WO2001020151A1 - Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset - Google Patents

Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001020151A1
WO2001020151A1 PCT/US2000/025502 US0025502W WO0120151A1 WO 2001020151 A1 WO2001020151 A1 WO 2001020151A1 US 0025502 W US0025502 W US 0025502W WO 0120151 A1 WO0120151 A1 WO 0120151A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control valve
valve
clipping
accumulator
hydraulic fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/025502
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard J. Little, Jr.
Original Assignee
Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc. filed Critical Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
Priority to EP00971979A priority Critical patent/EP1222375A4/en
Publication of WO2001020151A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001020151A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/20—Adjusting or compensating clearance
    • F01L1/22—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically
    • F01L1/24—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically
    • F01L1/2411—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically by means of a hydraulic adjusting device located between the valve stem and rocker arm
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L13/00—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations
    • F01L13/06—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations for braking
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L13/00—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations
    • F01L13/06—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations for braking
    • F01L13/065—Compression release engine retarders of the "Jacobs Manufacturing" type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L3/00—Lift-valve, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces; Parts or accessories thereof
    • F01L3/10—Connecting springs to valve members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L9/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements actuated non-mechanically
    • F01L9/10—Valve-gear or valve arrangements actuated non-mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D13/00—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing
    • F02D13/02—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing during engine operation
    • F02D13/04—Controlling the engine output power by varying inlet or exhaust valve operating characteristics, e.g. timing during engine operation using engine as brake
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02—Valve drive
    • F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
    • F01L1/08—Shape of cams
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02—Valve drive
    • F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
    • F01L1/047—Camshafts
    • F01L2001/0471—Assembled camshafts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L2760/00—Control of valve gear to facilitate reversing, starting, braking of four stroke engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L2760/00—Control of valve gear to facilitate reversing, starting, braking of four stroke engines
    • F01L2760/003—Control of valve gear to facilitate reversing, starting, braking of four stroke engines for switching to compressor action in order to brake
    • F01L2760/004—Control of valve gear to facilitate reversing, starting, braking of four stroke engines for switching to compressor action in order to brake whereby braking is exclusively produced by compression in the cylinders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the control of exhaust and intake valves during positive power and engine braking.
  • the present invention is directed to a control valve that combines a check valve and a shuttle valve for use in a lost motion engine brake system.
  • the present invention is also directed to a system and method to allow the clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system.
  • the compression brake system as originally disclosed in the '392 patent has evolved in many aspects, including improvements on the control valves (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,386,809 to Reedy et al.; see also U.S. Patent No. 4,996,957 to Meistrick, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.) Improvements have also been made in the piston actuation assembly (see U.S. Patent No. 4,475,500 to Bostelman). In a typical modern compression braking system, the exhaust valves are normally operated during the engine's power mode by an exhaust rocker lever.
  • a control valve separates the braking system into a high pressure circuit and a low pressure circuit using a check valve which prevents flow of high pressure fluid back into the low pressure supply circuit, thereby allowing the formation of a hydraulic link in the high pressure circuit.
  • Various problems are known in conventional compression braking system.
  • a time delay may occur between the actuation of the three-way solenoid valve and the onset of the braking mode. This time delay is due in part to the positioning of the solenoid valve a spaced distance from the control valve, which creates longer than ideal fluid passages and thus delayed response time.
  • the high pressure circuit may also comprise long fluid passages between the master and slave pistons, which disadvantageous ⁇ increase the compressed fluid volume and thus the response time.
  • the braking system is a bolt-on accessory that fits above the overhead.
  • a spacer is positioned between the cylinder head and the valve cover.
  • the valve cover is bolted to the spacer, which adds unnecessary height, weight, and costs to the engine.
  • a control valve is used to control the flow of pressurized fluid to the rocker arm cylinder so as to permit selective switching between braking operation and normal power operation.
  • the control valve unit is positioned separately from the rocker arm assembly, however, which results in unnecessarily long fluid delivery passages and therefore a longer response time. This may also lead to an unnecessarily large amount of oil that must be compressed before activation of the braking system can occur, resulting in less control over the timing of the compression braking.
  • Jonsson also discloses using the control valve to control the flow of fluid to a predetermined set of cylinders in the engine, thereby undesirably preventing individual engine cylinders or different groups of engine cylinders from being selectively operated in the braking mode.
  • control valve as disclosed by Jonsson is a manually-operated, rotary type valve requiring actuation by the driver. Manual operation often results in unreliable and inefficient braking operation. Also, rotary valves are subject to undesirable fluid leakage between the rotary valve member and its associated cylindrical bore.
  • Haviland discloses a compression braking system with a control valve unit for enabling the formation of a hydraulic link.
  • the control valve unit is mounted in a cavity formed in a rocker arm that operates the exhaust valves during the braking mode. Separate cam lobes are used for normal power operation and braking operation. However, a single rocker arm is used to actuate the exhaust valves during both normal and braking modes.
  • a drawback in this design is that the braking cam lobe profile design, and therefore the braking system operation, may be at least partially dependent on, or influenced by, the design of the cam lobe used for operating the exhaust valve during normal engine operation.
  • Quenneville discloses a solenoid valve assembly with an inlet communicating with a supply of fluid, and one or more outlet passages communicating with respective loads requiring intermittent fluid supply and a drain passage.
  • a respective ball valve is positioned between the inlet and each outlet and is spring-biased to block flow between the supply and outlet passage while opening the drain passage.
  • An armature and pin are actuated to move the ball valve so as to connect the supply to the outlet and close the drain passage.
  • the valve assembly in the actuated position permits supply flow to the outlet passage, it does not prevent the return flow of fluid from the outlet passage into the supply passage and therefore does not permit the formation of a hydraulic link between different pressurized circuits as required by a control valve during compression braking system operation.
  • the design of the present invention integrates the check and shuttle valves into a single unit. This single unit serves to control the flow of oil within the integrated lost motion rocker brake.
  • the present invention also provides a system and method to allow the clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system. The present invention meets these needs and provides other benefits as well.
  • the invention is a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to the engine valve, wherein the engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, having an improvement comprising means for checking hydraulic fluid to provide constant directional flow of hydraulic fluid for automatic lash adjustment of a valve actuating piston having an upper end and a lower end; and means for controlling a supply of hydraulic fluid in order to provide actuation of the engine valve by the piston.
  • the engine valve assembly may further comprise an accumulator slidably disposed in an accumulator bore in the upper end of the piston, the accumulator being biased upward by an accumulator spring, having a swivel foot disposed on a valve stem of the engine valve, and wherein the lower end of the piston is in contact with the swivel foot.
  • the braking system of the present invention may combine the hydraulic fluid checking means and the controlling means together in the control valve.
  • the control valve may further comprise a control valve body having an upper end and a lower end and being slidably disposed in a control valve bore in the rocker arm and biased upward by a control valve spring, an inner body having a ball seat formed therein, and a check ball disposed in the inner body and biased upward by a check spring.
  • the control valve body may further comprise an upper annulus located toward the upper end of the control valve body, a lower annulus located toward the lower end of the control valve body, a middle annulus located around the control valve body between the upper annulus and the lower annulus, a first horizontal bore which diametrically spans the control valve body, having each end of the first horizontal bore opening within the upper annulus, and a second horizontal bore, which diametrically spans the control valve body, having each end of the second horizontal bore opening within the middle annulus, and wherein a first vertical bore and a second vertical bore are axially disposed in the inner body about a longitudinal axis.
  • the check ball may be disposed in the second vertical bore, and the first vertical bore may connect the first horizontal bore with the second horizontal bore to provide hydraulic communication from the upper annulus, through the control valve body, to the middle annulus.
  • the braking system may further comprise a hydraulic system having a switched low pressure supply circuit and a constant low pressure supply circuit connected to the hydraulic fluid supply and to the control valve, and a lashless fluid supply circuit and an accumulator control circuit connecting the control valve to the engine valve assembly.
  • the control valve may index in the control valve bore, aligning the middle annulus with the lashless fluid supply circuit and the accumulator control circuit so that the lashless fluid supply circuit and the accumulator control circuit become hydraulically locked and the motion of the cam is translated directly into the motion of the engine valve.
  • the hydraulic fluid controlling means may further comprise an accumulator control circuit and a switched low pressure supply circuit for providing clipping of the valve actuating piston and thereby provide lost motion braking.
  • the braking system may further comprise a clipping/reset spool disposed in the cam shaft, and the clipping/reset spool may further comprise a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound.
  • the plurality of clipping annuluses may each form a reduced diameter about only a portion of the clipping/reset spool, such that when the reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into the supply of hydraulic fluid, and when a full outer diameter portion of the clipping/reset spool is aligned with the clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, the accumulator control circuit is closed and hydraulically locked, and the rocker assembly follows a braking bump on the cam.
  • Applicant has developed an innovative and economical design for clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system.
