Switching element for a valve train of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

The invention proposes a switching element ( 1 ) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, particularly for valve deactivation, with a simple-to-implement measure for adjusting the coupling lash of its coupling means ( 8 ) in a receptacle ( 6 ) using two retaining rings ( 19, 20 ), one of which is stocked in a variety of thicknesses.

1 . A switching element for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, the switching element comprising:
 an outer part and an inner element that is axially displaceable in a bore ( 3 ) therein, wherein the outer part and the inner element each have at least one receptacle aligned with each other in an axially separated relative position achieved by a lost motion spring, wherein one or more movable coupling means for coupling the inner element with the outer part are applied in one of the receptacles toward the other receptacle in their positions relative to one another, wherein   a first upper stop for defining the relative position is applied between the inner element and the outer part, and wherein   a hydraulic lash adjuster with a pressure piston is installed in the inner element, which pressure piston is fixed against moving axially out of the inner element by a second upper stop, characterized in that each of the upper stops is designed as at least one annular element such as a retaining ring and the upper stops are arranged on top of each other in the bore of the outer part, wherein as seen when looking into the bore of the outer part, the lower retaining ring forms the second upper stop and the first retaining ring, located above it, forms the first upper stop, wherein variable-thickness first and constant-thickness second retaining rings are provided at assembly of the retaining rings, and wherein the retaining ring stack contacts a stop such as an annular shoulder of the bore with the first retaining ring out of the bore.   
   
   
       2 .- 8 . (canceled)