JP2006017038A - Continuously variable valve system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a continuously variable valve system capable of miniaturizing an arm assembly. <P>SOLUTION: The continuously variable valve system comprises: a slider 1 having a center part and both end parts; the arm assembly 5 having an arm No. 2 positioned at the center, and an arm No. 3 and an arm No. 4 positioned at both sides; the arm assembly 5 having the arm No. 4; a central spline 9; and end part splines 12. At least one circumferential cutout 17 is formed in an external tooth of at least one end part of the slider, and at least a non-cutout part 22 is formed in an internal tooth of the arm No. 2. The circumferential cutout 17 in the external tooth of the end part of the slider is circumferentially longer than the non-cutout part 22 in the internal tooth of the arm No. 2. Further, the continuously variable valve system, in which a diameter of the central part 2 of the slider 1 is as long as diameters of both end parts 3, 4 of the slider 1, is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a continuously variable valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to a continuously variable valve mechanism that enables downsizing of an arm assembly.

As shown in FIG. 13, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-263015 discloses a slider 1 having a central portion 2 and both end portions 3 and 4, and the diameter dimension B of the central portion 2 is larger than the diameter dimension A of both end portions 3 and 4. , Arm No. located in the center. 2 (6) and arm No. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), a torsion spline and the outer teeth 10 and the arm No. 2 and the outer teeth 13 and 14 of the both end portions 3 and 4 of the slider and the arm No. 2 are formed of a central spline 9 composed of the inner teeth 11 and the torsion splines twisted in the opposite direction to the central spline 9. A continuously variable valve mechanism including an end spline 12 including three and four inner teeth 15 and 16 is disclosed. In this case, the control shaft is driven in the axial direction to drive the slider 1 in the axial direction. 2 (6) and the arm No. 3 (7), arm no. The valve lift amount is changed by continuously changing the angle between 4 and (8).
JP 2001-263015 A

However, the conventional continuous variable valve mechanism described above has an arm no. 2, No. 3, arm no. There is a problem that the arm assembly 5 is increased in size in order to enable assembly to the slider 4.
The reason for increasing the size of the arm assembly 5 is as follows.
In FIG. 13, functionally, the diameter dimension of the slider 1 may be the same diameter dimension A in the central portion 2 and both end portions 3 and 4.
However, slider 1 and arm no. 2 (6), arm no. 3 (7), arm no. In 4 (8), splines are formed over the entire circumference, and since the twist direction of the spline is opposite between the center and both ends, the diameter dimension B at the center is equal to the diameter dimension A at both ends ( A = B), arm no. 2 (6) cannot reach the outer diameters of the end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 2 in the axial direction. 2 (6) cannot be assembled to slider 2.
Therefore, the diameter dimension of the slider 1 must be A <B. The diameter dimension B of the central portion 2 of the slider 1 must be larger than the diameter dimension A at both ends.
Also, arm No. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) has an outer diameter of washer shim 38. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) and arm no. 2 (6), arm no. It is necessary to make it the same size as the outer diameter C of 2 (6).
As a result, the subject that the whole physique (outer diameter) of the arm assembly 5 becomes large arises. In addition, there arises a secondary problem that the degree of mounting freedom is reduced, the valve system motion performance is deteriorated due to the large mass, and the cost for covering it is increased (for example, the cost is increased by changing the material of the valve spring).

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuously variable valve mechanism that enables the arm assembly to be miniaturized.

The present invention for solving the above problems and achieving the above object is as follows.
(1) A slider having a central portion and both end portions, and an arm No. 2 and arm no. 2 arm No. 2 located on both sides. 3, arm no. 4 and the torsional spline, the outer teeth at the center of the slider and the arm no. 2 and a torsion spline twisted in the opposite direction to the center spline. 3, arm no. An end spline consisting of four internal teeth, and a continuously variable valve mechanism,
One or more circumferential cutouts are provided on the outer teeth of at least one of the two ends of the slider. One or more circumferential notches and one or more non-notched portions are provided in the inner teeth of No. 2, and the circumferential length of the circumferential notches of the outer teeth of at least one end of the slider is set as an arm No. A continuously variable valve mechanism that has a length equal to or greater than the circumferential length of the non-notched portion of the two internal teeth.
(2) The continuously variable valve mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the central portion of the slider is the same as the diameter of both ends of the slider.

