Variable valve apparatus

Abstract

A variable valve apparatus includes a swing arm that includes a first body that pivots in response to rotation of an input cam, and a second body hingedly connected to the first body at a first connection. A connecting portion connects and disconnects the bodies at a second connection, in response to hydraulic pressure supplied thereto. When hydraulic pressure is not supplied to the connecting portion, the second body is connected to the first body and pivots along with the first body to open a valve.

1 . A variable valve apparatus comprising a swing arm, the swing arm comprising:
 a first body configured to pivot in response to a rotation of an input cam;   a second body hingedly connected to the first body at a first connection; and   a connecting portion configured to connect and disconnect the first body and the second body at a second connection in response to hydraulic pressure supplied thereto, such that when the hydraulic pressure is not supplied to the connecting portion, the second body is connected to the first body and pivots along with the first body to open a valve.   
   
   
       2 . The variable valve apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first connection comprises:
 a connecting pin connecting the first body with the second body; and   a stopper for preventing the second body from tilting more than a certain amount with respect to the first body.   
   
   
       3 . The variable valve apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion comprises:
 a connecting pin selectively connecting the first body and the second body; and   a return spring supplying restoring force to the connecting pin.   
   
   
       4 . The variable valve apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hydraulic pressure supplying portion that supplies the hydraulic pressure to the connecting portion, the hydraulic pressure supplying portion comprising a hydraulic lash adjuster supporting the swing arm, and a hydraulic line disposed at the first body. 
   
   
       5 . The variable valve apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the hydraulic line fluidly connects a first hole in the first body for receiving hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic lash adjuster to a second hole in the first body for supplying hydraulic pressure to the second connecting unit.