Tilting lever assembly with a snap cap

Abstract

A rocker arm assembly for selectively transmitting motion from a cam to a valve. The rocker arm assembly comprises a first arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive a rocker arm shaft. The first arm defines a valve end of the rocker arm assembly. A second arm has a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive the rocker arm shaft. The second arm defines a cam end of the rocker arm assembly. A locking pin assembly is provided to selectively couple the first and second arms. A valve bridge is positioned adjacent to the valve end and has a first surface configured to engage one or more valves. A snap cap is configured to couple the valve end of the rocker arm assembly and the valve bridge.The snap cap includes a pair of slots to allow the valve bridge to pivot relative to the snap cap.

Description

priority

[0001] This application claims priority over the provisional Indian patent application with serial number 202311030634, filed on April 28, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in full by reference. Area

[0002] The present application relates generally to a rocker arm assembly for use in an internal combustion engine, wherein the rocker arm assembly comprises a dead-load assembly for disabling a roller of the rocker arm assembly. More specifically, this application relates to a rocker arm assembly with a snap cap and a plate for realigning a valve manifold with one or more valves after the valve manifold has become detached from the one or more valves during operation. background

[0003] An internal combustion engine may use a locking mechanism to deactivate a front rocker arm. When the locking mechanism is in a locked position, the front and rear rocker arms are coupled together. When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the front and rear rocker arms are decoupled, allowing them to move relative to each other. During operation, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, excessive movement of the front rocker arm relative to the rear rocker arm can cause a valve bridge of the front rocker arm to detach from one or more valves connected to that bridge.

[0004] The present application discloses a snap cap and a plate for realigning a valve bridge with one or more valves after the valve bridge has become detached from the one or more valves. Summary of the invention

[0005] A rocker arm assembly is provided to selectively transfer motion from a cam to a valve. The rocker arm assembly includes a first arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive a rocker arm shaft. The first arm defines a valve end of the rocker arm assembly. A second arm has a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive the rocker arm shaft. The second arm defines a cam end of the rocker arm assembly. A locking pin assembly is provided to selectively couple the first and second arms. A valve bridge is positioned adjacent to the valve end and has a first surface configured to engage one or more valves. A snap cap is configured to couple the valve end of the rocker arm assembly and the valve bridge.The snap cap includes a pair of slots to allow the valve bridge to pivot relative to the snap cap.

[0006] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the valve bridge includes a pair of projections configured to engage with the pair of slots in the snap cap.

[0007] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the pair of slots is angled relative to an axis of a play screw of the rocker arm assembly.

[0008] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the valve bridge comprises two pairs of projections configured to engage with two pairs of slots in the snap cap.

[0009] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the snap cap includes upward-projecting fingers that are configured to engage with a counter groove formed in the first rocker arm.

[0010] The rocker arm assembly described above includes a play screw to secure the snap cap on the front rocker arm.

[0011] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the snap cap includes a pair of shock walls configured to limit a maximum pivot angle of the valve bridge relative to the snap cap.

[0012] Furthermore, a rocker arm assembly is provided to selectively transmit motion from a cam to a valve. The rocker arm assembly comprises a first arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive a rocker arm shaft. The first arm defines a valve end of the rocker arm assembly. A second arm has a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive the rocker arm shaft. The second arm defines a cam end of the rocker arm assembly. A locking pin assembly is provided to selectively couple the first and second arms. A valve bridge is positioned adjacent to the valve end and has a first surface configured to engage with one or more valves. A plate is configured to engage with the distal ends of the one or more valves. A spring element is provided to bias the valve bridge away from the plate.A guide assembly is provided to align counter elements on the first surface of the valve bridge with the distal ends of one or more valves as the valve bridge moves towards the plate.

[0013] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the guide assembly comprises a guide pin that is attached to the valve bridge and extends through the spring and a hole in the plate. The guide assembly also includes a pair of arms that extend between the plate and the valve bridge.

[0014] In the rocker arm assembly described above, one end of the pair of arms is attached to the plate.

[0015] In the rocker arm assembly described above, free ends of the pair of arms extend from the valve bridge.

