Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a valve actuating system which is operable to lift an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine and includes a lift characteristic changing mechanism for changing a lift characteristic of the intake valve or the exhaust valve. The control apparatus calculates a target operation value of the lift characteristic changing mechanism, and calculates a realizable range of the operation value which can be realized by the lift characteristic changing mechanism, based on a controlled variable that can be given to the lift characteristic changing mechanism and at least one parameter related to an environment surrounding the lift characteristic changing mechanism. If the target operation value is not within the realizable range of the operation value, the control apparatus calculates a new target operation value to be within the realizable range.

Abstract: A valve stroke control for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a control device for adjusting a valve stroke. It interacts with a camshaft and a control shaft. The control device is actuated by a hydraulic medium and has a first control element and a second control element movable relative to one another. The first control element is sleeve-shaped and the second control element is received in the first control element. A rocker lever is acted on by the camshaft. The first control element is supported on the rocker lever and the second control element is supported on the control shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a valve system for an internal combustion engine, in which a rocker shaft required to have a higher stiffness has a larger diameter. A rocker shaft on an intake side is formed to have a larger diameter than that of a rocker shaft on an exhaust side, and therefore, it is possible to ensure such stiffness as to compensate for an excess in weight and to improve valve operating characteristics of a valve system.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes an inner rocker arm and an outer rocker arm. The outer rocker arm includes two rail portions spaced a distance apart and forming an open space therebetween. The inner rocker arm is pivotably connected to the outer rocker arm such that it is at least partially within the open space. The inner rocker arm includes a locking pin housing containing two locking pins selectively engageable with holes in each of the rail portions to selectively prevent relative movement between the inner rocker arm and the outer rocker arm. The rocker arm assembly enables two-step valve operation and has a design characterized by compact size and improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A valve system has a piston mounted in a cylinder in one of first and second rocker arms and is adapted to be forced by a return spring, and an engagement projection formed in the other one of the first and second rocker arms and is adapted to abut the piston to cause both of the first and second rocker arms to move in conjunction with each other. The return spring is disposed eccentrically with respect to the piston in such a direction as to get away from the engagement projection. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient stiffness of a power transmitting section of the valve system and a sufficient valve lift.

Abstract: Mechanical controls for continuously varying the length of the stroke of the valves in an internal-combustion engine and for maintaining the valves constantly closed while the engine is in operation while simultaneously varying how long the valve or valves remain open, whereby the valves are actuated by rocker levers that are in turn actuated by an angled lever, whereby the positions of the levers are varied in order to vary the length and duration of the stroke.

Abstract: An output from each of output rods is converted into an assisting force via a corresponding one of rollers, while an outer peripheral surface of each of the rollers moving together with a control shaft serves as a conversion plane. This output is applied to the control shaft. Hence, as the control shaft is moved in such a direction as to increase valve lift amounts of intake valves, the assisting force can be correspondingly increased. Thus, a suitable assisting force that can act against a thrust force can be applied to the control shaft. As a result, there is no apprehension that a minimum hydraulic fluid pressure will not be ensured on the side of a larger valve lift amount or that responding properties in movements of the control shaft will deteriorate.

Abstract: A valve actuating apparatus for an internal combustion engine selectively operating in the normal Otto cycle or the Miller cycle is provided which enables the engine to achieve stable combustion and improved fuel economy during cruising or in a low-load engine operating region. A delayed-closing cam for Miller cycle operation and a normal cam having a cam profile for earlier valve-closing timing of the intake valve than a cam profile of the delayed-closing cam are provided on a camshaft. A cam profile-switching mechanism switches between the delayed-closing cam and the normal cam, for opening and closing the intake valve. An ECU controls the switching mechanism such that when a detected operating condition of the engine indicates starting or idling, the intake valve is operated by the normal cam, and when the detected operating condition indicates cruising, the intake valve is operated by the delayed-closing cam.

Abstract: An overhead camshaft internal combustion engine is disclosed having a valve mechanism which comprises an intake or exhaust poppet valve 14 having a valve stem operated by two cams 16 and 18 mounted for rotation about a common axis. A first rocker 20 mounted on a pivot shaft 26 acts between the first cam 16 and the valve 14. A second rocker 28 is mounted in the engine on a fixed pivot shaft 30 and acts between the second cam 18 and the pivot shaft 26 of the first rocker 20, to raise and lower the pivot point 26 of the first rocker 20 cyclically in synchronism with the rotation of the second cam 18.

