This application provides a mechanical capsule and castellation device usable in a variety of valvetrain actuations, and particularly in a rocker arm. The castellation device can be configured with a large switchable stroke.
Rocker arm systems, valvetrain systems, rocker arms, and valve actuating assemblies herein can comprise alternative castellation mechanisms such as those described in, for example, WO 2019/133658, WO 2019/036272, US2020/0325803, US2018/0187579, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,227,494, 6,354,265, 6,273,039, & U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,081. The castellation device disclosed herein can be used in rocker arm systems, valvetrain systems, rocker arms, and valve actuating assemblies such as those disclosed in these same exemplary publications. The castellation device herein can be used in other systems where switchable mechanisms are employed.
The methods and devices disclosed herein improve the art by way of a castellation device and mechanical capsule with a large switchable stroke. A rocker arm or other valvetrain component can benefit from the castellation device.
A castellation device comprises a shaft surrounded by three castellation members. A first castellation member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and comprises a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. A second castellation member is slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent the first end of the first castellation member. A third castellation member is mounted to the shaft adjacent the second end of the first castellation member. A bias spring is disposed between the second castellation member and the third castellation member and is configured to bias the second castellation member away from the third castellation member. Optionally, an annular shroud can enclose the three castellation members. The first castellation member is rotatable relative to the second and third castellation members between a first position and a second position.
Additional objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The objects and advantages will also be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the examples which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Directional references such as “left” and “right” are for ease of reference to the figures.
A castellation device is disclosed to comprise an extended lost motion stroke. The castellation device can constitute a mechanical capsule that is suitable to enable extended travel in various variable valvetrain applications and mechanical switching applications.
The mechanical capsule is configured to switch between a second position configured to absorb a relative movement between two or more bodies and then return back to its mounting condition in a first position configured to transfer force therethrough. It is to be understood that, as a matter of design choice, the starting position can be the lost motion position configured to absorb relative motion with the second position being a tooth-engaged force transfer condition. So, designations of “first” and “second” positions can be for ease of antecedence in the claims. An actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical) can be used to switch the mechanical capsule. With the mechanical capsule, it is possible to switch the castellation device between positions to absorb or transfer the max movement absorbed.
An exemplary actuator 70 is shown in the Figures to comprise a “rack and pinion” type arrangement, but numerous alternatives exist. Toothed arrangements and alternative linkages can be substituted for the rack gear 71 and pinion gear areas 74, 741. Rack 75 can be actuated by a linkage joined to it or by a supply such as hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. A plug 73 can be inserted in an actuator bore 13 so a bias 72, such as a spring 72, can push the rack 75 to a first position. Then, an opposing pressure from the fluid or linkage can push the rack 75 so that it turns either the annular shroud 80 or the first castellation member 30.
The mechanical capsule is able to absorb a relative movement between two or more bodies and to return back to its mounting condition through at least one return spring 60, also called a bias spring. Through an actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical) it is possible for the mechanical capsule to transmit the motion between the bodies. The actuation movement and the absorption movement could be decoupled. The motion is transmitted through mechanical engagement of teeth. With this capsule it is possible to duplicate the max movement absorbed.
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A lash sleeve 23, or lash adjustment screw, can be fitted or fixed, as by threading or press-fitting, to a lash end 22 of shaft 20. Lash sleeve 23 can be positioned on shaft 20 to control the lash of the castellation device 1 or 2 or lash sleeve 23 can control, via positioning of its sleeve end 25, the travel length that the castellation device 1 or 2 collapses in lost motion. A travel stop 24 can be included to catch on the lash bore 172 or bore end 171. Shaft 20 can also comprise a press foot 21 configured to press on a valve stem, valve bridge, other rocker arm, or other valvetrain component. An e-foot (elephant foot) arrangement 16 can also be accomplished on the shaft 20 as by attaching the appropriate socket arrangement to the shaft 20.
Rocker arm 10 can comprise a body 11, valve end 12, and actuation end 121. Numerous alternatives exist. Instead of a rocker shaft bore and roller, a tappet end can be used. Or, the rocker arm can be configured for overhead cam actuation applications, or pushrod actuation applications, among alternatives.
The first, second and third castellation members 30, 50, 40 can be keyed to the annular shroud 80. Annular shroud 80 can comprise a shroud body 81 with the pinion gear area 741 or other coupling area for rotational actuation of the annular shroud 80. An upper keyhole 814 can receive an upper positioning key 43. A lower keyhole 815 can receive a lower positioning key 53. An inner keyway 834 can receive a middle positioning key 34. Rectilinear keyed relationships are shown but other shapes can be used, such as pegs, wedges, ball and socket, among others. The keyed relationships can be used as travel stops and travel guides for the first, second and third castellation members 30, 50, 40. For example, the inner keyway 834 can guide the first castellation member 30 as it rotates and can include terminal walls to restrict the extent of the rotation. Similarly, the upper and lower keyholes 814, 815 can prevent or restrict rotation of second and third castellation members 50, 40. Upper and lower keyholes 814, 815 can restrict or guide the movement of second and third castellation members 50, 40 during lost motion and during force transfer, as by preventing or limiting side-to-side motion relative to the shaft 20.
