Abstract: A vibration damper may comprise a damper tube filled at least partially with damping liquid. A piston rod is movable to and fro in the damper tube, and a working piston is movable with the piston rod. The working piston may divide an interior space of the damper tube into a piston rod-side working space and a working space distal the piston rod. A piston rod attachment may include an attachment element, a bracing element, and a wedge element. On a side that faces away from the working piston, the piston rod may have a wedge element cut-out for partially receiving the wedge element in a braced state. The attachment element may be connected to the bracing element such that the attachment element braces the bracing element with respect to the piston rod via the wedge element arranged in the wedge element cut-out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated valve spring assembly includes a head assembly with a pair of elongated passageways that moveably support a pair of retainer keys for movement through the passageways. The head assembly including a moveable divider plate and a pair of jaws, a push member that closes off the passageways and that slides the retainer keys along opposite sides of the divider plate. The retainer keys contact surfaces of the jaws and rotate the jaws outwardly as the keys are moved by the pushrod. The retainer plate is then retracted, and the jaws shift inwardly and push or position the retainer keys on the valve stem where the retainer plate is configured to allow sequential engagement of the rings of the retainer keys to engage the valve stem.

Abstract: A device for varying a load of a valve system can vary a load acting on a valve spring in accordance with driving conditions of a vehicle. In the device, in a low load mode, only a first valve spring is compressed, and a second valve spring is not compressed. Accordingly, the load acting on the valve spring is reduced, and as such, an enhancement in fuel economy is achieved. In a high load mode, both the first valve spring and the second valve spring are compressed. Accordingly, the load acting on the valve spring is increased, and as such, it is possible to prevent a danger of breakage occurring due to striking components of a valve train system.

Abstract: Embodiments may provide a valve train for an engine including a valve stem configured for reciprocating movement to open and close a port in a combustion chamber of the engine. The valve train may also include an elastomeric element coupled with the valve stem, and a mass may be coupled with the elastomeric element and able to move relative to the valve stem.

Abstract: Oxide film formed on a spring-retaining flange by heat treatment gets unlikely to peel off, thereby improving wear resistance of a contact surface of the spring-retaining flange with a valve spring. The oxide film 15 of the part of the spring-retaining flange 3 with the valve spring 7 is at least partially removed to make thickness of the oxide film to 0.00 to 0.02 ?m.

Abstract: A tool for attaching valve keys to a valve stem includes an elongated holder with a longitudinal axis, an inner hollow space and an end opening. An elongated core is arranged in the hollow space of the holder coaxially to the longitudinal axis. An elongated recess for receiving a substantial upper portion of the valve stem is provided in the end region of the core coaxially to the longitudinal axis. The recess of the core issues into the end opening and has a depth which is greater than or at least equal to the axial distance between the end and the annular groove of the valve stem. The core at least partially covers the annular groove, such that the valve keys can be supplied to the lateral surface of a valve stem underneath the annular groove and incorrect engagement can be avoided.

Abstract: A camshaft transport securing mechanism for an internal combustion engine. The camshaft having at least one transport securing mechanism, the transport securing mechanism axially fixing at least one bearing, wherein the transport securing mechanism is one of released by wear or disintegration during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve spring device is provided with a first coil spring and a second coil spring combined in series with each other. The inside diameter (coil inside diameter) of the second coil spring is greater than the outside diameter (coil outside diameter) of the first coil spring. A part of the first coil spring including an end portion along an axis is inserted into the second coil spring, thereby forming a combined spring. The end portion of the first coil spring and an end portion of the second coil spring are connected to each other by a connecting member. The first and second coil springs are compressed along the axis as they are located in series between a cylinder head and a retainer. A shaft of a valve is passed within the coil springs.

Abstract: A spring retainer is made from an iron-based material to improve the strength and abrasion resistance of the spring retainer and reduce the thickness and weight thereof. The spring retainer includes a retainer body having a tapered support hole to be supported with a valve stem and a flange-like spring seat circumferentially formed on a periphery at a first side of the retainer body to receive and support a valve spring. The retainer body and spring seat are integrally formed from resilient steel with grain flows continuously formed from the retainer body to the spring seat.

Abstract: A valve rotator for use in an internal combustion engine. The valve rotator including a plurality of retention members, each able to removeably and rotateably couple the stationary housing to the rotating body. The plurality of retention members are defined by a plurality of recesses allowing each of the plurality of retention members to deflect with respect to the stationary housing. The retention members allow the rotating body to be removed from the stationary housing without the need for permanently damaging the stationary housing (e.g. during rebuilding). Additionally, the retention members may be incorporated on housings that have undergone heat treatment processes without rendering the housings susceptible to cracking or damage.

