초록 ▼

The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position resp

The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve. In a presently preferred embodiment, the hydraulic actuator comprises a self-contained cartridge assembly including an actuator piston with dampers for damping motion of the actuator piston, limiting the actuator stroke to assure soft seating of the actuator, and to avoid overshoot during the engine valve opening stroke and the engine valve return stroke. The electro-hydraulic valves are electrically controlled by the engine computer, which generates electrical signals carried to the electro-hydraulic valves. The engine computer typically senses conventional engine variables, and optimizes performance of the valve actuation and control system according to preestablished guidelines, with information being supplied to the engine computer by sensors. The engine computer controls all aspects of engine performance, interfaces with all of the peripheral sensors, and calculates fuel parameters, ignition timing and engine valve timing based upon prior mapping of the engine. In this manner the engine can be controlled so as to provide maximum fuel economy, minimum emissions, maximum engine torque, or a compromise between these parameters.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A reciprocating valve actuation and control system for the cylinders of an internal combustion engine, comprising:a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position;a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid;a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A reciprocating valve actuation and control system for the cylinders of an internal combustion engine, comprising:a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position;a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid;a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator;an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator;control means generating electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve; andsaid electrically operated valve comprising a three path rotary latched magnetic motor, said magnetic motor comprising:a first pole piece connected to a first electromagnetic coil energized by electrical pulses from said control means;a second pole piece connected to a second electromagnetic coil energized by electrical pulses from said control means, said first and second pole pieces being connected at a magnetic junction;a magnetic rotor disposed for rotation between a first position and a second position contacting said first and second pole pieces, respectively;a third pole piece disposed adjacent to the magnetic rotor so as to define an air gap between the magnetic rotor and the third pole piece;a permanent magnet connected to third pole piece;a fourth pole piece connected between the permanent magnet and the magnetic junction; andan output shaft mounted on the magnetic rotor operatively connected to rotary valve means for controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.