EP1049857A1 - Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft - Google Patents

Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft

Info

Publication number
EP1049857A1
EP1049857A1 EP98965861A EP98965861A EP1049857A1 EP 1049857 A1 EP1049857 A1 EP 1049857A1 EP 98965861 A EP98965861 A EP 98965861A EP 98965861 A EP98965861 A EP 98965861A EP 1049857 A1 EP1049857 A1 EP 1049857A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuating lever
coupling element
cam
camshaft
rotational position
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP98965861A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1049857B1 (en
Inventor
Peter Hübschle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Audi AG
Original Assignee
Audi AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Audi AG filed Critical Audi AG
Publication of EP1049857A1 publication Critical patent/EP1049857A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1049857B1 publication Critical patent/EP1049857B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L13/00Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations
    • F01L13/0005Deactivating valves
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L1/185Overhead end-pivot rocking arms
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L2820/00Details on specific features characterising valve gear arrangements
    • F01L2820/03Auxiliary actuators
    • F01L2820/031Electromagnets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for interrupting the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft, in particular in the valve train of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, with a first actuating lever, which cooperates with the at least one valve, and a second, pivotably mounted with respect to the first actuating lever Actuating lever, which cooperates with the at least one cam of the camshaft, and a rotatable coupling element arranged parallel to the pivot axis of the second actuating lever, which couples the two actuating levers to one another in a first rotational position and decouples the two actuating levers from one another in a second rotational position.
  • a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine equipped with such a device can prevent the gas exchange of individual cylinders in the part-load range and thus save fuel.
  • a generic device is known from the document DE 42 05 230 A1.
  • the device described therein has three first levers which are pivotable about a common first axis and each cooperate with an inlet valve and a cam for a first speed range, a second lever which is arranged between the adjacent first levers and with a cam for a second speed range cooperates, and a coupling element between the first levers and the second lever to couple them together in the second speed range and to decouple them from each other in the first speed range.
  • the coupling element runs parallel to the axes of rotation of the levers and can be rotated between a first position in which it couples the first and second levers to one another and a second position in which it decouples the first and second levers from one another.
  • Such devices require a relatively large amount of space due to the common axis of rotation of the first and second levers, so that the accommodation in a reciprocating internal combustion engine with a larger number of gas exchange valves or with a larger number of cylinders, which are each arranged closely adjacent to each other, difficulties prepares.
  • the first actuating lever is mounted on standing compensating elements and carries the pivot axis for the mounting of the second actuating lever. Because the first and second actuating levers no longer have a common axis of rotation or a longitudinal axis extending through the cylinder head, the device can be made particularly narrow.
  • a kinematically advantageous arrangement of the second actuating lever which is pivotably movable relative to the first actuating lever, can be selected.
  • this device can be used to interrupt the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft not only to switch off individual cylinders but also to switch off individual valves of the cylinders, which has a positive effect on the mixture preparation, in particular in the lower part-load range of the internal combustion engine.
  • the device according to the invention for switching off individual cylinders and / or individual valves can also advantageously be used especially in internal combustion engines with six or more cylinders.
  • the inventive direction due to its structure simple and reliable and inexpensive to manufacture.
  • the rotatable coupling element is advantageously mounted in the second actuating lever and the second actuating lever bears against the at least one cam of the camshaft by means of the coupling element. It follows from this that no further contact surface for the interaction with the at least one cam has to be provided on the second actuating lever. This facilitates the positioning of the coupling element on the device.
  • the coupling element particularly advantageously carries at least one freely rotatable roller. Because the freely rotatable roller reduces the friction occurring between the at least one cam and the coupling element, so that the surface of the coupling element and the at least one cam is protected. It also ensures that the coupling element can be rotated between its first and second rotational positions without significant impairment.
  • the rotatability of the coupling element can also be supported in that the coupling element is mounted in a socket within the second actuating lever, the socket also being able to carry the aforementioned freely rotatable roller.
  • the first operating lever can at least partially surround the second operating lever. This feature enables a particularly compact structure in the device according to the invention and thus a further reduction in the installation space required.
