Engine valve control system using a latchable rocker arm activated by a solenoid mechanism

US5682848A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Eaton Corporation · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 1996
• Grant date: Nov 4, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01L2820/01
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A valve control system for an internal combustion engine which does not require synchronization with the engine rotation is disclosed. The system includes an actuator having a coil electrically energized by a control unit causing a stator to magnetically attract an armature where the armature is coupled to a plunger by an actuator spring. The plunger pushes against a pivoted actuator arm having an inner and outer housing which are biased into extension by an arm spring. The actuator arm contacts and forces a slidable latch member into an inactive position and a latch spring returns the latch member into an active position. 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 and the latch member which rotatably links and unlinks the inner and outer rocker arms. The system is adapted wherein the engine poppet valve remains closed when the inner and outer rocker arms are unlinked when the latch member is in the 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 rotatably linked when the latch member is…