EP2873815A1 - Retention device for valve actuating mechanism - Google Patents
Retention device for valve actuating mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2873815A1 EP2873815A1 EP20140172868 EP14172868A EP2873815A1 EP 2873815 A1 EP2873815 A1 EP 2873815A1 EP 20140172868 EP20140172868 EP 20140172868 EP 14172868 A EP14172868 A EP 14172868A EP 2873815 A1 EP2873815 A1 EP 2873815A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connecting members
- actuating mechanism
- valve actuating
- retention device
- ring member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/20—Adjusting or compensating clearance
- F01L1/22—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically
- F01L1/24—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically
- F01L1/2405—Adjusting or compensating clearance automatically, e.g. mechanically by fluid means, e.g. hydraulically by means of a hydraulic adjusting device located between the cylinder head and rocker arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
- F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
- F01L1/185—Overhead end-pivot rocking arms
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
- F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
- F01L2001/187—Clips, e.g. for retaining rocker arm on pivot
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to valve actuating mechanisms for engines and, more particularly, to a retention device for a valve actuating mechanism for an engine.
- valve actuating mechanisms to open and close valves of an engine such as an internal combustion engine.
- These valve actuating mechanisms may be of a finger follower type including a finger follower having a pallet or web engaging a stem of the valve and a dome socket engaging a rounded end of a hydraulic lash adjuster supported by a cylinder head of the engine.
- the dome socket is known to have a dome with a concave recess or socket therein.
- a circular opening or orifice is provided in the dome for spraying lubrication fluid from the dome socket into a camshaft compartment for lubricating a cam and cam follower and associated components of the valve actuating mechanism.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,775,280 to Schmidt et al discloses a securing device for an actuating lever in a valve control mechanism of an internal combustion engine.
- a hydraulic lash adjuster is disposed below a spherical end of a finger follower or lever and has an undercut for receiving a connecting element in the form of a sheet metal retention clip so that the finger follower and the hydraulic lash adjuster form a structural unit.
- the sheet metal retention clip has a thickness which is smaller than the width of the undercut, so that the connecting element does not spring open during pivoting movements of the finger follower, but bears firmly against the socket-like portion of the finger follower and thus does not cause an additional increase of friction in the valve actuating mechanism.
- the sheet metal retention clip exhibits a generally U-shaped configuration and is comprised of an arm, which engages a top surface of the finger follower, and a second, bifurcated arm which is received in the undercut. An intermediate portion connects the arms to each other, with the arms additionally formed with retaining lugs for securing the clip in place.
- the above-described patented sheet metal retention clip suffers from the disadvantage that this clip always effects a relative movement in relation to the finger follower or the lash adjuster. Another disadvantage is that the constant relative movement occurring between the retention clip and the finger follower and between the retention clip and the lash adjuster subjects the valve actuating mechanism to additional friction, which is undesired. A further disadvantage of the retention clip is that it does not bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,676,203 which is the U.S. equivalent of German Patent No. DE 3500524 C2, to Nouno discloses a rocker arm spring for a valve actuating mechanism of an internal combustion engine.
- the rocker arm spring has an upper arm engaging a rocker arm and a lower arm engaging a socket of a universal pivot.
- the rocker arm spring holds a shaft of the universal pivot and the socket together and serves to bias the free end of the rocker arm in contact with the stem of the intake or exhaust valve.
- the upper arm of the spring has side edges bent down at a right angle to increase the flexural rigidity of the upper arm.
- rocker arm spring suffers from the disadvantage that the constant relative movement occurring between the spring and the finger follower and between the spring and the lash adjuster subjects the valve actuating mechanism to additional friction, which is undesired.
- Another disadvantage of the rocker arm spring is that it does not bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- a retention device to secure the actuating lever or finger follower and the support member or lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism to one another, without increasing a friction in the valve actuating mechanism. It is also desirable to provide a retention device to bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- one object of the present invention to provide a retention device to secure the finger follower and the lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism to one another.
- the present invention is a retention device to secure a finger follower and lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism together.
- the retention device includes a ring member disposed in a groove of a movable piston of the lash adjuster.
- the retention device also includes a plurality of connecting members adapted to be formed from the finger follower and extending axially below the ring member and about a portion of the lash adjuster to engage the ring member in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- a new retention device is provided for a valve actuating mechanism.
- the retention device has a plurality of connecting members as in-die formed tabs that may engage a ring member or a groove of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as a lash adjuster.
- the connecting members engage the ring member or groove in all pivoted positions of an actuating lever such as a finger follower.
