Valve train control device and method for installing a valve train control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve train control device and to a method for installing a valve train control device. In the case of a valve train control device, the maximum valve lift of the first valves of a first valve group and the maximum valve lift of the second valves of a second valve group of an internal combustion engine, which can be actuated by a camshaft, are set via a variable valve train by means of switching elements which are respectively assigned to the valves, the switching elements being switchable between a first switching position, in which the maximum first valve lift is produced, and a second switching position, in which the maximum second valve lift is produced, the valve train control device having a first push element which is axially movable for the purpose of switching the switching position of the valve lift of the first valve group by means of an actuating movement, a second push element which is axially movable for the purpose of switching the switching position of the valve lift of the second valve group by means of an actuating movement, and a return spring which opposes the actuating movement in the push elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a valve train control device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for mounting a valve train control device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Valve train control devices are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 108 271 A1. Therein, a valve train control device of an internal combustion engine is described, which has at least one valve per cylinder, the valve lift of which is predetermined by at least one cam of a camshaft, respectively. By means of an axial movement of a switching pin protruding from a side wall, the valve lift can be selectively closed via a switchable swing arm or can be converted to another valve lift, wherein the switching pin of the swing arm is connected by a leaf spring to at least one push element, which is arranged parallel to the camshaft in the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine and can be moved longitudinally from a rest position to a switching position by means of a linear actuator against the return force of at least one return spring. The return spring for returning the push element to its rest position is a coil spring, which is arranged between the chamfered end of the push element and the outer wall of the cylinder head.

[0003] If two thrust elements are installed in the cylinder head as described in DE 10 2018 111 971 A1, the installation of the valve train control device can be cumbersome, since during the installation the two push elements have to be aligned with each other and the return spring has to be protected from damage. SUMMARY

[0004] It is the task of the invention to make the installation of the valve train control device easier. The valve train control device should be installed more reliably, faster, more easily, more cheaply. The risk of damaging the valve train control device should be reduced.

[0005] At least one of these tasks is achieved by the valve train control device presented by the invention. Thereby, the first push element and the second push element can be aligned and fixed with each other. The valve train control device can be installed more easily, faster and more reliably in the internal combustion engine. A mutual sliding of the first and the second push element along the first axis during the installation can be prevented.

[0006] The valve train control device can be installed in a vehicle. The internal combustion engine can be a reciprocating piston engine. The first and / or the second valve can be a gas exchange valve, in particular an intake valve or an exhaust valve.

[0007] The maximum first valve lift can be greater than the maximum second valve lift. The maximum first valve lift can be full lift, while the maximum second valve lift can be zero lift. Thereby, the cylinders of the internal combustion engine are selectively deactivated. The maximum first valve lift can be full lift, while the maximum second valve lift can be a post lift following in time the full lift and being smaller than the full lift.

[0008] The switching element can have a roller rocker. The switching element can have an axially movable switching pin for switching between the first and second switching positions. The respective push element can switch the switching element by means of a spring element. The spring element can elastically transmit a manipulation movement to the switching element. The spring element can be directly coupled with the switching pin. The spring element can be a leaf spring and / or a spring plate. The spring element can be fixedly connected, in particular formschlüssig, kraftschlüssig and / or stoffschlüssig, with the respective push element.

[0009] The first switching position can be set by a first manipulation positioning in the axial direction of the first and / or second push element, while the second switching position can be set by a second manipulation positioning of an axial offset of the first and / or second push element. The first and second manipulation positioning can be alternately switched by performing a manipulation movement.

[0010] The first and second push elements can independently of one another perform a respective manipulation movement. The first and / or second push element can be an axially movable push rod. The respective push element can run parallel to the camshaft. The respective push element can consist of sheet metal. The first and second push elements can be arranged on top of one another along the first axis. The first and / or second push element can mainly extend in the axial direction. The first valve can be assigned to the second, fourth and sixth cylinders. The second valve can be assigned to the first, third and fifth cylinders. The first push element can be longer in the axial direction than the second push element. The length of the first push element in the axial direction can be between 500 mm and 600 mm. The length of the second push element in the axial direction can be between 400 mm and 500 mm.

[0011] The first and / or second push element can be manipulated jointly or separately by a manipulation element, for example an actuator. The actuator can be a linear actuator. The manipulation element can enable a manipulation in the axial direction. The manipulation element can be fixed on the internal combustion engine, in particular in connection with the cylinder head.

