EP1119689A1 - Valve train assembly - Google Patents

Valve train assembly

Info

Publication number
EP1119689A1
EP1119689A1 EP99970148A EP99970148A EP1119689A1 EP 1119689 A1 EP1119689 A1 EP 1119689A1 EP 99970148 A EP99970148 A EP 99970148A EP 99970148 A EP99970148 A EP 99970148A EP 1119689 A1 EP1119689 A1 EP 1119689A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rocker arm
assembly
fulcrum
rocker
carrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99970148A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1119689B1 (en
EP1119689B2 (en
Inventor
Majo Cecur
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eaton SRL
Original Assignee
Eaton Automotive SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=11380809&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1119689(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Eaton Automotive SpA filed Critical Eaton Automotive SpA
Publication of EP1119689A1 publication Critical patent/EP1119689A1/en
Publication of EP1119689B1 publication Critical patent/EP1119689B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1119689B2 publication Critical patent/EP1119689B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/20—Adjusting or compensating clearance
    • F01L1/22—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically
    • F01L1/24—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically
    • F01L1/2405—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically by means of a hydraulic adjusting device located between the cylinder head and rocker arm
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02—Valve drive
    • F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
    • F01L1/047—Camshafts
    • F01L1/053—Camshafts overhead type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L1/181—Centre pivot rocking arms
    • F01L1/182—Centre pivot rocking arms the rocking arm being pivoted about an individual fulcrum, i.e. not about a common shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L1/185—Overhead end-pivot rocking arms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02—Valve drive
    • F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
    • F01L1/047—Camshafts
    • F01L1/053—Camshafts overhead type
    • F01L2001/0537—Double overhead camshafts [DOHC]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L2001/187—Clips, e.g. for retaining rocker arm on pivot
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L2001/188—Fulcrums at upper surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L2305/00—Valve arrangements comprising rollers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a valve train assembly for an internal
  • rocker arms which are mounted on a common pivot or axle and which
  • combustion engine comprises a valve train carrier having a plurality of
  • carrier may also have one or more camshafts mounted thereto.
  • Such an arrangement can be provided as a pre-assembled unit for
  • Each fulcrum may form part of a hydraulic lash adjuster. Accordingly,
  • associated fulcrum have co-operating part-spherical surfaces which permit not
  • the rocker arm has a part-spherical recess into which a
  • arm may be attached to the projection by means of a clip, possibly made of
  • the rockers are made of pressed sheet metal (with the final
  • rocker a roller with a wide surface which is flat in a direction parallel to the
  • the camshaft need not be so strong, and indeed it is possible to
  • rockers can be substantially identical, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. .Arrangements embodying the invention will now be described by way
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a prior art rocker arm
  • Fig. 2 is a side view, partly in section, of a rocker arm arrangement
  • Fig. 3 is a side view of the rocker arm of Figure 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a plan view of the rocker arm shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a section along the line V-V of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 6 shows is a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 7 is a section through a hydraulic tappet forming a fulcrum of the
  • Fig. 8 is a transverse section showing a valve train carrier of the
  • Fig. 9 is a plan view of the valve train carrier as shown in Fig. 7;
  • Fig. 10 is a side view showing another embodiment of a valve train
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view, from below, of a valve train carrier of
  • Fig. 1 shows a prior art rocker (B) made of pressed aluminium
  • rocker (B) carries other rockers arranged in a row.
  • One end of the rocker (B) is in contact with a cam (C) by means of a roller (R'), while the other end has a
  • the tappet has a spigot or projection (81) at the base acting on the head
  • a double row of camshafts (A') acts on convex surfaces of
  • Fig. 2 shows an example of a rocker arm arrangement according to the
  • the rocker (B) of the present invention is again a lever of the first
  • rocker (B) is a centre-pivoted rocker arm.
  • rocker (B) is a centre-pivoted rocker arm.
  • V valve (V) against the resilient force of a spring (M).
  • the rocker (B) shown in Figs. 3 to 6 is made up of two lateral flanges
  • the tappet (4) is fitted in its own fixed seat (45, Fig. 7)
  • rocker arm can rotate about an axis X (Fig. 4) and about the
  • Rocker (B) comprises at one end a transverse opening (15) into which
  • a pivoting trunnion (16) is fitted, the trunnion (16) having opposing recesses
  • (B) of the valve shaft which may vary depending on the type of engine.
  • roller (R) having needle bearings and located
  • Roller (R) is very simple, with a straight cylindrical outside surface
  • a resilient sheet (25) is used with flanges (26) folded back on themselves so that the lower section can be attached to the rocker flanges (see
  • the resilient sheet has an inlet (27) at the top for the purpose of
  • the sheet (30) may be
  • the projection or spigot (42) has a relatively
  • the aperture is elongate, with its longitudinal axis extended
  • cam shaft and valve cam shaft and valve.
  • alternative arrangements are possible.
  • the rocker arm could be fastened to the head (41) by means of a rivet
  • the head (41) possibly engaging therein by means of a screw thread or by a resilient enlarged portion which engages in an annular ridge within the recess.
  • fulcrum be fairly loose, and arranged so as not to inhibit the intended
  • Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the tappet (4), which keeps rocker (B)
  • fulcrum forms a plunger which is attached to a chamber (43) which slides in a
  • the oil is supplied through the inlet (50) and
  • Inlets (46) and (46') are provided in the spigot (42) for the purpose of
  • engine cylinder head has a lower head part (80) into which the valves (VI) and (V2) are installed. Their springs (M) are located in recesses (60) of the
  • valve train carrier formed by the cover (L)
  • one version may have hydraulic lash adjusters
  • rocker arms provided with rollers, and another, less-expensive one may
  • the camshaft is also fitted to the cover (L) during pre-
  • A2) are also preferably mounted to the carrier (L) before the entire assembly
  • the carriers (L) of either embodiment may have channels for

