The present disclosure relates generally to switching valvetrain systems.
Combustion cycles on four-stroke internal combustion engines can be modified to achieve various desired results such as improved fuel economy. In one method, the expansion stroke is increased relative to the compression stroke. The effect is sometimes referred to as a Miller Cycle or as an Atkinson Cycle. The Miller and Atkinson Cycles can be achieved by either closing the intake valve earlier than a normal or Otto Cycle (“Base”) with a shorter than normal intake valve lift duration (“EIVC”), or by closing the intake valve later by a longer than normal intake valve lift profile (“LIVC”).
Various systems have been developed for altering the valve-lift characteristics for internal combustion engines. Such systems, commonly known as variable valve timing (VVT) or variable valve actuation (VVA), improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and improve drive comfort over a range of speeds.
Discrete variable valve lift can be obtained through the use of switching rocker arm technology. Switching rocker arms allow for control of valve actuation by alternating between latched and unlatched states, usually involving an inner arm and an outer arm. In some circumstances, these arms engage different cam lobes, such as low-lift lobes, high-lift lobes, and no-lift lobes. Mechanisms are required for switching rocker arm modes in a manner suited for operation of internal combustion engines.
A rocker arm assembly constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes an outer rocker arm and an inner rocker arm. The outer rocker arm has a first roller configuration that rotates around a first axis. The inner rocker arm has a second roller configuration that rotates around a second axis. The inner rocker arm is configured to move between a latched and unlatched position relative to the outer rocker arm. One of the first and second axes is positioned for alignment over an engine valve. The other of the first and second axes is offset from the engine valve.
According to additional features, the rocker arm assembly further includes a lash adjuster (HLA) that cooperates with a first oil control valve (OCV) to provide hydraulic fluid to the rocker arm assembly and actuate a first latch associated with the inner rocker arm to move the inner arm between the latched and unlatched position. The first roller configuration of the outer rocker arm comprises a pair of rollers. When the inner rocker arm is latched, a single cam profile rests between the first and second roller configurations. When the single cam profile rotates, the engine valve is opened on one of the first and second roller configurations and closed on the other of the first and second roller configurations. When the inner rocker arm is unlatched, the single cam profile rests on one of the first and second roller configurations. When the single cam profile rotates, the engine valve is opened and closed on the second roller configuration. The inner and outer rocker arms provide asymmetric loading. The first axis is aligned with the engine valve.
A rocker arm assembly constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure includes an outer rocker arm and an inner rocker arm. The outer rocker arm has a first roller configuration that rotates around a first axis positioned for alignment over an engine valve. The inner rocker arm has a second roller configuration that rotates around a second axis. The inner rocker arm is configured to move between a latched and unlatched position relative to the outer rocker arm. When the inner rocker arm is latched, a single cam profile rests between the first and second roller configurations.
In other features, the inner and outer rocker arms are asymmetric. The first and second axes are offset. The rocker arm assembly further includes a lash adjuster (HLA) that cooperates with a first oil control valve (OCV) to provide hydraulic fluid to the rocker arm assembly and actuate a first latch associated with the inner rocker arm to move the inner arm between the latched and unlatched position. The first roller configuration of the outer rocker arm comprises a pair of rollers. When the single cam profile rotates, the engine valve is opened on one of the first and second roller configurations and closed on the other of the first and second roller configurations. When the inner arm is unlatched, the single cam profile rests on one of the first and second rollers. When the single cam profile rotates, the engine valve is opened and closed on the second roller configuration. The inner and outer rocker arms provide asymmetric loading.
A rocker arm assembly constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure includes an outer rocker arm and an inner rocker arm. The outer rocker arm has a first roller configuration that rotates around a first axis positioned for alignment over an engine valve. The inner rocker arm has a second roller configuration that rotates around a second axis. The inner rocker arm is configured to move between a latched and unlatched position relative to the outer rocker arm. When the inner rocker arm is unlatched, the single cam profile rests on one of the first and second roller configurations. The first and second axes are offset.
