Delphi Technologies, Inc.

Dave Beiswenger

Doug Gnage

Michael Roland Brosseau

Daniel Frederick Smith

Michael James Dinkel

Mike J Dinkel

A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves. First and second plates have portions of flow passages integrally molded therein. The plates are formed preferably by injection molding of a suitable polymer, for example, glass-filled nylon, and are joined together as by cementing or preferably by fusion welding (vibration welding) along mating surfaces to form the full pattern of flow passages. This method of forming the manifold obviates the need for separate fasteners to connect the plates and for internal seals to form the flow passages. The assembly further comprises a retainer for retaining a plurality of individual solenoid-actuated valves in sockets formed in the plates. Preferably, the retainer is formed to function simultaneously as a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) baffle that attaches to the plates via integrally molded releasable snap tabs. The present manifold results in a weight savings and a substantial savings in manufacturing cost over a prior art manifold formed of cast aluminum.

Hydraulic manifold assembly for variable activation and deactivation of valves in an internal combustion engine

A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein. Anti-draining means in each individual gallery keeps the gallery filled when the valve deactivation mechanism is deactuated.

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Fishers Landing, NY, United States of America

Dave Beiswenger