阅读说明：本技术 堞形装置、机械囊盒和摇臂 (Castellated device, mechanical capsule and rocker arm ) 是由 R·迪马罗 M·拉沃尼 于 2021-02-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种堞形装置,该堞形装置包括被三个堞形构件包围的轴。第一堞形构件可旋转地安装在该轴上,并且包括第一端和与该第一端相对的第二端。第二堞形构件沿着该轴邻近于该第一堞形构件的该第一端可滑动地安装。第三堞形构件邻近于该第一堞形构件的该第二端安装到该轴。偏置弹簧设置在该第二堞形构件和该第三堞形构件之间,并且被构造为使该第二堞形构件偏置远离该第三堞形构件。任选地,环形护罩可封围该三个堞形构件。该第一堞形构件可相对于该第二堞形构件和该第三堞形构件在第一位置和第二位置之间旋转。(A castellation apparatus includes a shaft surrounded by three castellated members. A first castellated member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A second castellated member is slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent the first end of the first castellated member. A third castellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent the second end of the first castellated member. A biasing spring is disposed between the second and third castellated members and is configured to bias the second castellated member away from the third castellated member. Optionally, an annular shroud may enclose the three castellated members. The first castellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third castellated members between a first position and a second position.)

1. A castellation device, the castellation device comprising:

a shaft;

a first castellated member rotatably mounted on the shaft and including a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a second castellated member slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent to the first end of the first castellated member;

a third castellated member mounted to the shaft adjacent to the second end of the first castellated member; and

a biasing spring disposed between the second and third castellated members and configured to bias the second castellated member away from the third castellated member;

wherein the first castellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third castellated members between a first position and a second position,

wherein when the first castellated member is in the first position, the second castellated member is prevented from sliding toward the third castellated member, and

wherein the second castellated member is slidable towards the third castellated member when the first castellated member is in the second position.

2. The castellation device of claim 1, the castellation device comprising:

an annular shield substantially enclosing the first, second, and third castellated members, the annular shield configured to interface with an actuator configured to rotate the first castellated member relative to the second and third castellated members between the first and second positions.

3. The castellation device of claim 1, wherein the first castellation member is configured to interface with an actuator configured to rotate the first castellation member relative to the second and third castellations members between the first and second positions.

4. The castellation device of claim 1, wherein when the first castellation member is in the first position, first teeth on the first end of the first castellation member are aligned with teeth of the second castellation member, and second teeth on the second end of the first castellation member are aligned with teeth of the third castellation member.

5. The castellation device of claim 1 or 4, wherein when the first castellation member is in the second position, first teeth on the first end of the first castellation member are aligned with the cavities of the second castellation member, and second teeth on the second end of the first castellation member are aligned with the cavities of the third castellation member.

6. The castellation device of claim 5, wherein the first castellated member is slidable towards the third castellated member when the first castellated member is in the second position.

7. The castellation device of claim 6, wherein the second castellation member is slidable towards the first castellation member when the first castellation member is in the second position.

8. The castellated device of claim 1, wherein the first castellated member comprises an annular body, first teeth extending axially from the annular body at the first end, and second teeth extending axially from the annular body at the second end.

9. The castellated device of claim 1 or 8, wherein the second castellated member comprises an annular ring and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from the annular ring.

10. The castellated device of claim 9, wherein an inner radius of the annular body of the first castellated member is greater than an outer radius of the annular ring of the second castellated member.

11. The castellation device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first teeth of the first castellated member contact the radial teeth of the second castellated member when the first castellated member is in the first position, and wherein the first teeth engage cavities formed between the radial teeth of the second castellated member when the first castellated member is in the second position.

12. The castellated device of claim 8, wherein the third castellated member comprises a tube positioned relative to the shaft, an annular rim extending from the tube, and a plurality of radial teeth extending radially from an outer surface of the annular rim.

13. The castellated device of claim 12, wherein the inner radius of the annular body of the first castellated member is greater than the radius of the outer surface of the annular rim of the third castellated member.