- the retention device has connecting members formed into the finger lever spherical recess area of the roller finger follower, by forming in the stamping process.
- the retention device has connecting elements formed into the finger lever spherical recess area, thereby eliminating the need for a secondary operation and added components.
- FIG. 1 one embodiment of a retention device 10, according to the present invention, for a valve actuating mechanism, generally indicated at 12, of a finger follower type is shown for an engine, generally indicated at 14.
- the engine 14 is of an overhead cam type having a cylinder head 16 including an inlet or exhaust port 18.
- the engine 14 also includes a valve 20 having a head 22 and a stem 24 extending from the head 22.
- the engine 14 includes a spring 26 disposed about the stem 24 that biases the head 22 of the valve 20 to a closed position. It should be appreciated that the engine 14 is conventional and known in the art.
- the valve actuating mechanism 12 includes an actuating lever or finger follower, generally indicated at 28, having a lever body 29 with a base wall 30 and a pair of opposed side walls 32 extending substantially parallel from the base wall 30 and an aperture 33 extending through each of the side walls 32.
- the finger follower 28 also includes a pallet or actuating pad 34 at one end of the lever body 29 engaging the stem 24 of the valve 20.
- the finger follower 28 further includes a roller or cam follower 36 disposed between the side walls 32 and having an outer surface 38 engaged by an associated cam 40 of a camshaft 42 of the valve actuating mechanism 12.
- the roller 36 is generally circular in shape and is rotatably mounted to the side walls 32 by a pin 44 extending through the roller 36 and the apertures 33 in the side walls 32 of the lever body 29. It should be appreciated that the roller 36 has one or more bearing members 45 disposed about the pin 44 to allow the roller 36 to rotate relative to the pin 44.
- the finger follower 28 also includes a dome socket 46 disposed between the side walls 32 at an end of the lever body 29 opposite the actuating pad 34.
- the finger follower 28 further includes a tab 47 extending outwardly from the end of the lever body 29 adjacent the dome socket 46.
- the finger follower 28 is made of a metal material and is integral, unitary, and one-piece. It should be appreciated that the dome socket 46 also includes a lubrication spray orifice (not shown) extending therethrough.
- the valve actuating mechanism 10 further includes a support member or hydraulic lash adjuster 48 that is supported by the cylinder head 16.
- the hydraulic lash adjuster 48 has a movable piston with a rounded end 50 disposed in and engaging the dome socket 46 of the finger follower 28.
- the rounded end 50 may include a groove 51 extending inwardly radially and circumferentially. It should be appreciated that the dome socket 46 receives lubrication fluid via the lash adjuster 48 and the lubrication fluid is sprayed through the lubrication spray orifice toward the outer surface of the associated roller 36 for lubricating the roller 36 and the associated cam 40, and, by the resulting spray, lubricating the pallet 34 which actuates the valve 20.
- the retention device 10 holds the actuating lever such as the finger follower 28 and the support member such as the lash adjuster 48 together.
- the retention device 10 includes a ring member 52 disposed in the groove 51 of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the ring member 52 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type.
- the ring member 52 is made of a metal material.
- the ring member 52 is disposed in the groove 51 of the movable piston and extends radially outwardly past the exterior surface of the movable piston. It should be appreciated that the ring member 52 could be formed as part of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member. It should also be appreciated that the ring member 52 is optional.
- the retention device 10 also includes one or more connecting members 54 formed from the finger follower 28 and cooperating with the ring member 52.
- the connecting members 54 are generally rectangular shaped and extend axially. As illustrated, two opposed connecting members 54 are disposed about and cooperate with the ring member 52.
- the connecting members 54 are in-die formed from the dome socket 46 and cantilevered to extend downwardly and axially. Once formed, an aperture 56 extends between each connecting member 54 and the dome socket 46.
- the connecting members 54 form a groove 58 to receive the ring member 52.
- the connecting members 54 are angled inwardly to extend radially below and past the ring member 52.
- the connecting members 54 are made of a metal material.
- the connecting members 54 and dome socket 46 are integral, unitary, and one-piece.
- connecting members 54 are formed to be angled inward to aid the retention of the connecting members 54 to the ring member 52 disposed in the groove 51 of the movable piston of the lash adjuster 48. It should also be appreciated that the connecting members 54 engage the ring member 52 in all pivoted positions of the finger follower 28. It should further be appreciated that a die (not shown) is used to form the connecting members 54 in the dome socket 46 in a stamping process.