Abstract: In order to improver a response of a rocker arm by reducing a moment of inertia of the rocker arm around a pivot portion thereof, the invention provides a rocker arm comprises a metal-plate-made rocker arm main body including a pivot portion and a valve stem guide portion respectively formed in the longitudinal-direction two end portions thereof. In the provided rocker arm, the center-of-gravity position of the rocker arm main body is set at a position shifted to the pivot portion side from the longitudinal-direction center thereof. Moreover, The clearance between a pair of opposing side wall portions formed in the valve stem guide portion is set narrow so that the center-of-gravity of the rocker arm main body can be set at a position shifted to the pivot portion side from the longitudinal-direction center thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism of retaining a rocker lever ball socket on a rocker lever ball. The mechanism provided is a retaining cap which is adapted to fit over and securely engage to the socket through a tab and groove arrangement and is made of a slightly elastic material and includes a restricted opening sized smaller than the fullest diameter of the rocker lever ball. During assembly, the retaining cap first interlocks with the socket by a tab and groove arrangement, and the lever ball is then pushed through the restricted opening. The restricted opening, being slightly elastic, enlarges to allow passage of the ball and retracts to a size smaller than the ball so that it is retained thereon.

Abstract: A valve-operating mechanism includes cam followers carried on an engine body 1 with their tip ends being in sliding contact with the cam, rocker arms integrally connected to the cam followers and carried on the engine body coaxially with said cam followers with their tip ends being connected to valves, and valve springs for biasing the valves in closing directions. In the valve-operating mechanism, auxiliary springs are connected to the cam followers for biasing and turning the cam followers in the same directions as directions in which the valve springs bias and turn the rocker arms through the valves. Thus, a couple of forces generated over the axis of the cam follower and the rocker arm due to biasing force of the valve spring can be offset in a valve-closing process.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes an inner rocker arm and an outer rocker arm. The outer rocker arm includes two rail portions spaced a distance apart and forming an open space therebetween. The inner rocker arm is pivotably connected to the outer rocker arm such that it is at least partially within the open space. The inner rocker arm includes a locking pin housing containing two locking pins selectively engageable with holes in each of the rail portions to selectively prevent relative movement between the inner rocker arm and the outer rocker arm. The rocker arm assembly enables two-step valve operation and has a design characterized by compact size and improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A variable lift cylinder valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a poppet valve operated by a rocker arm which is articulated about a translational pivot having its placement determined by a control shaft which operates a control arm in contact with the translational pivot such that rotation of the control shaft produces translational motion of the pivot so as to control the lift ratio of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A cam cover gasket 207 is provided which includes a generally compliant first material 210 having an upper surface for contact with a cover 200 and a lower surface for contact with an engine head 2, a generally rigid bracket frame of a second material 222 connected with the first material 210, and a solenoid actuator 232 connected with the second material 222.

Abstract: There is provided a support device for a rocker arm, which is capable of suppressing deformation or wear of a washer, and greatly improving the working efficiency in assembling the washer to the rocker arm. The support device supports the rocker arm having a supported portion, for driving an engine valve of an internal combustion engine. A rocker shaft is supported between a pair of shaft holders arranged in the cylinder head, for pivotally supporting the rocker arm thereon via the supported portion. A washer has engaging pieces, and is attached to one of opposed ends of the supported portion of the rocker arm and one of the shaft holders, in a manner interposed between the opposed ends. The one of the opposed ends is formed with an annular engaging portion for having the washer engaged thereon via the engaging piece.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable finger lever (1) comprising a fork-shaped outer lever (2) between whose arms (3a, 3b) a fork-shaped inner lever (4) is arranged for pivoting relative thereto. The outer lever (2) comprises on an underside (6) in the region of its one closed end (7), a support (8) for the gas exchange valve. The inner lever (4) comprises on the underside (6) on the opposite end (9), a complementary surface (10) for a support element, and on the side of the one end (7), a cam contacting means (12). The latter extends on an axle (13) that is fixed in the outer lever (2). The two levers (2, 4) can be coupled and uncoupled at the opposite end (9) by a transversely displaceable coupling element (5). In this way, a switchable finger lever (1) is obtained that can also be designated as a “buckling” lever and, due to its configuration, has only a small design space requirement.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of ensuring reliable holding of a valve by an actuator, and attaining energy saving by efficient operation of the actuator. The valve timing control system controls valve-closing timing of a valve opened by a cam provided on a camshaft, by temporarily holding the valve. A response delay of the actuator is predicted as a response delay prediction value. Output timing is set in which a drive signal for driving the actuator is output, according to the predicted response delay prediction value. Holding timing is controlled in which the valve is held by the actuator, by outputting the drive signal to the actuator, based on the set output timing.

