WO2017143111A1

WO2017143111A1 - Engine valve lifter having anti-rotation plug

Info

Publication number: WO2017143111A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/018247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leighton ROBERTS; Kevin MATSON; Douglas Wright; Jr. James E. Mccarthy; Matthew Vance; Otto Schultheis
Original assignee: Eaton Corporation
Priority date: 2016-02-19
Filing date: 2017-02-17
Publication date: 2017-08-24
Also published as: JP2019509423A; JP6892868B2; DE112017000480T5; CN108884730A; CN108884730B

Abstract

An engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine includes a body, a roller and an anti-rotation plug. The body includes an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine. The bore is supplied oil by an oil passage communicating therewith. The body defines an opening. The roller bearing is rotatably mounted to the body and is configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft. The anti-rotation plug is received at the opening and has a plug body including an anti-rotation protrusion that extends radially beyond an outer peripheral surface of the plug body. The anti-rotation plug can be staked into the opening of the body.

Description

ENGINE VALVE LIFTER HAVING ANTI-ROTATION PLUG

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/297,545 filed on February 19, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/298,233 filed on February 22, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/304,686 filed on March 7, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/306,342 filed on March 10, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/336,625 filed on May 14, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/405,020 filed on October 6, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/459,787 filed on February 16, 2017. The entire disclosure of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hydraulic lash adjusting tappets of the type having a roller follower for contacting a cam shaft in an internal combustion engine valvetrain.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Roller lifters can be used in an engine valvetrain to reduce friction and as a result provide increased fuel economy. In other advantages, a roller lifter can open a valve quicker and for a longer period of time than a flat tappet lifter. In this regard, airflow can be attained quicker and longer increasing the ability to create power. In some applications it is desirable to keep the roller lifter from rotating around its longitudinal axis during operation.

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. SUMMARY

[0005] An engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine includes a body, a roller and an anti-rotation plug. The body includes an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine. The bore is supplied oil by an oil passage communicating therewith. The body defines an opening. The roller bearing is rotatably mounted to the body and is configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft. The anti-rotation plug is received at the opening and has a plug body including an anti-rotation protrusion that extends radially beyond an outer peripheral surface of the plug body.

[0006] According to additional features, the anti-rotation plug is staked into the opening of the body. The plug body attains an interference fit with an inner diameter of the opening subsequent to the staking. The plug body further includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of the anti-rotation protrusion. The anti-rotation plug is staked at the first and second face surfaces. The outer radial surfaces of the plug body expand radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions subsequent to the staking. The interference fit is attached at oppositely facing radial surfaces each extending about thirty degrees of the plug body. In other examples the anti-rotation plug is press-fit into the opening.

[0007] In other features, the anti-rotation plug is configured to key in a corresponding bore slot defined in an engine block or cylinder head of the internal combustion engine for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter around its axis. The plug body can have a tri-lobe configuration having a first, second and third lobes arranged around an outer diameter of the plug body. The respective lobes create an interference fit with the opening of the body. In another configuration, the plug body has flats arranged thereon. The flats attain an interference fit with complementary flats provided at the opening of the roller lifter. In yet another configuration the plug body has curved parallel surfaces oppositely arranged thereon that allow a bending stress and attain an interference fit with the opening of the roller.

[0008] An engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine and constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure includes a lifter body, a roller bearing and an anti-rotation plug. The lifter body has an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine. The bore is supplied oil by an oil passage communicating therewith. The lifter body defines an opening. The roller bearing is rotatably mounted to the lifter body and is configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft. The anti-rotation plug has a cylindrical plug body that includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of an anti- rotation protrusion. The anti-rotation plug is staked into the opening whereby the cylindrical plug body expands radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions to attain an interference fit with the opening of the lifter body.

[0009] According to other features the interference fit is attained at oppositely facing radial surfaces each extending about thirty degrees of the plug body. The anti-rotation plug is configured to key in a corresponding bore slot defined in an engine block or cylinder head of the internal combustion engine for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter around its axis.

[0010] A method of producing an engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine roller lifter has a lifter body having an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine. The lifter body defines an opening. The anti-rotation plug is slidably advanced into the opening of the lifter body. The anti-rotation plug has a cylindrical plug body that includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of an anti-rotation protrusion. The anti- rotation plug is staked whereby the cylindrical plug body expends radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions to attain an interference fit with the opening of the lifter body.

[0011] In other features the staking comprises impacting the first and second face surfaces of the anti-rotation plug. The cylindrical plug body expands radially outwardly at oppositely facing radial surfaces. The radial surfaces each extend about thirty degrees of the plug body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0013] FIG. 1 is a roller lifter constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure and shown in an exemplary Type V valvetrain arrangement and shown with an anti-rotation plug according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roller lifter and anti-rotation plug of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the roller lifter taken along lines 3-3 of FIG.