With initial reference to
In one configuration according to the present teachings, the rocker arm assembly 10 pivots over a dual lash adjuster configuration 34 having a first dual-feed hydraulic lash adjuster (DFHLA) 36 and a second DFHLA 38. As will become appreciated, the first rocker arm assembly 10 is actuated with a combination of the DFHLAs 36 and 38 and associated oil control valves (OCV) 46 and 48. It will further be appreciated that the DFHLA's are exemplary and other HLA's may be substituted within the scope of the present disclosure. It is also appreciated that other hydraulic configurations may be implemented for delivering hydraulic fluid to the DFHLAs 36 and 38. Additionally or alternatively the rocker arm assemblies disclosed herein may be configured for electrical latching. As will become appreciated herein, the present disclosure provides a reduced package two step actuating rocker arm with reduced complexity over prior art configuration. Further, the present teachings can provide a three step option with two lifts and one deactivation option.
The first rocker arm assembly 10 includes a first inner rocker arm 50, a second inner rocker arm 52 and an outer rocker arm 54. The first inner rocker arm 50 cooperates with a first latch 56. The second inner rocker arm 52 cooperates with a second latch 58 (the latch configurations are best shown in the example illustrated in
The DFHLA 36 has two oil ports including a lower oil port 62 that provides lash compensation and is fed engine oil similar to a standard HLA. An upper port 64, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 46 and the first latch 56. When the first latch 56 is engaged (latched), the first inner rocker arm 50 and the outer rocker arm 54 operate together. When the first latch 56 is not engaged (unlatched), the first inner rocker arm 50 and the outer rocker arm 54 can move independently.
The DFHLA 38 has two oil ports including a lower oil port 72 that provides lash compensation and is fed engine oil similar to a standard HLA. An upper port 74, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 48 and the second latch 58. When the second latch 58 is engaged (latched), the second inner rocker arm 52 and the outer rocker arm 54 operate together. When the second latch 58 is not engaged (unlatched), the second inner rocker arm 52 and the outer rocker arm 54 can move independently. The first inner rocker arm 50 has a first roller 76. The second inner rocker arm 52 has a second roller 78.
Notably, the configuration of the rocker arm assembly 10 having two DFHLAs 36 and 38 provides a solid foundation that inhibits side to side (lateral) rocking of the rocker arm assembly 10 and balances loading of the rocker arm assembly regardless of what latch configuration (first or second latch 56, 58) is implemented.
With continued reference to
In one configuration according to the present teachings, the rocker arm assembly 110 pivots over a single lash adjuster configuration 134 having a DFHLA 136. As will become appreciated, the second rocker arm assembly 110 is actuated with a combination of the DFHLA 136 and associated oil control valve (OCV) 146. Again, the DFHLA is exemplary and other HLA's may be substituted within the scope of the present disclosure.
The second rocker arm assembly 110 includes a first inner rocker arm 150, a second inner rocker arm 152 and an outer rocker arm 154. The first inner rocker arm 150 cooperates with a first latch 156. The second inner rocker arm 152 cooperates with a second latch 158 (again the latch configurations are best shown in the example illustrated in
The DFHLA 136 has three oil ports including a lower oil port 162, a first upper port 164 and a second upper port 166. The lower port 162 provides lash compensation and is fed engine oil similar to a standard HLA. The first upper port 164, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 146 and the first latch 156. When the first latch 156 is engaged (latched), the first inner rocker arm 150 and the outer rocker arm 154 operate together. When the first latch 156 is not engaged (unlatched), the first inner rocker arm 150 and the outer rocker arm 154 can move independently.
The second upper port 166, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 146 and the second latch 158. When the second latch 158 is engaged (latched), the second inner rocker arm 152 and the outer rocker arm 154 operate together. When the second latch 158 is not engaged (unlatched), the second inner rocker arm 152 and the outer rocker arm 154 can move independently. As described, the hydraulic control of the DFHLA 136 and OCV 146 can include two independent ports (164, 166) for each of the pair of latch pins 156, 158 and provided within the DFHLA 136. Alternatively, an additional structure or hydraulic control can be provided that actuates the latch pins based on differences in supply pressure.
With additional reference to
Turning now to
Turning now to
In one configuration according to the present teachings, each of the rocker arm assemblies 310, 410 pivots over a dual-feed hydraulic lash adjuster (DFHLA) 336, 338. As will become appreciated, each of the first rocker arm assemblies 310, 410 is actuated with a DFHLA 336, 338 and an associated oil control valves (OCV) 346 and 348. It will further be appreciated that the DFHLA's are exemplary and other HLA's may be substituted within the scope of the present disclosure. It is also appreciated that other hydraulic configurations may be implemented for delivering hydraulic fluid to the DFHLAs 336 and 338. For example, only one DFHLA may be required for supplying hydraulic fluid concurrently to both of the DFHLA's. As will become appreciated herein, the present disclosure provides a reduced package two step actuating rocker arm with reduced complexity over prior art configuration.
The first rocker arm assembly 310 includes an inner rocker arm 350, and an outer rocker arm 354. The inner rocker arm 350 cooperates with a first latch 356 (
The DFHLA 336 has two oil ports including a lower oil port 362 that provides lash compensation and is fed engine oil similar to a standard HLA. An upper port 364, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 346 and the first latch 356. When the first latch 356 is engaged (latched), the inner rocker arm 350 and the outer rocker arm 354 operate together. When the first latch 356 is not engaged (unlatched), the inner rocker arm 350 and the outer rocker arm 354 can move independently.
With continued reference to
With particular reference now to
The first rocker arm assembly 410 is constructed similarly to the first rocker arm assembly 310. Like features are identified with like reference numerals increased by 100. In this regard, the first rocker arm assembly 410 has an asymmetrical rocker arm roller design providing asymmetric loading. The inner rocker arm 450 has a first roller 476. The outer rocker arm 454 has a pair of second rollers 478, 480.
In the examples shown in
The DFHLA 338 has two oil ports including a lower oil port 462 that provides lash compensation and is fed engine oil similar to a standard HLA. An upper port 464, also referred to as a switching pressure port, provides the conduit between controlled oil pressure from the OCV 348 and the latch 456 of the rocker arm assembly 410. When the latch 456 is engaged (latched), the inner rocker arm 450 and the outer rocker arm 454 operate together. When the latch 456 is not engaged (unlatched), the inner rocker arm 450 and the outer rocker arm 454 can move independently. Again, Instead of having a dedicated OCV 348 for the DFHLA 338, the OCV 346 can be configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to both of the DFHLA's 336 and 338. Other configurations are contemplated.
With reference to
In the examples shown in
When the rocker arm assembly 510 is latched, the single cam profile (such as lobe 324 described above) will essentially rest between the two roller sets 576 and 578, 580. As the single cam profile rotates, it will open the engine valve 520 on one roller but close the engine valve 520 on the other roller. When the rocker arm assembly 510 is unlatched, the single cam profile will rest on one of the rollers and as the single cam profile rotates, it will open and close the engine valve 520 on the one roller(s). In another configuration, it is possible to only open and close the engine valve 520 on one roller (576 or 578, 580) when the rocker arm assembly 510 is latched and when the rocker arm assembly 510 is unlatched, it is possible to only open and close the engine valve 510 on the other roller (576 or 578, 580).
The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/284,454 which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2016/067992 filed on Dec. 21, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/378,450 filed on Aug. 23, 2016 and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/378,458 filed on Aug. 23, 2016. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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5544626 | Diggs et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
6532920 | Sweetnam et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
20100294222 | Methley | Nov 2010 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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2006090292 | Nov 2006 | WO |
Entry |
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International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Application No. PCT/US2016/067992 dated May 23, 2017, 21 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20210040870 A1 | Feb 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62378458 | Aug 2016 | US | |
62378450 | Aug 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16284454 | Feb 2019 | US |
Child | 17079912 | US | |
Parent | PCT/US2016/067992 | Dec 2016 | US |
Child | 16284454 | US |