JP2010019126A - Variable valve gear of internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To downsize a dimension of a variable valve gear of an internal combustion engine in the intake/exhaust direction. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of sub rocker arms which are oscillated/driven by cams 71, 72 provided for cam shafts 26, 27 and are mutually connected/disconnected by connection mechanisms 52, 53 are composed of first to fifth sub rocker arms 31-35 arranged in parallel with each other. The connection mechanisms include a first outside connection mechanism 52 for connecting/disconnecting the first/second sub rocker arms 31, 32 and a second outside connection mechanism 53 for connecting/disconnecting the fourth/fifth sub rocker arms 34, 35. As the first/second outside connection mechanisms 52, 53, seen from a direction of a cam shaft axial line L2, overlap at least a part of a plug tube 70, the dimension of the variable valve gear 14 in the intake/exhaust direction can be downsized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is provided with a plug tube extending in a cylinder axial direction from a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, a cam shaft provided on a side of the plug tube in the intake / exhaust direction and driven to rotate by a crankshaft, and the cam shaft. The present invention relates to a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine that includes a plurality of engine valve drive members that are driven to swing by a cam and are connected and disconnected from each other by a connecting mechanism.

In Patent Document 1 below, an intake cam shaft 16 and an exhaust cam shaft 17 are disposed on both sides of a spark plug 14a and a pipe 14b that guides the attachment and detachment of the spark plug 14a. A variable valve operating device is described in which the connection state and the connection release state of the rocker arm 54 that opens and closes the engine valves 6 and 7 are switched by 63.
JP 2000-145422 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional one, since the rocker arm 54 is arranged apart from the pipe 14b of the spark plug 14a when viewed in the axial direction of the intake cam shaft 16 and the exhaust cam shaft 17, the intake and exhaust of the variable valve device is There is a problem that the size of the direction (direction orthogonal to both the cam shaft axis direction and the cylinder axis direction) increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the size in the intake and exhaust directions of a variable valve device of an internal combustion engine.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plug tube extending from the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine in the cylinder axial direction, and a crank provided on the side of the plug tube in the intake / exhaust direction. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising: a camshaft that is rotationally driven by a shaft; and a plurality of engine valve drive members that are driven to swing by a cam provided on the camshaft and that are connected and disconnected from each other by a connecting mechanism A pair of coupling mechanisms located on both sides of the plug tube in the cam shaft axial direction when viewed closest to the plug tube when the engine valve drive member swings, when viewed in the cam shaft axial direction. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is proposed, which overlaps at least a part of the engine.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the cylinder head includes a pair of fastening bosses on both sides in the camshaft axial direction of the plug tube, and the pair of coupling mechanisms. Is proposed between the plug tube and the pair of fastening bosses.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the configuration of claim 1 or claim 2, the engine valve drive member includes first to fifth engine valve drive members juxtaposed to each other, The coupling mechanism includes a first outer coupling mechanism that couples and decouples the first and second engine valve drive members, and a second outer coupling mechanism that couples and decouples the fourth and fifth engine valve drive members. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is proposed in which the first and second outer coupling mechanisms overlap at least a part of the plug tube when viewed in the camshaft axial direction.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the configuration of claim 3, the engine valve drive excluding at least the first and fifth engine valve drive members of the first to fifth engine valve drive members. An internal coupling mechanism for coupling and uncoupling members, wherein the first and second outer coupling mechanisms and the inner coupling mechanism are offset from each other when viewed in the camshaft axial direction. A variable valve system is proposed.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 1 to 4, a pair of transmission mechanisms for transmitting a driving force to the pair of coupling mechanisms and the pair of engine valves. A variable valve operating system for an internal combustion engine is proposed in which the engine valve driving member is offset in the engine valve axial direction with respect to the center of the width in the cam shaft axial direction of the plurality of engine valve driving members. The