Abstract: An exhaust valve arrangement includes a cylinder having a top end, an exhaust conduit connected to the cylinder by an opening in the top end of the cylinder, the opening comprising a valve seat, a valve member comprising a valve stem and a valve head on the valve stem, the valve member being movable between a closed position in which the valve head is received in the valve seat and an open position in which the valve head is spaced from the valve seat, and a resilient member arranged to urge the valve member to a closed position. A piston is mounted relative to the valve stem, the piston being disposed in a second cylinder in flow communication with the exhaust conduit and arranged such that a change in pressure in the exhaust conduit changes a degree of compression of the resilient member.

Abstract: A spring retainer can reduce the set height and mass of a coil spring. The spring retainer has a retainer body attached to a stem end of a valve and a circumferential plate-like spring part having an inner circumferential part supported by the retainer body and resiliently supporting an end of the valve spring. A spring constant of the plate-like spring part is made higher than a spring constant of the valve spring, so that the plate-like spring part deflects after the valve spring is compressed, to provide a two-step load characteristic and reduce the set height, compressed height, and mass of the valve spring. It can also reduce the height and mass of the spring retainer. A spring system formed by combining the spring retainer and valve spring with each other will be compact and lightweight.

Abstract: A device for retaining a valve bridge is disclosed. The valve bridge is engaged with a plurality of valves. The device has a first base member. The first base member is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of valves. The device also has a first latching member. The first latching member extends from the first base member. The first latching member is configured to engage and retain the valve bridge in engagement with the plurality of valves.

Abstract: An exhaust valve arrangement includes a cylinder having a top end, an exhaust conduit connected to the cylinder by an opening in the top end of the cylinder, the opening comprising a valve seat, a valve member comprising a valve stem and a valve head on the valve stem, the valve member being movable between a closed position in which the valve head is received in the valve seat and an open position in which the valve head is spaced from the valve seat, and a resilient member arranged to urge the valve member to a closed position. A piston is mounted relative to the valve stem, the piston being disposed in a second cylinder in flow communication with the exhaust conduit and arranged such that a change in pressure in the exhaust conduit changes a degree of compression of the resilient member.

Abstract: A valve spring device is provided with a first coil spring and a second coil spring combined in series with each other. The inside diameter (coil inside diameter) of the second coil spring is greater than the outside diameter (coil outside diameter) of the first coil spring. A part of the first coil spring including an end portion along an axis is inserted into the second coil spring, thereby forming a combined spring. The end portion of the first coil spring and an end portion of the second coil spring are connected to each other by a connecting member. The first and second coil springs are compressed along the axis as they are located in series between a cylinder head and a retainer. A shaft of a valve is passed within the coil springs.

Abstract: The valve spring retainer includes a base having an outer periphery and a central aperture. The central aperture defines a center axis. At least two tabs extending radially from the base outer periphery relative to the center axis. Each of the tabs have a distal end including an axially extending lip for retaining a spring relative to the retainer.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder head at least partially defining a flow path through the engine, including an intake port, an exhaust port, and a combustion chamber disposed between the intake port and the exhaust port. A valve is coupled to the cylinder head and movable relative to the cylinder head to selectively open the combustion chamber to one of the intake port and the exhaust port. A valve spring is positioned between the valve and the cylinder head and biases the valve to a closed position. A thermally insulating washer is positioned between the cylinder head and the valve spring.

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.

