MXPA00004933A - Method and system start-up apparatus for removing air and debris from a valve actuation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a start-up system (200) for an engine valve actuation assembly. The start-up system (200) may comprise a removal assembly for removing at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly during an engine start-up operation. The removal assembly may include a supply assembly for supplying fluid to the engine valve actuation assembly under high pressure to remove at least one of air and debris from the engine valve actuation assembly. The supply assembly may include a storage assembly for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the storage assembly. The fluid may be supplied under pressure from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly. Furthermore, the fluid may be supplied under an influence of gravity from the storage assembly to the engine valve actuation assembly.

Description

METHOD AND STARTING DEVICE PE SYSTEM TO REMOVE AIR AND DIRT FROM A SYSTEM OF VALVE OPERATION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application relates to and claims priority over the United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 066,703, filed on November 21, 1997 entitled "System Boot Device". FIELD OF THE NORTH ION The present invention relates to an engine valve operating system for controlling inlet and exhaust events for an internal combustion engine. In particular, the invention is directed to an operation system for filling the valve operation system with hydraulic fluid and removing air from the valve operation system at engine start and while the system is running. Additionally, the invention relates to the removal of accumulation air from a valve actuation system. BACKGROUND OF THE I NVENTION Conventional valve operation systems consist of combinations of distribution shafts, thrust rod or thrust tubes, exhaust cams and valve lifters. The rotation of the distribution shaft is mechanically related to the rotation of the engine crankshaft. Therefore, the openings and valve closures are fixed to the rotation of a crankshaft. Total authority is defined as having the ability to control the openings and closures of the inlet and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine regardless of the rotational position of the engine crankshaft. The control of the exhaust and inlet valves of four-cycle internal combustion engines, conventionally, is achieved by mechanical or hydro-mechanical systems operated synchronously with the rotation of the engine crankshaft. The timing of the valve openings is fixed relative to the crankshaft position by direct mechanical articulation of the valve drive system with the crankshaft. In any cylinder, of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the openings and closures of exhaust and closing valves, in conjunction with the fuel mixture and either ignition or fuel injection, are predetermined to provide optimum positive energy over a range of engine speeds. Oil aeration occurs when oil and air are mixed together. Aeration includes four different forms: air dissolved in oil, retained air, accumulated air, and foam. Accumulated air refers to large masses of trapped air, such as air pockets. In a brake housing this situation is created when the oil leaks around the pistons and fixing screws after the engine has settled for a period of time. The retained air describes air pockets that are suspended uniformly through the oil but are not assimilated into the oil as dissolved air. The delineating factor between the retained air and the accumulated air is the size of the voids it creates. Commonly, all that is 1 mm in diameter and less is defined as retained air. Therefore, the contained air assumes everything that is greater than 1 mm in diameter. Finally, foam is the occurrence of a separate layer of air bubbles on the surface of a fluid. Fully hydraulic valve drive systems are subjected to oil aeration. The prolonged sedentary states of the engine also promote the accumulation of air contained in the hydraulic housing due to leaks. The air contained in the system, especially in the start-up mode, can adversely affect the movement of the valve. In particular, depending on the amount of air trapped in the system at start-up, the entrained air can delay or possibly prevent the opening of the valve in response to hydraulic fluid being pumped through the system. Without removing existing air content, the system can be paralyzed or operate improperly, which can cause the opening of the valve in times not prescribed. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a hydro-mechanical total authority valve operation system that ensures correct operation in cold engine start regardless of the ambient temperature of the engine at the time of start-up. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a total hydro-mechanical authority system which ensures proper operation of cold engine start regardless of the air retained in the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydro-mechanical total authority system that operates effectively at all normal engine operating speeds (RPM range). Still another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly and method for removing air in a fully hydraulic valve drive system during system startup. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly and method for removing air in a fully hydraulic valve drive system while the system is operating. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly and method for removing air from a fully hydraulic valve drive system while the system is operating. BR EVE D ESCR I I NN TION P RIO N The present invention comprises a device for the removal of contained air from a total authority valve operating the system. It also allows the removal of retained air once the valve operation system is operating. A small continuous leak provides the system with a way to circulate the oil through the hydraulic circuit, which allows particle removal and cooling of the housing. The present invention relates to an improved valve drive system for driving at least one valve in a motor during a motor operation. The valve drive system includes a master piston assembly for providing drive power to drive the at least one valve, a branch piston assembly for driving the at least one valve, and a transfer assembly for transferring the energy of the valve. drive of the master piston assembly to the derived piston assembly. The improved valve drive system includes a removal assembly for removing at least one of air and dirt from the transfer assembly during a motor starting operation. The disposal assembly may include a supply assembly for supplying fluid to the transfer set under high pressure. The delivery assembly may include a passage connected to a source of high pressure fluid. The supply assembly may comprise a storage assembly for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the storage assembly. The fluid can be supplied under pressure from the storage assembly to the transfer assembly. Additionally, the fluid may be provided under the influence of gravity from the storage assembly to the transfer assembly. The disposal assembly may include at least one discharge assembly for removing at least one of air and dirt from the transfer assembly during a motor starting operation. The at least one discharge assembly can additionally remove at least one of air and dirt from the transfer assembly during a braking operation. The at least one discharge assembly can be located in a high pressure portion of the transfer assembly. The at least one discharge assembly is located in a low pressure portion of the assembly transfer. Each of the at least one discharge assembly may include a set of valves. The valve assembly can be opened at a predetermined first pressure to allow the removal of at least one of air and dirt. The valve assembly can be closed at a second predetermined pressure to prevent the removal of at least one of air and dirt. The second predetermined pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure. The valve drive system may additionally include an accumulator assembly for absorbing drive energy in the transfer assembly during predetermined motor operating conditions. The present invention also relates to a starting system for a motor valve drive system. The starting system may comprise a removal assembly for removing at least one of air and dirt from the motor valve drive system during a motor starting operation. The disposal assembly may include a supply assembly for supplying fluid to the engine valve drive system under high pressure to remove at least one of air and dirt from the engine valve drive system. The supply assembly may include a storage assembly for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the storage assembly. The fluid can be provided under pressure from the storage assembly to the motor valve drive system. Additionally, the fluid can be provided under a gravity influence of the storage assembly to the motor valve drive system. The starter system may additionally include a heating assembly for heating hydraulic fluid contained in the starting system. The disposal assembly may include at least one discharge assembly for removing at least one of air and dirt from the engine valve drive system during a motor starting operation. The at least one discharge assembly can additionally eliminate at least one of air and dirt during a braking operation. The at least one discharge assembly can be a high pressure discharge assembly. Each of the at least one discharge assembly can be a low pressure discharge assembly. Each of the at least one discharge assembly includes a set of valves. The valve assembly can be opened at a predetermined first pressure to allow the removal of at least one of air and dirt. The valve assembly can be closed at a second predetermined pressure to prevent the removal of at least one of air and dirt. The second predetermined pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure. The starter system further includes an accumulator assembly for absorbing drive energy in the valve drive system during predetermined engine operating conditions. The present invention is also directed to a method for removing at least one of air and dirt from a motor valve drive system during a motor starting operation. The method includes the step of filling the engine valve drive system with operating fluid under pressure. The method further includes the step of removing at least one of air and dirt from the engine valve drive system, wherein the pressurized operating fluid forces the at least one air and dirt from the engine valve drive system . The step of removing at least one of air and dirt may include forcing the at least one of air and dirt through at least one unloading device located in the motor valve drive system. The method may further comprise the step of heating the operating fluid during the start-up operation of the engine. The method may further include the step of absorbing excess operating fluid during the engine starting operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. The present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures in which similar reference numerals