CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DEACTIVATION OF VALVES IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

摘要

A hydraulic control system for controllably directing pressurized engine oil to deactivation valve lifters to activate or deactivate the associated engine intake and exhaust valves. Passages to the lifters are controllably opened or closed by a solenoid control valve responsive to signals from a computerized engine control system. Preferably, the hydraulic control system includes a top plate having a first pattern of channels and bores formed in its underside, and a bottom plate having a second such pattern formed in its upper surface. The top and bottom plates are joined to form a hydraulic distribution manifold mounted on the engine. In a presently preferred embodiment, a gasket plate having bores and patterns of resilient gasketing material is provided between the top and bottom plates to simplify fabrication of the top and bottom plates. Solenoid control valves disposed on the bottom plate extend into the manifold to open and close respective control passages to the deactivation valve lifters upon command. A dual-purpose lead frame retainer/connector retains the control valves in the bottom plate and provides electrical connection to each control valve.