Rocker Patents (Class 123/90.39)
-
Patent number: 8656878Abstract: A cam follower for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The cam follower has a housing and a cam roller mounted in a recess of the housing for disengaging a cam of a camshaft. The cam roller is mounted radially on a bearing journal by a needle bearing that extends in the bearing bore thereof. The width of the needle bearing is significantly greater than the width of the cam roller in the region of the cam disengagement. The width of the needle bearing is also significantly greater than the width of the cam roller in the region of the bearing bore and significantly greater than the clear space between roller contact surfaces which delimit the recess and on which the cam roller runs axially with the end faces thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Stephan Moeck
-
Publication number: 20140041608Abstract: A switching rocker arm assembly can include an outer arm, an inner arm and a latch assembly. The outer arm can have one or more high lift lobe contacting surfaces, where each of the high lift lobe contacting surfaces has an uppermost point that defines an outer arm tangent plane. The inner arm can be pivotably secured to the outer arm and have a low lift lobe contacting surface. The low lift lobe contacting surface can have an uppermost point that defines an inner arm tangent plane that is parallel to the outer arm tangent plane. The inner arm tangent plane can be spaced from the outer arm tangent plane by a minimum distance. The latch assembly can be movable between a first configuration in which the outer arm rotates with the inner arm, and a second configuration in which the outer arm rotates independently from the inner arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventor: Austin Zurface
-
Publication number: 20140034001Abstract: Valve actuation systems are disclosed herein that allow valve closing timing to be varied using a lost-motion system. In some embodiments, an actuation system is provided that has a locked configuration in which a bearing element is held in place between first and second valve train components to transmit cam motion to an engine valve. The actuation system also has an unlocked configuration in which the bearing element is permitted to be at least partially ejected from between the first and second valve train components, such that cam motion is not transmitted to the engine valve. A number of valve train configurations are disclosed, including a pushrod with a translating follower, a pushrod with an end-pivoted follower, a center-pivoted rocker, an end-pivoted rocker, and a direct attack valve train with a bucket tappet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Riccardo Meldolesi
-
Patent number: 8635980Abstract: A deactivating rocker arm for use with a cam having at least one no-lift safety lobe is provided. Safety lobe contacting surfaces on the rocker arm are configured for contact with safety lobes during abnormal operation of the rocker arm. When the rocker arm is deactivated, the safety lobe contacting surfaces may come into contact with safety lobes when excessive pump-up of a lash adjuster brings the rocker arm undesirably close to the rotating cam. This contact limits the range of motion of the rocker arm during certain instances of abnormal operation, promoting more effective transition between deactivated and activated states and preventing damaging contact between the rocker arm and the cam lobe.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Kynan L Church
-
Patent number: 8635979Abstract: A drag lever for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The drag lever includes an oblong lever body formed of sheet metal material, wherein the lever body has a bottom and side walls integrally formed at an angle of about 90° onto the bottom on both sides. A first end section of the lever body includes a joint socket formed into the bottom between the side walls. The joint socket serves to pivotally moveably support the drag lever on a joint head mounted stationary in the internal combustion engine. A middle section of the lever body is provided with a cam gripping surface, and a second end section of the lever body has a contact surface extending on the bottom. The contact surface serves for actuating the gas exchange valve. The lever body is dimensioned so as to have essentially the same width in a cross section through the joint socket and in a cross section through the middle section.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Frank Himsel, Jochen Ott, Dirk Richter, Junichi Ichikawa
-
Publication number: 20140020654Abstract: A combined rocker arm apparatus for actuating auxiliary valve of engine, comprises an auxiliary actuator, a main rocker arm and a secondary rocker arm. The auxiliary actuator comprises an auxiliary rocker arm and an auxiliary cam. The auxiliary rocker arm and the main rocker arm are mounted on the rocker arm shaft in parallel. The auxiliary rocker arm is connected to the auxiliary cam at one end and adjacent to the secondary rocker arm at the other end. The auxiliary rocker arm includes a drive mechanism which provided with a piston. In the non-operation mode of the drive mechanism, the piston is drawn back, then the auxiliary rocker arm is disconnected with the secondary rocker arm; in the operation mode of the drive mechanism, the piston is pushed out, then the auxiliary rocker arm is connected with the secondary rocker arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Shanghai Universoon Auto Parts Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zhou Yang
-