In the continuously variable valve mechanism of the above (1), one or more circumferential cutouts are provided on the outer teeth of at least one of the two ends of the slider. One or more circumferential notches and one or more non-notched portions are provided in the inner teeth of No. 2, and the circumferential length of the circumferential notches of the outer teeth of at least one end of the slider is set as an arm No. Since the inner length of the inner tooth 2 is not less than the circumferential length of the inner tooth, the arm no. 2 is passed through the circumferential notch of the external teeth at least one end of the slider in the axial direction. 2 can be assembled to the center of the slider, and the assembly of the arm assembly to the slider is possible. Since the diameter of the central portion of the slider does not need to be larger than the diameter of both ends of the slider, the entire arm assembly can be reduced in the radial direction, and the size of the arm assembly can be reduced in size.
In the continuous variable valve mechanism of the above (2), since the diameter of the central part of the slider is the same as the diameter of both ends of the slider, the conventional arm No. 3, arm no. Arm No. 4 which was larger than the outer diameter of No. 4. The outer diameter of the arm No. 2 3, arm no. 4 can be adjusted to the outer diameter of 4, and the physique of the arm assembly can be reduced in size.

Hereinafter, the continuously variable valve mechanism of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The continuously variable valve mechanism 30 of the present invention is a continuously variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine that can continuously change the valve lift (here, “continuously” means “steplessly”). is there.
As shown in FIG. 3, the continuously variable valve mechanism 30 of the present invention extends in parallel with the cam shaft 52 and is supported on a carrier 50 fixed to the cylinder head or on the cylinder head. The illustrated example shows a case where the continuously variable valve mechanism 30 of the present invention is provided for the intake valve 54. However, the continuously variable valve mechanism 30 of the present invention can be used as an exhaust valve or an intake valve 54. It may be provided for the exhaust valve.

  3 to 12, the continuously variable valve mechanism 10 extends in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder head and is movable only in the axial direction, and supports the control shaft 31 so as to be movable in the axial direction. A support pipe 32 which is a non-movable part fixed to the carrier 50 or the cylinder head, and an actuator 32 which is fixed to the carrier 50 or the cylinder head and drives the control shaft 31 in the axial direction.

  The continuously variable valve mechanism 10 further includes a slider 1 having a central portion 2 and both end portions 3 and 4 positioned on both sides in the axial direction of the central portion 2, and an arm No. 2 (6) and arm no. 2 (6) arm No. 2 located on both axial sides. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), a torsional spline, and an external tooth (slider spline) 10 at the center 2 of the slider 1 and an arm No. 2 (6) center splines 9 consisting of internal teeth (arm splines) 11 and torsion splines twisted in the opposite direction to the center splines, and external teeth (slider splines) at both ends 3 and 4 of the slider 1 ) 13, 14 and arm no. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) end splines 12 formed of internal teeth (arm splines) 15 and 16.

One set of the arm assembly 5 and the slider 1 is provided for each cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine, but one control shaft 31 is provided for all the cylinders extending over all the cylinders.
The central portion 2 and both end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 1 are integral with each other. 2 (6) and arm no. 3 (7), arm no. It is a separate piece from 4 (8), and the relative angle is variable.
The slider 1 can move in the axial direction relative to the fixed support pipe 32 and can swing around the control shaft axis.
A pin 34 is fixed to the control shaft 31, and the pin 34 passes through a pin hole 35 extending in the axial direction formed in the support pipe 32 and engages with a pin hole 36 formed in the slider 1. Thus, when the control shaft 31 is driven in the axial direction, the slider 1 is driven in the axial direction by the same amount as the control shaft 31. The pin hole 36 formed in the slider 1 extends a predetermined amount in the circumferential direction of the slider. When the arm assembly 5 is swung by the cam 52 and the slider 1 connected to the arm assembly 5 is swung, the control shaft A pin 34 that does not swing because it is connected to 31 is slid in the pin hole 36 so that the slider 1 can swing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the cam 53 integral with the camshaft 52 rotates, the arm no. The arm assembly 5 is swung by hitting the roller 6a of No. 2 (6). 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) with the collars 7a and 8a. No. 1 (56) 56a is struck and arm no. 1 (56) is swung around the swing fulcrum of the head of the lash adjuster 57. The valve 54 is pushed at the end opposite to the swinging fulcrum 1 (56), and the valve 54 is lifted against the bias of the valve spring 55. FIG. 12 shows the lift curve of the valve.

3 to 12, the arm number of the arm assembly 5 is changed. 2 (6) roller 6a and arm assembly 5 arm No. 3 (7), arm no. The valve lift can be continuously changed by continuously changing the relative angle around the arm assembly axis (same as the control shaft axis) with the flanges 7a and 8a of 4 (8).
For this purpose, the twisting direction of the central spline 9 and the twisting direction of the end spline 12 are reversed. Accordingly, when the control shaft 31 is driven in the axial direction by the actuator 32, the slider 1 moves in the axial direction through the pin 34 by the same amount. The arm assembly 5 can swing, but is fixed in the axial direction. Therefore, when the slider 1 moves in the axial direction, each arm 6 of the arm assembly 5 is spline-connected to the slider 1 by a torsional spline. , 7 and 8 change in angle (rotate) with respect to the slider 1. Since the twist direction of the center spline 9 and the twist direction of the end spline 12 are opposite to each other, the center arm No. 2 (6) rotation direction and arm No. at the end. 3 (7), arm no. The rotation directions of 4 (8) are opposite to each other. As a result, arm no. 2 (6) roller 6a and arm assembly 5 arm No. 3 (7), arm no. The relative angle around the arm assembly axis (same as the control shaft axis) with the flanges 7a and 8a of 4 (8) changes. The change of the relative angle is continuous because the torsional spline is adopted.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the center spline 9 and the end spline 12 have spline teeth formed over the entire circumference of both the slider 1 and the arm assembly 5. In that case, the arm No. 2 is over the end spline of the slider and cannot be assembled. Therefore, the diameter of the central spline of the slider 1 is made larger than the diameter of the end spline of the slider. 2 was able to get over the end spline of the slider.

In contrast, in the continuously variable valve mechanism 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (the support pipe is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2), both end portions 3 of the slider 1 are provided. 4, one or more circumferential notches 17 (spline non-constituting portions in which the spline teeth 13 and 14 extending in the circumferential direction of the slider 1 are removed) are formed on the external teeth 13 and 14 of at least one end 3 and 4. ) And one or more non-notched portions 18 (portions where the spline teeth 13 and 14 are formed and not cut). Also, arm No. Two (6) inner teeth 11 are provided with one or more circumferential cutouts 21 (spline non-configuration parts extending in the circumferential direction of arm No. 2 (6) from which spline teeth 11 are removed) and one or more A non-notched portion 22 (a portion where the spline teeth 11 are formed and not cut) is provided.
Then, the circumferential length of the circumferential notch 17 of the external teeth 13 and 14 of at least one end 3 and 4 of the slider 1 is set to the arm No. The length in the circumferential direction of the non-notched portion 22 of the inner teeth 11 of 2 (6) is set.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 (7), arm no. The inner teeth 15 and 16 of 4 (8) have no circumferential notch and are formed over the entire circumference. However, arm no. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) inner teeth 15 and 16 may also be provided with circumferential notches.
The external teeth 10 of the central portion 2 of the slider 1 may be provided with circumferential notches, or teeth may be formed over the entire circumference without providing circumferential notches. 1 and 2 show a case where the external tooth 10 of the central portion 2 of the slider 1 has one or more circumferential notches 19 and one or more non-notched portions 20.

1 and 2, the outer teeth 13 and 14 of the end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 1 are provided with two circumferential notches 17 at a pitch of 180 degrees. Although the case where two circumferential cutouts 21 are provided on the internal teeth 11 of 2 (6) at a pitch of 180 degrees is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the end portions 3, 4 of the slider 1 are not limited thereto. The outer teeth 13 and 14 are provided with n circumferential notches 17 at a pitch of 360 / n degrees. 2 (6) inner teeth 11 may be provided with n circumferential notches 21 at a pitch of 360 / n degrees.
Further, the circumferential notches 17 of the external teeth 13 and 14 of the end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 1, and the arm no. The circumferential cutout 21 of the inner teeth 11 of 2 (6) may extend in parallel with the slider 1 axis, or may be crossed obliquely or twisted with respect to a straight line extending in parallel with the slider 1 axis. It may be worn.

Arm No. 2 (6) and the arm numbers on both sides thereof. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) is provided with a ring-shaped washer shim 37 for absorbing manufacturing errors.
Washer 37 is attached to arm no. 2 (6) and the arm numbers on both sides thereof. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), the arm no. 2 (6) outer diameter and arm no. 3 (7), arm no. Match the outer diameter of 4 (8). In this case, the conventional (FIG. 13) conventional arm no. 2 (6) with an outer diameter C of arm no. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), the outer diameter of the arm No. 4 is kept small but not enlarged as shown in FIG. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) with an outer diameter C ′ (C ′ <C) and an arm no. The outer diameter of 2 (6) is matched.

Next, functions and effects of the present invention will be described.
At least one circumferential notch 17 is provided on the external teeth 13 and 14 of at least one end 3 and 4 of the both ends 3 and 4 of the slider 1, and the arm no. 2 (6), one or more circumferential cutouts 21 are provided on the internal teeth 11, and the circumferential length of the circumferential cutout 17 is set to the arm no. 2 (6), by setting the length in the circumferential direction of the non-notched portion 22 of the internal tooth 11 to be equal to or greater than the arm No. 2 (6) through the circumferential notch 21 of at least one end 3, 4 of the both ends 3, 4 of the slider 1, the arm no. 2 (6) can be assembled to the central portion 2 of the slider 1, so that the diameter B of the central portion of the slider 1 is made larger than the diameter A of both end portions of the slider as in the prior art (FIG. 13) (B> A In the present invention, the diameter B of the central portion 2 of the slider 1 and the diameter A of both end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 1 can be made the same (B = A). Here, A is a necessary minimum diameter of both end portions 3 and 4 of the slider 1.

