SLIDE CAM SYSTEM AND MOTOR

Abstract

A slide cam system includes a camshaft comprising a carrier shaft with slide cam elements that each comprise a slotted switching member having a switching groove. The slide cam elements are displaceable axially relative to the carrier shaft by an actuator pin. A displacement element is arranged parallel with a longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft, and the displacement element is axially displaceable in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The displacement element has a first coupling pin arranged in a region of the first slide cam element and a second coupling pin arranged in a region of the second slide cam element. The coupling pins cooperate with a slotted switching member of the associated slide cam element such that as a result of the displacement element a movement initiated by the actuator pin of the first slide cam element can be transmitted to the second slide cam element.

Claims

1.-41. (canceled)

42. A slide cam system for an internal combustion engine having a camshaft comprising: a carrier shaft having a first slide cam element and a second slide cam element that each comprise a slotted switching member having a switching groove; an actuator pin, wherein the first and second slide cam elements are displaceable axially relative to the carrier shaft by the actuator pin; and a displacement element disposed parallel with a longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft, wherein the displacement element is axially displaceable in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft, wherein the displacement element comprises: a first coupling pin that is disposed in a region of the first slide cam element, and a second coupling pin that is disposed in a region of the second slide cam element, wherein the first and second coupling pins cooperate with a slotted switching member of the respective slide cam element such that as a result of the displacement element a movement initiated by the actuator pin of the first slide cam element is configured to be transmitted to the second slide cam element.

43. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes.

44. The slide cam system of claim 43 wherein the locking element forms an abutment for the receiving element so that the locking element is configured to be acted on at least partially by forces present during a positional change of the second slide cam element.

45. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a spring/ball locking system.

46. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the actuator pin and the first and second coupling pins are offset through 90° in a peripheral direction of the carrier shaft.

47. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching groove of the slotted switching member of the first slide cam element is a first switching groove, wherein the slotted switching member of the first slide cam element includes a second switching groove, with the first switching groove configured to receive the actuator pin and the second switching groove configured to receive the first coupling pin.

48. The slide cam system of claim 47 wherein the first switching groove and the second switching groove have a same rotation angle, wherein a radius of the first switching groove is greater than a radius of the second switching groove.

49. The slide cam system of claim 48 wherein the first and second switching grooves of the first slide cam element include an at least partially V-shaped profile.

50. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching groove of the first slide cam element includes an at least partially Y-shaped profile.

51. The slide cam system of claim 50 wherein the switching groove of the slotted switching member of the first slide cam element is a first switching groove, wherein the first slide cam element includes a second switching groove configured to receive the first coupling pin that is arranged such that the displacement element is directly displaceable.

52. The slide cam system of claim 51 wherein the second switching groove is at least partially disposed centrally in the at least partially Y-shaped profile of the first switching groove, wherein the second switching groove extends substantially over an entire periphery.

53. The slide cam system of claim 52 wherein the second switching groove is an annular groove that extends over the periphery with a constant radius, wherein in the second switching groove the first coupling pin is permanently disposed such that axial displacement of the first slide cam element is configured to be transmitted directly to the displacement element.

54. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching groove of the first slide cam element includes regions with different radii, wherein one of the regions is an introduction region, one of the regions is a displacement region, and one of the regions is a discharge region.

55. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the slotted switching member of the second slide cam element includes an at least partially V-shaped profile.

56. The slide cam system of claim 42 comprising a third slide cam element and a fourth slide cam element.

57. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the first and second slide cam elements are double slide cam elements, wherein each of the double slide cam elements is configured to control valves of two cylinders.

58. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching grooves of the first and second slide cam elements are offset relative to each other at a rotation angle so that the second slide cam element is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft in a temporally offset manner relative to the first slide cam element.

59. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the second slide cam element and a third slide cam element each have at least partially V-shaped profiles, wherein the V-shaped profiles each have a constant radius.

60. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching grooves of the first slide cam element and the second slide cam element and a switching groove of a third slide cam element are offset relative to each other at a rotation angle such that the second and third slide cam elements are displaceable in a temporally offset manner relative to the first slide cam element in a longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft.

61. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the first and second slide cam elements each have at least four cam portions for controlling valves of two cylinders, with a stroke cam contour being configured in the at least four cam portions to actuate the valve of one of the two cylinders.

62. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the first and second slide cam elements each have cam portions for controlling a valve of a cylinder, with a stroke cam contour being configured to actuate the valve.

63. The slide cam system of claim 62 wherein each cam portion includes at least three stroke cam contours for actuating the valve, wherein the at least three stroke cam contours each comprise different strokes.

64. The slide cam system of claim 62 wherein in addition to the stroke cam contour each cam portion includes a zero stroke cam contour for switching off the cylinder associated with the valve, wherein the zero stroke cam contour adjoins the stroke cam contour.

65. The slide cam system of claim 42 comprising a multiple actuator that includes at least three actuator pins by way of which the first and second slide cam elements and a third slide cam element are movable into multiple axial positions to allow different switching positions for valves.