refer to similar elements where: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a valve control starting system according to the present invention. invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a valve control starting system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of a valve control starting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system 100 for filling a valve operation system 10 with hydraulic fluid during engine start-up and for eliminating any accumulation of air in the valve operation system 10. The system of valve operation 10 includes a master piston assembly 1 1 which is operated by a distribution shaft 12. The master piston assembly 1 1 is hydraulically connected to a derivative piston assembly 13 through a hydraulic passage 13 through of a hp 14. A valve 15 is provided in passage 14. When the valve 15 is closed, the movement derived from the master piston assembly 1 1 is transferred directly to the branch piston assembly 13 to operate a motor valve. When the valve 15 is open, the movement of the master piston assembly 1 1 is transferred to the accumulator 16. The accumulator 16 absorbs the movement derived from the master piston assembly 1 1 so that the derived piston assembly 13 does not operate the associated valve or the valve opening is modified. During operation of the valve operation system 10, the hydraulic fluid may leak from the system 10. This may also occur when the engine is not running. As a result, air pockets can be developed in the hydraulic passage 14. This can affect the opening of a motor valve in response to movement of the master piston assembly 11, especially in a total authority system. In particular, the generated movement of the master piston assembly 1 1 can be absorbed in an air bag; instead of being transferred directly to the branch piston assembly 13. As a result, the branch piston assembly 13 may not operate the engine valves properly when necessary. The present invention prevents this from occurring. The inventor of the present invention contemplates that the starting system 100 can be added to existing systems or it can be designed in new valve operation systems. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a master piston assembly 1 10. The master piston assembly 10 can derive movement from a thrust tube or push rod 1 of an injector rocker arm. However, it is contemplated that the present invention is not limited to a master piston assembly 10 which derives its movement from a thrust tube; rather, a dedicated cam or any other form of proper movement can be employed. Additionally, it is contemplated that the master piston assembly 10 that is operated electronically in response to electronic motor controls in place of a thrust tube is within the scope of the present invention. The system 100 also includes an accumulator 120. The system 100 is connected to the valve operating system 10 through a hydraulic fluid passage 130. The passage 130 may contain a check valve 140 positioned therein. The check valve 140 prevents the return of the hydraulic fluid flow from the system 10 to the system 100. The accumulator 120 may include a relief port 121 for venting hydraulic fluid in order to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the accumulator 120. The system 100 may also include a supply of hydraulic fluid 150. Supply 150 may include a check valve 160 to prevent back flow of hydraulic fluid from system 100 to supply 140. Operation of system 100 will be described below.

Before starting the engine, system 10 does not operate. As a result, the hydraulic fluid may have been drained from the passageway 14 leaving trapair, which may cause insufficient fluid pressure in the system 10 to operate effectively. At the start of the engine, the thrust tube 1 supplies energy in the form of movement to the master piston assembly 1 10. In response to the movement of the master piston assembly 110, the hydraulic fluid from the fluid source 150 is supplied at high pressure (up to 200 psi, for example) to the valve operating system 10. The high pressure fluid inlet forces any air bubbles trapin the system 10 to vent them through the branch piston assembly 13 and the master piston assembly 1 1 . As a result, the system 10 is ready for operation without any air retained in seconds after the engine starts. An air discharge device 280, as shown in Figure 2, can also be provided in system 10 and system 100 to allow air ventilation trapin systems 10 and 100. System 100 can operate continuously during engine operation. In this manner, system 100 can provide hydraulic fluid to system 10 to eliminate any air trapin system 10 that may result from leakage during operation. The accumulator 120 serves to prevent buildup of excessive pressure in the system 100. Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The starting system 200 can be connected to a total authority valve actuating system 20. The valve operating system 20 includes a master piston assembly 21. The master piston assembly 21 is operated by a distribution shaft, a thrust tube of a rotating arm or some other suitable source of movement. The master piston assembly 21 provides movement to a branch piston assembly 23 through a conduit 22. The branch piston assembly 23 operates at least one cylinder valve, not shown. The branch piston assembly 23 may include a valve seat assembly 231 for providing smooth valve seat during the operation of the branch piston assembly 23. The system 20 may also include a valve 24. The valve 24 is preferably a trip valve Of high speed. An accumulator 25 can be provided. The starting system 200 includes a pressure source 21 0.

The pressure source 210 directs hydraulic fluid to a thrust chamber 220. The inventors of the present invention have contemplated that the pressure source 210 may be any suitable means for supplying fluid including but not limited to an auxiliary pump (e.g. mechanical pump, an electric pump, and a pressure pump) a lubricant crankcase or other oil container that supplies oil by other means. The thrust chamber 220 can supply hydraulic fluid to more than one valve operating system. A source of hydraulic fluid 230 supplies hydraulic fluid to system 200 of, for example, a supply of engine oil through line 241. A valve 250 (eg, a check valve) may be provided in the conduit 241 to prevent the return flow of hydraulic fluid from the pressure source 21 0 to the thrust chamber 220. The pressure source 210 supplies hydraulic fluid to the thrust chamber 220 through the conduit 242 so that a sufficient quantity of hydraulic fluid is located in the thrust chamber 220. A valve 260 can be provided between the thrust chamber 220 and the pressure source 210 in the conduit 242 to prevent back flow of fluid to the pressure source 210 of the pumping chamber 220. The thrust chamber 220, as shown in Figure 2, can also be provided in the system 10 and system 100 for allow air ventilation trapin systems 1 0 and 1 00. System 1 00 can operate continuously during engine operation. In this way, the system 1 00 can supply hydraulic fluid to the system 1 0 to eliminate any air trapin the system 1 0 that could result in leakage during the operation. The accumulator 1 20 s irves to avoid the accumulation of excessive pressure in system 1 00.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, the starting system 200 may be connected to a total authority valve actuating system 20. The valve actuating system 20 includes a master piston assembly 21. The master piston assembly 21 is operated by a distribution shaft, a thrust tube or an exhaust cam, or some suitable source of movement. The master piston assembly 21 supplies movement to a bypass piston assembly 23 through a conduit 22. The branch piston assembly 23 operates at least one cylinder valve, not shown. The branch piston assembly 23 may include a valve seat assembly 231 to provide smooth valve seat during the operation of the branch piston assembly 23. The system 20 may also include a valve 24. The valve 24 is preferably a trip valve Of high speed. An accumulator 25 can be provided.

The starting system 200 includes a pressure source 210 directs hydraulic fluid to a thrust chamber 220. The inventors of the present invention contemplate that the pressure source 210 may be any suitable means for supplying fluid, including but not limited to a pump auxiliary (for example, a mechanical pump, an electric pump, and a pressure pump) a lubricant crankcase or other oil container that supplies oil by other means. The thrust chamber 220 can supply hydraulic fluid to more than one valve operating system. A source of hydraulic fluid 230 supplies hydraulic fluid to the system 200 of, for example, a supply of engine oil through line 241. A valve 250 (e.g., a check valve) may be provided in line 241 to prevent the return flow of hydraulic fluid from the pressure source 210 to the thrust chamber 220. The pressure source 210 supplies hydraulic fluid to the thrust chamber 220 through the conduit 242 so that a sufficient amount of hydraulic fluid is located in the thrust chamber 220. A valve 260 may be provided between the thrust chamber 220 and the pressure source 210 in the conduit 242 to prevent the return flow of fluid to the pressure source 210 of the thrust chamber 220. The thrust chamber 220 supplies hydraulic fluid to the valve operating system 20 through the conduit 243. A valve 270 can be provided between the thrust chamber 220 and the s system 20 in the conduit 243 to prevent the return flow of fluid to the thrust chamber 220. The thrust chamber 220 may be provided with a discharge device 280. The discharge device 280 allows air to be trapped in the chamber of air. push 220. Additionally, the discharge device 280 will vent hydraulic fluid through in the event of excessive pressure build-up in the push chamber 220. The push chamber 220 may also be provided with an accumulator, as shown for example in the Figure 1, to avoid the accumulation of excessive pressure in the thrust chamber 220. Additionally, the system 20 is provided with a discharge device 26 to allow air ventilation trapped in the system 20. Additionally, the discharge devices described above with reference to Figures 5-12 may be incorporated in the system 20. The push chamber 220 may be provided with a heating element. to heat the hydraulic fluid in the thrust chamber 220. This heats the hydraulic fluid to improve the viscosity of the fluid during engine start-up. The operation of the starting system 200 will now be described. The thrust chamber 220 through the influence of gravity provides a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid to the system 20. This supply limits the retention of air in the system 20. Specifically, any air which may be in the system 20 will be forced outwardly through clearances in the branch piston assembly 23 and the master piston assembly 21. Additionally, a discharge assembly 26 may be provided in the system 20 to allow trapped air to escape. This embodiment of the present invention is based on the force generated by the stored hydraulic fluid instead of relying on the force generated by the push rod, as described above in relation to Figure 1. With this configuration, system 200 operates even when the engine is off. Figure 3 describes another embodiment of the starting system according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows the starter system 300 in a lost motion total authority valve drive system 30. The use of the system 30 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the application of the present invention. The system 30 includes a housing 31. A master piston assembly 32 can be slidably received in the housing 31. The master piston assembly 32 derives movement from a cam 1. The movement generated by the