Abstract: To provide a rocker arm of a design effective to avoid occurrence of a loosening of the adjustment screw to ensure a proper operation of the internal combustion engine including the control of the opening of the valve body on the engine cylinder head, the rocker arm 1 is of a type capable of being rockingly driven by a cam 2 for selectively opening and closing a valve of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm 1 includes an arm body 4 prepared from a steel plate by means of a press work to have a generally inverted U-shaped section. The arm body 4 has one end formed with an internally threaded hole 12 into which an adjustment screw 7 is threaded. This adjustment screw has one end defining a pivot piece 7b or a valve drive piece 7Ab. Two nuts 13 and 14 are threadingly mounted in overlapping relation to each other on one end portion of the adjustment screw 7 protruding outwardly from the arm body.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head camshaft bearing ladder 210, is provided which includes a first body with an aperture to facilitate threaded connection 202 of the body to a cylinder head 2 with a cut out 212 for receiving a cam shaft 67, the first body also having a pocket 218, and a solenoid actuator 220 positioned within the pocket 218 for activating a switchable rocker arm assembly 9

Abstract: A rocker arm (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine which is pivoted on a support pin (10) about its axis (9), whereby a push rod (7) contacts one end section (5), and the valve shaft (8) of a gas exchange valve contacts the other end section (6). The mounting of the rocker arm (1) on the support pin (10) takes place through two radial roller bearings (16) spaced at a distance from each other, whereby in a manner in accordance with the invention, an additional axial roller bearing (17, 18) is incorporated into the rocker arm bearing arrangement to prevent sliding friction.

Abstract: A valve deactivation assembly (21) comprises part of the valve gear train for an internal combustion engine, and is disposed in a bore (55) defined by the A engine block (11B). The assembly (21) includes a latching mechanism (67) shiftable, in response to control fluid pressure, between latched and unlatched conditions. The assembly (21) includes an outer body member (53), having an outer cylindrical surface (53S), reciprocable within said the bore (55), the outer body member including a lower terminal portion (55L). The outer body member defines an annular sealing groove (75) which remains aligned within the bore (55), between the lower terminal portion (55L) and a passage (72) communicating control fluid pressure the latching mechanism (67), as the outer body member reciprocates. There is also a fluid passage (77) disposed to communicate a source (79) of low pressure to the annular groove (75), to thereby form a barrier to block the migration of air to the control pressure passage (72).

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.

Abstract: A valve operating device of an internal combustion engine, capable of varying the lift, the opening and closing angle of the intake valves. What makes it unique is that the camshaft is not fixed to the cylinder head, but it oscillates around a shaft, and by means of this oscillation, the valve lift and duration are changed. A command shaft changes the angular position of the camshaft holders and thus the camshaft position. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft and rotates inside the camshaft holder. The cams drive intermediate arms. Rocker arms are driven by the intermediate arms and, in turn, drive the valves.

Abstract: An engine has a first camshaft having a power input portion at one end thereof and a second camshaft interlocked and connected with the first camshaft at one end portion thereof have axes which are parallel with each other and are rotatably supported on a cylinder head and in which a driven gear meshing with a drive gear provided at the other end portion of one of the first and second camshafts is provided on an auxiliary device drive shaft connecting to an auxiliary device mounted on an engine main body including the cylinder head, wherein an axis of the auxiliary device drive shaft is disposed between the first and second camshafts at a position closer to the cylinder head than a straight line connecting the axes of the two camshafts.

