Selectively controlled oil circuit and spool valve for variable valve lift system

Abstract

A spool valve assembly operable for automatic control of oil flow, the spool valve assembly comprising: a housing; a spool valve configured to slide axially within the housing; a first inlet port on the housing configured to connect with a first oil gallery, where the first oil gallery is operable as an outlet of a first oil control valve; a second inlet port on the housing configured to connect with a second oil gallery, where the second oil gallery is operable as an outlet of a second oil control valve; the valve core outlet is positioned on the shell and is configured to be connected with a third oil duct; and a return spring configured to return the spool to the rest position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanisms for supporting different modes of an engine, and more particularly to mechanisms and components that enable the engine to effectively activate / deactivate these modes. Background Art

[0002] The 1.5-stroke engine brake system is a variable valve actuation (VVA) technology. The system can meet the growing demand for increased braking power when applied to the control of the exhaust valves. The main functions of the system include deactivating the exhaust rocker and the dedicated engine brake rocker. The engine brake and exhaust rocker lost motion mechanism ensure that the dynamics are controlled when the system is deactivated. When in drive mode, the deactivated exhaust rocker behaves as a standard exhaust rocker. This is achieved by keeping the deactivated exhaust rocker in a latched state and thus fully transmitting the exhaust cam lift to the valve. At the same time, the mechanical seal capsule housed in the engine brake rocker remains disengaged. Therefore, the brake lift does not work. When needed, the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) actuates the engine brake. While conventional engine brakes only utilize one compression release event. The 1.5-stroke engine brake has two per revolution, and the braking performance is improved by up to 75%. To achieve this, the main exhaust rocker must be deactivated. When the main exhaust event is inactive, the valve is disconnected from the cam and the engine brake seal capsule is engaged. The system then transmits the brake lift to the valve. Brake lift optimizes the amount of air in the cylinder at the start of each compression stroke and releases the compressed air. The 1.5-stroke engine brake system can be installed on any single overhead cam or double overhead cam engine architecture. The system can increase braking power by 75% at low speeds.

[0003] The cylinder deactivation system is another VVA technology. The cylinder deactivation system was developed for medium-duty and heavy-duty engines in response to the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient internal combustion engines. The main features of the system include deactivating the exhaust rocker and deactivating the intake rocker. The intake rocker lost motion mechanism and the exhaust rocker lost motion mechanism are designed to ensure full control of the system dynamics in the deactivated state. When in drive mode, the deactivation mechanism is off and the intake deactivation rocker and the exhaust deactivation rocker behave as standard rockers, fully transmitting the exhaust cam lift and the intake cam lift to the corresponding valves. When required, the vehicle's ECU actuates the cylinder activation system. In this mode, both rockers are deactivated and no cam lift is delivered to the valve. As a result, the valve remains closed. The cylinder deactivation system can be installed on any engine architecture. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a particular embodiment, a sliding valve assembly is disclosed that is operable for automatic control of oil flow. The sliding valve assembly may include a housing. The sliding valve assembly may also include a sliding valve configured to slide axially within the housing. In addition, the sliding valve assembly may include: a first inlet port on the housing configured to connect to a first oil passage; and a second inlet port on the housing configured to connect to a second oil passage. In a particular embodiment, the first oil passage may be operable as an outlet of a first oil control valve, and the second oil passage may be operable as an outlet of a second oil control valve. In addition, the sliding valve assembly may include a spool outlet on the housing, the spool outlet configured to connect to a third oil passage. The sliding valve assembly may also include a return spring configured to return the sliding valve to a stationary position.

[0005] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, a method for switching the operation of an oil control circuit between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes is disclosed. The method may include deactivating a first oil control valve and a second oil control valve associated with the oil control circuit. The deactivation of the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve may result in no oil flow in the first oil passage and the second oil passage. In a specific embodiment, the first oil passage may be operable as an outlet of the first oil control valve, and the second oil passage may be operable as an outlet of the second oil control valve. The first oil passage may be connected to a first inlet port on a housing of a sliding valve assembly, and the sliding valve assembly is associated with the oil control circuit. The second oil passage may be connected to a second inlet port on a housing of the sliding valve assembly. In a specific embodiment, the third oil passage may be connected to a spool outlet on a housing of the sliding valve assembly. The sliding valve of the sliding valve assembly may be configured to slide axially in the housing of the sliding valve assembly in a stationary position. The method may also include operating the oil control circuit in a first mode.