2;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the roller lifter taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.

2;

[0017] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the anti-rotation plug of FIG. 1 and constructed according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5B is a top view of the anti-rotation plug of FIG. 5A and having diametrically opposed interference surfaces that create an interference fit with the inner diameter of the opening defined in the roller subsequent to a staking event during installation of the anti-rotation plug into the roller lifter;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an anti-rotation plug constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure and having three lobed interference surfaces arranged in a first orientation that create an interference fit with the inner diameter of the opening defined in the roller subsequent to a staking event during installation of the anti- rotation plug into the roller lifter;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of an anti-rotation plug constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure and having three lobed interference surfaces arranged in a second orientation that create an interference fit with the inner diameter of the opening defined in the roller subsequent to a staking event during installation of the anti-rotation plug into the roller lifter;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a top view of an anti-rotation plug constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure and having parallel surfaces arranged thereon that create an interference fit with corresponding flats arranged on the inner diameter of the opening defined in the roller subsequent to a staking event during installation of the anti-rotation plug into the roller lifter; and

[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of an anti-rotation plug constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure and having parallel curved surfaces arranged thereon that create an interference fit with corresponding flats arranged on the inner diameter of the opening defined in the roller subsequent to a staking event during installation of the anti-rotation plug into the roller lifter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a roller lifter constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference number 10. The roller lifter 10 is shown as part of a Type V arrangement. It will be appreciated that while the roller lifter 10 is shown in a Type V arrangement, the roller lifter 10 may be used in other arrangements within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, the features described herein associated with the roller lifter 10 can be suitable to a wide variety of applications. A cam lobe 12 indirectly drives a first end of a rocker arm 14 with a push rod 16. It will be appreciated that in some configurations, such as an overhead cam, the roller lifter 10 may be a direct link between the cam lobe 12 and the rocker arm 14. A second end of the rocker arm 14 actuates a valve 20. As the cam lobe 12 rotates, the rocker arm 14 pivots about a fixed shaft 22. The roller lifter 10 generally includes a body 30, a leakdown assembly 32 received within the body 30, a roller bearing 34 rotatably mounted to the body 30 by an axle 36, and an anti-rotation plug 40. The body 30 includes an outer peripheral surface 42 configured for sliding movement in a bore 48 provided in an engine block or cylinder head 50 of an internal combustion engine 52.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 30 can define an axial pocket 49 that receives the leakdown assembly 32, which can include a plunger 50, a check ball 52, a first biasing member 54, a cage 56, and a second biasing member 58. An inset 60 can be provided in the body 30 at the outer peripheral surface 42. An oil inlet channel 64 can be defined in the body 30 to fluidly connect the inset 60 with the axial pocket 49. The oil inlet channel 64 can be configured to communicate oil between the outer peripheral surface 42 and the plunger 50 of the leakdown assembly 32.

[0025] With reference now to FIG. 4, the body 30 extends along a longitudinal axis 66. A snap ring or clip 70 is nestingly received in a corresponding groove 72 formed on the axle 36 of the roller bearing 34 for capturing the bearing 34 and axle 36 in the roller lifter 10. As identified above, the roller bearing 34 can be configured for rolling contact with the engine camshaft 12. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0026] A groove 80 is defined around the body 30 of the roller lifter 10. A connecting channel 82 (FIG. 4) is inset from the outer peripheral surface 42. The connecting channel 82 fluidly connects the groove 80 with a transverse passage 84. During operation, oil received at the groove 80 from an oil gallery communicating with bore 48 of the cylinder head 50 flows around the groove 80, along (down) the connecting channel 82, into the transverse passage 84 and onto the roller bearing 34.

[0027] With particular reference to FIG. 5A, the anti-rotation plug 40 will be further described. The anti-rotation plug 40 generally includes a plug body 1 10 having an anti- rotation protrusion 1 12 extending between first and second face surfaces 114a, 1 14b. The plug body can be generally cylindrical. The anti-rotation protrusion 1 12 extends radially beyond the outer peripheral surface 42 of the body 30 in an installed position. Once installed into the body 30 of the roller lifter 10, the anti-rotation plug 40 is configured to locate into a corresponding bore slot 1 16 (FIG. 1 ) in the cylinder head 50. The anti- rotation plug 40 keys the body 30 of the roller lifter 10 in the slot for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter 10 about its longitudinal axis 66 during operation.

