Patent · US Expired

Method of and apparatus for controlling valve operation in an internal combustion engine

US4873949A · kind A · utility

48Cited by
11References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 18, 1988
Grant dateOct 17, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 18, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF01L2001/34446
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling valve operation in an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft during with a cam for opening and closing an intake or exhaust valve which is spring-biased in a closing direction. The method comprises the steps of varying the angular phase of the crankshaft and the camshaft to control the timing of the opening of the valve and releasing the force applied by the cam to open the valve while it is being opened to control the timing of the closing of the intake or exhaust valve. The apparatus includes a phase control mechanism disposed between the crankshaft and the camshaft and a lift control mechanism disposed between the cam and the intake or exhaust valve. Both mechanisms are hydraulically operated and controlled in response to engine operating conditions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.