  • the invention is a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to the engine valve, wherein the engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, and the improvement comprising a clipping/reset spool disposed in the cam shaft and connected to an accumulator control circuit, wherein movement of the clipping/reset spool provides clipping of a valve actuating piston and thereby lost motion braking, and wherein the clipping/reset spool further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound, the plurality of clipping annuluses each forming a reduced diameter about only a portion of the clipping/reset spool, such that when the reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into the supply of hydraulic
  • the accumulator control circuit may further comprise a check valve biased by a check valve spring, wherein the check valve checks a supply of hydraulic fluid in the accumulator control circuit.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a cross section in elevation of a control valve for a rocker brake valve actuation assembly during positive power operation according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a cross section in elevation of control valve for a rocker brake valve actuation assembly during braking operation according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 4a depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during Stage 1 of positive power operation.
  • Fig.4b depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during Stage 2 of positive power operation.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during braking operation.
  • Fig. 6a depicts a cross section in elevation of a rotationally driven, ported rocker arm and valve system for clipping/reset of a lost motion circuit according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6b depicts a cross section in elevation of the rotationally driven, ported rocker arm and valve system for clipping/reset of a lost motion circuit of Fig. 6a, rotated 90° about a vertical axis.
  • Fig. 7 depicts a cross section in elevation of a linear-activated, ported rocker arm and valve system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature axial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature radial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature radial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention utilizing a different assembly technique.
  • Valve actuation assembly 1 comprises control valve 20 according to the present invention and engine valve assembly 10 from the known art.
  • Control valve 20 is housed in rocker arm 400 (not shown) and is hydraulically connected to engine valve assembly 10.
  • known engine valve assembly 10 comprises engine valve 100, which further comprises upper portion or engine valve stem 105, engine valve spring 110, spring retainer 115, and swivel foot 120.
  • Engine valve spring 110 is held in place by spring retainer 115 which biases engine valve 100 upwards, that is, in a closed position.
  • Engine valve assembly 10 further comprises piston bore 106, which is disposed in rocker arm 400
  • Piston 130 further comprises lower end 131 and upper end 132, and is held in place in piston bore 106 during assembly by piston retaining ring 133.
  • Lower end 131 of piston 130 is shaped to seat in swivel foot 120.
  • Top end face 134 forms the top surface of upper end 132 of piston 130.
  • Engine valve assembly 10 further comprises accumulator 140, which is slidably disposed within accumulator bore 141 in upper end 132 of piston 130, and accumulator spring 145, which biases accumulator 140 toward washer 146. Washer 146 is held in place by accumulator retaining ring 147. Washer 146, accumulator retaining ring 147, accumulator 140, and accumulator bore 141 together proscribe the indexing distance of accumulator 140.
  • control valve 20 is hydraulically connected to piston bore 106.
  • Control valve bore 204 is preferably disposed in rocker arm 400 (not shown).
  • Control valve 20 comprises control valve body 200, which has an upper end 201 and a lower end 202.
  • Control valve body 200 is slidably disposed in control valve bore 204 about longitudinal axis 203 and indexes to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system.
  • Control valve body 200 limits the travel of control valve 20 by aligning flow paths for the hydraulic fluid, and thereby provides the lower stop for control valve 20.
  • control valve body 200 further comprises inner body 210.
  • Inner body 210 is secured within control valve body 200 by ductile locking ring 220.
  • Inner body 210 further comprises ball seat 211.
  • Check ball 230 is disposed in inner body 210 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235.
  • Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function.
  • Inner body 210 routs the flow of a constant hydraulic fluid supply to check ball 230, and provides an upper stop that allows indexing hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to the top surface of control valve body 200.
  • control valve body 200 further comprises control valve spring 240, which biases control valve body 200 upward, and ductile lock washer 250, which locks control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204.
  • Control valve spring 240 prevents movement of control valve 20 unless adequate hydraulic fluid pressure is provided at the top of control valve body 200. After the indexing hydraulic fluid supply is turned off, control valve spring 240 returns control valve body 200 to its initial, biased upward position.
  • Ductile lock washer 250 provides a simple means to lock the assembly of control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204, and provides a solid stop to limit the travel of control valve body 200.
  • Ductile lock washer 250 further comprises washer bore 251, through which hydraulic fluid may flow to atmosphere.
  • control valve body 200 further comprises three annuluses having a diameter less than that of control valve body 200: upper annulus 260 which is located toward upper end 201, lower annulus 262 which is located toward lower end 202, and middle annulus 261 therebetween.
  • Control valve body 200 further comprises first horizontal bore 270, which diametrically spans control valve body 200, having each end of first horizontal bore 270 opening within upper annulus 260, and second horizontal bore 271, which diametrically spans control valve body 200, having each end of second horizontal bore 271 opening within middle annulus 261.
  • First vertical bore 280 and second vertical bore 281 are axially disposed in inner body 210 about longitudinal axis 203. As embodied herein, first vertical bore 280 communicates with first horizontal bore 270 and second horizontal bore 271 to provide communication between upper annulus 260 and middle annulus 261.
  • Second vertical bore 281 houses check spring 235.
  • Valve actuation assembly 1 further comprises of four hydraulic circuits. Two circuits, collectively 300, enter control valve 20: switched low pressure supply circuit 320, which preferably contains hydraulic fluid at about 50 psi, and constant low pressure supply circuit
  • Switched low-pressure supply circuit 320 connects the hydraulic fluid supply to control valve bore 204 at control valve body upper end 201.
  • Constant low pressure supply circuit 330 connects the hydraulic fluid supply through upper annulus 260 and first horizontal bore 270 into inner body 210, past check ball 230 and through middle annulus 261 into lashless fluid supply circuit 340.
  • lashless fluid supply circuit 340 connects piston bore 106 at piston upper end 132 to control valve bore 204 above accumulator control circuit 350. Lashless fluid supply circuit 340 biases piston 130 down so that it is always in contact with swivel foot 120, providing lashless operation.
  • Accumulator control circuit 350 connects control valve body lower end 202 to accumulator 140.
  • control valve 20 provides an efficient means to switch between positive power and braking in an integrated lost motion rocker brake.
  • Control valve 20 is preferably located within a rocker arm or shaft, however, the system of the present invention could also be contained in any device where a lost motion system is needed.
  • control valve 20 is shown during positive power mode of engine operation.
  • the rocker brake valve actuation assembly 1 of Fig. 1 operates as follows: a solenoid switch (not shown) is off.
  • Low pressure hydraulic fluid is present in hydraulic circuit 300, in both switched low pressure supply circuit 320 and constant low pressure supply circuit 330.
  • Control valve 20 is biased upward by control valve spring 240 because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from switched low pressure supply circuit 320 transmits less force than that from control valve spring 240.
  • upper annulus 260 is aligned with constant low pressure supply circuit 330
  • middle annulus 261 is aligned with lashless fluid supply circuit 340
  • lower annulus 262 is aligned with accumulator supply circuit 350.
  • Lower annulus 262 vents to the main hydraulic fluid supply.
  • low pressure hydraulic fluid forms a continuous circuit from constant low pressure supply circuit 330 to the lashless fluid supply circuit 340.
  • the flow path is as follows: from the switched low pressure supply circuit 320, through first horizontal bore 270, first vertical bore 280 in inner body 210, past check ball 230, through second horizontal bore 271, through middle annulus 261 and into the lashless fluid supply circuit 340.
  • check ball 230 is seated in ball seat 211 when the force on the lower portion of check ball 230 is greater than the force on the top of the ball.
  • the force acting on the lower portion of check ball 230 is provided by the hydraulic pressure of lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and check spring 235.
  • the force acting on the upper portion of check ball 230 is due to the hydraulic pressure of constant low pressure supply circuit 330.
  • check ball 230 is biased upward by check spring 235, because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from constant low pressure supply circuit 330 transmits less force than that from check spring 235.
  • the pressure of the lashless fluid supply circuit 340 is less than the pressure of the constant low pressure supply circuit 330, thus allowing lashless fluid supply circuit 340 to fill or refill if necessary.
  • This provides checking, that is, a constant directional flow of the hydraulic fluid, and provides automatic lash adjustment.
  • engine valve assembly 10 operates during Stage 1 of positive power mode as follows: piston 130 is in a lowered position. Lower end of piston 131 is maintained in contact with swivel foot 120 and the engine valve stem 105 by means of the hydraulic pressure from lashless fluid supply circuit 340, and engine valve 100 is closed. Accumulator 140 is biased upward by accumulator spring 145. In this position, hydraulic fluid that has accumulated behind accumulator 140 may flow to atmosphere through washer bore 251 in ductile lock washer 250 as the accumulator indexes. This allows rocker arm 400 (not shown) to follow the normal cam profile, and permits the auxiliary cam profile (braking bump 411, not shown) to be absorbed by the accumulator, resulting in normal exhaust valve motion.
  • Stage 2 of positive power operation is shown in Fig. 4b. Hydraulic fluid that has accumulated behind accumulator 140 has flowed to atmosphere via accumulator supply circuit 350, lower annulus 262 and washer bore 251, and accumulator 140 is fully indexed.
  • Piston 130 moves upward to absorb the braking portion of the lost motion cam lobe profile (not shown).
  • rocker arm 400 (not shown) only follows the exhaust profile of the cam lobe profile.
  • control valve 20 is shown during braking mode of engine operation.
  • a solenoid switch (not shown) is turned on. Hydraulic fluid flows through switched low pressure supply circuit 320 into control valve bore 204, and as the pressure of the hydraulic fluid becomes greater than the upward force of control valve spring 240, control valve body 200 begins to index or move downward. A minimum hydraulic fluid pressure is required to index control valve body 200. The required pressure is determined by the size of control valve spring 240 and the wetted surface area of the control valve body 200.