  The first and second intake valves 19A and 19B and the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B of the embodiment correspond to the engine valve of the present invention. The intake and exhaust camshafts 26 and 27 of the embodiment are Corresponding to the camshaft of the present invention, the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 of the embodiment correspond to the sub-rocker arm of the present invention, and the inner coupling mechanism 51 and the first and second outer sides of the embodiment. The connection mechanisms 52 and 53 correspond to the connection mechanism of the present invention, and the HI cam 71, the first and second LO cams 72 and 73 and the base circular cam 74 of the embodiment correspond to the cam of the present invention.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, among the plurality of engine valve drive members which are driven to swing by the cam provided on the camshaft and are connected and disconnected from each other by the connecting mechanism, the plug tube is provided on both sides in the camshaft axial direction. When the pair of coupling mechanisms located closest to the plug tube as the engine valve drive member swings, it overlaps at least a part of the plug tube when viewed in the camshaft axial direction. The dimensions in the intake / exhaust direction can be reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cylinder head includes a pair of fastening bosses on both sides of the plug tube in the camshaft axial direction, and the pair of coupling mechanisms are disposed between the plug tube and the pair of fastening bosses. The dimensions of the variable valve operating device in the camshaft axial direction can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the engine valve driving member is composed of the first to fifth engine valve driving members juxtaposed to each other, and the connection mechanism connects and disconnects the first and second engine valve driving members. And a second outer coupling mechanism that couples and uncouples the fourth and fifth engine valve drive members. The first and second outer coupling mechanisms are plugs as viewed in the camshaft axial direction. Since it overlaps at least a part of the tube, the size of the variable valve operating device in the intake / exhaust direction can be reduced.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the inner coupling mechanism that couples and decouples the engine valve drive members excluding at least the first and fifth engine valve drive members of the first to fifth engine valve drive members is 1. Since the offset is seen in the camshaft axial direction with respect to the second outer coupling mechanism, the size of the variable valve device in the intake / exhaust direction can be reduced so that the inner coupling mechanism does not interfere with the plug tube. Can do.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pair of coupling mechanisms are offset in the engine valve axial direction with respect to the center of the width in the camshaft axial direction of the plurality of engine valve drive members. A space for arranging the plug tube can be secured. Further, the pair of engine valve driving members that transmit the driving force to the pair of engine valves are offset in the engine valve axial direction with respect to the center of the width in the cam shaft axial direction of the plurality of engine valve driving members. The driving force of the valve pressing portion can be efficiently transmitted to the pair of engine valves.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 16 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view of the left and right banks of a V-type 6-cylinder internal combustion engine as viewed from above, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of line 2-2 in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view when the engine valve corresponding to FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a view in the direction of arrow 7 in FIG. 6 (normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device), and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 6 (normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device), FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the sub rocker arm, rocker arm and hydraulic tappet, and FIG. FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 7 (intake-side variable valve operating device for idle cylinder), FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 (intake-side variable valve operation device for idle cylinder), and FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. FIG. 14 (a normal cylinder exhaust side variable valve operating device), FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 (normal cylinder exhaust side variable valve operating device), and FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 (exhaust side variable valve operating device for idle cylinder).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the V-type 6-cylinder internal combustion engine includes a left bank BL and a right bank BR each having three cylinders, and the left and right banks BL and BR are arranged on the intake side. The exhaust sides are arranged so as to face each other and be separated from each other. Each of the banks BL and BR includes a cylinder head 12 coupled to the upper surface of the cylinder block 11 and a cam cover 13 coupled to the upper surface of the cylinder head 12, and each cylinder is provided inside the cylinder head 12 and the cam cover 13. Two variable valve devices 14 and 14 on the intake side and the exhaust side provided for each are housed.

  The cylinder axis L1 direction, the camshaft axis L2 direction, and the intake / exhaust direction in this specification are defined in FIG. In the vertical direction, the cylinder head 12 side in the direction of the cylinder axis L1 is the upper side, and the cylinder block 11 side is the lower side. Further, the cylinder row direction may be used instead of the camshaft axis L2 direction, but both are synonymous. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the cylinder axes L1 and L1 of the left and right banks BL and BR are both drawn perpendicular to the paper surface, but actually intersect according to the angle of the V bank.

  Hereinafter, as a representative, the structure of the variable valve gears 14 and 14 of one cylinder of the left bank BL (cylinder having a section line 2-2 in FIG. 1) will be described.

