Rocker with switchable rollers for engine valve trains

Abstract

A rocker arm assembly capable of switchable deactivation of a roller assembly comprises a valve end and a cam end with first and second roller assemblies, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes rocker arm body pins and roller body pins. The rocker arm body pins comprise first and second end pins and a connecting pin, each pin being located along a locking axis within a rocker arm body. The roller body pins comprise first and second locking pins, each roller body pin being located in a separate roller assembly. In a first locking mode, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated. In a second locking mode, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,879, filed May 11, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] This application relates to rocker arm assemblies and, in particular, to rocker arm assemblies with variable valve lift and switchable roller systems for use, for example, in valve trains of internal combustion engines which enable the use of variable valve actuation techniques. BACKGROUND

[0003] Internal combustion engines may include valvetrains, and in certain configurations, engine valvetrains may include rocker arms to control the opening and closing of intake and / or exhaust valves. Variable valve actuation mechanisms such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift exist that can improve engine performance, fuel consumption, and / or emissions of internal combustion engines. In certain engine valvetrain configurations, switchable rocker arms may be employed to assist with variable valve actuation.

[0004] The description provided herein is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the inventors identified herein, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that are not considered prior art at the time of filing, are not expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENTS

[0005] In certain embodiments, a rocker arm assembly for switchably deactivating a roller assembly is disclosed, the rocker arm assembly comprising a valve end and a cam end opposite the valve end, the cam end comprising a rocker arm body; further comprising a first roller assembly comprising a first roller and a second roller assembly comprising a second roller, each roller assembly pivotally connected to the rocker arm body, each roller configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective cam; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively decouple one of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the locking mechanism comprising rocker arm body pins comprising a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed therebetween.wherein each of the rocker arm body pins is at least partially slidably disposed within the rocker arm body along a locking axis; and roller body pins comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein 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, wherein each of the roller body pins is at least partially slidably disposed within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein, when a first locking mode is activated, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the second end pin, and wherein, when a second locking mode is activated,the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the first end pin.

[0006] In particular embodiments which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, when the first locking mode is activated, the first end pin is extended axially towards the first roller assembly such that the first locking pin is axially contained within the first roller assembly and the connecting pin is disposed at least partially within the roller axis of the second roller assembly, which allows the first roller assembly to pivotally receive a first camming movement, thereby deactivating the first roller assembly, and allows the second roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker body to transmit a second camming movement to the rocker body, thereby activating the second roller assembly.

[0007] In certain embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the second end pin extends axially toward the second roller assembly such that the second locking pin is axially contained within the second roller assembly and the connecting pin is disposed at least partially within the roller axis of the first roller assembly, whereby the second roller assembly pivotally receives a second camming movement and thereby deactivates the second roller assembly, and whereby the first roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker body to transmit a first camming movement to the rocker body and thereby activate the first roller assembly.

[0008] In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first and second roller assemblies each comprise and are each biased by first and second roller biasing elements, each roller assembly being biased by the respective biasing element toward a respective end position, the respective roller body pin corresponding to each roller assembly being arranged coaxially with the locking axis of the rocker arm body pins. In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first roller biasing element is the same as the second roller biasing element.In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the connecting pin has a length measured along the locking axis that is greater than a shortest distance between the first and second roller assemblies measured along the locking axis. In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, each roller body pin has a length measured along the respective roller axis that allows the respective roller body pin to be selectively axially contained within the respective roller assembly. In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, either the first end pin or the second end pin is biased toward the other of the first end pin and the second end pin by a pin biasing element.In certain embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the rocker arm is configured to selectively rotate about a rocker shaft located between the valve end and the cam end. In certain embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first end pin and / or the second end pin are selectively extendable based on a force applied by an actuator system. In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the actuator system includes a hydraulic actuator. In particular embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the actuator system includes a solenoid.