  • Check ball 230 is biased upward by check spring 235, because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from constant low pressure supply circuit 320 transmits less force than that from check spring 235. This provides checking, that is, a constant directional flow of the hydraulic fluid, and provides automatic lash adjustment during braking operation. Check ball 230 is checked when rocker arm 400 is on an elevated section of the cam lobe (not shown).
  • rocker arm 400 When rocker arm 400 is on the base circle of the cam lobe, the circuit is allowed to fill or make up hydraulic fluid lost to leakage.
  • control valve 20 When control valve 20 is fully indexed, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, upper annulus 260 is aligned with constant low pressure supply circuit 330, middle annulus 261 is aligned with both lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and accumulator control circuit 350, and hydraulic fluid flows from both circuits 340 and 350 in engine valve assembly 10. This allows checked hydraulic fluid to fill behind accumulator 140, preventing the accumulator from indexing.
  • rocker arm 400 rotates in response to the motion of a rotating cam 410 (not shown)
  • lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and accumulator control circuit 350 become pressurized.
  • circuits 340 and 350 are hydraulically locked, the motion of cam 410 is translated directly into the motion of engine valve 100.
  • the rocker arm 400 (not shown) must follow the auxiliary cam profile (braking bump 411) and transmit this motion to engine valve 100. In this position, the additional motion causes engine valve 100 to lift greater than experienced under positive power. This may require substantial valve-to-piston clearance or the presence of piston pockets. Providing a clipping function (as described below) may eliminate the need for piston pockets.
  • engine valve assembly 10 operates during braking mode as follows: hydraulic fluid from lashless fluid supply circuit 340 enters piston bore 106 at upper end of piston 132 and biases piston 130 downward. The motion of piston 130 is linearized through swivel foot 120 when contact is made with upper end of the valve stem 105, and the downward force compresses engine valve spring 110, opening engine valve 100, which results in a compression release braking event.
  • FIG. 6b depicts the rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly of Fig. 6a, rotated 90 ° about a vertical axis.
  • rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 comprises rocker arm 400, having a first end 401 and a second end 402, cam 410, spring 490 and control valve 21 (not shown).
  • First end of rocker arm 401 further comprises cam roller follower 415.
  • Control valve 21 (not shown) comprises only the shuttle valve features of control valve 20 described in connection with Figs. 1 -5 above, that is, control valve body 200 having an upper end 201 and a lower end 202, and slidably disposed in control valve bore 204 about longitudinal axis 203, control valve spring 240, which biases control valve body 200 upward, and ductile lock washer 250, which locks control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204.
  • control valve spring 240 prevents movement of control valve 21 unless adequate hydraulic fluid pressure is provided at the top of control valve body 200. After the indexing hydraulic fluid supply is turned off, control valve spring 240 returns control valve body 200 to its initial, biased upward position.
  • Ductile lock washer 250 provides a simple means to lock the assembly of control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204, and provides a solid stop to limit the travel of control valve body 200.
  • Ductile lock washer 250 further comprises washer bore 251, through which hydraulic fluid may flow to atmosphere.
  • rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 further comprises engine valve 10 as described in connection with Figs. 1-5 above.
  • Engine valve 10 comprises piston bore 106, which is disposed in rocker arm 400 and piston 130, which is slidably disposed in piston bore 106.
  • Piston 130 further comprises lower end 131 and upper end 132, and is held in place in piston bore 106 during assembly by piston retaining ring 133.
  • Lower end 131 of piston 130 is shaped to seat in swivel foot 120.
  • Top end face 134 forms the top surface of upper end 132 of piston 130.
  • engine valve assembly 10 further comprises accumulator 140, which is slidably disposed within accumulator bore 141 in upper end 132 of piston 130, and accumulator spring 145, which biases accumulator 140 toward washer 146.
  • Washer 146 is held in place by accumulator retaining ring 147. Washer 146, accumulator retaining ring 147, accumulator 140, and accumulator bore 141 together proscribe the indexing distance of accumulator 140.
  • piston bore 106, piston 130, accumulator bore 141, and accumulator 140 are housed in second end of rocker arm 402.
  • engine valve assembly 10 further comprises engine valve 100, having engine valve stem 105 and swivel foot 120, which is disposed on upper end of engine valve stem 105. As described above in connection with Figs. 1-5, lower end 131 of piston 130 is seated on swivel foot 120.
  • rocker arm 400 rotates about rocker shaft 405 in response to rotation of cam 410, which urges cam roller follower 415 upward.
  • Spring 490 is provided to counter inertial effects of the rotating rocker arm 400.
  • Rocker arm 400 further comprises lost motion rocker assembly 420.
  • Lost motion rocker assembly 420 comprises accumulator control circuit 350 disposed therein, and clipping/reset passageway 455 connected thereto.
  • Rocker shaft 405 further comprises switched low pressure supply circuit 320, which is connected to piston bore 106 (passageway is not shown), and rocker shaft bore 406 with clipping/reset spool 450 slidably disposed therein.
  • Clipping/reset spool 450 may be connected to gear 440, or may be given rotation though a different auxiliary source.
  • Gear 440 is connected to a source of rotational motion (not shown) in the engine.
  • Clipping/reset spool 450 further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses 451.
  • Each clipping annulus 451 comprises a reduced diameter around a portion of clipping/reset spool 450. A portion of each clipping annulus 451 has the same outer diameter as clipping/reset spool 450.
  • each clipping/reset annulus that closes off flow hydraulic fluid to clipping/reset passageway 455.
  • hydraulic fluid may dump to the main hydraulic fluid supply.
  • clipping/reset passageway 455 is closed, the circuit is hydraulically locked and rocker arm 400 is allowed to follow braking bump 411.
  • Clipping/reset passageway 455 connects clipping/reset spool 450 to accumulator control circuit 350.
  • accumulator control circuit 350 further comprises check valve 460, which is biases toward accumulator 140 by check spring 470.
  • Pipe plug 480 seals accumulator control circuit 350 at first end of rocker arm 401.
  • the present invention contemplates that a lost motion rocker assembly is present for each cylinder of the engine.
  • the present invention would comprise six lost motion rocker assemblies, each connected to the next by intake rocker 430.
  • rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 operates as follows in braking mode: in response to a source of rotational motion (not shown) in the engine, gear 440 rotates and turns clipping/reset spool 450 about first horizontal axis 403.
  • a solenoid switch is turned on by the operator to supply hydraulic fluid which rotates or indexes control valve 21 (not shown).
  • Control valve 21 rotates, opening and closing the port. When the port is open, hydraulic fluid exhausts, and when it is closed, the fluid is hydraulically locked.
  • Each lost motion exhaust rocker assembly 420 has its own separate on/off port control. This allows hydraulic fluid to evacuate from rocker brake assembly 2, which in turn permits engine valve 100 to clip or reset.
  • control valve 21 when rocker brake assembly 2 is in braking mode, control valve 21 is fully indexed and is blocked from exhausting hydraulic fluid to atmosphere.
  • the presence of accumulator control circuit 350 allows accumulator 140 to separately exhaust to atmosphere at a timed interval. The interval is timed so that piston
  • This innovation allows the clipping or resetting of the engine valve in a lost motion system, thereby precluding the need for piston pockets.
  • FIG. 7 another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as linear-activated lost motion rocker brake assembly 3.
  • This embodiment comprises the same features (see description above in connection with Figs. 6a and 6b) as rotationally- driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2, with the exception that gear 440 or other source of rotational motion is replaced by a source of linear activation (not shown) that urges clipping/reset spool 450 in a linear motion instead of a rotational motion.
  • the linear motion actuates clipping/reset spool 450 in, the plurality of clipping annuluses 451 line up and this causes hydraulic fluid to be evacuated from lost motion rocker brake assembly 3, allowing engine valve 100 to clip to reset.
  • FIG. 8 another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as miniature axial flow check valve 4.
  • Check valve 4 is contained within a bore and comprises check ball 230, which is disposed in control valve body 200 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235.
  • Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function. Arrows show the flow of hydraulic fluid in the top and out the bottom of check valve 4.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as miniature radial flow check valve 5.
  • Check valve 5 is contained within a bore and comprises check ball 230, which is disposed in control valve body 200 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235.
  • Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function. Arrows show the flow of hydraulic fluid in the top and out the side of check valve 5.
  • Check valves 4 and 5 may be used in valve actuation assembly 1, rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2, or linear-activated lost motion rocker brake assembly 3. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the construction, configuration, and/or operation of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
  • ductile locking ring 220 provides an efficient way to lock the control valve assembly together, but it may be replaced by threading the parts together or through other assembly techniques.