  The cylinder head 12 is formed with an intake port 16 and an exhaust port 17 that open to a combustion chamber 15 provided on the lower surface thereof, and two intake valve holes 18, 18 formed at the downstream end of the intake port 16. The two exhaust valve holes 20 and 20 formed at the upstream end of the exhaust port 17 are opened and closed by the valve heads 19a and 19a of the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B, and the first and second exhaust valves 21A. , 21B are opened and closed by valve heads 21a, 21a. Valve stems 19b and 19b of the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B are slidably guided by valve guides 22 and 22 provided on the cylinder head 12, and a valve spring 23 disposed around the valve guides 22 and 22, respectively. , 23 in the valve closing direction. Similarly, the valve stems 21b, 21b of the first and second exhaust valves 21A, 21B are slidably guided by valve guides 24, 24 provided on the cylinder head 12, and are arranged around the valve guides 24, 24. The valve springs 25 and 25 are urged in the valve closing direction. The intake camshaft 26 and the exhaust camshaft 27 that are supported in parallel with the cam cover 13 rotate at a half speed of the crankshaft in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft (not shown). An intake rocker shaft 28 is fixed to the cam cover 13 in parallel with the intake camshaft 26, and an exhaust rocker shaft 29 is fixed in parallel to the exhaust camshaft 27.

  There are four types of structures of the variable valve gears 14 for a total of six cylinders on the intake side and the exhaust side. First, the common structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Upper ends of first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 are swingably supported on the intake rocker shaft 28, and one end portions of the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37 are respectively hydraulic tappets below the first rocker shaft 28. It is supported through 48 and 48 so as to be swingable. The first, third, and fifth sub-rocker arms 31, 33, and 35 include rollers 38, 40, and 42, respectively, and the second and fourth sub-rocker arms 32 and 34 include first slipper surfaces 39 and 41, respectively. . The first and second rocker arms 36 and 37 are disposed below the second and fourth sub-rocker arms 32 and 34, and the second slippers of the second and fourth sub-rocker arms 32 and 34 are disposed at the center thereof. The rollers 45 and 46 are in contact with the surfaces 43 and 44, respectively, and the other ends are in contact with the upper ends of the valve stems 19b and 19b of the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B. Therefore, when the second and fourth sub rocker arms 32 and 34 swing, the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37 whose rollers 45 and 46 are pressed by the second slipper surfaces 43 and 44 are hydraulic tappets 48 and 48. And the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B can be opened and closed (see FIG. 5).

  The first, third, and fifth sub-rocker arms 31, 33, and 35 are provided with lost motion spring contact portions 31c, 33c, and 35c that extend upward from a portion that is pivotally supported by the intake rocker shaft 28. By bringing the lost motion springs 47 provided on the cam cover 13 into contact with the lost motion spring contact portions 31c, 33c, 35c, the rollers 38, 40 of the first, third, and fifth sub rocker arms 31, 33, 35 are provided. , 42 are urged toward the intake camshaft 26.

  The variable valve operating apparatus 14 includes an inner coupling mechanism 51 that couples and decouples the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, and 34. The inner coupling mechanism 51 includes a first pin hole 32a, a second pin hole 33a, and a third pin hole 34a formed in the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, 34, respectively. A cylindrical first connecting pin 54 is slidable at 32a, a second cylindrical connecting pin 55 is slidable at the second pin hole 33a, and a cup-shaped first stopper pin 56 is slidable at the third pin hole 34a. The first stopper pin 56 is urged toward the first and second connecting pins 54 and 55 by the elastic force of the return spring 57.

  In this state, the boundary between the first and second connecting pins 54 and 55 coincides with the boundary between the second and third sub-rocker arms 32 and 33, and the boundary between the second connecting pin 55 and the first stopper pin 56 is the third. The second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, 34 can swing independently from each other because they coincide with the boundary of the fourth sub-rocker arms 33, 34.