66. The slide cam system of claim 65 wherein the first slide cam element and the multiple actuator are disposed in a first axial region of the carrier shaft, wherein at least one of the second slide cam element or the third slide cam element is disposed in a second axial region of the carrier shaft that adjoins the first axial region.

67. The slide cam system of claim 65 wherein the first slide cam element and the multiple actuator are disposed in a longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft centrally between the second and third slide cam elements.

68. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes, wherein the locking element includes at least partially a circular disk or an annular disk, wherein the locking element is disposed either between the first and second slide cam elements or between the second slide cam element and a third slide cam element, or between an axle end of the carrier shaft and one of the slide cam elements.

69. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes, wherein the locking element is integral with the carrier shaft, wherein the locking element is configured as at least two peripheral grooves and a longitudinal passage that connects the at least two peripheral grooves in the carrier shaft.

70. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes, the slide cam system comprising a camshaft bearing configured as a roller bearing or a sliding bearing, wherein a portion of the camshaft bearing forms the locking element.

71. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the carrier shaft includes locking elements, wherein a receiving element of the displacement element forms an extension configured to cooperate during operation of the slide cam system with at least one of the locking elements so that at least one of the locking elements is at least partially acted on by forces present during a positional change of the second slide cam element or a third slide cam element.

72. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the carrier shaft includes a locking element, wherein a receiving element of the displacement element forms at least two extensions that are configured to cooperate during operation of the slide cam system with the locking element such that the locking element is at least partially acted on by forces present during a positional change of the second slide cam element or a third slide cam element.

73. The slide cam system of claim 42 comprising a stop element on the displacement element configured to cooperate with a stop in a cylinder head or a cylinder head cover to limit axial displacement of the displacement element.

74. The slide cam system of claim 73 wherein a receiving element of the displacement element is the stop element, wherein during operation of the slide cam system the receiving element is configured to limit the axial displacement of the displacement element.

75. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element includes in a displacement direction a stop end configured to cooperate during operation of the slide cam system with a cylinder head to limit axial displacement of the displacement element.

76. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes, wherein the locking element is disposed in a rotationally secure manner on the carrier shaft and is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft, wherein the locking element is axially guided in a cylinder head cover.

77. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element comprises a receiving element, wherein the carrier shaft comprises a locking element that cooperates with the receiving element during operation of the slide cam system such that the displacement element is locked between two positional changes, wherein the locking element is disposed on the carrier shaft in a rotationally secure manner and is fixed in a longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft.

78. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the displacement element is disposed at a rotation angle that is offset relative to the actuator pin.

79. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching groove of the slotted switching member of the first slide cam element is a first switching groove, wherein the slotted switching member of the first slide cam element includes a second switching groove, wherein the second switching groove is disposed at an axial end of the first slide cam element beside the first switching groove or the second switching groove is disposed between two axial ends of the first slide cam element, wherein the second switching groove extends substantially over an entire periphery of the first slide cam element.

80. The slide cam system of claim 42 wherein the switching groove of the first slide cam element is at least partially Y-shaped or at least partially S-shaped.

81. A slide cam system for an internal combustion engine having a camshaft comprising: a carrier shaft having a first double slide cam element and a second double slide cam element that control valves of cylinders, wherein the first and second double slide cam elements each comprise: a slotted switching member having a switching groove, and a cam portion having a stroke cam contour; an actuator pin, wherein the first and second double slide cam elements are displaceable axially relative to the carrier shaft by the actuator pin; and a displacement element disposed parallel with a longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft, wherein the displacement element is axially displaceable in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft, wherein the displacement element comprises: a first coupling pin that is disposed in a region of the first double slide cam element, and a second coupling pin that is disposed in a region of the second double slide cam element, wherein the first and second coupling pins cooperate with a slotted switching member of the respective double slide cam element such that a movement of the first double slide cam element initiated by the actuator pin is configured to be transmitted to the second double slide cam element by the displacement element.

82. A motor comprising the slide cam system of claim 42.

Description

[0090] The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to embodiments and the appended drawings, in which:

[0091] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0092] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0093] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0094] FIG. 4 is another side view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0095] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0096] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention in a cylinder head;

[0097] FIG. 7 is another side view of the slide cam system according to FIG. 6;

[0098] FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0099] FIG. 9 is another side view of the slide cam system according to FIG. 8;

[0100] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention in a cylinder head;

[0101] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0102] FIG. 12 is a side view of the slide cam system according to FIG. 11;

[0103] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 14 is a side view of the slide cam system according to FIG. 13;

[0105] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0106] FIG. 16 is a side view of the slide cam system according to FIG. 15;

[0107] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a carrier shaft of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention;

[0108] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a carrier shaft with a locking element and a displacement element of another embodiment of a slide cam system according to the invention.

[0109] FIGS. 1 to 4 show the same embodiment of a slide cam system from different perspectives.

