Rocker arm assembly for a valve train of an internal combustion engine for heavy-duty applications

The rocker arm arrangement with a hydraulically adjustable actuating element and integrated check valve provides cost-effective and efficient variable valve lift control, addressing inefficiencies and wear in heavy-duty engine applications.

DE102024138243A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-18SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024138243
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-17
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing rocker arm assemblies for internal combustion engines, particularly in heavy-duty applications, lack a cost-effective and structurally simple mechanism for variable valve lift control, leading to inefficiencies and increased wear.

Method used

A rocker arm arrangement featuring a laterally projecting drive element connected to a hydraulically adjustable actuating element with an integrated check valve, allowing for variable valve lift control through hydraulic actuation, minimizing wear and reducing component tolerance requirements.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient variable valve lift control with reduced wear, lower production costs, and simplified assembly, while minimizing hydraulic fluid compression volume for rapid switching times.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a rocker arm arrangement for a valve train of an internal combustion engine for heavy-duty applications, comprising several rocker arms (2, 3) pivotably arranged about an axis (1). For valve actuation, at least one first rocker arm (2) is arranged to transmit at least one first valve stroke, and at least one second rocker arm (3) is arranged to transmit at least one second valve stroke. For transmitting the valve stroke from the second rocker arm (3) to the first rocker arm (2), a laterally projecting drive element (12) rigidly connected to the latter is provided for the engagement of a hydraulically adjustable actuating element (14) in the pivoting direction. The actuating element (14) is supported on the second rocker arm (3) by a fastening element (13) and can be actuated with hydraulic fluid via a check valve (24) integrated into the latter. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a rocker arm arrangement.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Modular rocker arm

    US20190178113A1

  • Valve actuating device for internal combustion engine, has two control surfaces and connection mechanism displaced in position, in which it prevents control movements of latter control surface

    DE102012008850A1

  • Moving valve apparatus for internal combustion engine has piston having engagement surface whose edge protrudes from border surface when piston is in non-engaging position

    DE10323428A1

  • Rocker for valve drive - has cylindrical lock to connect independently movable rocker arms

    DE4142197A1

  • Exhaust valve mechanism for internal combustion engine

    EP1721069B1