Variable valve control system for internal combustion engine

Abstract

An improved valve operating system for a multi-cylinder engine wherein the valve lift and timing of individual cylinders can be adjusted relative to each other so as to promote smoother running to compensate for cylinder-to-cylinder variation and improve output.

1 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine having at least two combustion chambers defined by relatively moveable components driven in synchronism with each other, at least one intake valve associated with each of said combustion chambers for controlling the induction of a charge thereto, at least one exhaust valve associated with each of said combustion chambers for controlling the discharge of a charge therefrom, a valve operating mechanism for controlling the degree of opening and timing of operation for at least one valve associated with each of said combustion chambers, said valve operating mechanism being operative to adjust at least one of the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of one of said combustion chambers relative to at least one of the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of one of the other of said combustion chambers to promote even running.  
     
     
         2 .A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein both the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of ore of the combustion chambers is adjusted relative to both the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of one of the other of said combustion chambers to promote even running.  
     
     
         3 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the valve operating mechanisms is comprised of a rotating cam mechanism comprised of a pair of cams comprised of a low speed and a high speed cam each providing a different degree of lift.  
     
     
         4 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the location of maximum lift of the low speed cam and the high speed cam is at the same angular position on the cam shaft, the timing of maximum lift for each cam is varied by the valve operating mechanism.  
     
     
         5 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cylinders are disposed at an angle to each other.  
     
     
         6 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein both the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of one of the combustion chambers is adjusted relative to both the degree of opening and the timing of operation of the one valve of one of the other of said combustion chambers to promote even running.  
     
     
         7 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the valve operating mechanisms is comprised of a rotating cam mechanism comprised of a pair of cams comprised of a low speed and a high speed cam each providing a different degree of lift.  
     
     
         8 . A four cycle, internal combustion engine as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the location of maximum lift of the low speed cam and the high speed cam is at the same angular position on the cam shaft, the timing of maximum lift for each cam is varied by the valve operating mechanism.