[0016] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the pair of arms are connected to each other via a base section.

[0017] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the guide assembly comprises a guide pin that is attached to the valve bridge and extends through the spring and a hole in the plate. The guide assembly also includes an adjusting screw configured to engage with a counter-element that extends axially along the guide pin to hold the valve bridge in a predetermined orientation relative to the plate.

[0018] In the rocker arm assembly described above, the plate includes a pair of openings configured to engage with the distal ends of one or more valves.

[0019] In the rocker arm assembly described above, one of the pair of openings is elongated. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective side view of two rocker arm assemblies for an engine; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of one of the rocker arm assemblies of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of one of the rocker arm assemblies made of Fig. 1, showing a valve bridge of the rocker arm assembly that has detached from two valve stems; Fig. 4 is a side view of a rocker arm assembly with a snap cap positioned between a front rocker arm and a valve bridge, according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the rocker arm assembly of Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective side view of the snap cap, which is positioned between a valve bridge and a play screw; Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the snap cap and valve bridge of Fig. 6; Fig. 8A is a perspective side view of the rocker arm assembly made of Fig. 4, showing the snap cap in a released position during operation; Fig. 8B is a perspective side view of the rocker arm assembly made of Fig. 4, showing the snap cap in a partially re-engaged position during operation; Fig. 8C is a perspective side view of the rocker arm assembly made of Fig. 4, showing the snap cap in a fully re-engaged position during operation; Fig. 9 is a side view of a snap-on cap according to a second embodiment; Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the snap cap made of Fig. 9, which is positioned between a valve bridge and a play screw; Fig. Figure 11 is an exploded view of a rocker arm assembly with the snap cap made of Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of a telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 13 is a side exploded view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 12; Fig. Figure 14 is an exploded view from below of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly. Fig. 12; Fig. Figure 15A is a perspective side view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 12, which shows the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly in a released position during operation; Fig. Figure 15B is a perspective side view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 12, which shows the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly in a fully engaged position during operation; Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective side view of a telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. Figure 17 is a side exploded view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 16; Fig. Figure 18 is an exploded view from below of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly. Fig. 16; Fig. Figure 19 is a perspective side view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 16, which shows the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly in a released position during operation; Fig. Figure 20 is a sectional view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge made of Fig. 19; Fig. Figure 21 is a perspective side view of a telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 22 is a side exploded view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 23 is an exploded view from below of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly. Fig. 21; Fig. Figure 24 is a perspective side view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 21, which shows the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly in a released position during operation; and Fig. Figure 25 is a sectional view of the telescopic single-guide valve bridge assembly made of Fig. 24. Detailed description

[0020] The following is a description of the disclosure; however, aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Furthermore, the following examples may be provided alone or in combination with one or more of the examples discussed herein. Directional terms such as "left" and "right" are used for ease of reference to the figures.

[0021] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows two rocker arm assemblies, 10A and 10B. Rocker arm assemblies 10A and 10B are essentially identical, so only rocker arm assembly 10A is described in detail. The description of rocker arm assembly 10A applies equally to rocker arm assembly 10B.

[0022] The rocker arm assembly 10A generally comprises a front or first arm 30, a rear or second arm 40, and a locking pin assembly 50 (partially in Fig. 1 to be seen). The rocker arm assembly 10A has a valve end 12 configured to be connected to a valve bridge 20 ( Fig. 2) engages, and a cam end 14 configured to engage with a cam 18 ( Fig. 2) comes into action.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 2 Both the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 have rocker arm bores 32, 42 ( Fig. 3) which are dimensioned to accommodate a main rocker arm shaft 16 ( Fig. 1) so that the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 can pivot about this shaft by actuating the cam 18. The cam 18 has a cam profile configured to cause the rear arm 40 to pivot about the rocker arm shaft 16 at predetermined intervals as the cam 18 rotates.

