Hydraulic rolling cylinder deactivation systems and methods

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for a poppet valve operator that may be implemented in a hydraulic rolling cylinder deactivation system of a vehicle, wherein a hydraulically operated pivot ball selectively engages a pivot pocket of a rocker arm. Simple and reliable deactivation systems are needed that can fit into limited packaging space while including fewer moving mechanical components that are susceptible to wear and damage. The proposed systems and methods involve selectively pressurizing hydraulic fluid to rigidly or flexibly hold a piston of the poppet valve operator in place in order to open or close a gas exchange valve.

主权项

1. A poppet valve operator, comprising:
a rocker arm including a poppet valve engaging end and a camshaft engaging end, the rocker arm including a pivot pocket positioned between the camshaft engaging end and the poppet valve engaging end; a hydraulically operated pivot ball attached to a piston contained within a piston housing, the pivot ball selectively engaging the pivot pocket based on a position of a solenoid valve; a high pressure chamber in fluidic communication with an outlet of the piston housing, the high pressure chamber further in fluidic communication with an oil gallery of an engine oil pump via a first hydraulic passage; and a medium pressure chamber in fluidic communication with the oil gallery via a second hydraulic passage, wherein the high pressure chamber and the medium pressure chamber are fluidically connected when the solenoid valve is in an open position, creating a single continuous pressure chamber, and wherein the high pressure chamber is fluidically separated from the medium pressure chamber when the solenoid valve is in a closed position.