- the camshaft 42 of the engine 14 rotates and the cam 40 of the camshaft 42 actuates the finger follower 28.
- the lash adjuster 48 acts as a pivot about which the finger follower 28 is actuated to open and close an associated valve 20 of the engine 14.
- Lubrication fluid from the lash adjuster 48 is provided to the dome socket 46 through the opening or orifice in the rounded end 50 of the lash adjuster 48.
- the lubrication fluid in the dome socket 46 is sprayed through the orifice into the camshaft compartment for lubricating the cam 40 and roller 36 and associated components of the valve actuating mechanism 12. It should be appreciated that the connecting members 54 bear firmly against the ring member 52 in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism 12.
- the retention device 110 holds the finger follower 28 and the lash adjuster 48 together.
- the retention device 110 includes a ring member 152 disposed in the groove 51 of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the ring member 152 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type.
- the ring member 152 is made of a metal material. It should be appreciated that the ring member 152 could be formed as part of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member.
- the retention device 110 also includes one or more connecting members 154 formed on the finger follower 28 and cooperating with the ring member 152.
- the connecting members 154 are generally rectangular shaped and extend axially. As illustrated, two opposed connecting members 154 are disposed about and cooperate with the ring member 152.
- the connecting members 154 are in-die formed from the dome socket 46.
- the connecting members 154 form a groove 158 to receive the ring member 152.
- Each of the connecting members 154 includes a tab 160 extending radially from an interior surface. In this embodiment, the tab 160 is generally triangular shaped and extend radially inwardly below and past the ring member 152. It should be appreciated that the tabs 160 are formed to aid the retention of the connecting members 154 to the ring member 152 disposed in the groove 51 of the movable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the operation of the retention device 110 is similar to the retention device 10.
- the retention device 10 holds the finger follower 28 and the lash adjuster 48 together.
- the retention device 210 includes a ring member 252 disposed in the groove 51 of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the ring member 252 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type.
- the ring member 252 is made of a metal material. It should be appreciated that the ring member 252 could be formed as part of the rounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member.
- the retention device 210 also includes one or more connecting members 254 formed on the finger follower 28 and cooperating with the ring member 252.
- the connecting members 254 are generally rectangular shaped and extending axially. As illustrated, two opposed connecting members 254 are disposed about and cooperate with the ring member 252.
- the connecting members 254 are in-die formed from the dome socket 46.
- the connecting members 254 form a groove 258 to receive the ring member 252.
- Each of the connecting members 254 includes a tab 260 extending radially from an interior surface. In this embodiment, the tab 260 is generally "L" shaped and extends radially inwardly below and past the ring member 252.
- the tabs 260 are formed to aid the retention of the connecting members 254 to the ring member 252 disposed in the groove 51 of the movable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the operation of the retention device 210 is similar to the retention device 10.
- the retention device 310 holds the finger follower 28 and the lash adjuster 48 together.
- the retention device 310 includes one or more connecting members 354 formed on the finger follower 28 and cooperating with an axially extending groove 51 of the rounded end 50 of the lash adjuster 48.
- the connecting members 354 are generally rectangular shaped and extending axially. As illustrated, two opposed connecting members 354 are disposed about and cooperate with the axially extending groove 51 of the rounded end 50.
- the connecting members 354 are in-die formed from the dome socket 46 of the finger follower 28.
- Each of the connecting members 354 includes a tab 360 extending radially from an interior surface.
- the tab 360 is generally rectangular shaped and extends radially inwardly into the axially extending groove 51. It should be appreciated that the tabs 360 are formed to aid the retention of the connecting members 354 to the groove 51 of the movable piston of the lash adjuster 48.
- the operation of the retention device 310 is similar to the retention device 10.
- the retention device 10, 110, 210, 310 of the present invention has one or more connecting members 54, 154, 254, 354 either cooperating with a ring member 52, 152, 252 placed in a groove 51 of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as a lash adjuster 48 or cooperating with the groove 51 of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as a lash adjuster 48.
- the connecting members 54, 154, 254, 354 of the present invention extend axially with enough distance to ensure that the connecting members 54, 154, 254, 354 of the present invention abut firmly on the lever body 29 of the finger follower 28 in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism 12.
- the retention devices 10, 110, 210, 310 of the present invention prevent an erroneous installation of the finger follower 28, e.g. a position turned by 180 degrees, so that the dome socket 46 is placed correctly on the rounded end 50 of the lash adjuster 48.