[0024] The locking pin assembly 50 is positioned in the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40. The locking pin assembly 50 comprises a locking pin 52 ( Fig. 3), which is dimensioned and positioned such that it is partially received in the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40. The locking pin 52 is dimensioned such that it can move between a locked position, in which the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 are coupled to each other, and an unlocked position, in which the front arm 30 can move relative to the rear arm 40. When the locking pin 52 is in the unlocked position, there is a "dead space" in the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40. During the dead space, the cam 18 pivots the rear arm 40 about the main rocker arm shaft 16, but this movement is not transmitted to the front arm 30.

[0025] A spring 60 extends between the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40. The spring 60 is configured to bias the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 into a position in which the locking pin can move back into the locked position to couple the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 together.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 2. A play screw 24 and an E-foot 26 are attached to the valve end 12 of the rocker arm assembly 10A. The E-foot 26 defines a receptacle 26a dimensioned to receive a ball 24a formed at the distal end of the play screw 24. A valve bridge 20 is positioned between the E-foot 26 and valves 28. The connection between the ball 24a of the play screw 24 and the receptacle 26a of the E-foot 26 allows the E-foot 26 to pivot or wobble so that a bottom surface 26b of the E-foot 26 is flush with a mating surface 20a of the valve bridge 20, regardless of the orientation of the valve bridge 20. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, a subside 20b of the valve bridge 20 engages in valve rods 28a of the valves 28.

[0027] During operation, when the locking pin is in the locked position, movement is transferred from the cam 18 to the rear arm 40, thereby moving the front arm 30 (in Fig. 2 clockwise) around the main rocker arm shaft 16 ( Fig. 1) swivels. When the front arm swivels 30° (in Fig. 2 clockwise), the play screw 24 and the E-foot 26 cause the valve bridge 20 to be moved (in Fig. 2 downwards). The movement of the valve bridge 20 in turn shifts the valves 28 (in Fig. 2 downwards). During the dead stroke, i.e. when the locking pin is in the unlocked position, the front arm 30 does not pivot and no movement is transmitted to the valves 28.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 3. It can happen that the locking pin does not fully engage in the locked position during a critical displacement, allowing the front arm 30 to move freely relative to the rear arm 40. Due to the force exerted by the valve springs 29 connected to the valves 28, the front arm 30 can over-rotate relative to the rear arm 40 (in Fig. 3 clockwise). As the front arm 30 continues to rotate, the valve bridge 20 detaches from the distal ends of the valve stems 28a. As soon as the front arm 30 begins to rotate again towards the valve bridge 20 (in Fig. (3 counterclockwise), the valve bridge 20 may no longer be aligned with the distal ends of the valve stems 28a. This misalignment can lead to a temporary or permanent malfunction of the rocker arm assembly 10A.

[0029] Referring to the Fig. Figure 4-7 comprises a valve bridge assembly 100 according to one embodiment, comprising a valve bridge 120 and a snap cap 130. The valve bridge 120 is similar to the valve bridge 20 briefly described above, but includes projections 122 on opposite sides 124a, 124b of the valve bridge 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the two projections 122 are shown as cylindrical, but it is conceivable that they could also have other shapes.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 7 The snap cap 130 is a generally H-shaped element with a pair of fastening fingers 132 extending from one side of a cross member 134 and a pair of legs 136 extending from an opposite side of the cross member 134. Distal ends 132a of the fastening fingers 132 are bent inwards. A pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b extends through the pair of legs 136. The pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b is dimensioned to accommodate the projections 122, as described in detail below. An opening 142 extends through the cross member 134 and is dimensioned to allow the play screw 24 to extend through it.

[0031] Referring to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The valve bridge assembly 100 is assembled by inserting the distal ends 132a of the snap cap 130 into counter grooves 34 (in Fig. (Only a groove 34 is visible) are inserted into the front arm 30. The play screw 24 is inserted through the opening 142 in the cross member 134 and a mating hole 36 in the front arm 30. A nut 38 is then screwed onto the play screw 24 to secure the play screw 24 and the snap cap 130 to the front arm 30. The valve bridge 120 is then attached to the legs 136 of the snap cap 130 by inserting the projections 122 into the pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b. The projections 122 and the pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b are dimensioned and positioned such that the projections 122 can move within the two elongated openings 138a, 138b, i.e., slide and rotate. Due to the freedom of movement of the projections 122, the orientation of the valve bridge 120 in relation to the snap cap 130 can change, i.e., the valve bridge 120 can swing or pivot, as shown by arrow A in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b are inclined at angles B1 and B2 with respect to an axis Y1 which runs parallel to an axis Y2 of the play screw 24 in order to allow the valve bridge 120 to tilt or pivot as described in detail above.

[0032] Referring to the Fig. 8A - 8C, if the front arm 30 over-rotates as described in detail above, the valve bridge 120 will be detached from the valve rods 28a of the valves 28 (see Fig. 8A). When the front arm 30 rotates back towards the valve rods 28a (then Fig. 8A-8C clockwise), the valve bridge 120 swings or pivots so that one end of the valve bridge 120 engages with a corresponding valve rod 28a (see Fig. 8B). As mentioned above, the projections 122 and the pair of elongated openings 138a, 138b are dimensioned such that the valve bridge 120 can oscillate or pivot as required. As the front arm 30 continues to move towards the valve rods 28a, the valve bridge 120 oscillates or pivots to realign its opposite end with the corresponding valve rod 28a (see Figure 8B). Fig. 8C).

[0033] This embodiment thus creates a valve bridge that can detach from the valve rods, but is configured to automatically realign itself with the valve rods when the front arm rotates towards the valve rods.

[0034] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in the Fig. Figures 9-11 show a valve bridge assembly 200. The valve bridge assembly 200 generally comprises a valve bridge 220 and a snap cap 230. The valve bridge 220 is similar to the valve bridge 120 briefly described above, but includes a single pair of projections 222 on opposite sides 224a, 224b of the valve bridge 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 222 are shown as cylindrical, but it is conceivable that they could also have other shapes.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 The snap cap 230 is a generally H-shaped element with a pair of fastening fingers 232 extending from one side of a crossbar 234, and a pair of legs 236 extending from an opposite side of the crossbar 234. Distal ends 232a of the fastening fingers 232 are bent inwards.

[0036] In addition to the cross member 234, a first buttress 244 and a second buttress 246 extend between the legs 236. The first buttress 244 is longer than the second buttress 246, as shown in Fig. 10 illustrated.

[0037] A pair of elongated openings 238 extends through the pair of legs 236. The pair of elongated openings 238 is dimensioned to accommodate the projections 222, as described in detail below. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11, the openings 238 extend at an angle C, which is measured with respect to the axis Y2 of the play screw 24. An opening 242 extends through the cross member 234 and is dimensioned such that the play screw 24 can extend through it.

[0038] With reference to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The valve bridge assembly 200 is assembled by inserting the distal ends 232a of the snap cap 130 into mating grooves 34 formed in the front arm 30. The play screw 24 is then inserted through the opening 242 in the cross member 234 and the mating hole 36 in the front arm 30. A nut 38 is then screwed onto the play screw 24 to secure the play screw 24 and the snap cap 230 to the front arm 30. The valve 220 is then attached to the legs 236 of the snap cap 230 by inserting the projections 222 into the pair of elongated openings 238. The projections 222 and the pair of elongated openings 238 are dimensioned and positioned such that the projections 222 can move within the pair of elongated openings 238, i.e., shift and rotate. This freedom of movement of the projections 222 allows the orientation of the valve bridge 220 relative to the snap cap 230 to change.The valve bridge 220 can oscillate or swivel.

[0039] As mentioned above, the first impact wall 244 is longer than the second impact wall 246. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, the second shock wall 246 is dimensioned such that it defines a maximum angle D around which the valve bridge 220 can pivot (in Fig. 10 counterclockwise). Similarly, the first shock wall 244 is dimensioned to define a maximum angle through which the valve bridge 220 can pivot (clockwise, in Fig. 10) In the illustrated embodiment, the first impact wall 244 limits the clockwise rotation of the valve bridge 220 to approximately 0 degrees. It is possible that the angle D and the maximum angle permitted by the first impact wall 244 may differ from those illustrated in the drawings.