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Valve-Gear Or Valve Arrangements (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)

Abstract

A valve train assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a common carrier which supports the engine's rocker arms by means of individual fulcra each of which preferably forms a part of a hydraulic lash adjuster. Each rocker arm is constructed by deforming a metal sheet into a channel shape, the deformation also forming a part-spherical surface for mating with a surface of the fulcrum. The rocker arms can be snap-fitted on to the fulcra by means of an apertured, resilient sheet.

Description

VALVE TRAIN ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to a valve train assembly for an internal
combustion engine, and to rocker arms for such an assembly. The invention
is particularly but not exclusively related to arrangements in which the
number of parts in the assembly is reduced, in which various parts can be pre-
assembled to facilitate engine assembly, and in which various parts are made
more simply.
Various aspects of the invention are intended to deal with a number of
separate problems in existing arrangements. For example, internal
combustion engines which have a plurality of valves for each cylinder tend to
use rocker arms which are mounted on a common pivot or axle and which
therefore need to have differing lengths in order to match the differing
positions of the valves. It is therefore necessary to manufacture two different
types of rocker arms.
It is also common, particularly for centre-pivoted rocker arms, to have
an hydraulic lash compensation device mounted at the valve end of the rocker
arm, the device therefore being continually reciprocated. This requires a
complex machined oil distribution path and makes it more difficult to feed oil
to the lash adjuster. Furthermore, the components of the rocker arm are heavy
and therefore strong valve return springs are required, and the rocker shaft has to be strong and therefore of large diameter, and heat-treated to harden the
surface in order to resist wear.
Various aspects of the present invention are set out in the
accompanying claims.
In a preferred embodiment, a valve train assembly for a internal
combustion engine comprises a valve train carrier having a plurality of
individual rocker arm fulcra, and a rocker arm attached to each fulcrum. The
carrier may also have one or more camshafts mounted thereto.
Such an arrangement can be provided as a pre-assembled unit for
fitting to a cylinder head having valves mounted therein, thus substantially
facilitating the assembly of an engine.
Each fulcrum may form part of a hydraulic lash adjuster. Accordingly,
since the lash adjusters would be fixedly mounted to the carrier, they are more
easily supplied with oil, so that a smaller oil pump producing relatively low
pressure can be used.
In a particularly advantageous arrangement, each rocker arm and its
associated fulcrum have co-operating part-spherical surfaces which permit not
only the pivoting motion required for operating the valves, but also a degree
of rotation about the length of the rocker arm, to provide a self-adjusting
function. Preferably, the rocker arm has a part-spherical recess into which a
part-spherical projection is located. (In practice the profile of the recess may
comprise several, e.g. three, spherical segments of slightly different diameter tangential to each other, sometimes referred to as a gothic socket.) The rocker
arm may be attached to the projection by means of a clip, possibly made of
spring steel, which is fitted over the head of the projection. As the rocker
arms do not need to be fitted to rocker axles, they may be made smaller and
lighter compared to existing aluminium or steel rockers. In a preferred
embodiment, the rockers are made of pressed sheet metal (with the final
thickness possibly increased or decreased by the pressing operation to provide
suitable weight/strength properties), and their lightness enables the use of
lighter valve springs resulting in lower energy consumption.
Because of the self-adjusting arrangement mentioned above, it is
possible to arrange for contact between a driving cam and the rocker arm to
extend laterally over a large distance, for example by having mounted on the
rocker a roller with a wide surface which is flat in a direction parallel to the
roller axis. This provides a greater area of contact than existing rockers which
rotate about an axle, and which need a roller having a convex surface to
ensure proper contact. As a result of the reduction in stress by increasing the
area of contact, the camshaft need not be so strong, and indeed it is possible to
use cast iron instead of more expensive steel.
By appropriate positioning of the individual rocker arm fulcra, it is
possible to use rockers of equal length for all the valves. Accordingly, the
rockers can be substantially identical, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. .Arrangements embodying the invention will now be described by way