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In light of the above alternatives, a castellation device 1, 2 can comprise a shaft 20 configured as a central force-transfer axis. Shaft 20 can move slidably within castellation device 1, 2, with travel stops provided via arrangements, such as rim, snap ring, diameter changes, among others, at either end of the shaft 20 and corresponding catches, such as diameter changes, washers, rings, tabs, bushings, bores, among others.
A first castellation member 30 can be rotatably mounted on the shaft 20. First castellation member 30 can comprise a tubular body 33 with first end 32 and a second end 31 opposite to the first end 32. The middle positioning key 34 can extend out from the tubular body 33. A linkage or gear arrangement can be formed on the exterior of the tubular body 33 for coupling to an actuator, such as actuator 70. Upper teeth 35 (first teeth) can be separated by upper cavities 37 (first cavities). Lower teeth 36 (second teeth) can be separated by lower cavities 38 (second cavities). A guiding tooth 39 can be included as a travel stop that limits the relative travel of the first castellation member 30 relative to a guide slot 55 of the second castellation member. A height of guiding tooth 39 can be selected so that guiding tooth 39 can also position the first castellation member 30 axially along the shaft 20, as by abutting washer 18 when the return spring 60 is fully extended and pushing the second and third castellation members 50, 40 apart. The height of the guiding tooth 39 can ensure separation of the first and second castellation members 30, 50 so that their teeth can rotate relative to one another. First castellation member 30 can be configured to surround the shaft 20 and return spring 60.
A second castellation member 50 can be mounted along the shaft 20 adjacent the first end 32 of the first castellation member 30. A through hole in the body 51 of the second castellation member 50 permits a sliding relationship with the shaft 20 so that the shaft 20 is mounted slidably and the second castellation member 50 is mounted slidably. Second castellation member 50 can comprise a body 51 with a spring seating area for return spring 60. Return spring 60 can surround a guide shaft 56 extending from the body 51. Guide shaft 56 can have a height selected to interface with sleeve end 25 and can also have a diameter to act as a travel stop against third castellation member body 41. Return spring 60 can be guided by guide shaft 56. Guide shaft 56 slides within first castellation member 30. Body 51 can comprise integrally formed teeth 52, cavities 54, guide slot 55, and positioning key 53.
Third castellation member 40 can be mounted to surround a portion of the shaft 20, including abutting the lash sleeve 23 integrated with the shaft 20. Third castellation member 40 can be adjacent the second end 31 of the first castellation member 30. Third castellation member 40 can be mounted in the capsule bore 17 to abut the bore end 171. One or more upper positioning key 43 can be configured in the capsule bore 17, annular shroud 80, or both, so that third castellation member 40 remains abutting the bore end 171 under all operating conditions. Whether the teeth 42 abut upper teeth 35 or upper cavities 37, the third castellation member can remain secured against the bore end 171. Or, a limited travel can be built in via the upper keyhole 14, 814. First castellation member 30 can be said to abut or slide into third castellation member 40 via the arrangement of teeth and cavities relative to the annular configurations. Body 41 of third castellation member 40 can provide a spring seat for return spring 60 so that return spring 60 can push the second and third castellation members 50, 40 apart.
Return spring 60, also called a bias spring, is efficiently packaged within and around pieces of the castellation device 1, 2. Return spring 60 can be disposed between the second castellation member 50 and the third castellation member 40 and can be configured to bias the second castellation member 50 away from the third castellation member 40. Return spring 60 can be disposed in an annular space between the shaft 20 and the first castellation member 30. Axial bending of the return spring 60 is limited by its housed configuration. And, its footprint is kept small.
The first castellation member 30 is rotatable relative to the second and third castellation members 50, 40 between a first position and a second position (
Optional annular shroud 80 can substantially enclose the first, second, and third castellation members 30, 50, 40. Annular shroud 80 can be configured to interface with an actuator 70 configured to rotate the first castellation member 30 relative to the second and third castellation members 50, 40 between the first position and the second position. The first castellation member 30 can alternatively be configured to interface with the actuator 70 configured to rotate the first castellation member 30 relative to the second and third castellation members 50, 40 between the first position and the second position.
When the first castellation member 30 is in the first position (
First castellation member 30 can comprise an annular body 33, also called a tubular body. First teeth 36 can extend axially, and optionally radially, from the annular body 33 at the first end 32. Second teeth 35 can extend axially, and optionally radially, from the annular body 33 at the second end 31.
Second castellation member 50 can comprise an annular ring form by the body 51 and a plurality of radial teeth 52 extending radially, and optionally axially, from the annular ring. An internal radius of the annular body 33 of the first castellation member 30 can be greater than the outer radius of the annular ring of the second castellation member 50. This can facilitate a compact stacking of the castellation members and a much longer stroke length since the second castellation member 50 can collapse into the first castellation member 30.
