Abstract: A submodule for a modular multilevel converter includes a plurality of power semiconductor switching units in a bridge circuit, at least one energy store for storing electrical energy, at least one continuous discharge resistor connected in parallel with the energy store, at least one mechanical bypass switch for bypassing connection terminals of the submodule in a closed state, and at least one control unit to control the power semiconductor switching units and the mechanical bypass switch. A method for carrying out fast and safe discharging of an energy store of a submodule in a modular multilevel converter uses the control unit to drive the power semiconductor switching units during closure or following closure of the mechanical bypass switch in such a way that the energy store is short-circuited via the closed mechanical bypass switch and via at least one of the power semiconductor switching units.

Abstract: In a clearance compensating device for an internal combustion engine with an internal part movably arranged within a guide duct of an external part for adjusting a clearance of an associated valve of the internal combustion engine, a pressure chamber, and a storage chamber which is hydraulically connected to the pressure chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid are associated with the interior part. Between the two chambers a one-way valve is disposed for applying an actuating force to the interior part relative to the external part. A feeding device is hydraulically connected to a blocking chamber for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the blocking chamber in order to exert a blocking force to the internal part acting in a direction opposite the actuating force under the control of a timing device the blocking force being modified depending on a cycle of the timing devices.

Abstract: In a clearance compensating device for an internal combustion engine with an internal part movably arranged within a guide duct of an external part for adjusting a clearance of an associated valve of the internal combustion engine, a pressure chamber, and a storage chamber which is hydraulically connected to the pressure chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid are associated with the interior part. Between the two chambers a one-way valve is disposed for applying an actuating force to the interior part relative to the external part. A feeding device is hydraulically connected to a blocking chamber for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the blocking chamber in order to exert a blocking force to the internal part acting in a direction opposite the actuating force under the control of a timing device the blocking force being modified depending on a cycle of the timing devices.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a camshaft for operating inlet and outlet valves of the engine with lift curves EV, AV of the inlet and the outlet valves determined by the shape of cams of the camshaft, an additional auxiliary cam which acts on the outlet valve is arranged on the camshaft, as a result of which a phase-offset auxiliary lift curve AVZ is impressed onto the outlet valve.