extension (11) directly in a bore (9) of the outer housing (3). The slide (12) can be displaced electromagnetically or hydraulically in at least one direction.

Abstract: An engageable cam follower (1) for acting on a pushrod in the valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided. This cam follower (1) includes of a thin-walled hollow cylindrical housing (2) in whose borehole (3) is positioned an internal element (4) axially movable with respect to the housing (2). The housing (2) and the internal element (4) each possess a radial borehole (13, 10) aligned in a relative position to each other. Positioned in the radial borehole (10) of the internal element (4) is a piston (11) having a convex end (14) and movable toward the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) for coupling the internal element (4) with the housing (2) in the relative position. According to the invention, the borehole (3) ofthe housing (2) is shaped in the area ofthe radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) as a flattening (15) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cam follower (1).

Abstract: A variable valve actuation (VVA) system (10/210) includes a camshaft (20), having a lobe (22) thereon. A valve (30/230) terminates in a stem end (34/234), and is moveable between open and closed positions along its own longitudinal axis, where the valve is biased toward the closed position. A bucket tappet (40/240) includes a lifter plate (41/241) having a middle portion (44/244) for engaging the lobe of the camshaft on a camshaft side (46/246) of the lifter plate, and for engaging the stem end of the valve on a valve side (48/248) of the lifter plate. The lifter plate includes end portions (50/250/252) on either side of the middle portion, and is translatable by rotation of the lobe of the camshaft to cause movement of the valve along its longitudinal axis toward the open position.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism includes a generally cylindrically shaped tappet assembly (24) comprising a center tappet (41 ) and a side tappet (42). The center tappet (41 ) has a circular-arcuate side walls (41c) formed with vertical side shrouds (41d) at opposite sides of each side wall (41c) which overlap and slide contact with opposite end guide walls (42h) of the side tappet (42), respectively. When the tappet assembly (24) is in an unlocked state so as to transmit rotation of the side cams (25, 27), the vertical side shroud (41d) of the center tappet (41 ) slide on the vertical side walls (42h) of the side tappet 42 so as thereby to guide slide movement of the center tappet (41 ) relative to the side tappet (42).

Abstract: A valve lifter apparatus is provided including a valve lifter body with predetermined oil paths for increase lubrication to a rolling member for engaging a lobe of a camshaft. An anti-rotation member for prevent rotation of the valve lifter in the lifter bore of the engine block as the valve lifter reciprocates is also provided. The valve lifter apparatus may be employed in high revolutions per minute engines to decrease valve lifter wear and increase performance.

Abstract: A tappet (1) with a hydraulic clearance compensation element (7), a positive opening of a one-way valve (15) being effected during a base circle region &agr; of the contacting cam (5) whereby a closing member (16) of the one-way valve (15) is loaded by an adjusting element (21), the adjusting element (21) extends through a bottom (3) of the tappet (1) and cooperates with a groove (22) on the outer peripheral surface (23) of the cam (5), the groove (22) extends over the entire periphery of the cam (5) with the exception of its base circle region so that when the base circle region &agr; comes to be situated opposite the bottom (3), a positive opening of the closing member (16) is effected whereby no undesired relieving of the gas exchange valve actuated by the tappet (1) nor its opening due to a transmission of undesired opening movements from the cam (5) to the clearance compensation element (7) can occur in the base circle region &agr; of the cam (5).

Abstract: A valve actuator subassembly, such as a finger follower and a hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) are held together for shipping and installation in an engine valve train by a retainer clip made of wire or sheet metal or plastic material. The retainer clip has generally a U-shaped body with legs that clip over the end of a wall in the body of the finger follower. A first leg includes a gripping recess that engages diametrically opposite sides of a cylindrical member, such as the plunger of a HLA. A second leg of the clip includes a guide recess that engages a portion on a first side of the wall at a point offset from the axial centerline of the HLA and closer to the point at which the finger follower contacts the valve stem. The gripping recess includes opposed resilient edges that frictionally engage the cylindrical surface of, for example, the HLA plunger and holds it in assembly with the finger follower.

Abstract: In a tappet (1) comprising a hydraulic clearance compensation element (7), a positive opening of its one-way valve (15) is effected during a base circle region &agr; of the contacting cam (5). This is achieved by the invention by the fact that a closing member (16) of the one-way valve (15) is loaded by an adjusting element (21). This adjusting element (21) extends through a bottom (3) of the tappet (1) and cooperates with a groove (22) on the outer peripheral surface (23) of the cam (5). This groove (22) extends over the entire periphery of the cam (5) with the exception of its base circle region. When the base circle region &agr; comes to be situated opposite the bottom (3), a positive opening of the closing member (16) is effected. In this way, no undesired relieving of the gas exchange valve actuated by the tappet (1) nor its opening due to a transmission of undesired opening movements from the cam (5) to the clearance compensation element (7) can occur in the base circle region &agr; of the cam (5).

Abstract: A valve gear for charge cycle valves of internal combustion engines has a camshaft whose cam acts on a valve stem of a charge cycle valve via a bucket tappet which is guided in a cylinder head and on which an inner tappet is supported via a first pressure spring. A switchable coupling element can be used to couple the bucket tappet to the inner tappet. In the decoupled state, the charge cycle valve is not actuated if it is driven only via the bucket tappet. A clamping ring which has a conical surface with self-locking is provided as a switchable coupling element. The clamping device can be released with the aid of a slight oil pressure when the charge cycle valve is closed. Consequently, with the aid of simple means there is achieved, in a small overall space, a switch-off or changeover device for charge cycle valves which has only slight friction losses and can be effectively sealed because of the low oil pressures for actuation.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly (49a) for an internal combustion engine of the type having valve means (29), drive means (13) for providing cyclical motion for opening and closing the valve means (29) in timed relationship to the events in a combustion chamber (30), and valve gear (21,23) operative in response to the cyclical motion to effect cyclical opening and closing of the valves (29). The valve deactivator assembly (49a) comprises part of the valve gear (21,23) and is disposed in series relationship between the drive means (13) and said valves (29). The valve deactivator assembly (49a) includes an outer body member (53) disposed for engagement with the drive means (13) and for cyclical motion therewith. There is an inner body member (61) disposed within the outer body member (53) and reciprocable relative thereto, the inner body member (61) having an upper end portion (93) disposed external to the outer body member (53) when the members (53,61) are in a latched condition.

Abstract: A valve lifter apparatus is provided including a valve lifter body with predetermined oil paths for increase lubrication to a rolling member for engaging a lobe of a camshaft. An anti-rotation member for prevent rotation of the valve lifter in the lifter bore of the engine block as the valve lifter reciprocates is also provided. The valve lifter apparatus may be employed in high revolutions per minute engines to decrease valve lifter wear and increase performance.

Abstract: A tappet (1) is designed to be coupled for different lifts of at least one gas exchange valve. It comprises an outer annular section (2) which concentrically encloses a circular section (3). Both sections (2, 3) are axially movable relative to each other and are loaded in the region of their bottoms (4, 5) by cams of different lifts. Slides (8, 9, 13) extend in receptions (6a, 6b, 7) of the bottoms (4, 5). The first slide (8) cooperates with locking means (14) which scan a signal track on the opposing cam and, in a response to a lift of the signal track, block or permit a longitudinal movement of the first slide (8), the locking means yielding in their releasing direction under action of force. At the same time, the third slide (9) delimits on its radially outer end face (15), a pressure chamber for hydraulic medium. A displacement of all the slides (8, 9, 13) into their coupled position can be effected through this hydraulic medium.

Abstract: An engine which employs a cam follower mechanism to reduce wear and reduce the size of an assembled engine. The cam follower mechanism utilizes guide rails located to reduce side thrust on the valve stem. The engine employs a high speed quill shaft to synchronize independent cam shafts existing in each of a plurality of interconnected engines. The engine is assembled using a single size fastener to provide a uniform stress gradient within the engine. The engines are interconnected utilizing O-ring seals. The engine provides a piston crown utilizing a connecting rod directly connected to the bottom surface of the piston crown. The piston crown is stabilized along the longitudinal cylinder axis by a rail guide. Connecting rods are provided which require less than one hundred eighty degrees (180°) circumference of a crankshaft pin for support so that a plurality of connecting rods can be associated with a single crankshaft pin.

Abstract: In a housing (1) for a switchable device for adjusting or compensating valve lash in an internal combustion engine, said housing being made as a one-piece component and comprising a sleeve-shaped inner guide (4) having a bore (7) for receiving an inner element which is contacted by a first, separate cam, said housing also comprising a cylindrical bottom portion (3) for making contact with at least one second, separate cam, and a circular cylindrical jacket (2) coaxially surrounding the inner guide (4), said inner guide comprising openings (6) for receiving locking pins which extend at right angles to the housing axis (5), according to the invention, the housing (1) is configured as a thin, drawn sheet metal part whose jacket (2) likewise comprises openings (8) which are aligned to the openings (6) of the inner guide (4). In this way, a light-weight housing is created which by joining with separate connection pieces forms a simple-to-manufacture base body for the device.