Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Ioan Manole

Burak Abdulkadir Gecim

William Conrad Albertson

Vimesh M Patel

The invention provides a valvetrain configuration in an internal combustion engine in which a plurality of two-step rockers enable the engine poppet valves to switch between two lift profiles. In addition, a lost-motion stationary lash adjuster enables the deactivation of the engine poppet valve. The integration of a two-step rocker with a deactivating stationary lash adjuster yields a better control of the combustion process, under different engine operating conditions than what is achievable with either one of these actuators acting alone. Preferably, the locking and unlocking of the two-step rocker arm and deactivating stationary lash adjuster is controlled by two on/off hydraulic valves in a hydraulic circuit, and a piloted check valve prevents hard landings between stationary and moving components within the stationary hydraulic lash adjuster.

Valvetrain with two-step switchable rocker and deactivating stationary lash adjuster

A valve deactivator latching assembly for selective hydraulic pressure actuation of engine cylinder valves, where the valve actuator is received by and positionable within a bore formed in an engine block with an outer body having an annular latching groove formed on its interior surface, an inner body member insertable in the outer body, a plunger, a lost motion spring, and a latch assembly including a semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element and a second semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element spring biased to extend radially and compressible to contracted position by hydraulic pressure, where each of the semi-collar members include a female alignment guide and a male alignment guide that continuously maintain the alignment thereof.

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Chesterfield, MI, United States of America

Ioan Manole