[0028] The anti-rotation plug 40 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot or opening 130 provided in the body 30 of the roller lifter 10. The opening 130 can define an inner diameter 132. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter of the anti- rotation plug 40 and the inner diameter 132 similar such that the anti-rotation plug 40 can be slidably received into the opening 130 of the roller lifter 10. Once the anti-rotation plug 40 is inserted into the opening 130, the anti-rotation plug 40 is staked. By staking, an impact is directed onto the face surfaces 1 14a and 1 14b with a staking tool. The staking causes the outer radial surfaces 140a, 140b expand radially to create an interference fit with the inner diameter 132 of the body 30 at two diametrically opposed patches. The interference fit can be created twice at about thirty degrees each of the total diameter of the inner diameter 132. In another example, the outer diameter of the plug body is slightly greater than the inner diameter 132 of the body such that a limited interference press fit is achieved by inserting the anti-rotation plug into the opening 130 of the roller lifter 10. [0029] Turning now to FIG. 6 an anti-rotation plug 240 constructed in accordance to another example is shown. The anti-rotation plug 240 generally includes a plug body 250 having an anti-rotation protrusion 252 extending between first and second face surfaces 254a, 254b. The anti-rotation protrusion 252 extends radially beyond the outer peripheral surface 42 of the body 30 in an installed position. Once installed into the body 30 of the roller lifter 10, the anti-rotation plug 240 is configured to locate into a corresponding bore slot 1 16 (FIG. 1 ) in the cylinder head 50. The anti-rotation plug 240 keys the body 30 of the roller lifter 10 in the slot for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter 10 about its longitudinal axis 66 during operation.

[0030] The anti-rotation plug 240 is configured to be inserted into the opening 130 in the body 30 of the roller lifter 10. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the plug body 250 has three lobed surfaces 260a, 260b and 260c formed on an outer diameter 262 thereof. The three lobed surfaces 260a, 260b and 260c collectively extend radially outwardly to define an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter 132 of the opening 130 in the roller lifter 10.

[0031] The three lobed surfaces 260a, 260b and 260c form a generally upright "Y- shaped" configuration relative to the roller lifter 10 once installed. During insertion of the anti-rotation plug 240 into the opening 130 of the roller lifter, the three lobed surfaces 260a, 260b and 260c create an interference fit 270a, 270b and 270c with the inner diameter 132 securing the anti-rotation plug 240 in the opening 130. The interference fit can be created three times at about thirty degrees each of the total diameter of the inner diameter 132. The tri-lobe design on the outer diameter 262 provides sufficient interference with the opening 130 in the body 30 of the roller lifter 10.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 7 an anti-rotation plug 340 constructed in accordance to another example is shown. The anti-rotation plug 340 generally includes a plug body 350 having an anti-rotation protrusion 352 extending between first and second face surfaces 354a, 354b. The anti-rotation protrusion 352 extends radially beyond the outer peripheral surface 42 of the body 30 in an installed position. Once installed into the body 30 of the roller lifter 10, the anti-rotation plug 340 is configured to locate into a corresponding bore slot 1 16 (FIG. 1 ) in the cylinder head 50. The anti-rotation plug 340 keys the body 30 of the roller lifter 10 in the slot for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter 10 about its longitudinal axis 66 during operation.

[0033] The anti-rotation plug 340 is configured to be inserted into the opening 130 in the body 30 of the roller lifter 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the plug body 350 has three lobed surfaces 360a, 360b and 360c formed on an outer diameter 362 thereof. The three lobed surfaces 360a, 360b and 360c collectively extend radially outwardly to define an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter 132 of the opening 130 in the roller lifter 10.

[0034] The three lobed surfaces 360a, 360b and 360c form a generally inverted "Y- shaped" configuration relative to the roller lifter 10 once installed. It will be appreciated that the anti-rotation plug 340 can be formed similar to the anti-rotation plug 240 described above, however the anti-rotation plug 340 is rotated 180 degrees compared to the anti- rotation plug 240 prior to installation. During insertion of the anti-rotation plug 340 into the opening 130 of the roller lifter, the three lobed surfaces 360a, 360b and 360c create an interference fit 370a, 370b and 370c with the inner diameter 132 securing the anti- rotation plug 340 in the opening 130. The interference fit can be created three times at about thirty degrees each of the total diameter of the inner diameter 132. The tri-lobe design on the outer diameter 362 provides sufficient interference with the opening 130 in the body 30 of the roller lifter 10. In some examples, the anti-rotation plug 340 provides lower stress and higher deformation in the roller lifter 10 as compared to the anti-rotation plug 240.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 8, an anti-rotation plug 440 constructed in accordance to another example is shown. The anti-rotation plug 440 includes a plug body 450 having flats 452 and 454 oppositely arranged thereon. The opening 130' in the body 30' is shaped similarly for receipt of the anti-rotation plug 440. The opening 130' includes complementary flats 462, 464. The plug 440 is pressed into the opening 130'. The plug 440 attains an interference fit at the engaging flats 452, 454 of the plug 440 and 462, 464 of the opening 130'. While the plug 440 is illustrated with flats, the plug 440 may be shaped as an ellipse or egg-shaped. Such an elliptical plug may be inserted into a round opening in the body to attain an interference fit. The opening in the body can have other shapes such as egg-shaped. This configuration could be staked as well. The staking can be used to keep the plug 440 in the opening but will not be required for anti-rotation purposes. In yet another example, the opening in the body can have flats while the plug is generally cylindrical. The flats can encourage an interference fit upon insertion of the plug into the body. In any of the examples disclosed herein, a flowable adhesive can be additionally or alternatively used between the plug and the opening. One non-limiting example includes Loctite^® adhesive.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an anti-rotation plug 510 constructed in accordance to another example. The anti-rotation plug 510 is a non-round insert having curved parallel surfaces 520 and 522 oppositely arranged thereon. The opening 130' in the body 30' includes complementary flats 462, 464. The plug 510 is pressed into the opening 130'. The plug 510 attains an interference fit at the engaging curved parallel surface 520, 522 of the plug 510 and 462, 464 of the opening 130'. The curved parallel surfaces 520, 522 will encourage enhanced interference contact at surfaces 550, 552 and 554. It is appreciated that the radii of the surface parallel surfaces 520 and 522 are shown exaggerated in FIG. 9.

[0037] The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine, the engine roller lifter comprising:

a body having an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine, the bore supplied oil by an oil passage communicating therewith, the body defining an opening;

a roller bearing rotatably mounted to the body and configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft; and

an anti-rotation plug received at the opening, the anti-rotation plug having a plug body including an anti-rotation protrusion that extends radially beyond an outer peripheral surface of the plug body.

2. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 wherein the anti-rotation plug is staked into the opening of the body.

3. The engine roller lifter of claim 2 wherein the plug body attains an interference fit with an inner diameter of the opening subsequent to the staking.

4. The engine roller lifter of claim 3 wherein plug body further includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of the anti-rotation protrusion, wherein the anti-rotation plug is staked on at least one of the first and second face surfaces.

5. The engine roller lifter of claim 3 wherein outer radial surfaces of the plug body expand radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions subsequent to the staking.

6. The engine roller lifter of claim 5 wherein the interference fit is attained at oppositely facing radial surfaces each extending about thirty degrees of the plug body.

7. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 wherein the anti-rotation plug is press-fit into the opening.

8. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 wherein the anti-rotation plug is configured to key in a corresponding bore slot defined in an engine block of the internal combustion engine for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter around its axis.

9. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 , wherein the plug body has a tri-lobe configuration having first, second and third lobes arranged around an outer diameter of the plug body, the respective lobes creating an interference fit with the opening of the body.

10. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 , wherein the plug body has flats arranged thereon, wherein the flats attain an interference fit with complementary flats provided at the opening of the roller lifter.

1 1. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 wherein the plug body has curved parallel surfaces oppositely arranged thereon that allow a bending stress and attain an interference fit with the opening of the roller.

12. The engine roller lifter of claim 1 wherein the plug body has an elliptical shape.

13. An engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine, the engine roller lifter comprising:

a lifter body having an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine, the bore supplied oil by an oil passage communicating therewith, the lifter body defining an opening;

a roller bearing rotatably mounted to the lifter body and configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft; and an anti-rotation plug having a cylindrical plug body that includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of an anti-rotation protrusion, the anti- rotation plug being staked into the opening, whereby the cylindrical plug body expands radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions to attain an interference fit with the opening of the lifter body.

14. The engine roller lifter of claim 13 wherein the interference fit is attained at oppositely facing radial surfaces each extending about thirty degrees of the plug body.

15. The engine roller lifter of claim 14 wherein the anti-rotation plug is configured to key in a corresponding bore slot defined in a an engine block of the internal combustion engine for inhibiting rotation of the roller lifter around its axis.

16. A method of producing an engine roller lifter for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine, the engine roller lifter having a lifter body having an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine, the lifter body defining an opening, the method comprising:

slidably advancing an anti-rotation plug into the opening of the lifter body, the anti-rotation plug having a cylindrical plug body that includes first and second face surfaces formed on opposite sides of an anti-rotation protrusion; and

staking the anti-rotation plug whereby the cylindrical plug body expands radially outwardly at diametrically opposed positions to attain an interference fit with the opening of the lifter body.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the staking comprises:

impacting at least one of the first and second face surfaces of the anti- rotation plug.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the cylindrical plug body expands radially outwardly at oppositely facing radial surfaces each extending around about thirty degrees of the plug body.