Rocker with switchable roller for engine valve train

Abstract

A rocker arm assembly (3) that switchably deactivates a roller assembly (100-1, 100-2) includes a valve end (12) and a cam end (13) having a first roller assembly, a second roller assembly (100-1, 100-2), and a latch mechanism (300). The latch mechanism (300) includes a rocker body pin and a roller body pin. The rocker body pins include a first end pin, a second end pin (330-1, 330-2), and a connecting pin (350), each pin being disposed within the rocker arm body (25) along a latch axis (310). The roller body pins comprise first and second locking pins (150-1, 150-2), each roller body pin being disposed within a respective roller assembly (100-1, 100-2). In a first latching mode, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated. In a second latching mode, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,879, filed on May 11, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to rocker arm assemblies, and more particularly, to variable valve lift rocker arm assemblies having a switchable roller system that may be used, for example, in a valve train of an internal combustion engine, allowing the use of variable valve actuation technology. Background Art

[0004] An internal combustion engine may include a valve train, wherein in certain configurations, the engine valve train may include a rocker arm for controlling the opening and closing of an intake valve and / or an exhaust valve. There are variable valve actuation mechanisms, such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift mechanisms, that may improve engine performance, fuel economy, and / or exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine. In certain configurations of the engine valve train, a switchable rocker arm may be employed to support variable valve actuation.

[0005] The description provided herein is to generally present the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and various aspects of the description that were not considered prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a specific embodiment, a rocker arm assembly for switchably deactivating a roller assembly is disclosed, the rocker arm assembly comprising a valve end and a cam end opposite to the valve end, the cam end comprising: a rocker arm body; a first roller assembly comprising a first roller and a second roller assembly comprising a second roller, each roller assembly being pivotally connected to the rocker arm body, each roller being configured to rotate around a corresponding roller axis and engage with a corresponding cam; and a latch mechanism configured to selectively separate one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism comprising a rocker body pin and a roller body pin, the rocker body pin comprising a first end pin, a second end pin and a connecting pin arranged between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the rocker body pins being arranged along The latch axis is slidably and at least partially arranged in the rocker arm body, the roller body pin includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, each of the roller body pins is slidably and at least partially arranged in the corresponding roller assembly along the corresponding roller axis, wherein, when the first latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably shifting the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, the first roller assembly is disabled and the second roller assembly is activated, and wherein, when the second latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably shifting the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin, the second roller assembly is disabled and the first roller assembly is activated.

[0007] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the first latch mode is enabled, the first end pin extends axially toward the first roller assembly, so that the first locking pin is axially accommodated in the first roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the second roller assembly; so that the first roller assembly can absorb the first cam movement in a pivotable manner, thereby deactivating the first roller assembly; and so that the second roller assembly can be operably connected to the rocker arm body to transmit the second cam movement to the rocker arm body, thereby starting the second roller assembly.

[0008] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the second latch mode is enabled, the second end pin extends axially toward the second roller assembly, so that the second locking pin is axially accommodated in the second roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the first roller assembly; so that the second roller assembly can absorb the second cam movement in a pivotable manner, thereby deactivating the second roller assembly; and so that the first roller assembly can be operably connected to the rocker arm body to transmit the first cam movement to the rocker arm body, thereby starting the first roller assembly.

[0009] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly respectively include a first roller biasing member and a second roller biasing member and are biased by the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member, respectively, and each roller assembly is biased by the corresponding roller biasing member to a corresponding end position, in which the respective roller body pins corresponding to each roller assembly are coaxially positioned with the latch axis of the rocker body pin. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller biasing member is the same as the second roller biasing member. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the length of the connecting pin measured along the latch axis is greater than the shortest distance between the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly measured along the latch axis. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the length of each roller body pin measured along the corresponding roller axis enables the corresponding roller body pin to be selectively accommodated in the corresponding roller assembly along the axial direction. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, one of the first end pin or the second end pin is biased toward the other end pin of the first end pin and the second end pin by a pin biasing member. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the rocker arm is configured to selectively rotate around a rocker shaft located between a valve end and a cam end. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, one or both of the first end pin and the second end pin can be selectively extended based on a force applied by an actuator system. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the actuator system includes a hydraulic actuator. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein the actuator system includes a solenoid.

