Rotation Prevention Patents (Class 123/90.5)
  • Publication number: 20130152885
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a lifter bore, and a valve lifter assembly positioned at least partially within the lifter bore and configured to actuate a push rod. The assembly includes a valve lifter and an angular displacement-limiting clip. A cutout is formed on a proximal end of the valve lifter and includes a channel and a taper. The valve lifter is rotatable out of alignment with a cam, and the clip limits angular displacement of the valve lifter via contacting a wall portion of the cylinder block. First and second fillets of the clip are positionable within the cutout, such that the taper provides a clearance for inhibiting impingement of the valve lifter upon the fillets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Satish Remala, Sathishkumar Raman
  • Publication number: 20130152886
    Abstract: A clip includes a one-piece metal body having a holder and an attached hanger. The clip is configured to couple with a valve lifter to form a lifter assembly for varying the position of a valve in an internal combustion engine. The holder may be C-shaped, and the hanger may be U-shaped. The one-piece metal body further includes an anti-scuffing outer profile, and a first and a second fillet transitioning from the holder to the hanger, for diffusing stresses induced in the clip at an angular displacement-limiting stop position defined by contact between the hanger and a wall portion of a cylinder block. Related methodology is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Satish Remala, Sathishkumar Raman
  • Publication number: 20130104818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tappet (1) for a high-pressure fuel pump or for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing (2) which has a cam run-on surface (4) on the drive side (3) thereof, wherein an output side (5) of the housing (2) rests on a lower face (6) of a bridge piece (8) that projects through an inner shell (7) of the housing (2), wherein an anti-turn lug (11) protrudes from the outer shell (10) of the housing (2) and is arranged in a window (9) in the latter, wherein said lug is substantially present as an upright body similar to a semi-cylinder in the region thereof protruding from the housing (2), and the outer surface (15) of said lug, in cross section, results in an ogival curve made up of two or more circular arcs (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Dorn, Norbert Geyer, Karsten Kucht
  • Patent number: 8375910
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device (1) for a coupling piston (2) in a switchable component (3) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the component (3) including two parts (4, 5) that are movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Becker, Robert Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20120318216
    Abstract: A tappet roller bearing 10 includes a support shaft 20 to be supported on a locker arm 4, and first and second rollers 11 and 12 which can be respectively supported rotatably on the periphery of the support shaft 20 and are arranged together in the axial direction of the support shaft 20. The first roller 11 constitutes a plain bearing, and the second roller 12 constitutes a full type roller bearing or a plain bearing. Due to this, the tappet roller bearing 10 can extend its life, can enhance its assembling efficiency and can reduce its manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kudo, Satoshi Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 8281759
    Abstract: The antirotational, mechanical lash control mechanism for two reciprocating bodies having opposing cylindrical surfaces uses a radial U-shaped groove in the outer surface of the outer housing; a radial cut in the leg of said U-shaped groove, that extends from the groove into said bore; a U-shaped clip adapted to fit the U-shaped groove, the U-shaped clip having a ledge on a leg of U-shaped clip, where the ledge extends through said cut and into said bore; and a first stop on the outer surface of the inner housing, such that the first stop abuts said ledge to control mechanical lash between the outer housing and the inner housing. To prevent rotation, the ledge has a flat surface that mates to a flat surface on the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matt Evans, Tracy Novinski
  • Patent number: 8235018
    Abstract: A tappet (1), either for a high-pressure fuel pump or for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, with a housing (2) whose driven side (3) used for a contact of a tappet-following part forms a contact on a bottom side (4) of a bridge part (6) projecting through an inner casing (5) of the housing (2). An anti-rotation locking device (10) projects past the outer casing (8) of the housing with a first cylinder section (9) and sits in a window (7) of the housing (2), with this anti-rotation locking device (10) being provided as a cylindrical element, and tab-like projections (13) project from peripheral walls (11) of the window (7) and the anti-rotation locking device (10), standing “loose” in the window (7), snaps behind these projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Dorn, Norbert Geyer, Karsten Kucht
  • Patent number: 8235017
