Rocker arm with switchable rollers for engine valve mechanisms

Abstract

A rocker arm assembly (3) capable of switching off roller assemblies (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 latching mechanism (300). The latching mechanism (300) includes a rocker body pin and roller body pins. The rocker body pin includes 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 latching axis (310). The roller body pin includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin (150-1, 150-2), each roller body pin being disposed within a corresponding 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 the 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 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,879, filed May 11, 2022, pursuant to 35 USC § 119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to rocker arm assemblies, and more specifically, to variable valve lift rocker arm assemblies with switchable roller systems, which can be used, for example, in valve mechanisms of internal combustion engines, allowing the use of variable valve actuation technology. Background Technology

[0004] Internal combustion engines may include valve mechanisms, wherein, in certain configurations, the engine valve mechanism may include rocker arms for controlling the opening and closing of intake valves and / or exhaust valves. Variable valve actuation mechanisms exist, such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift mechanisms, that can improve engine performance, fuel economy, and / or exhaust emissions of internal combustion engines. In certain configurations of the engine valve mechanism, switchable rocker arms may be used to support variable valve actuation.

[0005] The description provided herein is intended to present the general context of this disclosure. Within the scope of the description in this section, the work of the currently attributed inventors and various aspects of the description that cannot be considered prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor implied to be prior art to this 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 includes a valve end and a cam end opposite to the valve end. The cam end includes: 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 configured to rotate about a corresponding roller axis and engage a corresponding cam; and a latching mechanism configured to selectively disengage one of the first and second roller assemblies from the rocker arm body. The latching mechanism includes a rocker body pin and a roller body pin, the rocker body pin including a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins, each rocker body pin along... The latch axis is slidably and at least partially arranged within 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 a first end pin and a connecting pin, and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and a second end pin. Each roller body pin is slidably and at least partially arranged within a corresponding roller assembly along a corresponding roller axis. When the first latch mode is enabled, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker arm body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin. When the second latch mode is enabled, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker arm body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin.

[0007] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, when the first latching mode is activated, the first end pin extends axially toward the first roller assembly, such 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; this allows the first roller assembly to pivotally absorb the first cam movement, thereby deactivating the first roller assembly; and allows the second roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit the second cam movement to the rocker arm body, thereby activating the second roller assembly.

[0008] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, when the second latching mode is activated, the second end pin extends axially toward the second roller assembly, such that the second locking pin is axially accommodated within the second roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly; this allows the second roller assembly to pivotally absorb the movement of the second cam, thereby deactivating the second roller assembly; and allows the first roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit the movement of the first cam to the rocker arm body, thereby activating the first roller assembly.

[0009] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly each 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. Each roller assembly is biased by the corresponding roller biasing member toward a corresponding end position, in which each 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 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 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 features of some or all of the above embodiments, the length of each roller body pin measured along the corresponding roller axis allows the corresponding roller body pin to be selectively received axially within the corresponding roller assembly. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, one of the first or second end pins is biased by a pin biasing member toward the other of the first and second end pins. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the rocker arm is configured to selectively rotate about a rocker axis located between the valve end and the cam end. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, one or both of the first and second end pins can selectively extend based on a force applied by the actuator system. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the actuator system includes a hydraulic actuator. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the actuator system includes a solenoid.

[0010] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, a method is disclosed for selectively separating one of a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body. The method includes, in a first latching mode: translating a first end pin axially toward the first roller assembly; the latching mechanism includes a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins; each of the first end pin, the second end pin, and the connecting pin is slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latching axis; the axial translation of the first end pin and the axial accommodation of the first locking pin in the first roller assembly... The inner connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly and associated with it. The latching mechanism also includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin being disposed between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin being disposed between the connecting pin and the second end pin. Based on the first locking pin being axially housed within the first roller assembly, the first roller assembly is deactivated by absorbing the movement of the first cam in a pivotable manner. 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 engaging the second roller assembly to the rocker arm body to transmit the movement of the second cam to the rocker arm body.

[0011] In a specific embodiment that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the method of selectively separating the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body includes, in a second latching mode: translating a second end pin axially toward the second roller assembly, the axial translation of the second end pin being associated with a second locking pin axially housed within the second roller assembly and a connecting pin at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly; deactivating the second roller assembly by pivotally absorbing second cam motion based on the second locking pin being axially housed within the second roller assembly; and activating the first roller assembly by operably engaging the first roller assembly to transmit first cam motion to the rocker arm body based on the connecting pin at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly.

[0012] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the 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 toward 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 features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member are the same. In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the 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 pins and the second end pins toward the other end pin by a pin biasing member.

[0013] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, an engine valve mechanism system is disclosed. This system includes a camshaft having multiple cams, multiple valves, and a rocker arm assembly configured to rotate about a rocker arm axis. The rocker arm assembly includes valve ends configured to selectively engage two or more of the multiple valves and a cam end opposite to the valve ends. The cam end includes: 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 about a corresponding roller axis and engage a corresponding cam of the multiple cams; and a latching mechanism configured to selectively disengage one of the first and second roller assemblies from the rocker arm body. The latching mechanism includes a rocker body pin and a roller body pin. The pin includes a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first end pin and the second end pin. Each rocker body pin in the rocker body pin is slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latch axis. The roller body pin includes a first locking pin and a second locking pin. The first locking pin is disposed between the first end pin and the connecting pin, and the second locking pin is disposed between the connecting pin and the second end pin. Each roller body pin in the roller body pin is slidably and at least partially disposed within a corresponding roller assembly along a corresponding roller axis. When the first latch mode is enabled, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin. And when the second latch mode is enabled, the second roller assembly is deactivated 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.

[0014] In a specific embodiment that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly respectively further 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. Each roller assembly is biased towards a corresponding end position by the corresponding roller biasing member, 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 features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member are the same. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] It should be noted that the provided drawings may be schematic and not actual or exact representations; the components and aspects in these drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Furthermore, while the same reference numerals may refer to corresponding components in many cases in different views, the same components may not always have the same reference numerals in each view. Detailed Implementation

[0023] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, this document discloses various mechanisms, components, arrangements, and methods of operation, manufacture, and / or assembly of engine valve mechanisms, rocker arm assemblies, and / or related subsystems. For clarity, not all features of every actual implementation or embodiment may be described in this specification. Furthermore, some aspects and features may be described at a higher level.

[0024] Furthermore, features and aspects disclosed, shown, and / or clearly conceivable in other ways in certain specific configurations are fully contemplated as being able to be combined or combined to produce any and all final configurations using the features and / or aspects of any implementation and / or configuration considered herein. This may follow specific figures or be associated with specific accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The features, limitations, and / or other descriptions introduced herein may be applied individually or additionally, and may be contemplated with reference to other embodiments and / or descriptions (whether individually or in combination) related to other accompanying drawings. Therefore, modifications, variations, adjustments, and / or combinations can be made to these features and aspects to produce embodiments fully contemplated to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the engine valve mechanism may include a rocker arm for controlling the opening and closing of the engine's intake valves and / or exhaust valves. In a specific embodiment, the rocker arm may include a body that selectively rotates or reciprocates, converting the rotational motion of a rotating camshaft cam lobe into motion that controls the opening and closing of the valves. In a specific embodiment, the rocker arm may be configured to rotate about a rocker axis, wherein a cam end of the rocker arm is positioned to directly or indirectly contact one or more rotating cams, and a valve end located at the end opposite 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 specific implementations, one or more switchable rocker arms can be used to support variable valve actuation.

[0027] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to a specific embodiment is shown.

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

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

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

[0031] In a specific embodiment, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and / or 100-2) are movable relative to the rocker arm body 25. In a specific embodiment, the roller assemblies 100 can be operatively connected to the rocker arm body 25 via one or more roller assembly support structures 110, allowing the roller assemblies 100 to move relative to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example and not 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 via pivoting connections 115-1 and 115-2 at the rocker arm body, respectively. In a specific embodiment, the number of roller assembly support structures 110 and / or pivoting connections 115 may not be equal to the number of rocker arm assemblies 100. In a specific embodiment, one or more connectors and / or support structures for movably supporting one or more roller assemblies 100 may be based on pivots, hinges, ball joints, ball joints, universal joints and / or any other suitable type of connector, joint, structure or any suitable combination thereof.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, one or more roller assembly biasing members 120 may be provided to bias one or more roller assemblies 100. In a specific embodiment, such 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 may be provided with a corresponding roller assembly biasing member 120-1 and 120-2. In a specific embodiment, such as Figures 3A to 3D As shown in the non-limiting example, multiple roller assemblies 100 (such as...) Figures 3A to 3D The pair of roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2 can be provided with different numbers or total numbers of roller assembly biasing members 120 (such as... Figures 3A to 3D The single roller assembly biasing member 120 shown is illustrated. In a specific embodiment, 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) may be selectively and / or switchably fixed or movable relative to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and / or 100-2) may be selectively or switchably activated by locking or engaging relative to the rocker arm body 25, such that cam lift profiles or cam movements received by the locked roller assembly 100 may be transmitted to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (such as 100-1 and / or 100-2) may be selectively or switchably deactivated or disabled by unlocking or movably disengaging the respective roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25, such that cam lift profiles or cam movements received by the unlocked roller assembly 100 may be absorbed by idle movement due to the action of at least one roller assembly biasing member 120, thereby preventing the cam lift profiles or cam movements from being transmitted to the rocker arm body 25.