[0010] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, a method for selectively separating one of a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body is disclosed, the method comprising: in a first latch mode: translating a first end pin axially toward the first roller assembly, the latch mechanism comprising a first end pin, a second end pin and a connecting pin arranged between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the first end pin, the second end pin and the connecting pin being slidably and at least partially arranged in the rocker arm body along a latch axis, the axial translation of the first end pin and the first locking pin being axially accommodated in the first roller assembly The inner and connecting pins are at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the second roller assembly, and the latch mechanism also includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin; based on the first locking pin being axially accommodated in the first roller assembly, the first roller assembly is deactivated by allowing the first roller assembly to absorb the first cam movement in a pivotable manner; and based on the connecting pin being at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the second roller assembly, the second roller assembly is started by allowing the second roller assembly to be operatively connected to the rocker arm body to transmit the second cam movement to the rocker arm body.

[0011] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the embodiments described above, a method for selectively separating a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body includes, in a second latch mode: translating the second end pin axially toward the second roller assembly, the axial translation of the second end pin being associated with the second locking pin being axially accommodated in the second roller assembly and the connecting pin being at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the first roller assembly; deactivating the second roller assembly by causing the second roller assembly to pivotally absorb the second cam movement based on the second locking pin being axially accommodated in the second roller assembly; and starting the first roller assembly by causing the first roller assembly to be operatively connected to the rocker arm body to transmit the first cam movement to the rocker arm body based on the connecting pin being at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the first roller assembly.

[0012] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, a method for selectively separating the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body includes: biasing the first roller assembly by a first roller biasing member, and biasing the second roller assembly by a second roller biasing member, each roller assembly being biased by a corresponding roller biasing member to a corresponding end position in which the first locking pin and the second locking pin are respectively positioned coaxially with the latch axis. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first roller biasing member is identical to the second roller biasing member. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, a method for selectively separating the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body includes: biasing one of the first end pin and the second end pin toward the other of the first end pin and the second end pin by a pin biasing member.

[0013] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, an engine valve mechanism system is disclosed, which includes a camshaft having a plurality of cams, a plurality of valves, and a rocker arm assembly configured to rotate around a rocker axis, the rocker arm assembly including a valve end configured to selectively engage with two or more valves of the plurality of valves and a cam end opposite to the valve end, the cam end including: a rocker arm body; a first roller assembly including a first roller and a second roller assembly including a second roller, each roller assembly being pivotally connected to the rocker arm body, each roller being configured to rotate around a corresponding roller axis and engage with a corresponding cam of the plurality of cams; and a latch mechanism configured to selectively separate one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism including a rocker body pin and a roller body pin, the rocker body The pin includes a first end pin, a second end pin and a connecting pin arranged between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the rocker body pins is slidably and at least partially arranged in the rocker arm body along the latch axis, the roller body pin includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, each of the roller body pins is slidably and at least partially arranged in the corresponding roller assembly along the corresponding roller axis, wherein, when the first latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably shifting the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, the first roller assembly is disabled and the second roller assembly is activated, and wherein, when the second latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably shifting the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin, the second roller assembly is disabled and the first roller assembly is activated.

[0014] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly further include and are biased by the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member, respectively, each roller assembly is biased by the respective roller biasing member to a respective end position, in which the respective roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly is coaxially positioned with the latch axis of the rocker body pin. In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller biasing member is identical to the second roller biasing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the exemplary drawings. The present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the following:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to a particular embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to a particular embodiment is shown.

[0018] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first latching mode and a second latching mode are shown, respectively, according to a specific embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D Schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first latching mode and a second latching mode are shown, respectively, according to a specific embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a first latch mode is shown according to a particular embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a second latch mode is shown according to a particular embodiment.

[0022] It should be noted that the several figures provided may be schematically illustrated rather than realistically or accurately illustrated; the various components and aspects in these figures may not necessarily be drawn to scale. In addition, although in many cases the same reference numerals may represent corresponding components in different views, the same components may not always have the same reference numerals in each view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, various mechanisms, components, arrangements, and methods of operation, manufacturing, and / or assembly of engine valve trains, rocker arm assemblies, and / or related subsystems are disclosed herein. For the sake of clarity, all features of each actual implementation or embodiment may not be described in this specification. In addition, some aspects and features may be described at a high level.

