Rocker Patents (Class 123/90.39)
  • Patent number: 8479694
    Abstract: The finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a rod which moves longitudinally to lock both arms. The rod is transversely mounted in the follower. In order to avoid premature locking, each arm has a chamfered surface on a top wall to force the rod out of engagement with the arm during upward movement of the arms, to protect premature movement of the rod from an unlocked position to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeff Villemure
  • Patent number: 8474425
    Abstract: The finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a rod which moves longitudinally to lock both arms. The rod is transversely mounted in the follower. In order to avoid premature locking, a clip is employed with tabs that interact with end surfaces of the arms so as to prevent premature movement of the rod from an unlocked position to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lutz Kirbach
  • Patent number: 8468988
    Abstract: Provided is a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can favorably reduce electric power consumption in a vehicle system that may stop the internal combustion engine during power-up of the vehicle system. A changeover mechanism 90 is provided which is capable of switching between a connection state in which a first rocker arm 96 and a second rocker arm 98 are in connection with each other via a changeover pin 112, 118 and a disconnection state in which the connection is released. The changeover mechanism 90 performs energization of actuators 130 for each cylinder in a case in which fuel supply to the internal combustion engine 12 is stopped in response to an establishment of a predetermined stop condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nishikiori, Yasuyuki Shibata, Shinya Misaka
  • Patent number: 8464677
    Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes a high cam and a low cam fixed side by side to a camshaft, an outer body pressed by the rotation of the high cam, and has a crossbar formed at the bottom of the front end, an inner body, of which the front end protrudes further than the outer body, the lower front end is provided with a valve member, the upper rear end is hinged to a lost motion hinge shaft coaxially with the rear end of the outer body, and the lower rear end is pivotally connected to a hinge member, and a latching portion inserted into the inner body and selectively connected to the crossbar of the outer body to move the inner body dependent on movement of the front end of the outer body, wherein the lost motion hinge shaft is disposed in the same direction as a hinge point between the inner body and the hinge member with respect to the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byong Young Choi, Young Hong Kwak, Gee-Wook Shin, Yoonsik Woo, Jin Kook Kong, Soo-Hyung Woo
  • Publication number: 20130146008
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly to provide either cylinder deactivation or reduced valve lift. The rocker arm assembly includes inner and outer portions that are rotatably connected to one another. In one state, the inner and outer portions are locked together to provide traditional valve lift. In a second state, the inner portion is allowed to rotate relative to the outer portion to deactivate the cylinder or provide reduced valve lift. Bearings on both the inner and outer portions provide rolling contact with corresponding cam shaft features. A hydraulic system provides transition between the first and second states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Ira R. Stoody
  • Patent number: 8459219
    Abstract: A variable valve device includes: a drive shaft (1) that rotates in synchronization with a crankshaft of an engine; a drive cam (13) provided on the drive shaft (1); a rocker cam (6) pivotally supported on the drive shaft (1); an engine valve that is driven to open and close by the rocker cam (6); a rocker shaft (7) disposed parallel to the drive shaft (1); a rocker arm (3) pivotally supported on the rocker shaft (7); a first link (4) that links the rocker arm (3) and the drive cam (13); a second link (5) that links the rocker arm (3) and the rocker cam (6); and a rocker shaft position modifying means (27) for modifying an operating angle and a lift of the engine valve by varying a position of the rocker shaft (7) relative to the drive shaft (1), wherein the position of the rocker shaft (7) relative to the drive shaft (1) is modified such that within a predetermined operating angle range of the engine valve, a variation of a maximum lift of the engine valve accompanying control of the operating angle is suppr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Fukami, Tsuyoshi Arinaga, Shinichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 8448618
    Abstract: A variable valve lift device equipped with a swing arm variably lifting an exhaust valve or an intake valve may include an outer body in which a mounting groove is formed in the middle portion thereof, an inner body mounted inside the mounting groove of the outer body and with a rear end thereof pivotally-connected to the outer body in the outer body, and a latching portion formed in the outer body and the inner body and fixing or releasing a front end portion of the inner body to the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ju Hun Lee, Jei Choon Yang, Gee Wook Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 8448619
