Present disclosure relates to vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to an engine of the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a coupling mechanism for a rocker unit of a variable valve timing system of the engine.
BACKGROUND
[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.
[003] Internal combustion engines include engine block defined with a cylinder bore in which the position reciprocates, and an engine head enclosing the cylinder bore. The engine head is defined with intake and exhaust ports which are operated to be in open and closed condition for allowing an intake and exhaust of fuel and air into and from cylinders of the engine. The intake and exhaust ports are operated between open and closed condition by intake and exhaust valves which are actuated by a valve lifter mechanism or a variable valve timing mechanism which includes rocker arms and roller follower assemblies. The rocker arms transmit motion from a rotating cam shaft to a stem of a valves to open and close the intake and exhaust ports. Generally, the valves are spring-biased, such that the rocker arm controls the operation of the valve. The rocker arms are mounted on a rocker shaft adjacent to each other in an axial direction of the rocker shaft and are driven by a camshaft to actuate the valves.
[004] Engines operated with variable valve actuation or timing mechanisms are provided with two rocker arms to operate the same valve. More specifically, the variable valve timing mechanism includes a low-speed rocker arm applicable in a low region of engine rotational speeds, and a high-speed rocker arm used in high-speed region of engine rotational speeds. Each of the rocker arm i.e., high-speed rocker arm and low-speed rocker arm comprises a provision to receive a coupling pin also referred as locking pin. The low-speed rocker arm and the high-speed rocker arm are engaged by this coupling pin. The coupling pin when in the engaged position with the high-speed rocker arm causes both the low speed and the high-speed rocker arms to move as a single unit. When the coupling pin is disengaged from the high-speed rocker arm, the low-speed rocker arm is allowed to move independently. The variable valve mechanism further includes an actuator unit configured to move the coupling pin to selectively

engage/ disengage the rocker arms. In general, the actuator unit is positioned adjacent to the engine head cover in an axial direction of the rocker shaft. However, this positioning of the actuator unit along the axial direction of the rocker shaft causes demands for an additional space or casing to accommodate the actuator unit. This increases the number of components and the overall size of the engine which is undesired.
[005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more above limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY
[006] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a coupling mechanism and a rocker unit as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the coupling mechanism and the rocker unit as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[007] The present disclosure discloses a coupling mechanism to selectively engage a rocker arm and an auxiliary rocker member of a rocker unit of a variable valve timing system of an engine. The coupling mechanism includes a lock pin that is configured to engage the rocker arm and the auxiliary rocker member of the rocker unit. The rocker arm is fixedly mounted to a rocker shaft and the auxiliary rocker member is rotatably mounted to the rocker shaft. The coupling mechanism includes a connector that is movably supported in one of an engine head cover and an engine head. The connector includes a first end and a second end such that the second end of the connector is coupled to the lock pin. The coupling mechanism further comprises an actuator which is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit in one of the engine head and the engine head cover. Further, a shaft of the actuator is linearly displaceable and is provided parallel to a central axis of the rocker shaft between a first position to a second position. The first end of the connector is coupled to the shaft of the actuator and actuation of the shaft moves the connector between a locking position and an unlocking position thereby moving the lock pin to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm and the auxiliary rocker member.

[008] In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism comprises an intermediate shaft that couples the lock pin with the second end of the connector. The intermediate shaft is defined with a first groove and a second groove spaced from the first groove.
[009] In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a retainer which is disposed between the engine head and the intermediate shaft. The retainer is adapted to engage with one of the first groove and the second groove upon operation of the connector between the locked position and the unlocked position.
[010] In an embodiment, the retainer is spring biased retainer and is configured to be biased in a vertical direction towards the intermediate shaft.
[011] In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a link member that couples the intermediate shaft with the lock pin such that the intermediate shaft and the lock pin are parallel to each other.
[012] In an embodiment, the shaft of the actuator and the intermediate shaft are provided with at least one provision defined as a slot to securely couple with the connector at first end and at the second end, respectively. The at least one provision on the shaft of the actuator and the intermediate shaft holds the connecting member during locking position and unlocking position.
[013] In an embodiment, the actuator is a bi-directional solenoid.
[014] In an embodiment, the connector is pivotably supported within the engine head.
[015] In an embodiment, the actuator is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit in the engine head of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the actuator is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit in the engine head cover of the vehicle.
[016] The present disclosure also discloses a rocker unit for a variable valve timing mechanism of an engine. The rocker unit includes a rocker arm mounted on a rocker shaft. The rocker arm includes a first end including a roller which contacts a first cam mounted on a cam shaft to cause a reciprocating motion of the rocker arm about an axis of the rocker shaft. Further, the rocker arm is defined with a second end including a valve lash adjuster to operate at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of the