Abstract: In a vane-type camshaft phaser, one vane extends over a much larger internal angle than the other two vanes. Because of its size and strength, the large vane is the vane designated for contact with the stator. The other vanes and lobes have extra clearance to prevent contact regardless of rotor position. In one embodiment, a first surface of the large vane engages a surface of a first adjacent lobe at one extreme rotor rotation, and a second surface of the large vane engages a surface of a second adjacent lobe at the opposite extreme of rotation. The contact surfaces of the lobes and the vane may be equipped with hardened wear pads. One or more wear pads may be machined to provide a desired rotor displacement angle.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower having a high-lift follower portion that rotates relative to a low-lift follower portion about a pivot shaft, including a lost-motion compression spring disposed in a linear bore formed in the high-lift portion to exert force against an curved pad on the back side of the valve pallet of the low-lift portion. The spring is retained and guided in its bore by a spring retainer having a planar bottom for engaging the curved pad. Preferably the retainer is a cup positioned in the spring bore such that the stroke of the cup is limited, to prevent leak-down of the associated hydraulic lash adjuster. Driving the spring by a linear-acting retainer in a linear bore causes the spring to be compressed linearly, resulting in a highly stable and predictable spring rate.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control device includes a rotational shaft, a rotation transmitting member assembled around the rotational shaft, and a vane assembled to one of the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member. The variable valve timing control device also includes a fluid pressure chamber defined between the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member and divided into a retarded angle chamber and an advanced angle chamber by the vane, a fluid passage through which an operation fluid is selectively supplied to or discharged from the advanced angle chamber or the retarded angle chamber, and a torsion coil spring for constantly biasing the rotational shaft to an advanced angle direction relative to the rotation transmitting member. The torsion coil spring is disposed between the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member under a condition that the torsion spring is compressed to a predetermined length from a free length.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent lift and timing control with minimum energy consumption, while supplying sufficient supplemental energy to overcome friction. In an exemplary embodiment, an actuation cylinder in a housing defines a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions. An actuation piston in the cylinder, with first and second surfaces, is moveable along the longitudinal axis. First and second actuation springs bias the actuation piston in the first and second directions, respectively. A first fluid space is defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space is defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston.

Abstract: A lightweight valve spring retainer with a wear resistant spring seat or seats is provided. The spring seats may be defined in part by a tungsten carbide layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intake or exhaust valve mechanism with a variable valve opening cross section for use in an admission opening of an internal combustion engine and having a gas exchange valve acted on by the force of a valve spring and displaceable axially back and forth inside a guide by a valve control unit; the position of the sealing slide relative to the gas exchange valve in the axial direction is continuously variable by means of an adjusting unit. A sealing slide is disposed coaxially to the gas exchange valve, is acted upon by the force of a coupling spring, and is displaceable axially back and forth by the valve control unit.

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: A bias element which urges the valves in an internal combustion engine into their closed positions and includes a pair of arms and a bight portion connecting the two arms. Each arm has an aperture therein with at least one arm having an aperture that is keyhole-shaped, or having a first portion and second portion that is larger than the first portion. The arm which has the keyhole-shaped aperture is in operative biasing engagement with the end portion of a valve stem and the keyhole-shaped aperture engages the valve stem in that the first portion of the aperture lockingly engages the neck portion of the valve stem. The other arm is engages the shank portion of the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve moving apparatus of an internal combustion engine comprises an engine valve, a valve spring, a spring seat supporting an end of the valve spring and a cam driving the engine valve to open. A valve spring set load changing device in the valve moving apparatus comprises the spring seat including a base seat and a support seat movable relatively to the base seat, an actuator generating drive force in accordance with an operational condition of the engine and a manipulating mechanism transmitting the drive force to the support seat. The actuator and the manipulating mechanism are positioned outside of the spring seat. When the support seat is rotated by a predetermined amount by the drive force transmitted through the manipulating mechanism, the support seat moves also in direction of expansion and contraction of the valve spring to change set load of the valve spring.

Abstract: A valve timing regulation device for regulating the timing of the opening and closing of the valves in an internal combustion engine, includes: a rotor urging member 40, 41 for urging the rotor 18 toward a predetermined lock position with respect to the housing 16; and holder members 38, 39 which support both ends of the rotor urging member 40, 41 on the wall surfaces of the shoe 22 of the housing 16 and the vane 23 of the rotor 18. Such an arrangement allows assembly of the rotor urging member 40, 41 into an advancing hydraulic chamber 24 formed between the shoe 22 and the vane 23. Thus, it is not required to provide an urging member storage chamber for assembling the rotor urging member 40, 41 as a separate component, and therefore it is possible to downsize the valve timing regulation device. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress wear on both ends of the rotor urging member 40, 41 due to friction with the shoe 22 and the vane 23 by the holder members 38, 39.

Abstract: A variable valve actuating comprising a spring guide for use with a curved spring includes an elongate, curved guide member having a centerline. The centerline has a centerline curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the curved spring. The guide member has a first side having a side curvature. The side curvature is substantially equal to a curvature of the curved inside surfaces of the coils of the curved spring. The guide member is configured for being disposed within the curved spring such that the coils thereof substantially surround a periphery of the guide member.