  On the other hand, when the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 58 (see FIG. 8) where the outer end of the first connection pin 54 faces, the first, second connection pins 54 and 55 and the first connection pins 54 and 55 are opposed to the elastic force of the return spring 57. 1 stopper pin 56 moves, second and third sub rocker arms 32 and 33 are integrally coupled by first connecting pin 54, and third and fourth sub rocker arms 33 and 34 are coupled by second connecting pin 55. By being coupled together, the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, 34 are coupled together.

  As described above, the inner coupling mechanism 51 allows the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, and 34 to swing independently, and the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32, 33, and 34 It is possible to switch between the swingable state and the integral state.

  As is clear from FIG. 1, the six variable valve operating devices 14 of the three cylinders in the left bank BL are for a normal cylinder in which two cylinders located on the inner side in the cylinder row direction cannot be stopped. Four cylinders located outside the cylinder row direction are for cylinders that can be deactivated. Further, the six variable valve operating devices 14 of the three cylinders in the right bank BR are for the normal cylinders in which cylinder deactivation is impossible, and four located on the outer side in the cylinder row direction are located on the inner side in the cylinder row direction. Two are for cylinders that can be deactivated.

  The variable valve device 14 for the normal cylinder is different in structure between the intake side and the exhaust side, and the normal cylinder intake side variable valve device 14 (A) and the normal cylinder exhaust side variable valve device 14 ( C). The variable valve device 14 for the idle cylinder also has a different structure on the intake side and the exhaust side, and the intake cylinder side variable valve device 14 (B) for the idle cylinder and the exhaust side variable valve device 14 for the idle cylinder are provided. (D) exists. Normal cylinder intake side variable valve device 14 (A), idle cylinder variable intake side valve device 14 (B), normal cylinder exhaust variable valve device 14 (C), and idle cylinder exhaust side variable valve The arrangement state of the device 14 (D) is schematically shown in FIG.

  Normal cylinder intake side variable valve device 14 (A), idle cylinder variable intake side valve device 14 (B), normal cylinder exhaust variable valve device 14 (C), and idle cylinder exhaust side variable valve The basic structure of the device 14 (D), that is, the arrangement of the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35, the arrangement of the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37, the inner coupling mechanism 51, etc. are common as described above. is there.

  The variable valve gears 14 (A), 14 (B), 14 (C), and 14 (D) include a first outer coupling mechanism 52 that couples and decouples the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32. The second and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 are connected to and disconnected from the second outer connecting mechanism 53, but their structures are different from each other.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 7, 11, 13 and 15, the intake camshaft 26 includes a cam group for driving the normal cylinder intake side variable valve device 14 (A), and an idle side intake for the idle cylinder. A cam group for driving the variable valve device 14 (B) is provided, and a cam group for driving the exhaust side variable valve device 14 (C) for the normal cylinder and an exhaust side variable valve for the idle cylinder are provided on the exhaust camshaft 27. And a cam group for driving the device 14 (D).

  These cam groups include an HI cam 71 having the largest lift amount, a first LO cam 72 having a lift amount slightly smaller than the HI cam 71, a second LO cam 73 having a very small lift amount, and a base having a lift amount of zero. It comprises a circular cam 74.

  Normal cylinder intake side variable valve device 14 (A), idle cylinder variable intake side valve device 14 (B), normal cylinder exhaust variable valve device 14 (C), and idle cylinder exhaust side variable valve For all of the devices 14 (D), the shape of the cam group that drives the inner coupling mechanism 51 and the shape of the cam group that drives the first outer linkage mechanism 52 are the same.

  That is, the HI cam 71 contacts the roller 40 of the third sub rocker arm 33, the first LO cam 72 contacts the roller 38 of the first sub rocker arm 31, and the second and fourth sub rocker arms 32. , 34 are brought into contact with the first slipper surfaces 39, 41.

  However, different cams abut on the rollers 42 of the fifth sub-rocker arm 35. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the second LO cam 73 comes into contact with the roller 42 of the fifth sub-rocker arm 35 of the normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device 14 (A), and as shown in FIG. A base circular cam 74 abuts on the roller 42 of the fifth sub-rocker arm 35 of the cylinder intake side variable valve operating device 14 (B), and as shown in FIGS. The first LO cams 72, 72 are in contact with the rollers 42, 42 of the fifth sub-rocker arms 35, 35 of the device 14 (C) and the idle cylinder exhaust side variable valve operating device 14 (D).