    Abstract: The bearing for a rocker arm assembly has rolling elements positioned between an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve for supporting the radial load between the support pin and the rocker arm and an inner and outer bearing wall that abut one another and supports the axial load in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ross Gresley, Richard Baker, Marion Ince, Mike Turner
  • Patent number: 8434440
    Abstract: A switchable finger lever for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever comprising an inner lever comprising on an underside on one end, a support for a gas exchange valve and on another end, a contact surface for a head of a support element, said inner lever being flanked by outer arms which are articulated for pivoting relative to the inner lever on a side of the one end, at least each of said outer arms comprising on an upper side, a cam contacting surface, said inner lever comprising directly next to the contact surface a coupling device for an optional connection of the outer arms to the inner lever, said coupling device comprising a cross-bore in which two coupling slides are arranged diametrically opposite each other, which coupling slides for effecting coupling engage partially in or under an entraining surface arranged on the respective outer arm ending in this region, and the at least one restoring spring being likewise arranged in the region of the another end while being cl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeff Villemure
  • Patent number: 8430072
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling valve displacement of an internal combustion engine comprises a rocker arm having a first arm portion and a second arm portion, said rocker arm being pivotable about a pivot interposed between said first and second arm portions. The apparatus further comprises an actuation arrangement adapted to actuate said first arm portion of said rocker arm and a valve arrangement adapted to be actuated by said second arm portion of said rocker arm. A damper arrangement is pivotably connected to said first arm portion and adapted for damping movement of said rocker arm around said pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Burkhard, Udo Schlemmer-Kelling, Jurgen Nagel
  • Patent number: 8408174
    Abstract: A rocker arm for a tappet pushrod valve train, which has a contact surface for a gas exchange valve on an underside at one end and a first bore in which a hydraulic lash adjusting element is arranged at another end. A second bore extends transverse through the rocker arm, between the ends. From the second bore, a passage leads to the first bore. A venting passage extends from a bottom of the bore at the another end and has an outlet aligned with the primary passage. A secondary passage branches from the venting passage and has an opening that extends to an upper side of the rocker arm and is situated in a longitudinal channel. The channel extends along the upper side and into a region on the one end. From the region, the hydraulic medium can be routed through an end passage to the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 8402933
    Abstract: A rocker arm changeover device for an engine includes a major rocker arm to drive intake or exhaust valves. A driven rocker arm is arranged in line with the major rocker arm. A changeover pin is movable within a first pin hole and a second pin hole and to change between engagement and disengagement of the major and driven rocker arms. The first pin hole coaxially matches the second pin hole through rocking motions of the major and driven rocker arms. A first pin is movable within the first and second pin holes between a disengagement position at which the first pin is retracted into the first pin hole and an engagement position at which the first pin protrudes from the major rocker arm. A second pin is movable relative to and coaxially with the first pin within the first pin hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Hayashi, Masataka Ikawa
  • Patent number: 8387575
    Abstract: In a variable valve apparatus, a second connector has a fifth side surface located below a fourth side surface and further away from a second side surface than is the fourth side surface, so that a width in a direction along a rocker shaft is narrower in a lower portion adjacent to an inlet valve than in an upper portion adjacent a slipper surface. A guide surface is provided in a lower portion of the fourth side surface and includes an arc that is shorter than a semicircle, and coaxial and equal in radius with an engaging hole. Thus, even when a connecting pin is advanced in a state of a through-hole and the engaging hole not being in precise alignment, the forward end of the connecting pin is guided through the guide surface into the engaging hole. An extended period can therefore be secured for advancing the connecting pin, to improve the certainty of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8375905
    Abstract: A valve train for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft, a valve-operating cam for operating an engine valve, and a link mechanism for swinging the valve-operating cam. The valve train also includes a holder member operable to turn around the camshaft, and a drive mechanism operable to turn the holder member for varying positions of the link mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a ball screw provided perpendicularly to the camshaft, a slider threadably engaged with the ball screw, an arm member swingably attached to the slider, and a connecting bolt having one end secured to an arm-connecting portion of the arm member, and the other end secured to the holder member. In such movable valve train for an internal combustion engine, the holder member and the drive mechanism are connected to each other with a small and lightweight configuration, requiring a minimal number of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Masaki Cho, Takahiro Imafuku, Natsue Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8375909