[0009] In certain embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, a method for selectively decoupling a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body is disclosed, the method comprising, in a first locking mode, the axial displacement of a first end pin toward the first roller assembly, a locking mechanism comprising the first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin each disposed between the first and second end pins, wherein the first end, the second end, and the connecting pins are each disposed at least partially within the rocker arm body along a locking axis, wherein the axial displacement of the first end pin associated with a first locking pinaxially contained in the first roller assembly and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within a roller axis of the second roller assembly, the locking mechanism further comprising the 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; deactivating the first roller assembly based on the first locking pin being axially contained in the first roller assembly by allowing the first roller assembly to pivotally receive a first camming movement; and activating the second roller assembly based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly by allowingthat the second roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a second cam movement to the rocker arm body.,

[0010] In certain embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the method for selectively decoupling a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body in a second locking mode comprises axially translating the second end pin toward the second roller assembly, wherein the axial translation of the second end pin associated with the second locking pin is axially contained within the second roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within a roller axis of the first roller assembly; deactivating the second roller assembly based on the second locking pin being axially contained within the second roller assembly by allowing the second roller assembly to pivotally accommodate a second camming movement;and activating the first roller assembly based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly by enabling the first roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a first cam motion to the rocker arm body;

[0011] In certain embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the method for selectively decoupling a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body comprises biasing the first roller assembly by a first roller biasing element and the second roller assembly by a second roller biasing element, wherein each roller assembly is biased by the respective biasing element toward a respective end position in which the first locking pin and the second locking pin are each arranged coaxially with the locking axis. In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first roller biasing element is the same as the second roller biasing element.In certain embodiments, which may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, the method for selectively decoupling a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body comprises biasing, by a pin biasing member, the first end pin or the second end pin toward the first end pin or the second end pin.

[0012] In certain embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above embodiments, an engine valvetrain system is disclosed comprising: a camshaft having a plurality of lobes; a plurality of valves; a rocker arm assembly configured to rotate about a rocker arm shaft, the rocker arm assembly including a valve end configured to selectively engage two or more 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 having a first roller and a second roller assembly having a second roller, each roller assembly pivotally connected to the rocker arm body and each roller configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective one of the plurality of cams; and a locking mechanism,which is configured to selectively decouple the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, wherein the locking mechanism comprises rocker arm body pins comprising a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins, each of the rocker arm body pins being slidably disposed at least partially within the rocker arm body along a locking axis; and roller body pins comprising 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, each of the roller body pins being slidably disposed at least partially within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein,when a first locking mode is activated, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the second end pin, and wherein, when a second locking mode is activated, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the first end pin.

[0013] In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first and second roller assemblies further comprise and are each biased by first and second roller biasing elements, each roller assembly being biased by the respective biasing element toward a respective end position, the respective roller body pin associated with each roller assembly being arranged coaxially with the locking axis of the rocker arm body pins. In particular embodiments that may combine the features of some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first roller biasing element is the same as the second roller biasing element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the following: Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to certain embodiments. Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rocker arm assembly according to certain embodiments. Fig. 3A-3B respectively illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode and a second locking mode according to certain embodiments. Fig. 3C-3D respectively illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode and a second locking mode according to certain embodiments. Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode according to certain embodiments. Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a second locking mode according to certain embodiments.

[0015] Please note that the illustrations provided may be schematic rather than literal or precise; components and aspects of the figures may not necessarily be to scale. Furthermore, while in many cases like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views, like parts may not always be identified by like reference numerals in every view. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0016] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, various mechanisms, assemblies, arrangements, and methods for operating, manufacturing, and / or assembling engine valvetrains, rocker arm assemblies, and / or related subsystems are disclosed herein. For clarity, this description may not describe all features of every actual implementation or embodiment. Moreover, some aspects and features may be described at a high level.

[0017] Furthermore, it is entirely possible that features and aspects disclosed, illustrated, and / or otherwise apparently contemplated in certain specific configurations may be entirely mixed or combined to produce all resulting configurations using features and aspects of all embodiments and / or configurations contemplated herein. Features, limitations, and / or other descriptions that follow or are introduced with particular figures may apply separately or additionally and may be considered with respect to other embodiments and / or descriptions relating to other figures, individually or in combination. Thus, modifications, variations, adaptations, and / or combinations of features and aspects may be made, resulting in embodiments that are fully considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] In certain embodiments, engine valvetrains may include rocker arms for controlling the opening and closing of intake and / or exhaust valves of an engine. In certain embodiments, a rocker arm may include a selectively rotating or reciprocating body capable of converting rotational motion of a cam lobe of a rotating camshaft capable of controlling valve opening and closing. In certain embodiments, a rocker arm may be configured to rotate about a rocker shaft, with a cam end of the rocker arm provided in direct or indirect contact with one or more rotating cams, and a valve end located directly or indirectly at an end opposite the cam end (e.g., via a valve bridge) connected to one or more valves of the engine.

[0019] Variable valve actuation mechanisms such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift have been introduced to improve the performance, fuel consumption, and / or emissions of an internal combustion engine. In certain embodiments, one or more switchable rocker arms can be used to assist variable valve actuation.

