Engine valve control system using a latchable rocker arm

US5619958A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Eaton Corporation · US

Inventors

• Keith Hampton · Ann Arbor, US
• David M. Preston · Clarkston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 1996
• Grant date: Apr 15, 1997
• Expiry date: Jul 22, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01L2820/031
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A valve control system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an outer rocker arm which is engageable with an engine poppet valve, and an inner rocker arm which is engageable with a cam lobe formed in an engine camshaft and a slidable latch member which mechanically links and unlinks the inner and outer rocker arms. The latch member is axially moveable relative to the inner and outer rocker arms between an active position wherein the inner rocker arm engages the outer rocker arm to transmit a valve opening force from the camshaft to the poppet valve, and an inactive position wherein the inner and outer rocker arms are out of engagement and free to rotate relative to one another. The system is adapted for use in a valve train wherein the engine poppet valve remains closed when the inner and outer rocker arms are unlinked when the latch member is in an inactive position and wherein the engine poppet valve opens and closes in response to the cam lobe when the inner and outer rocker arms are linked together when the latch member is in an active position. An actuator operates a bellcrank mechanism which contacts the latch mechanism to move the latch mechanism to an activ…