Sensing and control of a variable valve actuation system

摘要

A system for controlling variable valve actuation in an automobile engine is disclosed. A first cam has a first lift profile and a second cam has a second lift profile, both profiles having a base circle portion and a lift portion. A rocker arm assembly engages the cams having a first arm for riding on the first cam, and a second arm for riding on the second cam. The second arm has an activatable latch capable of securing the second arm to the first arm when latched. The latch may only be latched while the arms are riding on the base circle portion of the cams. When the first arm is secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a first lift profile and when the first arm is not secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a second lift profile. A non-contact sensor mounted adjacent the rocker arm assembly is adapted to monitor and create data indicative of whether the first arm is secured to the second arm. An engine control unit (ECU) for controlling functioning of at least one aspect of said engine operation receives the signal from the non-contact sensor and control functioning of the at least one aspect of said engine operation based upon the received signal from the non-contact sensor.

主权项

1. A system for providing variable valve activation (VVA) to engine valves of a plurality of cylinders of an internal combustion engine, with at least two cylinders having a switching rocker arm capable of switching between a first-lift mode and a second-lift mode, the system comprising:
at least two switching rocker arms each coupled to a cylinder, each switching rocker arm comprising a first arm engageable with at least a first cam for a first lift mode, and a second arm engageable with the first arm and with at least a second cam for a second lift mode when in engagement with the first arm,
wherein each cam comprises a lifting portion to operatively engage with each of the switching rocker arms for lifting the engine valve and a base circle portion to operatively engage with each of the switching rocker arms for allowing the valve to remain closed, an oil control valve (OCV) operatively coupled to the at least two switching rocker arms and configured to switch the lift mode of the at least two switching rocker arms,
wherein the OCV is configured to switch the lift mode of the at least two switching rocker arms when each of the at least two switching rocker arms is operatively engaged with the base circle section of each respective at least one cam, a non-contact sensor mounted adjacent the at least two switching rocker arms adapted to sense when the at least two switching rocker arms are in at least one of the first mode and the second mode and generating data indicating the sensed mode; and an ECU in electronic communication with the non-contact sensor, adapted to receive the data indicating the sensed mode.