engine based on the reciprocating motion of the rocker arm. Further, the rocker unit comprises an auxiliary rocker member which is rotatably mounted on the rocker shaft disposed adjacent to the rocker arm. The auxiliary rocker member extends only towards the first end of the rocker arm such that a free end of the auxiliary rocker member abuts with a second cam mounted on the cam shaft to make a sliding contact. The rocker unit further includes a coupling mechanism to selectively engage a rocker arm and an auxiliary rocker member of a rocker unit of a variable valve timing system of an engine. The coupling mechanism comprises a lock pin that is configured to engage the rocker arm and the auxiliary rocker member of the rocker unit. The rocker arm is fixedly mounted to a rocker shaft and the auxiliary rocker member is rotatably mounted to the rocker shaft. The coupling mechanism includes a connector that is movably supported in one of an engine head cover and an engine head. The connector comprising a first end and a second end such that the second end of the connector is coupled to the lock pin. The coupling mechanism further includes an actuator which is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit in one of the engine head and the engine head cover. Further, a shaft of the actuator is linearly displaceable and is provided parallel to a central axis of the rocker shaft between a first position to a second position. The first end of the connector is coupled to the shaft of the actuator and actuation of the shaft moves the connector between a locking position and an unlocking position thereby moving the lock pin to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm and the auxiliary rocker member.
[017] The positioning of the actuator positioned upwardly to the rocker unit in one of the engine head and the engine head cover results in indirect contact with the lock pin. . The first groove and the second groove provided on the intermediate shaft enables in positioning of the lock pin with respect to the movement of the connector in the locking position and the unlocking position. The retainer facilitates in maintaining a required position of the lock pin in engaged or disengaged position. Further, the spring biased retainer causes the retainer to be raised or lowered gradually between first groove and the second groove, without imparting direct forces to the actuator. Further, this configuration of the retainer (50) along with the spring (50c) enables the lock pin (30) to be in engaged and disengaged position without need of actuating/ powering the actuator (40) continuously. The link member securely holds the lock pin and allows indirect contact of the intermediate shaft with the lock pin.

[018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[020] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[022] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a portion of an engine comprising a coupling mechanism mounted on an engine head cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[023] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the engine comprising the coupling mechanism disposed with an engine head cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[024] Figure 4 illustrates a view of the engine having the coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[025] Figures 5 illustrates a view of the coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[026] Figures 6 illustrates a view of the portion of the coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[027] Figures 7 illustrates a view of the coupling mechanism sowing pin engaged position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[028] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[029] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the Figures 1-7 and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[030] Before describing detailed embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a coupling mechanism for a rocker unit of a variable valve timing system of an engine. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the coupling mechanism. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[031] In the present disclosure, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[032] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or mechanism proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[033] The terms like "at least one" and "one or more" may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[034] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a two wheeled vehicle, however, a coupling mechanism and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms "vehicle", "two-wheeled vehicle", and "motorcycle" have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "vehicle" comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.
[035] The terms "front/forward", "rear/rearward/back/backward", "up/upper/top", "down/lower/lower ward/downward, bottom", used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[036] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures. 1 to 7. In Figures. 1 to 7, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[037] A typical two wheeled vehicle (300) among other components include a front wheel (301), steering member (302), rear wheel (303), fuel tank (304), seat (305), all supported by a frame. The frame generally includes a head tube, down tube, a pair of seat rails, and cross members. The two wheeled vehicle (300) also includes an internal combustion engine (201) mounted on the frame. The internal combustion engine (201) is disposed in a space downside of a fuel tank (304) and behind head tube. In some