[0020] With reference to the figures, illustrate Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematic perspective views of a rocker arm assembly according to certain embodiments.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the rocker arm assembly 3 may be configured to selectively pivot or rotate on a rocker shaft (not shown) about a rocker shaft axis 18, and may include a valve end 12 and a cam end 13. In certain embodiments, the rocker arm assembly 3 may have a center pivot configuration with the cam end 13 disposed opposite the valve end 12 and the rocker shaft axis 18 provided between the valve end 12 and the cam end 13, such as, by way of non-limiting example, in a Type III valvetrain system. In certain embodiments, the rocker arm assembly 3 may have an end pivot configuration.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the valve end 12 may include structures, mechanisms, and / or assemblies for connecting to one or more valves of the engine. As non-limiting examples, the valve end 12 may include one or more feet and / or extended structures, such as the E-foot 20, as well as one or more optional capsules, mechanisms, adjustment mechanisms (e.g., lash adjusters), some of which may be switchable and / or automatically adjustable. In certain embodiments, portions of the valve end 12 may be directly connected to one or more valves of the engine. In certain embodiments, portions of the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly may be indirectly connected to one or more valves.For example, and not by way of limitation, portions of the valve end may be connected to one or more engine valves via a valve bridge and / or by means of a valve bridge using a pin or bushing or other suitable structure.

[0023] In certain embodiments, 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 a respective roller (105-1 and 105-2, respectively), with each roller rotating about a respective roller axis (130-1 and 130-2, respectively) on a respective roller axis (125-1 and 125-2, respectively; shown in the Fig. 3A-3D, 4 and 5). Each roller 105-1 and 105-2 may be configured to operatively engage a cam or cam lobe of a respective camshaft and receive a cam lift profile from the respective cam as the camshaft rotates.

[0024] In certain embodiments, one or more roller assemblies 100 (e.g., 100-1 and / or 100-2) are movable relative to the rocker arm body 25. In certain embodiments, the roller assemblies 100 may be operatively connected to the rocker arm body 25 via one or more roller assembly support structures 110 such that the roller assemblies 100 may be movable relative to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example, and not limitation, the roller assemblies 100-2 and 100-2 may also be pivotally connected to the rocker arm 25 via roller assembly support arms 110-1 and 110-2, respectively, using pivot connections 115-1 and 115-2. In certain embodiments, the number of roller assembly support structures 110 and / or pivot connections 115 may not correspond to the number of rocker arm assemblies 100.In certain embodiments, one or more connections and / or support structures for movably supporting one or more roller assemblies 100 may include pivots, hinges, guide joints, ball joints, universal joints, and / or any other suitable type of connection, connection, or structure, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0025] In certain embodiments, one or more roller assembly biasing elements 120 may be provided to bias one or more roller assemblies 100. As shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 as non-limiting examples, each roller assembly 100-1 and 100-2 may be provided with a corresponding roller assembly biasing element 120-1 and 120-2. In particular embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 3A-3D as non-limiting examples, a plurality of roller assemblies 100 (such as a pair of roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2 of the Fig. 3A-3D) with a different number or quantity of biasing elements 120 for the roller assembly (such as the biasing element 120 of the single roller assembly shown in the Fig. 3A-3D). In certain embodiments, a biasing element 120 of the roller assembly may comprise a spring.

[0026] In certain embodiments, one or more roller assemblies 100 (e.g., 100-1 and 100-2) can be selectively and / or switchably made fixed or movable with respect to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (e.g., 100-1 and / or 100-2) can be selectively or switchably activated or activated by locking or coupling with respect to the rocker arm body 25 such that a cam lift profile or cam movement received by a locked roller assembly 100 can be transmitted to the rocker arm body 25. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more roller assemblies 100 (e.g.,100-1 and / or 100-2) can be selectively or switchably deactivated or rendered inoperative by unlocking or movably decoupling the respective roller assembly with respect to the rocker arm body 25, such that a cam lift profile or cam movement received by an unlocked roller assembly 100 can be absorbed by backlash due to at least one biasing element 120 of the roller assembly and thereby cause the cam lift profile or cam movement not to be transmitted to the rocker arm body 25.

[0027] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a non-limiting example of a rocker arm assembly 3 having two roller assemblies (100-1 and 100-2), with each roller assembly shown therein in a neutral or fully extended position corresponding to a base circle or minimum lift cam position.