[0024] Furthermore, features and aspects disclosed, illustrated, and / or apparently otherwise contemplated in certain specific configurations are fully contemplated to be capable of being combined or combined to produce any and all final configurations using the features and aspects of any embodiment and / or configuration contemplated herein. Figure 1 The features, limitations and / or other descriptions introduced herein may apply individually or in addition, and may be contemplated with reference to other embodiments and / or descriptions associated with other figures (whether individually or in combination). Therefore, these features and aspects may be modified, changed, adjusted and / or combined to produce embodiments that are fully contemplated to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the engine valve mechanism may include a rocker arm for controlling the opening and closing of an intake valve and / or an exhaust valve of the engine. In a specific embodiment, the rocker arm may include a body that selectively rotates or reciprocates, and the body may convert the rotational motion of a cam lobe of a rotating camshaft lobe into a motion that may control the opening and closing of the valve. In a specific embodiment, the rocker arm may be configured to rotate around a rocker shaft, wherein a cam end of the rocker arm is configured to directly or indirectly contact one or more rotating cams, and a valve end located at an end opposite to the cam end interacts directly or indirectly (e.g., via a valve bridge) with one or more valves of the engine.

[0026] Variable valve actuation mechanisms, such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift, have been introduced to improve engine performance, fuel economy, and / or exhaust emissions of internal combustion engines. In particular embodiments, one or more switchable rocker arms may be used to support variable valve actuation.

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to a particular embodiment is shown.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the rocker arm assembly 3 can be configured to selectively pivot or rotate about a rocker shaft axis 18 on a rocker shaft (not shown), and can include a valve end 12 and a cam end 13. In a particular embodiment, the rocker arm assembly 3 can have a center pivot configuration, wherein the cam end 13 is located opposite the valve end 12, and wherein the rocker shaft axis 18 is disposed between the valve end 12 and the cam end 13, such as shown in a Type III valve train system as a non-limiting example. In a particular embodiment, the rocker arm assembly 3 can have an end pivot configuration.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the valve end 12 may include structures, mechanisms and / or assemblies for interacting with one or more valves of the engine. As a non-limiting example, the valve end 12 may include: one or more feet and / or extension structures, such as an E-foot 20; and one or more optional capsules, mechanisms, adjustment mechanisms (such as clearance adjustment mechanisms), some of which may be switchable and / or automatically adjustable. In a specific embodiment, some portions of the valve end 12 may interact directly with one or more valves of the engine. In a specific embodiment, some portions of the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly may interact indirectly with one or more valves. As an example and not a limitation, some portions of the valve end may interact with one or more engine valves via a valve bridge, and / or interact with one or more engine valves by using a valve bridge or other suitable structure using a pin or a socket.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the cam end 13 may include an outer rocker arm cam end body 25 (also referred to herein as a rocker arm body 25) and one or more roller assemblies 100. As a non-limiting example, the cam end 13 may include a pair of switchable roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2. Each roller assembly 100-1 and 100-2 may include a corresponding roller (105-1 and 105-2, respectively), wherein each roller may be on a corresponding roller shaft (125-1 and 125-2, respectively; FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 and 130 - 2 ). Each roller 105 - 1 and 105 - 2 can be configured to operatively engage a cam or cam lobe of a corresponding camshaft and receive a cam lift profile from the corresponding cam when the camshaft rotates.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, one or more roller assemblies 100, such as 100-1 and / or 100-2, can move relative to the rocker arm body 25. In a particular embodiment, the roller assembly 100 can be operatively connected to the rocker arm body 25 via one or more roller assembly support structures 110, so that the roller assembly 100 can move relative to the rocker arm body 25. As an example and not a limitation, roller assemblies 100-2 and 100-2 can be pivotally connected to the rocker arm body 25 via roller assembly support arms 110-1 and 110-2 at the rocker arm body 25, respectively, and also using pivot connections 115-1 and 115-2 at the rocker arm body, respectively. In a particular embodiment, the number of roller assembly support structures 110 and / or pivot connections 115 may not be equal to the number of rocker arm assemblies 100. In particular embodiments, one or more connectors and / or support structures for movably supporting one or more roller assemblies 100 may be based on pivots, hinges, spherical joints, ball and socket joints, universal joints and / or any other suitable type of connector, joint, structure or any suitable combination thereof.

[0032] In particular embodiments, one or more roller assembly biasing members 120 may be provided to bias one or more roller assemblies 100. In particular embodiments, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the non-limiting example, each roller assembly 100-1 and 100-2 can be provided with a corresponding roller assembly biasing member 120-1 and 120-2. In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D As shown in non-limiting example, a plurality of roller assemblies 100 (such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A pair of roller assemblies 100 - 1 and 100 - 2 in FIG. 1 may be provided with a different number or total number of roller assembly biasing members 120 (such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D ). In particular embodiments, the roller assembly biasing member 120 may include a spring.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and 100-2) can be selectively and / or switchably fixed or movable relative to the rocker arm body 25. As an example and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and / or 100-2) can be selectively or switchably activated or enabled by locking or coupling relative to the rocker arm body 25, so that the cam lift profile or cam motion received by the locked roller assembly 100 can be transmitted to the rocker arm body 25. As an example and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and / or 100-2) can be selectively or switchably deactivated or disabled by unlocking or movably separating the corresponding roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25, so that the cam lift profile or cam motion received by the unlocked roller assembly 100 may be absorbed by lost motion due to the action of at least one roller assembly biasing member 120, so that the cam lift profile or cam motion is not transmitted to the rocker arm body 25.

[0034] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A non-limiting example of a rocker assembly 3 having two roller assemblies (100-1 and 100-2) is shown, wherein each roller assembly is shown in an intermediate or fully extended position corresponding to a base circle or minimum lift cam position.

[0035] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first latching mode and a second latching mode are shown, respectively, according to a specific embodiment. FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D Schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first latching mode and a second latching mode are shown, respectively, according to a specific embodiment.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the rocker arm assembly 3 may be provided with a switchable latch assembly 300 for selectively or switchably deactivating one or more roller assemblies 100. As an example and not limitation, the latch assembly 300 may be provided to selectively separate the roller assemblies 100-1 and / or 100-2. In a specific embodiment, the provided latch assembly 300 may be configured to automatically deactivate or disable one or more roller assemblies of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3 based on the design and when a portion of the roller assemblies 100 are activated. In a specific embodiment, the provided latch assembly 300 may be configured to automatically activate or enable one or more roller assemblies of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3 based on the design and when a portion of the roller assemblies 100 are deactivated or disabled.

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a first latch mode is shown according to a particular embodiment. Figure 5A schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a second latch mode is shown according to a particular embodiment.

[0038] As an example and not a limitation, taking the rocker arm assembly 3 having two switchable roller assemblies 100 as an example, the latch assembly 300 can be configured to switch between a first latch mode and a second latch mode in a specific embodiment, wherein: (1) if one of the two roller assemblies (such as the first roller assembly) is enabled in the first latch mode, the other of the two roller assemblies (such as the second roller assembly) can be automatically disabled in the first latch mode, and (2) in the corresponding second latch mode, one of the two roller assemblies (such as the second roller assembly) is disabled and the other of the two roller assemblies (such as the first roller assembly) is enabled. This example can be usefully considered as illustrated by any suitable figure provided herein, without limiting the scope of any other embodiments contemplated herein based on other features that may be shown in the figures.

[0039] By way of example and not limitation, Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 An example of a rocker arm assembly in a first latching mode is shown, wherein, based on the operation of the latch assembly 300 (described in further detail herein), the roller assembly 100-2 can be enabled by locking or operatively coupling the roller assembly 100-2 relative to the rocker arm body 25, so that the corresponding cam motion or cam lift profile received by the roller 105-2 can be transmitted and thus cause the rocker arm body 25 to move around the rocker shaft axis 18, thereby allowing the rocker arm assembly 3 to act on one or more valves via the valve end 12 in accordance with the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-2. Also as shown in FIG. Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when roller assembly 100-2 is activated, another roller assembly in the roller assembly group (such as roller assembly 100-1 in these non-limiting examples) can be automatically disengaged by latch assembly 300 (i.e., by enabling pivotal movement of roller assembly 100-1 relative to rocker arm body 25) so that the corresponding cam motion or cam lift profile received by roller 105-1 can be absorbed (in these non-limiting examples, absorbed by at least one roller assembly biasing member, such as by Figure 3A and Figure 3C The common roller assembly biasing member 120 in the embodiment absorbs or is such as by Figure 4 The dedicated roller assembly biasing member 120-1 absorbs this), thereby automatically deactivating the roller assembly 100-1.

[0040] Continuing with reference to the non-limiting examples described above, Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 shows the second latch mode (respectively Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 ) in which, based on the operation mode switching generated by the latch assembly 300 (which will be described in further detail herein), the roller assembly 100-1 can be enabled by locking or operatively coupling the roller assembly 100-1 relative to the rocker arm body 25, so that the corresponding cam motion or cam lift profile received by the roller 105-1 can be transmitted and the rocker arm 25 can move around the rocker shaft axis 18, thereby allowing the rocker arm assembly 3 to act on one or more valves via the valve end 12 in accordance with the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-1. Also as shown Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when roller assembly 100-1 is activated, another roller assembly in the roller assembly group (such as roller assembly 100-2 in these non-limiting examples) can be automatically disengaged by latch assembly 300 (i.e., by enabling pivotal movement of roller assembly 100-2 relative to rocker arm body 25) so that the corresponding cam motion or cam lift profile received by roller 105-2 can be absorbed (in these non-limiting examples, absorbed by at least one roller assembly biasing member, such as by Figure 3B and Figure 3D The common roller assembly biasing member 120 in the embodiment absorbs or is such as by Figure 5 The dedicated roller assembly biasing member 120-2 absorbs this), thereby automatically deactivating the roller assembly 100-2.