  • the coupling element is expediently pivoted by means of a spring element mounted in the interior of the first actuating lever to bear against the at least one cam of the camshaft.
  • the rotatable coupling element in the area of its engagement with the first actuating lever has a cross section such that, in its first rotational position, it engages in the undercut of an arcuate recess in the first actuating lever. engages lever and is free from engagement in its second rotational position. In this way, a rotation of the coupling element by approximately 120 degrees can be used to switch back and forth between the coupling or decoupling of the first and second actuating levers.
  • the coupling element can be moved into its first rotational position by means of a first mechanical rotating device, can be moved into its second rotational position by means of a second mechanical or hydraulic rotating device and can be held in its second rotational position by an electromagnetic holding device.
  • a torsion spring is recommended so that the first rotating device acts permanently and, for example, a special cam is suitable for the second rotating device to act periodically.
  • the first mechanical rotary device thus serves to support the first rotary position, which corresponds to the coupled state of the first and second actuating levers
  • the second mechanical or hydraulic rotary device serves to support the second rotary position, which corresponds to the decoupled state of the first and second actuating levers
  • the electromagnetic holding device serves only to maintain the second rotational position.
  • the electromagnetic holding device is only activated when the second rotational position, which is periodically recurring due to the second rotating device, is to be maintained, so that the flow of force between the valve and the cam of the camshaft remains interrupted.
  • the electromagnetic holding device can be dimensioned relatively small, since it has only a holding function with respect to the coupling element and not, for example, a movement function.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with existing power flow
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with interrupted power flow
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of the device from FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the device 1 serves to interrupt the flow of force between a valve 2 and a cam 3 of a camshaft 4.
  • the device 1 comprises a first outer actuating lever 5, which cooperates with the valve 2, a second inner actuating lever 6, which cooperates with the cam 3 of the camshaft 4, and a rotatable coupling element 7, which, depending on the rotational position, the first and second actuating lever 5 , 6 couples with one another or decouples from one another.
  • a first outer actuating lever 5, which cooperates with the valve 2 a second inner actuating lever 6, which cooperates with the cam 3 of the camshaft 4, and a rotatable coupling element 7, which, depending on the rotational position, the first and second actuating lever 5 , 6 couples with one another or decouples from one another.
  • the first outer actuating lever 5 is mounted on a standing compensating element 8 and carries a pivot axis 9 for mounting the second inner actuating lever 6.
  • the pivot axis 9 with respect to the compensating element 8 is on the side of the first one opposite the valve 2 Operating lever 5 arranged.
  • the rotatable coupling element 7 is mounted parallel to the pivot axis 9.
  • the coupling element 7 has a circular cross-section in the area of its mounting in the first actuating lever 5 and a cross-section in the area of its engagement with the second actuating lever 6 in such a way that, in the first rotational position according to FIG. 1, it has an undercut 10 of an arcuate recess 11 in the first actuating lever 5 engages and that it is free of engagement in the second rotational position according to Figure 2.
  • the rotatable coupling element 7 is provided at one of its free ends with a first mechanical rotating device 14 which moves the coupling element 7 into the first rotational position.
  • This first rotating device 14 is designed as a torsion spring.
  • the coupling element 7 is connected to a second mechanical rotating device 14 ′, which moves the coupling element 7 into the second rotational position.
  • This second mechanical rotating device 14 ′ is designed as a special cam on the camshaft 4.
  • the coupling element 7 is also connected to a magnetic holding device 15, which consists of a magnetizable lever 16 and a holding magnet 17.
  • the magnetizable lever 16 is connected to the second mechanical rotating device 14 '. If the magnetic holding device 15 is now activated, the coupling element 7 can be held in the second rotational position despite the decreasing support of the second mechanical rotating device 14 '.
  • the coupling element 7 can be moved again into the first rotational position by the first mechanical rotating device 14.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve (2) and at least one cam (3) of a camshaft (4), especially in a valve mechanism of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. Said device comprises a first actuating lever (5) cooperating with the at least one valve (2), a second actuating lever (6) that is pivotally mounted in relation to the first actuating lever (5) cooperating with the at least one cam (3) of the camshaft (4) and a coupling element (7) arranged in such a way that it can rotate parallel to the swiveling axis (9) of the second actuating lever (6). Said coupling element couples both actuating levers (5, 6) in a first swiveling position and decouples both actuating levers (5, 6) in a second swiveling position. In order to reduce overall dimensions, the first actuating lever (5) is mounted on fixed compensation elements (8) and carries the swiveling axis (9) for locating the second actuating lever (6).

