VARIABLE VALVE TRAIN FOR AN ENGINE BRAKING MODE

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable valve train for switching an outlet valve of an internal combustion engine to an engine braking mode. The variable valve train has a camshaft with a first cam, which is designed as a normal operation cam, and a second cam, which is designed as an engine braking cam. A first rocking lever has a first stroke device which is designed for selectively making or breaking a first operative connection between the first cam and the outlet valve by means of the first rocking lever. A second rocking lever has a second stroke device which is designed for selectively making or breaking a second operative connection between the second cam and the outlet valve by means of the second rocking lever. A valve device selectively connects the first stroke device or the second stroke device to a fluid feed line.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A variable valve train for switching an outlet valve of an internal combustion engine to an engine braking mode, wherein the variable valve train comprises: a camshaft with a first cam which is designed as a normal operation cam and a second cam which is designed as an engine braking cam; a first rocking lever having a first stroke device which is designed for selectively making or breaking a first operative connection between the first cam and the outlet valve by means of the first rocking lever; a second rocking lever having a second stroke device which is designed for selectively making or breaking a second operative connection between the second cam and the outlet valve by means of the second rocking lever; a fluid feed line; and a valve device which is designed selectively to connect the first stroke device or the second stroke device to the fluid feed line.

17. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: a fluid drain line; wherein the valve device is designed to connect selectively the first stroke device or the second stroke device to the fluid drain line.

18. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 17, wherein the valve device is designed: in a first position to connect the first stroke device to the fluid feed line and to connect the second stroke device to the fluid drain line; and in a second position to connect the first stroke device to the fluid drain line and to connect the second stroke device to the fluid feed line.

19. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: a first backflow preventer which is arranged in a fluidic connection between the valve device and the first stroke device; or a second backflow preventer which is arranged in a fluidic connection between the valve device and the second stroke device.

20. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 19, wherein: the first backflow preventer is designed to act as a hydraulic valve clearance compensating device for the first operative connection; or the second backflow preventer is designed to act as a hydraulic valve clearance compensating device for the second operative connection.

21. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 19, wherein: the first backflow preventer is designed to act as a hydraulic valve clearance compensating device for the first operative connection, in a position of the first backflow preventer in which a backflow from the first stroke device is blocked; or the second backflow preventer is designed to act as a hydraulic valve clearance compensating device for the second operative connection, in a position of the second backflow preventer in which a backflow from the second stroke device is blocked

22. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 19, wherein: the first backflow preventer is designed: in a first position to permit a backflow of fluid from the first stroke device to the valve device or the fluid drain line; in a second position to permit a supply of fluid from the valve device to the first stroke device; in a third position to block a backflow of fluid from the first stroke device to the valve device; or the second backflow preventer is designed: in a first position to permit a backflow of fluid from the second stroke device to the valve device or the fluid drain line; in a second position to permit a supply of fluid from the valve device to the second stroke device; and in a third position to block a backflow of fluid from the second stroke device to the valve device.

23. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the first position, the second position and third position of the first backflow preventer or the second backflow preventer are automatically adjusted as a function of a fluid supply pressure and a fluid counterpressure on the first backflow preventer or on the second backflow preventer.

24. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: with the application of fluid the first stroke device makes the first operative connection and with the application of fluid the second stroke device makes the second operative connection; or with the application of fluid the first stroke device breaks the first operative connection and with the application of fluid the second stroke device breaks the second operative connection.

25. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the first stroke device and the second stroke device have the same construction or the same function.

26. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the first stroke device or the second stroke device may be blocked only hydraulically or is free of a mechanical blocking device.

27. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the first stroke device or the second stroke device has: a receiving chamber; a piston which is displaceably arranged in the receiving chamber; a cam follower which is connected to the piston for displacement; a fluid chamber which is defined by the piston; and a resilient element which is arranged for pretensioning the piston.

28. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the valve device is designed as a directional valve.

29. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein the valve device is designed as a directional valve as a 4-2-way valve or a 4-3-way valve.

30. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the valve device is designed to keep the outlet valve closed.

31. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 30, wherein the valve device is also designed: in a third position to connect the first stroke device and the second stroke device to a fluid drain line.

32. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the first operative connection and the second operative connection act on the outlet valve and a further outlet valve; or the first operative connection acts on the outlet valve and a further outlet valve and the second operative connection acts only on the outlet valve.

33. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the second cam is designed to keep the outlet valve initially closed in the compression stroke or in the exhaust stroke and to open said outlet valve before reaching a top dead center point of a piston movement; or the first cam is designed such that the outlet valve is opened in the exhaust stroke and is substantially closed in the intake stroke, in the compression stroke and in the expansion stroke.

34. The variable valve train as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the second cam is designed to keep the outlet valve initially closed in the compression stroke and/or in the exhaust stroke and to open said outlet valve between 100° KW and 60° KW before reaching the top dead center point.

35. A motor vehicle with a variable valve train as claimed in claim 16.

36. The motor vehicle of claim 35, wherein the motor vehicle is a utility vehicle.

Description

[0035] The preferred embodiments and features of the present disclosure described above are able to be combined together in any manner. Further details and advantages of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a variable valve train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through the exemplary variable valve train,

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a further sectional view through a rocking lever of the exemplary variable valve train,

[0039] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary valve control curve;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the exemplary variable valve train;

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary variable valve train;

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a backflow preventer of the exemplary variable valve train;

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the backflow preventer in a further position; and

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the backflow preventer in a further different position.

[0045] The embodiments shown in the figures at least partially coincide such that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for the description thereof reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures, in order to avoid repetition.

[0046] In FIG. 1 a variable valve train 10 is shown. The variable valve train 10 may be part of a (reciprocating piston) internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may preferably be encompassed as a source of driving force in a motor vehicle, preferably a utility vehicle (for example a truck or bus). The variable valve train 10 serves to permit a switching of one or more outlet valves of the internal combustion engine into an engine braking mode.

[0047] The variable valve train 10 has a camshaft 12, a first rocking lever 14 and a second rocking lever 16. The rocking levers 14 and 16 are pivotable about a rocking lever axis 18. The variable valve train 10 additionally has a valve bridge 20 and two (cylinder) outlet valves of the same cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The outlet valves 22 may be actuated (opened and closed) by means of the valve bridge 20 selectively by the first rocking lever 14 or the second rocking lever 16. If both outlet valves 22 are actuatable in each case by both rocking levers 14, 16, a guidance of the valve bridge 20 may be dispensed with. The outlet valves 22 are preferably designed as poppet valves which are arranged, for example, in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.

[0048] The first rocking lever 14 is connected via a first setting screw 24 to the valve bridge 20 for actuating the outlet valves 22. A valve clearance may be adjusted and re-adjusted via the setting screw 24.

[0049] The second rocking lever 16 is rigidly connected to the first rocking lever 14 via a setting screw 26. In detail, the setting screw 26 sits on a projection (a tab) 28 of the first rocking lever 14. The projection 28 may extend from a main body region of the first rocking lever 14 in a direction parallel to the rocking lever axis 18. A play which may arise, for example, due to production or assembly tolerances between the first rocking lever 14 and the second rocking lever 16 may be adjusted by the setting screw 26.

[0050] It is also possible that the rocking levers 14, 16 are rigidly connected together as a common body or that the rocking levers 14, 16 are pivotable relative to one another.

[0051] It is also possible that a valve bridge is not provided and, for example, only one outlet valve may be actuated directly by the rocking levers 14, 16. Alternatively, for example, it is also possible that the first rocking lever 14 actuates both outlet valves 22 by means of the valve bridge 20 and the second rocking lever 16 actuates only one of the two outlet valves 22, for example by means of a through-hole in the valve bridge 20.

[0052] It is shown in FIG. 2 that the first rocking lever 14 has a cam follower 30 and the second rocking lever 16 has a cam follower 32. The cam follower 30 follows a cam contour of a first cam 34 of the camshaft 12. The cam follower 32 follows a cam contour of a second cam 36 of the camshaft 12. The cam followers 30, 32 may be designed as rotatable rollers, as shown.

[0053] The cam followers 30, 32 are connected in each case by means of a stroke device (lost motion device) 38, 40 of the rocking levers 14, 16. Preferably, the stroke devices 38, 40 may be designed to have the same construction, as shown. The stroke devices 38 permit the cam contour of the first cam 34 or the second cam 36 to be selectively used by means of the rocking levers 14, 16 for actuating the outlet valves 22.

[0054] In a blocked or activated position, by means of the first rocking lever 14 the first stroke device 38 makes an operative connection between the first cam 34 and the outlet valves 22 (by the interposition of the valve bridge 20). In a non-blocked or deactivated position, the first stroke device 38 breaks this operative connection. Instead, the cam contour of the first cam 34 only leads to an upward and downward movement of the cam follower 30 without a movement of the first rocking lever 14.