[0041] By way of example and not limitation, Figure 4 The roller assembly 100-1 is shown unlocked or disengaged from the rocker arm body 25 and occupies an offset position based on receiving and absorbing cam motion or lift from the roller 105-1 such that the roller axis 130-1 is not aligned with the latch axis 310 (described further herein), and the roller assembly 100-2 is also shown locked or operatively coupled relative to the rocker arm body 25 such that the roller axis 130-2 is aligned with the latch axis 310 in this example. By way of example and not limitation, Figure 5 The roller assembly 100-2 is shown unlocked or disengaged from the rocker arm body 25 and occupies an offset position based on receiving and absorbing cam movement from the roller 105-2 so that the roller axis 130-2 is not aligned with the latch axis 310, and the roller assembly 100-1 is also shown locked or operatively connected relative to the rocker arm body 25 so that in this example the roller axis 130-1 is aligned with the latch axis 310.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the latch assembly 300 may include a set of rocker body pins. In a specific embodiment, the set of rocker body pins may include one or more end pins 330, such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2, which are disposed in the rocker arm body 25 along the latch axis 310. In a specific embodiment, the set of rocker body pins may include one or more connecting pins, such as connecting pin 350, which are disposed in the rocker arm body 25 along the latch axis 310 and are axially located between specific end pins (such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2). In a specific embodiment, the end pins (such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2) can move axially between a recessed (or retracted) position and an extended position. In a specific embodiment, one or more end surfaces of one or more rocker body pins may be provided with suitable features to facilitate smooth contact with any adjacent pins that may undergo relative motion or initiate relative motion along one or more degrees of freedom. By way of example and not limitation, one or more faces of a rocker body pin may be provided with a convex shape or other suitable shape about the latch axis such that smooth contact relative to an adjacent pin, such as an adjacent roller body pin (described in further detail herein), may be achieved.

[0043] In particular embodiments, one or more end pins may be configured to selectively or switchably extend based on one or more actuators and / or force sources or displacement sources. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The end pin 330-1 is shown as being selectively or switchably extendable based on the actuator 400. As an example and not limitation, the actuator 400 may include one or more hydraulic actuators, energized solenoids, linear actuators, electromechanical or mechanical actuators, other force sources or displacement sources, or any suitable actuator mechanism or combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 A hydraulic actuator 400 is shown that selectively acts on the end pin 330-1. As a non-limiting example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in , hydraulic bore 410 can be fluidly connected to a selectively pressurized hydraulic or control fluid (such as oil) to apply an extension force to the cavity 415 of the end pin 330-1 or release the extension force applied to the cavity of the end pin. As a non-limiting example, Figure 3C and Figure 3DAn actuator 400 is shown that includes a source of mechanical force that selectively acts on the end pin 330-1. It should be understood that although certain figures or disclosed aspects may be specifically shown as having a certain form of actuation as a non-limiting example, and / or specific details may be provided, any suitable form of actuation is fully contemplated for each or any figure and / or various aspects of the present disclosure, either alone or in combination with other aspects disclosed herein.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, one end pin in a set of end pins may be biased toward another end pin by a pin biasing member. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The end pin 330-2 in FIG. 4 is shown as being biased toward the end pin 330-1 by the pin biasing member 420. In a particular embodiment, the pin biasing member 420 may include a spring.

[0045] It should also be understood that although particular figures or disclosed aspects may be specifically shown as having particular configurations and / or combinations of actuating and / or biasing components as non-limiting examples, for each figure and / or disclosed aspect, any suitable configuration and / or combination of actuating and / or biasing components are fully contemplated, either alone or in combination with other aspects disclosed herein. For example, but not limited to, for a switchable rocker arm assembly 3 having two end pins 330-1 and 330-2, the following configurations are envisioned, wherein: (1) the two end pins 330-1, 330-2 are provided with actuators 400-1 and 400-2 (not shown), respectively, and neither of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is provided with a pin biasing member 420; (2) the two end pins 330-1 and 330-2 are provided with actuators 400-1 and 400-2, respectively, and one or both of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 are additionally provided with one or more pin biasing members 420; (3) one of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is provided with an actuator 400, and the other of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is provided with a pin biasing member 420. As mentioned, it is fully contemplated that any of the above configurations and / or any other configurations may be combined with any other features, aspects, or configurations disclosed or illustrated herein.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, a connecting pin (such as connecting pin 350) may have a length measured along the latch axis 310 that is greater than a roller assembly (such as at 350) adjacent to the connecting pin measured along the latch axis. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the non-limiting example, the shortest distance between roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2).