    Abstract: A reciprocating lever for a valve train assembly is provided, including a receiving portion and at least one retaining feature. The receiving portion is for selectively receiving a member that is actuated by the reciprocating lever. An actuation direction is also included and is defined by an actuation axis, wherein the reciprocating lever selectively actuates the member. The at least one retaining feature is located at the receiving portion of the reciprocating lever. The at least one retaining feature is configured to selectively engage with and limit relative movement of the member with respect to the reciprocating lever along the actuation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei D. Radulescu, James R. Sheren, Brian K. Vandeusen
  • Patent number: 8365691
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is described having a valve mechanism that comprises two cams 120,122 mounted coaxially and a summation lever 124 having cam followers 126, 127 in contact with both cams so as to move in proportion to the instantaneous sum of the lifts of the respective cams. A control spring 128 is provided to maintain contact between one cam profile and its respective follower(s), and a valve actuating rocker 114 having a stationary pivot and rotatably connected to the summation lever serves to open the engine valve 110 in dependence upon the movement of the summation lever, so as to enable the valve timing, valve lift and valve event duration to be adjusted by varying the phases of the two cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mechadyne PLC
    Inventor: Ian Methley
  • Patent number: 8360018
    Abstract: A V-type internal combustion engine having a variable valve train for keeping the height of the internal combustion engine low. Disclosed is a V-type internal combustion engine with a variable valve train that uses an actuator to vary the phase/lift amount of camshafts. The actuator is mounted on head covers for each of a plurality of cylinder blocks arranged in a V-shape. The actuator is attached to a lateral surface positioned opposite the offset direction of the head covers. In an embodiment, the actuator is attached to a lateral surface of the head covers and positioned close to the inside of the V banks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Masoki Cho, Takahiro Imafuku
  • Publication number: 20130019831
    Abstract: In a valve actuation apparatus of a multi-cylinder engine employing a drive shaft rotatably arranged to extend over a plurality of cylinders, a drive cam attached to the drive shaft, and a motion transmitter provided for each of the cylinders for converting a rotary motion of the drive cam into an oscillating motion, a rockable-cam structural member is provided for each of the cylinders in a state where a shaft is inserted through inner peripheries of the rockable-cam structural members, for operating engine valves by the transmitted oscillating motion. A plain bearing is provided in at least one axial position between the axially-spaced rockable-cam structural members. An inner periphery of the plain bearing is in contact with an outer periphery of the shaft, whereas an outer periphery of the plain bearing is in contact with an inner periphery of a bearing portion mounted on the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yamazaki, Noriomi Hosaka
  • Patent number: 8347839
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a bottom camshaft (1) and an electrohydraulic variable-lift valve actuation of a modular construction type is provided. The hydraulic unit (6) is assembled separately from the internal combustion engine and installed in or on the crankcase (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Berger, Thomas Kremer
  • Publication number: 20120312264
    Abstract: A finger follower lever for actuating gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a lever body formed by two parallel side walls spaced apart by a transversely extending web. The web forms a first, joint socket end as a pivotable support for the lever, and a second end with a valve actuating surface. A cam roller is rotatably held between the side walls via a needle ring of a needle bearing. The cam roller projects partially via an aperture in the web for cam contact. The cam roller is narrow, and the needle ring projects beyond the cam roller at one axial end, and ends directly adjacent to a corresponding side wall. The aperture has a cross section defined by an overlap between a first, cam roller pocket with an extent corresponding to the cam roller in the axial direction, and a second pocket for the needle ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Möck, Jochen Viertel
  • Publication number: 20120312265