[0110] The slide cam system comprises a carrier shaft 11. A first and a second slide cam element 12a, 12b are arranged on the carrier shaft 11 in an axially movable manner relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft 11. It is conceivable for more than two slide cam elements to be arranged on the carrier shaft 11. The carrier shaft 11 comprises three roller bearings 20. One roller bearing 20 is arranged at the axial ends of the carrier shaft 11 and another roller bearing 20 is arranged between the slide cam elements 12a, 12b, respectively. The roller bearings 20 are locked by retention rings 21. The number of roller bearings 20 and retention rings 21 and the positions of the bearing locations are variable. The slide cam elements 12a, 12b comprise a slotted switching member 13 and a cam contour 22.

[0111] The slotted switching member 13 of the first slide cam element 12a comprises a first and a second switching groove 14a, 14b. The switching grooves 14a, 14b are at least partially V-shaped. In other words, the width of the two switching grooves 14a, 14b is not constant. The term “width” is intended to be understood to mean the spacing of the flanks of the switching grooves 14a, 14b in an axial direction relative to the carrier shaft 11. The flanks of the switching grooves 14a, 14b approach each other in the V-shaped portion.

[0112] The two switching grooves 14a, 14b are arranged at the same rotation angle. The first switching groove 14a has a greater radius than the second switching groove 14b.

[0113] The term “radius” is intended to be understood to mean the amount of spacing of the base groove face of the first or second switching groove 14a, 14b from the longitudinal center axis of the carrier shaft 11. Consequently, the outer diameter of the slotted switching member 13 and the radius of the base groove face determine the groove depth.

[0114] The first switching groove 14a comprises a step. In other words, the first switching groove 14a is constructed as a projection or a shoulder. The first switching groove 14a has a varying radius. That is to say, the first switching groove 14a partially has regions with a larger radius and a smaller radius. The change of the radius is carried out steplessly. The regions are each associated with an introduction region, a discharge region or a displacement region.

[0115] The second switching groove 14b has a constant radius. The width of the second switching groove 14b is smaller than the width of the first switching groove 14a.

[0116] Two actuator pins 15 are arranged on the carrier shaft 11. The actuator pins 15 are movable substantially only in one direction orthogonally to the longitudinal center axis of the carrier shaft 11. The actuator pins 15 are associated with the first switching groove 14a. That is to say, the actuator pins cooperate only with the first switching groove 14a. The actuator pins 15 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the carrier shaft 11. One of the two actuator pins 15 can thereby be introduced into the first switching groove 14a in a manner dependent on the position of the first slide cam element. By introducing the actuator pins 15, an axial movement of the first slide cam element 14a can be initiated.

[0117] For this purpose, an actuator pin 15 is introduced into the first switching groove 14a. By reducing the groove width, the introduced actuator pin 15 cooperates with a flank of the first switching groove 14a. More specifically, the introduced actuator pin 15 acts on a flank of the first switching groove 14a with a force directed counter to the flank. The axial displacement of the first slide cam element 12a is thereby carried out. The direction of the displacement is consequently dependent on the flank with which the introduced actuator pin 15 cooperates. An actuator pin 15 is associated with each flank of the first switching groove 14a.

[0118] A displacement element 16 is arranged parallel with the carrier shaft 11. The displacement element 16 is axially movable. The displacement element is offset by 90° relative to the actuator pins 15. Alternatively, other angular offsets are conceivable. The displacement element 16 comprises a first and a second coupling pin 17a, 17b and a receiving element 18. The first and second coupling pin 17a, 17b are each arranged at an axial end of the displacement element 16. The receiving element 18 comprises three extensions and is arranged between the axial ends of the displacement element 16. The coupling pins 17a, 17b and the receiving element 18 extend orthogonally to the longitudinal center axis of the carrier shaft 11.

[0119] The first coupling pin 17a is associated with the second switching groove 14b of the first slide cam element 12a. The first and second coupling pins 17a, 17b are arranged substantially rotatably on the displacement element 16. The first coupling pin 17a is permanently in engagement with the second switching groove 14b of the first slide cam element 12a.

[0120] The first coupling pin 17a is acted on by a flank of the second switching groove 14b with a force. The displacement element 16 is displaced in an active direction of the force. Since the displacement element 16 and consequently the coupling pins 17a, 17b are offset from each other by 90° in a peripheral direction and the first and second switching grooves 14a, 14b are arranged at the same rotation angle, the displacement of the displacement element 16 is accordingly carried out in a temporally offset or phase-shifted manner.

[0121] The second coupling pin 17b is arranged in the region of the second slide cam element 12b. The second slide cam element 12b comprises a switching groove 14. The switching groove 14 has a V-shaped portion. The second coupling pin 17b is permanently in engagement with the switching groove 14. The switching groove 14 of the second slide cam element 12b is arranged in such a manner that a switching of the second slide cam element 12b in a temporally offset manner relative to the first slide cam element 12a can be carried out.

[0122] As a result of the displacement of the displacement element 16, the second coupling pin 17b is axially moved in the switching groove 14. More specifically, the second coupling pin 17b is moved relative to one of the flanks of the switching groove 14. The second coupling pin 17b cooperates substantially in the same manner with the switching groove 14 as the actuator pins 15 with the first switching groove 14a of the first slide cam element 12a.