Abstract: A valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve. A first cam is rotated to move the engine valve from the first position to the second position during a first lift period. A second cam is rotated to affect movement of the engine valve between the first position and the second position during a second lift period. A phase shifting device is operatively connected to the second cam and is adapted to adjust the rotational phase of the second cam relative to the first cam, thereby adjusting the relative timing between the first lift period and the second lift period.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A valve clearance adjustment mechanism for use in small internal combustion engines such as, for example, side valve engines and overhead valve engines, which generally include intake and exhaust valves actuated by lifters pivotally mounted within the engine housing, which in turn are actuated by cam lobes driven in timed rotation with the crank shaft. An adjustment member is provided for mounting each lifter to a shaft, wherein the adjustment member is eccentric relative to the shaft, such that rotation of the adjustment member modifies the position of the lifter and in turn modifies the valve clearance between the lifter and the valve. After the valve clearance has been properly set, the adjustment member is fixed in position.

Abstract: The invention concerns the fixing of a bearing shaft (6) in a reception bore (1.3) of a housing, at least one end of the shaft being adapted to be swaged to the reception bore (1.3) for achieving at least one of a force locking and a positive engagement, and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft (6) having a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the ends (6.2) of the shaft The novel shaft is carbonitrided, quenched and tempered so that at first a hardness of HV 745-950 (HRC 62-68) is realized, following which the thus treated shaft (6) is soft annealed to produce a hardness of HV 212-305 (HRB 93-HRC30), and the outer peripheral surface is then subjected to induction hardening to achieve a final hardness of HV 745-950 (HRC 62-68). The shaft of the invention has a long operating life even under high load conditions.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam lobe is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central cam lobe, preferably a high-lift lobe. An elongate shaft extends through a transverse bore in the slider member and through a slotted passage in the slider member. In the follower body, the shaft is provided with bearings supporting first and second lateral roller followers on opposite sides of the body for variably engaging first and second preferably low-lift lateral cam lobes flanking the central cam lobe. A lost-motion spring urges the slider member into contact with the central lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body such that the follower follows the motion of the central cam lobe.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly for cooperating with high-lift and low-lift cam lobes of an engine camshaft. The rocker arm assembly includes a follower body for engaging an hydraulic lash adjuster and a valve stem. A central well contains a roller for following the central low-lift cam lobe. Pivotably mounted on the body are lateral high-lift followers, including sliders or rollers, for following the lateral high-lift cam lobes. A latch block disposed on the body surface is slidable by piston and spring means between first and second positions to engage and thereby alternatively latch and unlatch the high-lift followers. In latched position, the rocker arm assembly acts in high-lift mode; in unlatched position, in low-lift mode.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable finger lever (1) comprising a fork-shaped outer lever (2) between whose arms (3a, 3b) a fork-shaped inner lever (4) is arranged for pivoting relative thereto. The outer lever (2) comprises on an underside (6) in the region of its one closed end (7), a support (8) for the gas exchange valve. The inner lever (4) comprises on the underside (6) on the opposite end (9), a complementary surface (10) for a support element, and on the side of the one end (7), a cam contacting means (12). The latter extends on an axle (13) that is fixed in the outer lever (2). The two levers (2, 4) can be coupled and uncoupled at the opposite end (9) by a transversely displaceable coupling element (5). In this way, a switchable finger lever (1) is obtained that can also be designated as a “buckling” lever and, due to its configuration, has only a small design space requirement.

Abstract: A valve control system for controlling both the amount of valve lift (FIG. 7B) and the timing of the valve lift (FIG. 7A) of an internal combustion engine poppet valve (19). The system includes a rocker arm (37) having an engagement surface (69) and a cam member (51) disposed for to and fro movement relative to a camshaft (27) and having a cam surface (71) in generally face-to-face relationship to the engagement surface (69). A first cam follower (55) engages the cam profile (29) on the camshaft, and a second cam follower (61,70) is disposed between the engagement surface (69) and the cam surface (71), and is connected to the first cam follower (55) by a rigid follower linkage (59). A control arrangement (63) changes the to and fro position of the cam member (51) to vary valve lift, and an adjustable timing linkage (57) moves the first cam follower, to advance or retard the valve timing.

Abstract: A piston-type internal-combustion engine having deactivatable, mechanically actuated cylinder valves that are respectively actuated by at least one camshaft via a roller drag lever (5) comprising two partial levers (5.1, 5.2) that are hinged to one another via an articulated shaft (6), on which the roller (7) associated with a cam (8) of the camshaft is rotatably seated. A locking mechanism (13) is provided to selectively couple or decouple the two partial levers (5.1, 5.2) to activate or deactivate the force transmission between the camshaft and the cylinder valve. The free end 5.11 of one partial lever (5.1) is supported on the cylinder valve (2), and the free end 5.21 of the other partial lever (5.2) is supported on the engine block (11).

Abstract: A valve stroke control for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a control device for adjusting a valve stroke. It interacts with a camshaft and a control shaft. The control device is actuated by a hydraulic medium and has a first control element and a second control element movable relative to one another. The first control element is sleeve-shaped and the second control element is received in the first control element. A rocker lever is acted on by the camshaft. The first control element is supported on the rocker lever and the second control element is supported on the control shaft.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly for cooperating with high-lift and low-lift cam lobes of an engine camshaft. The rocker arm assembly includes a follower body for engaging an hydraulic lash adjuster and a valve stem. A central well contains a roller for following the central low-lift cam lobe. Pivotably mounted on the body are lateral high-lift followers, including sliders or rollers, for following the lateral high-lift cam lobes. A latch block disposed on the body surface is slidable by piston and spring means between first and second positions to engage and thereby alternatively latch and unlatch the high-lift followers. In latched position, the rocker arm assembly acts in high-lift mode; in unlatched position, in low-lift mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the stroke of a valve that is actuated by a camshaft having at least one cam is provided. A valve lever having an outer lever and an inner lever is provided and has a first end region supported on a fixed component, and a second end region for actuating a valve. The U-shaped outer lever includes two arms and a crosspiece that faces the fixed component. At least one of the arms is provided with an abutment surface for contacting the at least one cam. The inner lever is mounted on a free end of the outer lever between the arms, and has an abutment surface, for contacting cams, that is disposed between the mounting axis of the inner lever on the arms and the support of the first end region of the valve lever on the fixed component. A blocking device is provided for fixing the crosspiece of the outer lever on an end of the inner lever remote from the valve, this end being supported on the fixed component and containing the blocking device.

Abstract: A control device for an intake valve of an internal combustion engine comprising an adjusting element and a control element. According to the invention, the adjusting element comprises a base body (2) and is displaceably arranged between the control element and the valve. The control element rotates during the operation of the control device. Rotating control element circumferential areas with contours that vary in the circumferential direction are provided as control cams throughout the rotating control element. Force introduction areas KEB (6, 7), which are positioned in a non-uniform manner, and a force transfer area KUB (3) are provided on the base body (2) of the adjusting element. Switching means for the alternately M contacting assignment of the KEB areas (6, 7) are provided on the different control cam areas of the control element The aim of the invention is to enable the largest possible number of different controls for an engine valve.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam lobe is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central cam lobe, preferably a high-lift lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body such that the follower follows the motion of the central cam lobe. When the latch member is disengaged from the slider member, the slider member slides within the follower body. The body is provided with a stud extending from an upper surface thereof and formed as an extension of the passage for supporting the slider over a greater length thereof such that a counter-torque moment on the slider in the passage is reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a support device for a rocker arm, which is capable of suppressing deformation or wear of a washer, and greatly improving the working efficiency in assembling the washer to the rocker arm. The support device supports the rocker arm having a supported portion, for driving an engine valve of an internal combustion engine. A rocker shaft is supported between a pair of shaft holders arranged in the cylinder head, for pivotally supporting the rocker arm thereon via the supported portion. A washer has engaging pieces, and is attached to one of opposed ends of the supported portion of the rocker arm and one of the shaft holders, in a manner interposed between the opposed ends. The one of the opposed ends is formed with an annular engaging portion for having the washer engaged thereon via the engaging piece.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central high-lift lobe. A lost-motion spring urges the slider member into contact with the central lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body, causing the follower to follow the motion of the central cam lobe. When the latch member is disengaged, the slider member slides within the follower body, allowing lateral rollers to follow lateral cam lobes. The lateral rollers may be supported on the body by a rotatable cross-shaft or a fixed cross-shaft, or by a pair of fixed stub shafts, or by a pair of fixed bearing races.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of ensuring reliable holding of a valve by an actuator, and attaining energy saving by efficient operation of the actuator. The valve timing control system controls valve-closing timing of a valve opened by a cam provided on a camshaft, by temporarily holding the valve. A response delay of the actuator is predicted as a response delay prediction value. Output timing is set in which a drive signal for driving the actuator is output, according to the predicted response delay prediction value. Holding timing is controlled in which the valve is held by the actuator, by outputting the drive signal to the actuator, based on the set output timing.

Abstract: a generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam lobe is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central cam lobe, preferably a high-lift lobe. An elongate shaft extends through a transverse bore in the slider member and through a slotted passage in the slider member. In the follower body, the shaft is provided with bearings supporting first and second lateral roller followers on opposite sides of the body for variably engaging first and second preferably low-lift lateral cam lobes flanking the central cam lobe. A lost-motion spring urges the slider member into contact with the central lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body such that the follower follows the motion of the central cam lobe.

Abstract: A pivoting or rotating mounted rocker arm, for a valve train in an internal combustion engine, fitted with a mechanical valve play adjuster element, for the independent setting/adjustment of a first pre-set valve play between rocker arm and valve stem end. The valve play adjuster element comprises a hollow cylinder mounted in the rocker arm in a rotating manner, with planar surfaces (slide patches) formed around the hollow cylinder circumference and a turning spring which turns the slide patches in a predetermined direction. The independent rotation of the slide patches is prevented by contact of the relevant rear surface edge of the planar surface on the valve stem end, so long as a second given valve play is not reached.

Abstract: The rocker arm (2), obtained from a shaped element (30) made of metallic material, comprises surfaces (15,18) for engagement with a tappet (3) and with a stem (20) of a valve, respectively, and a portion (7) for mounting of a rotatable roller (8) able to co-operate with a cam-type actuating member (4). According to the invention, the surface (15) is formed in an insert (25) produced separately and fixed to the rocker arm. This constructional solution is particularly advantageous when the design constraints, determined by the position of the other elements of the valve train, require a substantial alignment between the center (A) of the surface (15) engaging the tappet, the center (B) of the roller and the contact (C) surface engaging the valve stem (20).

Abstract: A piston-type internal-combustion engine having deactivatable, mechanically actuated cylinder valves that are respectively actuated by at least one camshaft via a roller drag lever (5) comprising two partial levers (5.1, 5.2) that are hinged to one another via an articulated shaft (6), on which the roller (7) associated with a cam (8) of the camshaft is rotatably seated. A locking mechanism (13) is provided to selectively couple or decouple the two partial levers (5.1, 5.2) to activate or deactivate the force transmission between the camshaft and the cylinder valve. The free end 5.11 of one partial lever (5.1) is supported on the cylinder valve (2), and the free end 5.21 of the other partial lever (5.2) is supported on the engine block (11).

Abstract: An actuating system for a mode-switching rocker arm device includes an elongate actuator shaft having a central axis that is parallel with and spaced apart from a central axis of an engine camshaft. An actuator lever extends in a generally radial direction from the actuator shaft to engage a locking pin of the rocker arm device. A cam follower engages and is pivotally oscillated relative to the central axis of the actuator shaft by an actuator cam lobe of the engine camshaft. A clutch/brake assembly is associated with the actuator shaft and the cam follower. The clutch/brake assembly is operable to selectively transfer pivotal oscillation of the cam follower to pivotal movement of the actuator shaft and actuator lever to thereby translate the locking pin and cause the rocker arm device to switch mode.

Abstract: In a valve-operating system (D) for an internal combustion engine including a main valve lifter (11) lifted and lowered along with a valve (3), a subsidiary valve lifter (12) movable relative to the main valve lifter (11), a cam (15) for a low-speed capable of operating the main valve lifter (11) in a direction to open the valve, a cam (16) for a high-speed capable of operating the subsidiary valve lifter (12) in a direction to open the valve, and a connecting device (33) switched over between a non-connecting state in which the valve lifters (11, 12) are disconnected from each other, and a connecting state in which the valve lifters (11, 12) are connected to each other, a valve spring (22) for biasing the valve (3) in a closing direction is mounted between the valve (3) and an engine body (1), and a lifter spring (23) for biasing the subsidiary valve lifter (12) toward the cam (16) for the high speed is mounted between the subsidiary valve lifter (12) and the engine body (1).

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.