  • Ductile lock washer 250 is contemplated for use with a high speed assembly, but it may be replaced with a snap ring and washer or other locking device. Further, it may be appropriate to make additional modifications or changes to the individual components, including, but not limited to, the washers, rings, or other materials without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • an indexing or rotating valve may be located in a ported rocker arm or shaft and used to open the port in the rocker arm or shaft, permitting hydraulic fluid to evacuate from the lost motion rocker, the allowing the valve to clip or reset.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a control valve (20) which incorporates the functions of both a shuttle valve and a check valve into a single structure for use in a lost motion brake system. In response to a supply of hydraulic fluid from a switched low pressure supply circuit (320), control valve body (200) of control valve (20) may index within control valve bore (204), such that hydraulic fluid flows through upper annulus (340) and accumulator control circuit (350) to actuate engine valve (100). In an embodiment for clipping/reset of the valve actuating piston (1300), clipping/reset (450) provided in rocker shaft (405). In response to rotational or linear motion, spool annuluses (451) on clipping/reset spool (450) move to open and close clipping/reset passageway (455) and accumulator control circuit (350), thereby providing clipping of piston (130).

Description

INTEGRATED LOST MOTION ROCKER BRAKE WITH CONTROL VALVE FOR LOST MOTION CLIP/RESET
Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application relates to and claims priority on U.S . Provisional Applications Serial
No. 60/154,474, entitled "CHECK/SHUTTLE VALVE (CONTROL VALVE) FOR AN
INTEGRATED LOST MOTION ROCKER BRAKE," filed on September 17, 1999 and Serial No. 60/172,138, entitled "VALVE FOR LOST MOTION CLIP/RESET LOCATED
IN THE ROCKER SHAFT," filed on December 17, 1999.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the control of exhaust and intake valves during positive power and engine braking. In particular, the present invention is directed to a control valve that combines a check valve and a shuttle valve for use in a lost motion engine brake system. The present invention is also directed to a system and method to allow the clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system.
Background of the Invention
For many internal combustion engine applications, such as for powering heavy trucks, it is desirable to operate the engine in a braking mode. This approach involves converting the engine into a compressor by cutting off the fuel flow and opening the exhaust valve for each cylinder near the end of the compression stroke. An early technique for accomplishing the braking effect is disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 3,220,392 to Cummins, wherein a slave hydraulic piston located over an exhaust valve opens the exhaust valve near the end of the compression stroke of an engine piston with which the exhaust valve is associated. To place the engine into braking mode, the three-way solenoids are energized, which causes pressurized lubricating oil to flow through a control valve, creating a hydraulic link between a master piston and a slave piston. The master piston is displaced inward by an engine element (such as a fuel injector actuating mechanism) periodically in timed relationship with the compression stroke of the engine which in turn actuates a slave piston through hydraulic force to open the exhaust valves. The compression brake system as originally disclosed in the '392 patent has evolved in many aspects, including improvements on the control valves (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,386,809 to Reedy et al.; see also U.S. Patent No. 4,996,957 to Meistrick, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.) Improvements have also been made in the piston actuation assembly (see U.S. Patent No. 4,475,500 to Bostelman). In a typical modern compression braking system, the exhaust valves are normally operated during the engine's power mode by an exhaust rocker lever. To operate the engine in a braking mode, a control valve separates the braking system into a high pressure circuit and a low pressure circuit using a check valve which prevents flow of high pressure fluid back into the low pressure supply circuit, thereby allowing the formation of a hydraulic link in the high pressure circuit. Various problems are known in conventional compression braking system. First, a time delay may occur between the actuation of the three-way solenoid valve and the onset of the braking mode. This time delay is due in part to the positioning of the solenoid valve a spaced distance from the control valve, which creates longer than ideal fluid passages and thus delayed response time. The high pressure circuit may also comprise long fluid passages between the master and slave pistons, which disadvantageous^ increase the compressed fluid volume and thus the response time.
In addition, in conventional compression braking systems, the braking system is a bolt-on accessory that fits above the overhead. In such systems, in order to provide space for mounting the braking system, a spacer is positioned between the cylinder head and the valve cover. The valve cover is bolted to the spacer, which adds unnecessary height, weight, and costs to the engine. Many of the above-noted problems result from viewing the braking system as an accessory to the engine rather than as part of the engine itself.
One possible solution is to integrate components of the braking system with the rest of the engine components. One attempt at integrating parts of the compression braking system is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,367,312 to Jonsson, which discloses an engine braking system including a rocker arm having a plunger, or slave piston, positioned in a cylinder integrally formed in one end of the rocker arm. The plunger may be locked in an outer position by hydraulic pressure in order to permit braking system operation. Jonsson also discloses a spring for biasing the plunger outward from the cylinder into continuous contact with the exhaust valve to permit the cam-actuated rocker lever to operate the exhaust valve in both the power and braking modes.
In addition, a control valve is used to control the flow of pressurized fluid to the rocker arm cylinder so as to permit selective switching between braking operation and normal power operation. The control valve unit is positioned separately from the rocker arm assembly, however, which results in unnecessarily long fluid delivery passages and therefore a longer response time. This may also lead to an unnecessarily large amount of oil that must be compressed before activation of the braking system can occur, resulting in less control over the timing of the compression braking. Jonsson also discloses using the control valve to control the flow of fluid to a predetermined set of cylinders in the engine, thereby undesirably preventing individual engine cylinders or different groups of engine cylinders from being selectively operated in the braking mode.
Furthermore, the control valve as disclosed by Jonsson is a manually-operated, rotary type valve requiring actuation by the driver. Manual operation often results in unreliable and inefficient braking operation. Also, rotary valves are subject to undesirable fluid leakage between the rotary valve member and its associated cylindrical bore.
Other designs known in the art include U.S. Patent No. 3,332,405 to Haviland, assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. Haviland discloses a compression braking system with a control valve unit for enabling the formation of a hydraulic link. The control valve unit is mounted in a cavity formed in a rocker arm that operates the exhaust valves during the braking mode. Separate cam lobes are used for normal power operation and braking operation. However, a single rocker arm is used to actuate the exhaust valves during both normal and braking modes. A drawback in this design is that the braking cam lobe profile design, and therefore the braking system operation, may be at least partially dependent on, or influenced by, the design of the cam lobe used for operating the exhaust valve during normal engine operation.
Another known design is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,251,051 to Quenneville, assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
Quenneville discloses a solenoid valve assembly with an inlet communicating with a supply of fluid, and one or more outlet passages communicating with respective loads requiring intermittent fluid supply and a drain passage. A respective ball valve is positioned between the inlet and each outlet and is spring-biased to block flow between the supply and outlet passage while opening the drain passage. An armature and pin are actuated to move the ball valve so as to connect the supply to the outlet and close the drain passage. However, while the valve assembly in the actuated position permits supply flow to the outlet passage, it does not prevent the return flow of fluid from the outlet passage into the supply passage and therefore does not permit the formation of a hydraulic link between different pressurized circuits as required by a control valve during compression braking system operation.
Designs in the known art have required independent check and shuttle valves in order to control a lost motion integrated rocker brake. Accordingly, there is a need for a simplified rocker brake control valve assembly. The design of the present invention integrates the check and shuttle valves into a single unit. This single unit serves to control the flow of oil within the integrated lost motion rocker brake. In addition, there have been many attempts to design systems to clip or reset lost motion circuits. The present invention also provides a system and method to allow the clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system. The present invention meets these needs and provides other benefits as well.
Objects of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an economical control valve for an integrated lost motion rocker brake.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a simplified means of controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in an integrated lost motion rocker brake. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved means of switching an engine brake between positive power and braking.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide control of an integrated lost motion rocker brake without using an independent check valve and shuttle valve. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an integrated lost motion rocker brake with a single valve having the same function as a known check valve and shuttle valve.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a control valve with a shuttle valve that indexes to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in an integrated lost motion rocker brake.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a control valve that permits a constant directional (checked) flow of hydraulic fluid for automatic lash adjustment in an integrated lost motion rocker brake.
It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide an integrated lost motion rocker brake with a control valve that allows check hydraulic fluid to fill behind the accumulator, thereby preventing the accumulator from indexing.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a control valve for clipping or resetting an engine valve in a lost motion system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide means of clipping or resetting an engine valve in a lost motion system and thereby to prevent the need for piston pockets.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an indexed or rotated valve located in the rocker arm or shaft of an integrated lost motion rocker brake.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from the practice of the invention.
Summary of the Invention
In response to the foregoing challenge, Applicant has developed an innovative and economical design for a single control valve for a lost motion integrated rocker brake. As illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed in the accompanying claims, the invention is a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to the engine valve, wherein the engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, having an improvement comprising means for checking hydraulic fluid to provide constant directional flow of hydraulic fluid for automatic lash adjustment of a valve actuating piston having an upper end and a lower end; and means for controlling a supply of hydraulic fluid in order to provide actuation of the engine valve by the piston.
In an embodiment of the braking system of the present invention, the engine valve assembly may further comprise an accumulator slidably disposed in an accumulator bore in the upper end of the piston, the accumulator being biased upward by an accumulator spring, having a swivel foot disposed on a valve stem of the engine valve, and wherein the lower end of the piston is in contact with the swivel foot. The braking system of the present invention may combine the hydraulic fluid checking means and the controlling means together in the control valve.
The control valve may further comprise a control valve body having an upper end and a lower end and being slidably disposed in a control valve bore in the rocker arm and biased upward by a control valve spring, an inner body having a ball seat formed therein, and a check ball disposed in the inner body and biased upward by a check spring.
