Rocker device for a valve train of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

The invention relates to a rocker device for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, having a switchable first rocker (1) and a switchable second rocker (2), which can be pivoted relative to one another on a common rocker shaft (3), wherein, for switching the rockers (1, 2), coupling mechanisms (4, 5, 6) are provided, which are at least partially integrated in the rockers, respectively, and which are switched by a respectively assigned actuator (7, 8, 9), wherein a carrier (10) is provided, which is connected to the rocker shaft (3), the actuators (7, 8, 9) are at least partially integrated in the carrier, and the actuators (7, 8, 9) are arranged radially spaced apart from the rocker shaft (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rocker arm device for the valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] According to DE102017129720A1, a switchable rocker device with a rocker arm is known, the rocker arm being supported on a rocker shaft fixed to a machine and having a cam arm connected to a camshaft and a valve arm connected to at least one scavenging valve of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to simplify the construction of the above-mentioned type of rocker device and to construct it in a way that saves structural space.

[0004] This invention proposes a rocker arm device for a valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm device includes a first switchable rocker arm and a second switchable rocker arm, which are pivotally mounted on a common rocker arm axis. For switching the rocker arms, coupling mechanisms integrated into each rocker arm are provided, each of which can be switched by an assigned actuator. A bracket connected to the rocker arm axis is provided, and the actuator is at least partially integrated into this bracket and positioned radially away from the rocker arm axis. In a simple manner, the actuators can therefore be arranged in a large number at arbitrary radial distances from the rocker arm axis. Because each coupling mechanism is further equipped with an actuator for switching, each rocker arm can be switched individually by a corresponding actuator. Thus, the actuators can be implemented in a smaller size and can be manufactured in a larger quantity at a lower manufacturing cost. Furthermore, structural space can be better utilized, enabling a simple and space-saving arrangement.

[0005] The bracket can be axially positioned between the rockers. This allows for a flexible arrangement of the actuators, and actuators for both rockers can be housed simultaneously within a single bracket. Furthermore, this arrangement enables a simple and space-saving lateral locking mechanism for the rockers, allowing them to switch laterally along their longitudinal axes and accommodating the coupling mechanism close to the rocker axis. When the actuators and coupling mechanism are positioned close to the rockers, the relative movement of the coupling mechanism integrated into the rockers relative to the actuators is minimal during operation. Therefore, a stable contact for switching can be easily established between the actuators and the coupling mechanism.

[0006] A further simplified structure can be achieved if the bracket has two arms arranged parallel to the flip lever, with actuators respectively housed in sleeves formed on the arms. The actuators can be positioned close to the two levers and simply fitted into the sleeves via the arms.

[0007] Another advantage is that the actuator is designed as an electric solenoid, which correspondingly has a linearly movable armature that moves the corresponding coupling mechanism for switching into direct adjustment contact. This eliminates the need for additional components to transmit the adjustment motion. Actuator stroke is reduced and switching time is shortened. Furthermore, direct, individual operation of the corresponding rocker arm improves switching performance while simultaneously reducing variations in switching time. The effects of component tolerances and manufacturing costs can be minimized.

[0008] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one sleeve on the axially inner side of the first arm and the first rocker arm, and at least one sleeve on the axially inner side of the second arm and the second rocker arm, are disposed opposite each other on the support. Here, the sleeves and the actuators respectively housed in these sleeves can be configured for axially adjusting contact with respectively associated coupling mechanisms for switching axially movable parts. Therefore, the actuators can be configured in a simple manner for switching the lateral locking devices respectively integrated in the flip rod.

[0009] To simplify the mounting on the rocker arm axis, the bracket may have a base from which the arm extends perpendicularly to the rocker arm axis.

[0010] If the substrate is designed as a plate and placed on the rocker axis for fixation, a particularly simple fixation of the substrate on the rocker axis can be achieved.

[0011] Here, the bracket can be fixed to the rocker shaft in a particularly simple way using threaded connectors.

[0012] It is also possible that this configuration is used to switch between a movable coupling mechanism integrated in at least one rocker arm and at least one arm of a bracket, such that when the rocker arm pivots relative to the arm, the coupling mechanism, in a decoupled state on the actuator side, can rest against the arm in the direction of movement, wherein the bracket has at least one actuator disposed for switching to the coupling mechanism in direct adjustment contact. Therefore, the coupling mechanism, in the decoupled state, can continuously rest against the bracket in a sliding pivotal contact. This allows for simple and durable fixation via the bracket to prevent the coupling mechanism from disengaging from the lever on the operating side or from the lever on the valve side.

