Valve bridge stabilizer for engine braking

Abstract

A rocker assembly includes a valve bridge, a guide post, and a spring. The valve bridge is operably associated with the rocker assembly and is configured to engage a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending into the valve bridge from a bottom side of the valve bridge. The guide post is disposed at least partially within the internal chamber, wherein the guide post is fixed to a valve train carrier and extends upwardly into the valve bridge, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post. The spring is disposed about the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on a top surface of the valve train carrier, and wherein a second end of the spring is disposed against the bottom side of the valve bridge.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 319,914, filed March 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to engine braking, and more specifically to valve bridge stabilizers for engine braking.

[0004] Internal combustion engines typically use mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic valve actuation systems to actuate engine valves. These systems can include combinations of camshafts, rocker arms, and pushrods driven by rotation of the engine crankshaft. In a typical valve mechanism assembly used with compressor braking, the exhaust valve is actuated by a rocker arm that engages with the exhaust valve via a valve bridge. The rocker arm rocks in response to a cam on the rotating camshaft and presses down on the valve bridge, which itself presses down on the exhaust valve to open it. Existing valve bridges can tilt in response to engine braking and can be pumped in a hydraulic clearance adjuster (HLA) assembly attached to the end of the exhaust rocker arm. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The following figures illustrate specific aspects of this disclosure and should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalent transformations in form and function without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 A plan view of a valve mechanism assembly incorporating a rocker arm assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown, the rocker arm assembly including an intake rocker arm assembly, an exhaust rocker arm assembly, and an engine brake rocker arm assembly.

[0007] Figure 2A One or more aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the exhaust rocker arm assembly and the engine brake rocker arm assembly.

[0008] Figure 2B One or more aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 2A The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the exhaust rocker arm assembly and the engine brake rocker arm assembly.

[0009] Figure 2C A front view of a valve bridge according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A front view of a valve assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a valve assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This document describes in detail illustrative embodiments of the present invention. For clarity, not all features of actual implementations are described in this specification. It should be understood, of course, that in the development of any such implementation, many implementation-specific decisions can be made to achieve the goals of a particular implementation, and the goals of one implementation may differ from those of another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but remain a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0013] Throughout this disclosure, reference numerals following alphabetical characters refer to specific instances of elements, while individual reference numerals refer to elements generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the figures), part "1a" refers to an instance of a category of parts that can be collectively referred to as part "1," and any one of them can also be generically referred to as part "1." Similar reference numerals are intended to indicate similar elements in the figures and description.

[0014] As used herein, the term "connection" or "linkage" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device is connected to a second device, the connection can be a direct connection, an indirect electrical connection, or a shaft connection via other devices and connections.

[0015] To facilitate a better understanding of this disclosure, the following examples of specific implementations are provided. These examples should not be construed as limiting or restricting the scope of this disclosure. The implementations described below with respect to one particular implementation are not intended to be limiting.

[0016] First refer to Figure 1 The figure shows a partial valve mechanism assembly constructed according to an example of the present disclosure, and is generally identified by reference numeral 10. The partial valve mechanism assembly 10 can utilize engine braking and is shown as a three-cylinder section configured for a six-cylinder engine. However, it should be understood that the teachings are not limited thereto. The present disclosure can be applied to any valve mechanism assembly utilizing engine braking. The partial valve mechanism assembly 10 can be supported in a valve mechanism bracket 12, and each cylinder can include three rocker arms. In other embodiments, portions of the rocker arms (such as an exhaust valve rocker arm assembly and an engine brake rocker arm assembly) can be combined into a single rocker arm and can be collectively referred to as a combined exhaust and engine brake rocker arm assembly, which cooperatively controls the opening of the exhaust valve.

[0017] Specifically, each cylinder may include an intake valve rocker arm assembly 14, an exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16, and an engine brake rocker arm assembly 18. The exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 and the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 can cooperate to control the opening of a first exhaust valve 26 and a second exhaust valve 28, and can be collectively referred to as a dual rocker arm assembly 20. The intake valve rocker arm assembly 14 can be configured to control the movement of the intake valve, the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 can be configured to control the movement of the exhaust valve in drive mode, and the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 can be configured to act on one of the two exhaust valves in engine braking mode, as will be described herein. In an alternative configuration, the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 and the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 can be combined into a single rocker arm, which is referred to as a combined exhaust and engine brake rocker arm assembly.

