Patent ID: 6357406
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A variable valve actuation system (10/210) comprising:a camshaft (20) having a lobe (22) thereon; a valve (30/230) terminating in a stem end (34/234) and moveable between open and closed positions along its longitudinal axis, said valve being biased toward said closed position; a bucket tappet (40/240) having a lifter plate (41/241), said lifter plate having a middle portion (44/244) for engaging said lobe of said camshaft on a camshaft side (46/246) of said lifter plate, and for engaging said stem end of said valve on a valve side (48/248) of said lifter plate, said lifter plate having end portions (50/250/252) on either side of said middle portion, said lifter plate being translatable by rotation of said lobe of said camshaft to cause movement of said valve along its longitudinal axis toward said open position; and pivoting means (70/72/80/270), in engagement with at least one of said end portions of said lifter plate, for pivoting said lifter plate toward said lobe for early engagement therewith and for pivoting said lifter plate away from said lobe for delayed engagement therewith, whereby said early engagement causes said valve to open prematurely and said delayed engagement causes said valve to open belatedly.