As a result, in the present invention, arm no. 2 (6) has an outer diameter C ′ of the conventional arm No. (FIG. 13). 2 is smaller than the outer diameter C of 2, and the physique of the arm assembly 5 is reduced in the diameter direction. Accordingly, it is advantageous to dispose the continuously variable valve mechanism 10 of the present invention in a narrow space above the carrier or above the cylinder head and below the head cover.
Further, the physique of the slider 1 and the arm assembly 5 is reduced, so that the weight can be reduced and the inertia of the moving part is reduced, and the motion performance of the valve system is improved.

  Conventionally, the washer shim 38 is provided with an enlarged arm No. 2 (6) and the arm numbers on both sides thereof. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), the arm no. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8), the expanded arm No. 2 (6), it was necessary to match the outer diameter. 2 (6) has an outer diameter C ′ of the conventional arm No. (FIG. 13). 2 is smaller than the outer diameter C of the arm 2. 3 (7), arm no. The outer diameter of 4 (8) can also be reduced from the conventional dimension C to C '. As a result, the physique of arm assy 5 is arm no. 2 (6), arm no. 3 (7), arm no. 4 (8) is diametrically smaller across all arms. Accordingly, it is advantageous to dispose the continuously variable valve mechanism 10 of the present invention in a narrow space above the carrier or above the cylinder head and below the head cover. Further, the physique of the slider 1 and the arm assembly 5 is reduced, so that the weight can be reduced and the inertia of the moving part is reduced, and the motion performance of the valve system is improved.

It is sectional drawing of the slider and cam assembly part of the continuous variable valve mechanism of this invention. The slider and arm No. in FIG. FIG. It is a top view of the whole continuous variable valve mechanism of this invention. It is a perspective view of the arm assembly of the continuous variable valve mechanism of this invention. Arm No. of the arm assembly in FIG. FIG. Arm No. of the arm assembly in FIG. 3, arm no. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. It is a perspective view of the control shaft and support pipe of the continuous variable valve mechanism of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the slider of the continuously variable valve mechanism of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a control shaft, a support pipe, and a slider of the continuously variable valve mechanism of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a control shaft, a support pipe, a slider, and an arm assembly (shown with a part cut away) of the continuously variable valve mechanism of the present invention. It is sectional drawing seen from the control shaft axial direction of the continuous variable valve mechanism of this invention. It is a valve lift amount / action angle diagram of the continuously variable valve mechanism of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the slider and cam assembly part of the conventional continuous variable valve mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slider 2 Center part 3 (of the slider) 4, 4 End part of the slider 5 Arm assembly 6 Arm No. 2
6a Roller 7 Arm No. 3
7a 嘴 8 Arm No. 4
8a 嘴 9 Central spline 10 External teeth 11 in the center of the slider 11 Arm No. 2 internal teeth 12 end splines 13, 14 external teeth 15, 16 at the end of the slider 3, arm no. 4 internal teeth 17 circumferential notch of external teeth at the end of the slider 18 non-notched portions of external teeth at the end of the slider 19 circumferential notch of external teeth at the center of the slider 20 center of the slider Non-notched portion 21 of the outer teeth of the arm No. 2 internal tooth circumferential cutout 22 Arm No. 2 Non-notched portion 30 of internal tooth 2 Continuously variable valve mechanism 31 Control shaft 32 Support pipe 33 Actuator 34 Pin 35 Pin hole 36 (formed on support pipe) Pin hole 37 (formed on slider) Washer shim 38 ( Conventional) Washer shim 50 Carrier 51 Cylinder 52 Cam shaft 53 Cam 54 Valve 55 Valve spring 56 Arm No. 1 (Rocker arm)
57 Rush Adjuster

Claims (2)

A slider having a central portion and both end portions, and an arm No. 2 and arm no. 2 arm No. 2 located on both sides. 3, arm no. 4 and the torsional spline, the outer teeth at the center of the slider and the arm no. 2 and a torsion spline twisted in the opposite direction to the center spline. 3, arm no. An end spline consisting of four internal teeth, and a continuously variable valve mechanism,
One or more circumferential cutouts are provided on the outer teeth of at least one of the two ends of the slider. One or more circumferential notches and one or more non-notched portions are provided in the inner teeth of No. 2, and the circumferential length of the circumferential notches of the outer teeth of at least one end of the slider is set as an arm No. A continuously variable valve mechanism that has a length equal to or greater than the circumferential length of the non-notched portion of the two internal teeth.   The continuous variable valve mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the central portion of the slider is the same as the diameter of both ends of the slider.

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