[0018] The rocker arm 22 can be received by the valve mechanism bracket 12 and can support rotation of the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 and the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18. As described herein, the rocker arm 22 can deliver oil to assemblies 16, 18 during operation. A camshaft can be included in the valve mechanism assembly 10 and may include lift profiles or cam lobes configured to rotate assemblies 16, 18 to activate the first exhaust valve 26 and the second exhaust valve 28.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The dual rocker arm assembly 20 is shown. Each of the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 and the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 may generally include a rocker arm 40 and a central pivot hole 42. The rocker arm 40 can receive a rocker shaft 22 (see reference) through the central pivot hole 42. Figure 1 The exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 can rotate about the central pivot hole 42. The exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 may include a capsule assembly 44 operable to engage with the valve bridge 46. In one embodiment, the capsule assembly 44 may be a hydraulic clearance adjuster (HLA) assembly coupled to the end of the exhaust rocker arm, operable to engage with the valve bridge. The capsule assembly 44 may be configured to occupy any clearance between the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 and the valve bridge 46. In an exemplary implementation, the capsule assembly 44 may generally include an electronic foot 48 configured to engage with the valve bridge 46. When the capsule assembly 44 is actuated to the extended position, it can apply force to the valve bridge 46 and move the valve bridge 46 downward, engaging a first exhaust valve 26 and a second exhaust valve 28 associated with a cylinder (not shown) of the engine.

[0020] The engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 may include an engine brake actuator 50 operable to extend toward and retract away from the valve bridge 46. When the rollers are engaged by the engine brake lift profile of the camshaft, the engine brake actuator 50 can rotate downwards, thereby moving only the first exhaust valve 26 (i.e., valve 28 does not move) downwards, because the first exhaust valve 26 can be coupled to a cleat 52 in a passage 54 defined in the valve bridge 46. In one embodiment, actuation of the capsule 44 can push the valve bridge 46 downwards, subsequently displacing both the first exhaust valve 26 and the second exhaust valve 28. Actuation of the engine brake actuator 50 can push only the cleat 52 downwards, thereby pushing the first exhaust valve downwards independently of the valve bridge 46.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 2C At the throttle 52 and the first exhaust valve 26 (reference) Figure 1 When the valve bridge 46 is moved downwards, that portion of the valve bridge 46 may be subjected to gravitational pull because the first exhaust valve 26 no longer supports one side of the valve bridge 46. The second exhaust valve 28 may support the opposite side of the valve bridge 46, and the valve bridge 46 may tilt downwards towards the first exhaust valve 26 around the edge of the second exhaust valve 28. This could cause the valve bridge to jam or the automatic clearance adjustment system (such as capsule assembly 44 (reference)) to become stuck. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Over-adjustment. For example, when valve bridge 46 is tilted, a gap may be created within capsule assembly 44, which is then filled with fluid. When first exhaust valve 26 attempts to reposition, the additional fluid in capsule assembly 44 may prevent first exhaust valve 26 from fully closing against its seat.

[0022] Return to reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The valve bridge 46 may be configured to mitigate at least a portion of valve bridge jamming or over-adjustment of the capsule assembly 44. For example, the valve bridge 46 may include an internal chamber 56 extending from the bottom side 58 of the valve bridge 46 into the valve bridge 46. A guide post 60 may be at least partially disposed within the internal chamber 56, wherein the guide post 60 is fixed to the valve mechanism bracket 12 and extends upward into the valve bridge 46. In an embodiment, during operation, the valve bridge 46 is configured to translate along the guide post 60 when subjected to an external force from the dual rocker arm assembly 20. The valve bridge 46 may also include a central bore 62 disposed through a first side 64 and a second side 66 of the valve bridge 46, wherein the internal chamber 56 extends into the central bore 62. The central bore 62 may be configured to provide pressure relief to the internal chamber 56 during translation of the valve bridge 46 relative to the guide post 60.

[0023] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of an improved valve assembly 70 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A front view of valve assembly 70 is shown, and Figure 4 Another embodiment of the valve assembly 70 is shown. The valve assembly 70 may be part of the valve mechanism assembly 10 (see reference). Figure 1 The valve mechanism bracket 12 may include a first exhaust valve 26 and a second exhaust valve 28, a valve bridge 46, a guide post 60, and a spring 72. As shown, the spring 72 may be positioned around the guide post 60. A first end 74 of the spring 72 may be positioned on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket 12, and a second end 76 of the spring 72 may abut against the bottom side 58 of the valve bridge 46. The spring 72 may be configured to bias the valve bridge 46 in an upward direction, wherein the spring force of the spring 72 may be approximately the same as or approximately equal to the weight of the valve bridge 46. The spring 72 may be configured in the double rocker arm assembly 20 (see reference 20). Figure 1 The spring 72 stabilizes the valve bridge 46 during operation. The spring 72 can be any suitable size, height, shape, and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the spring 72 can comprise any suitable material, such as metals, non-metals, polymers, composites, and any combination thereof. Although the spring is shown as a reference spring 72, this disclosure is not limited to this understanding. For example, any other suitable component capable of supporting the valve bridge 46 can be used as the spring 72.

[0024] As from Figure 4 In a best visible configuration, the guide post 60 may include a shoulder 78 configured to receive a clip 80. The clip 80 may be positioned around the guide post 60 and between the second end 76 of the spring 72 and the bottom side 58 of the valve bridge 46. In one or more embodiments, the clip 80 may be a fastener, such as a washer. The clip 80 may be configured to abut against the shoulder 78 in response to actuation of the spring 72. In embodiments, the clip 80 may serve as a stop mechanism for the valve bridge 46 relative to the guide post 60. For example, during operation, the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 (see reference...) Figure 1 The valve bridge 46 can be actuated to apply a downward force to the valve bridge 46. The valve bridge 46 can be translated downward relative to the guide post 60. The spring 72 can be compressed as the force passes through the valve bridge 46 and is transmitted to it. After the applied force stops or decreases, the spring 72 can be configured to extend and push the valve bridge 46 upward. As the spring 72 extends, the valve bridge 46 can be translated back in the upward direction. Because the clip 80 can be positioned around the guide post 60 between the spring 72 and the valve bridge 46, the clip 80 can be positioned against the shoulder 78 during and after the extension of the spring 72, thereby preventing further extension of the spring 72 and preventing further translation of the valve bridge 46 in that direction. In another example, during operation, the engine brake rocker arm assembly 18 (see reference 1) Figure 1The valve bridge 46 can be actuated to apply a downward force on the first exhaust valve 26 independently of the valve bridge 46. In the event of temporary removal of the support provided by the first exhaust valve 26, the tilting of the valve bridge 46 due to gravity can be mitigated by utilizing the spring 72. In this example, the spring 72 can be configured to support the weight of the valve bridge 46 when the first exhaust valve 26 is open. In an embodiment, the spring 72 can be sufficiently compliant to compress when the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly 16 acts upon it, and sufficiently rigid to maintain structural integrity when the first exhaust valve 26 is opened independently of the second exhaust valve 28.

[0025] Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well suited to achieving the stated purposes and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the teachings of this disclosure can be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that would be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the construction or design details shown herein, except as described in the appended claims. Therefore, it is apparent that the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be changed, combined, or modified, and all such changes are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein can be suitably implemented without any elements not specifically disclosed herein and any optional elements disclosed herein. Although the compositions and methods are described in relation to “comprising,” “including,” or “having” various components or steps, these compositions and methods are also capable of being “consistent primarily of various components and steps” or “consisting of various components and steps.” All quantities and ranges disclosed above can be varied. Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any numerical value falling within that range and any included range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values ​​disclosed herein (in the form of "from about a to about b", or equivalently "from approximately a to b", or equivalently "from approximately ab") should be understood to specify each number and range covered within a wider range of values. Furthermore, terms in the claims have their ordinary, common meaning unless otherwise expressly and clearly defined by the patentee. Additionally, the indefinite articles "a" or "a" as used in the claims are defined herein to indicate one or more elements introduced therein.

Claims

1. A joystick assembly, comprising: An exhaust rocker arm is configured to selectively open the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve; The brake rocker arm is configured to selectively open the second exhaust valve. A valve bridge, operatively associated with the exhaust rocker arm and configured to engage the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the guide post is fixed to the valve mechanism bracket and extends upward to the valve bridge, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket, and wherein a second end of the spring is disposed abutting against the bottom side of the valve bridge. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

2. A joystick assembly, comprising: An exhaust rocker arm is configured to selectively open the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve; The brake rocker arm is configured to selectively open the second exhaust valve. A valve bridge, operatively associated with the exhaust rocker arm and configured to engage the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the guide post is fixed to the valve mechanism bracket and extends upward to the valve bridge, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post, and wherein the guide post includes a shoulder operable to receive a clamp; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket. The clip is configured to surround the guide post and lie between the second end of the spring and the bottom side of the valve bridge, wherein the clip is configured to abut against the shoulder of the guide post based on the operation of the spring. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

3. The joystick assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The valve bridge also includes a central bore configured to pass through a first side and a second side of the valve bridge, wherein the internal chamber extends into the central bore.

4. The joystick assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The exhaust rocker arm and the brake rocker arm are integrally formed as a single double rocker arm.

5. The joystick assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second exhaust valve is connected to a plug, which is located in a channel defined in the valve bridge.

6. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a hydraulic clearance adjuster (HLA) assembly, the hydraulic clearance adjuster assembly being coupled to the end of the exhaust rocker arm and operable to engage with the valve bridge.

7. A valve assembly, comprising: A valve bridge configured to engage a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; The first exhaust valve is fixed relative to the valve bridge; The second exhaust valve is fixed relative to the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket, and wherein a second end of the spring is disposed abutting against the bottom side of the valve bridge. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

8. A valve assembly, comprising: A valve bridge configured to engage a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; The first exhaust valve is fixed relative to the valve bridge; The second exhaust valve is fixed relative to the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post, wherein the guide post includes a shoulder operable to receive a clip; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket. The clip is configured to surround the guide post and lie between the second end of the spring and the bottom side of the valve bridge, wherein the clip is configured to abut against the shoulder of the guide post based on the operation of the spring. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The valve bridge also includes a central bore configured to pass through a first side and a second side of the valve bridge, wherein the internal chamber extends into the central bore.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The second exhaust valve is connected to a plug, which is located in a channel defined in the valve bridge.

11. A valve mechanism assembly, comprising: First exhaust valve; Second exhaust valve; The joystick assembly includes: An exhaust rocker arm, configured to selectively open the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve; and The brake rocker arm is configured to selectively open the second exhaust valve; A valve bridge, operatively associated with the exhaust rocker arm and configured to engage the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the guide post is fixed to the valve mechanism bracket and extends upward to the valve bridge, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket, and wherein a second end of the spring is disposed abutting against the bottom side of the valve bridge. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

12. A valve mechanism assembly, comprising: First exhaust valve; Second exhaust valve; The joystick assembly includes: An exhaust rocker arm, configured to selectively open the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve; and The brake rocker arm is configured to selectively open the second exhaust valve; A valve bridge, operatively associated with the exhaust rocker arm and configured to engage the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve, wherein the valve bridge includes an internal chamber extending from the bottom side of the valve bridge into the valve bridge; A guide post, at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the guide post is fixed to the valve mechanism bracket and extends upward to the valve bridge, wherein the valve bridge is configured to translate along the guide post, and wherein the guide post includes a shoulder operable to receive a clamp; and A spring is disposed around the guide post, wherein a first end of the spring is disposed on the top surface of the valve mechanism bracket. The clip is configured to surround the guide post and lie between the second end of the spring and the bottom side of the valve bridge, wherein the clip is configured to abut against the shoulder of the guide post based on the operation of the spring. The spring is configured to apply a spring force upward against the valve bridge during braking mode.

13. The valve mechanism assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The valve bridge also includes a central bore configured to pass through a first side and a second side of the valve bridge, wherein the internal chamber extends into the central bore.

14. The valve mechanism assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The second exhaust valve is connected to a plug, which is located in a channel defined in the valve bridge.

15. The valve mechanism assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The exhaust rocker arm and the brake rocker arm are integrally formed as a single double rocker arm.

16. The valve mechanism assembly of claim 11 or 12 further comprises a hydraulic clearance adjuster (HLA) assembly, the hydraulic clearance adjuster assembly being coupled to the end of the exhaust rocker arm and operable to engage with the valve bridge.

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