[0123] The carrier shaft 11 comprises a circular-disk-like locking element 19. Alternatively, other geometries are conceivable. The locking element 19 is arranged between the first and second slide cam elements 12a, 12b. The locking element 19 is axially delimited by the receiving element 18. The locking element 19 has a support function. The locking element 19 forms an abutment for the receiving element 18. The locking element 19 takes up the forces during the switching operation and thus enables fixing of the displacement element 16. Furthermore, the cooperation of the receiving element 18 and the locking element 19 prevents the first slide cam element 12a from being displaced undesirably. The receiving element 18 comprises two receiving members for the locking element 19. The locking element 19 comprises a recess. A displacement of the displacement element by the circular disk is thereby possible. For this purpose, the recess is arranged in the region of the corresponding rotation angle. The recess is arranged in the circular disk in such a manner that, during an axial movement, the displacement element 16 is moved through the recess. It is conceivable for the displacement element 16 further to comprise a spring/ball locking system (not illustrated).

[0124] In summary, the above-described slide cam system allows, as a result of the displacement element 16, a phase-shifted switching of the slide cam elements 12a, 12b using a single actuator. The total number of actuators in the slide cam system can thereby be substantially reduced.

[0125] FIG. 5 describes another embodiment of a slide cam system. The slide cam system substantially corresponds to the slide cam system according to FIGS. 1 to 4. The slide cam system illustrated comprises, unlike the above-described system, a third slide cam element 12c and the first slide cam element 12a has a differently shaped slotted switching member.

[0126] As in the embodiment above, the carrier shaft 11 comprises roller bearings 20 and retention rings 21. The roller bearings 20 and retention rings 21 are arranged at the axial ends of the carrier shaft 11 and between the slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c.

[0127] The displacement element 16 is arranged parallel with the carrier shaft 11. The displacement element 16 is guided in the rail and offset through from 45° to 60° in a peripheral direction relative to the actuator pins. The displacement can alternatively be, for example, 90°. The displacement element 16 comprises a third coupling pin 17c which is arranged in the region of the third slide cam element 12c.

[0128] An actuator 23 with the actuator pins 15 is arranged in the region of the first slide cam element 12a. The first slide cam element 12a has a Y-shaped first switching groove 14a.

[0129] The second switching groove 14b is constructed as a groove which extends over the entire periphery of the first slide cam element 12a, in particular as an annular groove. The radius of the second switching groove 14b is smaller than the radius of the first switching groove 14a. The first and second switching grooves 14a, 14b consequently have different rotation angles.

[0130] The first coupling pin 17a is permanently in engagement with the second switching groove 14b in the embodiment described above.

[0131] The continuous second switching groove 14b allows a direct displacement of the displacement element 16 without any time offset, that is to say, the displacement element 16 and the first slide cam element 12a move substantially at the same time.

[0132] The switching grooves 14 of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c are arranged on the outer peripheral face in such a manner that the slide cam elements 12b, 12c can be switched in a temporally offset manner. The second and third coupling pins 17b, 17c cooperate with the switching grooves 14 in known manner, as already described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0133] A locking element 19 is arranged between the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c. The locking element 19 comprises a circular disk with a recess. An extension is arranged on the displacement element 16 in the region of the circular disk. The circular disk forms an abutment for the extension. The circular disk cooperates with the extension during a displacement operation in such a manner that the first coupling pin is unloaded during the displacement operation. In other words, the extension is supported against the circular disk. The recess is arranged at the rotation angle at which the displacement of the first displacement element 16 is carried out.

[0134] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a slide cam system. The slide cam system is arranged in a cylinder head 25.

[0135] The slide cam system comprises three slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c. In FIG. 5, the cam contours 22 surround the switching groove 14. In FIG. 6, the cam contours 22 of the slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c are arranged exclusively at one side in an axial direction beside the switching groove 14. The switching groove 14 will be discussed below in greater detail.

[0136] In this instance, the slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c have two cam portions 29, in which two cam contours 22 are constructed. In this case, a first cam portion 29a adjoins the slotted switching member 13 of the slide cam element 12a, 12b, 12c. A second cam portion 29b is arranged with spacing from the first cam portion 29a in an axial direction. The cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c are constructed in an identical manner. Alternatively, it is possible for the cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective slide cam element 12a, 12b, 12c to be different from each other.

[0137] The total of two cam contours 22 per cam portion 29 form a stroke cam contour 31, a defined stroke and a zero stroke cam contour 32. This also applies to the cam contours 22 according to FIGS. 1 to 4. The two cam contours 31, 32 are provided adjacent to each other in an axial direction.

[0138] It is also possible for the respective cam portions 29 not to have any zero stroke cam contour 32, that is to say, instead of the zero stroke cam contour 32 they have an additional stroke cam contour 31. The three stroke cam contours 31 may have different strokes in this case.

[0139] By constructing the cam portions 29 with two different cam contours 22, the valve of a cylinder associated with the respective cam portion 29 can be controlled during operation into two different switching positions. Specifically, a defined stroke can be transmitted to the valve during operation by the stroke cam contour 31 and the valve can consequently be actuated. Additionally, the cylinder associated with the valve can be switched off during operation by the zero stroke cam contour 32. In this case, a two-step control of the valve of the cylinder is referred to.