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the latch assembly 300 may include a set (one or more) of roller body pins, wherein each roller body pin may be at least partially disposed within a corresponding roller assembly 100. In a particular embodiment, each roller body pin is slidably disposed within a corresponding roller assembly 100, such as disposed within a corresponding roller shaft 125 and / or disposed along a corresponding roller axis 130. In a particular embodiment, the length of each roller body pin measured along the corresponding roller axis 130 may enable the corresponding roller body pin to be axially accommodated within the corresponding roller assembly 100 when operationally required. In a particular embodiment, one or more end faces of one or more roller body pins may be provided with suitable features to facilitate smooth contact with adjacent pins that may experience relative motion along one or more degrees of freedom. As an example and not limitation, one or more faces of a roller body pin may be provided with a convex shape or other suitable shape around a corresponding roller axis so that smooth contact relative to an adjacent pin (such as an adjacent rocker body pin) may be achieved.

[0048] By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in , a set of roller body pins may include locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 respectively disposed in roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2, and the locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 are slidably disposed in the corresponding roller shafts 125-1 and 125-2. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown in , as a non-limiting example, each locking pin 150 can have a certain length along the corresponding roller axis 130 so that if properly positioned axially (such as by selectively sliding axially), each locking pin 150 can be axially received within the corresponding roller assembly 100, and / or positioned so as not to interfere with the pivotal movement or other movement of the corresponding roller assembly 100 relative to the rocker arm body 25, as if the roller assembly 100 is separated from the rocker arm body 25.

[0049] By way of example and not limitation, refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4In the first latching mode of the switching rocker arm assembly 3, the end pin 330-1 can be selectively extended based on selectively energizing or activating the actuator 400, so as to be axially and slidably displaced toward the other end pin 330-2, such as by axially engaging each roller body pin and the rocker body pin (330-1, 150-1, 350, 150-2 and 330-2) with each other. In the extended position, the end pin 330-1 may not interfere with the movement or any initial movement of the adjacent roller assembly 100-1, but the end pin 330-1 can position and / or maintain the locking pin 150-1 to be axially accommodated within the roller shaft 125-1 and / or the roller axis 130-1. Based at least on the relative lengths of the rocker body pin and the roller body pin as measured axially along the latch axis 310, the locking pin 150-1 can thereby be axially received within the roller assembly 100-1, thereby disengaging and deactivating the roller assembly 100-1 by causing the roller assembly 100-1 to pivotally move and absorb cam motion received by the roller 105-1. In addition, the connecting pin 350 can axially displace the locking pin 150-2 such that the connecting pin 350 can be at least partially disposed within the roller shaft 125-2 and / or roller axis 130-2 of the roller assembly 100-2 (in this case coinciding with the latch axis 310), thereby allowing the connecting pin 350 to interfere with the roller assembly 100-2 or otherwise lock or operatively couple the roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25. Alternatively or additionally, the locking pin 150-2 may be at least partially axially disposed within a hole corresponding to the end pin 330-2, such that the locking pin 150-2 may provide locking or operative coupling support for locking the roller assembly 100-2 relative to the rocker arm body 25, either alone or in addition. The end pin 330-2, which may be provided with a pin biasing member 420 and / or an actuator 400-2 (not shown), may be configured in a retracted position in this mode. As an example and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420 corresponding to the end pin 330-2 may be compressed in the first latching mode, as described. As an example and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420-1 (if provided to correspond to the end pin 330-1) may be extended or relaxed in the second latching mode. As an example and not limitation, the actuator 400-2 (if provided to correspond to the end pin 330-2) may be de-energized or deactivated in the first latching mode.