Patent number: 8631775Abstract: A multi-mode valve control mechanism for an engine includes a primary cam follower rotatably mounted within a mount and having one end engaging a camshaft. One or more secondary cam followers are rotatably mounted within the mount and having one end engaging the camshaft. Each secondary cam follower is operatively coupled to a shaft. A follower is dedicated to each cam lobe. A frequency and a duration at which valves in a valve train are actuated is changed by activating only the primary cam follower in a first mode of operation, or activating both the primary cam follower and the one more than one secondary cam followers in a second mode of operation, depending on whether the control mechanism has been activated or not. In either mode of operation, the entire valve train assembly is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Adam Edgar Klingbeil
-
Patent number: 8627791Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. The primary rocker arm may actuate engine valves for primary valve actuation motions, such as main exhaust events, in response to an input from a first valve train element, such as a cam. The auxiliary rocker arm may receive one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions, such as for engine braking, exhaust gas recirculation, and/or brake gas recirculation events, from a second valve train element to actuate one of the engine valves. Master and slave pistons may be provided in the primary rocker arm. The master piston may be actuated by the auxiliary rocker arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robb Janak, Brian Ruggiero, Zdenek S. Meistrick
-
Patent number: 8627796Abstract: A dual body rocker arm comprising an outer arm, an inner arm, a substantially cylindrical pivot axle, a pivot foot and a first and second pivot foot retaining ring. The inner arm is disposed between side arms of the outer arm. The pivot axle is mounted to both the inner and outer arm. The pivot foot has a cylindrical axle interfacing surface and a valve tip interface. Retaining rings mount the pivot foot to the axle, allowing partial rotation of the pivot foot about the axle. Interfering protrusions on the retaining rings limit the range of motion of the pivot foot. A pivot foot having at least one interfering block is configured to restrict motion of the pivot foot by interfering with at least one interfering tab.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Andrew Paul Harman
-
Publication number: 20140007832Abstract: To provide a rocker arm for a valve control apparatus of an automobile engine, which enables downsizing of the valve control apparatus and provides improved fuel economy of the engine. The rocker arm is provided with: a top plate; at least one upright wall section; a cam slide section, formed on top of the top plate, in contact with a cam mounted on a camshaft; a supporting member for rockably supporting the rocker arm about the rocking center of the supporting member; and a pad face, formed at the other end of the rocker arm, in contact with a valve system. Said at least one upright wall section has a smaller width than the top plate, and extends from the top plate at a substantially right angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.Inventors: Ken-ya Sugawara, Mamoru Kato
-
Patent number: 8607749Abstract: A camshaft including a carrier element and a cam, in which the carrier element is composed of carrier segments arranged axially one behind the other along a longitudinal axis such that the carrier segments are axially displaceable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GbmHInventor: Matthias Bechtold
-
Patent number: 8607759Abstract: A process for remanufacturing a cylinder head that includes a worn or damaged rocker arm stand adapted to receive a rocker shaft to which at least one rocker arm is mounted, the steps including machining a channel in a surface of the worn or damaged rocker arm stand, securing an insert into the channel, and machining the insert to form a remanufactured inner facing surface. The remanufactured cylinder head includes at least one rocker arm stand that has a machined channel with a remanufactured insert secured therein, the rocker shaft being disposed adjacent the inner facing surface, not the rocker arm stand.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Christopher Bach, Curtis Graham, Trent Simpson, Michael Bridges
-
Patent number: 8601989Abstract: In the present invention, control shafts (11A, 11B) having bodies (16A, 16B) and control arm parts (17A, 17B) extending from the bodies (16A, 16B) toward the outer side in the radial direction are rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of a drive camshaft (2). A cam follower (13) is oscillatably mounted to the control arm parts (17A, 17B) via a support shaft (25). Oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B) extending toward the position opposite to a drive cam (3) across a cam follower roller (27) are provided on oscillating cams (14A, 14B). A central shaft (26) of the cam follower roller (27) is connected to the oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B) by link arms (29A, 29B) of which both longitudinal ends are rotatably connected to the central shaft (26) of the cam follower roller (27) and the oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Ohsawa
-
Patent number: 8602000Abstract: An engine brake unit may include a rocker arm having a first space defined in a valve-pressing portion thereof, wherein the first space communicates with a supply passage, through which engine brake oil is introduced, a stopper fixedly provided above the first space of the rocker arm in a predetermined distance, an actuator located inside the first space and having a pressure piston, wherein the pressure piston is selectively raised by hydraulic pressure of the engine brake oil to butt against the stopper, thereby pressing a portion of the rocker arm downwards.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Seock Joong Yoon, Kyung Mo Kim