- the retention devices 10, 110, 210, 310 of the present invention have the connecting members 54, 154, 254, 354 formed into the dome socket 46, eliminating the need for a secondary operation and added components.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention claims the priority date of co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number
61/836,368, filed June 18, 2013 - The present invention relates generally to valve actuating mechanisms for engines and, more particularly, to a retention device for a valve actuating mechanism for an engine.
- It is known to provide valve actuating mechanisms to open and close valves of an engine such as an internal combustion engine. These valve actuating mechanisms may be of a finger follower type including a finger follower having a pallet or web engaging a stem of the valve and a dome socket engaging a rounded end of a hydraulic lash adjuster supported by a cylinder head of the engine. The dome socket is known to have a dome with a concave recess or socket therein. Typically, a circular opening or orifice is provided in the dome for spraying lubrication fluid from the dome socket into a camshaft compartment for lubricating a cam and cam follower and associated components of the valve actuating mechanism.
- It is also known to provide a device for securing the finger follower and hydraulic lash adjuster together. For example,
U.S. Patent No. 5,775,280 to Schmidt et al . discloses a securing device for an actuating lever in a valve control mechanism of an internal combustion engine. In this patent, a hydraulic lash adjuster is disposed below a spherical end of a finger follower or lever and has an undercut for receiving a connecting element in the form of a sheet metal retention clip so that the finger follower and the hydraulic lash adjuster form a structural unit. The sheet metal retention clip has a thickness which is smaller than the width of the undercut, so that the connecting element does not spring open during pivoting movements of the finger follower, but bears firmly against the socket-like portion of the finger follower and thus does not cause an additional increase of friction in the valve actuating mechanism. The sheet metal retention clip exhibits a generally U-shaped configuration and is comprised of an arm, which engages a top surface of the finger follower, and a second, bifurcated arm which is received in the undercut. An intermediate portion connects the arms to each other, with the arms additionally formed with retaining lugs for securing the clip in place. - The above-described patented sheet metal retention clip suffers from the disadvantage that this clip always effects a relative movement in relation to the finger follower or the lash adjuster. Another disadvantage is that the constant relative movement occurring between the retention clip and the finger follower and between the retention clip and the lash adjuster subjects the valve actuating mechanism to additional friction, which is undesired. A further disadvantage of the retention clip is that it does not bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- In addition,
U.S. Patent No. 4,676,203 , which is the U.S. equivalent of German Patent No.DE 3500524 C2, to Nouno discloses a rocker arm spring for a valve actuating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm spring has an upper arm engaging a rocker arm and a lower arm engaging a socket of a universal pivot. The rocker arm spring holds a shaft of the universal pivot and the socket together and serves to bias the free end of the rocker arm in contact with the stem of the intake or exhaust valve. The upper arm of the spring has side edges bent down at a right angle to increase the flexural rigidity of the upper arm. - The above-described patented rocker arm spring suffers from the disadvantage that the constant relative movement occurring between the spring and the finger follower and between the spring and the lash adjuster subjects the valve actuating mechanism to additional friction, which is undesired. Another disadvantage of the rocker arm spring is that it does not bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- Therefore, it is desirable to provide a retention device to secure the actuating lever or finger follower and the support member or lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism to one another, without increasing a friction in the valve actuating mechanism. It is also desirable to provide a retention device to bear firmly against the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower. Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a retention device for a valve actuating mechanism that meets at least one of these desires.
- It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a retention device to secure the finger follower and the lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism to one another.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a retention device to secure the finger follower and the lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism to one another, without increasing a friction in the valve actuating mechanism.
- To achieve one or more of the foregoing objects, the present invention is a retention device to secure a finger follower and lash adjuster of a valve actuating mechanism together. The retention device includes a ring member disposed in a groove of a movable piston of the lash adjuster. The retention device also includes a plurality of connecting members adapted to be formed from the finger follower and extending axially below the ring member and about a portion of the lash adjuster to engage the ring member in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower.