[0140] The first slide cam element 12a comprises the first switching groove 14a and the second switching groove 14b. The first switching groove 14a has a Y-shaped slotted switching member 13. The second switching groove 14b extends in a peripheral direction of the first slide cam element 12a.

[0141] The switching grooves 14 of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c are V-shaped.

[0142] The locking element 19 is arranged between the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c. The locking element 19 has a circular disk or an annular disk. The locking element 19 is arranged in a rotationally secure manner on the carrier shaft 11. The circular disk or annular disk has, as described in the preceding embodiments, a recess. The recess extends in a peripheral direction of the circular disk or annular disk.

[0143] The cylinder head 25 comprises an axial bearing in which the circular disk or annular disk of the locking element 19 is guided and/or supported.

[0144] The displacement element 16 is arranged in a manner offset relative to the actuator pins 15 at a rotation angle about the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft 11. Coupling pins 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged on the displacement element 16 in a manner offset in an axial direction. The first coupling pin 17a engages in the second switching groove 14b of the first slide cam element 12a. The second coupling pin 17b engages in the switching groove 14 of the second slide cam element 12b and the third coupling pin 17c engages in the switching groove 14 of the third slide cam element 12c.

[0145] A spring/ball locking system 24 is arranged between the first and second coupling pins 17a, 17b. Instead of the ball, other forms are possible.

[0146] The displacement element 16 has a stop element 27. The stop element 27 is constructed as an extension which extends away in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the displacement element 16. Other forms are possible. The stop element 27 is arranged between the first coupling pin 17a and the second coupling pin 17b. More specifically, the stop element 27 is arranged between the recesses or the notches for the spring/ball locking system 14 and the first coupling pin 17a.

[0147] The receiving element 18 is arranged between the second and third coupling pins 17b, 17c. The receiving element 18 has a single extension which extends in the direction of the camshaft 10.

[0148] A stop 26 is arranged in the cylinder head 25. The stop 26 is constructed as a recess in the cylinder head 25. The stop element 27 projects into the recess.

[0149] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment according to FIG. 6 without the cylinder head 25.

[0150] FIG. 7 clearly shows the axial bearing 28 for the locking element 19. The axial bearing 28 is constructed as an individual element. The axial bearing has a connection portion which is connected to the cylinder head 25. Alternatively, the axial bearing can be constructed in one piece with the cylinder head 25. The axial bearing 28 comprises a through-gap.

[0151] The embodiments illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 substantially correspond to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0152] Unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylinder head 25 in FIGS. 8 and 9 does not have any axial bearing 28 for the locking element 19. The locking element 19 is arranged on the carrier shaft 11 in a rotationally secure manner and so as to be fixed in an axial direction.

[0153] FIG. 10 shows a combination of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9, wherein a stop 26 is arranged in the cylinder head and the locking element 19 is rotationally secure and fixed in an axial direction on the carrier shaft 11.

[0154] The stop 26 in FIG. 10 is not absolutely necessary. Alternatively, the stop 26 may be dispensed with. Then, the delimitation of the freedom of movement of the displacement element 16 is carried out by the spring/ball locking system 24.

[0155] The first switching groove 14a of the first slide cam element 12a is used to receive the actuator pins 15. The second switching groove 14b is used to receive the first coupling pin 17a.

[0156] During a displacement of the displacement element 16, the receiving element 18 and the locking element 19 cooperate in such a manner that the receiving element 18 moves through the recess in the circular disk. In other words, the recess in the circular disk is arranged at a rotation angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft 11 in such a manner that the receiving element 18 changes from one side to the other of the circular disk when the first slide cam element 12a is displaced. During the displacement of the second and/or third slide cam element(s) 12b, 12c, the receiving element 18 is supported against the uninterrupted region of the circular disk. The circular disk or the annular disk can be acted on with the forces which act during displacement of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c. The locking element 19 with the circular disk forms an abutment for the extension of the displacement element 16.

[0157] The locking element 19 allows two defined positions of the displacement element 16.

[0158] The stop 26 and the stop element 27 delimit the axial freedom of movement of the displacement element 16.

[0159] The spring/ball locking system 24 of the displacement element 16 prevents undesirable movements of the displacement element 16. The operational reliability is thereby improved. It is further possible for the spring/ball locking system 24 to perform the function of the stop 26 and the stop element 27. That is particularly advantageous when the locking element 19 is fixed on the carrier shaft in an axial direction.

[0160] The linear guide of the displacement element 16 is constructed in the cylinder head 25. Thus, an active oiling of the displacement element 16 is possible.

[0161] FIGS. 11 and 12 and 13 and 14 show two additional embodiments of a slide cam system. The slide cam systems according to FIGS. 11 to 14 substantially correspond to the slide cam system according to FIGS. 9 and 10. Unlike the slide cam system according to FIGS. 9 and 10, in this instance no extension is constructed as a stop element 27 on the displacement element 16. However, it is possible for the displacement element 16 to be able to have a stop element 27, as described in FIG. 6.