Description

Vorrichtung zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen wenigstens einem Ventil und wenigstens einem Nocken einer Nockenwelle Device for interrupting the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft
BESCHREIBUNGDESCRIPTION
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen wenigstens einem Ventil und wenigstens einem Nokken einer Nockenwelle, insbesondere im Ventiltrieb einer Hubkolben- Brennkraftmaschine, mit einem ersten Betätigungshebel, der mit dem wenigstens einen Ventil zusammenwirkt, einem gegenüber dem ersten Betätigungshebel schwenkbeweglich gelagerten zweiten Betätigungshebel, der mit dem wenigstens einen Nocken der Nockenwelle zusammenwirkt, und einem parallel zur Schwenkachse des zweiten Betätigungshebels angeordneten drehbeweglichen Kopplungselement, das in einer ersten Drehstellung die beiden Betätigungshebel miteinander koppelt und in einer zweiten Drehstellung die beiden Betätigungshebel voneinander entkoppelt. Eine mit einer solchen Vorrichtung ausgestattete Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine kann im Teillastbereich den Gaswechsel einzelner Zylinder unterbinden und somit Kraftstoff einsparen.The present invention relates to a device for interrupting the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft, in particular in the valve train of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, with a first actuating lever, which cooperates with the at least one valve, and a second, pivotably mounted with respect to the first actuating lever Actuating lever, which cooperates with the at least one cam of the camshaft, and a rotatable coupling element arranged parallel to the pivot axis of the second actuating lever, which couples the two actuating levers to one another in a first rotational position and decouples the two actuating levers from one another in a second rotational position. A reciprocating piston internal combustion engine equipped with such a device can prevent the gas exchange of individual cylinders in the part-load range and thus save fuel.
Eine gattungsbildende Vorrichtung ist aus der Druckschrift DE 42 05 230 A1 bekannt. Die darin beschriebene Vorrichtung weist drei erste Hebel, die um eine gemeinsame erste Achse schwenkbar sind und jeweils mit einem Einlaßventil und einem Nocken für einen ersten Drehzahlbereich zusammenwirken, einen zweiten Hebel, der zwischen den benachbarten ersten Hebeln angeordnet und mit einem Nocken für einen zweiten Drehzahlbereich zusammenwirkt, und ein Kopplungselement zwischen den ersten Hebeln und dem zweiten Hebel auf, um diese im zweiten Drehzahlbereich miteinander zu koppeln und im ersten Drehzahlbereich voneinander zu entkoppeln. Dazu verläuft das Kopplungselement parallel zu den Drehachsen der Hebel und ist zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der es die ersten und den zweiten Hebel miteinander koppelt, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der es die ersten und den zweiten Hebel voneinander entkoppelt, drehbar. Derartige Vorrichtungen benötigen aufgrund der gemeinsamen Drehachse der ersten und zweiten Hebel jedoch einen verhältnismäßig großen Bauraum, so daß die Unterbringung in einer Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine mit einer größeren Anzahl von Gaswechselventilen oder mit einer größeren Anzahl von Zylindern, die jeweils eng benachbart nebeneinander angeordnet sind, Schwierigkeiten bereitet.A generic device is known from the document DE 42 05 230 A1. The device described therein has three first levers which are pivotable about a common first axis and each cooperate with an inlet valve and a cam for a first speed range, a second lever which is arranged between the adjacent first levers and with a cam for a second speed range cooperates, and a coupling element between the first levers and the second lever to couple them together in the second speed range and to decouple them from each other in the first speed range. For this purpose, the coupling element runs parallel to the axes of rotation of the levers and can be rotated between a first position in which it couples the first and second levers to one another and a second position in which it decouples the first and second levers from one another. Such devices require a relatively large amount of space due to the common axis of rotation of the first and second levers, so that the accommodation in a reciprocating internal combustion engine with a larger number of gas exchange valves or with a larger number of cylinders, which are each arranged closely adjacent to each other, difficulties prepares.
Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen wenigstens einem Ventil und wenigstens einem Nocken einer Nockenwelle zu konzipieren, welche besonders wenig Bauraum benötigt und daher auch bei sehr beengten Platzverhältnissen einsetzbar ist. Zudem soll diese Vorrichtung einfach sowie funktionssicher aufgebaut und kostengünstig herstellbar sein.Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to design a device for interrupting the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft, which requires particularly little installation space and can therefore be used even in very confined spaces. In addition, this device should be simple and reliable and inexpensive to manufacture.