[0055] In a comparable manner, by means of the first rocking lever 16 in a blocked or activated position the second stroke device 40 makes an operative connection between the second cam 36 and the outlet valves 22 (by the interposition of the first rocking lever 14 and the valve bridge 20). In a non-blocked or deactivated position, the second stroke device 40 breaks this operative connection. Instead, the cam contour of the second cam 36 only leads to an upward and downward movement of the cam follower 32 without a movement of the second rocking lever 16.

[0056] With the application of fluid or a supply of fluid, therefore, the first stroke device 38 and the second stroke device 40 make the respectively assigned operative connection. However, it is also possible that the first stroke device and the second stroke device are designed in each case to make the respectively assigned operative connection without the application of fluid and to break this operative connection with the application of fluid.

[0057] The stroke devices 38, 40 are activated such that at most one of the two stroke devices 38, 40 is in the respectively blocked or activated position. This is achieved by a fluid either being supplied only to the first stroke device 38 or only to the second stroke device 40. In other words, fluid is applied either only to the first stroke device 38 or only to the second stroke device 40.

[0058] Expediently, the stroke devices 38, 40 have the same construction. Hereinafter, therefore, only the construction of the stroke device 38 shown by way of example of FIG. 2 is described.

[0059] The stroke device 38 has a receiving chamber 42, a piston 44 and a resilient element 46.

[0060] The piston 44 is movably received in the receiving chamber 42. The resilient element 46 resiliently supports the piston 44 on a bottom surface of the receiving chamber 42. The resilient element 46 is expediently a spring, preferably a helical spring. The piston 44 bears the cam follower 30 in a rotatable manner. A fluid chamber 48 is formed between the bottom surface of the receiving chamber 42 and the piston 44. A fluid, preferably a hydraulic fluid, may be conducted via a fluid line 50 into and out of the fluid chamber 48. If a fluid is conducted into the fluid chamber 48 and a backflow of the fluid is blocked, the piston 44 is rigidly supported against the receiving chamber 42 via the fluid in the fluid chamber 48. The cam contour of the first cam 34 is transferred in a rigid manner via the stroke device 38 to the first rocking lever 14. If no fluid is conducted into the fluid chamber 48 or a backflow of the fluid is not blocked, the piston 44 is movable in the receiving chamber 42. The cam contour of the first cam 34 is compensated via the stroke device 38 and not transferred to the first rocking lever 14.

[0061] FIG. 3 also shows that the piston 44 is secured from dropping out of the receiving chamber 42 by a safety mechanism 52. The safety mechanism 52 may engage, for example, in a longitudinal groove or a slot 54 of the piston 44 and thus additionally represent an anti-rotation device for the piston 44.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stroke devices 38, 40 are arranged on the camshaft side or the cam side relative to the rocking levers 14, 16. Alternative arrangements are also possible, for example a valve-side arrangement of stroke devices relative to the rocking levers. Additionally, the construction shown of the stroke devices 38, 40 is preferred but not limiting for the present disclosure. Different or modified configurations are also conceivable, if the assigned functionality (i.e. partial making or breaking of the respective operative connection) is able to be fulfilled.

[0063] In a normal operating mode of the internal combustion engine, the outlet valves 22 may be operated by means of the first cam 34. The outlet valves 22 may be opened in the region of the bottom dead center point at the start of the exhaust stroke and closed in the region of the top dead center point at the end of the exhaust stroke. In the remaining strokes the outlet valves 22 are closed. The first cam 34 is thus designed as a normal exhaust cam.

[0064] By means of the second cam 36 outlet valves 22 (or for example only one thereof) may be operated in an engine braking mode of the internal combustion engine. The second cam 36 is thus designed as an engine braking cam.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a particularly preferred non-limiting valve control curve for the outlet valves 22 in engine braking mode which may be effected by the second cam 36.

[0066] In FIG. 4 the abscissa (x-axis) refers to a crankshaft angle and the ordinate (y-axis) to a valve stroke in mm. A full four-stroke cycle consisting of compression, expansion, exhaust and intake is shown.