14. The castellation device of claim 12 or 13, wherein when the first castellation member is in the first position, the second teeth of the first castellation member contact the radial teeth of the third castellation member, and when the first castellation member is in the second position, the second teeth of the first castellation member engage cavities formed between the radial teeth of the third castellation member.

15. The castellation device of claim 1, further comprising a gap adjustment screw secured to the shaft.

16. The castellation device of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular shroud substantially enclosing the first, second, and third castellated members;

a top plate disposed at a first end of the annular shroud; and

a floor disposed at a second end of the annular shroud opposite the first end.

17. The castellated device of claim 16, wherein the shaft is slidable within the annular shroud, the top plate, and the bottom plate.

18. A castellation device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the annular shield is rotatably fixed with the first castellation member and rotating the annular shield causes rotation of the first castellation member.

19. The castellation device of claim 8, wherein the first castellation member comprises first tabs extending from the annular body, and the annular shield comprises first grooves that receive the first tabs to secure the annular shield and the first castellation member together.

20. The castellated device of claim 9, wherein the second castellated member comprises second tabs extending from the annular ring, and the annular shield comprises first tab openings for receiving the second tabs to position the second castellated member relative to the annular shield.

21. The castellated device of claim 12, wherein the third castellated member comprises third tabs extending from the annular rim, and the annular shield comprises second tab openings for receiving the third tabs to position the third castellated member relative to the annular shield.

22. The castellated device of claim 16, wherein the annular shroud includes a plurality of radial ribs for engaging an actuator.

23. A castellated device according to claim 22, wherein the actuator comprises a tubular member having at least one annular flange, the tubular member being extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft to rotate the first castellated member between the first and second positions.

24. The castellation device of claim 22, wherein the actuator is one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electromechanical actuator.

25. The castellated device of claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is disposed in an annular space between the shaft and the first castellated member.

26. A rocker arm comprising a castellated device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 16.

Technical Field

The present application provides a mechanical pocket and castellation device that can be used for various valve train actuations, and in particular for rocker arms. The castellations can be configured with a large switchable stroke.

Background

The rocker arm systems, valvetrain systems, rocker arms, and valve actuation assemblies herein may include alternative castellations such as those described in, for example, WO 2019/133658, WO 2019/036272, US2020/0325803, US2018/0187579, US4227494, US6354265, US6273039, and US 4200081. The castellated devices disclosed herein may be used in rocker arm systems, valvetrain systems, rocker arms, and valve actuation assemblies, such as those disclosed in these same exemplary publications. The castellated devices herein may be used in other systems that employ switchable mechanisms.

Disclosure of Invention

The methods and devices disclosed herein improve the art by providing castellations and mechanical capsules with large switchable strokes. Rocker arms or other valvetrain components may benefit from a castellated device.

A castellated device comprises a shaft surrounded by three castellated members. A first castellated member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A second castellated member is slidably mounted along the shaft adjacent the first end of the first castellated member. A third castellated member is mounted to the shaft adjacent the second end of the first castellated member. A biasing spring is disposed between the second and third castellated members and is configured to bias the second castellated member away from the third castellated member. Optionally, an annular shroud may enclose the three castellated members. The first castellated member is rotatable relative to the second and third castellated 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 invention. 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 invention as claimed.

Drawings

Figures 1, 3A and 3B are views of a castellated device comprising an annular shroud.

Figure 2 is a view of a castellated device suitable for use in a drop-in assembly.

FIG. 4 is an example of a rocker arm with a drop-in castellation installed.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Directional reference numerals such as "left" and "right" are for ease of reference to the drawings.

A castellation device is disclosed that includes an extended lost motion stroke. The castellations may constitute mechanical pockets suitable for achieving extended travel in various variable valve train applications and mechanical switching applications.