- One advantage of the present invention is that a new retention device is provided for a valve actuating mechanism. Another advantage of the present invention is that the retention device has a plurality of connecting members as in-die formed tabs that may engage a ring member or a groove of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as a lash adjuster. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the connecting members engage the ring member or groove in all pivoted positions of an actuating lever such as a finger follower. A further advantage of the present invention is that the retention device ensures that the connecting members abut firmly on the finger follower in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism and, due to the tilting movement of the finger follower, can move freely from its upper to its lower and from its lower to its upper edge in the undercut of the moveable piston of the lash adjuster. Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the retention device is utilized to realize a structural unit of the actuating lever and the support member so that assembly problems for customers are avoided. Still another advantage of the present invention is that the retention device prevents the erroneous installation of the actuating lever in the valve drive, e.g. a position turned by 180 degrees, so that the socket-type cavity of the finger lever is placed correctly on the support member and not on the valve stem end by mistake. A still further advantage of the present invention is that the retention device has connecting members formed into the finger lever spherical recess area of the roller finger follower, by forming in the stamping process. Yet a still further advantage of the present invention is that the retention device has connecting elements formed into the finger lever spherical recess area, thereby eliminating the need for a secondary operation and added components.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view a valve actuating mechanism having a retention device, according to the present invention, illustrated in operational relationship with a portion of an engine. -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the retention device, according to the present invention, of the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the retention device, according to the present invention, of the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the retention device, according to the present invention, of the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the retention device, according to the present invention, of the valve actuation mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another embodiment, according to the present invention, of the retention device for the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of yet another embodiment, according to the present invention, of the retention device for the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of still another embodiment, according to the present invention, of the retention device for the valve actuating mechanism ofFIG. 1 . - Referring now to the drawings, and in particular
FIG. 1 , one embodiment of aretention device 10, according to the present invention, for a valve actuating mechanism, generally indicated at 12, of a finger follower type is shown for an engine, generally indicated at 14. Theengine 14 is of an overhead cam type having acylinder head 16 including an inlet orexhaust port 18. Theengine 14 also includes avalve 20 having ahead 22 and astem 24 extending from thehead 22. Theengine 14 includes aspring 26 disposed about thestem 24 that biases thehead 22 of thevalve 20 to a closed position. It should be appreciated that theengine 14 is conventional and known in the art. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 5 , thevalve actuating mechanism 12 includes an actuating lever or finger follower, generally indicated at 28, having alever body 29 with abase wall 30 and a pair ofopposed side walls 32 extending substantially parallel from thebase wall 30 and anaperture 33 extending through each of theside walls 32. Thefinger follower 28 also includes a pallet or actuatingpad 34 at one end of thelever body 29 engaging thestem 24 of thevalve 20. Thefinger follower 28 further includes a roller orcam follower 36 disposed between theside walls 32 and having anouter surface 38 engaged by an associatedcam 40 of acamshaft 42 of thevalve actuating mechanism 12. Theroller 36 is generally circular in shape and is rotatably mounted to theside walls 32 by apin 44 extending through theroller 36 and theapertures 33 in theside walls 32 of thelever body 29. It should be appreciated that theroller 36 has one or more bearingmembers 45 disposed about thepin 44 to allow theroller 36 to rotate relative to thepin 44. - The
finger follower 28 also includes adome socket 46 disposed between theside walls 32 at an end of thelever body 29 opposite theactuating pad 34. Thefinger follower 28 further includes atab 47 extending outwardly from the end of thelever body 29 adjacent thedome socket 46. Thefinger follower 28 is made of a metal material and is integral, unitary, and one-piece. It should be appreciated that thedome socket 46 also includes a lubrication spray orifice (not shown) extending therethrough. - The