[0162] Furthermore, a three-step control of a valve of a cylinder is possible with the two slide cam systems according to FIGS. 11 to 14. In the slide cam systems according to FIGS. 1 to 8 and FIGS. 9 and 10, only a two-step control of a valve of a cylinder is possible because the respective cam portion has only two cam contours 22.

[0163] The two slide cam systems according to FIGS. 11 to 14 are arranged in a cylinder head 25 which is not illustrated.

[0164] The respective slide cam system comprises three slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c. The first slide cam element 12a has, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, a slotted switching member 13 having a first switching groove 14a and a second switching groove 14b. The first switching groove 14a is constructed in a Y-shaped manner. The first switching groove 14a can also be constructed in other forms.

[0165] The second switching groove 14b is, as in FIGS. 6 to 10, constructed as a radially peripheral groove. In other words, the second switching groove 14b is constructed as an annular groove. The second switching groove 14b is arranged at an axial end of the first slide cam element 12a and adjoins the first switching groove 14a in this case. Alternatively, the second switching groove 14b can be arranged at another axial position on the first slide cam element 12a.

[0166] The switching grooves 14 of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c are constructed in a V-shaped manner.

[0167] The slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c each have two cam portions 29, in which three cam contours 22 are constructed. In this case, a first cam portion 29a adjoins the slotted switching member 13 of the slide cam element 12a, 12b, 12c. A second cam portion 29b is arranged with spacing from the first cam portion 29a in an axial direction. The cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective slide cam element 12a, 12b, 12c are constructed identically. Alternatively, it is possible for the cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective slide cam element 12a, 12b, 12c to be different from each other.

[0168] The total of three cam contours 22 per cam portion 29 form two stroke cam contours 31 with different strokes and a zero stroke cam contour 32. The two stroke cam contours 31 are provided adjacent to each other in an axial direction. The zero stroke cam contour 32 adjoins one of the two stroke cam contours 31 in an axial direction.

[0169] It is also possible for the respective cam portions 29 not to have a zero stroke cam contour 32, that is to say, instead of the zero stroke cam contour 32 an additional stroke cam contour 31. The three stroke cam contours 31 may have different strokes in this case.

[0170] By constructing the cam portions 29 with three different contours 31, 32, the valve, which is associated with the respective cam portion 29, of a cylinder can be controlled into three different switching positions during operation. Specifically, during operation two different strokes can be transmitted to the valve by the two stroke cam contours 31 and consequently the valve can be actuated. Additionally, during operation the cylinder associated with the valve can be switched off by the zero stroke cam contour 32. A three-step control of the valve of the cylinder is referred to in this instance.

[0171] The slide cam system according to FIGS. 11 and 12 has two locking elements 19 which are arranged in a rotationally secure manner on the carrier shaft 11. The locking elements 19 are arranged axially between the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c. The locking elements 19 are each formed by a circular disk or an annular disk. The respective circular disk or an annular disk has, as described in the preceding embodiments, a recess. The recess extends in a peripheral direction of the circular disk or annular disk.

[0172] The two locking elements 19 are axially spaced apart from each other. The spacing between the two locking elements 19 substantially corresponds to the width of a receiving element 18 of the displacement element 16. The receiving element 18 is formed by a single extension 33 which extends in the direction of the camshaft 10. The extension 33 is constructed in such a manner that an intermediate space 34 can receive the extension 33 axially between the two locking elements 19. The receiving element 18 is arranged between the second and third coupling pins 17b, 17c.

[0173] Unlike the slide cam system according to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the slide cam system according to FIGS. 13 and 14 only one locking element 19 is arranged on the carrier shaft 11 in a rotationally secure manner. Here, however, the displacement element 16 has a total of two receiving elements 18 in the form of extensions 33 instead of one receiving element 18. The two receiving elements 18 extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft 11 and together form a fork-like form.

[0174] The displacement element 16 according to FIGS. 11 to 14 is arranged in a manner offset relative to the actuator pins 15 at a rotation angle about the longitudinal axis of the carrier shaft 11. Coupling pins 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged on the displacement element 16 in a manner offset in an axial direction. The first coupling pin 17a engages in the second switching groove 14b of the first slide cam element 12a. The second coupling pin 17b engages in the switching groove 14 of the second slide cam element 12b and the third coupling pin 17c engages in the switching groove 14 of the third slide cam element 12c.

[0175] According to FIGS. 11 to 14, there is further arranged a multiple actuator 23 in the region of the first slide cam element 12a, which has a total of three actuator pins 15. As a result of the three actuator pins 15, a total of three axial positions of the three slide cam elements 12a, 12b, 12c are possible.

[0176] As described above, the first coupling pin 17a is permanently in engagement with the second switching groove 14b. The continuously extending second switching groove 14b allows direct displacement of the displacement element 16 without any temporal offset, that is to say, the displacement element 16 and the first slide cam element 12a move substantially simultaneously.