The control valve body may further comprise an upper annulus located toward the upper end of the control valve body, a lower annulus located toward the lower end of the control valve body, a middle annulus located around the control valve body between the upper annulus and the lower annulus, a first horizontal bore which diametrically spans the control valve body, having each end of the first horizontal bore opening within the upper annulus, and a second horizontal bore, which diametrically spans the control valve body, having each end of the second horizontal bore opening within the middle annulus, and wherein a first vertical bore and a second vertical bore are axially disposed in the inner body about a longitudinal axis.
In the braking system of the present invention, the check ball may be disposed in the second vertical bore, and the first vertical bore may connect the first horizontal bore with the second horizontal bore to provide hydraulic communication from the upper annulus, through the control valve body, to the middle annulus.
The braking system may further comprise a hydraulic system having a switched low pressure supply circuit and a constant low pressure supply circuit connected to the hydraulic fluid supply and to the control valve, and a lashless fluid supply circuit and an accumulator control circuit connecting the control valve to the engine valve assembly. Upon activation of a solenoid switch in braking mode, the control valve may index in the control valve bore, aligning the middle annulus with the lashless fluid supply circuit and the accumulator control circuit so that the lashless fluid supply circuit and the accumulator control circuit become hydraulically locked and the motion of the cam is translated directly into the motion of the engine valve.
In the braking system of the present invention, the hydraulic fluid controlling means may further comprise an accumulator control circuit and a switched low pressure supply circuit for providing clipping of the valve actuating piston and thereby provide lost motion braking. The braking system may further comprise a clipping/reset spool disposed in the cam shaft, and the clipping/reset spool may further comprise a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound.
In the braking system of the present invention, the plurality of clipping annuluses may each form a reduced diameter about only a portion of the clipping/reset spool, such that when the reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into the supply of hydraulic fluid, and when a full outer diameter portion of the clipping/reset spool is aligned with the clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, the accumulator control circuit is closed and hydraulically locked, and the rocker assembly follows a braking bump on the cam. In addition, Applicant has developed an innovative and economical design for clipping or resetting of a lost motion engine brake system. As embodied herein, the invention is a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to the engine valve, wherein the engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, and the improvement comprising a clipping/reset spool disposed in the cam shaft and connected to an accumulator control circuit, wherein movement of the clipping/reset spool provides clipping of a valve actuating piston and thereby lost motion braking, and wherein the clipping/reset spool further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound, the plurality of clipping annuluses each forming a reduced diameter about only a portion of the clipping/reset spool, such that when the reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into the supply of hydraulic fluid, and when a full outer diameter portion of the clipping/reset spool is aligned with the clip passageway and thereby with the accumulator control circuit, the accumulator control circuit is closed and hydraulically locked, and the rocker assembly follows a braking bump on the cam.
In the clipping/reset braking system, the accumulator control circuit may further comprise a check valve biased by a check valve spring, wherein the check valve checks a supply of hydraulic fluid in the accumulator control circuit.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:
Fig. 1 depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 depicts a cross section in elevation of a control valve for a rocker brake valve actuation assembly during positive power operation according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 depicts a cross section in elevation of control valve for a rocker brake valve actuation assembly during braking operation according to the present invention. Fig. 4a depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during Stage 1 of positive power operation.
Fig.4b depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during Stage 2 of positive power operation.
Fig. 5 depicts a cross section in elevation of a rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention during braking operation.
Fig. 6a depicts a cross section in elevation of a rotationally driven, ported rocker arm and valve system for clipping/reset of a lost motion circuit according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6b depicts a cross section in elevation of the rotationally driven, ported rocker arm and valve system for clipping/reset of a lost motion circuit of Fig. 6a, rotated 90° about a vertical axis.
Fig. 7 depicts a cross section in elevation of a linear-activated, ported rocker arm and valve system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature axial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature radial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 depicts a cross section in elevation of a miniature radial flow check valve according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention utilizing a different assembly technique.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
A rocker brake valve actuation assembly according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 as 1. Valve actuation assembly 1 comprises control valve 20 according to the present invention and engine valve assembly 10 from the known art. Control valve 20 is housed in rocker arm 400 (not shown) and is hydraulically connected to engine valve assembly 10.
As shown in Fig. 1, known engine valve assembly 10 comprises engine valve 100, which further comprises upper portion or engine valve stem 105, engine valve spring 110, spring retainer 115, and swivel foot 120. Engine valve spring 110 is held in place by spring retainer 115 which biases engine valve 100 upwards, that is, in a closed position. Engine valve assembly 10 further comprises piston bore 106, which is disposed in rocker arm 400
(not shown) and piston 130, which is slidably disposed in piston bore 106. Piston 130 further comprises lower end 131 and upper end 132, and is held in place in piston bore 106 during assembly by piston retaining ring 133. Lower end 131 of piston 130 is shaped to seat in swivel foot 120. Top end face 134 forms the top surface of upper end 132 of piston 130. Engine valve assembly 10 further comprises accumulator 140, which is slidably disposed within accumulator bore 141 in upper end 132 of piston 130, and accumulator spring 145, which biases accumulator 140 toward washer 146. Washer 146 is held in place by accumulator retaining ring 147. Washer 146, accumulator retaining ring 147, accumulator 140, and accumulator bore 141 together proscribe the indexing distance of accumulator 140. As embodied herein, control valve 20 is hydraulically connected to piston bore 106.
Control valve bore 204 is preferably disposed in rocker arm 400 (not shown). Control valve 20 comprises control valve body 200, which has an upper end 201 and a lower end 202. Control valve body 200 is slidably disposed in control valve bore 204 about longitudinal axis 203 and indexes to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system. Control valve body 200 limits the travel of control valve 20 by aligning flow paths for the hydraulic fluid, and thereby provides the lower stop for control valve 20.
Continuing with reference to Fig. 1 , control valve body 200 further comprises inner body 210. Inner body 210 is secured within control valve body 200 by ductile locking ring 220. Inner body 210 further comprises ball seat 211. Check ball 230 is disposed in inner body 210 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235. Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function. Inner body 210 routs the flow of a constant hydraulic fluid supply to check ball 230, and provides an upper stop that allows indexing hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to the top surface of control valve body 200. According to the present invention, control valve body 200 further comprises control valve spring 240, which biases control valve body 200 upward, and ductile lock washer 250, which locks control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204. Control valve spring 240 prevents movement of control valve 20 unless adequate hydraulic fluid pressure is provided at the top of control valve body 200. After the indexing hydraulic fluid supply is turned off, control valve spring 240 returns control valve body 200 to its initial, biased upward position.
Ductile lock washer 250 provides a simple means to lock the assembly of control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204, and provides a solid stop to limit the travel of control valve body 200. Ductile lock washer 250 further comprises washer bore 251, through which hydraulic fluid may flow to atmosphere. Continuing with reference to control valve 20, control valve body 200 further comprises three annuluses having a diameter less than that of control valve body 200: upper annulus 260 which is located toward upper end 201, lower annulus 262 which is located toward lower end 202, and middle annulus 261 therebetween. Control valve body 200 further comprises first horizontal bore 270, which diametrically spans control valve body 200, having each end of first horizontal bore 270 opening within upper annulus 260, and second horizontal bore 271, which diametrically spans control valve body 200, having each end of second horizontal bore 271 opening within middle annulus 261. First vertical bore 280 and second vertical bore 281 are axially disposed in inner body 210 about longitudinal axis 203. As embodied herein, first vertical bore 280 communicates with first horizontal bore 270 and second horizontal bore 271 to provide communication between upper annulus 260 and middle annulus 261. Second vertical bore 281 houses check spring 235.
Valve actuation assembly 1 further comprises of four hydraulic circuits. Two circuits, collectively 300, enter control valve 20: switched low pressure supply circuit 320, which preferably contains hydraulic fluid at about 50 psi, and constant low pressure supply circuit
330, which also preferably contains hydraulic fluid at about 50 psi. Switched low-pressure supply circuit 320 connects the hydraulic fluid supply to control valve bore 204 at control valve body upper end 201. Constant low pressure supply circuit 330 connects the hydraulic fluid supply through upper annulus 260 and first horizontal bore 270 into inner body 210, past check ball 230 and through middle annulus 261 into lashless fluid supply circuit 340.
As embodied herein, two additional hydraulic circuits, collectively 310, exit control valve 20: lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and accumulator control circuit 350. Lashless fluid supply circuit 340 connects piston bore 106 at piston upper end 132 to control valve bore 204 above accumulator control circuit 350. Lashless fluid supply circuit 340 biases piston 130 down so that it is always in contact with swivel foot 120, providing lashless operation. Accumulator control circuit 350 connects control valve body lower end 202 to accumulator 140.
As contemplated by the present invention, control valve 20 provides an efficient means to switch between positive power and braking in an integrated lost motion rocker brake. Control valve 20 is preferably located within a rocker arm or shaft, however, the system of the present invention could also be contained in any device where a lost motion system is needed.
Referring now to Fig. 2, control valve 20 is shown during positive power mode of engine operation. The rocker brake valve actuation assembly 1 of Fig. 1 operates as follows: a solenoid switch (not shown) is off. Low pressure hydraulic fluid is present in hydraulic circuit 300, in both switched low pressure supply circuit 320 and constant low pressure supply circuit 330. Control valve 20 is biased upward by control valve spring 240 because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from switched low pressure supply circuit 320 transmits less force than that from control valve spring 240. With control valve 20 in this position, upper annulus 260 is aligned with constant low pressure supply circuit 330, middle annulus 261 is aligned with lashless fluid supply circuit 340, and lower annulus 262 is aligned with accumulator supply circuit 350. Lower annulus 262 vents to the main hydraulic fluid supply. As a result, low pressure hydraulic fluid forms a continuous circuit from constant low pressure supply circuit 330 to the lashless fluid supply circuit 340. The flow path is as follows: from the switched low pressure supply circuit 320, through first horizontal bore 270, first vertical bore 280 in inner body 210, past check ball 230, through second horizontal bore 271, through middle annulus 261 and into the lashless fluid supply circuit 340.
During operation, check ball 230 is seated in ball seat 211 when the force on the lower portion of check ball 230 is greater than the force on the top of the ball. The force acting on the lower portion of check ball 230 is provided by the hydraulic pressure of lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and check spring 235. The force acting on the upper portion of check ball 230 is due to the hydraulic pressure of constant low pressure supply circuit 330. During positive power operation, when rocker arm 400 is rotated off the base circle of the cam lobe (not shown), check ball 230 is biased upward by check spring 235, because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from constant low pressure supply circuit 330 transmits less force than that from check spring 235. When rocker arm 400 (not shown) is on the base circle of the cam lobe, the pressure of the lashless fluid supply circuit 340 is less than the pressure of the constant low pressure supply circuit 330, thus allowing lashless fluid supply circuit 340 to fill or refill if necessary. This provides checking, that is, a constant directional flow of the hydraulic fluid, and provides automatic lash adjustment.
Referring now to Fig. 4a, engine valve assembly 10 operates during Stage 1 of positive power mode as follows: piston 130 is in a lowered position. Lower end of piston 131 is maintained in contact with swivel foot 120 and the engine valve stem 105 by means of the hydraulic pressure from lashless fluid supply circuit 340, and engine valve 100 is closed. Accumulator 140 is biased upward by accumulator spring 145. In this position, hydraulic fluid that has accumulated behind accumulator 140 may flow to atmosphere through washer bore 251 in ductile lock washer 250 as the accumulator indexes. This allows rocker arm 400 (not shown) to follow the normal cam profile, and permits the auxiliary cam profile (braking bump 411, not shown) to be absorbed by the accumulator, resulting in normal exhaust valve motion.
Stage 2 of positive power operation is shown in Fig. 4b. Hydraulic fluid that has accumulated behind accumulator 140 has flowed to atmosphere via accumulator supply circuit 350, lower annulus 262 and washer bore 251, and accumulator 140 is fully indexed.
Piston 130 moves upward to absorb the braking portion of the lost motion cam lobe profile (not shown). The net result is that rocker arm 400 (not shown) only follows the exhaust profile of the cam lobe profile.
Referring now to Fig. 3, control valve 20 is shown during braking mode of engine operation. A solenoid switch (not shown) is turned on. Hydraulic fluid flows through switched low pressure supply circuit 320 into control valve bore 204, and as the pressure of the hydraulic fluid becomes greater than the upward force of control valve spring 240, control valve body 200 begins to index or move downward. A minimum hydraulic fluid pressure is required to index control valve body 200. The required pressure is determined by the size of control valve spring 240 and the wetted surface area of the control valve body 200.
Check ball 230 is biased upward by check spring 235, because the low pressure hydraulic fluid from constant low pressure supply circuit 320 transmits less force than that from check spring 235. This provides checking, that is, a constant directional flow of the hydraulic fluid, and provides automatic lash adjustment during braking operation. Check ball 230 is checked when rocker arm 400 is on an elevated section of the cam lobe (not shown).
When rocker arm 400 is on the base circle of the cam lobe, the circuit is allowed to fill or make up hydraulic fluid lost to leakage.
When control valve 20 is fully indexed, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, upper annulus 260 is aligned with constant low pressure supply circuit 330, middle annulus 261 is aligned with both lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and accumulator control circuit 350, and hydraulic fluid flows from both circuits 340 and 350 in engine valve assembly 10. This allows checked hydraulic fluid to fill behind accumulator 140, preventing the accumulator from indexing. When rocker arm 400 (not shown) rotates in response to the motion of a rotating cam 410 (not shown), lashless fluid supply circuit 340 and accumulator control circuit 350 become pressurized. When circuits 340 and 350 are hydraulically locked, the motion of cam 410 is translated directly into the motion of engine valve 100. The rocker arm 400 (not shown) must follow the auxiliary cam profile (braking bump 411) and transmit this motion to engine valve 100. In this position, the additional motion causes engine valve 100 to lift greater than experienced under positive power. This may require substantial valve-to-piston clearance or the presence of piston pockets. Providing a clipping function (as described below) may eliminate the need for piston pockets.
Referring now to Fig. 5, engine valve assembly 10 operates during braking mode as follows: hydraulic fluid from lashless fluid supply circuit 340 enters piston bore 106 at upper end of piston 132 and biases piston 130 downward. The motion of piston 130 is linearized through swivel foot 120 when contact is made with upper end of the valve stem 105, and the downward force compresses engine valve spring 110, opening engine valve 100, which results in a compression release braking event.
Referring now to Figs. 6a and 6b, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2. Fig. 6b depicts the rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly of Fig. 6a, rotated 90 ° about a vertical axis. As embodied herein, rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 comprises rocker arm 400, having a first end 401 and a second end 402, cam 410, spring 490 and control valve 21 (not shown). First end of rocker arm 401 further comprises cam roller follower 415.
Control valve 21 (not shown) comprises only the shuttle valve features of control valve 20 described in connection with Figs. 1 -5 above, that is, control valve body 200 having an upper end 201 and a lower end 202, and slidably disposed in control valve bore 204 about longitudinal axis 203, control valve spring 240, which biases control valve body 200 upward, and ductile lock washer 250, which locks control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204.
As in control valve 20, control valve spring 240 prevents movement of control valve 21 unless adequate hydraulic fluid pressure is provided at the top of control valve body 200. After the indexing hydraulic fluid supply is turned off, control valve spring 240 returns control valve body 200 to its initial, biased upward position. Ductile lock washer 250 provides a simple means to lock the assembly of control valve body 200 in control valve bore 204, and provides a solid stop to limit the travel of control valve body 200. Ductile lock washer 250 further comprises washer bore 251, through which hydraulic fluid may flow to atmosphere. As embodied herein, rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 further comprises engine valve 10 as described in connection with Figs. 1-5 above. Engine valve 10 comprises piston bore 106, which is disposed in rocker arm 400 and piston 130, which is slidably disposed in piston bore 106. Piston 130 further comprises lower end 131 and upper end 132, and is held in place in piston bore 106 during assembly by piston retaining ring 133. Lower end 131 of piston 130 is shaped to seat in swivel foot 120. Top end face 134 forms the top surface of upper end 132 of piston 130.
With continuing reference to Figs. 6a and 6b, engine valve assembly 10 further comprises accumulator 140, which is slidably disposed within accumulator bore 141 in upper end 132 of piston 130, and accumulator spring 145, which biases accumulator 140 toward washer 146. Washer 146 is held in place by accumulator retaining ring 147. Washer 146, accumulator retaining ring 147, accumulator 140, and accumulator bore 141 together proscribe the indexing distance of accumulator 140. piston bore 106, piston 130, accumulator bore 141, and accumulator 140 are housed in second end of rocker arm 402.
As embodied herein, engine valve assembly 10 further comprises engine valve 100, having engine valve stem 105 and swivel foot 120, which is disposed on upper end of engine valve stem 105. As described above in connection with Figs. 1-5, lower end 131 of piston 130 is seated on swivel foot 120.
As embodied herein, rocker arm 400 rotates about rocker shaft 405 in response to rotation of cam 410, which urges cam roller follower 415 upward. Spring 490 is provided to counter inertial effects of the rotating rocker arm 400. Rocker arm 400 further comprises lost motion rocker assembly 420. Lost motion rocker assembly 420 comprises accumulator control circuit 350 disposed therein, and clipping/reset passageway 455 connected thereto.
Rocker shaft 405 further comprises switched low pressure supply circuit 320, which is connected to piston bore 106 (passageway is not shown), and rocker shaft bore 406 with clipping/reset spool 450 slidably disposed therein. Clipping/reset spool 450 may be connected to gear 440, or may be given rotation though a different auxiliary source. Gear 440 is connected to a source of rotational motion (not shown) in the engine. Clipping/reset spool 450 further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses 451. Each clipping annulus 451 comprises a reduced diameter around a portion of clipping/reset spool 450. A portion of each clipping annulus 451 has the same outer diameter as clipping/reset spool 450. It is this full diameter portion of each clipping/reset annulus that closes off flow hydraulic fluid to clipping/reset passageway 455. When clipping/reset passageway 455 is not closed, hydraulic fluid may dump to the main hydraulic fluid supply. When clipping/reset passageway 455 is closed, the circuit is hydraulically locked and rocker arm 400 is allowed to follow braking bump 411.
