Hydraulic cylinder deactivation with rotary sleeves

Abstract

Cylinder deactivation apparatus includes switching valve actuators controlled by rotary valve sleeves surrounding each of the actuators. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeves act to admit continuous pressurized oil to internal lash adjuster mechanisms and selectively control oil flow from a lash adjuster mechanism inlet to a deactivator switching mechanism and discharge of pressure oil from the deactivator switching mechanism. A single oil supply provides pressurized oil to both conventional and deactivation valve actuators for lubrication of associated valve mechanisms and operation of internal lash adjusters as well as for operation of the cylinder deactivation mechanisms. In a valve-actuating position, the rotary sleeve drains oil from the deactivating mechanism so that associated engine valves are operated normally. In a deactivating position, the sleeve closes an exhaust port and transfers oil from the lash adjuster oil feed to the deactivation mechanism to deactivate the engine valves of the deactivation cylinders.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.