[0040] The function of the valve bridge assembly 200 is similar in most aspects to that of the valve bridge assembly 100 and will not be described in detail below. Similar to the valve bridge assembly 100, the valve bridge assembly 200 creates a valve bridge that can detach from the valve stems, but is configured to realign itself with the valve stems when the front arm rotates toward the valve stems.

[0041] Referring to the Fig. Figures 12-14 illustrate a telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 according to a third embodiment. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 generally comprises a valve bridge 320, a guide pin 346, a spring 352, and a base plate 360.

[0042] The valve bridge 320 has a top surface 322 configured to engage with an E-foot (not shown). With reference to Fig. Figure 14 comprises a bottom surface 324 of the valve bridge 320, a circular recess 326, and an elongated recess 328. The circular recess 326 and the elongated recess 328 are configured to engage with distal ends of valve stems, as described in detail below. A bore 332 extends into a central section of the bottom surface 324 and is configured to receive the guide pin 346.

[0043] The guide pin 346 is a rod-shaped element with a collar 348 formed at its upper end 346a. The upper end 346a is configured to fit into the bore 332 of the valve bridge 320. The spring 352 is a coil spring dimensioned to allow the guide pin 346 to protrude through it.

[0044] The base plate 360 ​​is a generally U-shaped element with a base section 362, a first leg 372, and a second leg 382. A first projection 364a is formed on one surface of the base section, and a second projection 364b is formed on an opposite surface. A hole 366 extends through the first projection 364a, the second projection 364b, and the base section.

[0045] The first leg 372 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 374a attached to the base section 362 and a second section 374b extending perpendicularly from the first section 374a. A projection 376 is formed on the underside of the second section 374b, and a hole 378 extends through both the second section 374b and the projection 376.

[0046] The second leg 382 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 384a attached to the base section 362 and a second section 384b extending perpendicularly from the first section 384a. An elongated hole 386 extends through the second section 384b. Two elongated guide elements 392, 394 extend from opposite sides of the second section 384b to a side opposite the first section 384a.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated guide elements 392, 394 are bar-shaped elements with free distal ends. It is possible that a bar (not shown) may be provided to connect the distal ends of the elongated guide elements 392, 394 to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated guide elements 392, 394 are flat, bar-shaped elements. It is possible that the elongated guide elements 392, 394 may have various other shapes, including, but not limited to, curved, deformed, angled, etc.

[0048] With reference to the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 The telescopic valve bridge assembly 300 is assembled by inserting the upper end 346a of the guide pin 346 into the bore 332 in the valve bridge 320. The guide pin 346 can be inserted until the collar 348 rests against the underside 324 of the valve bridge 320.

[0049] The spring 352 is then placed over the guide pin 346, and the guide pin 346 is inserted through the opening 366 in the base section 362 of the base plate 360 ​​to clamp the spring 352 between the valve bridge 320 and the base plate 360. With reference to Fig. 12. The base plate 360 ​​can be moved towards the underside 324 of the valve bridge 320 to compress the spring 352, so that the spring 352 biases the base plate 360 ​​away from the valve bridge 320.

[0050] Referring to Fig. During normal operation, spring 352 is compressed, and the underside 324 of the valve bridge 320 (particularly at the circular recess 326 and the elongated recess 328) engages the valve stems 28a of the valves 28. The movement of the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 caused by the cam 18 is transmitted to the valves 28 via the valve bridge 320.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 15A is used during a critical displacement in which the front arm 30 overrotates (in Fig. 15A counterclockwise), the valve bridge 320 is released from the valve rods 28a of the valves 28. The spring 352 is configured to bias the base plate 360 ​​away from the valve bridge 320, so that the base plate 360 ​​remains in contact with the valve rods 28a. When the valve bridge 320 begins to move towards the base plate 360 ​​(clockwise in the direction of the valves 28a), the valve bridge 320 is released from the valve rods 28a. The spring 352 is configured to bias the base plate 360 ​​away from the valve bridge 320, so that the base plate 360 ​​remains in contact with the valve rods 28a. When the valve bridge 320 begins to move towards the base plate 360 ​​(clockwise in the direction of the valve rods 28a), the valve bridge 320 is released from the valve rods 28a. The spring 352 is configured to bias the base plate 360 ​​away from the valve bridge 320, so that the base plate 360 ​​remains in contact with the valve rods 28a. Fig. 15A), the guide pin 346 and the guide elements 392, 394 (together referred to as the "guide assembly") guide the valve bridge 320 back into the correct alignment with the valve rods 28a, as in Fig. Figure 15B shows that the guide elements 392, 394 are configured to limit the rotation of the valve bridge 320 around the guide pin 346 in order to achieve correct realignment of the valve bridge 320 with the valve rods 28a.

[0052] According to another embodiment, which is described in the Fig. Figure 16-20 illustrates a telescopic valve bridge assembly 400 according to a fourth embodiment. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 400 generally comprises a valve bridge 420, a guide pin 446, a spring 452, and a base plate 460.

[0053] The valve bridge 420 has a top surface 422 configured to engage with an E-foot (not shown). With reference to Fig. Figure 18 comprises a bottom surface 424 of the valve bridge 420, comprising a circular recess 426 and an elongated recess 428. The circular recess 426 and the elongated recess 428 are configured to engage with distal ends of valve stems, as described in detail below. A bore 432 extends into a central section of the bottom surface 424 and is configured to receive the guide pin 446.

[0054] The guide pin 446 is a rod-shaped element with a collar 448 formed at its upper end 446a. The upper end 446a is configured to fit into the bore 432 of the valve bridge 420. A flattened section 449 extends axially along the guide pin 446. The spring 452 is a helical spring dimensioned to allow the guide pin 446 to extend through it.

[0055] The base plate 460 is a generally U-shaped element with a base section 462, a first leg 472, and a second leg 482. A first projection 464a is formed on one surface of the base section, and a second projection 464b is formed on an opposite surface. A hole 466 extends through the first projection 464a, the second projection 464b, and the base section. A threaded hole 468 extends radially through the second projection 464b to the hole 466. An adjusting screw 469 is dimensioned such that it can be screwed into the threaded hole 468 until a distal end of the adjusting screw 469 protrudes from the threaded hole 468.

[0056] The first leg 472 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 474a attached to the base section 462 and a second section 474b extending perpendicularly from the first section 474a. A projection 476 is formed on the underside of the second section 474b, and a hole 478 extends through both the second section 474b and the projection 476.

[0057] The second leg 482 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 484a attached to the base section 462 and a second section 484b extending perpendicularly from the first section 484a. An elongated hole 486 extends through the second section 484b.

[0058] With reference to the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 400 is assembled by inserting the upper end 446a of the guide pin 446 into the bore 432 in the valve bridge 420. The guide pin 446 can be inserted until the collar 448 rests against the underside 424 of the valve bridge 420.

[0059] The spring 452 is then placed over the guide pin 446, and the guide pin 446 is inserted through the opening 466 in the base section 462 of the base plate 460 to clamp the spring 452 between the valve 420 and the base plate 460. Specifically, the guide pin 446 is aligned so that the flattened portion 449 on it is aligned with the threaded bore 468 in the base section 462. The adjusting screw 469 is tightened so that its distal ends prevent the guide pin 446 from rotating about its axis in the hole 466. With reference to Fig. 16. The base plate 460 can be moved towards the underside 424 of the valve bridge 420 in order to compress the spring 452 so that the spring 452 preloads the base plate 460 away from the valve bridge 420.

[0060] During normal operation, the spring 452 is compressed and the underside 424 of the valve bridge 420 engages the valve stems 28a of the valves 28 (not shown). The movement of the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 caused by the cam 18 is transmitted to the valves 28 via the valve bridge 420.

[0061] Referring to the Fig. 19 and Fig. During a critical displacement in which the front arm 30 over-rotates, the valve bridge 420 is released from the valve rods 28a of the valves 28. The spring 452 is configured to bias the base plate 460 away from the valve bridge 420 (as shown in the Fig. 19 and Fig. (20 shown), so that the base plate 460 remains in contact with the valve rods 28a. If the valve manifold 420 begins to move towards the base plate 460, the adjusting screw 469, pressing against the surface 449 of the guide pin 446, and the guide pin 446 itself (together referred to as the "guide assembly") guide the valve manifold 420 back into the correct alignment with the valve rods 28a. The adjusting screw 469, acting on the surface 449 of the guide pin 446, is configured to limit the rotation of the valve manifold 420 about the guide pin 446 to achieve correct realignment of the valve manifold 420 with the valve rods 28a.

[0062] According to another embodiment, which is described in the Fig. Figures 21-25 illustrate a telescopic valve bridge assembly 500 according to a fifth embodiment. The telescopic valve bridge assembly 500 generally comprises a valve bridge 520, a guide pin 546, a spring 552, a base plate 560, and a rotary guide 610.

[0063] The valve bridge 520 has a top surface 522 configured to engage with an E-foot (not shown). With reference to Fig. 23 comprises a bottom surface 524 of the valve bridge 520, a circular recess 526, and an elongated recess 528. The circular recess 526 and the elongated recess 528 are configured to engage with distal ends of valve stems, as described in detail below. A bore 532 extends into a central section of the bottom surface 524 and is configured to accommodate the guide pin 546.

[0064] The guide pin 546 is a rod-shaped element with a collar 548 formed at its upper end 546a. The upper end 546a is configured to fit into the bore 532 of the valve bridge 520. The spring 552 is a coil spring dimensioned to allow the guide pin 546 to protrude through it.

[0065] The base plate 560 is a generally U-shaped element with a base section 562, a first leg 572, and a second leg 582. A first projection 564a is formed on one surface of the base section 562, and a second projection 564b is formed on an opposite surface. A hole 566 extends through the first projection 564a, the second projection 564b, and the base section 562.

[0066] The first leg 572 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 574a attached to the base section 562 and a second section 574b extending perpendicularly from the first section 574a. A projection 576 is formed on the underside of the second section 574b, and a hole 578 extends through both the second section 574b and the projection 576.

[0067] The second leg 582 is generally L-shaped, with a first section 584a attached to the base section 562 and a second section 584b extending perpendicularly from the first section 584a. An elongated hole 586 extends through the second section 584b.

[0068] The rotary guide 610 is positioned between the valve bridge 520 and the guide pin 546. The rotary guide 610 is generally a U-shaped element with a base section 612, a first leg 622, and a second leg 632. A hole 614 extends through the base section 612. Two rectangular projections 616 are formed on the opposite edges of the base section 612.

[0069] The first leg 622 is attached to the base section 612 and extends from one side opposite one of the projections 616. The first leg 622 is a rectangular element with an elongated hole 624 extending through it.

[0070] The second leg 632 is attached to the base section 612 and extends from one side opposite the other of the two projections 616. The second leg 632 is a rectangular element with an elongated hole 634 extending through it.

[0071] With reference to the Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 The telescopic valve bridge assembly 500 is assembled by placing the rotary guide 610 against the underside 524 of the valve bridge 520. The rotary guide 610 is positioned such that each projection 616 is located along one side of the valve bridge 520. The projections 616 are dimensioned and positioned to prevent rotation of the rotary guide 610 relative to the valve bridge 520.

[0072] The upper end 546a of the guide pin 546 is inserted through the hole 614 in the rotary guide 610 and into the bore 532 in the valve bridge 520. The guide pin 546 can be inserted until the collar 548 rests against the underside of the base section 612 of the rotary guide 610. The collar 548 holds the rotary guide 610 against the underside 524 of the valve bridge 520.

[0073] The spring 552 is then placed over the guide pin 546, and the guide pin 546 is inserted through the hole 566 in the base section 562 of the base plate 560 to clamp the spring 552 between the valve 520 and the base plate 560. With reference to Fig. 21 The base plate 560 can be moved towards the underside 524 of the valve bridge 520 to compress the spring 552 so that the spring 552 biases the base plate 560 away from the valve bridge 520. As shown, the first leg 622 and the second leg 632 of the rotary guide 610 extend along opposite sides of the base plate 560.

[0074] During normal operation, the spring 552 is compressed and the underside 524 of the valve bridge 520 engages the valve stems 28a of the valves 28 (not shown). The movement of the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 caused by the cam 18 is transmitted to the valves 28 via the valve bridge 520.

[0075] Referring to the Fig. 24 and Fig. During a critical displacement in which the front arm 30 over-rotates, the valve bridge 520 is released from the valve rods 28a of the valves 28. The spring 552 is configured to bias the base plate 560 away from the valve bridge 520 (as shown in the Fig. 24 and Fig.(25 shown), so that the base plate 560 remains in contact with the valve rods 28a. If the valve manifold 520 begins to move towards the base plate 560, the first leg 622 and the second leg 632, together with the guide pin 546 (collectively referred to as the "guide assembly"), guide the valve manifold 520 back into the correct alignment with the valve rods 28a. The first leg 622 and the second leg 632 are configured to limit the rotation of the valve manifold 520 about the guide pin 546 to achieve correct realignment of the valve manifold 520 with the valve rods 28a.

[0076] The present application thus provides a snap cap and a plate, both configured to assist in realigning a detached valve manifold with its associated valves. The snap cap and the plate are configured to allow the valve manifold to adjust its orientation or to hold the valve manifold in the correct orientation, thereby enabling realignment of the valve manifold with the valve.

[0077] Experts will understand that various modifications and variations can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] IN 202311030634

[0001]

Claims

[1] Rocker arm assembly for selectively transmitting motion from a cam to a valve, the rocker arm assembly comprising: a first arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive a rocker arm shaft, wherein the first arm defines a valve end of the rocker arm assembly; a second arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive the rocker arm shaft, wherein the second arm defines a cam end of the rocker arm assembly; a locking pin assembly for selectively coupling the first arm and the second arm to each other; a valve bridge positioned adjacent to the valve end and having a first surface configured to engage with one or more valves; and a snap cap configured to connect the valve end of the rocker arm assembly and the valve bridge, the snap cap including a pair of slots to allow the valve bridge to pivot relative to the snap cap. [2] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve bridge comprises a pair of projections configured to engage with the pair of slots of the snap cap. [3] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pair of slots is angled with respect to an axis of a play screw of the rocker arm assembly. [4] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve bridge comprises two pairs of projections configured to engage with two pairs of slots of the snap cap. [5] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the snap cap comprises upwardly projecting fingers configured to engage with a counter groove formed in the first rocker arm. [6] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a play screw for securing the snap cap on the first rocker arm. [7] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the snap cap comprises a pair of shock walls configured to limit a maximum pivot angle of the valve bridge relative to the snap cap. [8] Rocker arm assembly for selectively transmitting motion from a cam to a valve, the rocker arm assembly comprising: a first arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive a rocker arm shaft, wherein the first arm defines a valve end of the rocker arm assembly; a second arm with a rocker arm bore shaft configured to receive the rocker arm shaft, wherein the second arm defines a cam end of the rocker arm assembly; a locking pin assembly for selectively coupling the first arm and the second arm to each other; a valve bridge positioned adjacent to the valve end and having a first surface configured to engage with one or more valves; a plate configured to engage with the distal ends of one or more valves; a spring element for pre-tensioning the valve bridge away from the plate; and a guide assembly for aligning counter elements on the first surface of the valve bridge with the distal ends of one or more valves as the valve bridge moves towards the plate. [9] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 8, wherein the guide assembly comprises: a guide pin that is attached to the valve bridge and extends through the spring element and a hole in the plate; and a pair of elongated guide elements extending between the plate and the valve bridge. [10] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 9, wherein one end of the pair of elongated guide elements is attached to the plate. [11] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 9, wherein free distal ends of the pair of elongated guide elements extend from the valve bridge. [12] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 9, wherein the pair of elongated guide elements is connected to each other via a base section. [13] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 8, wherein the guide assembly comprises: a guide pin that is attached to the valve bridge and extends through the spring element and a hole in the plate; and an adjusting screw configured to engage with a counter element extending axially along the guide pin to hold the valve bridge in a predetermined orientation relative to the plate. [14] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 8, wherein the plate comprises a pair of openings configured to engage with the distal ends of one or more valves. [15] Rocker arm assembly according to claim 14, wherein one of the pair of openings is elongated.

Images