    Abstract: A switchable component (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with a housing (2) in whose borehole (3) an inner element (4) is held so that it can move telescopically. At least one coupling piston (7) guided by an anti-rotation locking device (6) is located in a radial borehole (5) of the inner element (4) in a decoupled case, with a section (10) that is flattened in some areas being provided on the coupling piston on one axial side (9) starting from its outer end (8). The borehole (3) of the housing (2) has a window (11) with a complementary engagement surface (12) against which, in a coupled case, the coupling piston (7) can be displaced with its flattened section (10) when passing through the cam base circle. An edge (13) between the outer end (8) and the flattened section (10) of the coupling piston (7) is provided with a bevel (14) that is a surface section of an ellipsoid whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to the flattened section (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sandra Schäfer, Robert Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20120160195
    Abstract: A roller lifter for an internal combustion engine includes a cylindrical lifter body having a first end, a second end and a roller rotatably attached to the first end. The first end has a first diameter and the second end has a second diameter greater than the first diameter and a flat surface configured to engage a corresponding flat surface on an adjacent roller lifter and to prevent axial rotation of the roller lifter while in use. The roller lifter may further include a recess extending along a longitudinal axis from the second end toward the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwin A. Hattiangadi, Alin R. Olaru, Jonathan R. Chittenden, Philip C. Millward
  • Publication number: 20120152187
    Abstract: A tappet having a contiguous body, an outer wall and transverse web. The outer wall defines a cylindrically-shaped outer surface and a recess. The recess is disposed within cylindrical surface of the body. An alignment member is press-fit between two staked ends of the recess, which engage opposite sides of the alignment member. The alignment member extends outwardly from the cylindrically-shaped surface. A roller is mounted to the contiguous body at the cam contacting end of the tappet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Doug R. Cornett, John Page Chapman, Gary Lynn Janowiak, Daniel A. Nelson, Mark E. Jacobs, Brent L. Rehm, Pratap S. Murthy, Anthony Leon Spoor, James Roy Sheren
  • Patent number: 8201532
    Abstract: An anti-rotationally secured tappet of a valve drive of an internal combustion engine may include a bucket tappet including an external lateral surface. A floor and a skirt for may be arranged between a cam and a valve of the valve drive and guided in a receiving bore of a cylinder head. The skirt may include an internal lateral surface and the cylinder head may include a guide groove. A radially outward protruding anti-rotation component may be arranged in a recess of the skirt that glides in the guide groove of the cylinder head. Two spring arms may be included with the anti-rotation component and extend in a circumferential direction of the tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Prokop
  • Patent number: 8181616
    Abstract: An internal combustion piston engine comprising at least one cylinder head, said cylinder head closing at least one cylinder, inlet and outlet channels of said cylinder head being regulated, each one, by at least one inlet and outlet valve that is loaded by a closing spring, said inlet and outlet valves being activated by roller tappets (1) driven by cams of a camshaft and, if appropriate, by further transmission elements, said roller tappets (1) comprising at ends oriented away from rollers (7) of the roller tappets, two flattened portions (2) that are arranged substantially parallel to each other while being operatively connected to two matching inner surfaces (9) of an anti-rotation bridge (10) made typically of plastic, a spacing dimension of said flattened portions (2) at least partially overlapping a distance between said inner surfaces (9) and, starting from a mounting position of the roller tappet (1) in the anti-rotation bridge (10), an adjustment between the flattened portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 8171906
    Abstract: A valve lifter guide mountable in the engine block of an internal combustion engine, the valve lifter guide comprising at least one elongated socket defining a longitudinal axis, the at least one socket dimensioned to receive a valve lifter therein, and at least one tab projecting away from the valve lifter guide along an axis which is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one socket. The at least one tab includes a projection thereon which is dimensioned to be received in an opening provided in the engine block. The tab further defines a surface, oriented in a plane generally perpendicular to the orientation of the projection, which is capturable between the engine block and cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: APQ Development, LLC
    Inventors: Rex Blakeman, Jim McLean
  • Patent number: 8151752