[0028] The Fig. 3A-3B illustrate schematic sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode and a second locking mode, respectively, according to certain embodiments. Fig. 3C-3D respectively illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode and a second locking mode according to certain embodiments.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the rocker arm assembly 3 may be equipped with a switchable locking assembly 300 for selectively or switchably deactivating one or more roller assemblies 100. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a locking assembly 300 may be provided that can selectively decouple the roller assembly 100-1 and / or 100-2. In certain embodiments, a locking assembly 300 may be provided that is configured to automatically deactivate or disable one or more of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3 based on the design and when a subset of the roller assemblies 100 has been activated.In certain embodiments, a locking assembly 300 may be provided that is configured, based on the design and when a subset of the roller assemblies 100 can be deactivated or rendered inoperative, to automatically start or activate one or more of the remaining roller assemblies 100 of the rocker arm assembly 3.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a first locking mode according to certain embodiments. Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a rocker arm assembly in a second locking mode according to certain embodiments.

[0031] By way of illustration and not limitation, following an example of a rocker arm assembly 3 having two switchable roller assemblies 100, in certain embodiments, the locking assembly 300 may be configured to be switchable between a first locking mode and a second locking mode, wherein: (1) when one (e.g., a first) of the two roller assemblies is activated in a first locking mode, another (e.g., the second) of the two roller assemblies may be automatically deactivated in that first locking mode, and (2) in a corresponding second locking mode, another (e.g., the second) of the two roller assemblies is deactivated and one (e.g., the first) of the two roller assemblies is activated.Such an example may be reasonably illustrated by one or more suitable figures provided herein, without limiting the scope of other embodiments contemplated herein based on other features that may be illustrated in said figure(s).

[0032] By way of example and not limitation, the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C and Fig. 4 Examples of rocker arm assemblies in a first locking mode, wherein based on the actuation of the locking assembly 300 (which is explained in more detail here), a roller assembly 100-2 can be activated by locking or operatively coupling the roller assembly 100-2 with respect to the rocker arm body 25, so that a corresponding cam movement or cam lift profile received from the roller 105-2 can be transmitted and accordingly cause a movement of the rocker arm 25 about the rocker arm shaft axis 18, so that the rocker arm assembly 3 can act on one or more valves via the valve end 12 in accordance with the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-2. As also shown in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C and Fig. 4, when the roller assembly 100-2 is activated, another roller assembly of the set of roller assemblies, such as the roller assembly 100-1 in these non-limiting examples, may be automatically uncoupled by the locking assembly 300 by allowing pivotal movement of the roller assembly 100-1 relative to the rocker body 25 so that a corresponding cam movement or cam lift profile received by the roller 105-1 may be absorbed (by at least one biasing member of the roller assembly, such as the common biasing member 120 of the roller assembly in the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3C, or as the special preload element 120-1 of the roller assembly in Fig. 4, in these non-limiting examples), which automatically deactivates the roller assembly 100-1.

[0033] Further referring to the non-limiting example described above, the Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D and Fig. 5 illustrate examples of rocker arm assemblies in a second locking mode (relative to a first locking mode shown in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C and 4, respectively), wherein based on an operating mode switch based on the locking assembly 300 (described in more detail herein), the roller assembly 100-1 can be activated by locking or operatively coupling the roller assembly 100-1 with respect to the rocker arm body 25 so that a corresponding cam movement or cam lift profile received by the roller 105-1 can be transmitted and accordingly cause movement of the rocker arm 25 about the rocker arm shaft axis 18 so that the rocker arm assembly 3 can act on one or more valves via the valve end 12 in accordance with the cam lift profile received by the roller assembly 100-1. As also shown in the Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D and Fig. 5, when the roller assembly 100-1 is activated, another roller assembly of the set of roller assemblies, such as the roller assembly 100-2 in these non-limiting examples, may be automatically uncoupled by the locking assembly 300 by allowing pivotal movement of the roller assembly 100-2 relative to the rocker body 25 so that a corresponding cam movement or cam lift profile received by the roller 100-2 may be absorbed (by at least one biasing member of the roller assembly, such as the common biasing member 120 of the roller assembly in the Fig. 3B and Fig. 3D or how the special preload element 120-2 of the roller assembly in Fig. 5 in these non-limiting examples), which automatically deactivates the roller assembly 100-2.