embodiment, the internal combustion engine (201) may be positioned below the seat (305). A transmission is operationally coupled the internal combustion engine (201) to transmit a power output from the internal combustion engine (201) to the rear wheel (303) via a transmission mechanism.
[038] The internal combustion engine (201) as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 includes engine body (203) defined with a cylinder bore, an engine head (202), a head cover (205), and a crankcase [not shown]. The cylinder bore houses a piston. The piston is coupled to a crankshaft via a connecting rod, where a small end of the connecting rod is coupled to the piston and a big end is coupled to the crankshaft. The engine head (202) is disposed on the engine body (203). The engine head (202) is coupled to the engine body (203) enclosing the cylinder bore. The engine head cover (205) is further disposed on engine head (202). The engine head cover (205) is coupled to the engine head (202) for enclosing the components in the engine head (202). A spark plug (not shown) is provided in the engine head (202). A tip end portion of the spark plug is disposed so as to face a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder bore. The base end portion of the spark plug is disposed outside of the engine (201). Further, the engine head (202) is defined with an intake port and an exhaust port, operable between an open and closed positions by an intake valve and an exhaust valve [not shown]. A valve operating mechanism is housed in the engine head (202). The valve operating mechanism is configured to operate exhaust valves and intake valves associated with each cylinder bore in the engine head (202). Further, an overhead camshaft mechanism is used in the valve mechanism to actuate the intake and exhaust valves to open and close the intake and exhaust ports. A variable valve mechanism (200a) may be provided in the engine (201) to switch the timing for opening and closing the intake valves and is used in the valve mechanism.
[039] Referring now to Figures 4 to 7 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating perspective views of the rocker unit (200). The rocker unit (100) includes the rocker arm (210) pivotally mounted on a rocker shaft (240). The rocker arm (210) includes a first end (211) defining a pair of spaced apart arms (211a) and a roller (212) between the pair of spaced apart arms (211a). The roller (12) contacts or traces with a first cam (251a) mounted on a cam shaft (250). The contact between the roller (212) at first end (11) with the first cam (251a) causes a reciprocating motion

of the rocker arm (210) about an axis (A-A) of the rocker shaft (240). Further, in an embodiment, a first provision (not shown) is defined in the first end (211) of the rocker arm (210) to receive the lock pin (30). In an embodiment, a mounting provision (not shown) is provided on each of the pair of arms (211a). The mounting provision is defined as the aperture (260) may be provided on the rocker arm (210) is coaxial to a mounting hole (217) provided in the roller (212). The mounting provision and the mounting hole (217) may be at least one of hole, aperture, slot, groove, and any suitable provision to receive the lock pin (30). Further, a second end (213) of the rocker arm (210) opposite to the first end (211), includes a valve lash adjuster (245) to push at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the engine (201) based on the relative reciprocating motion of the rocker arm (210).
[040] The rocker unit (200) of the present disclosure comprises an auxiliary rocker member (220). The auxiliary rocker member (220) is disposed adjacent to the rocker arm (210) and extends only towards the first end (211) of the rocker arm (210). Referring to the Figure 5, the auxiliary rocker member (220) is rotatably mounted on the rocker shaft (240) and adjacent to the rocker arm (210). The auxiliary rocker member (220) is defined with a primary end (not shown) and a secondary end (not shown). The primary end comprises a through hole to receive the rocker shaft (240). Further, the auxiliary rocker member (220) extends away from the primary end and only towards the cam shaft (250) to form the secondary end. The secondary end of the auxiliary rocker member (220) is defined as an extended flange having a predetermined curvature at a free end (not shown) to abut and make a sliding contact with a second cam (25 lb) of the cam shaft (250). Further, a mid-segment formed between the primary end and the secondary end is provided with a second provision (not shown) to receive the lock pin (30). In an embodiment, the first provision of the rocker arm (210) is coaxial to the second provision of the auxiliary rocker member (220). The lock pin (30) is selectively receivable in the first provision and the second provision defined in the auxiliary rocker member (220) to engage and disengage the rocker arm (210) with the auxiliary rocker member (220). The first provision and the second provision are at least one of hole, aperture, slot, and any suitable provision to receive the lock pin (30).
[041] Referring to Figure 2 to Figure 6 the present disclosure discloses a coupling mechanism (100) employed in the engine (201) of the vehicle (300) to selectively