Gelöst wird die Aufgabe dadurch, daß bei einer gattungsgemäßen Vorrichtung der erste Betätigungshebel auf stehenden Ausgleichselementen gelagert ist und die Schwenkachse für die Lagerung des zweiten Betätigungshebels trägt. Denn indem für die ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebel keine gemeinsame Drehachse beziehungsweise keine sich längs durch den Zylinderkopf erstreckende Steckachse mehr vorgesehen ist, kann die Vorrichtung besonders schmalbauend ausgeführt sein. Zudem kann aufgrund der im ersten Betätigungshebel vorgesehenen Schwenkachse für den zweiten Betätigungshebel eine in kinematischer Hinsicht günstige Anordnung des gegenüber dem ersten Betätigungshebel schwenkbeweglich gelagerten zweiten Betätigungshebels gewählt werden. Dadurch, daß das hydraulische Ausgleichselement im Zylinderkopf stehend und nicht etwa am Ventilbetätigungshebel hängend gelagert ist, reduziert sich die zu bewegende Masse des Ventilbetätigungshebels sowie der für den Ventilbetätigungshebel vorzusehende Bauraum. Darüber hinaus kann diese Vorrichtung zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen wenigstens einem Ventil und wenigstens einem Nocken einer Nockenwelle nicht nur zur Abschaltung einzelner Zylinder sondern auch zur Abschaltung einzelner Ventile der Zylinder eingesetzt werden, was sich insbesondere im unteren Teillastbereich der Brennkraftmaschine positiv auf die Gemischaufbereitung auswirkt. Damit kann die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Abschaltung einzelner Zylinder und/oder einzelner Ventile auch speziell bei Brennkraftmaschinen mit sechs und mehr Zylindern vorteilhaft eingeseW werden. Dabei ist die erfindungsgemäße Vor- richtung aufgrund ihres Aufbaus einfach sowie funktionssicher aufgebaut und kostengünstig herstellbar.The object is achieved in that in a generic device the first actuating lever is mounted on standing compensating elements and carries the pivot axis for the mounting of the second actuating lever. Because the first and second actuating levers no longer have a common axis of rotation or a longitudinal axis extending through the cylinder head, the device can be made particularly narrow. In addition, on the basis of the pivot axis provided in the first actuating lever for the second actuating lever, a kinematically advantageous arrangement of the second actuating lever, which is pivotably movable relative to the first actuating lever, can be selected. Characterized in that the hydraulic compensating element is standing in the cylinder head and is not suspended from the valve actuation lever, for example, the mass of the valve actuation lever to be moved and the installation space to be provided for the valve actuation lever are reduced. In addition, this device can be used to interrupt the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft not only to switch off individual cylinders but also to switch off individual valves of the cylinders, which has a positive effect on the mixture preparation, in particular in the lower part-load range of the internal combustion engine. Thus, the device according to the invention for switching off individual cylinders and / or individual valves can also advantageously be used especially in internal combustion engines with six or more cylinders. The inventive direction due to its structure simple and reliable and inexpensive to manufacture.
Vorteilhaft ist das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement im zweiten Betätigungshebel gelagert und liegt der zweite Betätigungshebel mittels des Kopplungselements an dem wenigstens einen Nocken der Nockenwelle an. Daraus folgt, daß an dem zweiten Betätigungshebel keine weitere Kontaktfläche für das Zusammenwirken mit dem wenigstens einen Nocken vorgesehen werden muß. Dies erleichtert die Positionierung des Kopplungselements an der Vorrichtung.The rotatable coupling element is advantageously mounted in the second actuating lever and the second actuating lever bears against the at least one cam of the camshaft by means of the coupling element. It follows from this that no further contact surface for the interaction with the at least one cam has to be provided on the second actuating lever. This facilitates the positioning of the coupling element on the device.
Besonders vorteilhaft trägt das Kopplungselement wenigstens eine frei drehbare Rolle. Denn durch die frei drehbare Rolle wird die zwischen dem wenigstens einen Nocken und dem Kopplungselement auftretende Reibung reduziert, so daß die Oberfläche des Kopplungselements sowie des wenigstens einen Nockens geschont wird. Außerdem ist dadurch sichergestellt, daß das Kopplungselement ohne wesentliche Beeinträchtigung zwischen seiner ersten und zweiten Drehstellung verdreht werden kann.The coupling element particularly advantageously carries at least one freely rotatable roller. Because the freely rotatable roller reduces the friction occurring between the at least one cam and the coupling element, so that the surface of the coupling element and the at least one cam is protected. It also ensures that the coupling element can be rotated between its first and second rotational positions without significant impairment.
Die Verdrehbarkeit des Kopplungselements kann außerdem dadurch unterstütz werden, daß das Kopplungselement innerhalb des zweiten Betätigungshebels in einer Buchse gelagert ist, wobei die Buchse auch die zuvor erwähnte frei drehbare Rolle tragen kann.The rotatability of the coupling element can also be supported in that the coupling element is mounted in a socket within the second actuating lever, the socket also being able to carry the aforementioned freely rotatable roller.
Der erste Betätigungshebel kann den zweiten Betätigungshebel wenigstens teilweise umgeben. Dieses Merkmal ermöglicht bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung einen besonders kompakten Aufbau und somit eine weitere Reduzierung des erforderlichen Bauraumes.The first operating lever can at least partially surround the second operating lever. This feature enables a particularly compact structure in the device according to the invention and thus a further reduction in the installation space required.
Zweckmäßig wird das Kopplungselement mittels eines im Innern des ersten Betätigungshebels gelagerten Federelements zur Anlage gegen den wenigstens einen Nocken der Nockenwelle geschwenkt. Somit ist keine AbStützung der Vorrichtung an äußeren Teilen erforderlich.The coupling element is expediently pivoted by means of a spring element mounted in the interior of the first actuating lever to bear against the at least one cam of the camshaft. Thus, no support of the device on external parts is required.