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

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

[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. By way of example and not limitation, the latch assembly 300 may be configured to selectively separate roller assemblies 100-1 and / or 100-2. In a specific embodiment, the latch assembly 300 may be configured, by design, to automatically deactivate or disable one or more of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3 when a subset of roller assemblies 100 are activated. In a specific embodiment, the latch assembly 300 may be configured, by design, to automatically activate or enable one or more of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3 when a subset of roller assemblies 100 are deactivated or disabled.

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

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

[0039] As an example, not a 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 latching assembly 300 (which will be described in further detail herein), the roller assembly 100-2 can be activated by locking or operatively engaging the roller assembly 100-2 relative to the rocker arm body 25, such 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 about the rocker axis 18, thereby allowing the rocker arm assembly 3 to act correspondingly on one or more valves via the valve end 12 according to the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-2. Also, Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 As shown, 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 latching assembly 300 (i.e. by enabling roller assembly 100-1 to pivot relative to rocker arm body 25), such 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 bias member 120 absorbs the bias, or such as by Figure 4 The special roller assembly bias member 120-1 absorbs the bias, thereby automatically deactivating the roller assembly 100-1.

[0040] Continuing to refer to the non-restrictive examples described above, Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 It shows the second latching mode (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 An example of a rocker arm assembly (corresponding to the first latching mode shown) is provided, wherein, based on the operating mode switching generated by the latching assembly 300 (which will be described in further detail herein), the roller assembly 100-1 can be activated by locking or operatively engaging 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 thus the rocker arm 25 moves about the rocker axis 18, thereby allowing the rocker arm assembly 3 to act correspondingly on one or more valves via the valve end 12 according to the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-1. Also, Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 As shown, 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 latching assembly 300 (i.e. by enabling roller assembly 100-2 to pivot relative to rocker arm body 25), such 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 bias member 120 absorbs the bias, or such as by Figure 5 The special roller assembly bias member 120-2 absorbs the bias, thereby automatically deactivating the roller assembly 100-2.

[0041] As an example, not a limitation. Figure 4 The illustration shows roller assembly 100-1 unlocked or disengaged from rocker arm body 25 and occupying an offset position based on receiving and absorbing cam motion or lift from roller 105-1, such that roller axis 130-1 is not aligned with latch axis 310 (as will be further described herein). It also shows roller assembly 100-2 locked or operatively engaged relative to rocker arm body 25, such that in this example, roller axis 130-2 is aligned with latch axis 310. This is by way of example and not limitation. Figure 5 The diagram shows roller assembly 100-2 unlocked or disengaged from rocker arm body 25 and occupying an offset position based on receiving and absorbing cam motion from roller 105-2, such that roller axis 130-2 is not aligned with latch axis 310. It also shows roller assembly 100-1 locked or operatively engaged relative to rocker arm body 25, such that in this example, roller axis 130-1 is aligned with latch axis 310.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the latch assembly 300 may include a set of rocker body pins. In a specific embodiment, this set of rocker body pins may include one or more end pins 330, such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2, disposed within the rocker arm body 25 along the latch axis 310. In a specific embodiment, this set of rocker body pins may include one or more connecting pins, such as connecting pins 350, disposed within the rocker arm body 25 along the latch axis 310 and axially positioned 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) are axially movable between a recessed (or retracted) position and an extended position. In a specific embodiment, one or more end faces 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 initial relative motion along one or more degrees of freedom. As an example and not a limitation, one or more faces of the rocker body pin may be provided with a convex shape or other suitable shape around the latch axis, so as to achieve smooth contact with adjacent pins, such as adjacent roller body pins (described in further detail herein).

[0043] In specific implementations, one or more end pins may be configured to extend selectively or switchably based on one or more actuators and / or force or displacement sources. This is by way of example, not limitation. Figures 3A to 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The end pin 330-1 is shown as being able to extend selectively or switchably based on actuator 400. By way of example and not limitation, actuator 400 may include one or more hydraulic actuators, energized solenoids, linear actuators, electromechanical or mechanical actuators, other force or displacement sources, or any suitable actuator mechanism or combination thereof. By way of non-limiting example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 A hydraulic actuator 400 that selectively acts on end pin 330-1 is shown. As a non-limiting example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the hydraulic port 410 can be in fluid communication with 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 to 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, which includes a mechanical force source that selectively acts on an end pin 330-1. It should be understood that while particular figures or aspects disclosed may be specifically shown as having a particular form of actuation as a non-limiting example, and / or may provide specific details, any suitable form of actuation is fully contemplated, individually or in combination with other aspects disclosed herein, for each or any figure and / or aspect of this disclosure.

[0044] In a specific implementation, one end pin in a set of end pins can be biased toward another end pin by a pin biasing member. This is an example, not a limitation. Figures 3A to 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 End pin 330-2 is shown as being biased towards end pin 330-1 by pin biasing member 420. In a specific embodiment, pin biasing member 420 may include a spring.

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

[0046] In a specific embodiment, the length of the connecting pin (such as connecting pin 350) measured along the latch axis 310 can be greater than the length of the roller assembly adjacent to the connecting pin (such as in...) measured along the latch axis. Figures 3A to 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the non-restricted instance, the shortest distance is between roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, the latching assembly 300 may include a set of one or more roller body pins, wherein each roller body pin may be at least partially disposed within a respective roller assembly 100. In a specific embodiment, each roller body pin is slidably arranged within the respective roller assembly 100, such as within a respective roller shaft 125 and / or along a respective roller axis 130. In a specific embodiment, the length of each roller body pin, measured along the respective roller axis 130, allows the respective roller body pin to be axially accommodated within the respective roller assembly 100 when operationally required. In a specific 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 undergo relative movement along one or more degrees of freedom. By way of example and not limitation, one or more faces of the roller body pins may be provided with a convex shape or other suitable shape around the respective roller axis to achieve smooth contact with adjacent pins (such as adjacent rocker body pins).

[0048] As an example rather than a limitation, such as Figures 3A to 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a set of roller body pins may include locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 respectively disposed within roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2, the locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 being slidably arranged within corresponding roller shafts 125-1 and 125-2. Figures 3A to 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown, as a non-limiting example, each locking pin 150 may have a length along the respective roller axis 130 such that, if properly positioned axially (e.g., by selectively sliding axially), each locking pin 150 may be axially accommodated within the respective roller assembly 100 and / or positioned so as not to interfere with the pivoting or other movements of the respective roller assembly 100 relative to the rocker arm body 25, as if the roller assembly 100 were separated from the rocker arm body 25.

[0049] References are provided as examples, not limitations. Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4In the first latching mode of switching rocker arm assembly 3, selectively energizing or actuating the actuator 400 can selectively extend end pin 330-1, thereby axially and slidably displacing it toward another end pin 330-2, such as by axially engaging each roller body pin and rocker body pin (330-1, 150-1, 350, 150-2, and 330-2). In the extended position, end pin 330-1 may not interfere with the movement of adjacent roller assembly 100-1 or any initial movement, but end pin 330-1 can position and / or retain locking pin 150-1 for axial reception within roller shaft 125-1 and / or roller axis 130-1. Based at least on the relative lengths of the rocker body pin and the roller body pin, measured axially along the latch axis 310, the locking pin 150-1 can thus be axially accommodated within the roller assembly 100-1, thereby disengaging and deactivating the roller assembly 100-1 by pivotally moving it and absorbing cam motion received by the roller 105-1. Furthermore, the connecting pin 350 can axially displace the locking pin 150-2, such that the connecting pin 350 can be at least partially arranged within the roller shaft 125-2 and / or roller axis 130-2 (in this case coinciding with the latch axis 310) of the roller assembly 100-2, thereby allowing the connecting pin 350 to interfere with the roller assembly 100-2 or otherwise lock or operatively engage the roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25. Alone or additionally, locking pin 150-2 may be arranged at least partially axially within a hole corresponding to end pin 330-2, such that locking pin 150-2 may provide locking or operative engagement support for locking roller assembly 100-2 relative to rocker arm body 25, either alone or additionally. End pin 330-2, which may be provided with pin biasing member 420 and / or actuator 400-2 (not shown), may be configured in a retracted position in this mode. By way of example, and not limitation, pin biasing member 420 corresponding to end pin 330-2 may be compressed in the first latching mode, as described. By way of example, and not limitation, pin biasing member 420-1 (if configured to correspond to end pin 330-1) may be extended or relaxed in this second latching mode. By way of example, and not limitation, actuator 400-2 (if configured to correspond to end pin 330-2) may be de-energized or deactivated in this first latching mode.