[0006] In a specific embodiment of a method of switching the operation of an oil control circuit between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, oil flow may pass between the second oil passage and the third oil passage based on a balance pressure between the second oil passage and the third oil passage and associated with the sliding valve assembly.

[0007] In a particular embodiment of a method of switching the operation of an oil control circuit between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, the first mode may be a drive mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be disconnected. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be disconnected. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be disconnected.

[0008] In a particular embodiment of the method of switching the operation of the oil control circuit between multiple oil control variable valve lift modes that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the method may also include activating a second oil control valve. In a particular embodiment, activation of the second oil control valve may cause oil to flow through a second oil passage. The second oil passage may transfer the oil flow to a third oil passage. The method may also include operating the oil control circuit in the second mode.

[0009] In a particular embodiment of a method of switching the operation of an oil control circuit between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, the second mode may be a cylinder deactivation (CDA) mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be disconnected. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned on.

[0010] In a particular embodiment of the method of switching the operation of the oil control circuit between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, the third mode may be an engine braking mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with the engine brake. The engine brake may be turned on. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned off.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of a method of switching the operation of an oil control circuit between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, the method may further include actuating a first oil control valve and a second oil control valve. Actuation of the first oil control valve may cause oil flow through a first oil passage, and actuation of the second oil control valve may cause oil flow through a third oil passage. One or more of the first oil passage or the third oil passage may transfer the oil flow to the third oil passage. The method may further include operating the oil control circuit in a fourth mode.

[0012] In a particular embodiment of the method of switching the operation of the oil control circuit between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the fourth mode may be a full start mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with the engine brake. The engine brake may be turned on. The oil control circuit may also be associated with the exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with the intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned on.

[0013] In a specific embodiment that can combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, an oil control circuit configured to switch between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes is disclosed. The oil control circuit may include a first oil control valve, a second oil control valve, a first oil passage that can be operated as an outlet of the first oil control valve, a second oil passage that can be operated as an outlet of the second oil control valve, a third oil passage, and a sliding valve assembly. In a specific embodiment, the sliding valve assembly may include: a housing; a sliding valve configured to slide axially within the housing; a first inlet port on the housing configured to connect to the first oil passage; a second inlet port on the housing configured to connect to the second oil passage; a spool outlet on the housing configured to connect to the third oil passage; and a return spring configured to return the sliding valve to a static position.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of an oil control circuit configured to switch between multiple oil control variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the oil control circuit may also be configured to deactivate the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve. Deactivation of the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve may result in no oil flow in the first oil passage and the second oil passage. The oil control circuit may also be configured to operate in the first mode.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of an oil control circuit configured for switching between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above-described embodiments, oil flow may pass between the second oil passage and the third oil passage based on a balance pressure between the second oil passage and the third oil passage and associated with the sliding valve assembly.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of an oil control circuit configured for switching between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first mode may be a drive mode. In a specific embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be disconnected. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be disconnected. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be disconnected.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of an oil control circuit configured to switch between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the oil control circuit can also be configured to deactivate the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve. Deactivation of the first oil control valve may result in no oil flow in the first oil passage. The oil control circuit can also be configured to activate the second oil control valve. Activation of the second oil control valve can cause oil to flow through the second oil passage. In a specific embodiment, the second oil passage can cause the oil flow to be transferred to the third oil passage. The oil control circuit can also be configured to operate in the second mode.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of an oil control circuit configured for switching between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the second mode may be a cylinder deactivation (CDA) mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be disconnected. The oil control circuit may be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. The oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned on.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of an oil control circuit configured to switch between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that can combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the oil control circuit can also be configured to start the first oil control valve. The start of the first oil control valve can cause oil to flow through the first oil channel. In a specific embodiment, the oil flow through the first oil channel can apply pressure to the slide valve to slide axially to a non-stationary position within the housing. The sliding of the slide valve to the non-stationary position can allow the oil flow through the first oil channel to pass through the third oil channel. The oil control circuit can also be configured to deactivate the second oil control valve. The deactivation of the second oil control valve may result in no oil flow in the second oil channel. The oil control circuit can also be configured to operate in a third mode.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of an oil control circuit configured for switching between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the third mode may be an engine braking mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be turned on. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned off.