-
Publication number: 20130312686Abstract: A system for preloading a latch used in a variable valve actuation system for internal combustion engines is disclosed. It includes a rocker arm assembly having a first arm for operatively engaging the first cam for a first desired lift profile, and a second arm for operatively engaging the second cam for a second desired lift profile. A selectively-activatable latch to operatively latch the second arm with the first arm. An electronic control unit (ECU) communicates with an oil control valve that changes oil pressure to the latch to cause it to secure the arms together, or allow them to move independently. Due to the short time period required to operate the latch, the ECU provides a signal for the oil control valve to supply oil pressure or release oil pressure prior to the rocker arms being engaged with the base circle of the cams. This effectively preloads the latch causing it to react quickly and within the small time period allowed to latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Eaton Corporation
-
Publication number: 20130312688Abstract: A system for monitoring operation of an internal combustion engine having a rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The rocker arm assembly includes a first arm with a first end, a second arm also having a first end pivotally connected near the first end of the first arm, a latch that when latched secures the first arm relative to the second arm in a latched mode, and when unlatched allows the first arm to move relative to the second arm in an unlatched mode. The system also employing a sensor attached to one of the first and second arms that can detect when the arms are moving relative to each other, and adapted to provide a signal indicating the sensed movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Brian Karl VanDeusen
-
Publication number: 20130312687Abstract: A method of precision manufacture of an outer arm of a rocker arm assembly is performed by determining structures of a rough outer arm that would require precision processing and locations to support the structures as they are processed. Starting with at least one structure requiring precision processing, locations on the outer arm close to the structure to hold the outer arm during processing are determined that would cause minimal distortion of the outer arm during processing. The outer arm is then provided with clamping lobes at these locations. The clamping lobes of the outer arm are clamping into a fixture for manufacturing. The slider pad may now be precision ground while the outer arm is clamped in the fixture with minimal risk of distortion of the outer arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Eaton Corporation
-
Publication number: 20130312689Abstract: A switching rocker arm having an outer arm having a first end, a second end, a first and second outer side arm having slider pads that ride on a second cam is disclosed. The switching rocker arm also has an inner arm disposed between the first and second outer side arms. The inner arm has a first end, a second end and a bearing disposed between the first and second end adapted to ride along a first cam. The inner arm is pivotably secured adjacent its first end to the outer arm adjacent its first end. At least one arm has an over-travel limiter structure limits pivoting motion of the first arm relative to the second arm. The switching rocker arm also exhibits decreased lash as the bearing wears, and increased lash as the latch and slider pads wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Daniel Bennett Trudell, Andrei Dan Radulescu
-
Patent number: 8584632Abstract: A valve train device for switching a lift of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft. A cam group includes at least two cams disposed on the camshaft. At least one lever is mounted axially displaceably relative to the camshaft and is in contact with one of the at least two cams and includes an actuation region for a direct or indirect actuation of at least one gas exchange valve. An adjustment unit is operatively connected to the lever so as to displace the lever. The unit includes at least one rotatable adjustment shaft, at least one sleeve having at least one guide track mounted on the shaft non-rotationally and axially displaceably, an engagement element fixed to a housing and engaging permanently in the at least one guide track and supporting the at least one sleeve with respect to the housing, and a further engagement element.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: IAV GmbH Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und VerkehrInventors: Lutz Stiegler, Andreas Werler, Joerg Wutzler
-
Patent number: 8584630Abstract: A switchable roller finger follower for a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine. The switchable roller finger follower includes an elongated body, a cam follower, a locking pin assembly, lost motion springs and a shuttle pad assembly moving horizontally. The locking pin assembly includes a locking pin and hydraulic fluid supply channel, selectively locking and unlocking the shuttle pad assembly, allowing either a high lift or low lift profile to achieve contact with pre-determined profiles of a multi-lobe camshaft which, in turn, provides low lift or high lift operation of an associated gas exchange valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Kirk Siefker
-
Patent number: 8584631Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift system for actuating a combustion valve of an engine includes a camshaft having a camshaft lobe rotatable about an camshaft axis of rotation. A rocker assembly is pivotable for providing reciprocating motion to the combustion valve. A control shaft is rotatable about a control shaft axis of rotation such that rotation of the control shaft about the control shaft axis of rotation changes the position of the rocker assembly to vary the lift of the combustion valve. An actuator selectively rotates the control shaft between a minimum lift position and a maximum lift position. A bias spring surrounding the control shaft axis of rotation biases the control shaft only from the minimum lift position to a predetermined position which is intermediate the minimum lift position and the maximum lift position upon failure of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hermes A. Fernandez
-
Patent number: 8584640Abstract: The invention relates to a finger follower, or lever (1) of a valve train, for example of a piston-type internal combustion engine, with a lever body (2) having an end-sided base web (4), on which there is a spherical cap-shaped bearing cup (8) for an articulated mounting on a bearing pin of a housing-sided support element, said bearing pin terminating as a spherical cap; and on this base web is fastened a retaining clamp (9), engaging with an annular groove of the bearing pin, in order to secure the finger follower (1) on the support element in such a way that said finger follower can move to a limited extent.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Moeck, Michael Kress
-
Patent number: 8578898Abstract: A valve train control device, for use in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having a camshaft with a primary cam lobe, is provided herein and generally includes a primary cam follower positioned in an operational path between the primary cam lobe and a corresponding valve with the primary cam follower being constructed to follow the primary cam lobe while an auxiliary motion transfer device, having at least a portion responsive to at least one engine parameter, may be placed in a variable motion operational path including the primary cam follower to shift the primary cam follower relative to the primary cam lobe during at least a portion of the camshaft rotation to alter one or more valve operating parameters relative to a set of valve parameters defined by the primary cam lobe profile interacting with an unshifted primary cam follower.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventor: Barry Braman
-
Patent number: 8578901Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
-
Publication number: 20130291817Abstract: Provided is a cam follower apparatus that has excellent durability, assembly characteristics and freedom of design, and together with being able to reduce the size and weight, is able to reduce the manufacturing cost. Both end sections of a support shaft 3a are inserted into support holes 15b, 15c in support wall sections 12b, 12c, and the support shaft 3a is supported by the support wall sections 12b, 12c such that relative rotation is possible. An inner ring 16, having an outer diameter D16 that is greater then the inner diameter d15 of the support holes 15b, 15c, is fitted around the outer circumferential surface of the middle section in the axial direction of the support shaft 9a so as to be able to rotate together with the support shaft 9a.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Noda, Satoshi Hachisuka
-
Patent number: 8573170Abstract: A rocker arm assembly which has an anti-inversion part that prevents a support pin from inverting and, thus, ensuring proper orientation of the support pin, on which a rocker arm is rotatably mounted, is maintained. The anti-inversion part can be incorporated on the support pin, the inner sleeve or the outer sleeve and/or a combination of the support pin, the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Mark Sullivan, Jesse Myers, Richard Baker, Lutz Kirbach, Michael Turner, James Westbrook, Benjamin McAuley, William Carter
-
Publication number: 20130284136Abstract: A finger lever is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The finger lever comprises an inner lever, at least one arm pivotally coupled to the inner lever, and a coupling device operatively displaceable to control movement of the at least one arm relative to the inner lever. The coupling device includes a slide and a piston disposed in a longitudinal bore of the inner lever, the piston having an entraining slot in which at least part of the slide is received, and at least one biasing member arranged to bias the piston relative to the inner lever. The slide is constructed to be displaced in a coupled position or an uncoupled position. In the coupled position the slide is entrained by the at least one arm, and in the uncoupled position the slide is not entrained by the at least one arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeff Villemure, Jeffrey Shewell, Kirk Siefker
-
Publication number: 20130284135Abstract: A finger lever is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The finger lever comprises an inner lever, at least one arm pivotally coupled to the inner lever, and a coupling device operatively displaceable to control movement of the at least one arm relative to the inner lever. The coupling device includes a slide and a piston disposed in a longitudinal bore of the inner lever, the piston having an entraining slot in which at least part of the slide is received, and at least one biasing member arranged to bias the piston relative to the inner lever. The slide is constructed to be displaced in a coupled position or an uncoupled position. In the coupled position the slide is entrained by the at least one arm, and in the uncoupled position the slide is not entrained by the at least one arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeff Villemure, Jeffrey Shewell, Kirk Siefker
-
Patent number: 8567363Abstract: A motorcycle engine rocker arm stand having a pair of rocker arm assemblies spaced a distance “D” from each other effective to increase the “rocker arm ratio” and therefore the horsepower output of the engine. Each rocker arm assembly includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion oriented along an axis disposed at an acute angle to the axis of the first arm portion. Each rocker arm further includes a roller contact for engagement with the intake valve stem of the engine and an axially adjustable contact member for engagement with the engine's push rod. The axially adjustable contact member axis is disposed at a second acute angle with respect to the axis of the first arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Craig A. Christensen
-
Patent number: 8567368Abstract: To achieve further reduction in size and weight of a cylinder head in a four-cycle engine having a connection surface formed on the cylinder head to connect a head cover set so as to follow along a plane that is inclined so as to be spaced further away from a cylinder block toward a first side wall. A camshaft holder is integrally formed on a cylinder head so as to protrude from a connection surface as viewed from an axial direction of a camshaft. An intake port is disposed in the first side wall such that an upstream end thereof is disposed at the same position as part of the bearing portion in a direction along an axis of a cylinder bore. An exhaust valve has a stem end disposed at a position protruding from the connection surface as viewed in a direction along the axial direction of a camshaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiro Tsubakino, Shinsuke Yasui, Isao Azumagakito
-
Patent number: 8561585Abstract: A rocker arm unit constituting a valve gear includes a support member, a rocker arm including a roller and walls opposed to each other with the roller being interposed between them and a wire member bridging the support member side and the rocker arm side with each other. The walls have shaft holes into which both ends of a shaft member rotatably supporting the roller extend respectively. The walls have lengthwise ends connected to each other via a receiving portion supported on a top of the support member so that the rocker arm is swung. The wire member has an extending portion extending from the support member side to the rocker arm side and having a distal end. The rocker arm side includes a part located away from the receiving portion. The distal end of the extending portion serves as an engagement portion engaging the rocker arm side part.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: OTICS CorporationInventors: Tomoki Miyoshi, Masahide Sakurai, Naoki Hiramatsu, Toshimasa Sasaki
-
Patent number: 8555840Abstract: A variable valve device includes an outer body that a valve contacts at a side thereof, wherein an end of the other side is supported by a hydraulic lash adjuster, a bearing contacting a cam is formed in the center, and a stepped latching device insertion hole is formed in the center of the other side, an inner body that is located in the outer body, including a side portion that can rotate together with an end portion of the outer body around a valve stem shaft in the same axis, and the other portion is connected to a bearing shaft, a latching device that is inserted in the latching device insertion hole, and that selectively causes movement of the outer body depending on the movement of the inner body, and a lost motion spring that is formed outside of the outer body, and that provides an elastic force to enable the inner body to perform a lost motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Myungsik Choi
-
Patent number: 8555835Abstract: A switchable finger lever for a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the finger lever having an inner lever which cooperates at a valve-side end region with a gas exchange valve of the internal combustion engine and is connected at a support-side end region turned away from the valve-side end region pivotally to a support. Outer levers (1a, 1b) connected pivotally to the inner lever are arranged on both sides of the inner lever while being urged against the inner lever in a pivoting direction through a spring and being capable of being coupled to the inner lever through a coupling element. The outer levers (1a, 1b) are configured with an identical structure and each outer lever (1a, 1b) is configured symmetrically to the longitudinal lever axis (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Holger Pätzold, Joachim Krause
-
Publication number: 20130263806Abstract: A motorcycle engine rocker arm stand having a pair of rocker arm assemblies spaced a distance “D” from each other effective to increase the “rocker arm ratio” and therefore the horsepower output of the engine. Each rocker arm assembly includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion oriented along an axis disposed at an acute angle to the axis of the first arm portion. Each rocker arm further includes a roller contact for engagement with the intake valve stem of the engine and an axially adjustable contact member for engagement with the engine's push rod. The axially adjustable contact member axis is disposed at a second acute angle with respect to the axis of the first arm portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventor: Craig A. Christensen
-
Patent number: 8550047Abstract: A valve control synchronizing apparatus for an internal combustion engine for controlling opening and closing operations of an engine valve includes a synchronizing pin assembly selectively transferring pivoting movement from one or both of first and second adjacent rocker arms to a central rocker arm. The synchronizing pin assembly is received in a bore defined through the central rocker arm and at least partially into each of the first and second rocker arms. The synchronizing pin assembly bridges between the first rocker arm and the central rocker arm to transfer pivoting movement of the first rocker arm to the central rocker arm and bridges between the second rocker arm and the central rocker arm to transfer pivoting movement from the second rocker arm to the central rocker arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Marcus Odell, Masataka Ikawa, Yuji Matsumochi, Akira Terao, Yasutaka Hayashi
-
Patent number: 8544429Abstract: A valve control apparatus includes a variable mechanism configured to vary operating states of two intake valves by varying a swing range of a single swing cam; a primary swing arm configured to receive swinging force from the swing cam by becoming in contact with the swing cam, and configured to open/close one of the two intake valves; a secondary swing arm configured to open/close another of the two intake valves; and a connection changeover mechanism configured to connect/disconnect the primary swing arm with/from the secondary swing arm in accordance with an operating state of engine. The connection changeover mechanism disconnects the primary swing arm from the secondary swing arm to maintain the another of the two intake valves in a non-lifted state, when the variable mechanism controls a swing amount of the primary swing arm within a range below a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Seiji Tsuruta
-
Patent number: 8539920Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Scuderi Group, Inc.Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Clive Lacy, Anthony Perkins, Ian Gilbert
-
Publication number: 20130239919Abstract: A switchable roller finger follower is provided having an inner lever and two separate outer arms mounted at one end to a swing pivot axle that extends through the inner lever. A roller is mounted in the inner lever. The outer arms extend longitudinally along sides of the inner lever and include high lift cam contact surfaces. The inner lever includes a compression spring support extending out from each of the sides. The outer arms each include a corresponding spring support facing the respective spring support of the inner lever. A compression spring is located on each of the sides of the inner lever between the corresponding spring supports. A coupling arrangement is located between the inner lever and the outer arms which in a locked position, locks the outer arms in position on the inner lever, and in an unlocked position, allows the outer arms to pivot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventor: Debora Manther
-
Patent number: 8534250Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Scuderi Group, Inc.Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Clive Lacy, Anthony Perkins, Ian Gilbert
-
Patent number: 8534249Abstract: The rocker arm assembly has an anti-inversion part that prevents a support pin from inverting, ensuring proper orientation of the support pin, on which a rocker arm is rotatably mounted, is maintained. The anti-inversion part can be a washer, a plate, a plug, or a sleeve. The washer, which has a flat face and a curved face, is intended for use with a cylindrical support pin which matches the curved face of the washer. The plate can include various combinations of tabs, flanges, and/or protrusions that extend in different directions. The plug can resemble any desirable shape, and is removed prior to final assembly. The sleeve can be hollow and is removable.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Mark Sullivan, Jesse Myers, Richard Baker, William Carter
-
Publication number: 20130220251Abstract: A mechanically controllable valve drive includes a cylinder head, a valve lift adjustment device comprising a rocker arm, a pivoted lever assembly comprising an end surface, an engagement element, and a bearing means. The pivoted lever assembly is mounted in the cylinder head via the bearing means so as to be movable. A gas exchange valve is configured to have the pivoted lever assembly act thereon via the end surface. A positioning device is configured to engage on the rocker arm. A valve clearance is arranged between the rocker arm and the engagement element. At least one adjustment device is configured to provide a valve clearance adjustment. The engagement element of the pivoted lever assembly is operatively connected to the rocker arm of the valve lift adjustment device via a work curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Innovations GMBHInventor: Rudolf Flierl
-
Publication number: 20130220249Abstract: A hinged rocker arm includes a first wing including a first opening for receiving a rocker shall and a first contacting surface, and a second wing including a second opening for receiving the rocker shaft, the second wing including a second contacting surface When the first and second wings are mounted on the rocker shaft, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface are adapted to contact each other and thereby transfer a force in a direction transverse to an axis of the rocker shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: MACK TRUCKS ,INC.Inventor: John Lowe
-
Patent number: 8511267Abstract: While an operating angle or a lift of an engine valve (211) is modified within a predetermined operating angle range or lift range, variation in an opening timing of the engine valve (211) is suppressed by displacing a rocker shaft (216b) relative to a drive shaft (213) such that an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying angular variation in a straight line linking a center of the drive shaft (213) and a center of the rocker shaft (216b) and an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying variation in a distance between the center of the drive shaft (213) and the center of the rocker shaft (216b) cancel each other out.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Takemura, Toru Fukami
-
Patent number: 8511273Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a crankcase, two banks of cylinders projecting from the crankcase in a 56-57 degree V-configuration, a plurality of pushrods, and a plurality of camshafts supported by the crankcase. The two banks of cylinders include a first cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a first cylinder head, and a second cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a second cylinder head. The plurality of intake and exhaust valve pushrods extend between the crankcase and the first and second cylinder heads, driven by one intake camshaft and two exhaust camshafts.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: S & S Cycle, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey W. Burgess, Roy Meyer, Bill Swiggum, Dan Kinsey, Scott Sjovall, Joseph A. Gudgeon, Jeffrey Bailey, Kyle Ridlon, Michael J. Scaletta, Nathan L. Oium
-
Publication number: 20130206090Abstract: A method of manufacturing outer arms of a three arm spring over pivot switchable roller finger follower. The method includes the steps of forming the outer arms of the switchable roller finger follower as a single unit, forming a material web between the outer arms, and separating the outer arms apart from each other. Also, an intermediate assembly of the outer arms of the three arm spring over pivot switchable roller finger follower is disclosed. The intermediate assembly has a first outer arm, a second outer arm, and a material web which extends between the outer arms, and adjoins the outer arms together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KGInventor: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
-
Patent number: 8505509Abstract: The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine. For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Kyoung Pyo Ha, Jin Kook Kong, Woo Tae Kim
-
Patent number: 8499740Abstract: An engine braking system for vehicles may include a rocker shaft having a lubricating oil passage and a braking oil passage, a valve unit selectively supplying part of the oil supplied to the lubricating oil passage, into the braking oil passage, and at least one exhaust rocker arm, into which the rocker shaft is inserted and pivotal about the rocker shaft, wherein the at least one exhaust rocker arm has, therein, a first connection passage communicating with the braking oil passage and a first recess, a stopper fixed above the first recess, and an actuator housed in the first recess and including a pressing piston, wherein the pressing piston moves to contact the stopper by hydraulic pressure of the oil supplied from the braking oil passage into the first recess and thus presses the at least one exhaust rocker arm in a downward direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Seock Joong Yoon, Kyung Mo Kim
-
Patent number: 8495979Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising valve sets through which combustion air enters a cylinder is mixed with fuel for combustion therein and through which products of combustion exit. A valve train assembly comprises a drive rocker arm, including a first, proximal end in contact with a rotatable camshaft and a second, distal end in contact with a valve shaft of a first valve of a valve set and a driven rocker arm including a first, proximal end in contact with the drive rocker arm at a location that is adjacent to the first, proximal end thereof and a second, distal end in contact with a valve shaft of a second valve of a valve set. The drive rocker arm and the driven rocker arm operate to move the valves reciprocally from a closed to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gary J. Arvan
-
Patent number: 8490587Abstract: The present invention relates to a cam drive (1) having a camshaft and having cams (18, 18?)arranged thereon and having at least one rocker arm (3) which has a cam follower (2) and which is operatively connected by means of its first arm (4) to a plunger-like bearing (5) and by means of its second arm (6) to at least one gas exchange valve (7) of an associated cylinder. The cam drive (1) also has a device (10) for varying the lift of the at least one gas exchange valve (7). Here, it is essential to the invention that the device (10) is embodied as a clutch device which acts between the plunger-like abutment (5) and the rocker arm (3, 3?, 3?)and which has an actuating element (12) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (13) of the plunger-like abutment (5) at least between two positions, wherein a valve lift in a first, coupled position of the actuating element (12) is varied in comparison with a second, decoupled position.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Hale, Jonathan Hall, Hermann Hoffmann
-
Patent number: 8485149Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift apparatus includes a camshaft, a first cam disposed on the camshaft, a first valve opening/closing unit, a control unit transferring rotation of the first cam to the first valve opening/closing unit and adjusting valve lift of the first valve opening/closing unit, a second cam disposed on the camshaft and a second valve opening/closing unit constantly opened and closed by rotation of the second cam.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jang Heon Kim