[0034] As an example and not as a limitation, Fig. 4 shows the roller assembly 100-1 unlocked or uncoupled from the rocker arm body 25 and assuming an offset position based on receiving and absorbing cam movement or stroke from the roller 105-1 such that the roller axis 130-1 is not aligned with a locking axis 310 (described further herein), and also shows the roller assembly 100-2 locked or operatively coupled with respect to the rocker arm body 25 such that the roller axis 130-2 is aligned with the locking axis 310 in this example. By way of example and not limitation, Fig. 5 shows the roller assembly 100-2 unlocked or uncoupled from the rocker arm body 25 and assuming an offset position based on receiving and accommodating cam movement from the roller 105-2 such that the roller axis 130-2 is not aligned with the locking axis 310, and also shows the roller assembly 100-1 locked or operatively coupled with respect to the rocker arm body 25 such that the roller axis 130-1 is aligned with the locking axis 310 in this example.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the locking assembly 300 may include a set of rocker body pins. In certain embodiments, the set of rocker body pins may include one or more end pins 330, such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2, provided within the rocker body 25 along a locking axis 310. In certain embodiments, the set of rocker body pins may include one or more connecting pins, such as connecting pin 350, provided within the rocker body 25 along the locking axis 310 and axially disposed between certain end pins, such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2. In certain embodiments, end pins, such as end pins 330-1 and 330-2, may be axially movable between a recessed (or retracted) position and an extended position.In certain embodiments, one or more end surfaces of one or more rocker body pins may be provided with suitable features to enable frictionless contact with adjacent pins that may experience relative movement or incipient relative movement along one or more degrees of freedom. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more surfaces of rocker body pins may be provided with a convex shape or other suitable shape around the locking axis so that frictionless contact with an adjacent pin, such as an adjacent roller body pin, can be achieved (further details are explained herein).

[0036] In certain embodiments, one or more end pins may be configured to be selectively or switchably extended based on one or more actuators and / or force or displacement sources. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the end pins 330-1 of the Fig. 3A-3D, 4 and 5 are illustrated as being selectively or switchably extendable based on the actuator 400. By way of example and not limitation, the actuator 400 may include one or more hydraulic actuators, electrically operated solenoids, linear actuators, electromechanical or mechanical actuators, other force or displacement sources, or any suitable actuator mechanism, or a combination thereof. By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B and the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a hydraulic actuator 400 that selectively acts on the end pin 330-1. As a non-limiting example, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, a hydraulic bore 410 can selectively direct pressurized hydraulic or control fluid, such as oil, to apply or release an extending force to the chamber 415 of the end pin 330-1. As a non-limiting example, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D illustrates actuator 400 with a mechanical power source selectively acting on end pin 330-1. It should be noted that while certain figures or aspects of the disclosure are particularly illustrated with particular forms of actuation as non-limiting examples and / or may provide particular details, any suitable form of actuation is fully contemplated for each figure and / or aspect of the disclosure, both individually and in combination with other aspects disclosed therein.

[0037] In certain embodiments, one end pin of a set of end pins may be biased toward another end pin by a pin biasing member. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the end pins 330-2 in the Fig. 3A-3D, 4, and 5 are shown biased toward end pin 330-1 by pin biasing member 420. In certain embodiments, pin biasing member 420 may comprise a spring.

[0038] It should further be noted that, although certain figures or aspects of the disclosure may be particularly illustrated as non-limiting examples with particular configurations and / or combinations of actuating and / or biasing elements, any suitable configuration and / or combination of actuating and / or biasing elements is fully contemplated for each figure and / or aspect of the disclosure, both individually and in combination with other aspects disclosed therein. For example, without limitation, for a switchable rocker arm assembly 3 having two end pins 330-1 and 330-2, configurations are contemplated in which: (1) both end pins 330-1 and 330-2 are equipped with actuating elements 400-1 and 400-2 (not shown), and neither end pin of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is provided with a pin biasing element 420; (2) both end pins 330-1 and 330-2 with actuating elements 400-1 and 400-2 respectively.400-2, and one or both of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 are additionally equipped with one or more pin biasing elements 420; (3) one of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is equipped with an actuator 400, and the other of the end pins 330-1 and 330-2 is equipped with a pin biasing element 420. As previously mentioned, each of the above configurations and / or any other is fully contemplated in combination with any other features, aspects, or configurations disclosed or illustrated herein.