First teeth 36 of the first castellation member 30 can contact the radial teeth 52 of the second castellation member 50 when the first castellation member 30 is in the first position. The first teeth 36 can engage, and collapse into, cavities 54 formed between the radial teeth 52 of the second castellation member 50 when the first castellation member 30 is in the second position. Compactness and long stroke is achieved with low material use.
Third castellation member 40 can comprise a body 41 formed of a tube shape positioned relative to the shaft 20. An annular rim can extend from the tube shape. Annular rim can form the spring seat for return spring 60. A plurality of radial teeth 42 can extend radially, and optionally axially, from the outer surface of the annular rim. The internal radius of the annular body 33 of the first castellation member 30 can be greater than the radius of the outer surface of the annular rim of the third castellation member 40. That is, the first castellation member 30 can slide over a majority of third castellation member 40 during lost motion and collapse of the castellation device 1, 2. Second teeth 35 of the first castellation member 30 can contact the radial teeth 42 of the third castellation member 40 when the first castellation member 30 is in the first position and can engage, and alternatively collapse into, cavities 44 formed between the radial teeth 42 of the third castellation member 40 when the first castellation member 30 is in the second position.
An annular shroud 80 can optionally substantially enclose the first, second, and third castellation members 30, 50, 40. Bore end 171 can be formed as an integral part of capsule bore 17 or bore end 171 can comprise a top plate secured to the capsule bore 17. Top plate can be disposed, as an alternative to or in addition to bore end 171, at a first end of the annular shroud 80. A bottom plate, in the form or washer 18 or other fitting, can be disposed at a second end, opposite to the first end, of the annular shroud 80. The annular shroud 80, the top plate, and the bottom plate 18 can be configured to be slidable along the shaft 20 to form a castellation capsule that can be anchored to a capsule bore 17 or other valvetrain component. The annular shroud can be rotatably fixed with the first castellation member 30. Rotating the annular shroud can cause the rotation of the first castellation member 30.
First castellation member 30 can comprises a first tab, also called positioning key 34, extending from the annular body 33. Annular shroud 80 can comprise a first groove, also called inner keyway 834, for receiving the first tab to fix the annular shroud 80 with the first castellation member 30. Second castellation member 50 can comprise a second tab, also called lower positioning key 53, extending from the annular ring of body 51. Annular shroud 80 can comprise a first tab pass-through, also called lower keyhole 815, for receiving the second tab to position the second castellation member 40 with respect to the annular shroud 80. Third castellation member 40 can comprise a third tab, also called upper positioning key 43, extending from the annular rim of body 41. Annular shroud 80 can comprise a second tab pass-through, also called upper keyhole 814, for receiving the third tab to position the third castellation member 40 with respect to the annular shroud 80.
Annular shroud 80 can comprise a plurality of radial ribs, also called pinion gear area 741 for engaging an actuator 70. The actuator can comprise a tubular member, illustrated as rack 75, having at least one annular flange, illustrated as rack gears 71. The tubular member can be extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 20 to rotate the first castellation member 30 between the first position and the second position. Actuator 70 can be one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electromechanical actuator, as by attachment of appropriate linkages and control mechanisms, such as solenoids, oil control valves, ports, supply lines, compressors, and the like. Linear motion of the rack 75 in this example causes rotational motion of the annular shroud 80 and first castellation member 30. Interaction of upper keyhole 814 with upper positioning key 43 and interaction of lower keyhole 815 with lower positioning key 53 can be such that the upper and lower keyholes 814, 815 are larger than the upper and lower positioning keys 43, 53. Then, when the annular shroud 80 moves, it can drag and realign the second and third castellation members 50, 40.
It is possible for a rocker arm to comprise one of the castellation devices 1, 2. That is, the rocker arm can comprise a castellation device 1, 2 with or without the annular shroud 80.
Other implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the examples disclosed herein.
This is a § 371 National Stage Entry of PCT/EP2021/025070 filed Feb. 19, 2021, and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/978,815 filed Feb. 19, 2020, all of which priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2021/025070 | 2/19/2021 | WO |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2021/164949 | 8/26/2021 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4200081 | Meyer et al. | Apr 1980 | A |
4227494 | Uitvlugt | Oct 1980 | A |
6273039 | Church | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6354265 | Hampton et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
20150159520 | Cecur | Jun 2015 | A1 |
20170051638 | Cecur | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170051639 | Cecur | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20180187579 | Cecur | Jul 2018 | A1 |
20200325803 | Patil et al. | Oct 2020 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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WO-2014001560 | Jan 2014 | WO |
WO-2016207348 | Dec 2016 | WO |
WO-2019036272 | Feb 2019 | WO |
WO-2019036272 | Feb 2019 | WO |
WO-2019133658 | Jul 2019 | WO |
WO-2019133658 | Jul 2019 | WO |
Entry |
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International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/EP2021/025070; dated Jun. 11, 2021, pp. 1-5. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20220145781 A1 | May 2022 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62978815 | Feb 2020 | US |