[0013] Another advantage arises from this: the bracket can be easily, especially via threaded connections, fixed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. Integrating the actuator into a common bracket connected to a common rocker shaft, on which a switchable rocker with valve-side and actuation-side rockers is mounted, allows the rocker assembly to be designed as a pre-assembleable structural unit that can be easily fixed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine via the bracket. A threaded connection can be provided separately for fixing the rocker shaft to the bracket and for fixing the bracket to the cylinder head. Therefore, the switchable rocker assembly can be directly fixed to the cylinder head individually for each cylinder. Alternatively, multiple rockers can be mounted on a common rocker shaft for the entire number of cylinders. Accordingly, it is also possible to choose whether all or only a single cylinder has a switchable rocker unit.

[0014] For example, to cut off the cylinders, only half of the cylinders in an internal combustion engine could be equipped with a rocker mechanism. Alternatively, it is conceivable that all cylinders could be equipped accordingly to achieve engine cut-off feed or so-called coasting operation.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a switchable first rocker arm is pivotally mounted on a rocker shaft having a valve-side lever for operating at least one scavenging valve of an internal combustion engine and two pivotally driven actuating levers, wherein the levers are pivotally supported on the rocker shaft. To switch the rocker arm, the actuating lever can be connected to the valve-side lever via a first coupling mechanism to transmit a first stroke movement for valve operation, and the actuating lever can be connected to the valve-side lever via a second coupling mechanism to transmit a second stroke movement for valve operation.

[0016] Here, a switchable second rocker arm is pivotally mounted on a rocker shaft having a valve-side second lever for operating at least one scavenging valve of the internal combustion engine and a pivotally driven operating-side third lever, wherein these levers are pivotally supported on the rocker shaft. To switch the second rocker arm, the operating-side third lever can be connected to the valve-side second lever via a third coupling mechanism to transmit a third stroke movement for valve operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features of the invention will be derived from the following description and accompanying drawings, in which one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in a simplified manner. Wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Perspective views of the rocker arm device according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0019] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the rocker arm assembly is shown in the first section plane.

[0020] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rocker arm assembly is shown in the second section plane.

[0021] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the rocker assembly is shown in the third section. Detailed Implementation

[0022] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rocker device according to the invention shown has first and second rockers 1 and 2, which are mounted on a common rocker shaft 3 fixed in a position or fixed to the machine. For switching between rockers 1 and 2, coupling mechanisms 4, 5, and 6 are respectively integrated into the rockers, which can be switched by an actuator 7, 8, or 9. Here, a bracket 10 is provided connected to the rocker shaft 3, and the actuators 7, 8, and 9 are at least partially integrated into the bracket and arranged radially away from the rocker shaft 3.

[0023] A switchable first rocker arm 1, along with a first lever 1a on the valve side for operating the two exhaust port valves 11 and 12 of the internal combustion engine, and two pivotally driven levers 1b and 1c on the operating side, are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft 3. A switchable second rocker arm 2, along with a second lever 2a on the valve side for operating the two intake port valves 13 and 14 of the internal combustion engine, and a pivotally driven third lever 2b on the operating side, are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft 3. The valve-side and operating-side levers 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, and 2b are pivotally supported on the rocker arm shaft 3. The pivotal movement of the operating-side levers 1b, 1c, and 2b is driven by cams 15, 16, and 17 of the camshaft 18, respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rocker assembly shown has two switchable rockers 1 and 2 for variable valve control on an engine for a heavy-duty truck (not shown further), which is shown together with a camshaft 18 located above the single drive rocker 1 and 2.

[0024] To switch the first rocker arm 1, the first lever 1b can be connected to the first lever 1a on the valve side via the first coupling mechanism 4, and the second lever 1c on the control side can be connected to the first lever 1a on the valve side via the second coupling mechanism 5. In this way, the first rocker arm 1 is designed as a switchable triple rocker arm. To switch the second rocker arm 2, the second lever 2a on the valve side can be connected to the third lever 2b on the control side via the third coupling mechanism 6.

[0025] The coupling mechanisms 4, 5, and 6 are integrated into rocker arms 1 and 2 and are movably disposed on levers 1a and 2a on the valve side and in corresponding axial holes 19, 20 or 21, 22 or 23, 24 on levers 1b, 1c, and 2b on the corresponding operating side, so as to switch or connect and decouple (i.e., to). Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the base circle stage of the corresponding driven cams 15, 16, 17, the holes 19, 20 or 21, 22 or 23, 24 correspondingly provided for the coupling mechanisms 4, 5, 6 are axially opposite to each other, and the corresponding coupling mechanisms 4, 5, 6 can be switched by axial movement. In this way, the levers 1a, 2a, 1b, 1c, 2b on the valve side and the operating side can be axially connected transversely to their longitudinal axis, and thus the so-called transverse locking of the switchable rockers 1, 2 can be achieved. Through the transverse locking, a space-saving arrangement structure of the coupling mechanisms 4, 5, 6 close to the rocker shaft 3 can be achieved.