In einer Weiterbildung der vorliegenden Erfindung weist das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement im Bereich seines Eingriff mit dem ersten Betätigungshebel einen derartigen Querschnitt auf, daß es in seiner ersten Drehstellung in die Hinterschneidung einer bogenförmigen Ausnehmung im ersten Betäti- gungshebel eingreift und in seiner zweiten Drehstellung von dem Eingriff frei ist. Auf diese Weise kann durch eine Drehung des Kopplungselements um ca. 120 Grad zwischen der Kopplung oder Entkopplung des ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebels hin und her geschaltet werden.In a further development of the present invention, the rotatable coupling element in the area of its engagement with the first actuating lever has a cross section such that, in its first rotational position, it engages in the undercut of an arcuate recess in the first actuating lever. engages lever and is free from engagement in its second rotational position. In this way, a rotation of the coupling element by approximately 120 degrees can be used to switch back and forth between the coupling or decoupling of the first and second actuating levers.
Das Kopplungselement kann mittels einer ersten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung in seine erste Drehstellung bewegbar sein, mittels einer .zweiten mechanischen oder hydraulischen Dreheinrichtung in seine zweite Drehstellung bewegbar sein und durch eine elektromagnetische Halteeinrichtung in seiner zweiten Drehstellung gehalten werden. Damit die erste Dreheinrichtung permanent wirkt bietet sich zum Beispiel eine Torsionsfeder an und damit die zweite Dreheinrichtung periodisch wirkt bietet sich zum Beispiel eine spezielle Nocke an.The coupling element can be moved into its first rotational position by means of a first mechanical rotating device, can be moved into its second rotational position by means of a second mechanical or hydraulic rotating device and can be held in its second rotational position by an electromagnetic holding device. For example, a torsion spring is recommended so that the first rotating device acts permanently and, for example, a special cam is suitable for the second rotating device to act periodically.
Somit dient die erste mechanische Dreheinrichtung zur Unterstützung der ersten Drehstellung, welche dem gekoppelten Zustand des ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebels entspricht, und dient die zweite mechanische oder hydraulische Dreheinrichtung zur Unterstützung der zweiten Drehstellung, welche dem entkoppelten Zustand des ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebels entspricht. Dagegen dient die elektromagnetische Halteeinrichtung allein zum Aufrechterhalten der zweiten Drehstellung. Für den Wechsel vom gekoppelten Zustand in den entkoppelten Zustand ist also erforderlich, daß die permanent wirkende Kraft der ersten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung von der periodisch oder zeitweise wirkenden Kraft der zweiten mechanischen oder hydraulischen Dreheinrichtung überwunden wird. Die elektromagnetische Halteeinrichtung wird dabei nur dann angesteuert, wenn die aufgrund der zweiten Dreheinrichtung periodisch immer wiederkehrende zweite Drehstellung aufrechterhalten werden soll, so daß der Kraftfluß zwischen dem Ventil und dem Nocken der Nockenwelle unterbrochen bleibt. Auf diese Weise kann die elektromagnetische Halteeinrichtung verhältnismäßig klein dimensioniert sein, da sie bezüglich des Kopplungselements lediglich eine Haltefunktion und nicht etwa eine Bewegungsfunktion hat.The first mechanical rotary device thus serves to support the first rotary position, which corresponds to the coupled state of the first and second actuating levers, and the second mechanical or hydraulic rotary device serves to support the second rotary position, which corresponds to the decoupled state of the first and second actuating levers. In contrast, the electromagnetic holding device serves only to maintain the second rotational position. For the change from the coupled state to the decoupled state, it is therefore necessary that the permanently acting force of the first mechanical rotating device is overcome by the periodically or temporarily acting force of the second mechanical or hydraulic rotating device. The electromagnetic holding device is only activated when the second rotational position, which is periodically recurring due to the second rotating device, is to be maintained, so that the flow of force between the valve and the cam of the camshaft remains interrupted. In this way, the electromagnetic holding device can be dimensioned relatively small, since it has only a holding function with respect to the coupling element and not, for example, a movement function.
Die vorliegende Erfindung wird anhand der nachfolgenden Zeichnungsfiguren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawing figures. Show it:
Figur 1 eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit bestehendem Kraftfluß; Figur 2 eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit unterbrochenem Kraftfluß; undFigure 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with existing power flow; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with interrupted power flow; and
Figur 3 eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung aus den Figuren 1 und 2.FIG. 3 shows a top view of the device from FIGS. 1 and 2.
Die Vorrichtung 1 dient zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen einem Ventil 2 und einem Nocken 3 einer Nockenwelle 4.The device 1 serves to interrupt the flow of force between a valve 2 and a cam 3 of a camshaft 4.