[0012] The return spring can generate a return force in the direction of the first switching position. The actuating movement of the first and / or second push element can be carried out against the return force from the first switching position to the second switching position. The return spring can be arranged on the respective push element on the side opposite the actuating element in the axial direction. The return spring can be configured as a coil spring.

[0013] The return spring can be directly resting on the support region. The support region can be configured as a tab projecting from the guide region. The support region can be arranged at a distance from the first and / or second push element along the first axis. The return spring can be pre-tensioned between the support region and the respective push element for the fastened holding element. The first and second push elements can thereby be installed with the return spring pre-tensioned.

[0014] The holding element can be a holding clip. The holding element can be constructed from metal and / or plastic. The holding element can secure the first and second push elements to one another. The holding element can exert a holding force on the first and second push elements, in particular via the guide region.

[0015] The mutual movement of the first and second push elements along the first axis, preferably also in the axial direction, can be prevented or limited by the holding element.

[0016] The first and second push elements can be secured to one another by at least two holding elements. The holding elements can be arranged spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the holding element is fastened to the first and second push elements before the first and second push elements are installed in the internal combustion engine, and the holding element is released from the first and second push elements after the first and second push elements are installed in the internal combustion engine. The holding element can be released manually, preferably without tools, from the first and second push elements. The holding element can be fastened manually, preferably without tools, to the first and second push elements.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of the application, the first and second push elements are secured to one another at least along a second axis perpendicular to the actuating movement and the first axis via the guide region. The mutual movement of the first and second push elements along the second axis can be prevented or limited by the holding element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the return spring is assigned to the second push element. The return spring can be directly resting on the second push element. The return spring can also be assigned to the first push element, for example the return spring can be directly resting on the first push element.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of the application, the holding element is axially fixed to the first and / or second pushing element. The holding element can also be axially movable relative to the first and / or second pushing element. Thereby, the holding element can be axially aligned after the pushing element is fastened to the first and second pushing element.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the holding element has an upper first holding region at least partially forming the guide region and an upper second holding region axially spaced apart from the first holding region and axially separated from the first holding region by a free region. The upper first holding region can be opposite the lower first holding region along the first axis. The upper second holding region can be opposite the lower second holding region along the first axis. The lower first and second holding regions can be axially separated from each other by a further free region.

[0022] The upper first holding region and / or the upper second holding region can rest on the first pushing element. The lower first holding region and / or the lower second holding region can rest on the second pushing element.

[0023] In a particular embodiment of the application, the upper first holding region and / or the upper second holding region has a latching element for fixing the first and / or second pushing element on the holding element in at least one direction along a second axis perpendicular to the actuating movement and the first axis. The lower first holding region and / or the lower second holding region can have a latching element for fixing the first and / or second pushing element on the holding element along a second axis perpendicular to the actuating movement and the first axis.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the holding element has a pressing region, the guide region having a first distance along the first axis on the pressing region when a pressing force is applied on the pressing region, the first distance being greater than a second distance when no pressing force is applied. The pressing region can have at least one actuating lever, which is preferably manually operable. The pressing region can be manually operated, in particular without a tool.

[0025] Furthermore, to solve at least one of the aforementioned tasks, a method for installing a valve train control device with at least one of the aforementioned features in an internal combustion engine is suggested, which is achieved in that the holding element is fastened to the first and second pushing element before the valve train control device is installed in the internal combustion engine, and then the holding element is released from the first and second pushing element. The first and second pushing element can be fastened in the internal combustion engine before the holding element is removed.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the method, it is specified that the camshaft's fastening in the internal combustion engine will fail as long as the retaining element is fastened to the first and second push elements aligned in the internal combustion engine. Thus, at the latest when the camshaft is installed in the internal combustion engine, the missing machining step of removing the retaining element can be noted.

[0027] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention are apparent from the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A spatial view of a section of an internal combustion engine with valve mechanism control equipment in a particular embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2a A spatial view of the left section of a valve mechanism control device in another particular embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2b Showing the connection of the valve mechanism control device to Figure 2a Spatial view of the right segment on the middle section;

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 2a The spatial view of the retaining element;

[0033] Figure 4 Show Figure 2a Another spatial view of the retaining element;

[0034] Figure 5 Show Figure 2a Rear view of the section containing the valve control mechanism;

[0035] Figure 6 Show Figure 2b An enlarged view of section A in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 This is a spatial view of a section of an internal combustion engine 10 with valve mechanism control device 12 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The internal combustion engine 10 can be installed in a vehicle and form a drive element for driving the vehicle. The internal combustion engine 10 is specifically configured as a six-cylinder engine. Each of the six cylinders has at least two valves implemented as scavenging valves.