    Abstract: A deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster comprising a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having at least one lock pin disposed in a transverse bore for extending into a receiver feature in the body to lock the two together during periods of engine operation in valve non-deactivation mode. The present improvement consists in providing a first orienting feature for the lash adjuster body that engages a second orienting feature on an engine head to provide a preferred and fixed orientation of the body within a bore in the engine head. In a currently preferred orientation, the axis of the at least one lock pin is parallel to the axis of the engine camshaft. The orientation of the lock pin(s) to the body is made invariant by insertion of a pin through a radial bore in the body into a longitudinal groove in the pin housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick J. Hendriksma
  • Patent number: 8136494
    Abstract: A guide for use in a vehicle engine having an engine block, cylinder head, and a cylinder head gasket. The guide comprises a valve lifter retention portion, a push rod retention portion in communication with the valve lifter retention portion via one or more apertures, and an alignment and attachment portion extending from the push rod retention portion and configured to be retained by contact with the cylinder head gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Atzwanger, Emre Bulbul, Michael Josef Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8127731
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a tappet clearance adjusting cover coupled with a secondary air valve. The tappet clearance adjusting cover is disposed on a cylinder head of an engine. The secondary air valve includes a recessed element and a cap which jointly form a receiving space receiving therein a one-way valve. The recessed element is provided with an inlet pipe interposed between the cap and the tappet clearance adjusting cover. By disposing the secondary air valve on the tappet clearance adjusting cover and arranging the inlet pipe between the cap and the tappet clearance adjusting cover, with the one-way valve received in the receiving space of the secondary air valve, heat dissipation can be improved while the one-way valve is protected against premature deterioration and carbon deposition caused by a high-temperature exhaust gas from the cylinder head. Thus, reliability as well as a service life of the one-way valve is effectively increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Lai, Chao-Chang Ho
  • Patent number: 8001940
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket base body with a ring-shaped base guided by a skirt projecting from the outer edge of the base in a bore of the engine. A lifting cam acts on the base and a hollow cylindrical extension projects from an inner edge of the base. In the bore, an inner body is axially movable relative to the bucket base body and, formed in the underside of the inner body, is a support for indirect contact with a gas exchange valve. A coupling piston, which has a flattened portion on its upper side, runs in a bore of the inner body and is engaged with a driver surface for full valve lift. A lost motion spring acts between the bucket base body and inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Mario Kuhl, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7921818
    Abstract: Valve controller for reciprocating piston internal combustion engines with at least two intake and/or exhaust gas-exchange valves for each piston/cylinder unit, wherein the gas-exchange valves are guided by valve stems in a cylinder head (8) of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, loaded in a closing direction by valve springs, and can be controlled via a common bridge (10) by an activation device, wherein the bridge (10) is guided over a sliding surface parallel to the movement of the gas-exchange valves, the bridge (10) has at least one hydraulic valve clearance compensation element (14 or 15) that connects to a gas-exchange valve, and a device is provided that prevents rotation of the bridge (10) about the sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Rauch, Thomas Kremer, Nicola Morelli
  • Publication number: 20110056446
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device (1) for a coupling piston (2) in a switchable component (3) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the component (3) including two parts (4, 5) that are movable relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Becker, Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 7900591
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable component (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said component (1) comprising a housing (2) in whose bore (3) an axially displaceable inner element (4) comprising coupling elements (5) is received, said coupling elements (5), for effecting coupling, being able to be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface (6) of the housing (2), the inner element (4) being biased in outward direction from the housing (2) by a lost motion spring (7), and an (outer) anti-rotation device (11) extending from an outer casing (10) of the housing (2) projects beyond a surrounding structure (12a), the outer anti-rotation device (11) is configured as a C-shaped, thin-walled ring (13) comprising a slit (12), said ring (13) extends after the manner of a clip in an annular groove (14) in the outer casing (10) of the housing (2) parallel to a transversal plane of the component (1) and, for effecting outer anti-rotation, said ring (13) projects with a sickle-like po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Bodo Roerig, Joachim Seitz, Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 7900592