engage a rocker arm (210) and an auxiliary rocker member (220) of a rocker unit (200) of a variable valve timing system (200a). Specific reference can be made to Figures 4 to Figure 6 which shows the coupling mechanism (100) of the present disclosure. The coupling mechanism (100) includes a lock pin (30) configured to engage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) of the rocker unit (200). The rocker arm (210) is fixedly mounted to a rocker shaft (240) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) is rotatably mounted to the rocker shaft (240). In an embodiment, a provision such as an aperture (260) is provided in each of the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) to receive the lock pin (30). The lock pin (30) may be an elongated member and is defined with a first end and a second end (not shown in figures).
[042] The coupling mechanism (100) further includes a connector (20) movably supported in one of the engine head cover (205) and the engine head (202). In an embodiment, the connector (20) is movably supported in the engine head (202). The connector (20) may be pivotably supported within a slot (202a) defined within the engine head (202) as shown in Figures 3 to 5. In an embodiment, the slot (202a) may be define within a wall portion of the engine head (202). The connector (20) includes a first end (20a) and a second end (20b) such that the second end (20b) of the connector (20) is operatively coupled to the lock pin (30) . The connector (20) may be a flat elongated member. Further, the connector (20) is pivotable in between the first end (20a) and the second end (20b), via a pivoting portion (20c) which is provided between the first end (20a) and the second end (20b). The pivoting portion (20c) is configured as a pin to pivotably couple the connector (20) with the engine head (202).
[043] The coupling mechanism (100) further includes an actuator (10) which is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in one of the engine head (202) and the engine head cover (205). In an embodiment, the actuator (10) is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in the engine head (202) of the vehicle (300) as shown in Figure 4. In this configuration, the actuator (10) may be partially covered from the engine head cover (205). Referring to the Figure 1, the actuator (10) is mounted in the engine head cover (205). In another embodiment, the actuator (10) is positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in the engine head cover (205) of the vehicle (300) as shown in figure 2 and 3. In this configuration, the actuator (10) may be completely enclosed within the engine head cover (205). The actuator (10) may be positioned above the rocker unit

(200) and is mounted to the engine head cover (205) via a plurality of fasteners (206) such that the actuator (10) is enclosed by the engine head cover (205) as illustrated in Figure 3. In an embodiment, the engine head cover (205) includes a through opening (205a) to allow accessing of the actuator (10). Further, the actuator (10) includes a shaft (11) projecting from the actuator (10) and is provided parallel to a central axis (A-A) of the rocker shaft (240). The shaft (11) is linearly displaceable between a first position to a second position. The first end (20a) of the connector (20) is coupled to the shaft (11) of the actuator (100). In an embodiment, the connector (20) is provided with at least one provision (22) defined as a slot to securely couple with the shaft (11) at the first end (20a). The actuation of the shaft (11) moves the connector (20) between a locking position and an unlocking position thereby moving the lock pin (30) to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220). Due to linear displacement of the shaft (11), the shaft (11) is configured to move axially in a forward direction from the actuator (10) causing the connector (20) to pivot about the pivoting portion (20c). This allows the shaft (20) to be in the first position. More specifically, in the first position of the shaft (11), the connector (20) pivots about the pivoting portion (20c) such that second end (20b) of connector (20) moves towards the lock pin (30) and the first end (20a) moves in a direction opposite to second end (20b) of the connector (20). This results in operation of to the lock pin (30) to engage with the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220). In the unlocking position of the shaft (11), the energized actuator (10), the connector (20) causes the shaft (11) to move axially in a backward direction or retracted towards the actuator (10). This may be referred as second position of the shaft (11). More specifically, in the second position of the shaft (11), the connector (20) to pivots about the pivoting portion (20c) such that first end (20a) of connecting member moves towards the actuator (10) and the second end (20a) moves in a direction opposite to first end (20a) of the connector (20) or away from the lock pin (30). This causes the lock pin (30) to disengage the rocker arm (210) with the auxiliary rocker member (220). In an embodiment, the actuator (10) is a bi-directional solenoid. In an embodiment, the connector (20) may slide linearly due to actuation of the shaft (11), thereby causing the lock pin (30) to be operable in an engaged and disengaged position to lock and unlock the rocker arm (210) with the auxiliary rocker member (220).

[044] In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism (100) comprises an intermediate shaft (40) configured to couple the lock pin (30) with the second end (20b) of the connector (20). The intermediate shaft (40) provides an indirect contact between the actuator (10) and the lock pin (30). The intermediate shaft (40) is defined with a first groove (41) and a second groove (42) spaced from the first groove (41). The first groove (41) and the second groove (42) may be configured as cavity formed around the intermediate shaft (40). The first groove (41) and the second groove (42) may be disposed between ends of the intermediate shaft (40). The intermediate shaft (40) is provided with at least one provision defined as a slot to securely couple with the second end (20b) of the connector (20).
[045] As shown in Figures. 4 to Figure 7 the coupling mechanism (100) includes a retainer (50) which is disposed between the engine head (202) and the intermediate shaft (40). In an embodiment, the retainer (50) may be positioned perpendicularly to the central axis (A-A) of the rocker shaft (240) and between the engine head (202) and the intermediate shaft (40). In an embodiment, an upper wall portion of the engine head (202) is provided with a hole (207) to support the retainer (50) as shown in Figure 4. The retainer (50) is adapted to engage with one of the first groove (41) and the second groove (42) upon operation of the connector (20) between the locked position and the unlocked position. The retainer (50) is spring biased retainer. This spring biased retainer includes a retainer body (50a), spring (50b) extending from the retainer body (50a) and ball (50c) coupled to free end of the spring (50b). The retainer (50) is configured to be biased in a vertical direction towards the intermediate shaft (40) during the locking and unlocking position of the connector (20). The retainer (50) is a longitudinal member having a first end coupled to the engine head (202) and a second end configured to abut at least one of the first groove (41) and the second groove (42). The second end of the retainer (50) may have a shape complementary to the first groove (41) and the second groove (42) to maintain the position of the retainer (50) in one of the first groove (41) and the second groove (42). Referring to Figure 7, in the locking position of the connector (20), the second end of the retainer (50) is received by the first groove (41) which facilitates retention of the lock pin (30) in this position such that the lock pin (30) engaged with the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220). Further, in the unlocking position of the connector (20), the second end of the retainer (50) is received by the second groove (42) [Shown in Figure. 6] which facilitates which

