Rocker arm assembly for valve actuation systems

Abstract

A rocker arm assembly for a valve actuation system of an engine is disclosed. The engine has at least one valve. The rocker assembly includes a rocker arm with a valve retention end, a valve bridge with a rocker engagement portion. The rocker engagement portion sustains an engaged position and a released position relative to the valve retention end. Further, a spring unit is disposed between the valve retention end and the rocker engagement portion. In the engaged position, the valve retention end is in operable abutment with the rocker engagement portion. In the released position, the spring unit is configured to provide a reaction force between the valve retention end and the rocker engagement portion to disconnect the valve bridge from the rocker arm.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to rocker arm assemblies in internal combustion engines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a mechanism to overcome a sticking force between a valve bridge and a rocker arm of the rocker arm assemblies, during excessive lash conditions, by use of a spring unit.BACKGROUND[0002]Several applications related to internal combustion engines in the construction machine industry involve rigorous operational cycles for valve trains. Therefore, valve trains are required to exhibit exceptional quality, reliability, and prolonged life. As a result, stupendous effort and resources have been invested in optimizing the working of components, such as rocker arms in valve trains, and in their associated connection to the valves. Conventionally, floating bridges have been applied as an interfacial connector between a rocker arm and a valve stem, in valve train assemblies. Floating bridges are generally positioned freely o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a mechanism for a valve actuation system in an engine. The system includes a rocker arm and a valve bridge. A spring is placed between the rocker arm and the valve bridge. When the valve is in its "engaged" position, the rocker arm is pressed against the valve bridge, keeping it secure. When the valve is in its "released" position, the spring pushes the rocker arm away from the valve bridge, disconnecting the valve bridge from the rocker arm. This mechanism helps to control the operation of the valve and improve the efficiency of the engine.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, stupendous effort and resources have been invested in optimizing the working of components, such as rocker arms in valve trains, and in their associated connection to the valves.

Typically, valve units in valve trains are subject to lash conditions.

While lash conditions are suitably arrested by the incorporation of widely available lash adjusters, such as hydraulic lash adjusters, a misadjusted valve train, unfilled hydraulic lash adjusters, or a fully collapsed hydraulic lash adjuster, may result in an inappropriate containment of lash.

In a cyclical process, such a phenomenon may lead to a condition where floating bridges fail to appropriately return to the valve stem, leading to a dropped valve and a failure in the timely intake of air or ejection of exhaust gases.

Although the '560 reference discloses the use of springs in lash adjusters, no solution is provided that could limit the adherence or retention of the valve bridge, or the floating bridge, to the rocker arm.

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