[0177] During axial displacement, one of the three actuator pins 15 engages in the first switching groove 14a so that the first slide cam element 12a is moved in an axial direction by the path of the first switching groove 14a. In this case, the first slide cam element 12a and the displacement element 16 are pushed from a first axial position 36a into a second axial position 36b, in particular an axial position which is central in the longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft 11. As a result of the coupling pins 17a, 17b, the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c are axially offset in this case in a temporally offset manner.

[0178] In the slide cam system according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the individual extension 33 is moved by a first of the two locking elements 19 into the intermediate space 34 between the two locking elements 19, wherein the extension 33 transmits the occurring displacement forces of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c to the second locking element 19. The extension 33 is located in the second axial position 36b between the two locking elements 19.

[0179] In the slide cam system according to FIGS. 13 and 14, in this instance a first of the two extensions 33 is axially moved through the cutout of the locking element 19, wherein the first extension 33 transmits the occurring displacement forces of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c to the individual locking element 19. The locking element 19 is located in the second axial position 36b in a region of the outer periphery between the two extensions 33.

[0180] As a result of the engagement of the second pin, in particular the central pin in the longitudinal direction of the carrier shaft 11, of the three actuator pins 15 in the first switching groove 14a, the first slide cam element 12a is pushed with the displacement element 16 to a third, in particular last, axial position 36c. As a result of the coupling pins 17b, 17c, in this case the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c are axially displaced further in a temporally offset manner.

[0181] In the slide cam system according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the extension 33 changes in this case from the intermediate space 34 between the two locking elements 19 axially outward and cooperates with the second locking element 19 in order to transmit the displacement forces. The extension 33 is located at the third axial position 36c at the outer side of the second locking element 19. In order to reverse the displacement operation, the third actuator pin 15 engages in the first switching groove 14a, whereby the axial displacement direction occurs in the opposite manner.

[0182] In the slide cam system according to claims 13 and 14, the second extension 33 changes in this instance from the intermediate space 34 between the two locking elements 19 axially outward and cooperates with the second locking element 19 in order to transmit the displacement forces. The extension 33 is located at the third axial position 36c at the outer side of the second locking element 19. In order to reverse the displacement operation, the third actuator pin 15 engages in the first switching groove 14a, whereby the axial displacement direction occurs in the opposite manner.

[0183] In the slide cam system according to FIGS. 13 and 14, a second extension of the two extensions 33 is moved axially through the cutout of the locking element 19 in this case, wherein the second extension 33 transmits the occurring displacement forces of the second and third slide cam elements 12b, 12c to the individual locking element 19. The second extension 33 is located in the third axial position 36c at the other outer side of the locking element 19.

[0184] A spring/ball locking system 24 is arranged between the first and the second coupling pins 17a, 17b in order to releasably fix the displacement element 16 in a longitudinal direction at the axial positions 36a, 36b, 36c. Other forms are possible instead of the ball.

[0185] In summary, in the slide cam systems according to the invention for a three-step control of a valve, a total of three cam contours, in particular stroke cam contours 31, zero stroke contours 32, and a multiple actuator 23 with at least three actuator pins 15 are necessary.

[0186] Unlike the slide cam system according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the slide cam system shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has, instead of two slide cam elements for controlling valves of only one cylinder, two double slide cam elements which are constructed to control valves of two cylinders.

[0187] The slide cam system according to FIGS. 15 and 16 is also arranged in a cylinder head 25 which is not illustrated.

[0188] The first element of the two double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′ has a slotted switching member 13 having a first switching groove 14a and a second switching groove 14b. The configuration of the slotted switching member 13 and the switching grooves 14a, 14b are constructed and arranged as described in FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0189] The switching groove 14 of the second double slide cam element 12b′ is constructed in a V-shaped manner.

[0190] The double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′ each have four cam portions 29, in which two cam contours 22′ are constructed. In this case, two cam portions 29 are arranged in a longitudinal direction at an axial side of the slotted switching member 13. In other words, the slotted switching member 13 is arranged axially between two pairs of the cam portions 29. In this case, the first two cam portions 29a of the pairs adjoin the slotted switching member 13 of the double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′. The second cam portion 29b of the respective pair is arranged with spacing from the first cam portion 29a of the same pair in an axial direction. The cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective double slide cam element 12a′, 12b′ are constructed in an identical manner. Alternatively, it is possible for the cam portions 29a, 29b of the respective double slide cam element 12a′, 12b′ to be different from each other.

[0191] The total of two cam contours 22 per cam portion 29 form two stroke cam contours 31 with different strokes. The stroke cam contours 31 are provided so as to adjoin each other in an axial direction.

[0192] It is also possible for the respective cam portions 29 to have one zero stroke cam contour 32 instead of one of the stroke cam contours 31.

[0193] By constructing the cam portions 29 with two different stroke cam contours 31, the valve of a cylinder associated with the respective cam portion 29 can during operation be controlled into two different switching positions. Specifically, during operation two different strokes can be transmitted to the valve by the stroke cam contours 31 and consequently the valve can be actuated. A two-step control of the valve of the cylinder is referred to here.

[0194] Alternatively, it is also possible for the cam portions 29 of the double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′ to have a total of three cam contours 22 so that a three-step control of a valve of a cylinder is enabled.