master piston assembly 32 is transmitted through hydraulic fluid (such as, for example, engine oil) located in a conduit 33 located in the housing 31. The housing 31 includes at least one branch piston assembly 34 that is capable of operating at least one valve. The system 30 also includes a valve assembly 35. The valve assembly 35 is connected to a supply of hydraulic fluid through the conduit 36. Operation of the valve assembly 35 will allow the hydraulic fluid to flow into the system 30. An accumulator 37 it may be provided in communication with the conduit 36 to absorb any accumulation of hydraulic fluid in the conduit 36 when the valve 35 is closed. The accumulator 37 is provided with a relief port 361 for venting hydraulic fluid in the event of an excessive accumulation of pressure in the accumulator 37. In this way, excessive hydraulic fluid can be discharged from the system 30 during each operation cycle. The conduit 36 is connected to the starting system 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The starter system 300 includes a pump assembly 310 that is connected to the hydraulic fluid supply. The pump assembly 310 supplies high pressure fluid to the valve assembly 35. When the valve assembly 35 is opened, the high pressure fluid forces an air that may be trapped in the system 30 to be expelled through the surrounding passages. the master piston assembly 32 and the branch piston assemblies 34. Additionally, a discharge device 26, described above, may be provided for venting the system 30. Additionally, the system 300 includes a heating assembly 320 for heating the hydraulic fluid in the system 300. The heating assembly 320 is preferably an in-line electric heating element. However, it is contemplated that other elements are capable of being used to heat the hydraulic fluid and are considered within the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the construction and configuration of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the invention. It is contemplated that the present invention be capable of operating during a positive energy motor operating condition. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present invention is capable of operating during other operating conditions (ie, not positive energy). Although this invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally, it is contemplated that any branch piston and / or master piston can be used as a drive system in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the preferred embodiment of the invention as set forth herein is intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Claims (17)

1. REVIVALS 1. In a valve actuating system for actuating at least one valve in a motor during a motor operation, said valve actuating system includes a master piston assembly for supplying drive power to drive said at least one. a valve, a derivative piston assembly for actuating such at least one valve, and a transfer assembly connected to and extending between said master piston assembly and said branch piston assembly, an improvement comprising: removal means for Discharging at least one of air and dirt from such a transfer assembly during a motor starting operation, wherein said elimination means is connected to said transfer assembly, wherein said elimination means includes a supply means for supplying fluid to such transfer set under high pressure during at least one operation of a Starting the engine to discharge at least one of air and dirt from said transfer set.
2. 2. The valve drive system according to claim 1, wherein said supply means includes a passage connected to a source of high pressure fluid.
3. The valve drive system according to claim 1, wherein said supply means comprises: storage means for storing a supply of hydraulic fluid; and fluid supply means for supplying fluid to such storage medium.
4. The valve drive system according to Claim 3, wherein fluid is supplied under pressure from such storage means to said transfer assembly.
5. The valve drive system according to Claim 3, wherein fluid is supplied under a gravity influence of such storage means to said transfer assembly.
6. 6. The valve drive system in accordance with the Claim 1, wherein said disposal means includes at least one discharge assembly for removing at least one of air and dirt from such transfer assembly during a motor starting operation.
7. 7. The valve drive system in accordance with the Claim 6, wherein said at least one discharge assembly further removes at least one of air and dirt from such transfer assembly during a motor operation.
8. The valve drive system according to Claim 6, wherein said at least one discharge assembly is located in a high pressure portion of said transfer assembly.
9. The valve drive system according to Claim 6, wherein said at least one discharge assembly is located in a low pressure portion of said transfer assembly.
10. The valve drive system according to Claim 6, wherein said at least one unloading assembly includes a set of valves.
11. The valve drive system according to Claim 10, wherein said valve assembly is opened at a predetermined first pressure to allow the removal of at least one of air and dirt.
12. The valve drive system according to Claim 1 1, wherein said valve assembly is closed at a second predetermined pressure to prevent the removal of at least one of air and dirt.
13. The valve drive system according to Claim 12, wherein said second predetermined pressure is greater than said first predetermined pressure.
14. The valve drive system according to Claim 1, further comprising an accumulator assembly for absorbing drive energy in said transfer assembly during predetermined motor operating conditions.
15. 15. The valve drive system according to claim 1, further comprising heating means for heating hydraulic fluid contained in said valve drive system.
16. 16. The valve drive system according to Claim 6, wherein said at least one discharge assembly is a high pressure discharge assembly.
17. 17. The valve drive system according to Claim 6, wherein said at least one discharge assembly is a low pressure discharge assembly.