valve actuating mechanism 10 further includes a support member orhydraulic lash adjuster 48 that is supported by thecylinder head 16. Thehydraulic lash adjuster 48 has a movable piston with arounded end 50 disposed in and engaging thedome socket 46 of thefinger follower 28. Therounded end 50 may include agroove 51 extending inwardly radially and circumferentially. It should be appreciated that thedome socket 46 receives lubrication fluid via thelash adjuster 48 and the lubrication fluid is sprayed through the lubrication spray orifice toward the outer surface of the associatedroller 36 for lubricating theroller 36 and the associatedcam 40, and, by the resulting spray, lubricating thepallet 34 which actuates thevalve 20. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 through 5 , one embodiment of theretention device 10, according to the present invention, is shown. Theretention device 10 holds the actuating lever such as thefinger follower 28 and the support member such as thelash adjuster 48 together. Theretention device 10 includes aring member 52 disposed in thegroove 51 of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston of thelash adjuster 48. Thering member 52 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type. Thering member 52 is made of a metal material. Thering member 52 is disposed in thegroove 51 of the movable piston and extends radially outwardly past the exterior surface of the movable piston. It should be appreciated that thering member 52 could be formed as part of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member. It should also be appreciated that thering member 52 is optional. - The
retention device 10 also includes one or more connectingmembers 54 formed from thefinger follower 28 and cooperating with thering member 52. In this embodiment, the connectingmembers 54 are generally rectangular shaped and extend axially. As illustrated, two opposed connectingmembers 54 are disposed about and cooperate with thering member 52. The connectingmembers 54 are in-die formed from thedome socket 46 and cantilevered to extend downwardly and axially. Once formed, anaperture 56 extends between each connectingmember 54 and thedome socket 46. The connectingmembers 54 form agroove 58 to receive thering member 52. The connectingmembers 54 are angled inwardly to extend radially below and past thering member 52. The connectingmembers 54 are made of a metal material. The connectingmembers 54 anddome socket 46 are integral, unitary, and one-piece. It should be appreciated that the connectingmembers 54 are formed to be angled inward to aid the retention of the connectingmembers 54 to thering member 52 disposed in thegroove 51 of the movable piston of thelash adjuster 48. It should also be appreciated that the connectingmembers 54 engage thering member 52 in all pivoted positions of thefinger follower 28. It should further be appreciated that a die (not shown) is used to form the connectingmembers 54 in thedome socket 46 in a stamping process. - In operation of the
valve actuating mechanism 12, thecamshaft 42 of theengine 14 rotates and thecam 40 of thecamshaft 42 actuates thefinger follower 28. Thelash adjuster 48 acts as a pivot about which thefinger follower 28 is actuated to open and close an associatedvalve 20 of theengine 14. Lubrication fluid from thelash adjuster 48 is provided to thedome socket 46 through the opening or orifice in therounded end 50 of thelash adjuster 48. The lubrication fluid in thedome socket 46 is sprayed through the orifice into the camshaft compartment for lubricating thecam 40 androller 36 and associated components of thevalve actuating mechanism 12. It should be appreciated that the connectingmembers 54 bear firmly against thering member 52 in all operating positions of thevalve actuating mechanism 12. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , another embodiment, according to the present invention, of theretention device 10 is shown for thevalve actuating mechanism 12. Like parts of theretention device 10 have like reference numerals increased by one hundred (100). Theretention device 110 holds thefinger follower 28 and thelash adjuster 48 together. In this embodiment, theretention device 110 includes aring member 152 disposed in thegroove 51 of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston of thelash adjuster 48. Thering member 152 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type. Thering member 152 is made of a metal material. It should be appreciated that thering member 152 could be formed as part of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member. - The
retention device 110 also includes one or more connectingmembers 154 formed on thefinger follower 28 and cooperating with thering member 152. In this embodiment, the connectingmembers 154 are generally rectangular shaped and extend axially. As illustrated, two opposed connectingmembers 154 are disposed about and cooperate with thering member 152. The connectingmembers 154 are in-die formed from thedome socket 46. The connectingmembers 154 form agroove 158 to receive thering member 152. Each of the connectingmembers 154 includes atab 160 extending radially from an interior surface. In this embodiment, thetab 160 is generally triangular shaped and extend radially inwardly below and past thering member 152. It should be appreciated that thetabs 160 are formed to aid the retention of the connectingmembers 154 to thering member 152 disposed in thegroove 51 of the movable piston of thelash adjuster 48. The operation of theretention device 110 is similar to theretention device 10. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , yet another embodiment, according to the present invention, of theretention device 10 is shown for thevalve actuating mechanism 12. Like parts of theretention device 10 have like reference numerals increased by two hundred (200). Theretention device 210 holds thefinger follower 28 and thelash adjuster 48 together. In this embodiment, theretention device 210 includes aring member 252 disposed in thegroove 51 of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston of thelash adjuster 48. Thering member 252 is generally circular in shape and of a snap ring type. Thering member 252 is made of a metal material. It should be appreciated that thering member 252 could be formed as part of therounded end 50 of the moveable piston as opposed to being a separate member. - The
retention device 210 also includes one or more connectingmembers 254 formed on thefinger follower 28 and cooperating with thering member 252. In this embodiment, the connectingmembers 254 are generally rectangular shaped and extending axially. As illustrated, two opposed connectingmembers 254 are disposed about and cooperate with thering member 252. The connectingmembers 254 are in-die formed from thedome socket 46. The connectingmembers 254 form agroove 258 to receive thering member 252. Each of the connectingmembers 254 includes atab 260 extending radially from an interior surface. In this embodiment, thetab 260 is generally "L" shaped and extends radially inwardly below and past thering member 252. It should be appreciated that thetabs 260 are formed to aid the retention of the connectingmembers 254 to thering member 252 disposed in thegroove 51 of the movable piston of thelash adjuster 48. The operation of theretention device 210 is similar to theretention device 10. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , still another embodiment, according to the present invention, of theretention device 10 is shown for thevalve actuating mechanism 12. Like parts of theretention device 10 have like reference numerals increased by three hundred (300). Theretention device 310 holds thefinger follower 28 and thelash adjuster 48 together. In this embodiment, theretention device 310 includes one or more connectingmembers 354 formed on thefinger follower 28 and cooperating with anaxially extending groove 51 of therounded end 50 of thelash adjuster 48. In this embodiment, the connectingmembers 354 are generally rectangular shaped and extending axially. As illustrated, two opposed connectingmembers 354 are disposed about and cooperate with theaxially extending groove 51 of therounded end 50. The connectingmembers 354 are in-die formed from thedome socket 46 of thefinger follower 28. Each of the connectingmembers 354 includes atab 360 extending radially from an interior surface. In this embodiment, thetab 360 is generally rectangular shaped and extends radially inwardly into theaxially extending groove 51. It should be appreciated that thetabs 360 are formed to aid the retention of the connectingmembers 354 to thegroove 51 of the movable piston of thelash adjuster 48. The operation of theretention device 310 is similar to theretention device 10. - The
retention device members ring member groove 51 of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as alash adjuster 48 or cooperating with thegroove 51 of a moveable piston of a supporting component such as alash adjuster 48. The connectingmembers members lever body 29 of thefinger follower 28 in all operating positions of thevalve actuating mechanism 12. Theretention devices finger follower 28, e.g. a position turned by 180 degrees, so that thedome socket 46 is placed correctly on therounded end 50 of thelash adjuster 48. Theretention devices members dome socket 46, eliminating the need for a secondary operation and added components. - The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
- Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Claims (20)
- A retention device (10, 110, 210) to secure a finger follower (28) and lash adjuster (48) of a valve actuating mechanism (12) together comprising:a ring member (52, 152, 252) adapted to be disposed in a groove (51) of a moveable piston of the lash adjuster (48); anda plurality of connecting members (54, 154, 254) adapted to be formed from the finger follower (28) and extending axially below said ring member (52, 152, 252) and about a portion of the lash adjuster (48) to engage said ring member (52, 152, 252) in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism (12) as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower (28).
- A retention device (10, 110, 210) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting members (54, 154, 254) are cantilevered to extend toward said ring member (52, 152, 252).
- A retention device (10, 110, 210) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting members (54, 154, 254) form a groove (58, 158, 258) to receive said ring member (52, 152, 252).
- A retention device (10, 110, 210) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting members (54) are angled inwardly to extend radially below and past said ring member (52).
- A retention device (110, 210) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting members (154, 254) include a tab (160, 260) extending radially from an interior surface thereof and below and past said ring member (152, 252).
- A retention device (310) to secure a finger follower (28) and lash adjuster (48) of a valve actuating mechanism (12) together comprising:a plurality of connecting members (354) adapted to be formed from the finger follower (28) and extending axially about a portion of the lash adjuster (48) and adapted to engage a groove (51) of the lash adjuster (48) in all operating positions of the valve actuating mechanism (12) as a result of the pivoting motion of the finger follower (28).
- A retention device (310) as set forth in claim 6 wherein said connecting members (354) are spaced from each other about the groove (51).
- A retention device (310) as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of said connecting members (354) includes a tab (360) extending radially from an interior surface thereof.
- A retention device (310) as set forth in claim 8 wherein said tab (360) is generally rectangular shaped and adapted to extend radially inwardly into the groove (51).
- A retention device (310) as set forth in claim 6 wherein said connecting members (354) are generally rectangular shaped.