[0021] In a specific embodiment of an oil control circuit configured to switch between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes that can combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the oil control circuit can also be configured to activate a first oil control valve and a second oil control valve. Activation of the first oil control valve can cause oil to flow through the first oil passage, and activation of the second oil control valve can cause oil to flow through the third oil passage. One or more of the first oil passage or the third oil passage can transfer oil flow to the third oil passage. The oil control circuit can also be configured to operate in a fourth mode.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of an oil control circuit configured for switching between multiple oil controlled variable valve lift modes that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the fourth mode may be a full start mode. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may be associated with an engine brake. The engine brake may be turned on. The oil control circuit may also be associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation. The exhaust valve may be turned on. Additionally, the oil control circuit may be associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation. The intake valve may be turned on. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, which show the following:

[0024] Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of an oil control circuit is shown.

[0025] FIG. 1B shows a schematic partial cross-sectional top view of an oil control circuit.

[0026] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a sliding valve assembly is shown.

[0027] Figure 2B A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a sliding valve assembly is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a first mode is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a second mode is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a third mode is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a fourth mode is shown.

[0032] Fig. 7A A schematic perspective view of the oil control circuit for controlling the brakes and cylinder deactivation (CDA) of a 1.5 stroke engine is shown.

[0033] Figure 7B A schematic, partially cut-away top view of the oil control circuitry for controlling the brake and cylinder deactivation (CDA) of a 1.5 stroke engine is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a drive mode is shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in CDA mode is shown.

[0036] Fig.10 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in a 1.5 stroke engine is shown.

[0037] Fig.11 A schematic, partially cut-away top view of an oil control circuit operating in full start-up mode is shown.

[0038] Fig.12 A flow chart illustrating an example method of operation for switching an oil control circuit between a plurality of oil controlled variable valve lift modes.

[0039] It should be noted that the drawings provided may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely; the components and aspects of the drawings may not necessarily be to scale. In addition, while in many cases the same reference numerals may designate corresponding parts in different views, the same parts may not always be provided with the same reference numerals in each view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, slide valve assemblies and oil control circuits and related mechanisms, devices and methods are provided 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 in a higher level. Further, features and aspects disclosed, shown and / or apparently otherwise expected in certain specific configurations are fully expected to be mixed or combined to produce any and all resulting configurations using features and aspects from any embodiment and / or configuration considered herein. Therefore, features and aspects can be modified, changed, adapted and / or combined so that the embodiments fall fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] A variable valve lift ("VVL") system may allow switching between nominal, advanced, delayed, valve open or closed. Thus, lift height and duration may be controlled. Embodiments disclosed herein disclose an oil control circuit for a VVL system. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit may include a spool valve assembly. As disclosed herein, the spool valve assembly may enable automatic control of oil flow based on the open or closed state of an oil control valve ("OCV").

[0042] In certain embodiments, engine braking (EB), cylinder deactivation (CDA), late intake valve closing (LIVC), late intake valve opening (LIVO) and many other options can be enabled thereby. Complex combinations of VVL options can also be enabled via the oil control line. But instead of increasing the number of oil control valves to one per function, it is possible to reduce the number of oil control valves.

[0043] A conventional oil control circuit may use three oil control valves, each of which controls a specific oil passage. Through the three oil control valves, the oil control circuit may allow for selective control of the flow of each of the three oil control valves. In contrast, the oil control circuit disclosed herein may include two oil control valves.