of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a prior art rocker arm;
Fig. 2 is a side view, partly in section, of a rocker arm arrangement
according to the invention applied to a valve;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the rocker arm of Figure 2;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the rocker arm shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a section along the line V-V of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 shows is a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 is a section through a hydraulic tappet forming a fulcrum of the
rocker arm;
Fig. 8 is a transverse section showing a valve train carrier of the
present invention, for controlling two rows of valves with a single central
camshaft:
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the valve train carrier as shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 10 is a side view showing another embodiment of a valve train
assembly in accordance with the invention; and
Fig. 11 is a perspective view, from below, of a valve train carrier of
the assembly of Fig. 10.
Fig. 1 shows a prior art rocker (B) made of pressed aluminium, and
comprising a lever of the first order mounted on a fixed axle (70), which also
carries other rockers arranged in a row. One end of the rocker (B) is in contact with a cam (C) by means of a roller (R'), while the other end has a
reciprocating and pivoting hydraulic lash adjuster, referred to also as a tappet
(80). The tappet has a spigot or projection (81) at the base acting on the head
of a valve (V). A double row of camshafts (A') acts on convex surfaces of
rollers (R').
Fig. 2 shows an example of a rocker arm arrangement according to the
present invention.
The rocker (B) of the present invention is again a lever of the first
order, i.e. it is a centre-pivoted rocker arm. However, the rocker (B) is
mounted on a tappet (4) placed between a first end of the rocker (B). which is
fitted with a roller (R) displaced and pushed against a cam (C) on the
camshaft, and a second end, which transmits the pressure to open the poppet
valve (V) against the resilient force of a spring (M).
The rocker (B) shown in Figs. 3 to 6 is made up of two lateral flanges
(12) and (12'), linked by an upper plate (13), with which it forms a U-shaped
section, and is formed by bending or stumping a sheet of steel.
In the process of pressing the rocker from sheet steel, a hemispherical
recess (14) is formed in the plate (13), suitable for mating with the
hemispherical head (41) of a spigot or projection (42) which is part of a lash
adjuster or tappet (4). The tappet (4) is fitted in its own fixed seat (45, Fig. 7)
formed by boring an aluminium cover (L) of the engine head. The cover (L)
constitutes a valve train carrier, and is discussed further below. Because of the co-operation of the part-spherical surfaces of the recess
(14) and the end (41) of the spigot (42) this spigot forms a fulcrum about
which the rocker arm (B) can reciprocate in order to operate the valve (V), and
around which the rocker arm may be laterally turned. It will be noted in
particular that the rocker arm can rotate about an axis X (Fig. 4) and about the
axis of the spigot (42). to provide a degree of self-adjustment for the purposes
set out below.
Rocker (B) comprises at one end a transverse opening (15) into which
a pivoting trunnion (16) is fitted, the trunnion (16) having opposing recesses
(17), one of which presses onto the head of the stem of the valve (V),
adjusting itself in accordance with the relative movement of the rocker arm
(B) of the valve shaft, which may vary depending on the type of engine.
At the other end is fitted roller (R) having needle bearings and located
on an axle (20) extending through openings (22) provided in flanges (12) and
(12').
Roller (R) is very simple, with a straight cylindrical outside surface
which closely fits the outside surface of cam (C) since as described above the
rocker, with its fulcrum on the hemispherical recess (14), automatically
compensates for any imperfection in transverse movement, thus making a
convex outside surface, as required in customary design, unnecessary.
In order to keep the trunnion (16) fixed in place at the first end of the
rocker, a resilient sheet (25) is used with flanges (26) folded back on themselves so that the lower section can be attached to the rocker flanges (see
Fig. 5). The resilient sheet has an inlet (27) at the top for the purpose of
lubricating the trunnion (16).
A second resilient sheet (30), with flanges (31) folded back on
themselves, is fitted over the hemispherical recess (14) to restrict relative
transverse movement of the spigot (42) of tappet (4). The sheet (30) may be
made of spring steel, and has an aperture which allows the rocker arm (B) to
be easily snap-fitted over the head (41) of the spigot (42) and thus attached to
the cover (L). The sheet (30) thus retains the rocker arm (B) on the cover (L)