  As is apparent from FIGS. 3 and 5, the first and second sub rocker arms located on one end side in the camshaft axis L2 direction among the first to fifth sub rocker arms 31 to 35 on the intake side and the exhaust side. The first outer coupling mechanism 52 provided at 31 and 32 and the second outer coupling mechanism 53 provided at the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 located on the other end side are directed toward the cylinder row line. A space that protrudes and is formed between the first outer coupling mechanism 52 of the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 and the second outer coupling mechanism 53 of the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35. In addition, a plug tube 70 surrounding the spark plug 69 is disposed.

  Hereinafter, the structures of the first outer coupling mechanism 52 and the second outer coupling mechanism 53 will be described in order.

<Normal Cylinder Intake Side Variable Valve Operating Device 14 (A)>
As apparent from FIGS. 7 and 9, the normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device 14 (A) includes a first outer coupling mechanism 52 provided between the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32, and And a second outer coupling mechanism 53 provided between the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35. The first outer coupling mechanism 52 includes cylindrical first dummy pins 59 that fit in the fourth and fifth pin holes 31a and 32b formed in the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 without gaps in the axial direction. Therefore, the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 are always connected and swing together.

  The second outer coupling mechanism 53 includes cup-shaped second stopper pins 60 that are slidably fitted into sixth and seventh pin holes 34b and 35a formed in the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35, respectively. The third stopper pin 60 is urged toward the third connecting pin 61 by a return spring 62.

  When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 63b facing the axial end of the second stopper pin 60, the second stopper pin 60 and the third connecting pin 61 move together with the elastic force of the return spring 62, and the second stopper pin 60 is moved. Since the boundary of the third connecting pin 61 coincides with the boundary of the fourth and fifth sub rocker arms 34 and 35, the fourth and fifth sub rocker arms 34 and 35 are separated from each other and swing independently. can do. On the other hand, when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 63a where the axial end of the third connecting pin 61 faces, the second stopper pin 60 and the third connecting pin 61 move against the elastic force of the return spring 62, and the second connecting pin 61 moves. The fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 are coupled by the three connecting pins 61 and can swing together.

  Thus, the normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device 14 (A) can switch between the “LO1 mode”, the “LO2 mode”, and the “HI mode”.

  In the “LO1 mode”, the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 are integrally coupled, the third to fifth sub-rocker arms 33 to 35 are separated, and the first intake valve 19A is connected to the first LO cam 72. The second intake valve 19B is stopped by being opened and closed by the middle lift.

  In the “LO2 mode”, the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are integrally coupled, the fourth and fifth sub rocker arms 34 and 35 are integrally coupled, and the first intake valve 19A is coupled to the first LO cam. The second intake valve 19B is opened and closed by a minute lift by the second LO2 cam 73.

  In the “HI mode”, the first to fourth sub-rocker arms 31 to 34 are integrally coupled, and both the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B are opened and closed by the HI cam 71 with a high lift.

<Intake side variable valve device 14 (B) for idle cylinder>
As is clear from FIGS. 11 and 12, the first outer coupling mechanism 52 is slidable in the fourth and fifth pin holes 31a and 32b formed in the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32, respectively. A cylindrical fourth coupling pin 64 and a cup-shaped third stopper pin 65 are provided, and the third stopper pin 65 is urged toward the fourth coupling pin 64 by a return spring 66.

  When the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 67b facing the axial end of the third stopper pin 65, the fourth connecting pin 64 and the third stopper pin 65 move together with the elastic force of the return spring 66, and the third stopper pin 65 is moved. As a result, the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 can be coupled to swing together. On the other hand, when the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 67a where the axial end of the fourth connecting pin 64 faces, the fourth connecting pin 64 and the third stopper pin 65 move against the elastic force of the return spring 66, and the second connecting pin 64 moves. Since the boundary between the four connecting pins 64 and the third stopper pin 65 coincides with the boundary between the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32, the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are separated from each other and independent from each other. And can be swung.