Clipping/reset passageway 455 connects clipping/reset spool 450 to accumulator control circuit 350. In the alternate embodiment of Figs. 6a and 6b, accumulator control circuit 350 further comprises check valve 460, which is biases toward accumulator 140 by check spring 470. Pipe plug 480 seals accumulator control circuit 350 at first end of rocker arm 401.
It is to be understood that although two lost motion rocker assemblies 420 are shown in Fig. 6a, the present invention contemplates that a lost motion rocker assembly is present for each cylinder of the engine. Thus for a standard six-cylinder engine, the present invention would comprise six lost motion rocker assemblies, each connected to the next by intake rocker 430.
With continuing reference to Figs. 6a and 6b, rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2 operates as follows in braking mode: in response to a source of rotational motion (not shown) in the engine, gear 440 rotates and turns clipping/reset spool 450 about first horizontal axis 403. A solenoid switch is turned on by the operator to supply hydraulic fluid which rotates or indexes control valve 21 (not shown). Control valve 21 rotates, opening and closing the port. When the port is open, hydraulic fluid exhausts, and when it is closed, the fluid is hydraulically locked. Each lost motion exhaust rocker assembly 420 has its own separate on/off port control. This allows hydraulic fluid to evacuate from rocker brake assembly 2, which in turn permits engine valve 100 to clip or reset.
As contemplated by the present invention, when rocker brake assembly 2 is in braking mode, control valve 21 is fully indexed and is blocked from exhausting hydraulic fluid to atmosphere. The presence of accumulator control circuit 350 allows accumulator 140 to separately exhaust to atmosphere at a timed interval. The interval is timed so that piston
130 moves upward into rocker arm 400, absorbing the braking bump 411 on the profile of cam 410. This innovation allows the clipping or resetting of the engine valve in a lost motion system, thereby precluding the need for piston pockets.
Referring now to Fig. 7, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as linear-activated lost motion rocker brake assembly 3. This embodiment comprises the same features (see description above in connection with Figs. 6a and 6b) as rotationally- driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2, with the exception that gear 440 or other source of rotational motion is replaced by a source of linear activation (not shown) that urges clipping/reset spool 450 in a linear motion instead of a rotational motion. When the linear motion actuates clipping/reset spool 450 in, the plurality of clipping annuluses 451 line up and this causes hydraulic fluid to be evacuated from lost motion rocker brake assembly 3, allowing engine valve 100 to clip to reset. When the linear motion actuates clipping/reset spool 450 out, the plurality of clipping annuluses 451 do not line up and clipping does not occur. When in braking mode, spool annuluses 451 will index every cycle. During the cycle, the full diameter portion of each spool annulus 451 will cover the clipping/reset passageway
455 when accumulator 140 needs to be locked into place. Rocker arm 400 will follow the braking bump 411. Around-top dead-center, the linear or rotationally activated valve will move so that the hydraulic fluid that is trapped behind control valve 20 will exhaust.
Referring now to Fig.8, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as miniature axial flow check valve 4. Check valve 4 is contained within a bore and comprises check ball 230, which is disposed in control valve body 200 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235. Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function. Arrows show the flow of hydraulic fluid in the top and out the bottom of check valve 4. Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as miniature radial flow check valve 5. Check valve 5 is contained within a bore and comprises check ball 230, which is disposed in control valve body 200 and is biased upward into ball seat 211 by check spring 235. Check ball 230 provides the hydraulic fluid checking function. Arrows show the flow of hydraulic fluid in the top and out the side of check valve 5.
Check valves 4 and 5 may be used in valve actuation assembly 1, rotationally-driven lost motion rocker brake assembly 2, or linear-activated lost motion rocker brake assembly 3. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the construction, configuration, and/or operation of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In the embodiments of control valve 20 mentioned above, various changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, ductile locking ring 220 provides an efficient way to lock the control valve assembly together, but it may be replaced by threading the parts together or through other assembly techniques. Ductile lock washer 250 is contemplated for use with a high speed assembly, but it may be replaced with a snap ring and washer or other locking device. Further, it may be appropriate to make additional modifications or changes to the individual components, including, but not limited to, the washers, rings, or other materials without departing from the scope of the invention.
In the embodiments of the clipping/reset system described herein, an indexing or rotating valve may be located in a ported rocker arm or shaft and used to open the port in the rocker arm or shaft, permitting hydraulic fluid to evacuate from the lost motion rocker, the allowing the valve to clip or reset. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:
1. In a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to said engine valve, wherein said engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, the improvement comprising: means for checking hydraulic fluid to provide constant directional flow of hydraulic fluid for automatic lash adjustment of a valve actuating piston having an upper end and a lower end; and means for controlling a supply of hydraulic fluid in order to provide actuation of said engine valve by said piston.
2. The braking system of claim 1, wherein said engine valve assembly further comprises an accumulator slidably disposed in an accumulator bore in said upper end of said piston, said accumulator biased upward by an accumulator spring, having a swivel foot disposed on a valve stem of said engine valve, and wherein said lower end of said piston is in contact with said swivel foot.
3. The braking system of claim 2, wherein said hydraulic fluid checking means and said controlling means are combined in said control valve.
4. The braking system of claim 3, wherein said control valve further comprises a control valve body having an upper end and a lower end and being slidably disposed in a control valve bore in said rocker arm and biased upward by a control valve spring, an inner body having a ball seat formed therein, and a check ball disposed in said inner body and biased upward by a check spring.
5. The braking system of claim 4, wherein said control valve body further comprises an upper annulus located toward said upper end of said control valve body, a lower annulus located toward said lower end of said control valve body, a middle annulus located around said control valve body between said upper annulus and said lower annulus, a first horizontal bore which diametrically spans said control valve body, having each end of said first horizontal bore opening within said upper annulus, and a second horizontal bore, which diametrically spans said control valve body, having each end of said second horizontal bore opening within said middle annulus, and wherein a first vertical bore and a second vertical bore are axially disposed in said inner body about a longitudinal axis.
6. The braking system of claim 5, wherein said check ball is disposed in said second vertical bore, and wherein said first vertical bore connects said first horizontal bore with said second horizontal bore to provide hydraulic communication from said upper annulus, through said control valve body, to said middle annulus.
7. The braking system of claim 6 further comprising a hydraulic system having a switched low pressure supply circuit and a constant low pressure supply circuit connected to said hydraulic fluid supply and to said control valve, and a lashless fluid supply circuit and an accumulator control circuit connecting said control valve to said engine valve assembly.
8. The braking system of claim 7, wherein upon activation of a solenoid switch in braking mode, said control valve indexes in said control valve bore, aligning said middle annulus with said lashless fluid supply circuit and said accumulator control circuit so that said lashless fluid supply circuit and said accumulator control circuit become hydraulically locked and the motion of said cam is translated directly into the motion of said engine valve.
9. The braking system of claim 1, wherein said hydraulic fluid controlling means further comprises an accumulator control circuit and a switched low pressure supply circuit for providing clipping of said valve actuating piston and thereby providing lost motion braking.
10. The braking system of claim 9, further comprising a clipping/reset spool disposed in said cam shaft.
11. The braking system of claim 10, wherein said clipping/reset spool further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound.
12. The braking system of claim 11, wherein said plurality of clipping annuluses form a reduced diameter about only a portion of said clipping/reset spool, such that when said reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with said accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into said supply of hydraulic fluid, and when a full outer diameter portion of said clipping/reset spool is aligned with said clip passageway and thereby with said accumulator control circuit, said accumulator control circuit is closed and hydraulically locked, and said rocker assembly follows a braking bump on said cam.
13. In a braking system for an internal combustion engine having an engine valve selectively openable in response to movement of a rotary cam about a cam shaft and a rocker assembly cooperative therewith, and having a control valve hydraulically connected to an engine valve assembly and thereby to said engine valve, wherein said engine is operable in either a power mode or a braking mode, the improvement comprising: a clipping/reset spool disposed in said cam shaft and connected to an accumulator control circuit, wherein movement of said clipping/reset spool provides clipping of a valve actuating piston and thereby lost motion braking, and wherein said clipping/reset spool further comprises a plurality of clipping annuluses described therearound, said plurality of clipping annuluses forming a reduced diameter about only a portion of said clipping/reset spool, such that when said reduced diameter portion is aligned with a clip passageway and thereby with said accumulator control circuit, hydraulic fluid dumps into said supply of hydraulic fluid, and when a full outer diameter portion of said clipping/reset spool is aligned with said clip passageway and thereby with said accumulator control circuit, said accumulator control circuit is closed and hydraulically locked, and said rocker assembly follows a braking bump on said cam.
14. The braking system of claim 14, wherein said accumulator control circuit further comprises a check valve biased by a check valve spring, and wherein said check valve checks a supply of hydraulic fluid in said accumulator control circuit.
