Apparatus and system comprising integrated master-slave pistons for actuating engine valves

摘要

An apparatus for actuating first and second engine valves comprises a rocker arm that receives motion from primary and auxiliary valve actuation motion sources at a motion receiving end of the rocker arm. A master piston residing in a master piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to received motion from the auxiliary valve actuation motion source. A slave piston residing in a slave piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to provide auxiliary valve actuation motion to the first engine valve. A hydraulic circuit is provided in the rocker arm connecting the master piston bore and the slave piston bore, and a check valve is disposed within the rocker arm, configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit. The apparatus may be incorporated into a system comprising a rocker arm shaft and the primary and secondary valve actuation motion sources, such as an internal combustion engine.

主权项

1. An apparatus for actuating first and second engine valves associated with an engine cylinder, comprising:
a rocker arm configured to be disposed on a rocker arm shaft and to actuate the first and second engine valves, and further configured at a motion receiving end of the rocker arm to receive motion from a primary valve actuation motion source; a master piston disposed in a master piston bore at a portion of the motion receiving end of the rocker arm separate from that portion of the motion receiving end of the rocker arm configured to receive motion from the primary valve actuation motion source and configured, at an end of the master piston extending out of the master piston bore, to receive motion from an auxiliary valve actuation motion source; a slave piston disposed in a slave piston bore at a valve actuation end of the rocker arm opposite the motion receiving end of the rocker arm, the slave piston configured to provide auxiliary valve actuation motion to only the first of the first and second engine valves; an hydraulic circuit within the rocker arm; and a check valve disposed in the rocker arm and configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit, wherein the hydraulic circuit connects the master piston bore and the slave piston bore.