Abstract: A valve moving apparatus of an internal combustion engine comprises an engine valve, a valve spring, a spring seat supporting an end of the valve spring and a cam driving the engine valve to open. A valve spring set load changing device in the valve moving apparatus comprises the spring seat including a base seat and a support seat movable relatively to the base seat, an actuator generating drive force in accordance with an operational condition of the engine and a manipulating mechanism transmitting the drive force to the support seat. The actuator and the manipulating mechanism are positioned outside of the spring seat. When the support seat is rotated by a predetermined amount by the drive force transmitted through the manipulating mechanism, the support seat moves also in direction of expansion and contraction of the valve spring to change set load of the valve spring.

Abstract: It is proposed to lessen the weight and improve the mechanical strength of a retainer of a valve open-close mechanism driven by an electromagnetic actuator used in an automotive internal combustion engine. The electromagnetic actuator is mounted in a housing mounted on an internal combustion engine body. A first stem has its tip abutting the valve, which is provided with a retainer and carries a first coil spring. A second stem is provided on the other side of an armature. The second stem has a retainer. Between this retainer and the housing, a second coil spring is mounted. At least one of these parts is made of a metal smaller in specific weight than iron or its alloy. Each retainer has a boss and an arcuate corner portion having a radius of curvature R of 1.0 mm or over between a spring abutting surface and the boss to relieve stress concentration.

Abstract: To operate a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine, a valve operating mechanism comprises a valve spring retainer which has a taper bore, a pair of cotters which is inserted in the bore to support the poppet valve, and a valve spring between the valve spring retainer and a cylinder head. There is provided means for preventing the cotters from falling out the bore.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: To operate a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine, a valve operating mechanism comprises a valve spring retainer which has a taper bore, a pair of cotters which is inserted in the bore to support the poppet valve, and a valve spring between the valve spring retainer and a cylinder head. There is provided means for preventing the cotters from falling out the bore.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface of the outer flange is radially and inclined towards the valve spring to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A valve gear controls a gas exchange in an internal-combustion engine with a valve spring which holds a valve in its required position at all times and is clamped between a valve head and a valve-spring support. The valve spring support is adjustable in the direction of the valve axis. The adjustable valve-spring support includes two nested setting rings (2, 3) which are rotatable in opposite directions.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer (30) for operatively retaining a return spring (28) on a stem (20) of a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine. The retainer (30) includes a retainer flange (50) extending annularly about and radially from a hole (52) on a central axis A to an outer periphery for engaging the top of a spring (28). A ring (56) is disposed below the flange (50) and extends about the axis A for surrounding the valve stem (20). An inner portion (58) extends cylindrically about the axis A and axially between the ring (56) and the flange (50). A plurality of slots (61) extend radially from the hole (52) to the periphery and divide the flange (50) and the inner portion (58) into sectors (S) leaving the ring (56) to interconnect the sectors (S). The retainer (30) is characterized by the slots (61) being formed to extend radially at a wide width x and with each of the sectors (S) including a limit projection (63) at the periphery to define a narrow width (Y).

Abstract: The valve stem (20) extends through the ring (56) and the hole (52) in the flange (50) of a retainer (30) and a spring (28) surrounds the stem (20) and engages the flange (50) in the axial direction and a skirt portion (60) in the radial direction. The retainer (30) is characterized by the skirt portion (60) having a waist diameter (W) and first and second annular extending surfaces (62 and 64) respectively extending axially in opposite directions from the waist diameter (W) at an included waist angle of less than 180° relative to one another as the skirt portion (60) is viewed in cross section. The root diameter (R) is larger than the waist diameter (W) and the root diameter (R) is also larger than the distal end diameter (D), but the distal end diameter (D) is larger than the waist diameter (W). The distal end diameter (D) and the ring (56) are radially aligned, i.e., aligned horizontally, and the skirt portion (60) is spaced radially from the ring (56) to define a void or recess (66) therebetween.

Abstract: It is proposed to lessen the weight and improve the mechanical strength of a retainer of a valve open-close mechanism driven by an electromagnetic actuator used in an automotive internal combustion engine. The electromagnetic actuator is mounted in a housing mounted on an internal combustion engine body. A first stem has its tip abutting the valve, which is provided with a retainer and carries a first coil spring. A second stem is provided on the other side of an armature. The second stem has a retainer. Between this retainer and the housing, a second coil spring is mounted. At least one of these parts is made of a metal smaller in specific weight than iron or its alloy. Each retainer has a boss and an arcuate corner portion having a radius of curvature R of 1.0 mm or over between a spring abutting surface and the boss to relieve stress concentration.