[0050] References are provided as examples, not limitations. Figure 3B , Figure 3D and Figure 5 These figures respectively illustrate the switching rocker arm assembly 3 and... Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4In the second latching mode corresponding to the first latching mode shown, end pin 330-1 can be selectively retracted and / or end pin 330-2 can be selectively extended. By way of example and not limitation, this selective retraction and / or extension can be achieved by selectively de-energizing or deactivating the actuator 400 of end pin 330-1, such as by resisting the biasing force acting on the opposite end pin 330-2 from the pin biasing member 420, and / or by energizing the actuator 400-2 at end pin 330-2 to axially and slidably displace toward 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, end pin 330-2 may not interfere with the movement or any initial movement of the adjacent roller assembly 100-2, but end pin 330-2 can position and / or retain locking pin 150-2 for axial reception within roller shaft 125-2 and / or roller axis 130-2. Based at least on the relative lengths of the rocker body pin and roller body pin measured axially along latch axis 310, locking pin 150-2 can thus be axially received within roller assembly 100-2, thereby disengaging and deactivating roller assembly 100-2 by pivotally moving roller assembly 100-2 and absorbing cam movement received by roller 105-2. Furthermore, the connecting pin 350 can axially displace the locking pin 150-1, allowing the connecting pin 350 to be at least partially arranged within the roller shaft 125-1 and / or roller axis 130-1 of the roller assembly 100-1 (in this case, coinciding with the latch axis 310), thereby enabling the connecting pin 350 to interfere with the roller assembly 100-1 or otherwise lock or operatively engage the roller assembly relative to the rocker arm body 25. Alone or additionally, the locking pin 150-1 can be at least partially axially arranged within a hole corresponding to the end pin 330-1, which can alone or additionally provide locking or operative engagement 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 actuator 400, can be in a retracted position in this mode. By way of example, and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420 corresponding to end pin 330-2 may be extended or relaxed in this second latching mode. By way of example, and not limitation, the pin biasing member 420-1 (if configured to correspond to end pin 330-1) may be compressed in this second latching mode. By way of example, and not limitation, the actuator 400 (if configured to correspond to end pin 330-1) may be de-energized or deactivated in this 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 such that when the separated roller assembly moves relative to the rocker arm body 25, the corresponding roller axis 130-1 or 130-2 is aligned with the latch axis 310 at least temporarily and / or periodically.

[0052] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Various elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in chosen embodiments, even if those embodiments are not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. These variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] While the invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, these drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims. Specifically, the invention covers other embodiments that combine features of the different embodiments described above and below in any way. Furthermore, statements herein used to illustrate the invention refer to one embodiment of the invention, and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0054] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted as having the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the articles “a” or “the” used when referring to an element should not be interpreted as excluding multiple elements. Similarly, the statement of “or” should be interpreted as inclusive, such 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 foregoing description that only one of A and B is involved. Furthermore, regardless of whether A, B, and C are class-related or otherwise related, the statement of “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a set 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. Moreover, 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 (e.g., A), any subset of the listed elements (e.g., 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. Specific axes (such as one or more transverse axes and / or longitudinal axes) that may be omitted in some illustrations herein should be interpreted as present in each illustration 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 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 pivotably connected to the rocker arm body, each roller configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage with a respective cam; and a latch mechanism configured to selectively decouple one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism comprising: a rocker body pin comprising 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 first end pin, second end pin, and connecting pin slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latch axis, 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; and a roller body pin comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin disposed between the first end pin and the connecting pin, the second locking pin disposed between the connecting pin and the second end pin, each of the first locking pin and second locking pin slidably and at least partially disposed within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein, when a first latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated, and wherein, when a second latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated.

2. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the first latch mode is enabled, the first end pin extends axially toward the first roller assembly such that the first locking pin is received axially within the first roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly, such that the first roller assembly is pivotally enabled to absorb a first cam motion, thereby deactivating the first roller assembly, and such that the second roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a second cam motion to the rocker arm body, thereby activating the second roller assembly.

3. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the second latch mode is enabled, the second end pin extends axially toward the second roller assembly such that the second locking pin is received axially within the second roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly, such that the second roller assembly is pivotally enabled to absorb a second cam motion, thereby deactivating the second roller assembly, and such that the first roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a first cam motion to the rocker arm body, thereby activating the first roller assembly.

4. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first and second roller assemblies further include first and second roller biasing members, respectively, each roller assembly being biased by the respective roller biasing member toward a respective end position in which the respective roller body pin is coaxially positioned with the latch axis of the rocker body pin.

5. The rocker arm assembly of claim 4, wherein, The first and second roller biasing members are identical.

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

7. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein, A length of each roller body pin measured along a respective roller axis is such that the respective roller body pin is selectively axially received within the respective roller assembly.

8. The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rocker arm body is configured to selectively rotate about a rocker axis located between the valve end and the cam end.

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

10. The rocker arm assembly of claim 9, wherein, The actuator system includes a hydraulic actuator.

11. The rocker arm assembly of claim 9, wherein, The actuator system includes a solenoid.

12. A method of selectively separating one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body in the rocker arm assembly of any of claims 1-11, the method comprising: In a first latching mode, axially translating the first end pin toward the first roller assembly; deactivating the first roller assembly by pivotably absorbing first cam motion by the first roller assembly based on the first lock pin being axially received within the first roller assembly; and activating the second roller assembly by operatively coupling the second roller assembly to the rocker arm body to transfer second cam motion to the rocker arm body based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly. The method further includes biasing one of the first and second end pins toward the other of the first and second end pins by a pin biasing member.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: In a second latching mode, axially translating the second end pin toward the second roller assembly, the axial translation of the second end pin being associated with the second lock pin being axially received within the second roller assembly and the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly; deactivating the second roller assembly by pivotably absorbing second cam motion by the second roller assembly based on the second lock pin being axially received within the second roller assembly; and activating the first roller assembly by operatively coupling the first roller assembly to the rocker arm body to transfer first cam motion to the rocker arm body based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: 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 the respective roller biasing member toward a respective end position in which the first and second lock pins are coaxially positioned with the latch axis, respectively.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first and second roller biasing members are identical.

16. An engine valve train system, comprising: a camshaft comprising a plurality of cams; a plurality of valves; a rocker arm assembly configured to rotate about a rocker shaft, the rocker arm assembly comprising a valve end configured to selectively engage two or more valves of the plurality of valves and a cam end opposite 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 pivotably connected to the rocker arm body, each roller 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 decouple one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the latch mechanism comprising: a rocker body pin comprising 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 first end pin, second end pin, and connecting pin slidably and at least partially disposed within the rocker arm body along a latch axis, 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; and a roller body pin comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin, the first locking pin disposed between the first end pin and the connecting pin, the second locking pin disposed between the connecting pin and the second end pin, each of the first locking pin and second locking pin slidably and at least partially disposed within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein, when a first latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the second end pin, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated, and wherein, when a second latch mode is enabled, based on selectively and slidably displacing the rocker body pin and the roller body pin toward the first end pin, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated.

17. The engine valve train system of claim 16, wherein, the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly further comprise a first roller biasing member and a second roller biasing member, respectively, each roller assembly biased by a respective roller biasing member toward a respective end position in which a respective roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly is positioned coaxially with the latch axis of the rocker body pin.

18. The engine valve train system of claim 17, wherein, the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member are identical. the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly further comprise a first roller biasing member and a second roller biasing member, respectively, each roller assembly biased by a respective roller biasing member toward a respective end position in which a respective roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly is positioned coaxially with the latch axis of the rocker body pin. the first roller biasing member and the second roller biasing member are identical.

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