Air spring system for an internal combustion engine

US8813697B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG · AT

Inventors

• Michael Dopona · Bad Hall, AT
• Johann Neuboeck · Wels, AT
• Werner Brandstaetter · Schwanenstadt, AT
• Christian Berger · Schwanenstadt, AT
• Roland Ennsmann · Fallsbach, AT
• Gerhard Wiesinger · Lenzing, AT
• Stefan Leiber · Wels, AT
• Roland Spatzenegger · Bad Hall, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 26, 2014
• Expiry date: May 22, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01L2800/01
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of supplying air to an air spring biasing one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine to a closed position is disclosed. The method includes: driving an air compressor with a motor prior to starting of the internal combustion engine, the air compressor fluidly communicating with the air spring to supply air to the air spring; determining that a predetermined condition has been reached; starting the engine once the predetermined condition has been reached; and driving the air compressor with a rotating shaft of the engine once the engine has started.