[0067] The valve control curve for the engine braking mode shows that the outlet valve is slightly opened at the end of the compression stroke in the region of the top dead center point at 60° KW to 100° KW before the top dead center point. At the top dead center point the outlet valve is opened further and closes at the end of the expansion stroke, approximately at the bottom dead center point. The opening of the outlet valve at the end of the compression stroke causes the compressed air in the cylinder to be pushed through the open outlet valve into the exhaust gas system by the piston moving to the top dead center point. The previously performed compression work brakes the crankshaft and thus the internal combustion engine. The cylinder pressure initially rises in the compression stroke, but then drops before the top dead center point as a result of the outlet valve being already opened. The open outlet valve during the expansion stroke causes air from the exhaust gas lines to be suctioned back into the cylinder. At the end of the expansion stroke, the cylinder is substantially filled with air from the exhaust gas system.

[0068] The valve control curve additionally shows that after reaching the bottom dead center point at the end of the expansion stroke the outlet valve initially remains closed. At the end of the exhaust stroke, the outlet valve opens in the region of the top dead center point. The opening takes place again at approximately 60° KW to 100° KW before the top dead center point. The closed outlet valve during the first portion of the exhaust stroke causes the air suctioned-in in the expansion stroke to be compressed whilst performing work. The cylinder pressure rises. The compression work brakes the crankshaft and thus the internal combustion engine. The opening of the outlet valve at the end of the exhaust stroke leads to the air being pushed into the exhaust gas system through the open outlet valve. In the intake stroke, the cylinder is filled again with air through the open inlet valve(s). The cycle begins again.

[0069] As described above, the use of the second cam 36 leads to a two-fold compression with subsequent decompression, so that an effective engine braking functionality is ensured.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows schematically how fluid is supplied to the stroke devices 38, 40 and discharged therefrom.

[0071] The variable valve train 10 has a (hydraulic) fluid system with a pressurized fluid source 56, a fluid reservoir 58, a valve device 60 and two backflow preventers 62, 64.

[0072] The pressurized fluid source 56 may supply pressurized fluid to the valve device 60 by means of a fluid feed line 66. For example, the pressurized fluid source 56 may be designed as a fluid pump or hydraulic pump. The pressurized fluid source 56 may be connected to the fluid reservoir 58. Via a fluid discharge line 68 (fluid drain line) fluid may be conducted from the valve device 60 to the fluid reservoir 58. The fluid reservoir 58 may be designed, for example, as an oil pan.

[0073] The valve device 60 may adopt (at least) two different positions. In the (first) position shown, the pressurized fluid source 56 is connected to the first stroke device 38. In the first position of the valve device 60 the second stroke device 40 is connected to the fluid reservoir 58. In a second position, the pressurized fluid source 56 is connected to the second stroke device 40. In the second position of the valve device 60 the first stroke device 38 is connected to the fluid reservoir 58. Thus it is possible in a particularly simple manner to switch to and fro between the rocking levers 14 and 16 and thus the cams 34 and 36. The valve device 60 may expediently be designed in this case as a 4/2-way valve (valve with four ports and two positions). An embodiment as a series or parallel connection of a plurality of valves is also possible.

[0074] In normal operation of the internal combustion engine, the valve device 60 is in the first position. In engine braking mode of the internal combustion engine, the valve device 60 is in the second position. In the first position, the first stroke device 38 is switched to be rigid and the second stroke device 40 is switched to be movable. The first rocking lever 14 is activated and the second rocking lever 16 is deactivated. In the second position, the first stroke device 38 is switched to be movable and the second stroke device 40 is switched to be rigid. The first rocking lever 14 is deactivated and the second rocking lever 16 is activated.

[0075] The backflow preventers 62, 64 may be designed as control or regulating valves. The backflow preventers 62, 64 are designed to prevent an undesired backflow from the respective stroke device 38, 40, as is described in detail for example with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. Additionally, the backflow preventers 62, 64 may permit a backflow from the stroke devices 38, 40, when the valve device 60 connects the corresponding stroke device 38, 40 to the fluid drain line 68 or no pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source 56 is applied to the respective backflow preventer 62, 64.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows a fluid system which is modified relative to FIG. 5.

[0077] The fluid system of FIG. 6 differs from the fluid system according to FIG. 5 in that the valve device 60 may adopt a third position. Expediently, the valve device 60 in this case may be designed as a 4/3-way valve (directional valve with 4 ports and 3 positions). A design as a series and/or parallel connection of a plurality of valves is also possible.