The mechanical capsule is configured to switch between a second position configured to absorb relative movement between two or more bodies and then return to its installed condition, and a first position configured to transmit force therethrough. It should be appreciated that as a matter of design choice, the starting position may be a lost motion position configured to absorb relative motion, wherein the second position is a force transmitting condition of tooth engagement. Thus, in the claims, the designation of "first" and "second" positions may be for convenience. An actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical) may be used to switch the mechanical capsules. With a mechanical capsule, the castellation can be switched between a plurality of positions to absorb or transmit the maximum movement absorbed.

The exemplary actuator 70 shown in the figures includes a "rack and pinion" type arrangement, but many alternatives exist. A toothed arrangement and alternative links may replace the rack gear 71 and pinion gear areas 74, 741. The rack 75 may be actuated by a linkage coupled thereto or by a supply fluid such as a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. The plug 73 may be inserted into the actuator bore 13 such that the biasing member 72 (such as the spring 72) may urge the rack 75 to the first position. Then, the opposing pressure from the fluid or the linkage may push the racks 75, causing it to rotate the annular shroud 80 or the first castellated member 30.

The mechanical capsule is capable of absorbing relative movement between two or more bodies and returning to its installed condition by one or more return springs 60 (also referred to as biasing springs). The mechanical capsule can transmit motion between the bodies by an actuation system (hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical). The actuation movement and the absorption movement may be uncoupled. The motion is transmitted by mechanical engagement of the teeth. With this capsule, the maximum movement absorbed can be reproduced.

In figures 1, 3A and 3B, the first castellation device 1 constitutes a mechanical capsule comprising an annular shield 80 coupled to the rack 75 of the actuator 70. This mechanical capsule can be drop-in assembled in the capsule hole 17. The bore end 171 may be a blind bore for seating a mechanical cartridge, but may also include a clearance bore 172 through which the shaft 20 may slide. The rocker arm 10 is shown to include a pocket aperture 17 having a locating washer 18 and snap ring 19 to retain the castellated device 1 therein. The return spring 60, the first castellated member 30, the second castellated member 50 and the third castellated member 40 may fall into the cartridge aperture 17, with the shaft 20 threaded through the cartridge aperture. Washers 18 and snap rings 19 or other locking devices (such as set screws, pressed bushings, etc.) prevent the castellated device 1 or 2 from falling out of the capsule bore 17. Washers 18 or clasps 19 or other locking means may be used as travel limiters for shaft 20, such as by blocking travel of presser foot 21 or e-foot 16.

The clearance sleeve 23 or clearance adjustment screw may be mounted or secured to the clearance end 22 of the shaft 20, such as by threads or a press fit. A clearance sleeve 23 may be positioned on the shaft 20 to control the clearance of the castellations 1 or 2, or the clearance sleeve 23 may control the length of travel of the castellations 1 or 2 to contract in lost motion via the positioning of its sleeve end 25. Travel stops 24 may be included to catch on clearance holes 172 or hole ends 171. The shaft 20 may also include a pressure foot 21 configured to press against a valve stem, valve bridge, other rocker arm, or other valve train component. The e-foot (elephant foot) arrangement 16 may also be implemented on the shaft 20 by attaching a suitable socket arrangement to the shaft 20.

The rocker arm 10 may include a body 11, a valve end 12, and an actuation end 121. There are many alternatives. Instead of rocking shaft holes and rollers, lifter ends may be used. Alternatively, in the alternative, the rocker arm may be configured for overhead cam actuation applications or push rod actuation applications.