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cam follower of which the structure is improved such that the limit load can be increased. The cam follower is one which moves relative to a cam, mediated by a liquid lubricant, wherein a plurality of recesses are provided on the contact surface of the cam follower which makes contact with the cam, and the depth of the plurality of recesses of the contact surface is between 0.005 and 0.03 mm. By providing the plurality of recesses on the contact surface of the cam follower which makes contact with the cam, the present invention makes it possible to improve the state of lubrication between the cam follower and the cam which move relative to each other mediated by the liquid lubricant and to reduce the heat and the wear which occur at the interface between the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Gi Kim, Keun Chul Song
  • Patent number: 8327814
    Abstract: A rocker arm may include a valve engagement region, a lift mechanism engagement region, a pivot region, and a body portion. The valve engagement region may be located at a first longitudinal end of the rocker arm and on a first side of the rocker arm. The lift mechanism engagement region may be located at a second longitudinal end of the rocker arm. The pivot region may be located between the valve engagement region and the lift mechanism engagement region and may define a rotational axis for the rocker arm. The body portion may extend longitudinally between and couple the valve engagement region, the pivot region and the lift mechanism engagement region to one another. The body portion may define first and second ribs on a second side of the rocker arm that extend longitudinally between the valve engagement region and the lift mechanism engagement region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Hatem Zakaria Orban, Robert S. McAlpine, Akram R. Zahdeh
  • Patent number: 8316807
    Abstract: An improvement is disclosed for an engine valve system with variable lift and duration of the type that includes two cams mounted coaxially, a summation rocker coupled to cam followers in contact with both cams and movable in proportion to the instantaneous sum of the lifts of the respective cams, and a valve actuating rocker pivotably coupled to the summation rocker and serving to open an engine valve in dependence upon the movement of the summation rocker. In the invention, at least one of the couplings of the summation rocker with the cam followers and with the valve actuating rocker incorporates an adjustable eccentric which is rotatable to enable the clearance within the valve system to be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ian Methley, Nicholas James Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8312851
    Abstract: A switchable finger lever (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided. The finger lever includes an inner lever (2) with a U-shaped cross-section having, on one end (3), outer arms (4) which are made separately from each other and are pivotable relative to the inner lever (2). The outer arms extend, while flanking outer walls (6) of the inner lever (2), in a direction of the other end (5), and have on upper sides (7), running surfaces (7a) for high-lift cams. A support (10) having integrally connected lateral guide tabs (11) for at least one gas exchange valve extend on an underside (8) of a crossbar (9) of the inner lever (2) in a vicinity of the one end (3). An insert (12) having a contact surface (13) for a head of a support element is installed on the another end (5) between side walls (14) of the inner lever (2), and has a coupling slide (15) for an optional connection of the outer arms (4) to the inner lever (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8312849
    Abstract: In a dual intake valve arrangement for an internal combustion engine, a variable valve lift system controls two intake valves for one or more engine cylinders. In each cylinder, one of the intake valves includes an associated two-step actuation device, and the other includes an associated valve deactivation device. To improve in-cylinder air flow turbulence, one valve may be operated in a high-lift or low-lift state while the other valve may be deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Roe, Jongmin Lee
  • Patent number: 8312850
    Abstract: 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, responsive to at least one engine parameter, may be coupled to 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Barry Braman
  • Patent number: 8297242
    Abstract: In an exhaust valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine the main rocker arm is mounted on a rocker arm shaft for normal valve operation via a cam element. A secondary rocker arm is mounted on the shaft for activation of an exhaust brake mode. The activation is achieved through supply of hydraulic pressure to a piston cylinder arrangement acting between the main and secondary rocker arms. A master piston and a slave piston are connected by a hydraulic-link allowing activation by increased hydraulic pressure. When activating the exhaust gas temperature increasing mode, the master piston is moved to an active position for part of its stroke against the force of a first resilient member. When activating the exhaust brake mode, the master piston is moved the full movement of its stroke against the combined forces of the first resilient member and a second resilient member as active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Per Persson, Göran Olsson
  • Patent number: 8297243