[0195] The displacement operation of the double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′ is carried out as described in FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIGS. 15 and 16, only the actuator with the two actuator pins 15 is not illustrated. Furthermore, the configuration of the displacement element 16 and the locking element 19 corresponds, as described in FIGS. 13 and 14. These elements differ only in terms of the number of possible axial positions. According to FIGS. 15 and 16, only two axial positions are possible during the axial displacement of the double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′. Furthermore, two receiving elements 19 or extensions 33 are not provided, unlike in relation to FIGS. 13 and 14, but instead only a single extension 33.

[0196] During operation, the extension 33 transmits the occurring displacement forces of the second double slide cam element 12b′ to the locking element 19 in a manner dependent on the respective axial position. The locking element 19 is configured as described in FIGS. 11 to 14. Furthermore, the axial displacement operation in the slide cam system according to FIGS. 15 and 16 is carried out as described in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0197] According to FIG. 17, a carrier shaft 11 of another embodiment of a slide cam system is shown. The locking element 19 is integrally constructed with the carrier shaft 11 here unlike the above-described slide cam systems. The locking element 19 is formed by a recess 37 in the carrier shaft 11 in this case. The recess 37 can be constructed by milling and/or turning. The recess 37 is formed by two peripheral grooves 38 and one longitudinal passage 39 which connects the grooves 38. The grooves 38 are constructed in a radially peripheral manner in the carrier shaft 11.

[0198] During operation, the receiving element 18 is arranged partially in one of the two grooves 38 in a manner dependent on the respective axial position 36a, 36b of the slide cam element 12a, 12b or double slide cam element 12a′, 12b′. If, during operation, the axial position 36a, 36b and consequently of the displacement element 16 is changed during a displacement operation, the receiving element 18 travels through the longitudinal passage 39 and changes from the first groove 36a into the second peripheral groove 36b. In this case, the receiving element 18 is supported against the groove walls in order to transmit the forces occurring during the axial displacement to the carrier shaft 11. This configuration of the recess 37 is used in a two-step control of the valves, in particular by two contours of the respective cam portions 29. The locking element 19 in the form of a recess 37 of the carrier shaft 11 can be used in the slide cam systems according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and/or FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0199] In a three-step control of the valves, in particular by three contours of the respective cam portions 29, the recess 37 can be formed by a total of three peripheral grooves 38 and two longitudinal passages 39. In this case, one longitudinal passage 39 connects two grooves 38 so that, during an axial displacement of the slide cam elements 12a, 12b or double slide cam elements 12a′, 12b′, a total of three axial positions 36a, 36b, 36c are possible. The force transmission from the receiving element 18 to the carrier shaft 11 can be carried out as described above.

[0200] FIG. 18 shows a schematic illustration of part of another embodiment of a slide cam system. The slide cam system has a carrier shaft 11 having a locking element 19. In this instance, the locking element 19 can be configured as described in FIGS. 11 to 14. FIG. 18 further shows a displacement element 16 having a receiving element 18 which is constructed as an extension 33. The extension 33 is also configured as described in FIGS. 11 to 14. In the slide cam system according to FIG. 18, the receiving element 18 is used not only to transmit forces or for support, but additionally also as a stop which delimits the axial displacement path. Alternatively or additionally, stop regions 41 against which the displacement element 16 stops in a displacement direction in order to delimit the axial displacement path are provided here in a cylinder head which is not illustrated. For this purpose, the displacement element 16 has two stop ends 42 which form the longitudinal ends of the displacement element 16 which during operation stop against the respective stop region 41. Other alternatives for delimiting the axial displacement path are possible.

[0201] The embodiments of the invention described can be combined with each other, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10, and are not limited to the variants described. In particular, the slide cam systems according to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 11 to 17 may have a stop element 27, as described in FIG. 7. This applies not only to the configuration of the stop element 27 but also to the type of construction and the cooperation with the cylinder head cover 25.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0202] 10 Camshaft [0203] 11 Carrier shaft [0204] 12a First slide cam element [0205] 12b Second slide cam element [0206] 12c Third slide cam element [0207] 13 Slotted switching member [0208] 14 Switching groove [0209] 14a First switching groove [0210] 14b Second switching groove [0211] 15 Actuator pin [0212] 16 Displacement element [0213] 17a First coupling pin [0214] 17b Second coupling pin [0215] 17c Third coupling pin [0216] 18 Receiving element [0217] 19 Locking element [0218] 20 Roller bearing [0219] 21 Retention rings [0220] 22 Cam contour [0221] 23 Actuator, multiple actuator [0222] 24 Spring/ball locking system [0223] 25 Cylinder head [0224] 26 Stop [0225] 27 Stop element [0226] 28 Axial bearing [0227] 29 Cam portion [0228] 29a First cam portion [0229] 29b Second cam portion [0230] 31 Stroke cam contour [0231] 32 Zero stroke cam contour [0232] 33 Extension [0233] 34 Intermediate space [0234] 36a First axial position [0235] 36b Second axial position [0236] 36c Third axial position [0237] 37 Recess [0238] 38 Peripheral grooves [0239] 39 Longitudinal passage [0240] 41 Stop regions