[0026] Coupling mechanisms 4, 5, and 6 can be selectively switched via their respective individual electric actuators 7, 8, and 9. Actuators 7, 8, and 9 are designed as either electric solenoids or linear magnets. Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are housed in a common bracket 10 axially disposed between rocker arms 1 and 2, which is connected to the rocker arm shaft 3 via a plate-shaped base 10a through a first threaded connector 25. The bracket 10 has two arms 10b and 10c extending perpendicularly to the rocker arm shaft 3 from the base 10a, the arms being arranged parallel to the rocker arms 1 and 2 and extending along a camshaft 18 disposed parallel to the rocker arm shaft 3. The arms 10b and 10c form cylindrical sleeves 26, 27, and 28, and actuators 7, 8, and 9 are respectively disposed within these sleeves via electromagnetically linearly movable armatures 7a, 8a, and 9a. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sleeves 26, 27, 28 and the actuators 7, 8, 9 respectively disposed in these sleeves are axially oriented with the coupling mechanisms 4, 5, 6, which are axially movable for switching purposes, for axial adjustment contact. On the arms 10b, 10c, the actuators 7, 8, 9 can be disposed at arbitrary radial distances to the rocker shaft 3 and simultaneously on the camshaft side of the rocker shaft 3 between the rocker shaft 3 and the camshaft 18.

[0027] By energizing the travel magnet, the corresponding armatures 7a, 8a, and 9a, with their connecting ends in axial adjustment contact with the corresponding coupling mechanisms 4, 5, and 6, can be axially moved out of the corresponding sleeves 26, 27, and 28 in order to switch out. Figure 5By cutting off the power supply, actuators 7, 8, and 9 can be deactivated, and the corresponding armatures 7a, 8a, and 9a can be moved back to their respective sleeves 26, 27, and 28. Figure 3 and Figure 4 To reset armatures 7a, 8a, and 9a when they are not energized, reset spring mechanisms 7b, 8b, and 9b can be installed in the corresponding travel magnets as shown in the figure.

[0028] The bracket 10 forms first and second sleeves 26 and 27 on the first arm 10b. The first arm 10b, having sleeves 26 and 27, is disposed on the axially inner side 36 of the second lever 1c on the operating side, opposite to the axially inner side 36 of the first lever 1a on the valve side. Here, sleeves 26 and 27 are opposite to the axially inner side 36 of the second lever 1c on the operating side. First and second actuators 7 and 8 are disposed in sleeves 26 and 27, each having a corresponding armature 7a and 8a for direct axial adjustment contact with the corresponding first or second coupling mechanism 5. The second arm 10c is constructed with a third sleeve 28 and is guided along the axially inner side of the second lever 2a on the valve side. Here, sleeve 28 is opposite to the axially inner side 37 of the second lever 2a on the valve side, facing the first rocker arm 1. On the second arm 10c, a third actuator 7 is disposed in the third sleeve 28, each having an armature 7a for direct axial adjustment contact with the first or third coupling mechanism 6.

[0029] according to Figure 4 The second actuator 8 is deactivated. Consequently, the second coupling mechanism 5 moves to the decoupled position. The cylindrical connecting piston of the second coupling mechanism 5, guided in the axial hole 21 on the second lever 1c on the operating side, has its mushroom-shaped extended end 35 on the actuator side axially abutting against the first arm 10b of the support 10. During the pivoting movement of the second lever 1c on the operating side, the connecting piston (second coupling mechanism 5) slides back and forth on the first arm 10b of the support 10 with its mushroom-shaped extended end 35. This prevents the connecting piston from disengaging from the hole 21.

[0030] according to Figure 5 The rocker arm assembly can be directly fixed to the cylinder head 30 of the internal combustion engine via the rocker arm shaft 3 using the second threaded connector 29. For this purpose, two screws of the threaded connector 29 are guided through radial through holes 31 and 32 on the rocker arm shaft 3 in the region of the base 10a of the bracket 10 and tightened into threaded holes 33 and 34 on the cylinder head 30. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 Alternatively, it can be envisioned that the rocker shaft 3 and the bracket 10 are fixed to the cylinder head 30 via the first or second threaded connectors 25 and 29. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1. First joystick