  The second outer coupling mechanism 53 does not fit anything in the sixth and seventh pin holes 34b and 35a formed in the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35. The rocker arms 34 and 35 are always separated and can swing independently.

  Accordingly, the intake cylinder variable valve device 14 (B) for the idle cylinder can switch between the “LO1 mode”, the “pause mode”, and the “HI mode”.

  In the “LO1 mode”, the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 are integrally coupled, the third to fifth sub-rocker arms 33 to 35 are separated, and the first intake valve 19A is connected to the first LO cam 72. The second intake valve 19B is stopped by being opened and closed by the middle lift.

  In the “pause mode”, the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 are all separated, and the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B are both paused.

  In the “HI mode”, the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32 to 34 are integrally coupled, and both the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B are opened and closed by the HI cam 71 with a high lift.

<Normal Cylinder Exhaust Side Variable Valve Operating Device 14 (C)>
As apparent from FIGS. 13 and 14, the first outer coupling mechanism 52 has no gap in the axial direction in the fourth and fifth pin holes 31 a and 32 b formed in the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32. A cylindrical first dummy pin 59 to be fitted is provided, and therefore the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are always connected and swing together. Similarly, the second outer coupling mechanism 53 is a cylindrical second fitting that is fitted in the sixth and seventh pin holes 34b and 35a formed in the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 without gaps in the axial direction. A dummy pin 68 is provided, so that the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 are always connected and swing together.

  Therefore, the normal cylinder exhaust side variable valve operating device 14 (C) can switch between the “LO1 mode” and the “HI mode”.

  In the “LO1 mode”, the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are integrally coupled, the fourth and fifth sub rocker arms 34 and 35 are integrally coupled, and the first exhaust valve 21A is coupled to the first LO cam. The second exhaust valve 21 </ b> B is opened and closed by the middle lift by the first LO cam 72.

  In the “HI mode”, the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 are all integrally coupled, and both the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B are opened and closed by the HI cam 71 with a high lift.

<Exhaust side variable valve operating device 14 (D) for idle cylinder>
As is apparent from FIGS. 15 and 16, the first outer coupling mechanism 52 is slidable in the fourth and fifth pin holes 31a and 32b formed in the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32, respectively. A cylindrical fourth coupling pin 64 and a cup-shaped third stopper pin 65 are provided, and the third stopper pin 65 is urged toward the fourth coupling pin 64 by a return spring 66.

  When the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 67b facing the axial end of the third stopper pin 65, the fourth connecting pin 64 and the third stopper pin 65 move together with the elastic force of the return spring 66, and the third stopper pin 65 is moved. As a result, the first and second sub-rocker arms 31 and 32 can be coupled to swing together. On the other hand, when the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 67a where the axial end of the fourth connecting pin 64 faces, the fourth connecting pin 64 and the third stopper pin 65 move against the elastic force of the return spring 66, and the second connecting pin 64 moves. Since the boundary between the four connecting pins 64 and the third stopper pin 65 coincides with the boundary between the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32, the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are separated from each other and independent from each other. And can be swung.

  The second outer coupling mechanism 53 includes cup-shaped second stopper pins 60 that are slidably fitted into sixth and seventh pin holes 34b and 35a formed in the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35, respectively. The third stopper pin 60 is urged toward the third connecting pin 61 by a return spring 62.

  When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 63b facing the axial end of the second stopper pin 60, the second stopper pin 60 and the third connecting pin 61 move together with the elastic force of the return spring 62, and the second stopper pin 60 is moved. As a result, the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 can be coupled to swing together. On the other hand, when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber 63a where the axial end of the third connecting pin 61 faces, the second stopper pin 60 and the third connecting pin 61 move against the elastic force of the return spring 62, and the second connecting pin 61 moves. 2 Since the boundary between the stopper pin 60 and the third connecting pin 6115 coincides with the boundary between the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35, the fourth and fifth sub-rocker arms 34 and 35 are separated from each other and independent from each other. Can be swung.

  Accordingly, the exhaust cylinder side variable valve device 14 (D) for the idle cylinder can switch between the “LO1 mode”, the “pause mode”, and the “HI mode”.

  In the “LO1 mode”, the first and second sub rocker arms 31 and 32 are integrally coupled, the fourth and fifth sub rocker arms 34 and 35 are integrally coupled, and the first exhaust valve 21A is coupled to the first LO cam. The second exhaust valve 21 </ b> B is opened and closed by the middle lift by the first LO cam 72.

  In the “pause mode”, the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 are all separated, and the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B are both paused.

  In the “HI mode”, the second to fourth sub-rocker arms 32 to 34 are integrally coupled, and both the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B are opened and closed by the HI cam 71 with a high lift.

  Next, functions and effects related to the configuration of the variable valve device 14 will be described.

  Further, the first and second coupling mechanisms 51 and 53 are connected to and disconnected from each other by the cams 71 to 74 provided on the intake camshaft 26 and the exhaust camshaft 27, respectively. Among the fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35, the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 located on both sides of the plug tube 70 in the camshaft axis L2 direction are the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35, respectively. When it comes closest to the plug tube 70 side as it swings, it overlaps at least a part of the plug tube 70 as seen in the camshaft axis L2 direction (see FIG. 5). It can be downsized.

  At this time, the inner coupling mechanism 51 sandwiched between the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 is offset in the direction away from the plug tube 70 with respect to the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53. Further, it is possible to prevent the inner coupling mechanism 51 from interfering with the plug tube 70 and further reduce the size of the internal combustion engine in the intake / exhaust direction.

  The cylinder head 12 includes a pair of fastening bosses 12a and 12a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) on both sides of the plug tube 70 in the camshaft axis L2 direction, and the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 are connected to the plug tube. Since it arrange | positions between 70 and a pair of fastening boss | hubs 12a and 12a, the dimension of the camshaft axis line L2 direction of the variable valve apparatus 14 can be reduced in size.

  Further, as is apparent from FIG. 7, the second and second rocker arms 36 and 37 contacting the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B or the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B are driven. Since the four sub rocker arms 32 and 34 are arranged to be shifted on both sides in the cam shaft axis L2 direction with respect to the center of the first to fifth sub rocker arms 31 to 35 in the cam shaft axis L2 direction. The sub rocker arms 32 and 34 and the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37 are aligned on the same plane as the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B or the first and second exhaust valves 21A and 21B, and the second The driving force of the fourth sub-rocker arms 32 and 34 is supplied to the first and second intake valves 19A and 19B or the first and second exhaust valves via the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37. 1A, it can be efficiently transmitted to 21B.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, although the first to fifth sub rocker arms 31 to 35 and the first and second rocker arms 36 and 37 are provided in the embodiment, the present invention is directed to a variable valve operating apparatus that does not have a sub rocker arm. Can also be applied.

  In the embodiment, the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 are provided below the intake and exhaust rocker shafts 28 and 29 (see FIG. 2). 29, that is, in a portion having high rigidity near the contact portion with the lost motion spring 47, the strength in the vicinity of the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 can be increased. Moreover, since the first and second outer coupling mechanisms 52 and 53 can be brought closer to the intake and exhaust rocker shafts 28 and 29, the response is achieved by reducing the moment of inertia of the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35. Can increase the sex.

  In the embodiment, the first to fifth sub-rocker arms 31 to 35 are supported by the intake rocker shaft 28 and the exhaust rocker shaft 29. However, they can be supported via a hydraulic tappet.

  In the embodiment, the intake camshaft 26 and the exhaust camshaft 27 are connected by a timing chain 87 and driven in the same direction. However, the intake camshaft 26 and the exhaust camshaft 27 are connected by a gear to each other. It can be driven in the reverse direction.

  The plug tube 70 may be integrated with the cylinder head 12 or may be a separate body.

  Although the V-type 6-cylinder internal combustion engine is exemplified in the embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a V-type multi-cylinder internal combustion engine other than the V-type 6-cylinder and an in-line multi-cylinder internal combustion engine.

View of the left and right banks of a V-type 6-cylinder internal combustion engine viewed from above 2-2 line enlarged sectional view of FIG. 3-3 sectional view of FIG. Sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. Action explanatory view at the time of opening of the engine valve corresponding to FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. FIG. 6 arrow 7 view (normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device) Sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6 (normal cylinder intake side variable valve operating device) 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6 (intake side variable valve operating device for a normal cylinder). Exploded perspective view of sub rocker arm, rocker arm and hydraulic tappet FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 (intake side variable valve operating device for a deactivated cylinder). FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 (intake side variable valve operating device for idle cylinder) FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 (exhaust side variable valve operating device for normal cylinder). FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 (exhaust side variable valve operating device for normal cylinders). The figure corresponding to the said FIG. 7 (exhaust side variable valve apparatus for idle cylinders) FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 (exhaust side variable valve operating device for idle cylinder).

Explanation of symbols

12 Cylinder head 12a Fastening boss 19A, 19B Intake valve (engine valve)
21A, 21B Exhaust valve (engine valve)
26 Intake camshaft (camshaft)
27 Exhaust camshaft (camshaft)
31 1st sub rocker arm (engine valve drive member)
32 Second sub rocker arm (engine valve drive member)
33 3rd sub rocker arm (engine valve drive member)
34 4th sub rocker arm (engine valve drive member)
35 Fifth sub rocker arm (engine valve drive member)
51 Inner coupling mechanism (coupling mechanism)
52 First outer coupling mechanism (coupling mechanism)
53 Second outer coupling mechanism (coupling mechanism)
70 Plug tube 71 HI cam (cam)
72 1st LO cam (cam)
73 Second LO cam (cam)
74 Base circle cam (cam)
L1 Cylinder axis L2 Camshaft axis

Claims (5)

A plug tube (70) extending in the cylinder axis (L1) direction from the cylinder head (12) of the internal combustion engine;
Camshafts (26, 27) provided on the side of the plug tube (70) in the intake / exhaust direction and driven to rotate by a crankshaft;
A plurality of engine valve drive members (31-31) driven to swing by cams (71-74) provided on the camshafts (26, 27) and connected and disconnected from each other by connection mechanisms (51, 52, 53). 35)
In a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising:
A pair of coupling mechanisms (52, 53) located on both sides of the plug tube (70) in the camshaft axis (L2) direction are connected to the plug tube (70) as the engine valve drive members (31 to 35) swing. ), When viewed in the camshaft axis (L2) direction, it overlaps at least a part of the plug tube (70).   The cylinder head (12) includes a pair of fastening bosses (12a) on both sides of the plug tube (70) in the camshaft axis (L2) direction, and the pair of coupling mechanisms (52, 53) are connected to the plug tube ( 70) and the pair of fastening bosses (12a), the variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the variable valve operating apparatus is disposed between the pair of fastening bosses (12a). The engine valve drive member comprises first to fifth engine valve drive members (31 to 35) juxtaposed with each other,
The connection mechanism (51, 52, 53) includes a first outer connection mechanism (52) for connecting and releasing the first and second engine valve drive members (31, 32), and fourth and fifth engine valve drives. A second outer coupling mechanism (53) for coupling and decoupling the members (34, 35),
The first or second outer coupling mechanism (52, 53) overlaps at least a part of the plug tube (70) when viewed in the camshaft axis (L2) direction. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 2.   The engine valve drive members (32 to 34) excluding at least the first and fifth engine valve drive members (31, 35) of the first to fifth engine valve drive members (31 to 35) are connected and disconnected. An inner connecting mechanism (51) is provided, and the first and second outer connecting mechanisms (52, 53) and the inner connecting mechanism (51) are offset from each other when viewed in the camshaft axis (L2) direction. The variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 3, wherein   The pair of coupling mechanisms (52, 53) and the pair of engine valve drive members (32, 34) that transmit driving force to the pair of engine valves (19A, 19B; 21A, 21B) include the plurality of engine valves. The offset of the drive member (31-35) in the direction of the engine valve axis (L2) with respect to the center of the width in the direction of the camshaft axis (L2). 2. A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to item 1.

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