    Abstract: A switchable cam follower of a valve train of a combustion engine, which has an external lever that encompasses an internal lever between its arms. The levers are pivotally moveable relative to one another on an axis applied to a valve-side end. The cam follower also has a stop for a gas exchange valve on an underside on the valve-side end and on the other end has a complementary face for a support element. Additionally, the cam follower has a start face on an upper side for at least one high-lift cam. In one receptacle of one of the cams, a coupling element is seated, which can be brought into engagement in sections in case of coupling with a driving surface of the other lever. Further, a lost-motion spring is clamped between the two levers and is positioned in the region of the other end of the cam follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bogyu Kang
  • Publication number: 20120266836
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Arvan
  • Publication number: 20120266835
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Paul Harman
  • Patent number: 8291874
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting deviation of an engine and a continuously variable valve lift device including the same are provided. The apparatus for adjusting deviation of an engine includes an adjustment member connecting a rocker arm to plural output cams, respectively, to adjust lengths between the rocker arm and the output cams, respectively, so that the lengths become equal to or different from each other. The continuously variable valve lift device includes an eccentric cam shaft with eccentric cams installed on its outer periphery, a rocker arm rotatably installed on the eccentric cams to interlock with plural output cams, and apparatus for adjusting deviation provided on the rocker arm to adjust lengths between the rocker arm and the output cams so that the lengths become equal to or different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jei Choon Yang, Young Hong Kwak, Ki Uk Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim, Ki Young Kwon
  • Patent number: 8291875
    Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift device for a vehicle is provided, which includes a drive shaft rotating in association with a crank shaft and having a drive cam formed on an outer periphery thereof, a locker arm shaft provided apart from the drive shaft and having one end that supports a rocker arm rotating and rocking in association with the drive cam, output cams rotatably installed on the drive shaft to interlock with the other end of the rocker arm, and a variable drive part straightly moving the rocker arm shaft in a vertical direction of the rocker arm shaft to vary a valve lift. When a valve is shifted from the high-lift state to the low-lift state, a pumping loss is reduced to improve the fuel consumption ratio. Also, since an advance function is provided, an exhaust-side CVVT can be deleted to greatly reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jei Choon Yang, Byong Young Choi, Young Hong Kwak, Ki Young Kwon, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 8276556
    Abstract: A mechanism for compensating systematic uni-directional torque bias imposed on a bi-directional drive actuator shaft, comprising a pallet disposed on an arm for rotation with the actuator shaft. A bucket tappet is engaged by the pallet and contains a helical compression spring. As the actuator shaft rotates and compresses the spring, the load on the pallet increases linearly but the length of the lever arm changes non-linearly at a rate different from the force applied to the pallet. This results in a non-linear torque about the actuator shaft. The torque can be the same at the compression spring preload state as it is at the full load state or it can be biased to be unsymmetrical based on the layout and size of the components and the stroke of the actuator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Knauf, Jeffrey D. Rohe, Hermes A. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8267057
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a camshaft, a valve, a cam follower and a rocker arm. The cam follower is coupled between the camshaft and the valve. The rocker arm is coupled between the cam follower and the valve. At least one of the cam follower and the rocker arm is configured so as to move through an adjustable distance prior to transmitting motion for moving the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Racing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Schwitters
  • Patent number: 8267059
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable finger lever (1) comprising an inner lever (2) comprising on one end (4), a support (5) for a gas exchange valve and on another end (6), a contact surface (7) for a head of a support element, said inner lever (2) comprising on the one end (4), pivotable outer arms (8) made separately from each other, which outer arms (8) comprise on their upper sides (10), contacting surfaces (11) for high lift cams, a coupling device (12) comprising a coupling slide (13) for simultaneously connecting the outer arms (8) to the inner lever (2) being seated in a section of the another end (6) in the inner lever (2), which coupling slide (13) is seated in an oblong hole (14) extending transversely through the inner lever (2) as also in longitudinal direction of the finger lever (2), the coupling slide (13) comprises two end portions (15) which protrude beyond the outer walls (9),and for effecting coupling, the coupling slide (13) can be displaced with the two end portions (15) partially under
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Debora Manther, Jeffrey Shewell, Jeff Villemure
  • Patent number: 8261709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal-combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (10, 12, 14, 16) including intake means with an intake valve (22), exhaust means with an exhaust valve (32) and control means (40, 42) for controlling opening/closing of the valves, said control means comprising drive means (44) and means (56) intended for motion and load transmission between said control means and the valve to be controlled. According to the invention, motion and load transmission means (56) comprise a rocker arm (58) with at least two rockers (72, 74) disengageable from a pad (62) controlling the motion of said valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Thierry Colliou, Stéphane Venturi, Yoann Viollet
  • Patent number: 8251038
    Abstract: An insert for use in a remanufactured cylinder head rocker arm stand, the insert comprising an inner facing surface having a radius within a range of 35 to 45 mm and a length within a range of 70 to 103 mm, and an outer facing surface adapted for disposal against a channel in the rocker arm stand, the rocker arm shaft being disposed adjacent the inner facing surface in use, but not adjacent the rocker arm stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bach, Curtis Graham, Trent Simpson, Michael Bridges
  • Patent number: 8251028
    Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to favorably change valve-opening characteristics of a valve using a simplified configuration without leading to an increase in the number of components and also without causing an increase of friction due to sliding, in a valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which the valve-opening characteristics of the valve are variable. A changeover mechanism for switching the connection/disconnection of rocker arms disposed between cams and a valve is provided. When a slide pin reaches a displacement end in the retreating direction of changeover pin, the biasing force of a return spring acting on changeover pins is received by an engaging part between a notch part provided in the slide pin and a lock pin in a state separated from a camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Ezaki, Takashi Nishikiori, Akio Kidooka
  • Patent number: 8251030
    Abstract: A cover system for an internal combustion engine having an overhead valve or overhead cam configuration includes a cover attached to a head plate. The cover has sides extending from a top surface and terminating in a flange with an overhang. The overhang includes a catch. The head plate has sides extending from a bottom surface and terminating in a curl. The flange and the overhang are positioned adjacent to the curl with the catch engaging an end of the curl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Schneiker
  • Patent number: 8251031
    Abstract: In a four-cycle engine, the stiffness of a rocker shaft support portion is increased while avoiding an increase in the size of a cylinder head. The rocker shaft support portion that supports a rocker shaft is integrally formed on the cylinder head so as to be disposed between an engine valve and a camshaft as viewed from an axial direction of the camshaft and the rocker shaft. First reinforcement ribs are integrally disposed in a protruding condition on a plane orthogonal to an axis of a rocker shaft on a side face of rocker shaft support portions opposite a side of a camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsubakino, Shinsuke Yasui, Isao Azumagakito, Dai Koike
  • Patent number: 8251032
    Abstract: A switchable finger lever for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever comprising an inner lever comprising on an underside on one end, a support for a gas exchange valve and on another end, a contact surface for a head of a support element, said inner lever further comprising on the one end, axle stubs protruding on two sides of the inner lever, a first outer arm extending for pivoting relative to the inner lever on one of the axle stubs and a second outer arm extending for pivoting relative to the inner lever on another one of the axle stubs, said outer arms extending in direction of the another end while flanking outer walls of the inner lever and being made as separate parts from each other, a cam contacting surface being arranged on an upper side of each outer arm while, in the region of the another end, a coupling device for an optional connection of the outer arms to the inner lever is seated in the inner lever, and a restoring spring means for each outer arm acts at one end ag
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Debora Manther
  • Publication number: 20120210964
    Abstract: A high-efficiency mechanism for variable valve actuation with increased engine architecture applicability is described. The high efficiency mechanism introduces an intermediate lever having a secondary cam profile forming a variable oscillating cam between a rotating camshaft and a rocker arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: David M. BARNES
  • Patent number: 8245676
    Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift device of an engine may include a cam shaft having an eccentric cam formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cam shaft so that an oscillating outer-race wheel is coupled to and oscillatable along the eccentric cam, an output cam being rotably fitted to the cam shaft, a sliding shaft for varying the position of the output cam by moving straightly in a front and rear direction according to an engine operating condition, in which the sliding shaft has a deviation adjustment member which is formed to be eccentric toward an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a rocker arm rotably fitted to the deviation adjustment member and one end of which is rotably connected to the oscillating outer-race wheel and the other end of which is rotably engaged with the output cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jei Choon Yang, Byong Young Choi, Young Hong Kwak, Ki Young Kwon, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 8245680
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure supporting a camshaft and a valve lift mechanism. The camshaft may include a cam lobe and may define a longitudinally extending rotational axis. The valve lift mechanism may define a longitudinally extending cam engagement surface and a first side wall. The cam engagement surface may be engaged with the cam lobe at a first location. The first side wall may be fixed to the cam engagement surface and may include first and second portions. The first portion may extend from the cam engagement surface. The second portion may extend continuously inward from an end of the first portion. The inward extent of the second portion may be greater than or equal to a first height at the first location defined from the cam engagement surface to the end of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Hong Wai Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8240284
    Abstract: A rocker arm includes a roller rotatably mounted between two sidewalls thereof. The roller is pressed by a cam. The rocker arm also includes two washers that reduce a wobbling motion of the roller with respect to the cam. The washers guiding mechanism the rocking movement of the rocker arm in the up-and-down direction, thereby reducing wobbling motion of the rocker arm when an engine runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Otics Corporation
    Inventors: Masahide Sakurai, Naoki Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8240278
    Abstract: An engine brake may include a rocker shaft, a rocker arm pivoting around the rocker shaft, an actuator piston disposed to the rocker arm and selectively protruded there from, a stopper disposed to a corresponding position of the actuator piston for the rocker arm to open a valve when the actuator piston is protruded and a hydraulic pressure supply portion selectively supplying hydraulic pressure to the actuator piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Hee Jeon, Yong Wook Yu
  • Publication number: 20120199087
    Abstract: A rocker arm arranged between a camshaft and a valve which opens/closes an intake port or an exhaust port. A rolling bearing for supporting a support hole formed in a rocker arm is of a type of bearing wherein a plurality of needles are mounted on an inner side of an outer peripheral shell, and the outer peripheral shell is fixed to the support hole, the cam follower includes an outer ring which is supported on a periphery of a cam follower shaft which is held by a pair of left and right arm portions of the rocker arm by way of a plurality of rollers, a position of the outer ring and a position of the rollers in the lateral direction are restricted by the arm portion, and an outer diameter of the outer ring is set equal to or less than an inner diameter of the support hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ryuji TSUCHIYA, Nobutaka HORII
  • Publication number: 20120192818
    Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve variable actuation of engine valves. In one embodiment, a valve train for a split-cycle internal combustion engine or an air hybrid split-cycle engine is provided that includes a cam phaser, a dwell cam, an adjustable mechanical element for performing a variable valve actuation function, and/or a valve seating control device. The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can actuate inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, John Schwoerer, Joseph Paturzo
  • Patent number: 8230831
    Abstract: An exhaust valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine with at least one exhaust valve in every engine cylinder includes a main rocker arm mounted on a rocker arm shaft and a secondary rocker arm arranged on the main rocker arm and mounted on the rocker arm shaft for the activation of an exhaust brake function. A spring device is so arranged as to act between a fixed point on the engine and the secondary rocker arm, in such a way that the latter rocker arm is caused by the spring force to engage with the cam element of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastuaguar AB
    Inventors: Per Persson, Hans Bondeson, Anders Nobelius, Johan Grankvist
  • Publication number: 20120186549
    Abstract: A rocker or swing arm in a valve train of an internal combustion engine has a bearing bore pivotally supporting the arm on a hollow axis located in a fixed position in the engine. The valve train has a camshaft with cams for causing the arm to pivot. A hydraulic valve lash compensation element that acts on the tappet of a gas exchange valve connects to the arm. A supply line is arranged in the arm, and a radial opening connecting the hollow interior space of the axis to the supply line is arranged in the axis in the region of the arm to deliver hydraulic means through the hollow axis to the lash compensation element. According to the invention, a A labyrinth seal (35) surrounding the hollow axis without contact is arranged on the arm at each axial end of the bearing bore. The bearing space of the arm is laterally sealed by this means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schnell, Oliver Witter