[0039] In certain embodiments, a connecting pin, such as connecting pin 350, may have a length measured along the locking axis 310 that is greater than a shortest distance measured along the locking axis between the roller assemblies adjacent to the connecting pin, such as the roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2 in the non-limiting examples of Fig. 3A-3D, 4 and 5.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the locking assembly 300 may include a set of one or more roller pins, wherein each roller pin may be at least partially provided within a respective roller assembly 100. In certain embodiments, each roller pin may be slidably disposed within the respective roller assembly 100, for example, within a respective roller axis 125 and / or along a respective roller axis 130. In certain embodiments, each roller pin may have a length measured along the respective roller axis 130 that may enable the respective roller pin to be axially contained within the respective roller assembly 100 when operationally desired.In certain embodiments, one or more end surfaces of one or more roller body pins may be provided with suitable features to enable frictionless contact with adjacent pins that may experience relative movement along one or more degrees of freedom. By way of example and not limitation, one or more surfaces of roller body pins may be provided with a convex or other suitable shape around a respective roller axis so that frictionless contact with an adjacent pin, for example, an adjacent rocker arm body pin, may be achieved.

[0041] By way of example and not by way of limitation, as set out in the Fig. 3A-3D, 4 and 5, a set of roller body pins may include locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 provided in the roller assemblies 100-1 and 100-2, respectively, wherein the locking pins 150-1 and 150-2 are slidably disposed within the respective roller axes 125-1 and 125-2. As shown in the Fig. 3A-3D, 4 and 5, each locking pin 150 may be provided over a length along the respective roller axis 130 such that each locking pin 150, when appropriately axially positioned (e.g., by selective axial translation), may be axially contained within the respective roller assembly 100 and / or positioned so as not to interfere with pivotal or other movement of a respective roller assembly 100 relative to the rocker arm body 25, e.g., when that roller assembly 100 has been decoupled from the rocker arm body 25.

[0042] By way of example and not limitation, with reference to the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C and Fig. 4, in a first locking mode of the rocker arm assembly 3, the end pin 330-1 can be selectively extended based on the selective energization or activation of the actuator 400, thereby axially and slidably displacing each roller body pin and each rocker body pin (330-1, 150-1, 350, 150-2, and 330-2) toward the other end pin 330-2, for example, through mutual axial engagement. In its extended position, the end pin 330-1 must not impede movement or incipient movement of the adjacent roller assembly 100-1, but the end pin 330-1 can be capable of axially positioning and / or retaining the locking pin 150-1 within the roller axis 125-1 and / or roller axis 130-1.Therefore, based on at least the relative lengths of the rocker arm body pins and roller body pins, measured axially along the locking axis 310, the locking pin 150-1 may be axially contained within the roller assembly 100-1. This decouples and disables the roller assembly 100-1 by enabling the roller assembly 100-1 to pivotally move and accommodate camming movement 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 disposed at least partially within the roller axis 125-2 and / or the roller axis 130-2 (in this case coinciding with the locking axis 310) of the roller assembly 100-2 such that the connecting pin 350 can obstruct or otherwise block or operatively couple the roller assembly 100-2 with respect to the rocker arm body 25.Separately or additionally, the locking pin 150-2 may be at least partially axially disposed within a bore corresponding to the end pin 330-2, such that the locking pin 150-2 may separately or additionally provide locking or operative coupling assistance for locking the roller assembly 100-2 relative to the rocker arm body 25. The end pin 330-2, which may be equipped with a pin biasing member 420 and / or an actuator 400-2 (not shown), may be configured in a retracted position in this mode. By way of example, and not limitation, a pin biasing member 420, which, as described, corresponds to the end pin 330-2, may be compressed in a first locking mode. By way of example, and not limitation, a pin biasing member 420-1, when provided corresponding to the end pin 330-1, may be extended or relaxed in such a second locking mode.By way of example, and not limitation, an actuator 400-2, when provided corresponding to the end pin 330-2, may be disabled or deactivated in such a first locking mode.

