Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co .kg

Todd Simcina

Donald A Dixon

Béla Hofer

Kevin Sittner

John Stallmann

Justin LaPorte

Rong Zhang

Bradley P Bergsma

A variable valve train module has a valve control block positioned on a cylinder head of the engine. The valve control block has a first block and a second block and variable valve train components. These components include at least one valve, a rocker arm, a brake, and a pump configured to receive input from a camshaft. The components are positioned with respect to the blocks such that the first block receives a first portion of the pump and the second block receives a second portion of the pump.

Two-piece block for variable valve train system

A variable valve train module selectively controls the opening and closing of a valve of an engine. The variable valve train module includes a drive element configured to be driven by a cam which rotates on a camshaft, a pump which is driven by the drive element, and a hydraulic control unit. The hydraulic control unit is configured to control the engine valve. The hydraulic control unit has a high pressure chamber containing hydraulic fluid which is selectively pressurized by the pump. The hydraulic control unit also has a control valve which is configured to depressurize the high pressure chamber, and a damper which is configured to increase an effective volume of the high pressure chamber when a pressure in the high pressure chamber exceeds a threshold value.

Damper for a high pressure chamber of a variable valve train module

A hydraulic fluid de-aeration device for a hydraulically actuated variable valve actuation system is provided. The device includes a de-aeration bridge having a first end and a second end. The device includes a conical de-aeration chamber having an outer wall and a generally vertical center axis. The second end of the de-aeration bridge is offset from the center axis of the de-aeration chamber such that hydraulic fluid flowing from the de-aeration bridge is directed towards the outer wall of the de-aeration chamber. The device includes a cover with a vent hole for air that is expelled from the hydraulic fluid. A passage connected to the de-aeration chamber supplies the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid gallery of the variable valve actuation system.

De-aeration device for a hydraulically actuated variable valve actuation system

A piston assembly for pressurizing a hydraulic chamber is provided. The piston assembly has a cylinder and a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder. The piston has a first end in the cylinder and a second end adapted to be acted on by a drive element. The piston assembly also has a spring configured to bias the piston. The piston assembly further has a retainer mounted to an exterior of the cylinder and including a seat surface. The spring is seated on the seat surface. The outer diameter of the spring is less than the outer diameter of the cylinder.

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Huntington Woods, MI, United States of America

Todd Simcina