without inhibiting any intended operational movement of the rocker arm.
In this embodiment, the projection or spigot (42) has a relatively
narrow neck leading to the enlarged, part-spherical head (41), so that the
aperture in the sheet (30), which has a diameter slightly larger than that of the
neck, can be used to hold the rocker arm in place. Preferably, as shown in
Fig. 4, the aperture is elongate, with its longitudinal axis extended
substantially parallel to the length of the rocker arm, so as to facilitate fitting
the rocker arm to the tappet (4), and to permit a degree of freedom of
movement in the longitudinal direction to ensure proper engagement with the
cam shaft and valve. However, alternative arrangements are possible. For
example, the rocker arm could be fastened to the head (41) by means of a rivet
or other member extending through the rocker arm into a recess at the end of
the head (41), possibly engaging therein by means of a screw thread or by a resilient enlarged portion which engages in an annular ridge within the recess.
In any event, it is desired that the means attaching the rocker arm to the
fulcrum be fairly loose, and arranged so as not to inhibit the intended
operational movement of the rocker arm.
Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the tappet (4), which keeps rocker (B)
pressed against one end of the valve head (V) by means of the pivoting
trunnion (16). and at the other end against the cam (C) by means of roller (R).
The spigot (42). carrying the hemispherical head (41) which forms the rocker
fulcrum, forms a plunger which is attached to a chamber (43) which slides in a
sleeve (44) inserted precisely into the seat (45) formed by boring in the cover
(L) of the engine block. Within the lower part of the chamber (43) is a high
pressure tappet chamber (47), whilst above is a plunger (48) which houses a
low-pressure oil reservoir (49). The oil is supplied through the inlet (50) and
channels (51 ) in the cover (L).
Inlets (46) and (46') are provided in the spigot (42) for the purpose of
lubricating the hemispherical end (41) which acts as the fulcrum.
By way of example, Figs. 8 and 9 show from the side and from above,
respectively, the arrangement of a valve control train using rockers (Bl), (B2),
... as described above, for operating valves VI, V2, ... in an internal
combustion engine with a single central camshaft (A).
Using such an arrangement facilitates the assembly of an engine. The
engine cylinder head has a lower head part (80) into which the valves (VI) and (V2) are installed. Their springs (M) are located in recesses (60) of the
lower head (80).
In a separate operation, the valve train carrier formed by the cover (L)
has fitted thereto the rocker arms (Bl) and (B2), together with any other
rocker arms required for the engine (see Fig. 9). This therefore forms a self-
supporting assembly which can be manufactured and sold separately from the
rest of the engine and provided in a pre-assembled state ready for fitting to the
engine. Thus, not only is the overall assembly facilitated by pre-assembling
the valve carrier, but the individual fitting of the rocker arms can be carried
out as a separate operation, so the final assembly of the engine is significantly
simpler.
If desired, a manufacturer can supply different versions of the valve
carrier, all for fitting to the same engine head, but made to different
specifications. For example, one version may have hydraulic lash adjusters
and rocker arms provided with rollers, and another, less-expensive one may
have mechanical lash adjusters and a fixed cam-engaging surface on the
rocker arms rather than rollers. This facilitates the production of different
types of engines, suited to the customer, while still enabling a simple
assembly procedure.
The location of the respective fulcra on the cover (L) can be selected
such that all the rocker arms may have the same length, and therefore can if
desired by constructed identically. Preferably, the camshaft is also fitted to the cover (L) during pre-
assembly.
Figs. 10 and 1 1. in which like reference signs represent like integers,
show an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which twin camshafts
(Al, A2) drive respective rows of rocker arms (B). The aluminium valve train
carrier (L) is best illustrated in Fig. 1 1 , which shows identical rocker arms (B)
mounted in two lines, the arms within each line being positioned in a
staggered arrangement so that they are suitably located for driving the inlet
and outlet exhaust valves. Although not shown in Fig. 1 1. the camshafts (Al,
A2) are also preferably mounted to the carrier (L) before the entire assembly
is fitted to the lower cylinder head of the engine.
The carriers (L) of either embodiment may have channels for
distributing oil to the valve trains; indeed, all the required oil channels may be
located in the carrier.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A valve train assembly for an internal combustion engine, the
assembly comprising a valve train carrier having a plurality of individual