The first, second, and third castellated members 30, 50, 40 may be keyed to the annular shroud 80. The annular shroud 80 may include a shroud body 81 having a pinion gear region 741 or other coupling region for rotationally actuating the annular shroud 80. The upper key holes 814 can receive the upper positioning keys 43. The lower key holes 815 may receive the lower positioning keys 53. The internal keyway 834 may receive the intermediate positioning key 34. A straight keyed relationship is shown, but other shapes such as pegs, wedges, balls and sockets may be used. The keyed relationship may serve as travel stops and travel guides for the first, second, and third castellated members 30, 50, 40. For example, inner spline 834 may guide the first castellated member 30 as it rotates, and may include a stop wall to limit the extent of rotation. Similarly, the upper key hole 814 and the lower key hole 815 may prevent or limit rotation of the second castellated member 50 and the third castellated member 40. The upper and lower keyholes 814, 815 may limit or guide the movement of the second and third castellated members 50, 40 during lost motion and during force transmission by preventing or limiting lateral movement relative to the shaft 20.

In fig. 2 and 4, the annular shroud 80 is removed and the racks 75 of the actuator 70 are coupled to the first castellated member 30. The capsule aperture 17 may now mimic the keyed relationship of the annular shield 80 by: the pocket apertures 17 include upper key apertures 14 for the upper positioning keys 43, lower key apertures 15 for the lower positioning keys 53, and inner recesses for the middle positioning keys 34. With appropriate grooves in the cartridge aperture 17, the first, second and third castellated members 30, 50, 40 may be keyed to the cartridge aperture of other valvetrains or switchable devices, such as rocker arms or other valvetrain components.

In fig. 3A, the mechanical capsule is in the "open" position. When mounted in a rocker arm, the castellated device 1 may transmit engine braking, additional motion or normal lift profiles. When installed in other valvetrain systems or rocker arms, a tooth-to-tooth contact between the first, second and third castellated members 30, 50, 40 is achieved.

In fig. 3B, the mechanical capsule is in the "closed" position. When installed, the castellated device 1 may absorb engine braking, parasitic motion or normal lift profiles, such that none or one of the shorter lift profiles is transmitted through the rocker arm. When installed in other valvetrain systems or rocker arms, a tooth-to-pocket alignment between the first, second and third castellated members 30, 50, 40 is achieved. In fig. 3B, the castellations are collapsible.

According to the above alternative, the castellated devices 1, 2 may comprise a shaft 20 configured as a central force-transmitting axis. The shaft 20 is slidably movable within the castellated devices 1, 2, with travel stops being provided via arrangements at either end of the shaft 20 (such as rims, snap rings, diameter changes, etc.) and corresponding catches (such as diameter changes, washers, rings, tabs, bushings, holes, etc.).

The first castellated member 30 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 20. The first castellated member 30 may comprise a tubular body 33 having a first end 32 and a second end 31 opposite the first end 32. An intermediate detent key 34 may extend from tubular body 33. A linkage or gear arrangement may be formed on the exterior of tubular body 33 for coupling to an actuator (such as actuator 70). The upper teeth 35 (first teeth) may be separated by an upper cavity 37 (first cavity). The lower teeth 36 (second teeth) may be separated by a lower cavity 38 (second cavity). Guide teeth 39 may be included as travel stops that limit the relative travel of the first castellated member 30 with respect to the guide slots 56 of the second castellated member. The height of the guide teeth 39 may be selected so that the guide teeth 39 can also axially position the first castellated member 30 along the shaft 20 by abutting the washer 18 and pushing the second and third castellated members 50, 40 apart when the return spring 60 is fully extended. The height of the guide teeth 39 ensures separation of the first and second castellated members 30, 50 so that their teeth can rotate relative to each other. The first castellated member 30 may be configured to surround the shaft 20 and the return spring 60.

A second castellated member 50 may be mounted along the shaft 20 adjacent to the first end 32 of the first castellated member 30. A through hole in the body 51 of the second castellated member 50 allows for a sliding relationship with the shaft 20 such that the shaft 20 is slidably mounted and the second castellated member 50 is slidably mounted. The second castellated member 50 may comprise a body 41 having spring seating regions for the return springs 60. The return spring 60 may surround the guide shaft 56 extending from the main body 51. The guide shaft 56 may have a height selected to interface with the sleeve end 25, and may also have a diameter that serves as a travel stop against the third castellated member body 41. The return spring 60 may be guided by the guide shaft 56. The guide shaft 56 slides within the first castellated member 30. The body 51 may include integrally formed teeth 52, cavities 54, guide slots 55, and positioning keys 53.