Dazu umfaßt die Vorrichtung 1 einen ersten äußeren Betätigungshebel 5, der mit dem Ventil 2 zusammenwirkt, einen zweiten inneren Betätigungshebel 6, der mit dem Nocken 3 der Nockenwelle 4 zusammenwirkt, und ein drehbewegliches Kopplungselement 7, welches je nach Drehstellung den ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebel 5, 6 miteinander koppelt oder voneinander entkoppelt. Bei der Kopplung der beiden Betätigungshebel 5, 6 besteht der Kraftfluß zwischen dem Ventil 2 und dem Nocken 3, während bei der Entkopplung der beiden Betätigungshebel 5, 6 der Kraftfluß zwischen dem Ventil 2 und dem Nocken 3 unterbrochen ist.For this purpose, the device 1 comprises a first outer actuating lever 5, which cooperates with the valve 2, a second inner actuating lever 6, which cooperates with the cam 3 of the camshaft 4, and a rotatable coupling element 7, which, depending on the rotational position, the first and second actuating lever 5 , 6 couples with one another or decouples from one another. When the two actuating levers 5, 6 are coupled, there is a flow of force between the valve 2 and the cam 3, while when the two actuating levers 5, 6 are uncoupled, the flow of force between the valve 2 and the cam 3 is interrupted.
Der erste äußere Betätigungshebel 5 ist gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 auf einem stehenden Ausgleichselement 8 gelagert und trägt eine Schwenkachse 9 für die Lagerung des zweiten inneren Betätigungshebels 6. Dabei ist die Schwenkachse 9 bezüglich des Ausgleichselements 8 auf der dem Ventil 2 gegenüberliegenden Seite des ersten Betätigungshebels 5 angeordnet.1 and 2, the first outer actuating lever 5 is mounted on a standing compensating element 8 and carries a pivot axis 9 for mounting the second inner actuating lever 6. The pivot axis 9 with respect to the compensating element 8 is on the side of the first one opposite the valve 2 Operating lever 5 arranged.
In dem zweiten inneren Betätigungshebel 6 ist parallel zu der Schwenkachse 9 das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement 7 gelagert. Das Kopplungselement 7 weist im Bereich seiner Lagerung im ersten Betätigungshebel 5 einen kreisrunden Querschnitt und im Bereich seines Eingriffs mit dem zweiten Betätigungshebel 6 einen derartigen Querschnitt auf, daß es in der ersten Drehstellung gemäß Figur 1 in eine Hinterschneidung 10 einer bogenförmigen Ausnehmung 11 im ersten Betätigungshebel 5 eingreift und daß es in der zweiten Drehstellung gemäß Figur 2 von dem Eingriff frei ist.In the second inner actuating lever 6, the rotatable coupling element 7 is mounted parallel to the pivot axis 9. The coupling element 7 has a circular cross-section in the area of its mounting in the first actuating lever 5 and a cross-section in the area of its engagement with the second actuating lever 6 in such a way that, in the first rotational position according to FIG. 1, it has an undercut 10 of an arcuate recess 11 in the first actuating lever 5 engages and that it is free of engagement in the second rotational position according to Figure 2.
Mittels einer frei drehbaren Rolle 12 liegt das in dem zweiten Betätigungshebel 6 gelagerte Kopplungselement 7 an dem wenigstens einen Nocken 3 der Nockenwelle 4 an, wobei auf der bezüglich der Schwenkachse 9 gegenüberliegenden Seite zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Betätigungshebel 5, 6 ein Federelement 13 vorgesehen ist, welches das in dem zweiten Betätigungshebel 6 gelagerte Kopplungselement 7 mit der Rolle 12 zur Anlage gegen den wenigstens einen Nocken 3 schwenkt.By means of a freely rotatable roller 12, the coupling element 7, which is mounted in the second actuating lever 6, bears against the at least one cam 3 of the camshaft 4, with an engagement between the first and second actuating levers 5, 6 on the side opposite the pivot axis 9 Spring element 13 is provided which pivots the coupling element 7 mounted in the second actuating lever 6 with the roller 12 to bear against the at least one cam 3.
Das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement 7 ist an einem seiner freien Enden mit einer ersten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung 14 versehen, welche das Kopplungselement 7 in die erste Drehstellung bewegt. Diese erste Dreheinrichtung 14 ist als Torsionsfeder ausgebildet. Zudem steht das Kopplungselement 7 mit einer zweiten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung 14' in Verbindung, welche das Kopplungselement 7 in die zweite Drehstellung bewegt. Diese zweite mechanische Dreheinrichtung 14' ist als ein spezieller Nocken auf der Nockenwelle 4 ausgebildet. An seinem freien Ende ist das Kopplungselement 7 außerdem mit einer magnetischen Halteeinrichtung 15 verbunden, die aus einem magnetisierbaren Hebel 16 und einem Haltemagneten 17 besteht. Der magnetisierbare Hebel 16 steht mit der zweiten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung 14' in Verbindung. Ist die magnetische Halteeinrichtung 15 nun aktiviert, so kann das Kopplungselement 7 trotz nachlassender Unterstützung der zweiten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung 14' in der zweiten Drehstellung gehalten werden.The rotatable coupling element 7 is provided at one of its free ends with a first mechanical rotating device 14 which moves the coupling element 7 into the first rotational position. This first rotating device 14 is designed as a torsion spring. In addition, the coupling element 7 is connected to a second mechanical rotating device 14 ′, which moves the coupling element 7 into the second rotational position. This second mechanical rotating device 14 ′ is designed as a special cam on the camshaft 4. At its free end, the coupling element 7 is also connected to a magnetic holding device 15, which consists of a magnetizable lever 16 and a holding magnet 17. The magnetizable lever 16 is connected to the second mechanical rotating device 14 '. If the magnetic holding device 15 is now activated, the coupling element 7 can be held in the second rotational position despite the decreasing support of the second mechanical rotating device 14 '.
Sobald die magnetische Halteeinrichtung 15 nicht mehr aktiviert ist, kann das Koppiungselement 7 von der ersten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung 14 wieder in die erste Drehstellung bewegt werden. As soon as the magnetic holding device 15 is no longer activated, the coupling element 7 can be moved again into the first rotational position by the first mechanical rotating device 14.

Claims

PATENTANSPRÜCHE PATENT CLAIMS
1. Vorrichtung zur Unterbrechung des Kraftflusses zwischen wenigstens einem Ventil und wenigstens einem Nocken einer Nockenwelle, insbesondere im Ventiltrieb einer Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine, mit1. Device for interrupting the flow of force between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft, in particular in the valve train of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine
einem ersten Betätigungshebel, der mit dem wenigstens einen Ventil zusammenwirkt,a first actuating lever which interacts with the at least one valve,
einem gegenüber dem ersten Betätigungshebel schwenkbeweglich gelagerten zweiten Betätigungshebel, der mit dem wenigstens einen Nocken der Nockenwelle zusammenwirkt, unda second actuating lever which is pivotably mounted relative to the first actuating lever and which cooperates with the at least one cam of the camshaft, and
einem parallel zur Schwenkachse des zweiten Betätigungshebels angeordneten drehbeweglichen Kopplungselement, das in einer ersten Drehstellung die beiden Betätigungshebel miteinander koppelt und in einer zweiten Drehstellung die beiden Betätigungshebel voneinander entkoppelt,a rotatable coupling element arranged parallel to the pivot axis of the second actuation lever, which couples the two actuation levers to one another in a first rotational position and decouples the two actuation levers from one another in a second rotational position,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Betätigungshebel (5) auf wenigstens einem stehenden Ausgleichselement (8) gelagert ist und die Schwenkachse (9) für die Lagerung des zweiten Betätigungshebels (6) trägt.characterized in that the first actuating lever (5) is mounted on at least one standing compensating element (8) and carries the pivot axis (9) for the mounting of the second actuating lever (6).
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement (7) im zweiten Betätigungshebel (6) gelagert ist und daß der zweite Betätigungshebel (6) mittels des Kopplungselements (7) an dem wenigstens einen Nocken (3) der Nockenwelle (4) anliegt. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotatable coupling element (7) is mounted in the second actuating lever (6) and that the second actuating lever (6) by means of the coupling element (7) on the at least one cam (3) of the camshaft ( 4) is present.
J. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kopplungselement (7) wenigstens eine frei drehbare Rolle (12) trägt. J. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling element (7) carries at least one freely rotatable roller (12).
Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Betätigungshebel (5) den zweiten Betätigungshebel wenigstens (6) teilweise umgibt.Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first actuating lever (5) at least (6) partially surrounds the second actuating lever.
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das im zweiten Betätigungshebel (6) gelagerte Kopplungselement (7) mittels eines im Innern des ersten Betätigungshebels (5) gelagerten Federelements (13) zur Anlage gegen den wenigstens einen Nocken (3) der Nockenwelle (4) geschwenkt wird.5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling element (7) mounted in the second actuating lever (6) by means of a spring element (13) mounted in the interior of the first actuating lever (5) for abutment against the at least one cam ( 3) the camshaft (4) is pivoted.
Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das drehbewegliche Kopplungselement (7) im Bereich seines Eingriffs mit dem ersten Betätigungshebel (5) einen derartigen Querschnitt aufweist, daß es in der ersten Drehstellung in die Hinterschnei- dung (10) einer bogenförmigen Ausnehmung (11) im ersten Betätigungshebel (5) eingreift und in der zweiten Drehstellung von dem Eingriff frei ist.Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotatable coupling element (7) in the area of its engagement with the first actuating lever (5) has such a cross section that it in the first rotary position in the undercut (10) arcuate recess (11) engages in the first actuating lever (5) and is free of engagement in the second rotational position.
7. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kopplungselement (7) mittels einer ersten mechanischen Dreheinrichtung (14) in die erste Drehstellung bewegbar ist.7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element (7) can be moved into the first rotational position by means of a first mechanical rotating device (14).
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste mechanische Dreheinrichtung (14) permanent wirkt.8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first mechanical rotating device (14) acts permanently.
9. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kopplungselement (7) mittels einer zweiten mechanischen oder hydraulischen Dreheinrichtung (14') in die zweite Drehstellung bewegbar ist. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling element (7) by means of a second mechanical or hydraulic rotating device (14 ') is movable into the second rotational position.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zweite mechanische oder hydraulische Dreheinrichtung (14') periodisch wirkt.10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second mechanical or hydraulic rotating device (14 ') acts periodically.
11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kopplungselement (7) mittels einer elektromagnetischen Halteeinrichtung (15) in der zweiten Drehstellung gehalten werden kann. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling element (7) can be held in the second rotational position by means of an electromagnetic holding device (15).
EP98965861A 1998-01-21 1998-12-21 Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft Expired - Lifetime EP1049857B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19801964A DE19801964A1 (en) 1998-01-21 1998-01-21 Mechanism to interrupt the force flow between a cam at the camshaft and a valve
DE19801964 1998-01-21
PCT/EP1998/008378 WO1999037894A1 (en) 1998-01-21 1998-12-21 Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1049857A1 true EP1049857A1 (en) 2000-11-08
EP1049857B1 EP1049857B1 (en) 2002-10-23

Family

ID=7855138

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98965861A Expired - Lifetime EP1049857B1 (en) 1998-01-21 1998-12-21 Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6318317B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1049857B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002501140A (en)
DE (2) DE19801964A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999037894A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19828945C2 (en) * 1998-06-29 2000-10-05 Meta Motoren Energietech Device for activating and deactivating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
US6481409B1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2002-11-19 Fasco Controls, Inc. Electro-hydraulic control module for deactivating intake and exhaust valves
DE10060890C2 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-04-03 Meta Motoren Energietech Device for switching the operation of a charge exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
DE10136353B4 (en) * 2001-07-26 2017-08-17 Volkswagen Ag Valve gear of an internal combustion engine for a deactivatable gas exchange globe valve
DE10155800A1 (en) * 2001-11-14 2003-05-22 Ina Schaeffler Kg Rocker arm used in a valve gear of an internal combustion engine has an fork-shaped outer lever, and an inner lever having a running surface for the cam formed as a rotating roller
US6745733B2 (en) * 2002-02-21 2004-06-08 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Actuating system for mode-switching rocker arm device
DE10316189A1 (en) * 2003-04-09 2004-10-28 Ina-Schaeffler Kg Tow lever for a combustion engine valve drive has outer and inner levers connected through an axle across the inner lever
WO2005059320A1 (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-06-30 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Variable valve mechanism
US6932035B1 (en) 2005-01-28 2005-08-23 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Cylinder valve operating system for internal combustion engine
DE102006031945A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-01-24 Schaeffler Kg Adjustable rocker arm for valve train of internal combustion engine, has coupler located in recess of levers and brought in contact with levers for case of coupling in sectionwise, and lost-motion spring directly mounted on supporting unit
DE102008061402A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-17 Mahle International Gmbh Charge-exchange valve activating and deactivating device for internal-combustion engine of motor vehicle, has roll adjusted in active position, and switching device permitting pivoting of roll in release position
JP5947175B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2016-07-06 株式会社オティックス Variable valve mechanism for internal combustion engine
FR2995935B1 (en) * 2012-09-25 2015-07-31 Valeo Sys Controle Moteur Sas TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FOR MOVING AT LEAST ONE CAM
DE102015002982A1 (en) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Meta Motoren- Und Energie-Technik Gmbh Device for switching over the operation of a charge exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
US10480362B2 (en) * 2016-03-11 2019-11-19 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Inductive coupling to rocker arm assemblies