PCT/US2000/025502 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset WO2001020151A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00971979A EP1222375A4 (en) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15447499P 1999-09-17 1999-09-17
US60/154,474 1999-09-17
US17213899P 1999-12-17 1999-12-17
US60/172,138 1999-12-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001020151A1 true WO2001020151A1 (en) 2001-03-22

Family

ID=26851479

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/025502 WO2001020151A1 (en) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US6334429B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1222375A4 (en)
WO (1) WO2001020151A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105804826A (en) * 2016-05-04 2016-07-27 哈尔滨工程大学 Double-piezoelectric hydraulically-driven pressure-intensified valve system
CN106337706A (en) * 2016-08-30 2017-01-18 潍柴动力股份有限公司 Oil way control method and control device thereof
CN106870178A (en) * 2015-12-14 2017-06-20 现代自动车株式会社 Gradual braking device and its control method

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8820276B2 (en) 1997-12-11 2014-09-02 Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc. Variable lost motion valve actuator and method
US6516775B2 (en) * 2000-12-20 2003-02-11 Caterpillar Inc Compression brake actuation system and method
US6925976B2 (en) * 2003-03-06 2005-08-09 Jenara Enterprises Ltd. Modal variable valve actuation system for internal combustion engine and method for operating the same
US6904892B1 (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-06-14 Caterpillar Inc Compression release brake system
US7900597B2 (en) * 2008-07-31 2011-03-08 Pacbrake Company Self-contained compression brakecontrol module for compression-release brakesystem of internal combustion engine
CN102011622B (en) * 2009-09-07 2013-05-01 上海尤顺汽车部件有限公司 Improved engine brake driving device
CN101769186B (en) * 2009-01-05 2012-12-05 杨柳 Engine braking device with double oil pressure control valves and method thereof
KR101047658B1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-07-07 기아자동차주식회사 Engine brake module
KR101057894B1 (en) * 2009-09-22 2011-08-22 기아자동차주식회사 Engine brake device of vehicle
KR101143559B1 (en) * 2009-09-25 2012-05-24 기아자동차주식회사 Apparaus of engine brake having combined oil passage
US20110120411A1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2011-05-26 International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc Solenoid control for valve actuation in engine brake
US8458875B2 (en) * 2010-03-09 2013-06-11 International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc Diesel fuel injector circlip and ferrule ring removing tool
CN102787919B (en) * 2011-05-18 2015-03-04 上海尤顺汽车部件有限公司 Method and device for braking reset rocking arm
GB201211534D0 (en) 2012-06-29 2012-08-08 Eaton Srl Valve bridge
US9200541B2 (en) * 2012-07-20 2015-12-01 Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for hydraulic lash adjustment in an internal combustion engine
CN105143615A (en) * 2013-03-15 2015-12-09 康明斯公司 Compression relief brake reset mechanism
WO2015077762A1 (en) 2013-11-25 2015-05-28 Pacbrake Company Compression-release engine brake system for lost motion rocker arm assembly and method of operation thereof
US9752471B2 (en) 2013-11-25 2017-09-05 Pacbrake Company Compression-release engine brake system for lost motion rocker arm assembly and method of operation thereof
WO2018017779A1 (en) 2016-07-20 2018-01-25 Eaton Corporation Variable valve actuation system for type ii valvetrain using lost motion and reset
MX2020010396A (en) * 2018-04-04 2020-11-24 Pacbrake Company Lost motion exhaust rocker engine brake system with actuation solenoid valve and method of operation.
EP3880941A1 (en) * 2018-11-15 2021-09-22 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Hydraulic assisted engine brake mechanism for valve train
SE1950884A1 (en) 2019-07-11 2020-11-17 Scania Cv Ab Control device and method for controlling a compression release brake arrangment, computer program, computer-readable medium and vehicle
CN114893273B (en) * 2021-06-11 2024-09-17 浙江优逸科汽车部件有限公司 Valve driving device of engine and driving method thereof
CN118423150B (en) * 2024-07-05 2024-09-13 龙口中宇热管理系统科技有限公司 Rocker arm type dynamic cylinder closing valve control mechanism and engine

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3332405A (en) * 1965-10-01 1967-07-25 Jacobs Mfg Co Internal combustion engine brake
US4251051A (en) * 1979-04-19 1981-02-17 The Jacobs Manufacturing Company Solenoid structure having a relatively unrestrained generally flat armature member
US4862844A (en) * 1987-10-29 1989-09-05 Allied-Signal Inc. Valve assembly for internal combustion engine
US5036810A (en) * 1990-08-07 1991-08-06 Jenara Enterprises Ltd. Engine brake and method
US5626116A (en) * 1995-11-28 1997-05-06 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Dedicated rocker lever and cam assembly for a compression braking system
US5890469A (en) * 1995-03-20 1999-04-06 Ab Volvo Exhaust valve mechanism in an internal combustion engine

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3220392A (en) 1962-06-04 1965-11-30 Clessie L Cummins Vehicle engine braking and fuel control system
US3367312A (en) 1966-01-28 1968-02-06 White Motor Corp Engine braking system
US3809033A (en) * 1972-07-11 1974-05-07 Jacobs Mfg Co Rocker arm engine brake system
JPS57105510A (en) * 1980-12-22 1982-07-01 Komatsu Ltd Engine brake actuating apparatus
US4475500A (en) 1983-12-28 1984-10-09 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Automatic lash adjustment for engine compression brake
JPS61164009A (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-07-24 Toyota Motor Corp Low noise and high output operated tappet valve system
US4996957A (en) 1990-06-04 1991-03-05 Jacobs Brake Technology Corporation Control valve for a compression release engine retarder
SE470363B (en) * 1992-06-17 1994-01-31 Volvo Ab Method and device for engine braking with a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
US5386809A (en) 1993-10-26 1995-02-07 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Pressure relief valve for compression engine braking system
JP2970370B2 (en) * 1993-12-28 1999-11-02 三菱自動車工業株式会社 Synchronous engine braking device
US5526784A (en) * 1994-08-04 1996-06-18 Caterpillar Inc. Simultaneous exhaust valve opening braking system
US5537976A (en) * 1995-08-08 1996-07-23 Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc. Four-cycle internal combustion engines with two-cycle compression release braking
JP4129489B2 (en) * 1995-08-08 2008-08-06 ジェイコブス ビークル システムズ、インコーポレイテッド Internal combustion engine having combined control of cam and electrohydraulic engine valve
SE512116C2 (en) * 1995-11-24 2000-01-24 Volvo Ab Exhaust valve mechanism in an internal combustion engine
US6240898B1 (en) * 1997-10-15 2001-06-05 Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc. Slave piston assembly with valve motion modifier

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3332405A (en) * 1965-10-01 1967-07-25 Jacobs Mfg Co Internal combustion engine brake
US4251051A (en) * 1979-04-19 1981-02-17 The Jacobs Manufacturing Company Solenoid structure having a relatively unrestrained generally flat armature member
US4862844A (en) * 1987-10-29 1989-09-05 Allied-Signal Inc. Valve assembly for internal combustion engine
US5036810A (en) * 1990-08-07 1991-08-06 Jenara Enterprises Ltd. Engine brake and method
US5890469A (en) * 1995-03-20 1999-04-06 Ab Volvo Exhaust valve mechanism in an internal combustion engine
US5626116A (en) * 1995-11-28 1997-05-06 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Dedicated rocker lever and cam assembly for a compression braking system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1222375A4 *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106870178A (en) * 2015-12-14 2017-06-20 现代自动车株式会社 Gradual braking device and its control method
CN106870178B (en) * 2015-12-14 2021-04-30 现代自动车株式会社 Braking force control device and control method thereof
CN105804826A (en) * 2016-05-04 2016-07-27 哈尔滨工程大学 Double-piezoelectric hydraulically-driven pressure-intensified valve system
CN106337706A (en) * 2016-08-30 2017-01-18 潍柴动力股份有限公司 Oil way control method and control device thereof
CN106337706B (en) * 2016-08-30 2019-02-12 潍柴动力股份有限公司 A kind of oil circuit control method and its control device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1222375A1 (en) 2002-07-17
EP1222375A4 (en) 2009-06-03
US6334429B1 (en) 2002-01-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6334429B1 (en) Integrated lost motion rocker brake with control valve for lost motion clip/reset
US5626116A (en) Dedicated rocker lever and cam assembly for a compression braking system
US6691674B2 (en) Latched reset mechanism for engine brake
US7984705B2 (en) Engine braking apparatus with two-level pressure control valves
JP4637727B2 (en) Internal combustion engine with variable drive valve driven by a single pumping piston and controlled by a single solenoid valve for each engine cylinder
US9163566B2 (en) Valve actuation mechanism and automotive vehicle comprising such a valve actuation mechanism
EP1549831B1 (en) Lost motion system and method for fixed-time valve actuation
US8528508B2 (en) Individual rocker shaft and pedestal mounted engine brake
EP2444602B1 (en) Engine braking devices and methods
US20100170472A1 (en) Integrated engine brake with mechanical linkage
US20100108007A1 (en) Rocker shaft mounted engine brake
WO2001018373A1 (en) Lost motion rocker arm system with integrated compression brake
WO1999027242A9 (en) Device to limit valve seating velocities in limited lost motion tappets
JP4046527B2 (en) Internal combustion engine with variable operating valve and auxiliary fluid pressure tappet
US20190085738A1 (en) Rocker arm assembly for engine braking
WO2010078280A2 (en) Engine braking devices and methods
CN113167137B (en) Rocker arm assembly for engine braking
GB2318391A (en) Dedicated compression braking system for an i.c. engine, with solenoid valve on exhaust valve rocker lever

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BR JP KR

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000971979

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000971979

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP