US20070214639A1 - Roller follower assembly - Google Patents
Roller follower assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070214639A1 US20070214639A1 US11/747,876 US74787607A US2007214639A1 US 20070214639 A1 US20070214639 A1 US 20070214639A1 US 74787607 A US74787607 A US 74787607A US 2007214639 A1 US2007214639 A1 US 2007214639A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- roller
- plunger
- wall
- angled
- lash adjuster
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21K—MAKING FORGED OR PRESSED METAL PRODUCTS, e.g. HORSE-SHOES, RIVETS, BOLTS OR WHEELS
- B21K1/00—Making machine elements
- B21K1/20—Making machine elements valve parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21K—MAKING FORGED OR PRESSED METAL PRODUCTS, e.g. HORSE-SHOES, RIVETS, BOLTS OR WHEELS
- B21K3/00—Making engine or like machine parts not covered by sub-groups of B21K1/00; Making propellers or the like
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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
- F01L1/14—Tappets; Push rods
- F01L1/146—Push-rods
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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
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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
- F01L2301/00—Using particular materials
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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
- F01L2303/00—Manufacturing of components used in valve arrangements
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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
- F01L2305/00—Valve arrangements comprising rollers
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
- Y10T29/49247—Valve lifter making
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
- Y10T29/49298—Poppet or I.C. engine valve or valve seat making
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/4984—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/4984—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
- Y10T29/49845—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts by deforming interlock
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/4984—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
- Y10T29/49845—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts by deforming interlock
- Y10T29/49858—Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts by deforming interlock of flange into tubular socket
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49995—Shaping one-piece blank by removing material
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/21—Elements
- Y10T74/2101—Cams
- Y10T74/2107—Follower
Definitions
- This invention relates to roller follower assemblies and particularly, in the preferred embodiment, to roller follower assemblies provided with a roller follower body, a lash adjuster body, a leakdown plunger, and a socket.
- Lash adjuster bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Lash adjuster bodies open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009 to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, bodies used in roller follower assemblies are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, casting and machining are inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Roller follower bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Roller follower bodies open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009 to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, roller follower assemblies are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Leakdown plungers are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Leakdown plungers open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,039 to Church, leakdown plungers are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Sockets for push rods are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,191 to Blowers et al. discloses a socket for a push rod.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,191 to Blowers et al. does not disclose the forging of a socket for a push rod not efficient manufacturing techniques in fabricating a socket for a push rod.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- a method for fabricating a roller follower assembly comprising the steps of fabricating a lash adjuster body, fabricating a roller follower body, fabricating a leakdown plunger, fabricating a socket, wherein at least one of the lash adjuster body, roller follower body, leakdown plunger, and socket is fabricated at least in part by forging.
- FIG. 1 depicts a roller follower assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 4 - a depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 4 - b depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 5 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 6 depicts a second embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 7 depicts a third embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 8 depicts a fourth embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 9 depicts a fifth embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 10 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 11 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 12 depicts a sixth embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 13 depicts a seventh embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 14 depicts an eighth embodiment of a roller follower body.
- FIG. 15 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 16 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 18 depicts another embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 19 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 20 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 21 depicts a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 22 depicts a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 25 depicts a second embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 26 depicts a third embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 27 depicts a fourth embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 28 depicts a fifth embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 30 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 31 depicts a sixth embodiment of a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 32-36 depict a preferred method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 37-41 depict an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 42 depicts a step in an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 43 depicts a preferred embodiment of a socket.
- FIG. 44 depicts a preferred embodiment of a socket.
- FIG. 45 depicts the top view of a surface of a socket.
- FIG. 46 depicts the top view of another surface of a socket.
- FIG. 47 depicts an embodiment of a socket accommodating an engine work piece.
- FIG. 48 depicts an outer surface of an embodiment of a socket.
- FIG. 49 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece.
- FIG. 50 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece.
- FIG. 51 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece.
- FIGS. 52-56 depict a preferred method of fabricating a socket.
- FIG. 57 depicts an alternative embodiment of the lash adjuster body within a valve lifter.
- FIG. 58 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 59 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 60 depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 61 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 62 depicts a second embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 63 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 64 depicts a third embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 65 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 66 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 67 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 68 depicts a fifth embodiment of a valve lifter body.
- FIG. 69 depicts a lash adjuster body.
- FIG. 1 shows a roller follower assembly 5 constituting a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the roller follower assembly 5 is provided with a roller follower body 10 , a lash adjuster body 110 , a leakdown plunger 210 , and a socket 310 .
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show a roller follower body 10 constituting a preferred embodiment.
- the roller follower body 10 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum.
- the metal is copper.
- the metal is iron.
- the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- the metal is a super alloy.
- the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material.
- the roller follower body 10 is composed of pearlitic material.
- the roller follower body 10 is composed of austenitic material.
- the metal is a ferritic material.
- the roller follower body 10 is composed of a plurality of roller elements.
- the roller element is cylindrical in shape.
- the roller element is conical in shape.
- the roller element is solid.
- the roller element is hollow.
- FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the roller follower body 10 composed of a plurality of roller elements.
- FIG. 2 shows the roller follower body, generally designated 10 .
- the roller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of roller elements.
- the roller follower body 10 includes a first hollow roller element 21 , a second hollow roller element 22 , and a third hollow roller element 23 . As depicted in FIG. 2 , the first hollow roller element 21 is located adjacent to the third hollow roller element 23 .
- the third hollow roller element 23 is located adjacent to the second hollow roller element 22 .
- the first hollow roller element 21 has a cylindrically shaped inner surface.
- the second hollow roller element 22 has a cylindrically shaped inner surface with a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first hollow roller element 21 .
- the third hollow roller element 23 has an inner surface shaped so that an insert (not shown) tests against its inner surface “above” the second hollow roller element 22 .
- the third hollow roller element 23 has a conically or frustoconically shaped inner surface; however, an annularly shaped surface could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the roller follower body 10 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts.
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates a lash adjuster, such as that disclosed in “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates the lash adjuster body 110 .
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown).
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates a socket, such as that disclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the roller follower body 10 accommodates the socket 310 .
- the roller follower body 10 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces and a first end 11 and a second end 12 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the roller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment.
- the roller follower body 10 is provided with an outer roller surface 80 which is cylindrically shaped.
- the outer surface 80 encloses a plurality of cavities. As depicted in FIG. 3 , the outer surface 80 encloses a first cavity 30 and a second cavity 31 .
- the first cavity 30 includes a first inner surface 40 .
- the second cavity 31 includes a second inner surface 70 .
- FIG. 4 a and FIG. 4 b depict top views and provide greater detail of the first roller cavity 30 of the preferred embodiment.
- the first roller cavity 30 is provided with a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert.
- the first inner roller surface 40 is configured to house a cylindrical insert 90 , which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, functions as a roller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that housing a cylindrical insert can be accomplished through a plurality of different configurations.
- the first inner roller surface 40 of the preferred embodiment includes a plurality of walls. As depicted in FIGS.
- the inner roller surface 40 defines a transition roller opening 48 which is in the shape of a polygon, the preferred embodiment being rectangular.
- the inner roller surface 40 includes opposing roller walls 41 , 42 and opposing roller walls 43 , 44 .
- the first roller wall 41 and the second roller wall 42 are located generally on opposite sides of the transition roller opening 48 .
- the transition roller opening 48 is further defined by the third and fourth roller walls 43 , 44 .
- the second roller cavity 31 of the preferred embodiment includes a second roller opening 33 that is in a circular shape.
- the second roller cavity 31 is provided with a second inner roller surface 70 that is configured to house an inner body 34 .
- the inner body 34 is the lash adjuster body 110 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped.
- the second inner roller surface 70 is conically or frustoconically shaped.
- the second inner roller surface 70 is a plurality of surfaces including a cylindrically shaped roller surface 71 adjacent to a conically or frustoconically shaped roller surface 72 .
- the present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes.
- the roller follower body 10 is machined.
- the roller follower body 10 is forged.
- the roller follower body 10 is fabricated through casting.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged.
- the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.”
- roller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine.
- part formers such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used.
- forging methods can be used as well.
- the process of forging in the preferred embodiment begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size.
- the ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch.
- the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- the second roller cavity 31 located at the second end 12 , is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin.
- the first roller cavity 30 located at the first end 12 , is forged.
- the first roller cavity 30 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin.
- the roller follower body 10 is fabricated through machining.
- machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding the roller follower body 10 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine.
- a chucking machine such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine.
- the end containing the second roller opening 33 is faced so that it is substantially flat.
- the second roller cavity 31 is bored.
- the second roller cavity 31 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.
- heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- the second roller cavity 31 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine.
- an internal diameter grinding machine such as a Heald grinding machine.
- the second roller cavity 31 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- the first roller cavity 30 can be machined. To machine the first roller cavity 30 , the end containing the first roller opening 32 is faced so that it is substantially flat. The first roller cavity 30 is drilled and then the first roller opening 32 is broached using a broaching machine.
- the first roller cavity 30 is provided with a first inner roller surface 50 and first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert 90 .
- the first inner roller surface 50 defines a transition roller opening 52 and includes a plurality of curved surfaces and a plurality of walls.
- a first roller wall 51 is adjacent to a first curved roller surface 54 .
- the first curved roller surface 54 and a second curved roller surface 55 are located on opposing sides of the transition roller opening 52 .
- the second curved roller surface 55 is adjacent to a second roller wall 53 .
- third and fourth roller walls 56 , 57 are third and fourth roller walls 56 , 57 .
- FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the roller follower body 10 with the first roller cavity 30 shown in FIG. 5 .
- the roller follower body 10 is also provided with a second cavity 31 which includes a second opening 33 which is in a circular shape.
- the second cavity 31 is provided with a second inner roller surface 70 which includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the second inner roller surface 70 includes a cylindrically shaped roller surface 71 and a frustoconically shaped roller surface 72 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces. As depicted in FIG. 7 , the second inner roller surface 70 includes a first cylindrical roller surface 71 and a second cylindrical roller surface 73 . The second inner roller surface 70 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 also includes a frustoconical roller surface 72 .
- the first roller cavity 30 is provided with a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a first inner roller surface 50 .
- the first inner toiler surface 50 defines a transition roller opening 52 linking the first roller cavity 30 with the walls of the second roller cavity 31 .
- the second roller cavity 31 is provided with a second inner roller surface 70 which includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the second inner roller surface 70 includes a cylindrical roller surface 71 and a frustoconical roller surface 72 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 may include a plurality of cylindrical surfaces.
- FIG. 9 depicts a second inner roller surface 70 which includes a first cylindrical roller surface 71 adjacent to a frustoconical roller surface 72 . Adjacent to the frustoconical roller surface 72 is a second cylindrical roller surface 73 .
- the second cylindrical roller surface 73 depicted in FIG. 9 defines a transition roller opening 52 linking the second roller cavity 31 with a first roller cavity 30 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical surfaces with a plurality of diameters.
- the first roller cavity 30 is provided with a first inner roller surface 50 and a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert.
- the first inner roller surface 50 includes a plurality of curved surfaces, angled surfaces, walls, and angled walls.
- FIG. 10 depicts a first inner roller surface 50 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- a first roller wall 51 is adjacent to the transition roller opening 52 , a first angled roller surface 65 , and a second angled toiler surface 66 .
- the first angled roller surface 65 is adjacent to the transition roller opening 52 , a first curved roller surface 54 , and a fast angled roller wall 69 - a .
- the first angled roller surface 65 is configured to be at an angle 100 relative to the plane of a first angled roller wall 69 - a , preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second angled roller surface 66 is adjacent to the transitional roller opening 52 and a fourth angled roller wall 69 - d . As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the second angled roller surface 66 is configured to be at an angle 100 relative to the plane of the fourth angled roller wall 69 - d , preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second angled roller surface 66 is adjacent to a second curved roller surface 55 .
- the second curved roller surface 55 is adjacent to a third angled roller surface 67 and a third roller wall 56 .
- the third angled roller surface 67 is adjacent to the transitional roller opening 52 , a second roller wall 53 , and a second angled roller wall 69 - b . As depicted in FIGS. 8 & 9 , the third angled roller surface 67 is configured to be at an angle 100 relative to the plane of the second angled roller wall 69 - b , preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second roller wall 53 is adjacent to a fourth angled roller surface 68 .
- the fourth angled roller surface 68 adjacent to the first curved roller surface 54 , a third angled roller wall 69 - c , and a fourth roller wall 57 .
- the fourth angled roller surface 68 is configured to be at an angle relative to the plane of the third angled roller wall 69 - c , preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments with the first roller cavity 30 of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 11 Shown in FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the first roller cavity 30 depicted in FIG. 10 .
- the fast roller cavity 30 is provided with a chamfered roller opening 32 and a fast inner roller surface 50 .
- the chamfered roller opening 32 functions so that a cylindrical insert can be introduced to the roller follower body 10 with greater ease.
- the chamfered roller opening 32 accomplishes this function through roller chamfers 60 , 61 which are located on opposing sides of the chamfered roller opening 32 .
- the roller chamfers 60 , 61 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 are flat surfaces at an angle relative to the roller walls 51 , 53 so that a cylindrical insert 90 can be introduced through the first roller opening 32 with greater ease.
- roller chamfers 60 , 61 can be fabricated in a number of different configurations; so long as the resulting configuration renders introduction of a cylindrical insert 90 through the first roller opening 32 with greater ease, it is a “chamfered roller opening” within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- roller chamfers 60 , 61 are preferably fabricated through forging via an extruding punch pin. Alternatively, the roller chamfers 60 , 61 are machined by being ground before heat-treating. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of fabrication can be employed within the scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 discloses the second roller cavity 31 of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the roller follower body 10 is provided with a second roller cavity 31 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces.
- the second roller cavity 31 depicted in FIG. 12 includes a second inner roller surface 70 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to the cylindrically shaped outer roller surface 80 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 is provided with a transitional tube 62 .
- the transitional tube 62 is shaped to fluidly link the second roller cavity 31 with a first roller cavity 30 .
- FIG. 12 discloses the second roller cavity 31 of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the roller follower body 10 is provided with a second roller cavity 31 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces.
- the second roller cavity 31 depicted in FIG. 12 includes a second inner roller surface 70 .
- the second inner roller surface 70 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to
- the transitional tube 62 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second inner roller surface 70 .
- the cylindrical shape of the transitional tube 62 is preferably concentric relative to the outer roller surface 80 .
- the transitional tube 62 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin.
- the transitional tube 62 is machined by boring the transitional tube 62 in a chucking machine.
- the transitional tube 62 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.
- heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved.
- heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- the transitional tube 62 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine.
- the transitional tube 62 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 Adjacent to the transitional tube 62 , the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 is provided with a conically-shaped roller lead surface 64 which can be fabricated through forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the roller lead surface 64
- FIG. 13 Depicted in FIG. 13 is a roller follower body 10 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the roller follower body 10 is provided with an outer roller surface 80 .
- the outer roller surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the outer roller surface 80 includes a cylindrical roller surface 81 , an undercut roller surface 82 , and a conical roller surface 83 .
- the undercut roller surface 82 extends from one end of the roller follower body 10 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercut roller surface 82 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical roller surface 81 .
- the undercut roller surface 82 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut roller surface 82 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut roller surface 82 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut roller surface 82 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer roller surface with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.
- the conical roller surface 83 is located between the cylindrical roller surface 81 and the undercut roller surface 82 .
- the conical roller surface 83 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die.
- the conical roller surface 83 is fabricated through machining.
- the outer roller surface 80 can be fabricated without the conical roller surface 83 so that the cylindrical surface 81 and the undercut roller surface 82 abut one another.
- FIG. 14 depicts a roller follower body 10 constituting another embodiment.
- the outer roller surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the outer roller surface 80 is provided with a first cylindrical roller surface 81 .
- the first cylindrical roller surface 81 contains a first roller depression 93 .
- Adjacent to the first cylindrical roller surface 81 is a second cylindrical roller surface 82 .
- the second cylindrical roller surface 82 has a radius that is smaller than the radius of the first cylindrical roller surface 81 .
- the second cylindrical roller surface 82 is adjacent to a third cylindrical roller surface 84 .
- the third cylindrical roller surface 84 has a radius that is greater than the radius of the second cylindrical roller surface 82 .
- the third cylindrical roller surface 84 contains a ridge 87 .
- Adjacent to the third cylindrical roller surface 84 is a frusto-conical roller surface 83 .
- the frusto-conical roller surface 83 is adjacent to a fourth cylindrical roller surface 85 .
- the fourth cylindrical roller surface 85 and the frusto-conical roller surface 83 contain a second roller depression 92 .
- the second roller depression 92 defines a roller hole 91 .
- Adjacent to the fourth cylindrical roller surface 85 is a flat outer roller surface 88 .
- the flat outer roller surface 88 is adjacent to a fifth cylindrical roller surface 86 .
- roller follower body 10 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication.
- first roller cavity 30 can be machined while the second roller cavity 31 is forged.
- second roller cavity 31 can be machined while the first roller cavity is forged.
- FIGS. 15, 16 , and 17 show a lash adjuster body 110 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum.
- the metal is copper.
- the metal is iron.
- the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- the metal is a super alloy.
- the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is composed of pearlitic material.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is composed of austenitic material.
- the metal is a ferritic material.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is composed of a plurality of lash adjuster elements.
- the lash adjuster element is cylindrical in shape.
- the lash adjuster element is conical in shape.
- the lash adjuster element is solid.
- the lash adjuster element is hollow.
- FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of the lash adjuster 110 composed of a plurality of lash adjuster elements.
- FIG. 15 shows the lash adjuster body, generally designated 110 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of lash adjuster elements.
- the lash adjuster body 110 includes a hollow lash adjuster element 121 and a solid lash adjuster element 122 .
- the solid lash adjuster element 122 is located adjacent to the hollow lash adjuster element 121 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts.
- the lash adjuster body 110 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519, filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the lash adjuster body 110 accommodates the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown).
- the lash adjuster body 110 accommodates a socket, such as that disclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the lash adjuster body 110 accommodates the socket 310 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.
- FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is provided with an outer lash adjuster surface 180 which is configured to be inserted into another body.
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 is configured to be inserted into a roller follower, such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Roller Follower Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,261, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the outer lash adjuster surface is configured to be inserted into roller follower body 10 .
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 is configured to be inserted into a valve lifter, such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 encloses at least one cavity. As depicted in FIG. 16 , the outer lash adjuster surface 180 encloses a lash adjuster cavity 130 .
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a plurality of inserts.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a leakdown plunger.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a socket.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with the socket 310 .
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a push rod.
- the lash adjuster cavity is configured to cooperate with a push rod seat.
- the lash adjuster body 110 of the present invention is provided with a lash adjuster cavity 130 that includes a lash adjuster opening 131 .
- the lash adjuster opening 131 is in a circular shape.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is provided with the inner lash adjuster surface 140 .
- the inner lash adjuster surface 140 includes a plurality of surfaces. According to one aspect of the present invention, the inner lash adjuster surface 140 includes a cylindrical lash adjuster surface. According to another aspect of the present invention, the inner lash adjuster surface 140 includes a conical or frustoconical surface.
- the inner lash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 , preferably concentric relative to the outer lash adjuster surface 180 .
- Adjacent to the first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 is a conical lash adjuster surface 142 .
- Adjacent to the conical lash adjuster surface 142 is a second cylindrical lash adjuster surface 143 .
- the inner lash adjuster surface 140 can be fabricated without the conical lash adjuster surface 142 .
- FIG. 17 depicts a cut-away view of the lash adjuster body 110 of the preferred embodiment.
- the inner lash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 that includes a first inner lash adjuster diameter 184 .
- the first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 abuts an annular lash adjuster surface 144 with an annulus 145 .
- the annulus 145 defines a second cylindrical lash adjuster surface 143 that includes a second inner lash adjuster diameter 185 .
- the second inner lash adjuster diameter 185 is smaller than the first inner lash adjuster diameter 184 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 of the present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According to one aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 110 is machined. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 110 is forged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 110 is fabricated through casting. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.”
- the lash adjuster body 110 is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine.
- part formers such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used.
- forging methods can be used as well.
- the process of forging the preferred embodiment begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size.
- the ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After the lash adjuster cavity 130 has been extruded, the lash adjuster cavity 130 is forged. The lash adjuster cavity 130 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is fabricated through machining.
- machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding the lash adjuster body 110 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine.
- a chucking machine such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine.
- the end containing the lash adjuster opening 131 is faced so that it is substantially flat.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is bored.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.
- heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- the lash adjuster cavity 130 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lash adjuster cavity 130 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- FIG. 18 depicts the inner lash adjuster surface 140 provided with a lash adjuster well 150 .
- the lash adjuster well 150 is shaped to accommodate a cap spring 247 .
- the lash adjuster well 150 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the inner lash adjuster surface 140 .
- the cylindrical shape of the lash adjuster well 150 is preferably concentric relative to the outer lash adjuster surface 180 .
- the lash adjuster well 150 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin.
- the lash adjuster well 150 is machined by boring the lash adjuster well 150 in a chucking machine.
- the lash adjuster well 150 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material. After heat-treating, the lash adjuster well 150 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lash adjuster well 150 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- lash adjuster lead surface 146 Adjacent to the lash adjuster well 150 , in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18 , is a lash adjuster lead surface 146 which is conically shaped and can be fabricated through forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the lash adjuster lead surface 146 .
- FIG. 19 depicts a view of the lash adjuster opening 131 that reveals the inner lash adjuster surface 140 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the inner lash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 .
- a lash adjuster well 150 is defined by a second cylindrical lash adjuster surface 143 .
- the second cylindrical lash adjuster surface 143 is concentric relative to the first cylindrical lash adjuster surface 141 .
- FIG. 20 Depicted in FIG. 20 is a lash adjuster body 110 constituting an alternative embodiment.
- the lash adjuster body 110 is provided with an outer lash adjuster surface 180 .
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 includes an outer cylindrical lash adjuster surface 181 , an undercut lash adjuster surface 182 , and a conical lash adjuster surface 183 .
- the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 extends from one end of the lash adjuster body 110 and is cylindrically shaped.
- the diameter of the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 is smaller than the diameter of the outer cylindrical lash adjuster surface 181 .
- the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 is forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer lash adjuster surface 180 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.
- the conical lash adjuster surface 183 is located between the outer cylindrical lash adjuster surface 181 and the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 .
- the conical lash adjuster surface 183 is forged through use of an extruding die.
- the conical lash adjuster surface 183 is fabricated through machining.
- the outer lash adjuster surface 180 can be fabricated without the conical lash adjuster surface 183 so that the outer cylindrical lash adjuster surface 181 and the undercut lash adjuster surface 182 abut one another.
- the features of the lash adjuster body 110 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication.
- aspects of the lash adjuster cavity 130 can be machined; other aspects of the lash adjuster cavity can be forged.
- FIGS. 21, 22 , and 23 show a leakdown plunger 210 constituting a preferred embodiment.
- the leakdown plunger 210 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum.
- the metal is copper.
- the metal is iron.
- the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- the metal is a super alloy.
- the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material.
- the leakdown plunger 210 is composed of pearlitic material.
- the leakdown plunger 210 is composed of austenitic material.
- the metal is a ferritic material.
- the leakdown plunger 210 is composed of a plurality of plunger elements.
- the plunger element is cylindrical in shape.
- the plunger element is conical in shape.
- the plunger element is hollow.
- FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of the leakdown plunger 210 composed of a plurality of plunger elements.
- FIG. 21 shows the leakdown plunger, generally designated 210 .
- the leakdown plunger 210 functions to accept a liquid, such as a lubricant and is provided with a first end 215 and a second end 216 .
- the term “end” is intended broadly to encompass the extreme end as well as portions of the leakdown plunger 210 adjacent the extreme end.
- the first end defines a first plunger opening 231 and the second end 216 defines a second plunger opening 232 .
- the first plunger opening 231 functions to accommodate an insert.
- the leakdown plunger 210 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of plunger elements.
- the leakdown plunger 210 includes a first hollow plunger element 221 , a second hollow plunger element 223 , and an insert-accommodating plunger element 222 .
- the first hollow plunger element 221 is located adjacent to the insert-accommodating plunger element 222 .
- the insert-accommodating plunger element 222 is located adjacent to the second hollow plunger element 223 .
- the leakdown plunger 210 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.
- FIG. 22 depicts the first plunger opening 231 of an alternative embodiment.
- the first plunger opening 231 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22 is advantageously provided with a chamfered plunger surface 233 , however a chamfered plunger surface 233 is not necessary.
- chamfered shall mean a surface that is rounded or angled.
- the first plunger opening 231 depicted in FIG. 22 is configured to accommodate an insert.
- the first plunger opening 231 is shown in FIG. 22 accommodating a valve insert 243 .
- the valve insert 243 is shown in an exploded view and includes a generally spherically shaped valve insert member 244 , an insert spring 245 , and a cap 246 .
- valves other than the valve insert 243 shown herein can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- the first plunger opening 231 is provided with an annular plunger surface 235 defining a plunger hole 236 .
- the plunger hole 236 is shaped to accommodate an insert.
- the plunger hole 236 is shaped to accommodate the spherical valve insert member 244 .
- the spherical valve insert member 244 is configured to operate with the insert spring 245 and the cap 246 .
- the cap 246 is shaped to at least partially covet the spherical valve insert member 244 and the insert spring 245 .
- the cap 246 is preferably fabricated through stamping. However, the cap 246 may be forged or machined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the leakdown plunger 210 depicted in FIG. 22 in a semi-assembled state.
- the valve insert 243 is shown in a semi-assembled state.
- a cross-sectional view of a cap spring 247 is shown around the cap 246 .
- the cap spring 247 and the cap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of another body.
- the cap spring 247 and the cap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of a lash adjuster, such as the lash adjuster disclosed in Applicant's “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,264 filed on Oct.
- cap spring 247 and cap 246 are configured to be inserted into the lash adjuster well 150 of the lash adjuster 110 .
- the cap spring 247 and the cap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of a valve lifter, such as the valve lifter disclosed in Applicant's “Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the cap 246 is configured to at least partially depress the insert spring 245 .
- the insert spring 245 exerts a force on the spherical valve insert member 244 .
- FIG. 23 the annular plunger surface 235 is shown with the spherical valve insert member 244 partially located within the plunger hole 236 .
- leakdown plunger 210 is provided with an outer plunger surface 280 that includes an axis 211 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 is preferably shaped so that the leakdown plunger 210 can be inserted into a lash adjuster body, such as that disclosed in the inventors' patent application entitled “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263 filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the outer plunger surface 280 is shaped so that the leakdown plunger 210 can be inserted into the lash adjuster body 110 .
- Depicted in FIG. 31 is a lash adjuster body 110 having an inner lash adjuster surface 140 defining a lash adjuster cavity 130 .
- FIG. 31 An embodiment of the leakdown plunger 210 is depicted in FIG. 31 within the lash adjuster cavity 130 of the lash adjuster body 110 . As shown in FIG. 31 , the leakdown plunger 210 is preferably provided with an outer plunger surface 280 that is cylindrically shaped.
- FIG. 24 depicts a leakdown plunger 210 of an alternative embodiment.
- FIG. 24 depicts the second plunger opening 232 in greater detail.
- the second plunger opening 232 is shown with a chamfered plunger surface 234 .
- the second plunger opening 232 may be fabricated without the chamfered plunger surface 234 .
- the leakdown plunger 210 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces. As shown therein, the embodiment is provided with an outer plunger surface 280 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- FIG. 24 depicts a cylindrical plunger surface 281 , an undercut plunger surface 282 , and a conical plunger surface 283 .
- the undercut plunger surface 282 extends from one end of the leakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercut plunger surface 282 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical plunger surface 281 .
- the undercut plunger surface 282 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut plunger surface 282 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut plunger surface 282 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut plunger surface 282 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer plunger surface 280 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.
- the conical plunger surface 283 is located between the cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without the conical plunger surface 283 so that the cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 abut one another.
- FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of the leakdown plunger 210 with a section of the outer plunger surface 280 broken away.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 26 is provided with a first plunger opening 231 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 encloses an inner plunger surface 250 .
- the inner plunger surface 250 includes a first annular plunger surface 235 that defines a first plunger hole 236 and a second annular plunger surface 237 that defines a second plunger hole 249 .
- FIG. 27 depicts a cross-sectional view of a leakdown plunger of an alternative embodiment.
- the leakdown plunger 210 shown in FIG. 27 is provided with an outer plunger surface 280 that includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces.
- the outer plunger surface 280 includes an outer cylindrical plunger surface 281 , an undercut plunger surface 282 , and an outer conical plunger surface 283 .
- the undercut plunger surface 282 extends from one end of the leakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped.
- the diameter of the undercut plunger surface 282 is smaller than, and preferably concentric relative to, the diameter of the outer cylindrical plunger surface 281 .
- the outer conical plunger surface 283 is located between the outer cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without the conical plunger surface 283 so that the outer cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 abut one another.
- FIG. 28 depicts in greater detail the first plunger opening 231 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 27 .
- the first plunger opening 231 is configured to accommodate an insert and is preferably provided with a first chamfered plunger surface 233 .
- the first chamfered plunger surface 233 is not necessary.
- the first plunger opening 231 is provided with a first annular plunger surface 235 defining a plunger hole 236 .
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 28 is provided with an outer plunger surface 280 that includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the outer plunger surface 280 includes a cylindrical plunger surface 281 , an undercut plunger surface 282 , and a conical plunger surface 283 .
- the undercut plunger surface 282 extends from one end of the leakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped.
- the diameter of the undercut plunger surface 282 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical plunger surface 281 .
- the conical plunger surface 283 is located between the cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without the conical plunger surface 283 so that the cylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercut plunger surface 282 abut one another.
- the cylindrical plunger surface 281 may abut the undercut plunger surface 282 so that the conical plunger surface 283 is an annular surface.
- FIG. 29 depicts the second plunger opening 232 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 27 .
- the second plunger opening 232 is shown with a second chamfered plunger surface 234 .
- the second plunger opening 232 may be fabricated without the second chamfered plunger surface 234 .
- the second plunger opening 232 is provided with a second annular plunger surface 237 .
- FIG. 30 depicts a top view of the second plunger opening 232 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 27 .
- the second annular plunger surface 237 is shown in relation to the first inner conical plunger surface 252 and the plunger hole 236 .
- the plunger hole 236 is concentric relative to the outer plunger surface 280 and the annulus formed by the second annular plunger surface 237 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 encloses an inner plunger surface 250 .
- the inner plunger surface 250 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the inner plunger surface 250 includes a first inner cylindrical surface 256 .
- the first inner cylindrical surface 256 is located adjacent to the first annular plunger surface 235 .
- the first annular plunger surface 235 is located adjacent to a rounded plunger surface 251 that defines a plunger hole 236 .
- the rounded plunger surface 251 need not be rounded, but may be flat.
- the rounded plunger surface 251 is located adjacent to a first inner conical plunger surface 252 , which is located adjacent to a second inner cylindrical plunger surface 253 .
- the second inner cylindrical surface 253 is located adjacent to a second inner conical plunger surface 254 , which is located adjacent to a third inner cylindrical plunger surface 255 .
- the third inner cylindrical plunger surface 255 is located adjacent to the second annular plunger surface 237 , which is located adjacent to the fourth inner cylindrical plunger surface 257 .
- the inner plunger surface 250 includes a plurality of diameters. As shown in FIG.
- the first inner cylindrical plunger surface 256 is provided with a first inner diameter 261
- the third inner cylindrical plunger surface 255 is provided with a third inner diameter 263
- the fourth cylindrical plunger surface 257 is provided with a fourth inner diameter 264 .
- the third inner diameter 263 is smaller than the fourth inner diameter 264 .
- FIG. 31 depicts an embodiment of the leakdown plunger 210 within another body cooperating with a plurality of inserts.
- the undercut plunger surface 282 preferably cooperates with another body, such as a lash adjuster body or a valve lifter, to form a leakdown path 293 .
- FIG. 31 depicts an embodiment of the leakdown plunger 210 within a lash adjuster body 110 ; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be inserted within other bodies, such as roller followers, and valve lifters.
- the undercut plunger surface 282 is configured to cooperate with the inner lash adjuster surface 140 of a lash adjuster body 110 .
- the undercut plunger surface 282 and the inner lash adjuster surface 140 of the lash adjuster body 110 cooperate to define a leakdown path 293 for a liquid such as a lubricant.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 31 is further provided with a cylindrical plunger surface 281 .
- the cylindrical plunger surface 281 cooperates with the inner lash adjuster surface 140 of the lash adjuster body 110 to provide a first chamber 238 .
- the first chamber 238 functions as a high pressure chamber for a liquid, such as a lubricant.
- the second plunger opening 232 is configured to cooperate with a socket, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 28, 2002.
- the second plunger opening 232 is configured to cooperate with the socket 310 .
- the socket 310 is configured to cooperate with a push rod 396 .
- the socket 310 is provided with a push rod cooperating surface 335 .
- the push rod cooperating surface 335 is configured to function with a push rod 396 .
- the push rod 396 cooperates with the rocker arm (not shown) of an internal combustion engine (not shown).
- the socket 310 cooperates with the leakdown plunger 210 to define at least in part a second chamber 239 within the inner plunger surface 250 .
- the second chamber 239 may advantageously function as a reservoir for a lubricant.
- the inner plunger surface 250 of the leakdown plunger 210 functions to increase the quantity of retained fluid in the second chamber 239 through the damming action of the second inner conical plunger surface 254 .
- the socket 310 is provided with a plurality of passages that function to fluidly communicate with the lash adjuster cavity 130 of the lash adjuster body 110 .
- the socket 310 is provided with a socket passage 337 and a plunger reservoir passage 338 .
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 functions to fluidly connect the second chamber 239 with the lash adjuster cavity 130 of the lash adjuster body 110 .
- the socket passage 337 functions to fluidly connect the socket 310 and the lash adjuster cavity 130 of the lash adjuster body 110 .
- FIGS. 32 to 36 illustrate the presently preferred method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
- FIGS. 32 to 36 depict what is known in the art as “slug progressions” that show the fabrication of the leakdown plunger 210 of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished body.
- slug progressions that show the fabrication of the leakdown plunger 210 of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished body.
- pins are shown on the punch side; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pins can be switched to the die side without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the leakdown plunger 210 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine.
- part formers such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used.
- forging methods can be used as well.
- the process of forging the leakdown plunger 210 an embodiment of the present invention begins with a metal wire or metal rod 1000 which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off. As shown in FIG. 32 , this is accomplished through the use of a first punch 1001 , a first die 1002 , and a first knock out pin 1003 .
- the wire or rod 1000 is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- the fabrication of the second plunger opening 232 and the outer plunger surface 280 is preferably commenced through use of a second punch 1004 , a second knock out pin 1005 , a first sleeve 1006 , and a second die 1007 .
- the second plunger opening 232 is fabricated through use of the second knock out pin 1005 and the first sleeve 1006 .
- the second die 1007 is used to fabricate the outer plunger surface 280 .
- the second die 1007 is composed of a second die top 1008 and a second die rear 1009 . In the preferred forging process, the second die rear 1009 is used to form the undercut plunger surface 282 and the conical plunger surface 283 .
- the first plunger opening 231 is fabricated through use of a third punch 1010 .
- a third punch 1010 Within the third punch 1010 is a first pin 1011 .
- the third punch 1010 and the first pin 1011 are used to fabricate at least a portion of the annular plunger surface 235 .
- the third die 1012 is composed of a third die top 1013 and a third die rear 1014 .
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate the desirability of using a third knock out pin 1015 and a second sleeve 1016 to preserve the forging of the second opening.
- FIG. 35 depicts the forging of the inner plunger surface 250 .
- the inner plunger surface 250 is forged through use of a punch extrusion pin 1017 .
- a punch extrusion pin 1017 is advantageous to preserve the integrity of the first plunger opening 231 and the outer plunger surface 280 .
- This function is accomplished through use of a fourth die 1018 and a fourth knock out pin 1019 .
- a punch stripper sleeve 1020 is used to remove the punch extrusion pin 1017 from the inner plunger surface 250 .
- the plunger hole 236 is fabricated through use of a piercing punch 1021 and a stripper sleeve 1022 .
- a fifth die 1023 is used around the outer plunger surface 280 and a tool insert 1024 is used at the first plunger opening 231 .
- FIGS. 37 to 41 illustrate an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
- FIG. 37 depicts a metal wire or metal rod 1000 drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod 1000 are squared off through the use of a first punch 1025 , a first die 1027 , and a first knock out pin 1028 .
- the fabrication of the first plunger opening 231 , the second plunger opening 232 , and the outer plunger surface 280 is preferably commenced through use of a punch pin 1029 , a first punch stripper sleeve 1030 , second knock out pin 1031 , a stripper pin 1032 , and a second die 1033 .
- the first plunger opening 231 is fabricated through use of the second knock out pin 1031 .
- the stripper pin 1032 is used to remove the second knock out pin 1031 from the first plunger opening 231 .
- the second plunger opening 232 is fabricated, at least in part, through the use of the punch pin 1029 .
- a first punch stripper sleeve 1034 is used to remove the punch pin 1029 from the second plunger opening 232 .
- the outer plunger surface 280 is fabricated, at least in part, through the use of a second die 1033 .
- the second die 1033 is composed of a second die top 1036 and a second die tear 1037 .
- FIG. 39 depicts the forging of the inner plunger surface 250 .
- the inner plunger surface 250 is forged through the use of an extrusion punch 1038 .
- a second punch stripper sleeve 1039 is used to remove the extrusion punch 1038 from the inner plunger surface 250 .
- a third knock out pin 1043 is used to preserve the previous forging operations on the first plunger opening 231 .
- a third die 1040 is used to preserve the previous forging operations on the outer plunger surface 280 . As depicted in FIG. 39 , the third die 1040 is composed of a third die top 1041 and a third die tear 1042 .
- a sizing die 1044 is used in fabricating the second inner conical plunger surface 254 and the second inner cylindrical plunger surface 255 .
- the sizing die 1044 is run along the outer plunger surface 280 from the first plunger opening 231 to the second plunger opening 232 . This operation results in metal flowing through to the inner plunger surface 250 .
- the plunger hole 236 is fabricated through use of a piercing punch 1045 and a stripper sleeve 1046 .
- the stripper sleeve 1046 is used in removing the piercing punch 1045 from the plunger hole 236 .
- a fourth die 1047 is used around the outer plunger surface 280 and a tool insert 1048 is used at the first plunger opening 231 .
- an undercut plunger surface 282 may be fabricated and the second plunger opening 232 may be enlarged through machining.
- a shave punch 1049 may be inserted into the second plunger opening 232 and plow back excess material.
- FIGS. 43, 44 , and 45 show a socket 310 constituting a preferred embodiment.
- the socket 310 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum.
- the metal is copper.
- the metal is iron.
- the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- the metal is a super alloy.
- the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material.
- the socket 310 is composed of pearlitic material.
- the socket 310 is composed of austenitic material.
- the metal is a ferritic material.
- the socket 310 is composed of a plurality of socket elements.
- the socket element is cylindrical in shape.
- the socket element is conical in shape.
- the socket element is solid.
- the socket element is hollow.
- FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional view of the socket 310 composed of a plurality of socket elements.
- FIG. 43 shows the socket, generally designated 310 .
- the socket 310 functions to accept a liquid, such as a lubricant and is provided with a plurality of surfaces and passages.
- the first socket surface 331 functions to accommodate an insert, such as, for example, a push rod 396 .
- the socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of socket elements. As shown in FIG. 43 , the socket 310 includes a first hollow socket element 321 , a second hollow socket element 322 , and a third hollow socket element 323 . As depicted in FIG. 43 , the first hollow socket element 321 is located adjacent to the second socket element 322 . The second hollow socket element 322 is located adjacent to the third hollow socket element 323 .
- the first hollow socket element 321 functions to accept an insert, such as a push rod.
- the third hollow socket element 323 functions to conduct fluid.
- the second hollow socket element 322 functions to fluidly link the first hollow socket element 321 with the third hollow socket element 323 .
- FIG. 44 depicts a cross sectional view of the socket 310 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first socket surface 331 .
- the first socket surface 331 is configured to accommodate an insert.
- the preferred embodiment is also provided with a second socket surface 332 .
- the second socket surface 332 is configured to cooperate with an engine workpiece.
- FIG. 45 depicts a top view of the first socket surface 331 .
- the first socket surface 331 is provided with a push rod cooperating surface 335 defining a first socket hole 336 .
- the push rod cooperating surface 335 is concentric relative to the outer socket surface 340 ; however, such concentricity is not necessary.
- the first socket hole 336 fluidly links the first socket surface 331 with a socket passage 337 (shown in FIG. 44 ).
- the socket passage 337 is shaped to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant.
- the socket passage 337 is cylindrically shaped; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the socket passage 337 may assume any shape so long as it is able to conduct fluid.
- FIG. 46 depicts a top view of the second socket surface 332 .
- the second socket surface is provided with a plunger reservoir passage 338 .
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 is configured to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant.
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 of the preferred embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the plunger reservoir passage 338 may assume any shape so long as it conducts fluid.
- the second socket surface 332 defines a second socket hole 334 .
- the second socket hole 334 fluidly links the second socket surface 332 with socket passage 337 .
- the second socket surface 332 is provided with a protruding surface 333 .
- the protruding surface 33 is generally curved.
- the protruding surface 333 is preferably concentric relative to the outer socket surface 340 .
- the second socket surface 332 may be provided with any surface, and the protruding surface 333 of the preferred embodiment may assume any shape so long as the second socket surface 332 cooperates with the opening of an engine workpiece.
- the protruding surface 333 on the second socket surface 332 is located between a first flat surface 360 and a second flat surface 361 . As shown therein, the protruding surface 333 is raised with respect to the first and second flat surfaces 360 , 361 .
- the first socket surface 331 is depicted accommodating an insert. As shown in FIG. 47 , that insert is a push rod 396 .
- the second socket surface 332 is further depicted cooperating with an engine workpiece.
- the engine workpiece can be a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519 filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the engine workpiece is the leakdown plunger 210 .
- push rods other than the push rod 396 shown herein can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- leakdown plungers other than leakdown plunger 210 and those disclosed in Applicants' “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519 can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- the protruding socket surface 333 preferably cooperates with the second plunger opening 232 of the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the protruding socket surface 333 preferably corresponds to the second plunger opening 232 of the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the protruding socket surface 333 preferably provides a closer fit between the second socket surface 332 of the socket 310 and second plunger opening 232 of the leakdown plunger 210 .
- a socket passage 337 is provided in the socket 310 depicted in FIG. 47 .
- the socket passage 337 preferably functions to lubricate the push rod cooperating surface 335 .
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 47 is also provided with a plunger reservoir passage 338 .
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 is configured to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant.
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 performs a plurality of functions. According to one aspect of the present invention, the plunger reservoir passage 338 fluidly links the second plunger opening 232 of the leakdown plunger 210 and the outer socket surface 340 of the socket 310 . According to another aspect of the present invention, the plunger reservoir passage 338 fluidly links the inner plunger surface 250 of the leakdown plunger 210 and the outer socket surface 340 of the socket 310 .
- the plunger reservoir passage 338 can be extended so that it joins socket passage 337 within the socket 310 . However, it is not necessary that the socket passage 337 and plunger reservoir passage 338 be joined within the socket 310 . As depicted in FIG. 47 , the plunger reservoir passage 338 of an embodiment of the present invention is fluidly linked to socket passage 337 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outer socket surface 340 is fluidly linked to the first socket surface 331 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 47 .
- socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is provided with an outer socket surface 340 .
- the outer socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece.
- the outer socket surface 340 of the presently preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outer socket surface 340 may assume any shape so long as it is configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece.
- FIG. 50 depicts the outer socket surface 340 configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece.
- the outer socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with a lash adjuster, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,264 fled on Oct. 18, 2002.
- the outer socket surface 340 is preferably configured to cooperate with the inner lash adjuster surface 140 of the lash adjuster 110 .
- the lash adjuster body 110 may be inserted into a roller follower body, such as that disclosed in Applicants'“Roller Follower Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,261 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. As shown in FIG. 51 , in the preferred embodiment the lash adjuster body 110 , with the socket 310 of the present invention located therein, is inserted into the roller follower body 10 .
- the outer socket surface 340 may advantageously be configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece. As shown in FIG. 49 , in an alternative embodiment, the outer socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with the inner surface 670 of a lifter body 620 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outer socket surface 340 may advantageously be configured to cooperate with the inner surfaces of other lifter bodies, such as, for example, the lifter bodies disclosed in Applicants'“Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263 filed on Oct. 18, 2002.
- FIG. 52 to 56 depict what is known in the art as a “slug progression” that shows the fabrication of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished socket body.
- slug progression shows the fabrication of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished socket body.
- pins are shown on the punch side; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pins can be switched to the die side without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine.
- part formers such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used.
- forging methods can be used as well.
- the process of forging an embodiment of the present invention begins with a metal wire or metal rod 2000 which is drawn to size.
- the ends of the wire or rod are squared off. As shown in FIG. 52 , this is accomplished through the use of a first punch 2001 , a first die 2002 , and a first knock out pin 2003 .
- the wire or rod 2000 is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- the fabrication of the first socket surface 331 , the outer socket surface, and the third surface is preferably commenced through use of a second punch 2004 , a second knock out pin 2005 , and a second die 2006 .
- the second punch 2004 is used to commence fabrication of the first socket surface 331 .
- the second die 2006 is used against the outer socket surface 340 .
- the second knock out pin 2005 is used to commence fabrication of the second socket surface 332 .
- FIG. 54 depicts the fabrication of the first socket surface 331 , the second socket surface 332 , and the outer socket surface 340 through use of a third punch 2007 , a first stripper sleeve 2008 , a third knock out pin 2009 , and a third die 2010 .
- the first socket surface 331 is fabricated using the third punch 2007 .
- the first stripper sleeve 2008 is used to remove the third punch 2007 from the first socket surface 331 .
- the second socket surface 332 is fabricated through use of the third knock out pin 2009
- the outer socket surface 340 is fabricated through use of the third die 2010 .
- the fabrication of the socket passage 337 and plunger reservoir passage 338 is commenced through use of a punch pin 2011 and a fourth knock out pin 2012 .
- a second stripper sleeve 2013 is used to remove the punch pin 2011 from the first socket surface 331 .
- the fourth knock out pin 2012 is used to fabricate the plunger reservoir passage 338 .
- a fourth die 2014 is used to prevent change to the outer socket surface 340 during the fabrication of the socket passage 337 and plunger reservoir passage 338 .
- socket passage 337 is completed through use of pin 2015 .
- a third stripper sleeve 2016 is used to remove the pin 2015 from the first socket surface 331 .
- a fifth die 2017 is used to prevent change to the outer socket surface 340 during the fabrication of socket passage 337 .
- a tool insert 2018 is used to prevent change to the second socket surface 332 and the plunger reservoir passage 338 during the fabrication of socket passage 337 .
- socket passage 337 and plunger reservoir passage 338 may be enlarged and other socket passages may be drilled. However, such machining is not necessary.
- the roller follower assembly 5 is provided with a valve lifter body 410 .
- FIGS. 58, 59 , and 60 show a preferred embodiment of the valve lifter body 410 .
- the valve lifter 410 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron.
- the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- the metal is a super alloy.
- the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material.
- the valve lifter 410 is composed of pearlitic material.
- the valve lifter 410 is composed of austenitic material.
- the metal is a ferritic material.
- the valve lifter body 410 is composed of a plurality of lifter elements.
- the lifter element is cylindrical in shape.
- the lifter element is conical in shape.
- the lifter element is solid.
- the lifter element is hollow.
- FIG. 58 depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention composed of a plurality of lifter elements.
- FIG. 58 shows the valve lifter body, generally designated 410 , with a roller 490 .
- the valve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wite or rod and is described herein as a plurality of lifter elements.
- the valve lifter body 410 includes a first hollow lifter element 421 , a second hollow lifter element 422 , and a solid lifter element 423 .
- the solid lifter element 423 is located between the first hollow lifter element 421 and the second hollow lifter element 422 .
- the valve lifter body 410 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts.
- the valve lifter body 410 accommodates a lash adjuster, such as the lash adjuster body 110 .
- the valve lifter body 410 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as the leakdown plunger 210 .
- the valve lifter body 410 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown).
- the valve lifter body 410 accommodates a socket, such as the socket 310 .
- the valve lifter body 410 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.
- FIG. 59 depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve lifter body 410 is provided with an outer lifter surface 480 which is cylindrically shaped.
- the outer lifter surface 480 encloses a plurality of cavities.
- the outer lifter surface 480 encloses a first lifter cavity 430 and a second lifter cavity 431 .
- the first lifter cavity 430 includes a first inner lifter surface 440 .
- the second lifter cavity 431 includes a second inner lifter surface 470 .
- FIG. 60 depicts a top view and provides greater detail of the first lifter cavity 430 of the preferred embodiment.
- the first lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert.
- the first inner lifter surface 440 is configured to house a cylindrical insert 490 , which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, functions as a roller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that housing a cylindrical insert can be accomplished through a plurality of different configurations.
- the first inner lifter surface 440 of the preferred embodiment includes a curved surface and a plurality of walls. As depicted in FIG.
- the inner lifter surface 440 includes a first lifter wall 441 , a second lifter wall 442 , a third lifter wall 443 , and a fourth lifter wall 444 .
- the first lifter wall 441 is adjacent to a curved lifter surface 448 .
- the curved lifter surface 448 is adjacent to a second lifter wall 442 .
- the third and fourth walls 443 , 444 are located on opposing sides of the curved lifter surface 448 .
- the valve lifter body 410 of the present invention is provided with a second lifter cavity 431 which includes a second lifter opening 433 which is in a circular shape.
- the second lifter cavity 431 is provided with a second inner lifter surface 470 .
- the second inner lifter surface 470 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped.
- the second inner lifter surface 470 is configured to house a lash adjuster generally designated 110 on FIG. 69 .
- the second inner lifter surface 470 can be conically or frustoconically shaped without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- the present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes.
- the valve lifter body 410 is machined.
- the valve lifter body 410 is forged.
- the valve lifter body 410 is fabricated through casting.
- the valve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged.
- the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.”
- the valve lifter body 410 is preferably forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well.
- the process of forging the valve lifter body 410 preferably begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions. The second lifter cavity 431 is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After the second lifter cavity 431 has been extruded, the first lifter cavity 430 is forged. The first lifter cavity 430 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin.
- valve lifter body 410 is fabricated through machining.
- machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding the valve lifter body 410 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automatic chucking machines can be used.
- the end containing the second lifter opening 433 is faced so that it is substantially flat.
- the second lifter cavity 431 is bored.
- the second lifter cavity 431 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.
- heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- the second lifter cavity 431 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second lifter cavity 431 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- the other features of the present invention may be fabricated through machining.
- the first lifter cavity 430 can be machined. To machine the first lifter cavity 430 , the end containing the first lifter opening 432 is faced so that it is substantially flat. The first lifter cavity 430 is drilled and then the first lifter opening 432 is broached using a broaching machine.
- the first lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a first inner lifter surface 450 .
- the first inner lifter surface 450 includes a lifter surface, a plurality of curved surfaces, and a plurality of walls referred to herein as a first wall 451 , a second wall 453 , a third wall 456 , and a fourth wall 457 .
- the first wall 451 is adjacent to a first curved lifter surface 454 .
- the first curved lifter surface 454 is adjacent to a lifter surface 452 .
- the lifter surface 452 is adjacent to a second curved lifter surface 455 .
- the second curved lifter surface 455 is adjacent to the second wall 453 .
- FIG. 62 depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve lifter body 410 with the first lifter cavity 430 shown in FIG. 61 .
- the lifter surface 452 preferably is, relative to the first and second curved surfaces 454 , 455 , generally flat in shape and oriented to be generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 .
- the first lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a first inner lifter surface 450 .
- the first inner lifter surface 450 includes a plurality of walls referred to herein as a first wall 451 , a second wall 453 , a third wall 456 , and a fourth wall 457 .
- the first inner lifter surface 450 also includes a plurality of angled walls referred to herein as a first angled wall 469 - a , a second angled wall 469 - b , a third angled wall 469 - c , and a fourth angled wall 469 - d .
- the first wall 451 is adjacent to a lifter surface 452 , which is preferably circular in shape and oriented to be generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 .
- the first wall 451 is adjacent to a first angled lifter surface 465 and a second angled lifter surface 466 .
- the first angled wall 469 - a is shown extending axially into the valve lifter body 410 from the first lifter opening 432 and terminating at the first angled surface 465 .
- the fast angled lifter surface 465 is adjacent to the lifter surface 452 and a first curved lifter surface 454 .
- the first angled lifter surface 465 is configured to be at an angle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144 ).
- the angle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second angled lifter surface 466 is adjacent to the lifter surface 452 .
- the fourth angled wall 469 - d is shown extending axially into the valve lifter body 410 from the first lifter opening 432 and terminating at the second angled surface 466 .
- the second angled lifter surface 466 is configured to be at an angle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144 ).
- the angle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second angled lifter surface 466 is adjacent to a second curved lifter surface 455 .
- the second curved lifter surface 455 is adjacent to a third angled lifter surface 467 and a third wall 456 .
- the third angled lifter surface 467 is adjacent to the lifter surface 452 and the second wall 453 .
- the second angled wall 469 - b is shown extending axially into the valve lifter body 410 from the first lifter opening 432 and terminating at the third angled surface 467 .
- the third angled lifter surface 467 is configured to be at an angle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144 ).
- the angle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.
- the second wall 453 is adjacent to a fourth angled lifter surface 468 .
- the fourth angled lifter surface 468 adjacent to the first curved lifter surface 454 and a fourth wall 457 .
- the third angled wall 469 - c is shown extending axially into the valve lifter body 410 from first lifter opening 432 and terminating at the fourth angled surface 468 .
- the fourth angled lifter surface 468 is configured to be at an angle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to the valve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plan of the annular lash adjuster surface 144 ).
- the angle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.
- FIG. 64 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with the first lifter cavity 430 of FIG. 63 .
- FIG. 65 Shown in FIG. 65 is an alternative embodiment of the first lifter cavity 430 depicted in FIG. 63 .
- the first lifter cavity 430 is provided with a chamfered lifter opening 432 and a first inner lifter surface 450 .
- the chamfered lifter opening 432 functions so that a cylindrical insert can be introduced to the valve lifter body 410 with greater ease.
- the chamfered lifter opening 432 accomplishes this function through lifter chamfers 460 , 461 which are located on opposing sides of the chamfered lifter opening 432 .
- the lifter chamfers 460 , 461 can be fabricated in a number of different configurations; so long as the resulting configuration renders introduction of a cylindrical insert 490 through the first lifter opening 432 with greater ease, it is a “chamfered lifter opening” within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the lifter chamfers 460 , 461 are preferably fabricated through forging via an extruding punch pin. Alternatively, the lifter chamfers 460 , 461 are machined by being ground before heat-treating. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of fabrication can be employed within the scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 66 discloses yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve lifter body 410 is provided with a second lifter cavity 431 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces.
- the second lifter cavity 431 depicted in FIG. 66 includes a second inner lifter surface 470 .
- the second inner lifter surface 470 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to the cylindrically shaped outer surface 480 .
- the second inner lifter surface 470 is provided with a lifter well 462 .
- the lifter well 462 is shaped to accommodate a spring (not shown).
- FIG. a spring not shown
- the lifter well 462 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second inner lifter surface 470 .
- the cylindrical shape of the lifter well 462 is preferably concentric relative to the outer lifter surface 480 .
- the lifter well 462 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin.
- the lifter well 462 is machined by boring the lifter well 462 in a chucking machine.
- the lifter well 462 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.
- heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved.
- heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- the lifter well 462 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine.
- the lifter well 462 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 66 Adjacent to the lifter well 462 , the embodiment depicted in FIG. 66 is provided with a lead lifter surface 464 which can be fabricated through forging or machining. As shown therein the lead lifter surface 464 is generally annular in shape and generally frusto-conical. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the lead lifter surface 464 .
- FIG. 67 Depicted in FIG. 67 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve lifter body 410 is provided with an outer lifter surface 480 .
- the outer lifter surface 480 includes a plurality of surfaces.
- the outer lifter surface 480 includes a cylindrical lifter surface 481 , an undercut lifter surface 482 , and a conical lifter surface 483 .
- the undercut lifter surface 482 extends from one end of the valve lifter body 410 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercut lifter surface 482 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical lifter surface 481 .
- the undercut lifter surface 482 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut lifter surface 482 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut lifter surface 482 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut lifter surface 482 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer lifter surface 480 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.
- the conical lifter surface 483 is located between the cylindrical lifter surface 481 and the undercut lifter surface 482 .
- the conical lifter surface 483 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die.
- the conical lifter surface 483 is fabricated through machining.
- the outer lifter surface 480 can be fabricated without the conical lifter surface 483 so that the cylindrical lifter surface 481 and the undercut lifter surface 482 abut one another.
- FIG. 68 depicts another embodiment valve lifter body 410 of the present invention.
- the outer lifter surface 480 includes a plurality of outer surfaces.
- the outer lifter surface 480 is provided with a first cylindrical lifter surface 481 .
- the first cylindrical lifter surface 481 contains a first lifter depression 493 .
- Adjacent to the first cylindrical lifter surface 481 is a second cylindrical lifter surface 482 .
- the second cylindrical lifter surface 482 has a radius which is smaller than the radius of the first cylindrical lifter surface 481 .
- the second cylindrical lifter surface 482 is adjacent to a third cylindrical lifter surface 484 .
- the third cylindrical lifter surface 484 has a radius which is greater than the radius of the second cylindrical lifter surface 482 .
- the thud cylindrical lifter surface 484 contains a lifter ridge 487 .
- Adjacent to the third cylindrical lifter surface 484 is a conical lifter surface 483 .
- the conical lifter surface 483 is adjacent to a fourth cylindrical lifter surface 485 .
- the fourth cylindrical lifter surface 485 and the conical lifter surface 483 contain a second lifter depression 492 .
- the second lifter depression 492 defines a lifter hole 491 .
- Adjacent to the fourth cylindrical lifter surface 485 is a flat outer lifter surface 488 .
- the flat outer lifter surface 488 is adjacent to a fifth cylindrical lifter surface 486 .
- valve lifter body 410 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication.
- first lifter cavity 430 can be machined while the second lifter cavity 431 is forged.
- second lifter cavity 431 can be machined while the first lifter cavity 430 is forged.
- roller follower assembly 5 of this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a roller follower assembly, comprising the steps of fabricating a lash adjuster body, fabricating a roller follower body, fabricating a leakdown plunger, fabricating a socket, wherein at least one of the lash adjuster body, roller follower body, leakdown plunger, and socket is fabricated at least in part by forging.
Description
- This is divisional of application Ser. No. 10/770,076, filed Feb. 2, 2004, entitled “ROLLER FOLLOWER ASSEMBLY,” which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed Oct. 18, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,654, entitled “METERING SOCKET,” the disclosures of both application Ser. No. 10/770,076 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,654 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to roller follower assemblies and particularly, in the preferred embodiment, to roller follower assemblies provided with a roller follower body, a lash adjuster body, a leakdown plunger, and a socket.
- Lash adjuster bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Lash adjuster bodies open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009 to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, bodies used in roller follower assemblies are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, casting and machining are inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Roller follower bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Roller follower bodies open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009 to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, roller follower assemblies are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,039 to Church, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, a roller follower is disclosed. Col. 4, II. 33-36. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,039 to Church does not disclose the fabrication of such a roller follower and does not disclose fabricating a roller follower through forging.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Leakdown plungers are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Leakdown plungers open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,039 to Church, leakdown plungers are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, II. 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- Sockets for push rods are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,191 to Blowers et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses a socket for a push rod. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,191 to Blowers et al. does not disclose the forging of a socket for a push rod not efficient manufacturing techniques in fabricating a socket for a push rod.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art roller follower assemblies.
- The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. Briefly stated, a method for fabricating a roller follower assembly, comprising the steps of fabricating a lash adjuster body, fabricating a roller follower body, fabricating a leakdown plunger, fabricating a socket, wherein at least one of the lash adjuster body, roller follower body, leakdown plunger, and socket is fabricated at least in part by forging.
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FIG. 1 depicts a roller follower assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 4 -a depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 4 -b depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 5 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 6 depicts a second embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 7 depicts a third embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 8 depicts a fourth embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 9 depicts a fifth embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 10 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 11 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 12 depicts a sixth embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 13 depicts a seventh embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 14 depicts an eighth embodiment of a roller follower body. -
FIG. 15 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 16 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 18 depicts another embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 19 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 20 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body. -
FIG. 21 depicts a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 22 depicts a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 25 depicts a second embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 26 depicts a third embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 27 depicts a fourth embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 28 depicts a fifth embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 30 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 31 depicts a sixth embodiment of a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 32-36 depict a preferred method of fabricating a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 37-41 depict an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 42 depicts a step in an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger. -
FIG. 43 depicts a preferred embodiment of a socket. -
FIG. 44 depicts a preferred embodiment of a socket. -
FIG. 45 depicts the top view of a surface of a socket. -
FIG. 46 depicts the top view of another surface of a socket. -
FIG. 47 depicts an embodiment of a socket accommodating an engine work piece. -
FIG. 48 depicts an outer surface of an embodiment of a socket. -
FIG. 49 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece. -
FIG. 50 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece. -
FIG. 51 depicts an embodiment of a socket cooperating with an engine work piece. -
FIGS. 52-56 depict a preferred method of fabricating a socket. -
FIG. 57 depicts an alternative embodiment of the lash adjuster body within a valve lifter. -
FIG. 58 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 59 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 60 depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 61 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 62 depicts a second embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 63 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 64 depicts a third embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 65 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 66 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 67 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 68 depicts a fifth embodiment of a valve lifter body. -
FIG. 69 depicts a lash adjuster body. - Turning now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 shows aroller follower assembly 5 constituting a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As depicted therein, theroller follower assembly 5 is provided with aroller follower body 10, alash adjuster body 110, aleakdown plunger 210, and asocket 310. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show aroller follower body 10 constituting a preferred embodiment. Theroller follower body 10 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the
roller follower body 10 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material. - The
roller follower body 10 is composed of a plurality of roller elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the roller element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the roller element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the roller element is solid. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the roller element is hollow. -
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of theroller follower body 10 composed of a plurality of roller elements.FIG. 2 shows the roller follower body, generally designated 10. Theroller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of roller elements. Theroller follower body 10 includes a firsthollow roller element 21, a secondhollow roller element 22, and a thirdhollow roller element 23. As depicted inFIG. 2 , the firsthollow roller element 21 is located adjacent to the thirdhollow roller element 23. The thirdhollow roller element 23 is located adjacent to the secondhollow roller element 22. - The first
hollow roller element 21 has a cylindrically shaped inner surface. The secondhollow roller element 22 has a cylindrically shaped inner surface with a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the firsthollow roller element 21. The thirdhollow roller element 23 has an inner surface shaped so that an insert (not shown) tests against its inner surface “above” the secondhollow roller element 22. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as used herein, terms like “above” and terms of similar import are used to specify general relationships between parts, and not necessarily to indicate orientation of the part or of the overall assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the thirdhollow roller element 23 has a conically or frustoconically shaped inner surface; however, an annularly shaped surface could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The
roller follower body 10 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 accommodates a lash adjuster, such as that disclosed in “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the preferred embodiment, theroller follower body 10 accommodates thelash adjuster body 110. According to another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the preferred embodiment, theroller follower body 10 accommodates theleakdown plunger 210. According to another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 accommodates a socket, such as that disclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the preferred embodiment, theroller follower body 10 accommodates thesocket 310. - The
roller follower body 10 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces and afirst end 11 and asecond end 12.FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of theroller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment. As shown therein, theroller follower body 10 is provided with anouter roller surface 80 which is cylindrically shaped. Theouter surface 80 encloses a plurality of cavities. As depicted inFIG. 3 , theouter surface 80 encloses afirst cavity 30 and asecond cavity 31. Thefirst cavity 30 includes a firstinner surface 40. Thesecond cavity 31 includes a secondinner surface 70. -
FIG. 4 a andFIG. 4 b depict top views and provide greater detail of thefirst roller cavity 30 of the preferred embodiment. As shown inFIG. 4 b, thefirst roller cavity 30 is provided with a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert. Referring toFIG. 4 a, the firstinner roller surface 40 is configured to house acylindrical insert 90, which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, functions as a roller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that housing a cylindrical insert can be accomplished through a plurality of different configurations. InFIGS. 4 a and 3 b, the firstinner roller surface 40 of the preferred embodiment includes a plurality of walls. As depicted inFIGS. 4 a and 4 b, theinner roller surface 40 defines atransition roller opening 48 which is in the shape of a polygon, the preferred embodiment being rectangular. Theinner roller surface 40 includes opposingroller walls roller walls first roller wall 41 and thesecond roller wall 42 are located generally on opposite sides of thetransition roller opening 48. Thetransition roller opening 48 is further defined by the third andfourth roller walls - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , thesecond roller cavity 31 of the preferred embodiment includes a second roller opening 33 that is in a circular shape. Thesecond roller cavity 31 is provided with a secondinner roller surface 70 that is configured to house aninner body 34. In the preferred embodiment theinner body 34 is thelash adjuster body 110. The secondinner roller surface 70 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped. Alternatively, the secondinner roller surface 70 is conically or frustoconically shaped. As depicted inFIG. 3 , the secondinner roller surface 70 is a plurality of surfaces including a cylindrically shapedroller surface 71 adjacent to a conically or frustoconically shapedroller surface 72. - The present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According to one aspect of the present invention, the
roller follower body 10 is machined. According to another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 is forged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, theroller follower body 10 is fabricated through casting. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.” - The
roller follower body 10 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well. - The process of forging in the preferred embodiment begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- The
second roller cavity 31, located at thesecond end 12, is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After thesecond roller cavity 31 has been extruded, thefirst roller cavity 30, located at thefirst end 12, is forged. Thefirst roller cavity 30 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin. - Alternatively, the
roller follower body 10 is fabricated through machining. As used herein, machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding theroller follower body 10 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automatic chucking machines can be used. - To machine the
second roller cavity 31, the end containing the second roller opening 33 is faced so that it is substantially flat. Thesecond roller cavity 31 is bored. Alternatively, thesecond roller cavity 31 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. - After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- After heat-treating, the
second roller cavity 31 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesecond roller cavity 31 can be ground using other grinding machines. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other features of the present invention may be fabricated through machining. For example, the
first roller cavity 30 can be machined. To machine thefirst roller cavity 30, the end containing thefirst roller opening 32 is faced so that it is substantially flat. Thefirst roller cavity 30 is drilled and then thefirst roller opening 32 is broached using a broaching machine. - In an alternative embodiment depicted in
FIG. 5 , thefirst roller cavity 30 is provided with a firstinner roller surface 50 and first roller opening 32 shaped to accept acylindrical insert 90. The firstinner roller surface 50 defines atransition roller opening 52 and includes a plurality of curved surfaces and a plurality of walls. As depicted inFIG. 5 , afirst roller wall 51 is adjacent to a firstcurved roller surface 54. The firstcurved roller surface 54 and a secondcurved roller surface 55 are located on opposing sides of thetransition roller opening 52. The secondcurved roller surface 55 is adjacent to asecond roller wall 53. On opposing sides of thesecond roller wall 53 are third andfourth roller walls -
FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of theroller follower body 10 with thefirst roller cavity 30 shown inFIG. 5 . As shown inFIG. 6 , theroller follower body 10 is also provided with asecond cavity 31 which includes asecond opening 33 which is in a circular shape. Thesecond cavity 31 is provided with a secondinner roller surface 70 which includes a plurality of surfaces. The secondinner roller surface 70 includes a cylindrically shapedroller surface 71 and a frustoconically shapedroller surface 72. - Alternatively, the second
inner roller surface 70 includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces. As depicted inFIG. 7 , the secondinner roller surface 70 includes a firstcylindrical roller surface 71 and a secondcylindrical roller surface 73. The secondinner roller surface 70 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7 also includes afrustoconical roller surface 72. - In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in
FIG. 8 , thefirst roller cavity 30 is provided with a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a firstinner roller surface 50. The firstinner toiler surface 50 defines atransition roller opening 52 linking thefirst roller cavity 30 with the walls of thesecond roller cavity 31. Thesecond roller cavity 31 is provided with a secondinner roller surface 70 which includes a plurality of surfaces. As shown inFIG. 8 , the secondinner roller surface 70 includes acylindrical roller surface 71 and afrustoconical roller surface 72. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second
inner roller surface 70 may include a plurality of cylindrical surfaces.FIG. 9 depicts a secondinner roller surface 70 which includes a firstcylindrical roller surface 71 adjacent to afrustoconical roller surface 72. Adjacent to thefrustoconical roller surface 72 is a secondcylindrical roller surface 73. The secondcylindrical roller surface 73 depicted inFIG. 9 defines atransition roller opening 52 linking thesecond roller cavity 31 with afirst roller cavity 30. As is evident inFIG. 9 , the secondinner roller surface 70 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical surfaces with a plurality of diameters. Thefirst roller cavity 30 is provided with a firstinner roller surface 50 and a first roller opening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert. The firstinner roller surface 50 includes a plurality of curved surfaces, angled surfaces, walls, and angled walls. -
FIG. 10 depicts a firstinner roller surface 50 depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9 . Afirst roller wall 51 is adjacent to thetransition roller opening 52, a firstangled roller surface 65, and a secondangled toiler surface 66. The firstangled roller surface 65 is adjacent to thetransition roller opening 52, a firstcurved roller surface 54, and a fast angled roller wall 69-a. As depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9 , the firstangled roller surface 65 is configured to be at anangle 100 relative to the plane of a first angled roller wall 69-a, preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees. - The second
angled roller surface 66 is adjacent to thetransitional roller opening 52 and a fourth angled roller wall 69-d. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 , the secondangled roller surface 66 is configured to be at anangle 100 relative to the plane of the fourth angled roller wall 69-d, preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees. The secondangled roller surface 66 is adjacent to a secondcurved roller surface 55. The secondcurved roller surface 55 is adjacent to a thirdangled roller surface 67 and athird roller wall 56. The thirdangled roller surface 67 is adjacent to thetransitional roller opening 52, asecond roller wall 53, and a second angled roller wall 69-b. As depicted inFIGS. 8 & 9 , the thirdangled roller surface 67 is configured to be at anangle 100 relative to the plane of the second angled roller wall 69-b, preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees. - The
second roller wall 53 is adjacent to a fourthangled roller surface 68. The fourthangled roller surface 68 adjacent to the firstcurved roller surface 54, a third angled roller wall 69-c, and afourth roller wall 57. As depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9 , the fourthangled roller surface 68 is configured to be at an angle relative to the plane of the third angled roller wall 69-c, preferably between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.FIGS. 8 and 9 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments with thefirst roller cavity 30 ofFIG. 10 . - Shown in
FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of thefirst roller cavity 30 depicted inFIG. 10 . In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 11 , thefast roller cavity 30 is provided with achamfered roller opening 32 and a fastinner roller surface 50. The chamfered roller opening 32 functions so that a cylindrical insert can be introduced to theroller follower body 10 with greater ease. The chamferedroller opening 32 accomplishes this function throughroller chamfers roller opening 32. The roller chamfers 60, 61 of the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 are flat surfaces at an angle relative to theroller walls cylindrical insert 90 can be introduced through the first roller opening 32 with greater ease. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the roller chamfers 60, 61 can be fabricated in a number of different configurations; so long as the resulting configuration renders introduction of acylindrical insert 90 through the first roller opening 32 with greater ease, it is a “chamfered roller opening” within the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The roller chamfers 60, 61 are preferably fabricated through forging via an extruding punch pin. Alternatively, the roller chamfers 60, 61 are machined by being ground before heat-treating. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of fabrication can be employed within the scope of the present invention.
-
FIG. 12 discloses thesecond roller cavity 31 of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As depicted inFIG. 12 , theroller follower body 10 is provided with asecond roller cavity 31 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces. Thesecond roller cavity 31 depicted inFIG. 12 includes a secondinner roller surface 70. The secondinner roller surface 70 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to the cylindrically shapedouter roller surface 80. The secondinner roller surface 70 is provided with atransitional tube 62. Thetransitional tube 62 is shaped to fluidly link thesecond roller cavity 31 with afirst roller cavity 30. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 12 , thetransitional tube 62 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the secondinner roller surface 70. The cylindrical shape of thetransitional tube 62 is preferably concentric relative to theouter roller surface 80. Thetransitional tube 62 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin. - Alternatively, the
transitional tube 62 is machined by boring thetransitional tube 62 in a chucking machine. Alternatively, thetransitional tube 62 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material. After heat-treating, thetransitional tube 62 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thetransitional tube 62 can be ground using other grinding machines. - Adjacent to the
transitional tube 62, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 11 is provided with a conically-shapedroller lead surface 64 which can be fabricated through forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without theroller lead surface 64 - Depicted in
FIG. 13 is aroller follower body 10 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 13 , theroller follower body 10 is provided with anouter roller surface 80. Theouter roller surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 13 , theouter roller surface 80 includes acylindrical roller surface 81, an undercutroller surface 82, and aconical roller surface 83. As depicted inFIG. 13 , the undercutroller surface 82 extends from one end of theroller follower body 10 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutroller surface 82 is smaller than the diameter of thecylindrical roller surface 81. - The undercut
roller surface 82 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercutroller surface 82 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercutroller surface 82 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercutroller surface 82 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer roller surface with minor alterations to the grinding wheel. - As depicted in
FIG. 13 , theconical roller surface 83 is located between thecylindrical roller surface 81 and the undercutroller surface 82. Theconical roller surface 83 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, theconical roller surface 83 is fabricated through machining. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that theouter roller surface 80 can be fabricated without theconical roller surface 83 so that thecylindrical surface 81 and the undercutroller surface 82 abut one another. -
FIG. 14 depicts aroller follower body 10 constituting another embodiment. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 14 , theouter roller surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces. Theouter roller surface 80 is provided with a firstcylindrical roller surface 81. The firstcylindrical roller surface 81 contains afirst roller depression 93. Adjacent to the firstcylindrical roller surface 81 is a secondcylindrical roller surface 82. The secondcylindrical roller surface 82 has a radius that is smaller than the radius of the firstcylindrical roller surface 81. The secondcylindrical roller surface 82 is adjacent to a thirdcylindrical roller surface 84. The thirdcylindrical roller surface 84 has a radius that is greater than the radius of the secondcylindrical roller surface 82. The thirdcylindrical roller surface 84 contains aridge 87. Adjacent to the thirdcylindrical roller surface 84 is a frusto-conical roller surface 83. The frusto-conical roller surface 83 is adjacent to a fourthcylindrical roller surface 85. The fourthcylindrical roller surface 85 and the frusto-conical roller surface 83 contain asecond roller depression 92. Thesecond roller depression 92 defines aroller hole 91. Adjacent to the fourthcylindrical roller surface 85 is a flatouter roller surface 88. The flatouter roller surface 88 is adjacent to a fifthcylindrical roller surface 86. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the
roller follower body 10 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication. By way of example and not limitation, thefirst roller cavity 30 can be machined while thesecond roller cavity 31 is forged. Conversely, thesecond roller cavity 31 can be machined while the first roller cavity is forged. -
FIGS. 15, 16 , and 17 show alash adjuster body 110 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thelash adjuster body 110 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the
lash adjuster body 110 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material. - The
lash adjuster body 110 is composed of a plurality of lash adjuster elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster element is solid. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster element is hollow. -
FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of thelash adjuster 110 composed of a plurality of lash adjuster elements.FIG. 15 shows the lash adjuster body, generally designated 110. Thelash adjuster body 110 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of lash adjuster elements. Thelash adjuster body 110 includes a hollowlash adjuster element 121 and a solidlash adjuster element 122. In the preferred embodiment, the solidlash adjuster element 122 is located adjacent to the hollowlash adjuster element 121. - The
lash adjuster body 110 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519, filed on Oct. 18, 2002. In the preferred embodiment, thelash adjuster body 110 accommodates theleakdown plunger 210. According to another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 accommodates a socket, such as that disclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 18, 2002. In the preferred embodiment, thelash adjuster body 110 accommodates thesocket 310. - The
lash adjuster body 110 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 16 , thelash adjuster body 110 is provided with an outerlash adjuster surface 180 which is configured to be inserted into another body. According to one aspect of the present invention, the outerlash adjuster surface 180 is configured to be inserted into a roller follower, such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Roller Follower Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,261, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the preferred embodiment, the outer lash adjuster surface is configured to be inserted intoroller follower body 10. According to another aspect of the present invention, as depicted inFIG. 57 , in an alternative embodiment the outerlash adjuster surface 180 is configured to be inserted into a valve lifter, such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - The outer
lash adjuster surface 180 encloses at least one cavity. As depicted inFIG. 16 , the outerlash adjuster surface 180 encloses alash adjuster cavity 130. Thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a leakdown plunger. In the preferred embodiment, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with theleakdown plunger 210. According to another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a socket. In the preferred embodiment, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with thesocket 310. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is configured to cooperate with a push rod. According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster cavity is configured to cooperate with a push rod seat. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , thelash adjuster body 110 of the present invention is provided with alash adjuster cavity 130 that includes alash adjuster opening 131. Thelash adjuster opening 131 is in a circular shape. Thelash adjuster cavity 130 is provided with the innerlash adjuster surface 140. - The inner
lash adjuster surface 140 includes a plurality of surfaces. According to one aspect of the present invention, the innerlash adjuster surface 140 includes a cylindrical lash adjuster surface. According to another aspect of the present invention, the innerlash adjuster surface 140 includes a conical or frustoconical surface. - As depicted in
FIG. 16 , the innerlash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141, preferably concentric relative to the outerlash adjuster surface 180. Adjacent to the first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141 is a conicallash adjuster surface 142. Adjacent to the conicallash adjuster surface 142 is a second cylindricallash adjuster surface 143. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the innerlash adjuster surface 140 can be fabricated without the conicallash adjuster surface 142. -
FIG. 17 depicts a cut-away view of thelash adjuster body 110 of the preferred embodiment. The innerlash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141 that includes a first innerlash adjuster diameter 184. The first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141 abuts an annularlash adjuster surface 144 with anannulus 145. Theannulus 145 defines a second cylindricallash adjuster surface 143 that includes a second innerlash adjuster diameter 185. In the embodiment depicted, the second innerlash adjuster diameter 185 is smaller than the first innerlash adjuster diameter 184. - The
lash adjuster body 110 of the present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According to one aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 is machined. According to another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 is forged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thelash adjuster body 110 is fabricated through casting. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.” - In the preferred embodiment, the
lash adjuster body 110 is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well. - The process of forging the preferred embodiment begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions.
- The
lash adjuster cavity 130 is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After thelash adjuster cavity 130 has been extruded, thelash adjuster cavity 130 is forged. Thelash adjuster cavity 130 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin. - Alternatively, the
lash adjuster body 110 is fabricated through machining. As used herein, machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding thelash adjuster body 110 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automatic chucking machines can be used. - To machine the
lash adjuster cavity 130, the end containing thelash adjuster opening 131 is faced so that it is substantially flat. Thelash adjuster cavity 130 is bored. Alternatively, thelash adjuster cavity 130 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. - After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- After heat-treating, the
lash adjuster cavity 130 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thelash adjuster cavity 130 can be ground using other grinding machines. -
FIG. 18 depicts the innerlash adjuster surface 140 provided with a lash adjuster well 150. The lash adjuster well 150 is shaped to accommodate acap spring 247. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 18 , the lash adjuster well 150 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the innerlash adjuster surface 140. The cylindrical shape of the lash adjuster well 150 is preferably concentric relative to the outerlash adjuster surface 180. The lash adjuster well 150 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin. - Alternatively, the lash adjuster well 150 is machined by boring the lash adjuster well 150 in a chucking machine. Alternatively, the lash adjuster well 150 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the requited Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material. After heat-treating, the lash adjuster well 150 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lash adjuster well 150 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- Adjacent to the lash adjuster well 150, in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 18 , is a lash adjusterlead surface 146 which is conically shaped and can be fabricated through forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the lash adjusterlead surface 146. -
FIG. 19 depicts a view of thelash adjuster opening 131 that reveals the innerlash adjuster surface 140 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The innerlash adjuster surface 140 is provided with a first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141. A lash adjuster well 150 is defined by a second cylindricallash adjuster surface 143. As shown inFIG. 19 , the second cylindricallash adjuster surface 143 is concentric relative to the first cylindricallash adjuster surface 141. - Depicted in
FIG. 20 is alash adjuster body 110 constituting an alternative embodiment. As shown inFIG. 20 , thelash adjuster body 110 is provided with an outerlash adjuster surface 180. The outerlash adjuster surface 180 includes a plurality of surfaces. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 20 , the outerlash adjuster surface 180 includes an outer cylindricallash adjuster surface 181, an undercutlash adjuster surface 182, and a conicallash adjuster surface 183. As depicted inFIG. 20 , the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 extends from one end of thelash adjuster body 110 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 is smaller than the diameter of the outer cylindricallash adjuster surface 181. - The undercut
lash adjuster surface 182 is forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outerlash adjuster surface 180 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel. - As depicted in
FIG. 20 , the conicallash adjuster surface 183 is located between the outer cylindricallash adjuster surface 181 and the undercut lashadjuster surface 182. The conicallash adjuster surface 183 is forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the conicallash adjuster surface 183 is fabricated through machining. Those with slai in the art will appreciate that the outerlash adjuster surface 180 can be fabricated without the conicallash adjuster surface 183 so that the outer cylindricallash adjuster surface 181 and the undercut lashadjuster surface 182 abut one another. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the
lash adjuster body 110 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication. By way of example and not limitation, aspects of thelash adjuster cavity 130 can be machined; other aspects of the lash adjuster cavity can be forged. -
FIGS. 21, 22 , and 23 show aleakdown plunger 210 constituting a preferred embodiment. Theleakdown plunger 210 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the
leakdown plunger 210 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, theleakdown plunger 210 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material. - The
leakdown plunger 210 is composed of a plurality of plunger elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the plunger element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the plunger element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the plunger element is hollow. -
FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of theleakdown plunger 210 composed of a plurality of plunger elements.FIG. 21 shows the leakdown plunger, generally designated 210. Theleakdown plunger 210 functions to accept a liquid, such as a lubricant and is provided with a first end 215 and a second end 216. As used herein, the term “end” is intended broadly to encompass the extreme end as well as portions of theleakdown plunger 210 adjacent the extreme end. As shown therein, the first end defines afirst plunger opening 231 and the second end 216 defines asecond plunger opening 232. The first plunger opening 231 functions to accommodate an insert. - The
leakdown plunger 210 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of plunger elements. Theleakdown plunger 210 includes a firsthollow plunger element 221, a secondhollow plunger element 223, and an insert-accommodatingplunger element 222. As depicted inFIG. 21 , the firsthollow plunger element 221 is located adjacent to the insert-accommodatingplunger element 222. The insert-accommodatingplunger element 222 is located adjacent to the secondhollow plunger element 223. - The
leakdown plunger 210 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.FIG. 22 depicts the first plunger opening 231 of an alternative embodiment. The first plunger opening 231 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 22 is advantageously provided with a chamferedplunger surface 233, however a chamferedplunger surface 233 is not necessary. When used herein in relation to a surface, the term “chamfered” shall mean a surface that is rounded or angled. - The first plunger opening 231 depicted in
FIG. 22 is configured to accommodate an insert. Thefirst plunger opening 231 is shown inFIG. 22 accommodating avalve insert 243. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 22 , thevalve insert 243 is shown in an exploded view and includes a generally spherically shapedvalve insert member 244, aninsert spring 245, and acap 246. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that valves other than thevalve insert 243 shown herein can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , thefirst plunger opening 231 is provided with anannular plunger surface 235 defining aplunger hole 236. Theplunger hole 236 is shaped to accommodate an insert. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 22 , theplunger hole 236 is shaped to accommodate the sphericalvalve insert member 244. The sphericalvalve insert member 244 is configured to operate with theinsert spring 245 and thecap 246. Thecap 246 is shaped to at least partially covet the sphericalvalve insert member 244 and theinsert spring 245. Thecap 246 is preferably fabricated through stamping. However, thecap 246 may be forged or machined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. -
FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of theleakdown plunger 210 depicted inFIG. 22 in a semi-assembled state. InFIG. 23 thevalve insert 243 is shown in a semi-assembled state. As depicted inFIG. 23 , a cross-sectional view of acap spring 247 is shown around thecap 246. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thecap spring 247 and thecap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of another body. According to one aspect of the present invention, thecap spring 247 and thecap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of a lash adjuster, such as the lash adjuster disclosed in Applicant's “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,264 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. In the preferred embodiment, thecap spring 247 andcap 246 are configured to be inserted into the lash adjuster well 150 of thelash adjuster 110. In an alternative embodiment, thecap spring 247 and thecap 246 are configured to be inserted into the well of a valve lifter, such as the valve lifter disclosed in Applicant's “Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263, filed on Oct. 18, 2002. - The
cap 246 is configured to at least partially depress theinsert spring 245. Theinsert spring 245 exerts a force on the sphericalvalve insert member 244. InFIG. 23 , theannular plunger surface 235 is shown with the sphericalvalve insert member 244 partially located within theplunger hole 236. - Referring now to
FIG. 22 ,leakdown plunger 210 is provided with anouter plunger surface 280 that includes anaxis 211. Theouter plunger surface 280 is preferably shaped so that theleakdown plunger 210 can be inserted into a lash adjuster body, such as that disclosed in the inventors' patent application entitled “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. In the preferred embodiment, theouter plunger surface 280 is shaped so that theleakdown plunger 210 can be inserted into thelash adjuster body 110. Depicted inFIG. 31 is alash adjuster body 110 having an innerlash adjuster surface 140 defining alash adjuster cavity 130. An embodiment of theleakdown plunger 210 is depicted inFIG. 31 within thelash adjuster cavity 130 of thelash adjuster body 110. As shown inFIG. 31 , theleakdown plunger 210 is preferably provided with anouter plunger surface 280 that is cylindrically shaped. -
FIG. 24 depicts aleakdown plunger 210 of an alternative embodiment.FIG. 24 depicts the second plunger opening 232 in greater detail. The second plunger opening 232 is shown with a chamferedplunger surface 234. However, those with skill in the art will appreciate that the second plunger opening 232 may be fabricated without the chamferedplunger surface 234. - In
FIG. 24 theleakdown plunger 210 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces. As shown therein, the embodiment is provided with anouter plunger surface 280. Theouter plunger surface 280 includes a plurality of surfaces.FIG. 24 depicts acylindrical plunger surface 281, an undercutplunger surface 282, and aconical plunger surface 283. As depicted inFIG. 24 , the undercutplunger surface 282 extends from one end of theleakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutplunger surface 282 is smaller than the diameter of thecylindrical plunger surface 281. - The undercut
plunger surface 282 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercutplunger surface 282 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercutplunger surface 282 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercutplunger surface 282 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into theouter plunger surface 280 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel. - Referring again to
FIG. 24 , theconical plunger surface 283 is located between thecylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that theouter plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without theconical plunger surface 283 so that thecylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282 abut one another. -
FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of theleakdown plunger 210 with a section of theouter plunger surface 280 broken away. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 26 is provided with afirst plunger opening 231. As shown inFIG. 26 , theouter plunger surface 280 encloses aninner plunger surface 250. Theinner plunger surface 250 includes a firstannular plunger surface 235 that defines afirst plunger hole 236 and a secondannular plunger surface 237 that defines asecond plunger hole 249. -
FIG. 27 depicts a cross-sectional view of a leakdown plunger of an alternative embodiment. Theleakdown plunger 210 shown inFIG. 27 is provided with anouter plunger surface 280 that includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 27 , theouter plunger surface 280 includes an outercylindrical plunger surface 281, an undercutplunger surface 282, and an outerconical plunger surface 283. As depicted inFIG. 27 , the undercutplunger surface 282 extends from one end of theleakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutplunger surface 282 is smaller than, and preferably concentric relative to, the diameter of the outercylindrical plunger surface 281. The outerconical plunger surface 283 is located between the outercylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that theouter plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without theconical plunger surface 283 so that the outercylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282 abut one another. -
FIG. 28 depicts in greater detail the first plunger opening 231 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 27 . Thefirst plunger opening 231 is configured to accommodate an insert and is preferably provided with a firstchamfered plunger surface 233. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the firstchamfered plunger surface 233 is not necessary. As further shown inFIG. 28 , thefirst plunger opening 231 is provided with a firstannular plunger surface 235 defining aplunger hole 236. - The embodiment depicted in
FIG. 28 is provided with anouter plunger surface 280 that includes a plurality of surfaces. Theouter plunger surface 280 includes acylindrical plunger surface 281, an undercutplunger surface 282, and aconical plunger surface 283. As depicted inFIG. 28 , the undercutplunger surface 282 extends from one end of theleakdown plunger 210 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutplunger surface 282 is smaller than the diameter of thecylindrical plunger surface 281. Theconical plunger surface 283 is located between thecylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282. However, those with skill in the art will appreciate that theouter plunger surface 280 can be fabricated without theconical plunger surface 283 so that thecylindrical plunger surface 281 and the undercutplunger surface 282 abut one another. Alternatively, thecylindrical plunger surface 281 may abut the undercutplunger surface 282 so that theconical plunger surface 283 is an annular surface. -
FIG. 29 depicts the second plunger opening 232 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 27 . The second plunger opening 232 is shown with a secondchamfered plunger surface 234. However, those with skill in the art will appreciate that the second plunger opening 232 may be fabricated without the secondchamfered plunger surface 234. The second plunger opening 232 is provided with a secondannular plunger surface 237. -
FIG. 30 depicts a top view of the second plunger opening 232 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 27 . InFIG. 30 , the secondannular plunger surface 237 is shown in relation to the first innerconical plunger surface 252 and theplunger hole 236. As shown inFIG. 30 , theplunger hole 236 is concentric relative to theouter plunger surface 280 and the annulus formed by the secondannular plunger surface 237. - Referring now to
FIG. 25 , theouter plunger surface 280 encloses aninner plunger surface 250. Theinner plunger surface 250 includes a plurality of surfaces. In the alternative embodiment depicted inFIG. 25 , theinner plunger surface 250 includes a first innercylindrical surface 256. The first innercylindrical surface 256 is located adjacent to the firstannular plunger surface 235. The firstannular plunger surface 235 is located adjacent to arounded plunger surface 251 that defines aplunger hole 236. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that therounded plunger surface 251 need not be rounded, but may be flat. Therounded plunger surface 251 is located adjacent to a first innerconical plunger surface 252, which is located adjacent to a second innercylindrical plunger surface 253. The second innercylindrical surface 253 is located adjacent to a second innerconical plunger surface 254, which is located adjacent to a third innercylindrical plunger surface 255. The third innercylindrical plunger surface 255 is located adjacent to the secondannular plunger surface 237, which is located adjacent to the fourth innercylindrical plunger surface 257. Theinner plunger surface 250 includes a plurality of diameters. As shown inFIG. 27 , the first innercylindrical plunger surface 256 is provided with a firstinner diameter 261, the third innercylindrical plunger surface 255 is provided with a thirdinner diameter 263, and the fourthcylindrical plunger surface 257 is provided with a fourthinner diameter 264. In the embodiment depicted, the thirdinner diameter 263 is smaller than the fourthinner diameter 264. -
FIG. 31 depicts an embodiment of theleakdown plunger 210 within another body cooperating with a plurality of inserts. The undercutplunger surface 282 preferably cooperates with another body, such as a lash adjuster body or a valve lifter, to form aleakdown path 293.FIG. 31 depicts an embodiment of theleakdown plunger 210 within alash adjuster body 110; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be inserted within other bodies, such as roller followers, and valve lifters. - As shown in
FIG. 31 , in the preferred embodiment, the undercutplunger surface 282 is configured to cooperate with the innerlash adjuster surface 140 of alash adjuster body 110. The undercutplunger surface 282 and the innerlash adjuster surface 140 of thelash adjuster body 110 cooperate to define aleakdown path 293 for a liquid such as a lubricant. - The embodiment depicted in
FIG. 31 is further provided with acylindrical plunger surface 281. Thecylindrical plunger surface 281 cooperates with the innerlash adjuster surface 140 of thelash adjuster body 110 to provide afirst chamber 238. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thefirst chamber 238 functions as a high pressure chamber for a liquid, such as a lubricant. - The second plunger opening 232 is configured to cooperate with a socket, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. 10/316,262, filed on Oct. 28, 2002. In the preferred embodiment, the second plunger opening 232 is configured to cooperate with the
socket 310. Thesocket 310 is configured to cooperate with apush rod 396. As shown inFIG. 31 , thesocket 310 is provided with a pushrod cooperating surface 335. The pushrod cooperating surface 335 is configured to function with apush rod 396. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thepush rod 396 cooperates with the rocker arm (not shown) of an internal combustion engine (not shown). - The
socket 310 cooperates with theleakdown plunger 210 to define at least in part asecond chamber 239 within theinner plunger surface 250. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesecond chamber 239 may advantageously function as a reservoir for a lubricant. Theinner plunger surface 250 of theleakdown plunger 210 functions to increase the quantity of retained fluid in thesecond chamber 239 through the damming action of the second innerconical plunger surface 254. - The
socket 310 is provided with a plurality of passages that function to fluidly communicate with thelash adjuster cavity 130 of thelash adjuster body 110. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 31 , thesocket 310 is provided with asocket passage 337 and aplunger reservoir passage 338. Theplunger reservoir passage 338 functions to fluidly connect thesecond chamber 239 with thelash adjuster cavity 130 of thelash adjuster body 110. As shown inFIG. 31 , thesocket passage 337 functions to fluidly connect thesocket 310 and thelash adjuster cavity 130 of thelash adjuster body 110. - FIGS. 32 to 36 illustrate the presently preferred method of fabricating a leakdown plunger. FIGS. 32 to 36 depict what is known in the art as “slug progressions” that show the fabrication of the
leakdown plunger 210 of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished body. In the slug progressions shown herein, pins are shown on the punch side; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pins can be switched to the die side without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The
leakdown plunger 210 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well. - The process of forging the
leakdown plunger 210 an embodiment of the present invention begins with a metal wire ormetal rod 1000 which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off. As shown inFIG. 32 , this is accomplished through the use of afirst punch 1001, afirst die 1002, and a first knock outpin 1003. - After being drawn to size, the wire or
rod 1000 is run through a series of dies or extrusions. As depicted inFIG. 33 , the fabrication of the second plunger opening 232 and theouter plunger surface 280 is preferably commenced through use of a second punch 1004, a second knock out pin 1005, a first sleeve 1006, and asecond die 1007. The second plunger opening 232 is fabricated through use of the second knock out pin 1005 and the first sleeve 1006. Thesecond die 1007 is used to fabricate theouter plunger surface 280. As shown inFIG. 33 , thesecond die 1007 is composed of a second die top 1008 and asecond die rear 1009. In the preferred forging process, thesecond die rear 1009 is used to form the undercutplunger surface 282 and theconical plunger surface 283. - As depicted in
FIG. 34 , thefirst plunger opening 231 is fabricated through use of athird punch 1010. Within thethird punch 1010 is afirst pin 1011. Thethird punch 1010 and thefirst pin 1011 are used to fabricate at least a portion of theannular plunger surface 235. As shown inFIG. 34 , it is desirable to preserve the integrity of theouter plunger surface 280 through use of athird die 1012. Thethird die 1012 is composed of a third die top 1013 and athird die rear 1014. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the desirability of using a third knock out pin 1015 and asecond sleeve 1016 to preserve the forging of the second opening. -
FIG. 35 depicts the forging of theinner plunger surface 250. As depicted, theinner plunger surface 250 is forged through use of a punch extrusion pin 1017. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is advantageous to preserve the integrity of thefirst plunger opening 231 and theouter plunger surface 280. This function is accomplished through use of afourth die 1018 and a fourth knock out pin 1019. Apunch stripper sleeve 1020 is used to remove the punch extrusion pin 1017 from theinner plunger surface 250. - As shown in
FIG. 36 , theplunger hole 236 is fabricated through use of a piercingpunch 1021 and astripper sleeve 1022. To assure that other forging operations are not affected during the fabrication of theplunger hole 236, afifth die 1023 is used around theouter plunger surface 280 and atool insert 1024 is used at thefirst plunger opening 231. - FIGS. 37 to 41 illustrate an alternative method of fabricating a leakdown plunger.