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4380219A (en) * 1975-05-16 1983-04-19 Eaton Corporation Valve disabling mechanism
DE2753197A1 (en) * 1976-12-15 1978-06-22 Eaton Corp VALVE CONTROL DEVICE
US4762096A (en) 1987-09-16 1988-08-09 Eaton Corporation Engine valve control mechanism
DE4205230A1 (en) * 1992-02-21 1993-08-26 Audi Ag VALVE ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
DE4226163A1 (en) * 1992-08-07 1994-02-10 Schaeffler Waelzlager Kg Engine valve shutdown by means of cam roller displacement
JP3319896B2 (en) * 1994-12-21 2002-09-03 株式会社ユニシアジェックス Engine Valve Actuator
US5544626A (en) * 1995-03-09 1996-08-13 Ford Motor Company Finger follower rocker arm with engine valve deactivator
DE19532334A1 (en) * 1995-09-01 1997-03-06 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Variable valve train, especially for internal combustion engines
DE29519593U1 (en) * 1995-12-11 1997-04-03 FEV Motorentechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 52078 Aachen Device for actuating valves on a piston machine with a variable valve lift, in particular a piston internal combustion engine
US5653198A (en) * 1996-01-16 1997-08-05 Ford Motor Company Finger follower rocker arm system
US5623897A (en) 1996-03-22 1997-04-29 Eaton Corporation Engine valve control system using a latchable rocker arm activated by a solenoid mechanism
US6112711A (en) * 1996-11-18 2000-09-05 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Valve performance control apparatus for internal combustion engines

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9937894A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1999037894A1 (en) 1999-07-29
EP1049857B1 (en) 2002-10-23
DE19801964A1 (en) 1999-07-22
DE59806078D1 (en) 2002-11-28
US6318317B1 (en) 2001-11-20
JP2002501140A (en) 2002-01-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1049857A1 (en) Device for interrupting the power flux between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft
DE60304621T2 (en) Rocker arm for two-stage cam operation
DE10006018B4 (en) Variable valve drive for load control of a spark-ignited internal combustion engine
DE10255299A1 (en) Connecting rod for use on a reciprocating engine with variable adjustable compression ratio
EP2126292A1 (en) Valve drive for gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, comprising an axially movable bearing
DE10148179B4 (en) Valve train with valve lift switching for the gas exchange valves of a 4-stroke internal combustion engine
EP3385513A1 (en) Variable valve drive
DE19600536C2 (en) Device for variably controlling an intake valve
WO2009098047A1 (en) Valve lever assembly having a switchable valve actuating mechanism
WO1994003709A1 (en) Engine valve cut-off via cam roller displacement
DE19828945A1 (en) Gear for activating and de-activating gas exchange valve of internal combustion engine
EP3014080B1 (en) Spring arrangement for a variable valve drive of an internal combustion engine
DE19701203A1 (en) Variable valve control for internal combustion engine
WO1997021909A2 (en) Valve gear mechanism for an internal combustion engine
DE102006056486B4 (en) Device for connecting a valve spring with a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
DE102020123950A1 (en) Rocker arm device and actuator
DE19830168C2 (en) Device for activating and deactivating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
EP1375843B1 (en) Internal combustion engine
DE10006016B4 (en) Variable valve drive for load control of a spark-ignited internal combustion engine
DE19622141A1 (en) Load adjustment device
AT500600B1 (en) Internal combustion engine, has gas exchange valves controlled by two cams provided on respective camshafts, which have adjustable phase position to modify control time of valves, and rocker levers supported on common axle actuate valves
DE3226196A1 (en) VALVE DRIVE
DE102010006966B4 (en) Turbocharger with a device for counteracting wear
DE102011115788B4 (en) Verstellwellenbetätigung a valve train for internal combustion engines for the actuation of gas exchange valves
DE19600535B4 (en) Tolerance compensation device for a device for variable control of a valve of an internal combustion engine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000701

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020228

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59806078

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20021128

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20030206

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030724

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20071219

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20071231

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF THE APPLICANT RENOUNCES

Effective date: 20080412

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20071214

Year of fee payment: 10

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20081221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081231