[0078] In the third position, both stroke devices 38, 40 are connected to the fluid reservoir 58. Thus none of the stroke devices 38, 40 is activated. None of the assigned rocking levers 14, 16 is pivoted during a camshaft revolution. The outlet valves 22 remain closed. Thus a cylinder deactivation may be implemented in a simple manner relative to the outlet valves 22. Additionally, the inlet valves may also be kept closed and the fuel supply stopped in order to deactivate the corresponding cylinder.

[0079] FIGS. 7 to 9 show an exemplary embodiment of the backflow preventer 62. The backflow preventer 64 may be designed to have the same construction or at least the same function as the backflow preventer 62.

[0080] The backflow preventer 62 has a pressurized fluid supply 70, a fluid line 72 and a fluid drain 74. The pressurized fluid supply 70 serves for the supply of pressurized fluid from the valve device 60 to the backflow preventer 62. The fluid line 72 serves for the supply of pressurized fluid from the backflow preventer 62 to the stroke device 38 and for the discharge of fluid from the stroke device 38 to the backflow preventer 62. The fluid discharge 74 serves for the drainage of fluid from the backflow preventer 62 to the valve device 60 and/or the fluid drain line 68.

[0081] The backflow preventer 62 has a movable piston 76. In a resting position (FIG. 7) the piston 76 blocks the pressurized fluid supply 70 and produces a fluidic connection between the fluid line 72 and the fluid drain 74 for the drainage of fluid from the stroke device 38. The piston 76 is resiliently pretensioned in the direction of the resting position, preferably spring-pretensioned.

[0082] The backflow preventer 62 has a check valve 78 with a movable locking element 80, for example a ball. The locking element 80 is resiliently pretensioned in the direction of a closed position, preferably spring-pretensioned. The check valve 78 is received in the piston 76.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows that when pressurized fluid is supplied via the pressurized fluid supply 70 to the backflow preventer 62, the piston 76 may be initially moved such that the fluid drain 74 is blocked. Additionally, the locking element 80 may be moved counter to the resilient pretensioning, lifted away from the valve seat and produce a fluidic connection between the pressurized fluid supply 70 and the fluid line 72. Pressurized fluid may be supplied to the stroke device 38 in order to activate the stroke device 38.

[0084] If a valve stroke is effected by the first cam 34 when the stroke device 38 is activated (see FIG. 2), the pressure in the fluid line 72 rises abruptly. The check valve 78 closes by moving the locking element 80 into the valve seat, see FIG. 9. The fluid may not escape from the stroke device 38. The rocking lever 14 is pivoted. Thus the backflow preventer 62 additionally acts as a hydraulic valve clearance compensating device, in particular in combination with the stroke device 38 which is blocked only hydraulically in the activated position, i.e. in particular without a mechanical blocking device (for example no locking piston) being provided.

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described preferred exemplary embodiments. Instead, a plurality of variants and modifications, which also make use of the inventive idea and thus fall within the scope of protection, are possible. In particular, the present disclosure also claims protection for the subject and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of the independent claim 1 are disclosed in each case independently of one another. Additionally, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all of the features of the independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relative to the presence and/or configuration of the camshaft, the first rocking lever, the second rocking lever, the fluid feed line and/or the valve device of the independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed such that all values falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, for example also as the respectively preferred narrower outer boundaries of the respective range.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0086] 10 Variable valve train

[0087] 12 Camshaft

[0088] 14 First rocking lever

[0089] 16 Second rocking lever

[0090] 18 Rocking lever axis

[0091] 20 Valve bridge

[0092] 22 Outlet valve

[0093] 24 Setting screw

[0094] 26 Setting screw

[0095] 28 Projection

[0096] 30 Cam follower

[0097] 32 Cam follower

[0098] 34 First cam

[0099] 36 Second cam

[0100] 38 First stroke device

[0101] 40 Second stroke device

[0102] 42 Receiving chamber

[0103] 44 Piston

[0104] 46 Resilient element

[0105] 48 Fluid chamber

[0106] 50 Fluid line

[0107] 52 Safety mechanism

[0108] 54 Slot

[0109] 56 Pressurized fluid source

[0110] 58 Fluid reservoir

[0111] 60 Valve device

[0112] 62 First backflow preventer

[0113] 64 Second backflow preventer

[0114] 66 Fluid feed line

[0115] 68 Fluid drain line

[0116] 70 Pressurized fluid supply

[0117] 72 Fluid line

[0118] 74 Fluid drain

[0119] 76 Piston

[0120] 78 Check valve

[0121] 80 Locking element