[0044] Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of an oil control circuit 100 is shown. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit 100 may include a first oil control valve 110 and a second oil control valve 120. The first oil control valve 110 and the second oil control valve 120 may receive oil from an inlet passage 130. In addition, the oil control circuit 100 may include a first oil passage 140, a second oil passage 150, and a third oil passage 160. The oil control circuit 100 may also include a spool valve assembly 170. The spool valve assembly 170 may be integrated downstream of the first oil control valve 110 and the second oil control valve 120.

[0045] Figure 1B A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 is shown. In a particular embodiment, the sliding valve assembly 170 can have two inlet ports on the housing. In a particular embodiment, the first inlet port 171 can be between the sliding valve 174 and the first oil control valve 110, and the second inlet port 172 can be between the sliding valve 174 and the second oil control valve 120. In a particular embodiment, the first inlet port 171 can be connected to the first oil passage 140, and the second inlet port 172 can be connected to the second oil passage 150. The third oil passage 160 can be an outlet of the first oil control valve 110. The second oil passage 150 can be an outlet of the second oil control valve 120. In a particular embodiment, the sliding valve assembly 170 can include an outlet 173 on the housing. The outlet 173 can be connected to the third oil passage 160.

[0046] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the sliding valve assembly 170 is shown. Figure 2BA schematic partial cross-sectional view of a sliding valve assembly 170 is shown. In a particular embodiment, the sliding valve assembly 170 may include a sliding valve 174. The sliding valve 174 may normally close the first inlet port 171 of the first oil passage 140 and maintain an open connection between the second oil passage 150 and the third oil passage 160. In a particular embodiment, the sliding valve assembly 170 may also include a sliding valve return spring 175. The return spring 175 may be configured to open when the pressure on the first oil passage 140 exceeds a certain value, thereby allowing the sliding valve 174 to slide axially within the housing. The sliding of the sliding valve 174 may enable the connection between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160. At the same time, the connection between the second oil passage 150 and the third oil passage 160 may be closed.

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in a first mode is shown. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit 100 can operate in four different modes. The first mode can be a default state, when both the first oil control valve 110 and the second oil control valve 120 are disconnected. In this mode, there may be no oil flow through all three oil passages. The second oil passage 150 and the third oil passage 160 can be connected by a sliding valve to balance the pressure between the two oil passages.

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic partial cross-sectional top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in the second mode is shown. From the default state (i.e., the first mode), the second oil control valve 120 can be activated. The activation of the second oil control valve 120 can bring oil to the already connected second oil passage 150 and third oil passage 160. There can be oil flow in the first oil passage 140.

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in the third mode is shown. From the default state (i.e., the first mode), the first oil control valve 110 can be activated. The activation of the first oil control valve 110 can bring oil to the first oil passage 140. Subsequently, the increase in oil pressure from the first oil passage 140 can cause the spool valve 174 to slide axially, thereby opening the connection between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160. Given Figure 5 , the spool valve 174 may move upward, communicating between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160 and blocking the second oil passage 150. As a result, the oil from the first oil passage 140 may be permitted to flow also in the third oil passage 160. The second oil passage 150 may maintain a default pressure without any oil flow.

[0050] Figure 6A schematic partial cross-sectional top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in the fourth mode is shown. In certain embodiments, the fourth mode can be achieved by any of the previous modes (i.e., the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode). In certain embodiments, the first oil control valve 110 and the second oil control valve 120 can both be activated so that oil flows through all three oil passages. In certain embodiments, the sliding valve 174 can be moved upward to allow communication between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160 and block the second oil passage 150.

[0051] Fig. 7A A schematic stereogram of an oil control circuit for controlling a 1.5 stroke engine brake and cylinder deactivation (CDA) is shown. In a particular embodiment, the oil control circuit 100 may be compatible with a control system for an integrated 1.5 stroke engine brake and a valve mechanism for cylinder deactivation. In a particular embodiment, a 1.5 stroke engine brake may require the activation of an engine brake function and at the same time require valve deactivation of only the exhaust valve, while a CDA mode may require deactivation of both the intake valve and the exhaust valve. In a particular embodiment, a first oil control valve 110 may be used for engine brake control, while a second oil control valve 120 may be used for CDA control. The first oil passage 140 may be a control passage for an engine brake rocker. The second oil passage 150 may be a control passage for an exhaust CDA rocker. The third oil passage 160 may be a control passage for an intake CDA rocker. Figure 7B A schematic partial cutaway top view of an oil control circuit for controlling a 1.5 stroke engine brake and cylinder deactivation (CDA) is shown. As can be seen, a spool valve 174 can be used for oil flow control.

[0052] In particular embodiments, the first mode may be associated with a drive mode. Figure 8 A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in the drive mode is shown. In the drive mode, both the first oil control valve 110 (for engine brake control) and the second oil control valve 120 (for CDA control) can be disconnected. There can be no oil flow through. The second oil passage 150 and the third oil passage 160 can be connected by a sliding valve to balance the pressure between the two oil passages. In a specific embodiment, the engine brake, the exhaust CDA valve, and the intake CDA valve can all be disconnected.

[0053] In particular embodiments, the second mode may be associated with the CDA mode. Fig. 9A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in CDA mode is shown. The second oil control valve 120 (for CDA control) can be activated from the drive mode. Activation of the second oil control valve 120 can bring oil to the already connected second oil passage 150 and third oil passage 160. In a particular embodiment, the engine brake can be disconnected. Both the exhaust CDA valve and the intake CDA valve can be turned on.

[0054] In particular embodiments, the third mode may be associated with a 1.5 stroke engine brake. Fig.10 A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in a 1.5 stroke engine is shown. From the drive mode, the first oil control valve 110 (for engine brake control) can be activated. The activation of the first oil control valve 110 can bring oil to the first oil passage 140. Subsequently, the increase in oil pressure from the first oil passage 140 can cause the spool valve 174 to slide axially, thereby opening the connection between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160. Given Fig.10 , the spool valve 174 may move upward, thereby communicating between the first oil passage 140 and the third oil passage 160 and blocking the second oil passage 150. As a result, the oil from the first oil passage 140 may be permitted to flow in the third oil passage 160 as well. The second oil passage 150 may maintain a default pressure without any oil flow. In a particular embodiment, the engine brake may be turned on. The exhaust CDA valve may be turned on, while the intake CDA valve may be turned off.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the third mode may be associated with a full boot mode. The full boot mode may help expand functionality. Fig.11 A schematic partial cutaway top view of the oil control circuit 100 operating in full start mode is shown. In a particular embodiment, the full start mode can be reached by any of the previous modes (i.e., drive mode, CDA mode, and 1.5 stroke engine brake). In a particular embodiment, the first oil control valve 110 (for engine brake control) and the second oil control valve 120 (for CDA control) can both be activated so that oil flows through all three oil passages. In a particular embodiment, the engine brake, exhaust CDA valve, and intake CDA valve can all be turned on. In a particular embodiment, the slide valve 174 can be moved upward, thereby connecting the first oil passage 140 with the third oil passage 160 and blocking the second oil passage 150.

[0056] Fig.12A flowchart 1200 is shown of an example method for switching operation of an oil control circuit between a plurality of oil control variable valve lift modes. At step 1210, the oil control circuit may deactivate a first oil control valve and a second oil control valve associated with the oil control circuit, wherein deactivation of the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve results in no oil flow in a first oil passage and a second oil passage, wherein the first oil passage may operate as an outlet of the first oil control valve, wherein the second oil passage may operate as an outlet of the second oil control valve, wherein the first oil passage is connected to a first inlet port on a housing of a spool valve assembly, the spool valve assembly being associated with the oil control circuit, wherein the second oil passage is connected to a second inlet port on a housing of the spool valve assembly, wherein the third oil passage is connected to a spool outlet on a housing of the spool valve assembly, and wherein a spool valve of the spool valve assembly configured to slide axially within the housing of the spool valve assembly is in a stationary position. At step 1220, the oil control circuit may operate the oil control circuit in a first mode.

[0057] At step 1230, the oil control circuit may activate the second oil control valve, wherein activation of the second oil control valve causes oil flow through the second oil passage, wherein the second oil passage transfers the oil flow to the third oil passage. At step 1240, the oil control circuit may operate the oil control circuit in a second mode.