facilitates retention of the lock pin (30) in this position such that the lock pin (30) is disengaged with the rocker arm (210). The retainer (50) aids the connector (20) to be in the locking and unlocking position due to linear displacement of the shaft (11) of the actuator (10). Further, this configuration of the retainer (50) along with the spring (50c) enables the lock pin (30) to be in engaged and disengaged position without need of actuating/ powering the actuator (40) continuously.
[046] The coupling mechanism (100) further includes a link member (60) that couples the intermediate shaft (40) with the lock pin (30) such that the intermediate shaft (40) and the lock pin (30) are parallel to each other. The link member (60) is configured with an elongated slot to receive the lock pin (30) at one end. The lock pin (30) is movable between ends of the elongated slot. Further, another end of the link member (60) is coupled with the intermediate shaft (40). In an embodiment, the second end of the intermediate shaft (40) is coupled with the link member (60) such that the intermediate shaft (40) projects outwardly from the link member (60) in a direction opposite to the lock pin (30). The link member (60) is needed only when the lock pin (30) is in an intermediate position of the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220).
[047] In the operative configuration of the coupling mechanism (100), when the actuator (10) is energised, the shaft (11) of the actuator (10) is configured move axially in a forward direction from the actuator (10). The first end (20a) of connector (20) is coupled to the shaft (11) pivots about the pivoting portion (20c) such that the second end (20b) of connector (20) moves towards the lock pin (30). This configuration of the shaft (11) allows the connector (20) to be in the first position. Due to this movement of the second end (20b) of the connector (20), the intermediate shaft (40) moves further towards the lock pin (30). Further, the intermediate shaft (40) connected to the lock pin (30), allows liner displacement of the lock pin (30) towards the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) to engage the lock pin (30) with the auxiliary rocker member (220) and rocker arm (210). In this configuration, the retainer (50) is gradually directed towards the intermediate shaft (40) and is receivable by the first groove (41). This allows retention of the lock pin (30) in an engagement with the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220). This enables sturdy operation of the rocker unit (200) in high speed of the engine (201).

[048] The actuator (10) may be further energized to disengage the lock pin (30) of the rocker arm (210) with the auxiliary rocker member (220). To achieve this, the actuator (10) is energized resulting in moving the shaft (11) of the actuator (10) axially in a backward direction or retracted towards the actuator (10). The first end (20a) of the connector (20) is coupled to the shaft (11) pivots about the pivoting portion (20c) such that the second end (20b) of the connector (20) moves away from the lock pin (30). This configuration of the shaft (11) allows the connector (20) to be in the second position. Due to this movement of the second end (20b) of the connector (20), the intermediate shaft (40) moves further away from the lock pin (30). Further, the intermediate shaft (40) connected to the lock pin (30), allows liner displacement of the lock pin (30) within rocker arm (210) to move in a direction opposite to the auxiliary rocker member (220) to disengage the lock pin (30) with the auxiliary rocker member (220). In this configuration, the retainer (50) is gradually directed towards the intermediate shaft (40) and is receivable by the second groove (41). This allows retention of the lock pin (30) to be disengaged with the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220).
[049] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling mechanism (100) prevents direct loading of the lock pin (30) and provides a cost-effective solution to prevent pre-mature failure of the lock pin (30) to engage and disengage with the rocker unit (200).
[050] In an embodiment, a size, configuration of the components of the coupling mechanism (100) can be varied according to the application requirement.
[051] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the coupling mechanism (100) that is simple in construction, along with being robust and compact. [052] In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism (100) of the present disclosure makes the engine (201) compact.
[053] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In

the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[054] Herein, the terms "attached", "connected", "interconnected", "contacting", "mounted", "coupled" and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[055] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[057] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