    Abstract: A switchable component for a valve train of an mternal combustion engine, comprising a housing, a coupling means, an inner element being biased by at least one lost motion spring, a stop means, and an anti-rotation device configured as a thin-walled ring comprising a slit, a rectangular extension projects inwards from a central position from the inner peripheral surface of the ring which extends parallel to a transversal plane of the component on an outer peripheral surface of the housing, the housing comprises an aperture that is complementary in shape to the extension of the ring and said extension extends through said aperture, a counter surface for the extension extends in the form of a longitudinal flattened portion or a longitudinal groove in the outer peripheral surface of the inner element, and the extension extends with a complementary inner surface directly on or into said counter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Christian Boesel
  • Publication number: 20110036314
    Abstract: The object is to prevent rotation of the case when a load is applied to the adjusting screw that tends to push in the adjusting screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Makoto Yasui, Eiji Maeno, Katsuhisa Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7856953
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Lutz Kirbach, Florin Bugescu
  • Publication number: 20100294219
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotationally locked tappet (1) of a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which tappet is arranged between a cam and a valve and is guided in a receiving bore of a cylinder head (4). Here, a radially protruding anti-rotation safeguard (6) which slides in a guide groove (5) of the cylinder head (4) is arranged in a recess (7, 7?) of the skirt (3). It is essential to the invention here that the anti-rotation safeguard (6) has two spring arms (8, 8?) which extend in the circumferential direction of the tappet (1), bear at least in regions either against an inner circumferential surface (16) of the skirt (3) or against an outer circumferential surface (10) of the tappet (1) and fix the anti-rotation safeguard (6) on the tappet (1) by clamping force which acts radially on said tappet (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mario Prokop
  • Patent number: 7823555
    Abstract: The low profile valve lifter assembly has flats inside the bore of the outer housing and walls are formed and extended down from the plate of the guide such that the walls align with the flats of the bore to prevent rotation of the lifter with the guide. A groove and protuberance are provided in the flats and on the side wall of the guide in order to properly orient the lifter with the guide. The flats can be connected to form a pocket and the walls of the guide can be connected to form a sleeve that mates with the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Florin Bugescu, James Westbrook, Lutz Kirbach, Richard Best
  • Publication number: 20100229812
    Abstract: A tappet (1), either for a high-pressure fuel pump or for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, with a housing (2) whose driven side (3) used for a contact of a tappet-following part forms a contact on a bottom side (4) of a bridge part (6) projecting through an inner casing (5) of the housing (2). An anti-rotation locking device (10) projects past the outer casing (8) of the housing with a first cylinder section (9) and sits in a window (7) of the housing (2), with this anti-rotation locking device (10) being provided as a cylindrical element, and tab-like projections (13) project from peripheral walls (11) of the window (7) and the anti-rotation locking device (10), standing “loose” in the window (7), snaps behind these projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Dorn, Nobert Geyer, Karsten Kucht
  • Publication number: 20100229811
    Abstract: A switchable component (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with a housing (2) in whose borehole (3) an inner element (4) is held so that it can move telescopically. At least one coupling piston (7) guided by an anti-rotation locking device (6) is located in a radial borehole (5) of the inner element (4) in a decoupled case, with a section (10) that is flattened in some areas being provided on the coupling piston on one axial side (9) starting from its outer end (8). The borehole (3) of the housing (2) has a window (11) with a complementary engagement surface (12) against which, in a coupled case, the coupling piston (7) can be displaced with its flattened section (10) when passing through the cam base circle. An edge (13) between the outer end (8) and the flattened section (10) of the coupling piston (7) is provided with a bevel (14) that is a surface section of an ellipsoid whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to the flattened section (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sandra Schäfer, Robert Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20100206252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure pump for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, having at least one inlet valve device with a valve element, a valve seat for the valve element, and an actuating tappet which can positively push the valve element in an opening direction. In order to create a high-pressure pump for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine which can be produced even more cost-effectively and which has a lower level of wear and therefore a longer service life, it is proposed that the valve element have a positioning mechanism which centers the valve element on the valve seat when the valve element comes into contact or is in contact with the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Bernd Schroeder, Markus Becker, Guenther Schnalzger, Martin Kirschner
  • Publication number: 20100175643
    Abstract: The antirotational, mechanical lash control mechanism for two reciprocating bodies having opposing cylindrical surfaces uses a radial U-shaped groove in the outer surface of the outer housing; a radial cut in the leg of said U-shaped groove, that extends from the groove into said bore; a U-shaped clip adapted to fit the U-shaped groove, the U-shaped clip having a ledge on a leg of U-shaped clip, where the ledge extends through said cut and into said bore; and a first stop on the outer surface of the inner housing, such that the first stop abuts said ledge to control mechanical lash between the outer housing and the inner housing. To prevent rotation, the ledge has a flat surface that mates to a flat surface on the inner housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Matt Evans, Tracy Novinski
  • Publication number: 20100095916
    Abstract: A guide for use in a vehicle engine having an engine block, cylinder head, and a cylinder head gasket. The guide comprises a valve lifter retention portion, a push rod retention portion in communication with the valve lifter retention portion via one or more apertures, and an alignment and attachment portion extending from the push rod retention portion and configured to be retained by contact with the cylinder head gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Atzwanger, Emre Bulbul, Michael Josef Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20100089346
    Abstract: A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switchable support element (1) comprising a housing (2) that can be arranged with an outer peripheral wall (3) in a reception of the internal combustion engine, an axially displaceable pressure piston (5) extending in a bore (4) of the housing (2), said pressure piston (5) being loaded by a lost motion spring means (6) in a direction leading out of the housing (2), a head (7) of the pressure piston (5) extending beyond an edge (8) of the housing (2), and at least one coupling piston (10) extending in a cross-bore (9) of the pressure piston (5), which coupling piston (10) can be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface (11) of the housing (2) for achieving coupling, wherein, starting from an outer front end (12) of the at least one coupling piston (10), a flattened portion (14) is arranged on an underside (13) of the coupling piston (10), the entraining surface (11) in the housing (2) per coupling pist
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Bodo Rorig
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100059001
    Abstract: A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said support element (1) comprising a housing (2) that can be arranged through an outer peripheral wall (3) in a reception of the internal combustion engine and in whose bore (4) an axially movable inner element (6) extends, a head (5) of the inner element (6) protruding beyond an edge (7) of the housing (2), coupling elements (8) being associated to the inner element (6) for a selective coupling of the inner element (6) in an axially extended position of the inner element (6) to the housing (2), and said inner element (6) being biased by at least one lost motion spring (9) in a direction leading out of the housing (2), wherein the coupling elements (8) are at least one slide which, in case of uncoupling, is positioned in a guide (10) of the housing (2) extending in radial or secant direction and which comprises a flattened upper side (12) starting from a radially inner front end (11) of the slide, and this flattened upper si
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim Seitz, Bodo Rörig
  • Publication number: 20100050964
    Abstract: A switchable cup tappet for a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which has a cup basic body with an annular base loaded by large-lift cams. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base and an inner body extends in the hole of the projection. The disc-like base is contacted by a small-lift cam. In a hole of the inner body two coupler pistons are coupled in sections with a driver surface of the cup basic body for a large valve stroke. The small stroke occurs by complete displacement into the radial hole. An annular web, spaced from its end faces at both ends, is attached integrally, in which the radial hole extends with the coupler pistons. The driver surface for the pistons is formed by a lower edge of the projection, which is spaced from the bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Mario Kuhl, Norbert Nitz
  • Publication number: 20100037840