[0033] 1a First lever on the valve side

[0034] 1b control side first lever

[0035] 1c control side second lever

[0036] 2. Second joystick

[0037] 2a The second lever on the valve side

[0038] The third lever on the 2b control side

[0039] 3 joystick axes

[0040] 4. Coupling mechanism

[0041] 5. Coupling mechanism

[0042] 6 coupling mechanism

[0043] 7 actuators

[0044] 7a armature

[0045] 7b Reset Spring Mechanism

[0046] 8 actuators

[0047] 8a armature

[0048] 8b Reset Spring Mechanism

[0049] 9 actuators

[0050] 9a armature

[0051] 9b Reset Spring Mechanism

[0052] 10 supports

[0053] 10a matrix

[0054] 10b arm

[0055] 10c arm

[0056] 11 Exhaust port ventilation valve

[0057] 12 Exhaust port ventilation valve

[0058] 13 Inlet air exchange valve

[0059] 14. Air inlet valve

[0060] 15 Cam

[0061] 16 Cams

[0062] 17 Cam

[0063] 18 Camshaft

[0064] 19 holes

[0065] 20 holes

[0066] 21 holes

[0067] 22 holes

[0068] 23 holes

[0069] 24 holes

[0070] 25 threaded connector

[0071] 26 casings

[0072] 27 casings

[0073] 28 casings

[0074] 29 Threaded connectors

[0075] 30 cylinder head

[0076] 31 through holes

[0077] 32 through holes

[0078] 33 threaded hole

[0079] 34 threaded hole

[0080] 35 end

[0081] 36 inner side

[0082] 37 inner side

Claims

1. A rocker arm device for a valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine, comprising a switchable first rocker arm (1) and a switchable second rocker arm (2), which are pivotally mounted on a common rocker arm shaft (3), wherein, For switching between the first rocker (1) and the second rocker (2), coupling mechanisms (4, 5, 6) are provided, each at least partially integrated into the rocker. The coupling mechanisms can be switched by the respective actuators (7, 8, 9). A bracket (10) is provided connected to the rocker shaft (3). The actuators (7, 8, 9) are at least partially integrated into the bracket and are arranged radially apart from the rocker shaft (3). The bracket (10) has two arms (10b, 10c) arranged parallel to the first rocker (1) and the second rocker (2). The actuators (7, 8, 9) are respectively housed in sleeves (26, 27, 28) constructed on the arms (10b, 10c). The bracket (10) is axially arranged between the first rocker (1) and the second rocker (2).

2. The rocker arm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuators (7, 8, 9) are designed as electric solenoids, each having an armature (7a, 8a, 9a) that can move linearly. The armatures can move the corresponding coupling mechanisms (4, 5, 6) to the direct adjustment contact for switching.

3. The rocker arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first arm (10b) of the bracket (10) is disposed opposite to the axial inner side (36) of the first rocker (1) using at least one sleeve (26, 27), and the second arm (10c) of the bracket (10) is disposed opposite to the axial inner side (37) of the second rocker (2) using at least one sleeve (28). The sleeves (26, 27, 28) and the actuators (7, 8, 9) respectively housed in the sleeves are configured to make axial adjustment contact with the coupled coupling mechanisms (4, 5, 6) that are axially movable for switching.

4. The rocker arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bracket (10) is fixed to the rocker shaft (3) by the base (10a), and the arms (10b, 10c) extend from the base perpendicularly to the rocker shaft (3).

5. The rocker arm device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base (10a) is designed as a plate and is placed on the rocker shaft (3) for fixation.

6. The rocker arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bracket (10), together with the actuator (7, 8, 9), rocker shaft (3), first rocker (1), and second rocker (2), are fixed on the cylinder head (30) of the internal combustion engine as pre-assembled structural units.

7. The rocker arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In order to switch the movable coupling mechanism integrated in at least one rocker arm and at least one arm of the bracket (10) are arranged such that when the at least one rocker arm pivots relative to the at least one arm, the coupling mechanism can abut against the at least one arm in the direction of movement in a decoupled state on the actuator side, the bracket has at least one actuator (7, 8, 9) provided for switching to the coupling mechanism in direct adjustment contact.

8. The rocker arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first rocker arm (1) is pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft (3), which has a first lever (1a) on the valve side for operating at least one valve (11, 12) of the internal combustion engine and two levers on the operating side for pivotally driven movement. The first lever (1a) on the valve side, the first lever (1b) on the operating side, and the second lever (1c) on the operating side are pivotally supported on the rocker arm shaft (3). In order to switch the first rocker arm (1), the first lever (1b) on the operating side can be connected to the first lever (1a) on the valve side via a first coupling mechanism (4) to transmit a first stroke movement for valve operation, and the second lever (1c) on the operating side can be connected to the first lever (1a) on the valve side via a second coupling mechanism (5). A first lever (1a) on the valve side is connected to transmit a second stroke motion for valve operation, wherein the switchable second rocker (2) is pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft (3), the rocker shaft having a second lever (2a) on the valve side for operating at least one scavenging valve (13, 14) of the internal combustion engine and a third lever (2b) on the operating side driven in a pivotal motion, wherein the second lever (2a) on the valve side and the third lever (2b) on the operating side are pivotally supported on the rocker shaft (3), and in order to switch the second rocker (2), the third lever (2b) on the operating side can be connected to the second lever (2a) on the valve side via a third coupling mechanism (6) for transmitting a third stroke motion for valve operation.

Images