[0037] The valves can be actuated by a camshaft 14 which has a plurality of cams arranged in a row on the camshaft in the axial direction AR. The rotational position of the camshaft 14 influences the valve lift of the valves here. Between the camshaft 14 and the valves there is arranged a variable valve mechanism 18 by which the maximum valve lift of the respective valve is influenced. The variable valve mechanism 18 comprises a switching element assigned to each valve and a valve mechanism control device 12. The individual switching elements can be configured as switchable roller rocker arms which are arranged between the respective valve and the cam and can be switched between a first switching position in which a maximum first valve lift is produced and a second switching position in which a maximum second valve lift is produced.

[0038] The valve mechanism control device 12 has a first push element 22 which extends mainly in the axial direction AR and a second push element 24 which is arranged parallel to the first push element 22 and below the first push element 22. The actuating movement B of the respective push element 22, 24 in the axial direction AR causes a switching of the switching element assigned to this push element 22, 24 by means of a respective spring element 26. Here, the first push element 22 is assigned to the first valves of the first valve group and the second push element 24 is assigned to the second valves of the second valve group. The actuating movement B of the first push element 22 causes a switching of the switching elements assigned to the first valve group which are coupled to the first push element 22 by means of the spring elements 26, and the actuating movement B of the second push element 24 causes a switching of the switching elements assigned to the second valve group which are coupled to the second push element 24 by means of the spring elements 26.

[0039] For example, the first valve group can have valves assigned to the first, second and third cylinders as first valves and the second valve group can have valves assigned to the fourth, fifth and sixth cylinders as second valves. The first valve group can also comprise valves assigned to the second, fourth and sixth cylinders and the second valve group can also comprise valves assigned to the first, third and fifth cylinders.

[0040] The first and second push elements 22, 24 are each embodied as an axially movable push rod which extends mainly in the axial direction AR. The actuating movement B of the first and second push elements 22, 24 is preferably independent of one another. The first and second push elements 22, 24 are fixed by means of a fastening element 28 which is connected to a bearing sleeve 30 which receives the camshaft 14. Here, the first and second push elements 22, 24 are guided axially movably in a section 32 and are limitedly movable or fixed along a first axis Al perpendicular to the axial direction AR, on the one hand by the section 32 and on the other hand by the fastening element 28.

[0041] The movement of the first and second push elements 22, 24 along a second axis A2 perpendicular to the axial direction AR and the first axis Al is limited or prevented by the section 32. The first push element 22 is arranged above the second push element 24 relative to the first axis Al. A spring element 26 is fastened on each push element 22, 24 and elastically transmits the respective actuating movement B to the associated switching element. The fastening of the spring element 26 in the installed state of the valve train control device 12 in the internal combustion engine 10 is difficult or impossible.

[0042] The installation of the valve train control device 12 in the internal combustion engine 10 is carried out in such a way that the first and second push elements 22, 24 are stacked and aligned with each other before the installation. The alignment of the first and second push elements 22, 24 should be maintained as far as possible during the installation in the internal combustion engine 10. For this purpose, the assembly effort is great and prone to errors. It must be prevented that components of the valve train control device 12 and the internal combustion engine 10 are damaged.

[0043] In Figure 2a a spatial view of a left section of the valve train control device 12 in another special embodiment of the application is shown. The first push element 22 is arranged above the second push element 24. A spring element 26 is fastened on the first and second push elements 22, 24 for the transmission of forces to the associated switching elements.

[0044] A first return spring 34 is associated with the first push element 22 and exerts a return force which acts at least in one direction against the actuating movement B of the first push element 22. A second return spring 36 is associated with the second push element 24 and exerts a return force which acts in at least one direction against the actuating movement B of the second push element 24. The respective return force is preferably opposite to the actuating movement B which brings about the transition of the first switching position into the second switching position. The opposite movement is supported by the respective return force. The first return spring 34 is effectively arranged between the first push element 22 and a support surface on the internal combustion engine, while the second return spring 36 is effectively arranged between the second push element 24 and another support surface on the internal combustion engine.

[0045] The installation of the valve train control device 12 in the internal combustion engine is carried out in such a way that the first and second push elements 22, 24 are stacked on each other outside the internal combustion engine before the installation and are clamped to each other with a holding element 38. The holding element 38 has a guide region 40 with which the first and second push elements 22, 24 are fixed to each other along the first axis Al and the second axis A2. Thereby, the first and second push elements 22, 24 can be fixed to each other and, in this arrangement, can be installed in the internal combustion engine quickly and easily.

[0046] The holding element 38 is embodied as a holding clip which exerts a pressing force on the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 in the guide region 40. On the holding element 38 a support region 42 is arranged on which the second return spring 36 is supported. The second return spring 36 is preferably arranged in a pre-tensioned manner between the support region 42 and the second pushing element 24. Thereby, the pre-tensioning of the second return spring 36 can be maintained when the valve train control device 12 is installed in the internal combustion engine.

[0047] The holding element 38 is detachably fastened on the first and second pushing elements 22, 24. After the installation of the valve train control device 12 into the internal combustion engine, the holding element 38 is detached from the first and second pushing elements 22, 24. An accidentally undetached holding element 38 preferably prevents the installation of the camshaft into the internal combustion engine, for example by the holding element 38 being inserted into the installation space of the camshaft. Thereby, the missing machining step of loosening the holding element can be noticed at the latest when the camshaft is installed.

[0048] Figure 2b A right section of the valve train control device 12 is shown which is connected to the section in Figure 2a The other holding element 38 is arranged axially spaced apart from the holding element in Figure 2a and has the same structure as the holding element in Figure 2a By the other holding element 38 the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 are fixed to each other particularly reliably.

[0049] The first pushing element 22 has a first actuating region 44 which can be connected with an actuating element, for example a linear actuator. The second pushing element 24 has a second actuating region 46 which can be connected with the actuating element or another actuating element. The adjustment movement of the respective actuating element is transmitted to the respective pushing element 22, 24 via the actuating regions 44, 46.

[0050] Figure 3 A spatial view of the holding element 38 in Figure 2a is shown. The holding element 38 can be detached manually, preferably tool-free, from the first and second pushing elements. For this purpose, the holding element 38 has a pressing region 48 by which the guide region 40 is given a first distance dl along the first axis which is greater than a second distance when no pressing force Fs is exerted on the pressing region 48. The pressing region 48 has two levers 50 which can be operated manually and which are pressed together by the pressing force Fs. The pressing force Fs can be exerted directly on the respective lever 50.

[0051] The holding element 38 has an upper first holding region 52 which at least partially forms the guide region 40, and an upper second holding region 56 which is arranged axially spaced apart from the upper first holding region 52 and separated from the upper first holding region 52 by a free region 54. The upper first holding region 52 is arranged in opposition to a lower first holding region 58 along the first axis Al. The upper second holding region 56 is arranged in opposition to a lower second holding region 60 along the first axis Al. The lower first and second holding regions 58, 60 are separated from one another by a further free region 62.

[0052] The upper first holding region 52 and the upper second holding region 56 can each rest on the first pushing element. The lower first holding region 58 and the lower second holding region 60 can rest on the second pushing element. The upper first holding region 52, the upper second holding region 56, the lower first holding region 58 and the lower second holding region 60 each have a latching element 64 at a location in opposition to the compression region 48 for fixing the first and second pushing elements on the holding element 38 along the second axis A2. The latching elements 64 are integrally configured as hooks from the respective holding regions 52, 56, 58, 60.

[0053] In Figure 4 a further spatial view of the holding element 38 in Figure 2a The compression region 48 comprises two elastic compression means 66 which are integrally embodied here with the holding element 38 and which pre-tension the respective upper and lower holding regions 52, 56, 58, 60 relative to one another. The first distance dl in the guide region along the first axis Al can be varied by a compression force Fs which here acts against the holding force exerted by the compression means 66. To this end, the compression means 66 are implemented in an arcuate manner and are separated from one another by a free region 68.

[0054] Figure 5 a rear view of a section of the valve train control device 12 in Figure 2a The guide region 40 is limited in the direction towards the compression region 48, whereby the movement of the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 along the second axis A2 is limited in one direction. In the opposite direction, the latching elements 64 on the respective holding regions 52, 56, 58 limit the movement along the second axis A2.

[0055] The holding element 38 is placed onto the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 by manipulation of the pressing region 48 and is fixed on the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 by the holding force of the pressing region 48. The guide region 40 here limits the mutual movement of the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 along the first and second axes Al, A2. Movement of the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 relative to the holding element 38 in the axial direction AR is possible or is also limited by the holding element 38.

[0056] In Figure 6 an enlarged view of the section A in Figure 2b is shown. A further holding element 38 is fastened on the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 and is fixed thereon by the guide region 40. At the same time, the first and second pushing elements 22, 24 are fixed relative to one another by the guide region 40 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2.