EQUIVALENTS:
[058] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[059] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[060] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
[061] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

we claim:

A coupling mechanism (100) to selectively engage a rocker arm (210) and an auxiliary rocker member (220) of a rocker unit (200) of a variable valve timing system (200a) of an engine (201), the coupling mechanism (100) comprising:
a lock pin (30) configured to engage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) of the rocker unit (200), wherein the rocker arm (210) fixedly mounted to a rocker shaft (240) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) rotatably mounted to the rocker shaft (240);
a connector (20) movably supported in one of an engine head cover (205) and an engine head (202), the connector comprising a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), wherein the lock pin (30) adapted to be actuated by second end (20b) of the connector (20); and
an actuator (10) positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in one of the engine head (202) and the engine head cover (205), wherein a shaft (11) of the actuator (10) linearly displaceable, parallel to a central axis (A-A) of the rocker shaft (240), between a first position to a second position; wherein the first end (20a) of the connector (20) coupled to the shaft (11) of the actuator (10) and actuation of the shaft (11) moves the connector (20) between a locking position and an unlocking position thereby moving the lock pin (30) to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220).
The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an intermediate shaft (40) coupling the lock pin (30) with the second end (20b) of the connector (20), wherein the intermediate shaft (40) is defined with a first groove (41) and a second groove (42) spaced from the first groove (41).
The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprises a retainer (50) disposed between the engine head (202) and the intermediate shaft (40), wherein the retainer (50) is adapted to engage with one of the first groove (41) and the second groove (42) upon operation of the connector (20) between the locked position and the unlocked position.

4. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the retainer (50) is spring biased retainer, wherein the spring biased retainer is configured to be biased in a vertical direction towards the intermediate shaft (40).
5. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprises a link member (60) coupling the intermediate shaft (40) with the lock pin (30), such that the intermediate shaft (40) and the lock pin (30) are parallel to each other.
6. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft (11) of the actuator (10) and the intermediate shaft (40) are provided with at least one provision defined as a slot to securely couple with the connector (20) at first end (20a) and at the second end (20b), respectively.
7. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (10) is a bi-directional solenoid.
8. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (20) is pivotably supported within the engine head (202).
9. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (10) positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in the engine head (202) of the vehicle.
10. The coupling mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (10) positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in the engine head cover (205) of the vehicle.
11. A rocker unit (200) for a variable valve timing mechanism of an engine (201), the rocker unit comprising:
a rocker arm (210) mounted on a rocker shaft (240), wherein the rocker arm (10) comprises:
a first end (211), including a roller (212) which contacts a first cam (251a) mounted on a cam shaft (250) to cause a reciprocating motion of the rocker arm (210) about an axis of the rocker shaft (240);

a second end (213), including a valve lash adjuster (245) to
operate at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of the engine
(201) based on the reciprocating motion of the rocker arm (210);
an auxiliary rocker member (220) rotatably mounted on the rocker shaft (240) disposed adjacent to the rocker arm (210) and extends only towards the first end (211) of the rocker arm (210), wherein a free end of the auxiliary rocker member (220) abuts with a second cam (251b) mounted on the cam shaft (250) to make a sliding contact; and
a coupling mechanism (100) to selectively engage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220), the coupling mechanism (100) comprising;
a lock pin (30) configured to engage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) of the rocker unit (200), wherein the rocker arm (210) fixedly mounted to a rocker shaft (240) and the auxiliary rocker member (220) rotatably mounted to the rocker shaft (240);
a connector (20) movably supported in one of an engine head cover (205) and the engine head (201), the connector (20) comprising a first end (20a) and the second end (20b), wherein the second end (20b) of the connector (20) coupled to the lock pin (30); and
an actuator (10) positioned upwardly to the rocker unit (200) in one of the engine head (202) and the engine head cover (205), wherein a shaft (11) of the actuator (10) linearly displaceable, parallel to a central axis (A-A) of the rocker shaft (240), between a first position to a second position; wherein the first end (20a) of the connector (20) coupled to the shaft (11) of the actuator (10) and actuation of the shaft (11) moves the connector (20) between a locking position and an unlocking position thereby moving the lock pin (30) to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm (210) and the auxiliary rocker member (220).