rocker arm fulcra and a rocker arm attachable to each fulcrum.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1. wherein each fulcrum
forms part of a lash adjuster.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein each lash adjuster
is an hydraulic lash adjuster.
4. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each
rocker arm constitutes a lever of the first order.
5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each
rocker arm has a part-spherical surface for mating with a corresponding
surface of the fulcrum to which it is attached.
6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each
rocker arm has been formed by deformation of a sheet.
7. An assembly as claimed in any one claims 1 to 4. wherein each
rocker arm has been formed by deformation of a sheet, said deformation also
forming a part-spherical surface for mating with a corresponding surface of
the fulcrum to which the rocker arm is attached.
8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the
rocker arms are all of substantially the same length.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rocker arms
are substantially identical.
10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each
rocker arm is provided with a resilient apertured member for fitting over the
associated fulcrum in order to attach the rocker arm to the fulcrum.
11. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the assembly
also having mounted thereto at least one camshaft.
12. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the carrier
having formed therein channels for conveying oil to the fulcra.
13. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each
rocker arm carries a roller for engagement with a cam of a camshaft, and
wherein each roller has a substantially flat cylindrical outer surface.
14. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the carrier
supporting rocker arms for inlet and exhaust valves for a plurality of
cylinders.
15. An internal combustion engine having a valve train assembly
as claimed in any preceding claim, the engine comprising a plurality of
cylinders each having inlet and exhaust valves, said carrier supporting rocker
arms for said inlet and exhaust valves.
16. A method of assembling an internal combustion engine, the
method comprising:
(a) providing a valve train carrier having a plurality of individual
rocker arm fulcra;
(b) attaching a rocker arm to each fulcrum; and
(c) mounting the carrier with the attached rocker arms on a
cylinder head such that each rocker arm is brought into
functional relationship with a respective engine valve.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16. the method including the
step of mounting at least one camshaft to the carrier before mounting the
carrier on the cylinder head.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17. wherein each
rocker arm is mounted to a respective fulcrum by means of an apertured sheet
which is snapped-fitted over the fulcrum.
19. A rocker arm for an internal combustion engine, the rocker arm
having a part-spherical surface for mating with a corresponding surface of a
fulcrum which is arranged to permit reciprocation of the rocker arm in order
to operate a valve, the rocker arm further comprising means for attaching the
arm to the fulcrum.
20. A rocker arm as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rocker arm is
channel-shaped in section and has been formed by deformation of a sheet.
21. A rocker arm as claimed in claim 20, wherein the part-
spherical surface of the rocker arm has been formed by deformation of said
sheet.
22. A rocker arm as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21. wherein
the attaching means comprises a resilient, apertured member for fitting over
the fulcrum.
23. A rocker arm as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, the
rocker arm having a roller for engagement with a cam of a camshaft, the roller
having a substantially flat cylindrical surface.
24. A valve train assembly for an internal combustion engine, the
assembly comprising a plurality of rocker arms each arranged for pivoting
about a respective fulcrum, the rocker arms being of substantially equal
length.
25. An assembly as claimed in claim 24, including a common
carrier supporting the rocker arms by means of said fulcra.
26. An assembly as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein each
fulcrum forms part of a lash adjuster.
EP99970148A 1998-10-05 1999-10-05 Valve train assembly Expired - Lifetime EP1119689B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI982136 1998-10-05
IT1998MI002136A IT1302601B1 (en) 1998-10-05 1998-10-05 ROCKER EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC ELEMENT IN THE BELL FOR A VALVE VALVE TRAIN.
PCT/IB1999/001699 WO2000020730A1 (en) 1998-10-05 1999-10-05 Valve train assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1119689A1 true EP1119689A1 (en) 2001-08-01
EP1119689B1 EP1119689B1 (en) 2004-01-21
EP1119689B2 EP1119689B2 (en) 2010-04-07

Family

ID=11380809

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99970148A Expired - Lifetime EP1119689B2 (en) 1998-10-05 1999-10-05 Valve train assembly

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1119689B2 (en)
JP (1) JP4558938B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE258271T1 (en)
BR (1) BR9914635A (en)
DE (1) DE69914348T3 (en)
IT (1) IT1302601B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000020730A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2233704A1 (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-29 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Rocker arm holder for a valve drive of a combustion engine

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10041466B4 (en) * 2000-08-23 2008-10-09 Man Diesel Se Valve drive for gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
FR2821891B1 (en) * 2001-03-09 2003-05-23 Renault THERMAL ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD COMPRISING AN UPPER ELEMENT, FORMING CYLINDER COVER, WHICH CARRIES THE CAMSHAFT
DE60318836T2 (en) * 2003-07-23 2009-01-22 Eaton S.R.L., Rivarolo Canavese Metal clamp for rocker arm
DE10340944A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-04-28 Ina Schaeffler Kg valve train
DE102004005831A1 (en) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-25 Ina-Schaeffler Kg Connecting device for an actuating lever and a support element of a valve control of an internal combustion engine
JP4144625B2 (en) * 2006-01-19 2008-09-03 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Camshaft support structure for internal combustion engine
JP4238874B2 (en) * 2006-01-19 2009-03-18 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Camshaft support structure for internal combustion engine
DE102006002996A1 (en) * 2006-01-21 2007-08-02 Schaeffler Kg Rocker arms made of sheet steel
DE102006031031A1 (en) 2006-07-05 2008-01-10 Schaeffler Kg Lever-like cam follower of a valve train of an internal combustion engine
EP1881166A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-01-23 Schaeffler KG Switchable valve operating mechanism for a combustion engine
EP1881165A3 (en) * 2006-07-21 2009-12-16 Schaeffler KG Switchable valve operating mechanism for a combustion engine
JP4611964B2 (en) * 2006-12-05 2011-01-12 株式会社オティックス Rocker arm assembly module
DE102008022601A1 (en) 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Schaeffler Kg Lever-type cam follower i.e. rocker arm, for operating gas exchange valve of internal-combustion engine, has base part and side walls formed concave at its connection points in elevation direction of joint-socket
US8375909B2 (en) * 2009-01-30 2013-02-19 Eaton Corporation Rocker arm retention
JP5345075B2 (en) * 2010-01-08 2013-11-20 株式会社オティックス Rocker arm manufacturing method
DE102010013942A1 (en) 2010-04-06 2011-10-06 Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg Lever-like cam follower for actuating gas-exchange valve of internal combustion engine, comprises elongated lever body made of metal sheet material, which has side walls spaced from each other
DE102011005851A1 (en) 2011-03-21 2012-09-27 Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg Valve drive system for combustion engine, has switching valves in communication with hydraulic medium supply for unlocking or locking support members, and hydraulic medium supply formed within carrier for conducting hydraulic medium
GB2501876A (en) 2012-05-08 2013-11-13 Eaton Srl Hydraulic lash adjuster
US9482120B2 (en) * 2013-03-25 2016-11-01 GT Technologies Retention device for valve actuating mechanism
DE102014215129A1 (en) * 2014-08-01 2016-02-04 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Lever for the valve actuation of an internal combustion engine
DE112016001685T5 (en) * 2015-05-07 2018-01-25 Eaton Corporation VALVE TRAIN ASSEMBLY
DE112016001680T5 (en) * 2015-05-07 2018-02-15 Eaton Corporation Valve train assembly with deactivation
US9863291B2 (en) 2015-05-14 2018-01-09 GT Technologies Locator for use in a valvetrain of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine
ITUA20163586A1 (en) * 2016-04-29 2017-10-29 Gnutti Carlo Spa Valve drive system in endothermic engine
US11286818B2 (en) 2016-05-10 2022-03-29 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Modular rocker arm
WO2017216946A1 (en) * 2016-06-17 2017-12-21 日鍛バルブ株式会社 Mechanical lash adjuster
DE102022109243A1 (en) 2022-04-14 2023-10-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT87113B (en) * 1915-09-06 1922-01-25 Daimler Motoren Valve control for prime movers.
DE1260864B (en) * 1965-12-07 1968-02-08 Porsche Kg Air-cooled internal combustion engine
JPS5888412A (en) * 1981-11-20 1983-05-26 Honda Motor Co Ltd Overhead valve rocker mechanism
US4682575A (en) * 1986-03-31 1987-07-28 Ford Motor Company Low friction high speed rocker arm
US4762099A (en) * 1986-07-08 1988-08-09 Honda Giken Koygo Kabushiki Kaisha Valve actuating device of four-cycle internal combustion engine
US4913104A (en) * 1988-11-30 1990-04-03 Henley Manufacturing Corporation Rocker arm for operating two valves
JPH0397505U (en) * 1990-01-27 1991-10-08

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0020730A1 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2233704A1 (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-29 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Rocker arm holder for a valve drive of a combustion engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2002526707A (en) 2002-08-20
JP4558938B2 (en) 2010-10-06
DE69914348D1 (en) 2004-02-26
ATE258271T1 (en) 2004-02-15
ITMI982136A1 (en) 2000-04-06
WO2000020730A1 (en) 2000-04-13
BR9914635A (en) 2001-07-03
IT1302601B1 (en) 2000-09-29
DE69914348T3 (en) 2011-02-03
EP1119689B1 (en) 2004-01-21
DE69914348T2 (en) 2004-11-04
EP1119689B2 (en) 2010-04-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1119689B2 (en) Valve train assembly
US7617807B2 (en) Engine and valvetrain with dual pushrod lifters and independent lash adjustment
EP0608925A1 (en) Compact valve-lifters
EP0512698B1 (en) Adjustable valve system for an internal combustion engine
US5673661A (en) Valve lifter
CN101255808B (en) Engine/valvetrain with shaft-mounted cam followers
US5636600A (en) Rocker lever assembly for internal combustion engine
US7568459B2 (en) Valvetrain switchable lever arm for internal combustion engine using collapsing pivot element at center pivot
US6467166B1 (en) Method of forming a camshaft for an engine
US3626469A (en) Valve gear
US5211143A (en) Adjustable valve system for an internal combustion engine
CA1275016A (en) Engine rocker arm assembly
US5372097A (en) Self-lubricating cam follower
US5094197A (en) Timing system, particularly for an internal combustion engine with a number of valves per cyclinder
US4502427A (en) Rocker arm for axial engine
US9133766B2 (en) Internal combustion engine
EP1275824B1 (en) Modular valvetrain and cylinder head structure
EP0570963B1 (en) A valve control system for a variable-timing internal combustion engine, particularly for an engine with several valves per cylinder
US11828205B2 (en) Latch assembly and compact rocker arm assembly
US5596960A (en) Internal combustion engine
US4517935A (en) Device for transmitting movement
EP0129961B1 (en) Reciprocating internal combustion engine with valve train means
EP0444562A1 (en) Timing system, particularly for an internal combustion engine with a number of valves per cylinder
US6067948A (en) Device for actuating at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
EP0879936A1 (en) Heat engine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010504

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020424

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040121

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040226

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040421

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040421

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040421

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040502

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: INA-SCHAEFFLER KG

Effective date: 20040519

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041005

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041005

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041031

ET Fr: translation filed
PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: FORD-WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

Effective date: 20041021

Opponent name: INA-SCHAEFFLER KG

Effective date: 20040519

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: EATON S.R.L.

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040621

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20100407

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20041006

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8570

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180919

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180920

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180925

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: WAGNER & GEYER PARTNERSCHAFT MBB PATENT- UND R, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED, IE

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: EATON S.R.L., RIVAROLO CANAVESE, TURIN/TORINO, IT

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180819

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: WAGNER & GEYER PARTNERSCHAFT MBB PATENT- UND R, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69914348

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20191004

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20191004