[0050] By way of example and not limitation, refer to Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 These figures respectively show the switching rocker arm assembly 3 and Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4In a second latching mode corresponding to the first latching mode shown in FIG, the end pin 330-1 can be selectively retracted and / or the end pin 330-2 can be selectively extended. As an example and not limitation, this selective retraction and / or extension can be achieved based on selectively de-energizing or disabling the actuator 400 of the end pin 330-1, such as resisting the biasing force from the pin biasing member 420 acting on the opposite end pin 330-2, and / or by energizing the actuator 400-2 at the end pin 330-2 to axially and slidably displace toward the end pin 330-1, such as by axially engaging each roller body pin and rocker body pin (330-1, 150-1, 350, 150-2 and 330-2) with each other. In the extended position, the end pin 330-2 may not interfere with the movement or any initial movement of the adjacent roller assembly 100-2, but the end pin 330-2 can position and / or retain the locking pin 150-2 to be axially received within the roller shaft 125-2 and / or the roller axis 130-2. Based on at least the relative lengths of the rocker body pin and the roller body pin measured axially along the latch axis 310, the locking pin 150-2 can thus be axially received within the roller assembly 100-2, thereby disengaging and deactivating the roller assembly 100-2 by pivotally moving the roller assembly 100-2 and absorbing the cam motion received by the roller 105-2. In addition, the connecting pin 350 can displace the locking pin 150-1 axially so that the connecting pin 350 can be at least partially disposed within the roller shaft 125-1 and / or roller axis 130-1 (coincident with the latch axis 310 in this case) of the roller assembly 100-1, thereby allowing the connecting pin 350 to interfere with the roller assembly 100-1 or otherwise lock or operatively couple the roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25. Alternatively or additionally, the locking pin 150-1 can be at least partially axially disposed within a hole corresponding to the end pin 330-1, which can alternatively or additionally provide locking or operatively coupling support for locking the roller assembly 100-1 relative to the rocker arm body 25. The end pin 330-1, which may be provided with a pin biasing member 420-1 (not shown) and / or the actuator 400, can be in a retracted position in this mode. As an example and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420 corresponding to the end pin 330-2 can be extended or relaxed in the second latching mode. As an example and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420-1 (if provided to correspond to the end pin 330-1) can be compressed in the second latching mode. As an example and not limitation, the actuator 400 (if provided to correspond to the end pin 330-1) can be de-energized or deactivated in the second latching mode.

[0051] In the case of a separated roller assembly in any situation or mode, the corresponding roller axis 130-1 or 130-2 corresponding to the corresponding roller body pin (such as locking pin 150-1 or 150-2) can be positioned so that when the separated roller assembly moves relative to the rocker arm body 25, the corresponding roller axis 130-1 or 130-2 is at least temporarily and / or periodically aligned with the latch axis 310.

[0052] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a specific embodiment are generally not limited to the specific embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in the selected embodiment, even if the embodiments are not specifically shown or described. They can also be changed in a variety of ways. These changes should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all these modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, these drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. It should be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims. Specifically, the present invention encompasses other embodiments that make any combination of the features of the different embodiments described above and below. In addition, the statements used to illustrate the present invention herein refer to one embodiment of the present invention, not necessarily all embodiments.

[0054] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted as having the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the preceding description. For example, the article "a" or "the" used when introducing an element should not be interpreted as excluding the case of multiple elements. Similarly, the statement of "or" should be interpreted as inclusive, so that the statement of "A or B" does not exclude the case of "A and B", unless it is clear from the context or the preceding description that only one of A and B is involved. In addition, whether A, B, and C are related in category or otherwise, the statement of "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B, and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one element of each of the listed elements A, B, and C. In addition, the statement of "A, B, and / or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted as including any single entity of the listed elements (such as A), any subset of the listed elements (such as A and B), or the entire list of elements A, B, and C.

[0055] The numerical ranges listed in this application should be interpreted as including the endpoints of the stated ranges. Certain axes (such as one or more transverse axes and / or longitudinal axes) that may be omitted in some of the drawings herein should be interpreted as being present in each drawing or situation mentioned.

Claims

1. A rocker arm assembly capable of switchably deactivating a roller assembly, the rocker arm assembly comprising: a valve end and a cam end opposite to the valve end, the cam end comprising: Rocker arm body; a first roller assembly including a first roller and a second roller assembly including a second roller, each roller assembly being pivotally connected to the rocker arm body, each roller being configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective cam; and A latch mechanism configured to selectively separate one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism comprising: a rocker body pin including a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the rocker body pins being slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latch axis; and The roller body pin comprises a first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, and each of the roller body pins is slidably and at least partially arranged in a corresponding roller assembly along a corresponding roller axis. wherein, when the first latch mode is enabled, the first roller assembly is disabled and the second roller assembly is enabled based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, and Wherein, when the second latch mode is enabled, the second roller assembly is disabled and the first roller assembly is activated based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin.

2. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the first latch mode is enabled, The first end pin extends axially toward the first roller assembly so that the first locking pin is axially received within the first roller assembly and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly, enabling the first roller assembly to pivotably absorb the first cam motion, thereby deactivating the first roller assembly, and The second roller assembly is enabled to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a second cam motion to the rocker arm body to activate the second roller assembly.

3. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the second latch mode is enabled, The second end pin extends axially toward the second roller assembly so that the second locking pin is axially received within the second roller assembly and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly, enabling the second roller assembly to pivotably absorb the second cam motion, thereby deactivating the second roller assembly, and The first roller assembly is enabled to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a first cam motion to the rocker arm body to activate the first roller assembly.

4. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first roller assembly and the second roller assembly also include a first roller biasing member and a second roller biasing member, respectively, and each roller assembly is biased toward a corresponding end position by a corresponding roller biasing member, in which position, each roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly is coaxially positioned with the latch axis of the rocker body pin.

5. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first roller biasing member is identical to the second roller biasing member.

6. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A length of the connecting pin measured along the latch axis is greater than a shortest distance between the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly measured along the latch axis.

7. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The length of each roller body pin measured along the corresponding roller axis enables the corresponding roller body pin to be selectively axially received within the corresponding roller assembly.

8. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: One of the first end pin and the second end pin is biased toward the other of the first end pin and the second end pin by a pin biasing member.

9. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rocker arm is configured to selectively rotate about a rocker axis between the valve end and the cam end.

10. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein: One or both of the first end pin and the second end pin are selectively extendable based on a force applied by an actuator system.

11. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The actuator system includes a hydraulic actuator.

12. The rocker arm assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The actuator system includes a solenoid.

13. A method of selectively separating one of a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body, the method comprising: In the first latch mode, The first end pin is caused to translate axially toward the first roller assembly, the latch mechanism includes the first end pin, the second end pin and a connecting pin arranged between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the first end pin, the second end pin and the connecting pin is slidably and at least partially arranged in the rocker arm body along the latch axis, the axial translation of the first end pin is associated with the first locking pin being axially accommodated in the first roller assembly and the connecting pin being at least partially arranged in the roller axis of the second roller assembly, the latch mechanism also includes the first locking pin and the second locking pin, the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin; deactivating the first roller assembly by causing the first roller assembly to pivotably absorb a first cam motion based on the first locking pin being axially received within the first roller assembly; as well as Based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly, the second roller assembly is activated by operatively coupling the second roller assembly to the rocker arm body to transfer a second cam motion to the rocker arm body.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: In the second latch mode, translating the second end pin axially toward the second roller assembly, the axial translation of the second end pin being associated with the second locking pin being axially received within the second roller assembly and the connecting pin being disposed at least partially within a roller axis of the first roller assembly; deactivating the second roller assembly by causing the second roller assembly to pivotably absorb a second cam motion based on the second locking pin being axially received within the second roller assembly; as well as Based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly, the first roller assembly is activated by operatively coupling the first roller assembly to the rocker arm body to transfer a first cam motion to the rocker arm body.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The first roller assembly is biased by a first roller biasing member, and the second roller assembly is biased by a second roller biasing member, each roller assembly being biased by a corresponding roller biasing member toward a corresponding end position in which the first locking pin and the second locking pin are respectively positioned coaxially with the latch axis.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first roller biasing member is identical to the second roller biasing member.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: One of the first end pin and the second end pin is biased toward the other of the first end pin and the second end pin by a pin biasing member.

18. An engine valve train system, comprising: a camshaft including a plurality of cams; Multiple valves; A rocker arm assembly configured to rotate about a rocker shaft, the rocker arm assembly comprising: a valve end configured to selectively engage with two or more valves of the plurality of valves; and a cam end opposite the valve end, the cam end comprising: Rocker arm body; a first roller assembly including a first roller and a second roller assembly including a second roller, each roller assembly being pivotably connected to the rocker arm body, each roller being configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams; and A latch mechanism configured to selectively separate one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism comprising: a rocker body pin including a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first end pin and the second end pin, each of the rocker body pins being slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latch axis; and The roller body pin comprises a first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, and each of the roller body pins is slidably and at least partially arranged in a corresponding roller assembly along a corresponding roller axis. wherein, when the first latch mode is enabled, the first roller assembly is disabled and the second roller assembly is enabled based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, and Wherein, when the second latch mode is enabled, the second roller assembly is disabled and the first roller assembly is activated based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin.

19. The engine valve train system according to claim 18, wherein: The first roller assembly and the second roller assembly also include a first roller biasing member and a second roller biasing member, respectively, and each roller assembly is biased by the corresponding roller biasing member to a corresponding end position, in which position, the respective roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly is coaxially positioned with the latch axis of the rocker body pin.

20. The engine valve train system of claim 18, wherein: The first roller biasing member is identical to the second roller biasing member.

Images