FIG. 37 depicts a metal wire ormetal rod 1000 drawn to size. The ends of the wire orrod 1000 are squared off through the use of afirst punch 1025, afirst die 1027, and a first knock outpin 1028. - As depicted in
FIG. 38 , the fabrication of thefirst plunger opening 231, the second plunger opening 232, and theouter plunger surface 280 is preferably commenced through use of apunch pin 1029, a firstpunch stripper sleeve 1030, second knock outpin 1031, astripper pin 1032, and asecond die 1033. Thefirst plunger opening 231 is fabricated through use of the second knock outpin 1031. Thestripper pin 1032 is used to remove the second knock outpin 1031 from thefirst plunger opening 231. - The second plunger opening 232 is fabricated, at least in part, through the use of the
punch pin 1029. A first punch stripper sleeve 1034 is used to remove thepunch pin 1029 from thesecond plunger opening 232. Theouter plunger surface 280 is fabricated, at least in part, through the use of asecond die 1033. Thesecond die 1033 is composed of asecond die top 1036 and a second die tear 1037. -
FIG. 39 depicts the forging of theinner plunger surface 250. As depicted, theinner plunger surface 250 is forged through the use of anextrusion punch 1038. A second punch stripper sleeve 1039 is used to remove theextrusion punch 1038 from theinner plunger surface 250. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is advantageous to preserve the previous forging of the
first plunger opening 231 and theouter plunger surface 280. A third knock outpin 1043 is used to preserve the previous forging operations on thefirst plunger opening 231. Athird die 1040 is used to preserve the previous forging operations on theouter plunger surface 280. As depicted inFIG. 39 , thethird die 1040 is composed of a third die top 1041 and a third die tear 1042. - As depicted in
FIG. 40 , a sizing die 1044 is used in fabricating the second innerconical plunger surface 254 and the second innercylindrical plunger surface 255. The sizing die 1044 is run along theouter plunger surface 280 from the first plunger opening 231 to thesecond plunger opening 232. This operation results in metal flowing through to theinner plunger surface 250. - As shown in
FIG. 41 , theplunger hole 236 is fabricated through use of a piercingpunch 1045 and astripper sleeve 1046. Thestripper sleeve 1046 is used in removing the piercingpunch 1045 from theplunger hole 236. To assure that other forging operations are not affected during the fabrication of theplunger hole 236, a fourth die 1047 is used around theouter plunger surface 280 and atool insert 1048 is used at thefirst plunger opening 231. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that further desirable finishing may be accomplished through machining. For example, an undercut
plunger surface 282 may be fabricated and the second plunger opening 232 may be enlarged through machining. Alternatively, as depicted inFIG. 42 , a shave punch 1049 may be inserted into the second plunger opening 232 and plow back excess material. -
FIGS. 43, 44 , and 45, show asocket 310 constituting a preferred embodiment. Thesocket 310 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the
socket 310 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, thesocket 310 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material. - The
socket 310 is composed of a plurality of socket elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the socket element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the socket element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the socket element is solid. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the socket element is hollow. -
FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional view of thesocket 310 composed of a plurality of socket elements.FIG. 43 shows the socket, generally designated 310. Thesocket 310 functions to accept a liquid, such as a lubricant and is provided with a plurality of surfaces and passages. Referring now toFIG. 45 , thefirst socket surface 331 functions to accommodate an insert, such as, for example, apush rod 396. - The
socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of socket elements. As shown inFIG. 43 , thesocket 310 includes a firsthollow socket element 321, a secondhollow socket element 322, and a thirdhollow socket element 323. As depicted inFIG. 43 , the firsthollow socket element 321 is located adjacent to thesecond socket element 322. The secondhollow socket element 322 is located adjacent to the thirdhollow socket element 323. - The first
hollow socket element 321 functions to accept an insert, such as a push rod. The thirdhollow socket element 323 functions to conduct fluid. The secondhollow socket element 322 functions to fluidly link the firsthollow socket element 321 with the thirdhollow socket element 323. - Referring now to
FIG. 44 , thesocket 310 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.FIG. 44 depicts a cross sectional view of thesocket 310 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 44 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with afirst socket surface 331. Thefirst socket surface 331 is configured to accommodate an insert. The preferred embodiment is also provided with asecond socket surface 332. Thesecond socket surface 332 is configured to cooperate with an engine workpiece. -
FIG. 45 depicts a top view of thefirst socket surface 331. As shown inFIG. 45 , thefirst socket surface 331 is provided with a pushrod cooperating surface 335 defining afirst socket hole 336. Preferably, the pushrod cooperating surface 335 is concentric relative to theouter socket surface 340; however, such concentricity is not necessary. - In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 45 , thefirst socket hole 336 fluidly links thefirst socket surface 331 with a socket passage 337 (shown inFIG. 44 ). Thesocket passage 337 is shaped to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 44 , thesocket passage 337 is cylindrically shaped; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesocket passage 337 may assume any shape so long as it is able to conduct fluid. -
FIG. 46 depicts a top view of thesecond socket surface 332. The second socket surface is provided with aplunger reservoir passage 338. Theplunger reservoir passage 338 is configured to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant. As depicted inFIG. 46 , theplunger reservoir passage 338 of the preferred embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theplunger reservoir passage 338 may assume any shape so long as it conducts fluid. - The
second socket surface 332 defines asecond socket hole 334. Thesecond socket hole 334 fluidly links thesecond socket surface 332 withsocket passage 337. Thesecond socket surface 332 is provided with a protrudingsurface 333. In the embodiment depicted, the protrudingsurface 33 is generally curved. The protrudingsurface 333 is preferably concentric relative to theouter socket surface 340. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary that thesecond socket surface 332 be provided with a protrudingsurface 333 or that the protrudingsurface 333 be concentric relative to theouter socket surface 340. Thesecond socket surface 332 may be provided with any surface, and the protrudingsurface 333 of the preferred embodiment may assume any shape so long as thesecond socket surface 332 cooperates with the opening of an engine workpiece. - As shown in
FIG. 47 , the protrudingsurface 333 on thesecond socket surface 332 is located between a firstflat surface 360 and a secondflat surface 361. As shown therein, the protrudingsurface 333 is raised with respect to the first and secondflat surfaces - Referring now to
FIG. 47 , thefirst socket surface 331 is depicted accommodating an insert. As shown inFIG. 47 , that insert is apush rod 396. Thesecond socket surface 332 is further depicted cooperating with an engine workpiece. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the engine workpiece can be a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. As depicted inFIG. 47 , in the preferred embodiment the engine workpiece is theleakdown plunger 210. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that push rods other than thepush rod 396 shown herein can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that leakdown plungers other thanleakdown plunger 210 and those disclosed in Applicants' “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. 10/274,519 can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. - As depicted in
FIG. 47 , the protrudingsocket surface 333 preferably cooperates with the second plunger opening 232 of theleakdown plunger 210. According to one aspect of the present invention, the protrudingsocket surface 333 preferably corresponds to the second plunger opening 232 of theleakdown plunger 210. According to another aspect of the present invention, the protrudingsocket surface 333 preferably provides a closer fit between thesecond socket surface 332 of thesocket 310 and second plunger opening 232 of theleakdown plunger 210. - In the
socket 310 depicted inFIG. 47 , asocket passage 337 is provided. Thesocket passage 337 preferably functions to lubricate the pushrod cooperating surface 335. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 47 is also provided with aplunger reservoir passage 338. Theplunger reservoir passage 338 is configured to conduct fluid, preferably a lubricant. - The
plunger reservoir passage 338 performs a plurality of functions. According to one aspect of the present invention, theplunger reservoir passage 338 fluidly links the second plunger opening 232 of theleakdown plunger 210 and theouter socket surface 340 of thesocket 310. According to another aspect of the present invention, theplunger reservoir passage 338 fluidly links theinner plunger surface 250 of theleakdown plunger 210 and theouter socket surface 340 of thesocket 310. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
plunger reservoir passage 338 can be extended so that it joinssocket passage 337 within thesocket 310. However, it is not necessary that thesocket passage 337 andplunger reservoir passage 338 be joined within thesocket 310. As depicted inFIG. 47 , theplunger reservoir passage 338 of an embodiment of the present invention is fluidly linked tosocket passage 337. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theouter socket surface 340 is fluidly linked to thefirst socket surface 331 in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 47 . - As depicted in
FIG. 48 ,socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is provided with anouter socket surface 340. Theouter socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece. Theouter socket surface 340 of the presently preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theouter socket surface 340 may assume any shape so long as it is configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece. -
FIG. 50 depicts theouter socket surface 340 configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece. Theouter socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with a lash adjuster, such as that disclosed in Applicants' “Lash Adjuster Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,264 fled on Oct. 18, 2002. As shown inFIG. 50 , theouter socket surface 340 is preferably configured to cooperate with the innerlash adjuster surface 140 of thelash adjuster 110. - The
lash adjuster body 110, with thesocket 310 of the present invention located therein, may be inserted into a roller follower body, such as that disclosed in Applicants'“Roller Follower Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,261 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. As shown inFIG. 51 , in the preferred embodiment thelash adjuster body 110, with thesocket 310 of the present invention located therein, is inserted into theroller follower body 10. - As depicted in
FIG. 49 , theouter socket surface 340 may advantageously be configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece. As shown inFIG. 49 , in an alternative embodiment, theouter socket surface 340 is configured to cooperate with theinner surface 670 of alifter body 620. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theouter socket surface 340 may advantageously be configured to cooperate with the inner surfaces of other lifter bodies, such as, for example, the lifter bodies disclosed in Applicants'“Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. 10/316,263 filed on Oct. 18, 2002. - Referring now to
FIG. 52 toFIG. 56 , the presently preferred method of fabricating asocket 310 is disclosed.FIG. 52 to 56 depict what is known in the art as a “slug progression” that shows the fabrication of the present invention from a rod or wire to a finished or near-finished socket body. In the slug progression shown herein, pins are shown on the punch side; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pins can be switched to the die side without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The
socket 310 of the preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well. - The process of forging an embodiment of the present invention begins with a metal wire or
metal rod 2000 which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off. As shown inFIG. 52 , this is accomplished through the use of afirst punch 2001, afirst die 2002, and a first knock outpin 2003. - After being drawn to size, the wire or
rod 2000 is run through a series of dies or extrusions. As depicted inFIG. 53 , the fabrication of thefirst socket surface 331, the outer socket surface, and the third surface is preferably commenced through use of asecond punch 2004, a second knock outpin 2005, and asecond die 2006. Thesecond punch 2004 is used to commence fabrication of thefirst socket surface 331. Thesecond die 2006 is used against theouter socket surface 340. The second knock outpin 2005 is used to commence fabrication of thesecond socket surface 332. -
FIG. 54 depicts the fabrication of thefirst socket surface 331, thesecond socket surface 332, and theouter socket surface 340 through use of athird punch 2007, afirst stripper sleeve 2008, a third knock outpin 2009, and athird die 2010. Thefirst socket surface 331 is fabricated using thethird punch 2007. Thefirst stripper sleeve 2008 is used to remove thethird punch 2007 from thefirst socket surface 331. Thesecond socket surface 332 is fabricated through use of the third knock outpin 2009, and theouter socket surface 340 is fabricated through use of thethird die 2010. - As depicted in
FIG. 55 , the fabrication of thesocket passage 337 andplunger reservoir passage 338 is commenced through use of apunch pin 2011 and a fourth knock outpin 2012. Asecond stripper sleeve 2013 is used to remove thepunch pin 2011 from thefirst socket surface 331. The fourth knock outpin 2012 is used to fabricate theplunger reservoir passage 338. Afourth die 2014 is used to prevent change to theouter socket surface 340 during the fabrication of thesocket passage 337 andplunger reservoir passage 338. - Referring now to
FIG. 56 , fabrication ofsocket passage 337 is completed through use ofpin 2015. Athird stripper sleeve 2016 is used to remove thepin 2015 from thefirst socket surface 331. Afifth die 2017 is used to prevent change to theouter socket surface 340 during the fabrication ofsocket passage 337. Atool insert 2018 is used to prevent change to thesecond socket surface 332 and theplunger reservoir passage 338 during the fabrication ofsocket passage 337. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that flu-the-r desirable finishing may be accomplished through machining. For example,
socket passage 337 andplunger reservoir passage 338 may be enlarged and other socket passages may be drilled. However, such machining is not necessary. - In an alternative embodiment, the
roller follower assembly 5 is provided with avalve lifter body 410. Turning now to the drawings,FIGS. 58, 59 , and 60 show a preferred embodiment of thevalve lifter body 410. Thevalve lifter 410 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.
- Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the
valve lifter 410 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter 410 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material. - The
valve lifter body 410 is composed of a plurality of lifter elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the lifter element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lifter element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the lifter element is solid. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the lifter element is hollow. -
FIG. 58 depicts a cross-sectional view of thevalve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention composed of a plurality of lifter elements.FIG. 58 shows the valve lifter body, generally designated 410, with aroller 490. Thevalve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wite or rod and is described herein as a plurality of lifter elements. Thevalve lifter body 410 includes a firsthollow lifter element 421, a secondhollow lifter element 422, and asolid lifter element 423. In the preferred embodiment, thesolid lifter element 423 is located between the firsthollow lifter element 421 and the secondhollow lifter element 422. - The
valve lifter body 410 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 accommodates a lash adjuster, such as thelash adjuster body 110. According to another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as theleakdown plunger 210. According to another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 accommodates a socket, such as thesocket 310. - The
valve lifter body 410 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces.FIG. 59 depicts a cross-sectional view of thevalve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 59 , thevalve lifter body 410 is provided with anouter lifter surface 480 which is cylindrically shaped. Theouter lifter surface 480 encloses a plurality of cavities. As depicted inFIG. 59 , theouter lifter surface 480 encloses afirst lifter cavity 430 and asecond lifter cavity 431. Thefirst lifter cavity 430 includes a firstinner lifter surface 440. Thesecond lifter cavity 431 includes a secondinner lifter surface 470. -
FIG. 60 depicts a top view and provides greater detail of thefirst lifter cavity 430 of the preferred embodiment. As shown inFIG. 60 , thefirst lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert. The firstinner lifter surface 440 is configured to house acylindrical insert 490, which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, functions as a roller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that housing a cylindrical insert can be accomplished through a plurality of different configurations. The firstinner lifter surface 440 of the preferred embodiment includes a curved surface and a plurality of walls. As depicted inFIG. 60 , theinner lifter surface 440 includes afirst lifter wall 441, asecond lifter wall 442, athird lifter wall 443, and afourth lifter wall 444. Thefirst lifter wall 441 is adjacent to acurved lifter surface 448. Thecurved lifter surface 448 is adjacent to asecond lifter wall 442. The third andfourth walls curved lifter surface 448. - Referring to
FIG. 59 , thevalve lifter body 410 of the present invention is provided with asecond lifter cavity 431 which includes a second lifter opening 433 which is in a circular shape. Thesecond lifter cavity 431 is provided with a secondinner lifter surface 470. The secondinner lifter surface 470 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped. Alternatively, the secondinner lifter surface 470 is configured to house a lash adjuster generally designated 110 onFIG. 69 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the secondinner lifter surface 470 can be conically or frustoconically shaped without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - The present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According to one aspect of the present invention, the
valve lifter body 410 is machined. According to another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 is forged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thevalve lifter body 410 is fabricated through casting. Thevalve lifter body 410 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.” - The
valve lifter body 410 is preferably forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well. - The process of forging the
valve lifter body 410 preferably begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions. Thesecond lifter cavity 431 is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After thesecond lifter cavity 431 has been extruded, thefirst lifter cavity 430 is forged. Thefirst lifter cavity 430 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin. - Alternatively, the
valve lifter body 410 is fabricated through machining. As used herein, machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding thevalve lifter body 410 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automatic chucking machines can be used. - To machine the
second lifter cavity 431, the end containing the second lifter opening 433 is faced so that it is substantially flat. Thesecond lifter cavity 431 is bored. Alternatively, thesecond lifter cavity 431 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. - After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.