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) for an engine (14) comprising:a finger follower (28) having one end (34) adapted to engage a valve (20) of the engine (14);a lash adjuster (48) adapted to be supported by the engine (14), said lash adjuster (48) having a movable piston with a rounded end (50) and a groove (51) in said rounded end (50); anda retention device (10, 110, 210) to secure said finger follower (28) and said lash adjuster (48) together and comprising a ring member (52, 152, 252) disposed in said groove (51) of said moveable piston and a plurality of connecting members (54, 154, 254) formed from said finger follower (28) and extending axially below said ring member (52, 152, 252) and about said rounded end (50) of said lash adjuster (48) to engage said ring member (52, 152, 252) in all operating positions of said valve actuating mechanism (12) as a result of the pivoting motion of said finger follower (28).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 11 wherein said connecting members (54, 154, 254) are cantilevered to extend toward said ring member (52, 152, 252).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 11 wherein said connecting members (54, 154, 254) form a groove (58, 158, 258) to receive said ring member (52, 152, 252).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 11 wherein said connecting members (54) are angled inwardly to extend radially below and past said ring member (52).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 11 wherein said connecting members (154, 254) include a tab (160, 260) extending radially from an interior surface thereof and below and past said ring member (152, 252).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) for an engine (14) comprising:a finger follower (28) having one end (34) adapted to engage a valve (20) of the engine (14);a lash adjuster (48) adapted to be supported by the engine (14), said lash adjuster (48) having a movable piston with a rounded end (50) and a groove (51) in said rounded end (50); anda retention device (310) to secure said finger follower (28) and said lash adjuster (48) together and comprising a plurality of connecting members (354) formed from said finger follower (28) and extending axially about said rounded end (50) of said lash adjuster (48) to engage said groove (51) in all operating positions of said valve actuating mechanism (12) as a result of the pivoting motion of said finger follower (28).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 16 wherein said connecting members (354) are spaced from each other about said groove (51).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 16 wherein each of said connecting members (354) includes a tab (360) extending radially from an interior surface.
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 18 wherein said tab (360) is generally rectangular shaped and extends radially inwardly into said groove (51).
- A valve actuating mechanism (12) as set forth in claim 16 wherein said wherein said connecting members (354) are generally rectangular shaped and extending axially.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361836368P | 2013-06-18 | 2013-06-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2873815A1 true EP2873815A1 (en) | 2015-05-20 |
Family
ID=50972538
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20140172868 Withdrawn EP2873815A1 (en) | 2013-06-18 | 2014-06-18 | Retention device for valve actuating mechanism |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140366826A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2873815A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR102014014905A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014215129A1 (en) * | 2014-08-01 | 2016-02-04 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Lever for the valve actuation of an internal combustion engine |
KR101566756B1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2015-11-06 | 현대자동차 주식회사 | Variable valve lift appratus |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE482512C (en) * | 1929-09-16 | Julius Bertram | Ball joint with spring ring | |
US4676203A (en) | 1984-01-13 | 1987-06-30 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Rocker arm spring for a valve actuating mechanism of an internal combustion engine |
US5775280A (en) | 1996-05-02 | 1998-07-07 | Ina Walzlager Schaeffler Kg | Securing device for an actuating lever in a valve control mechanism of internal combustion engines |
JP2010059926A (en) * | 2008-09-05 | 2010-03-18 | Otics Corp | Clip |
DE102008048515A1 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2010-03-25 | Schaeffler Kg | Angle joint for hydraulic valve tolerance compensation element of internal combustion engine, has safety ring axially held in joint socket by form-fit connection of joint head, where ring engages into undercut running into joint socket |
EP2213849A1 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-04 | Eaton Corporation | Rocker arm retention |
WO2012095203A1 (en) * | 2011-01-12 | 2012-07-19 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Angle joint |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5164545B2 (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2013-03-21 | 株式会社オティックス | Valve operating device and rocker arm unit |
JP5355296B2 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2013-11-27 | 株式会社オティックス | Rocker arm unit |
US20110253088A1 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2011-10-20 | Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg | Structural unit for a gas exchange valve train of an internal combustion engine |
-
2014
- 2014-06-16 US US14/305,248 patent/US20140366826A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-06-18 EP EP20140172868 patent/EP2873815A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-06-18 BR BR102014014905A patent/BR102014014905A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE482512C (en) * | 1929-09-16 | Julius Bertram | Ball joint with spring ring | |
US4676203A (en) | 1984-01-13 | 1987-06-30 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Rocker arm spring for a valve actuating mechanism of an internal combustion engine |
DE3500524C2 (en) | 1984-01-13 | 1991-05-02 | Toyota Jidosha K.K., Toyota, Aichi, Jp | |
US5775280A (en) | 1996-05-02 | 1998-07-07 | Ina Walzlager Schaeffler Kg | Securing device for an actuating lever in a valve control mechanism of internal combustion engines |
JP2010059926A (en) * | 2008-09-05 | 2010-03-18 | Otics Corp | Clip |
DE102008048515A1 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2010-03-25 | Schaeffler Kg | Angle joint for hydraulic valve tolerance compensation element of internal combustion engine, has safety ring axially held in joint socket by form-fit connection of joint head, where ring engages into undercut running into joint socket |
EP2213849A1 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-04 | Eaton Corporation | Rocker arm retention |
WO2012095203A1 (en) * | 2011-01-12 | 2012-07-19 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Angle joint |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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BR102014014905A2 (en) | 2015-10-06 |
US20140366826A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 |
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