The third castellated member 40 may be mounted to surround a portion of the shaft 20, including abutting the clearance sleeve 23 integral with the shaft 20. The third castellated member 40 may be adjacent to the second end 31 of the first castellated member 30. The third castellated member 40 may be mounted in the cartridge aperture 17 so as to abut the aperture end 171. One or more upper locating keys 43 may be configured in the capsule aperture 17, the annular shroud 80, or both, such that the third castellated member 40 remains adjacent the aperture end 171 under all operating conditions. Whether teeth 42 abut upper teeth 35 or upper cavity 37, the third castellated member may remain secured against aperture end 171. Alternatively, limited travel may be placed via the upper keyholes 14, 814. It can be said that the first castellated member 30 abuts or slides into the third castellated member 40 via the arrangement of teeth and cavities relative to the annular configuration. The body 41 of the third castellated member 40 may provide a spring seat for the return spring 60 so that the return spring 60 may urge the second and third castellated members 50, 40 apart.

A return spring 60 (also referred to as a biasing spring) is effectively housed within and around the components of the castellations 1, 2. A return spring 60 may be disposed between the second and third castellated members 50, 40 and may be configured to bias the second castellated member 50 away from the third castellated member 40. A return spring 60 may be provided in the annular space between the shaft 20 and the first castellated member 30. The axial deflection of the return spring 60 is limited by the configuration in which it is housed. And its footprint is kept small.

The first castellated member 30 is rotatable relative to the second and third castellated members 50, 40 between a first position and a second position (figures 3A and 3B, which are interchangeable for implementation purposes). When the first castellated member 30 is in the first position, the second castellated member 50 is prevented from sliding towards the third castellated member 40. When the first castellated member 30 is in the second position, the second castellated member 50 can slide towards the third castellated member 40. This sliding and prevention of sliding is achieved via switchable control of the alignment of sets or subsets of teeth 35, 36, 42, 52 with subsets of cavities 37, 38, 44, 54.

An optional annular shield 80 may substantially enclose the first, second, and third castellated members 30, 50, 40. The annular shield 80 may be configured to interface with an actuator 70 configured to rotate the first castellated member 30 relative to the second and third castellated members 50, 40 between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the first castellated member 30 may be configured to interface with an actuator 70 configured to rotate the first castellated member 30 relative to the second and third castellated members 50, 40 between the first and second positions.

When the first castellated member 30 is in the first position (figure 3A), the first teeth 36 on the first end 32 of the first castellated member 30 are aligned with the teeth 52 of the second castellated member 50. Also, the second teeth 35 on the second end 31 of the first castellated member 30 are aligned with the teeth 42 of the third castellated member 40. However, when the first castellated member 30 is in the second position (FIG. 3B), the first teeth 36 on the first end 32 of the first castellated member 30 are aligned with the cavities 54 of the second castellated member 50. Also, the second teeth 35 on the second end 31 of the first castellated member 30 are aligned with the cavities 44 of the third castellated member 40. When the first castellated member 30 is in the second position, the first castellated member 30 may slide towards the third castellated member 40. When the first castellated member 30 is in the second position, the second castellated member 50 can slide towards the first castellated member 30.

The first castellated member 30 may comprise an annular body 33 (also referred to as a tubular body). First teeth 36 may extend axially and optionally radially from annular body 33 at first end 32. The second teeth 35 may extend axially and optionally radially from the annular body 33 at the second end 31.

The second castellated member 50 may comprise an annular ring formed by a body 51 and a plurality of radial teeth 52 extending radially and optionally axially from the annular ring. The inner radius of the annular body 33 of the first castellated member 30 may be greater than the outer radius of the annular ring of the second castellated member 50. This may facilitate a compact stack of castellated members and a longer stroke length, as the second castellated member 50 may be retracted into the first castellated member 30.

When the first castellated member 30 is in the first position, the first teeth 36 of the first castellated member 30 may contact the radial teeth 52 of the second castellated member 50. When the first castellated member 30 is in the second position, the first teeth 36 may engage and contract into the cavities 54 formed between the radial teeth 52 of the second castellated member 50. Compactness and long travel are achieved with a small amount of material usage.

The third castellated member 40 may comprise a body 41 formed of a tubular shape positioned relative to the shaft 20. The annular rim may extend from the tubular shape. The annular rim may form a spring seat for return spring 60. A plurality of radial teeth 42 may extend radially and optionally axially from the outer surface of the annular rim. The inner radius of the annular body 33 of the first castellated member 30 may be greater than the radius of the outer surface of the annular rim of the third castellated member 40. That is, during lost motion and contraction of the castellations 1, 2, the first castellated member 30 may slide over a substantial portion of the third castellated member 40. When the first castellated member 30 is in the first position, the second teeth 35 of the first castellated member 30 may contact the radial teeth 42 of the third castellated member 40, and when the first castellated member 30 is in the second position, the second teeth may engage and alternatively contract into the cavities 44 formed between the radial teeth 42 of the third castellated member 40.

An annular shroud 80 may optionally substantially enclose the first, second, and third castellated members 30, 50, 40. The bore end 171 may be formed as an integral part of the pod aperture 17, or the bore end 171 may include a top plate secured to the pod aperture 17. Instead of, or in addition to, the bore end 171, a top plate may be disposed at the first end of the annular shroud 80. A base plate in the form of a washer 18 or other fitting may be disposed at a second end of the annular shroud 80 opposite the first end. The annular shroud 80, top plate and bottom plate 18 may be configured to slide along the shaft 20 to form a castellated capsule that may be anchored to the capsule aperture 17 or other valvetrain component. The annular shroud may be rotatably fixed with the first castellated member 30. Rotating the annular shroud may cause rotation of the first castellated member 30.

The first castellated member 30 may include a first tab (also referred to as a locating key 34) extending from the annular body 33. The annular shield 80 may include a first groove (also referred to as an inner keyway 834) for receiving a first tab to secure the annular shield 80 and the first castellated member 30 together. The second castellated member 50 may include a second tab (also referred to as a lower locating key 53) extending from an annular ring of the body 51. The annular shroud 80 may include a first tab through-opening (also referred to as a lower keyhole 815) for receiving a second tab to position the second castellated member 40 relative to the annular shroud 80. The third castellated member 40 may comprise a third tab (also referred to as an upper locating key 43) extending from the annular rim of the body 41. The annular shroud 80 may include second tab through openings (also referred to as upper keyholes 814) for receiving third tabs to locate the third castellated member 40 relative to the annular shroud 80.

The annular shroud 80 may include a plurality of radial ribs (also referred to as pinion gear areas 741) for engaging the actuator 70. The actuator may comprise a tubular member, shown as a rack 75, having at least one annular flange, shown as a rack gear 71. The tubular member may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 20 to rotate the first castellated member 30 between the first and second positions. The actuator 70 may be one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and an electromechanical actuator by attaching appropriate linkages and control mechanisms, such as solenoids, oil control valves, ports, supply lines, compressors, and the like. In this example, linear movement of the rack 75 causes rotational movement of the annular shroud 80 and the first castellated member 30. The interaction of the upper keyholes 814 with the upper positioning keys 43 and the interaction of the lower keyholes 815 with the lower positioning keys 53 may cause the upper keyholes 814 and the lower keyholes 815 to be larger than the upper positioning keys 43 and the lower positioning keys 53. Then, as the annular shield 80 moves, it can drag and realign the second and third castellated members 50, 40.

The rocker arm may comprise one of the castellations 1, 2. That is, the rocker arm may include the castellations 1, 2 with or without the annular shroud 80.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the examples disclosed herein.