[0043] By way of example and not limitation, with reference to the Fig. 3B, Fig. 3D and Fig. 5, which shows a second locking mode of the rocker arm assembly 3 relative to the first locking mode shown in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3C and Fig.4, the end pin 330-1 may be selectively retracted and / or the end pin 330-2 may be selectively extended. By way of example and not limitation, such selective retraction and / or extension may be enabled based on selectively disabling or deactivating the actuator 400 of the end pin 330-1, for example, against a biasing force from the pin biasing member 420 acting on the opposite end pin 330-2, and / or by energizing an actuator 400-2 on the end pin 330-2 to cause axial and sliding translation of each roller body pin and rocker body pin (330-1, 150-1, 350, 150-2, and 330-2) toward the end pin 330-1, for example, through mutual axial engagement.In its extended position, the end pin 330-2 may not impede movement or incipient movement of the adjacent roller assembly 100-2, but the end pin 330-2 may be capable of axially positioning and / or retaining the locking pin 150-2 within the roller axis 125-2 and / or the roller axis 130-2. Therefore, based at least on the relative lengths of the rocker body pins and roller body pins measured axially along the locking axis 310, the locking pin 150-2 may be axially contained within the roller assembly 100-2, thereby decoupling and disabling the roller assembly 100-2 by allowing the roller assembly 100-2 to pivotally move and accommodate camming movement received by the roller 105-2.Furthermore, the connecting pin 350 can axially displace the locking pin 150-1 such that the connecting pin 350 can be disposed at least partially within the roller axis 125-1 and / or the roller axis 130-1 (in this case, coinciding with the locking axis 310) of the roller assembly 100-1, such that the connecting pin 350 can interfere with or otherwise block or operatively couple the roller assembly 100-1 with respect to the rocker arm body 25. Separately or additionally, the locking pin 150-1 can be at least partially axially disposed within a bore corresponding to the end pin 330-1, which can separately or additionally provide locking or operative coupling assistance for locking the roller assembly 100-1 with respect to the rocker arm body 25.The end pin 330-1, which may be equipped with a pin biasing member 420-1 (not shown) and / or an actuator 400, may be in a retracted position in this mode. By way of example, and not of limitation, a pin biasing member 420 corresponding to the end pin 330-2 may be extended or relaxed in such a second locking mode. By way of example, and not of limitation, a pin biasing member 420-1, if provided corresponding to the end pin 330-1, may be compressed in such a second locking mode. By way of example, and not of limitation, an actuator 400, if provided corresponding to the end pin 330-1, may be turned off or deactivated in such a second locking mode.

[0044] In the case of a decoupled roller assembly in any situation or mode of operation, a respective roller axis 130-1 or 130-2 corresponding to a respective roller body pin, for example a locking pin 150-1 or 150-2, may be positioned such that the respective roller axis 130-1 or 130-2 may be at least temporarily and / or periodically aligned with the locking axis 310 as the decoupled roller assembly moves relative to the rocker body 25.

[0045] The foregoing description of the embodiments is for purposes of illustration and description. This is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but may be interchangeable and utilized in a selected embodiment even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many respects. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, these illustrations and descriptions are to be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It is understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments having any combination of features from various embodiments described above and below. Furthermore, the statements made here to characterize the invention relate to one embodiment of the invention and not necessarily to all embodiments.

[0047] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article "a" or "the" in introducing an element should not be interpreted to exclude multiple elements. Similarly, the citation of "or" should be interpreted as inclusive, so that citing "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.Furthermore, the statement "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as one or more items from a group of items consisting of A, B, and C, and not as requiring at least one of each of these listed items A, B, and C, regardless of whether A, B, and C are related as categories or otherwise. Furthermore, the statement "A, B, and / or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted to include each individual item from the listed items, e.g., A, each subset of the listed items, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of items A, B, and C.

[0048] The numerical ranges mentioned in this application should be interpreted to include the endpoints of the specified ranges. Certain axes, such as one or more transverse and / or longitudinal axes, which may be omitted from some figures herein, should be interpreted to be present in every figure or situation in which they are referenced. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 340,879

[0001]

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 having a first roller and a second roller assembly having a second roller, each roller assembly pivotally connected to the rocker arm body and each roller configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective cam; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively decouple either the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the locking mechanism comprising: Rocker arm body pins comprising a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins, each of the rocker arm body pins being slidably disposed at least partially along a locking axis within the rocker arm body; and Roller body pins comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, wherein the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, wherein each of the roller body pins is arranged at least partially displaceably within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein, when a first locking mode is activated, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the second end pin, and wherein, when a second locking mode is activated, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker body pins and the roller body pins toward the first end pin. [2] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the first locking mode is activated, the first end pin extends axially in the direction of the first roller assembly, so that the first locking pin is axially contained in the first roller assembly and the connecting pin is arranged at least partially within the roller axis of the second roller assembly, whereby the first roller assembly pivotally receives a first cam movement and thereby deactivates the first roller assembly, and whereby the second roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a second cam movement to the rocker arm body and thereby activate the second roller assembly. [3] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the second locking mode is activated, the second end pin extends axially in the direction of the second roller assembly, so that the second locking pin is axially contained in the second roller assembly and the connecting pin is arranged at least partially within the roller axis of the first roller assembly, whereby the second roller assembly pivotally receives a second cam movement and thereby deactivates the second roller assembly, and whereby the first roller assembly is operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a first cam movement to the rocker arm body and thereby activate the first roller assembly. [4] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second roller assemblies further comprise respective first and second roller biasing members, each roller assembly being biased by the respective biasing member towards a respective end position, the respective roller body pin associated with each roller assembly being arranged coaxially with the locking axis of the rocker arm body pins. [5] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first roller biasing member is the same as the second roller biasing member. [6] The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting pin has a length measured along the locking axis that is greater than a shortest distance between the first and second roller assemblies measured along the locking axis. [7] The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein each roller pin has a length measured along the respective roller axis that enables the respective roller pin to be selectively axially contained within the respective roller assembly. [8] A rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the first end pin or the second end pin is biased by a pin biasing member toward the other of the first end pin or the second end pin. [9] The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the rocker arm is configured to selectively rotate about a rocker arm shaft located between the valve end and the cam end. [10] The rocker arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end pin and / or the second end pin are selectively extendable based on a force applied by an actuator system. [11] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 10, wherein the actuator system comprises a hydraulic actuator. [12] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 10, wherein the actuator system comprises an electromagnet. [13] A method for selectively decoupling a first roller assembly or a second roller assembly from a rocker arm body, the method comprising, in a first locking mode: an axial displacement of a first end pin toward the first roller assembly, a locking mechanism comprising the first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins, wherein the first end pin, the second end pin, and the connecting pin are each arranged at least partially within the rocker arm body for displacement along a locking axis, wherein the axial displacement of the first end pin associated with a first locking pin is axially contained within the first roller assembly, and the connecting pin is arranged at least partially within a roller axis of the second roller assembly, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises the first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin,and the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin;, Deactivating the first roller assembly based on the first locking pin being axially contained within the first roller assembly by allowing the first roller assembly to pivotally receive a first camming movement; and Activating the second roller assembly based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the second roller assembly by enabling the second roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a second cam movement to the rocker arm body. [14] The method of claim 13, further comprising in a second locking mode: an axial displacement of the second end pin toward the second roller assembly, wherein the axial displacement of the second end pin associated with the second locking pin is axially contained within the second roller assembly, and the connecting pin is at least partially disposed within a roller axis of the first roller assembly; Deactivating the second roller assembly based on the second locking pin being axially contained within the second roller assembly by allowing the second roller assembly to pivotally accommodate a second camming movement; and Activating the first roller assembly based on the connecting pin being at least partially disposed within the roller axis of the first roller assembly by enabling the first roller assembly to be operatively coupled to the rocker arm body to transmit a first cam movement to the rocker arm body. [15] The method of claim 13, further comprising: Preloading the first roller assembly by a first roller preloading element and the second roller assembly by a second roller preloading element, each roller assembly being preloaded by the corresponding preloading element towards a respective end position, the first locking pin and the second locking pin each being arranged coaxially to the locking axis. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein the first roller biasing member is the same as the second roller biasing member. [17] The method of claim 13, further comprising: Preloading by a pin biasing member of the first end pin or the second end pin toward the other of the first end pin or the second end pin. [18] Engine valve train system comprising: a camshaft with multiple cams; a variety of valves; a rocker arm assembly configured to rotate about a rocker arm shaft, the rocker arm assembly including a valve end configured to selectively engage two or more 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 having a first roller and a second roller assembly having a second roller, each roller assembly pivotally connected to the rocker arm body and each roller configured to rotate about a respective roller axis and engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively decouple either the first roller assembly or the second roller assembly from the rocker arm body, the locking mechanism comprising: Rocker arm body pins comprising a first end pin, a second end pin, and a connecting pin disposed between the first and second end pins, each of the rocker arm body pins being slidably disposed at least partially along a locking axis within the rocker arm body; and Roller body pins comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin is arranged between the first end pin and the connecting pin, the second locking pin is arranged between the connecting pin and the second end pin, wherein each of the roller body pins is arranged at least partially displaceably within a respective roller assembly along a respective roller axis, wherein, when a first locking mode is activated, the first roller assembly is deactivated and the second roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker arm body pins and the roller body pins toward the second end pin, and wherein, when a second locking mode is activated, the second roller assembly is deactivated and the first roller assembly is activated based on the selective and sliding displacement of the rocker body pins and the roller body pins toward the first end pin. [19] The engine valve train system of claim 18, wherein the first and second roller assemblies further comprise respective first and second roller biasing members, each roller assembly being biased by the respective biasing member toward a respective end position, the respective roller body pin associated with the respective roller assembly being arranged coaxially with the locking axis of the rocker body pins. [20] The engine valve train system of claim 19, wherein the first roller biasing member is the same as the second roller biasing member.

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