Abstract: A device for actuating valves in an internal combustion engine comprise four valves (9, 10, 11, 12) inclined in a V configuration and a central spark plug (3) per cylinder (6), each cylinder (6) being associated with two pairs of valves (9, 10; 11, 12) inclined on each side of an axial plane (PP) of the cylinder (6), while a spark plug pit (4) is provided between the two valves (9, 10) of one of the pairs, roughly parallel to the latter, this device comprising a central camshaft (13) located in the vicinity of the axial plane (PP) and, for each cylinder (6), at least two rockers (14, 15). There is interposed between each rocker (14, 15) and the camshaft (13) a pushrod (21) parallel to the cylinder (6), and, for each cylinder, the pin (18) of the rocker(s) disposed on the same side as the pit (4) is carried, as the other pin (19), by two bearings (26) located on each side of the rockers (14, 15) and is disposed between the pit (4) and the axial plane (PP).

Abstract: The invention has for purpose to provide a simple and light device for actuating, with equal, and even zero, operating clearances, two valves having a rod associated with a single rocker. This device comprises a rocker (1) which is pivotally mounted on a shaft (2) and includes two arms (19, 20) terminating in bosses (21, 22) respectively bearing against the end (25, 26) of associated valve rods. The rocker (1) is slidably mounted on its shaft (2) and, in the region of each boss, one of the contacting surfaces of the boss or the end of the rod is curved in the shape of a substantially spherical dome, the other surface being planar or cylindrical, the two planar or cylindrical surfaces being inclined and disposed roughly symmetrically relative to a plane (P--P) perpendicular to the shaft of the rocker.