[0058] At step 1250, the oil control circuit may activate the first oil control valve, wherein activation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein the oil flow through the first oil passage forces the spool valve to slide axially within the housing to a non-resting position, wherein the sliding of the spool valve to the non-resting position permits the oil flow through the first oil passage to pass through the third oil passage. At step 1260, the oil control circuit may operate the oil control circuit in a third mode.

[0059] At step 1270, the oil control circuit may activate the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve, wherein activation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein activation of the second oil control valve causes oil to flow through the third oil passage, and wherein one or more of the first oil passage or the third oil passage transfers the oil flow to the third oil passage. At step 180, the oil control circuit may operate the oil control circuit in a fourth mode.

[0060] Where appropriate, specific implementations may be repeated Fig.12 Although the present disclosure describes and illustrates one or more steps that occur in a particular order, Fig.12 The specific steps of the method are described in detail, but the present disclosure contemplates that the steps may occur in any suitable order. Fig.12 In addition, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates methods for Fig.12The specific steps of the method of the present invention are exemplary methods of switching the operation of the oil control circuit between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes, but the present disclosure contemplates any suitable method for switching the operation of the oil control circuit between multiple oil-controlled variable valve lift modes including any suitable steps, which may include, where appropriate. Fig.12 All, some or none of the steps of the method Fig.12 Furthermore, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates the steps of performing Fig.12 specific parts, mechanisms or components of specific steps of the method, but the present disclosure contemplates performing Fig.12 Any suitable combination of any suitable parts, mechanisms or components of any suitable steps of the method.

[0061] For the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the embodiment has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure. Each element or feature of a particular embodiment is generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but is interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. Each element or feature of a particular embodiment may also be varied 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 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such description and explanation are considered to be illustrative or exemplary, rather than restrictive. It should be understood that those of ordinary skill can make changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses other embodiments with any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below. In addition, the statements characterizing the present invention made herein refer to embodiments of the present invention, and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0063] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted as having the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article "a" or "the" when introducing an element should not be interpreted as excluding multiple elements. Similarly, the narration of "or" should be interpreted as inclusive, so that the narration of "A or B" does not exclude "A and B", unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the narration 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 of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. In addition, the narration of "A, B and / or C" or "at least one of A, B or C" should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, such as A, from any subset of the listed elements, such as A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

[0064] The numerical ranges recited in this application should be interpreted as including the endpoints of the ranges. The upper and lower longitudinal axes (which may be omitted in some illustrations for ease of scaling) should be interpreted as being present in each illustration or situation mentioned.

Claims

1. A sliding valve assembly, the sliding valve assembly being operable for automatic control of oil flow, the sliding valve assembly comprising: shell; a slide valve configured to slide axially within the housing; a first inlet port on the housing configured to connect to a first oil passage, wherein the first oil passage is operable as an outlet of a first oil control valve; a second inlet port on the housing configured to connect to a second oil passage, wherein the second oil passage is operable as an outlet of a second oil control valve; a valve core outlet located on the housing, the valve core outlet being configured to be connected to a third oil passage; and A return spring is configured to return the spool valve to a rest position.

2. A method for switching operation of an oil control circuit between a plurality of oil-controlled variable valve lift modes, comprising: deactivating a first oil control valve and a second oil control valve associated with the oil control circuit, wherein the deactivation of the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve results in no oil flow in a first oil passage and a second oil passage, wherein the first oil passage is operable as an outlet of the first oil control valve, wherein the second oil passage is operable as an outlet of the second oil control valve, wherein the first oil passage is connected to a first inlet port on a housing of a sliding valve assembly, the sliding valve assembly is associated with the oil control circuit, wherein the second oil passage is connected to a second inlet port on the housing of the sliding valve assembly, wherein a third oil passage is connected to a spool outlet on the housing of the sliding valve assembly, and wherein a sliding valve of the sliding valve assembly configured to slide axially within the housing of the sliding valve assembly is in a stationary position; as well as The oil control circuit is operated in a first mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Oil flow can pass between the second oil passage and the third oil passage based on a pressure balance between the second oil passage and the third oil passage and associated with the sliding valve assembly.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first mode is a driving mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is disconnected, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is disconnected, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is disconnected.

5. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: activating the second oil control valve, wherein activation of the second oil control valve causes oil to flow through the second oil passage, wherein the second oil passage causes oil to flow to the third oil passage; as well as The oil control circuit is operated in a second mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The second mode is a cylinder deactivation (CDA) mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is disengaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is engaged.

7. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: actuating the first oil control valve, wherein actuation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein the oil flow through the first oil passage applies pressure to the spool valve to cause the spool valve to slide axially within the housing to a non-resting position, wherein sliding of the spool valve to the non-resting position permits the oil flow through the first oil passage to pass through the third oil passage; as well as The oil control circuit is operated in a third mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The third mode is an engine braking mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is disconnected.

9. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: actuating the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve, wherein actuation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein actuation of the second oil control valve causes oil to flow through the third oil passage, and wherein one or more of the first oil passage and the third oil passage transfers oil flow to the third oil passage; and The oil control circuit is operated in a fourth mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The fourth mode is a full start mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is engaged.

11. An oil control circuit configured to switch between a plurality of oil-controlled variable valve lift modes, comprising: The first oil control valve; Second oil control valve; a first oil passage operable as an outlet of the first oil control valve; a second oil passage operable as an outlet of the second oil control valve; The third oil channel; as well as A sliding valve assembly, the sliding valve assembly comprising: shell; a slide valve configured to slide axially within the housing; a first inlet port located on the housing, configured to be connected to the first oil passage; a second inlet port located on the housing and configured to be connected to the second oil passage; a valve core outlet located on the housing, configured to be connected to the third oil passage; and A return spring is configured to return the spool valve to a rest position.

12. The oil control circuit according to claim 11, wherein: The oil control circuit is configured to: deactivating the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve, wherein deactivation of the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve causes no oil flow in the first oil passage and the second oil passage; and Operate in a first mode.

13. The oil control circuit according to claim 12, wherein: Oil flow can pass between the second oil passage and the third oil passage based on a balanced pressure between the second oil passage and the third oil passage and associated with the sliding valve assembly.

14. The oil control circuit according to claim 12, wherein: The first mode is a driving mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is disconnected, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is disconnected, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is disconnected.

15. The oil control circuit according to claim 11, wherein: The oil control circuit is configured to: deactivating the first oil control valve, wherein deactivation of the first oil control valve causes no oil flow in the first oil passage; actuating the second oil control valve, wherein actuation of the second oil control valve causes oil to flow through the second oil passage, wherein the second oil passage transfers the oil flow to the third oil passage; and Operate in the second mode.

16. The oil control circuit according to claim 15, wherein: The second mode is a cylinder deactivation (CDA) mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is disengaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is engaged.

17. The oil control circuit according to claim 11, wherein: The oil control circuit is configured to: actuating the first oil control valve, wherein actuation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein the oil flow through the first oil passage applies pressure to the spool valve to cause the spool valve to slide axially within the housing to a non-resting position, wherein sliding of the spool valve to the non-resting position permits the oil flow through the first oil passage to pass through the third oil passage; deactivating the second oil control valve, wherein deactivation of the second oil control valve causes no oil flow in the second oil passage; as well as Operate in a third mode.

18. The oil control circuit according to claim 17, wherein: The third mode is an engine braking mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is disconnected.

19. The oil control circuit according to claim 11, wherein: The oil control circuit is configured to: actuating the first oil control valve and the second oil control valve, wherein actuation of the first oil control valve causes oil to flow through the first oil passage, wherein actuation of the second oil control valve causes oil to flow through the third oil passage, and wherein one or more of the first oil passage and the third oil passage transfers the oil flow to the third oil passage; and Operate in a fourth mode.

20. The oil control circuit according to claim 19, wherein: The fourth mode is a full start mode, wherein the oil control line is associated with an engine brake, wherein the engine brake is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an exhaust valve for cylinder deactivation, wherein the exhaust valve is engaged, wherein the oil control line is associated with an intake valve for cylinder deactivation, and wherein the intake valve is engaged.

Images