    Abstract: When viewed from the upper face of a cylinder head in which an intake port communicating with a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is formed, a starting point of the port is defined as a point of intersection of the streamline of the intake port and an inlet-side opening plane of the intake port as projected on a horizontal plane, and an end point is defined as a point of intersection of the streamline of the port and the center axis of an intake valve as projected on the horizontal plane. The starting point is located closer to the center of the chamber than a straight line that contains the end point and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft on the plane, and the streamline of the port projected on the horizontal plane is curved toward the center of the chamber, with respect to a straight line that contains the starting point and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft on the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Amano
  • Publication number: 20100000476
    Abstract: An alignment feature for preventing in-bore rotation of an engine tappet. A first portion extends outwards from a tappet and a second portion extends into a hole in the tappet. The first portion extends longitudinally past the mounting hole such that when the feature and tappet are installed in an engine bore, the entire feature is prevented from rotation within the hole. The second portion extending orthogonally from the first portion into the mounting hole need not be close-fitting to the hole. The first portion may be substantially semi-cylindrical, having a convex cylindrical outer surface for fitting the walls of a semi-cylindrical channel in the engine bore and a concave cylindrical inner surface for fitting the outer wall of the tappet. The pin portion is preferably cylindrical. Other pin shapes are possible. The alignment feature may or may not be hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kunz, William D. Bauman, David Draeger, Michael J. Skilling
  • Publication number: 20090314237
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket base body with a ring-shaped base guided by a skirt projecting from the outer edge of the base, in a bore of the engine. A lifting cam acts on the base and a hollow cylindrical extension projects from an inner edge of the base. In the bore, an inner body is axially movable relative to the bucket base body and, formed in the underside of the inner body, is a support for indirect contact with a gas exchange valve. A coupling piston, which has a flattened portion on its upper side, runs in a bore of the inner body and is engaged with a driver surface for full valve lift. A lost motion spring acts between the bucket base body and inner body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Mario Kuhl, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer
  • 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: 20090145378
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable component (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said component comprising a housing (2) in whose bore (3) an axially displaceable inner element (4) is received, at least one coupling means (5) being arranged in the inner element (4), said coupling means (5), for effecting coupling [axially distant relative position of the inner element (4) to the housing (2)], being able to be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface (6) of the housing (2), the inner element (4) being biased in outward direction from the housing (2) by at least one lost motion spring (7), an axially fully extended position of the inner element (4) being defined by a stop means (9) overlapping an annular groove (8) between the inner element (4) and the housing (2), and an anti-rotation device (10) being arranged between the inner element (4) and the housing (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Christian BOESEL
  • Publication number: 20090107427
    Abstract: An internal combustion piston engine comprising at least one cylinder head, said cylinder head closing at least one cylinder, inlet and outlet channels of said cylinder head being regulated, each one, by at least one inlet and outlet valve that is loaded by a closing spring, said inlet and outlet valves being activated by roller tappets (1) driven by cams of a camshaft and, if appropriate, by further transmission elements, said roller tappets (1) comprising at ends oriented away from rollers (7) of the roller tappets, two flattened portions (2) that are arranged substantially parallel to each other while being operatively connected to two matching inner surfaces (9) of an anti-rotation bridge (10) made typically of plastic, a spacing dimension of said flattened portions (2) at least partially overlapping a distance between said inner surfaces (9) and, starting from a mounting position of the roller tappet (1) in the anti-rotation bridge (10), an adjustment between the flattened portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Publication number: 20090095240
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable component (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said component (1) comprising a housing (2) in whose bore (3) an axially displaceable inner element (4) comprising coupling elements (5) is received, said coupling elements (5), for effecting coupling, being able to be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface (6) of the housing (2), the inner element (4) being biased in outward direction from the housing (2) by a lost motion spring (7), and an (outer) anti-rotation device (11) extending from an outer casing (10) of the housing (2) projects beyond a surrounding structure (12a), the outer anti-rotation device (11) is configured as a C-shaped, thin-walled ring (13) comprising a slit (12), said ring (13) extends after the manner of a clip in an annular groove (14) in the outer casing (10) of the housing (2) parallel to a transversal plane of the component (1) and, for effecting outer anti-rotation, said ring (13) projects with a sickle-like po
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Bodo ROERIG, Joachim SEITZ, Robert HEINEMANN
  • Publication number: 20090090317
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ki Uk Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Won Geun Lee, Kiyoung Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090090320
    Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an outer part, an inner part disposed in the outer part and connected to a valve, a latching part that is disposed in the outer part and selectively connects the outer part and the inner part, a camshaft supplying torque, a low lift cam that is configured to the camshaft and selectively supplies torque to the inner part, and a high lift cam that is configured to the camshaft and supplies torque to the outer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Dae Sung Kim, Wootae Kim, Back Sik Kim, Hyung-Ick Kim, Ingee Suh, Dong Hee Han, Kyoung Pyo Ha
  • Publication number: 20090031969
    Abstract: The freely rotatable hydraulic pivot element for an internal combustion engine has four oil inlets which are in fluid communication with the lash adjusting element inside the pivot element and in fluid communication with the oil gallery by using four more equally spaced oil inlets in the outer housing of the cylinder head while still in fluid communication therein. The use of four or more oil inlets are in the same radial plane of the outside cylindrical housing of the pivot element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Florin Bugescu, James Westbrook, Lutz Kirbach
  • Patent number: 7464680
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, particularly for valve deactivation, with a simple-to-implement measure for adjusting the coupling lash of its coupling means (8) in a receptacle (6) using two retaining rings (19, 20), one of which is stocked in a variety of thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Norbert Geyer, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7458352
    Abstract: A switchable valve drive element of an internal combustion engine can be actuated hydraulically. A valve tappet which can be displaced axially in a bore of the machine housing by the cam of a camshaft. A switching duct adjoins the valve tappet and is filled with a hydraulic oil. A connection on the valve drive element between the switching duct and a space with a lower pressure level compared to the pressure in the switching duct. The connection can be produced between the switching duct and the space with a lower pressure level by means of the valve tappet. The space may be inside the tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: INA Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell, Jochen Tovar
  • Patent number: 7431001
    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: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Hermann Keller, Roland Krapp
  • Patent number: 7421994
    Abstract: An improved hydraulic lash adjuster including a cup-shaped adjuster body, and a plunger assembly disposed within the adjuster body. The plunger assembly includes a stepped axial bore extending from a body inner end to a central oil passage opening onto a hemispherical pivot head. A check valve cartridge sub-assembly is disposed against the step, defining a low-pressure oil chamber in the axial bore. A lash adjustment spring is disposed against the cartridge sub-assembly in a high-pressure chamber formed between the sub-assembly and the adjuster body. The cartridge sub-assembly may be used in other hydraulic lash adjusters such as are incorporated in hydraulic valve lifters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne S. Harris, Richard B. Roe
  • Patent number: 7409940
    Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, two or more roller lifter are allowed to move along constraining faces of a constraining mechanism in a first direction, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a second direction. As the roller lifters move through their parallel arcuate paths, the engaging surface(s) of the roller lifters will engage with the constraining face(s) of the constraining mechanism, and each roller lifter will prevent the other from rotating about its longitudinal axis. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Motive Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Riley
  • Patent number: 7373907
    Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) includes at least one conduit (101, 901, 1101). The conduit (101, 901, 1101) has a first inwardly-curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly-curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly-curved surface (103) and the second inwardly-curved surface (105). The valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) may optionally include inwardly-curved alignment surfaces 1103.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Sriram Balaraman, Susan L. Lukasik, Kenneth R. Seymour, II