[0057] List of reference signs

[0058] 10 internal combustion engine

[0059] 12 valve train control device

[0060] 14 camshaft

[0061] 18 variable valve train

[0062] 22 first pushing element

[0063] 24 second pushing element

[0064] 26 spring element

[0065] 28 fastening element

[0066] 30 bearing sleeve

[0067] 32 section

[0068] 34 first return spring

[0069] 36 second return spring

[0070] 38 holding element

[0071] 40 guide region

[0072] 42 support region

[0073] 44 first manipulation region

[0074] 46 second manipulation region

[0075] 48 pressing region

[0076] 50 lever

[0077] 52 upper first holding region

[0078] 54 free region

[0079] 56 upper second holding region

[0080] 58 lower first holding region

[0081] 60 lower second holding region

[0082] 62 free region

[0083] 64 latching element

[0084] 66 pressing device

[0085] 68 free region

[0086] A1 first axis

[0087] A2 second axis

[0088] AR axial direction

[0089] B actuating movement

[0090] d1 first distance

[0091] Fs pressing force

Claims

1. A valve mechanism control device (12) for controlling a variable valve mechanism (18) assigned to an internal combustion engine (10), wherein the variable valve mechanism (18) sets the maximum valve lift of a first valve of a first valve group and the maximum valve lift of a second valve of a second valve group of the internal combustion engine (10) operable by a camshaft (14) via switching elements respectively assigned to valves, the switching elements being switchable between at least a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein the first switching position generates the maximum first valve lift and the second switching position generates the maximum second valve lift of the corresponding valve, wherein the valve mechanism control device (12) comprises: A first actuating element (22) capable of axial movement is used to change the switching position of the valve lift of the first valve group by means of actuation motion (B). A second actuating element (24) capable of axial movement is used to change the switching position of the valve lift of the second valve group by means of actuation motion (B), and A return spring (34, 36) that resists the actuating motion (B) of at least one of the actuating elements in at least one direction. Its features are, The retaining element (38) is detachably fastened to the first pushing element (22) and the second pushing element (24). The retaining element (38) has a guide region (40) by which the first pushing element (22) and the second pushing element (24) are fixed to each other at least along a first axis (A1) perpendicular to the actuation motion (B). The retaining element (38) also has a support region (42) on which the return springs (34, 36) are supported.

2. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining element (38) is fastened to the first push element (22) and the second push element (24) before the first push element (22) and the second push element (24) are installed in the internal combustion engine (10), and the retaining element (38) is removed from the first push element (22) and the second push element (24) after the first push element (22) and the second push element (24) are installed in the internal combustion engine (10).

3. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first pushing element (22) and the second pushing element (24) are fixed to each other at least along a second axis (A2) perpendicular to the manipulation motion (B) and the first axis (A1) by the guide area (40).

4. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The return springs (34, 36) are associated with the second actuating element (24).

5. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining element (38) is axially fixed to the first pushing element (22) and / or the second pushing element (24).

6. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining element (38) has an upper first retaining region (52) that at least partially forms the guide region (40) and an upper second retaining region (56) that is spaced apart from the upper first retaining region (52) and axially separated from the upper first retaining region (52) by a free region (54).

7. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper first holding region (52) and / or the upper second holding region (56) have locking elements (64) for securing the first pushing element (22) and / or the second pushing element (24) to the holding element (38) along at least one direction along a second axis (A2) perpendicular to the manipulation movement (B) and the first axis (A1).

8. The valve mechanism control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining element (38) has a pressing region (48) and when a pressing force (Fs) is applied to the pressing region (48), the guiding region (40) has a first distance (d1) along the first axis (A1) through the pressing region (48), the first distance (d1) being greater than a second distance when the pressing force (Fs) is not applied.

9. A method for installing a valve mechanism control device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims into an internal combustion engine (10), the method being carried out in such a manner that, before installing the valve mechanism control device (12) into the internal combustion engine (10), the retaining element (38) is fastened to the first pushing element (22) and the second pushing element (24), then the valve mechanism control device (12) is aligned in the internal combustion engine (10), and then the retaining element (38) is removed from the first pushing element (22) and the second pushing element (24).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, As long as the retaining element (38) is fastened to the first push element (22) and the second push element (24) aligned in the internal combustion engine (10), the fastening of the camshaft (14) in the internal combustion engine (10) will fail.

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