- After heat-treating, the
second lifter cavity 431 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesecond lifter cavity 431 can be ground using other grinding machines. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other features of the present invention may be fabricated through machining. For example, the
first lifter cavity 430 can be machined. To machine thefirst lifter cavity 430, the end containing thefirst lifter opening 432 is faced so that it is substantially flat. Thefirst lifter cavity 430 is drilled and then thefirst lifter opening 432 is broached using a broaching machine. - In an alternative embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 61 , thefirst lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a firstinner lifter surface 450. The firstinner lifter surface 450 includes a lifter surface, a plurality of curved surfaces, and a plurality of walls referred to herein as afirst wall 451, asecond wall 453, athird wall 456, and afourth wall 457. As depicted inFIG. 61 , thefirst wall 451 is adjacent to a firstcurved lifter surface 454. The firstcurved lifter surface 454 is adjacent to alifter surface 452. Thelifter surface 452 is adjacent to a secondcurved lifter surface 455. The secondcurved lifter surface 455 is adjacent to thesecond wall 453. - As depicted in
FIG. 61 , thethird wall 456 and thefourth wall 457 are located on opposing sides of thesecond wall 453.FIG. 62 depicts a cross-sectional view of thevalve lifter body 410 with thefirst lifter cavity 430 shown inFIG. 61 . As shown inFIG. 62 , thelifter surface 452 preferably is, relative to the first and secondcurved surfaces valve lifter axis 411 of thevalve lifter body 410. - In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in
FIGS. 63 and 64 , thefirst lifter cavity 430 is provided with a first lifter opening 432 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a firstinner lifter surface 450. The firstinner lifter surface 450 includes a plurality of walls referred to herein as afirst wall 451, asecond wall 453, athird wall 456, and afourth wall 457. The firstinner lifter surface 450 also includes a plurality of angled walls referred to herein as a first angled wall 469-a, a second angled wall 469-b, a third angled wall 469-c, and a fourth angled wall 469-d. Referring toFIG. 63 , thefirst wall 451 is adjacent to alifter surface 452, which is preferably circular in shape and oriented to be generally orthogonal to thevalve lifter axis 411 of thevalve lifter body 410. InFIG. 63 , thefirst wall 451 is adjacent to a firstangled lifter surface 465 and a secondangled lifter surface 466. The first angled wall 469-a is shown extending axially into thevalve lifter body 410 from thefirst lifter opening 432 and terminating at the firstangled surface 465. The fast angledlifter surface 465 is adjacent to thelifter surface 452 and a firstcurved lifter surface 454. As depicted inFIG. 64 the firstangled lifter surface 465 is configured to be at anangle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to thevalve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144). Advantageously, theangle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees. - The second
angled lifter surface 466 is adjacent to thelifter surface 452. The fourth angled wall 469-d is shown extending axially into thevalve lifter body 410 from thefirst lifter opening 432 and terminating at the secondangled surface 466. As shown inFIG. 64 , the secondangled lifter surface 466 is configured to be at anangle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to thevalve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144). Advantageously, theangle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees. The secondangled lifter surface 466 is adjacent to a secondcurved lifter surface 455. The secondcurved lifter surface 455 is adjacent to a thirdangled lifter surface 467 and athird wall 456. The thirdangled lifter surface 467 is adjacent to thelifter surface 452 and thesecond wall 453. The second angled wall 469-b is shown extending axially into thevalve lifter body 410 from thefirst lifter opening 432 and terminating at the thirdangled surface 467. As depicted inFIG. 64 , the thirdangled lifter surface 467 is configured to be at anangle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to thevalve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plane of the annular lash adjuster surface 144). Advantageously, theangle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees. - The
second wall 453 is adjacent to a fourthangled lifter surface 468. The fourthangled lifter surface 468 adjacent to the firstcurved lifter surface 454 and afourth wall 457. The third angled wall 469-c is shown extending axially into thevalve lifter body 410 fromfirst lifter opening 432 and terminating at the fourthangled surface 468. As depicted inFIG. 64 , the fourthangled lifter surface 468 is configured to be at anangle 400 relative to a plane that is generally orthogonal to thevalve lifter axis 411 of the valve lifter body 410 (such as the plan of the annular lash adjuster surface 144). Advantageously, theangle 400 measures preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.FIG. 64 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with thefirst lifter cavity 430 ofFIG. 63 . - Shown in
FIG. 65 is an alternative embodiment of thefirst lifter cavity 430 depicted inFIG. 63 . In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 65 , thefirst lifter cavity 430 is provided with achamfered lifter opening 432 and a firstinner lifter surface 450. The chamfered lifter opening 432 functions so that a cylindrical insert can be introduced to thevalve lifter body 410 with greater ease. The chamferedlifter opening 432 accomplishes this function throughlifter chamfers lifter opening 432. The lifter chamfers 460, 461 of the embodiment shown inFIG. 65 are flat surfaces at an angle relative to thewalls cylindrical insert 490 can be introduced through the first lifter opening 432 with greater ease. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lifter chamfers 460, 461 can be fabricated in a number of different configurations; so long as the resulting configuration renders introduction of acylindrical insert 490 through the first lifter opening 432 with greater ease, it is a “chamfered lifter opening” within the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The lifter chamfers 460, 461 are preferably fabricated through forging via an extruding punch pin. Alternatively, the lifter chamfers 460, 461 are machined by being ground before heat-treating. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of fabrication can be employed within the scope of the present invention.
-
FIG. 66 discloses yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As depicted inFIG. 66 , thevalve lifter body 410 is provided with asecond lifter cavity 431 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conical surfaces. Thesecond lifter cavity 431 depicted inFIG. 66 includes a secondinner lifter surface 470. The secondinner lifter surface 470 of the preferred embodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to the cylindrically shapedouter surface 480. The secondinner lifter surface 470 is provided with alifter well 462. The lifter well 462 is shaped to accommodate a spring (not shown). In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 66 , the lifter well 462 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the secondinner lifter surface 470. The cylindrical shape of the lifter well 462 is preferably concentric relative to theouter lifter surface 480. The lifter well 462 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin. - Alternatively, the lifter well 462 is machined by boring the lifter well 462 in a chucking machine. Alternatively, the lifter well 462 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material. After heat-treating, the lifter well 462 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lifter well 462 can be ground using other grinding machines.
- Adjacent to the lifter well 462, the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 66 is provided with alead lifter surface 464 which can be fabricated through forging or machining. As shown therein thelead lifter surface 464 is generally annular in shape and generally frusto-conical. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without thelead lifter surface 464. - Depicted in
FIG. 67 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 67 , thevalve lifter body 410 is provided with anouter lifter surface 480. Theouter lifter surface 480 includes a plurality of surfaces. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 67 , theouter lifter surface 480 includes acylindrical lifter surface 481, an undercutlifter surface 482, and aconical lifter surface 483. As depicted inFIG. 67 , the undercutlifter surface 482 extends from one end of thevalve lifter body 410 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutlifter surface 482 is smaller than the diameter of thecylindrical lifter surface 481. - The undercut
lifter surface 482 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercutlifter surface 482 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercutlifter surface 482 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercutlifter surface 482 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into theouter lifter surface 480 with minor alterations to the grinding wheel. - As depicted in
FIG. 67 , theconical lifter surface 483 is located between thecylindrical lifter surface 481 and the undercutlifter surface 482. Theconical lifter surface 483 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, theconical lifter surface 483 is fabricated through machining. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that theouter lifter surface 480 can be fabricated without theconical lifter surface 483 so that thecylindrical lifter surface 481 and the undercutlifter surface 482 abut one another. -
FIG. 68 depicts another embodimentvalve lifter body 410 of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 68 , theouter lifter surface 480 includes a plurality of outer surfaces. Theouter lifter surface 480 is provided with a firstcylindrical lifter surface 481. The firstcylindrical lifter surface 481 contains afirst lifter depression 493. Adjacent to the firstcylindrical lifter surface 481 is a secondcylindrical lifter surface 482. The secondcylindrical lifter surface 482 has a radius which is smaller than the radius of the firstcylindrical lifter surface 481. The secondcylindrical lifter surface 482 is adjacent to a thirdcylindrical lifter surface 484. The thirdcylindrical lifter surface 484 has a radius which is greater than the radius of the secondcylindrical lifter surface 482. The thudcylindrical lifter surface 484 contains alifter ridge 487. Adjacent to the thirdcylindrical lifter surface 484 is aconical lifter surface 483. Theconical lifter surface 483 is adjacent to a fourthcylindrical lifter surface 485. The fourthcylindrical lifter surface 485 and theconical lifter surface 483 contain asecond lifter depression 492. Thesecond lifter depression 492 defines alifter hole 491. Adjacent to the fourthcylindrical lifter surface 485 is a flatouter lifter surface 488. The flatouter lifter surface 488 is adjacent to a fifthcylindrical lifter surface 486. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the feat ues of the
valve lifter body 410 may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication. By way of example and not limitation, thefirst lifter cavity 430 can be machined while thesecond lifter cavity 431 is forged. Conversely, thesecond lifter cavity 431 can be machined while thefirst lifter cavity 430 is forged. - While the
roller follower assembly 5 of this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. A method for manufacturing an assembly that includes a socket body, a leakdown plunger, and a roller follower body comprising the steps of:
a) providing at least one parts former that includes a punch side and a die side;
b) locating a plurality of pins on at least one of the punch side and the die side of at least one parts former;
c) providing a first rod with a first end and a second end;
d) fabricating the socket body from the first rod, comprising the steps of:
1) cold forming the first rod to provide at least a portion of the socket body including the steps of:
i) using a first pin and a first punch to form, at least in part, a first socket surface and a second socket surface;
ii) using a second pin and a second punch to form, at least in part, a push rod cooperating surface;
2) providing the socket body with an outer socket surface and a socket passage that fluidly links the first and second socket surfaces;
e) providing a second rod that includes a first end and a second end
f) fabricating the leakdown plunger from the second rod including the steps of:
1) cold forming the second rod to provide at least a portion of the leakdown plunger including the steps of
i) using a third pin and a third punch to form, at least in part, an annular plunger surface into the first end of the second rod;
ii) using a fourth pin and a fourth punch to form, at least in part, an inner plunger surface;
2) providing the annular plunger surface located at the first end with a plunger hole;
g) providing a third rod;
h) fabricating the roller follower body from the third rod including the steps of:
1) cold forming the third rod to provide at least a portion of the roller follower body including the steps of:
i) using a fifth pin and a fifth punch to form, at least in part, a first roller cavity that includes a first roller opening and a first inner roller surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall, a fourth angled wall, a first curved surface, and a second curved surface, wherein:
(a) the walls and the angled walls extend axially into the body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall, the third wall faces the fourth wall, the first angled wall faces the second angled wall, and the third angled wall faces the fourth angled wall;
(b) the first curved surface abuts the first wall and the second curved surface abuts the second wall; and
2) providing a second roller cavity that includes a second roller opening and a second inner roller surface that is configured to accommodate the socket body and the leakdown plunger.
2. The method of manufacturing the assembly of claim 1 further including the step of using the second pin and the second punch to form, at least in part, a protruding surface located between a first flat surface and a second flat surface on the second socket surface.
3. The method of manufacturing the assembly of claim 1 further including the step of providing the inner plunger surface of the leakdown plunger with a first inner cylindrical surface and a second inner cylindrical surface that abuts an annular plunger surface that has been fabricated at the second end of second rod.
4. The method of manufacturing the assembly of claim 1 further including the step of using the fifth pin and the fifth punch to cold form, at least in part, the first roller cavity to further provided a first angled surface, a second angled surface, a third angled surface, and a fourth angled surface so that at least one of the angled surfaces extends from one of the angled walls at an angle.
5. The method of manufacturing the assembly of claim 4 wherein the angle between the angled wall and the angled surface measures between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
6. The method of manufacturing the assembly of claim 1 further including a lash adjuster body and further including the steps of:
a) providing a fourth rod
b) fabricating a lash adjuster body from the fourth rod comprising the steps of:
1) cold forming the fourth rod to provide at least a portion of the lash adjuster body including the step of using a sixth pin and a sixth punch to form, at least in part, a lash adjuster cavity that includes an inner lash adjuster surface; and
2) providing the inner lash adjuster surface with a lash adjuster well, a first cylindrical lash adjuster surface, and a second cylindrical lash adjuster surface so that the lash adjuster well is defined, at least in part, by the second cylindrical lash adjuster surface.
7. The method fort manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of using a sixth pin and a sixth punch to cold form, at least in part, the socket passage.
8. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of using a sixth pin and a sixth punch to cold form, at least in part, the plunger hole within the annular plunger surface.
9. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of heat treating the socket body, the leakdown plunger and the roller follower body and then assembling the socket body and the leakdown plunger within the roller follower body so that the socket body and the leakdown plunger are located at least in part within the second roller cavity and the second socket surface of the socket body faces an annular plunger surface that has been fabricated at the second end of second rod.
10. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of using a sixth pin and a sixth punch to cold form, at least in part, the second roller cavity.
11. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a transition opening linking the first roller cavity with the second roller cavity.
12. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a frustoconical roller surface generally located where the first roller cavity transitions into the second roller cavity.
13. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 1 further comprising the step of using the fifth pin and the fifth punch to cold form, at least in part, the first roller cavity to further provided a first angled surface that extends from the first angled wall, a second angled surface that extends from the fourth angled wall, a third angled surface that extends from the second angled wall, and a fourth angled surface that extends from the third angled wall, whereby:
a) the first angled surface is at an angle relative to the first angled wall and is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, the first angled wall, and the first curved surface;
b) the second angled surface is at an angle relative to the fourth wall and is located adjacent to the first wall, the third wall, the fourth angled wall, and the second curved surface;
c) the third angled surface is at an angle relative to the second angled wall and is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, the second angled wall, and the second curved surface; and
d) the fourth angled surface is at an angle relative to the third angled wall and is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, the thud angled wall, and the first curved surface.
14. The method for manufacturing an assembly according to claim 13 wherein each of the angles measures between sixty-five and about ninety degrees.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/747,876 US20070214639A1 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2007-05-11 | Roller follower assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/316,262 US7028654B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Metering socket |
US10/770,076 US7281329B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2004-02-02 | Method for fabricating a roller follower assembly |
US11/747,876 US20070214639A1 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2007-05-11 | Roller follower assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/770,076 Division US7281329B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2004-02-02 | Method for fabricating a roller follower assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070214639A1 true US20070214639A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
Family
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Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/316,262 Expired - Fee Related US7028654B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Metering socket |
US10/770,076 Expired - Fee Related US7281329B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2004-02-02 | Method for fabricating a roller follower assembly |
US11/166,629 Expired - Fee Related US7025025B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2005-06-24 | Metering socket |
US11/747,876 Abandoned US20070214639A1 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2007-05-11 | Roller follower assembly |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/316,262 Expired - Fee Related US7028654B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Metering socket |
US10/770,076 Expired - Fee Related US7281329B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2004-02-02 | Method for fabricating a roller follower assembly |
US11/166,629 Expired - Fee Related US7025025B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2005-06-24 | Metering socket |
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US (4) | US7028654B2 (en) |
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-
2002
- 2002-10-18 US US10/316,262 patent/US7028654B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-02-02 US US10/770,076 patent/US7281329B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-06-24 US US11/166,629 patent/US7025025B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-05-11 US US11/747,876 patent/US20070214639A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9388714B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2016-07-12 | Eaton Corporation | Ball plunger for use in a hydraulic lash adjuster and method of making same |
US10253659B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2019-04-09 | Eaton Corporation | Ball plunger for use in a hydraulic lash adjuster and method of making same |
US8555842B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2013-10-15 | Eaton Corporation | Cold-formed flat top plunger for use in a hydraulic lash adjuster and method of making same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040154571A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 |
US20040074463A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
US20050252473A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
US7025025B2 (en) | 2006-04-11 |
US7281329B2 (en) | 2007-10-16 |
US7028654B2 (en) | 2006-04-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |