CA2018299C - Boat-type rocker arm with flanges - Google Patents

Boat-type rocker arm with flanges Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2018299C
CA2018299C CA002018299A CA2018299A CA2018299C CA 2018299 C CA2018299 C CA 2018299C CA 002018299 A CA002018299 A CA 002018299A CA 2018299 A CA2018299 A CA 2018299A CA 2018299 C CA2018299 C CA 2018299C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
rocker arm
side walls
flanges
percent
arm according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002018299A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2018299A1 (en
Inventor
Jesse V. Mills
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HENLEY MANUFACTURING HOLDING COMPANY Inc
Original Assignee
HENLEY MANUFACTURING HOLDING COMPANY Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HENLEY MANUFACTURING HOLDING COMPANY Inc filed Critical HENLEY MANUFACTURING HOLDING COMPANY Inc
Publication of CA2018299A1 publication Critical patent/CA2018299A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2018299C publication Critical patent/CA2018299C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/12Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
    • F01L1/18Rocking arms or levers
    • F01L1/181Centre pivot rocking arms
    • F01L1/182Centre pivot rocking arms the rocking arm being pivoted about an individual fulcrum, i.e. not about a common shaft
    • F01L1/183Centre pivot rocking arms the rocking arm being pivoted about an individual fulcrum, i.e. not about a common shaft of the boat type

Abstract

A one-piece, cold-formed rocker arm is disclosed. The rocker arm is of the boat type and includes a one-piece metal body which is cold-formed from a metal blank and is of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration throughout most of its length.
The body has a bottom wall with structurally-integral side walls extending upwardly therefrom in generally parallel relationship. An intermediate, concave portion of the bottom w all has an opening therethrough which receives a fulcrum of a pivot post. One end portion of the rocker arm body has a recess to receive an end of a push rod which imparts pivotal motion to the rocker arm about the fulcrum. The other end of the rocker arm body has a pad for engaging an end of a valve stem to impart motion to the valve stem when the rocker arm is pivoted about the fulcrum. Outwardly-extending stiffening Flanges are formed at upper edge portions of intermediate portions of the side walls, which provides strength and stiffness to the side walls. The flanges substantially eliminate or at least substantially reduce buckling of the side walls during operation of the rocker arm and thereby eliminate or substantially reduce deflection between the two end portions of the rocker arm body.

Description

Docket T-55~
k_ is ~l S P E C_I_F_I_C_A_T_I_0_N_ TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Be it known that I, Jesse ~~ ~~~~,ZiS~ a citizen of the United 6tates of America, and resident of Toledo, in the 20 State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful improvement in a BOAT-TYPE ROCKER ARM WITH FLANGES
which invention is fully set forth in the following speci-fication.

~Q1,8~~~

This invention relates to a boat-type rocker arm with stiffening flanges.
Boat-type rocker arms are well known in the art, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patents 3,614,943; 3,667,434; and 4,799,464.
Cold~formed, specifically stamped, rocker arms have several advantages over cast rocker arms. Stamped rocker arms are usually less expensive to manufacture, particularly when pro-duced in larger quantities so that die costs can be spread out more. Tn particular, stamped rocker arms are lighter in weight, an important advantage because lighter engines and vehicles xesult in better fuel economy and engine efficiency or:', alternatively, in higher performance for the engine. In general, however, cast rocker arms tend to be more stiff than stamped ones.
Boat-type rocker arms are centrally pivotally supported and are engaged by a push rod at one end and, in turn, engage a valve stem at the othex end during operation. Deflection in the rocker arm between its end portions during operation is seemingly minuscule. However, even a minute deflection has an e~~ect on engine operation. Consequently, stiffness in a rocker arm is of substantial importance and absolute minimal deflection, if any, is desired for ultimate engine operation and efficiency.
~~ ~2_ 201.8?~3~
The rocker arm embodying the invention is of the boat-type and is made by cold-forming operations, including stamping, coining, staking, and back-packing. The rocker arm includes a one-piece metal body wfiich is of U-shaped cross-sectional ~~ configuration throughout substantially most of its length. The body includes a bottom wall with two structurally-integral side walls extending upwardly therefrom in general parallel relationship. The rocker arm body includes a recess formed in a first end portion thereof to xecea:ve an upper end of a ~~ push rod. A second end portion of the rocker arm has additional means to receive an end of a valve stem. An intermediate por-tion of the bottom wall of the body. is generally concave, facing upwardly. A middle part of the concave portion has an opening through which a supporting pedestal extends, the I pedestal having a fulcrum which engages the concave portion of the bottom wall to provide pivotal support for the rocker arm.
Intermediate portions of the side walls of the rocker arm 2Q ~~ are substantially parallel but may flare outwardly slightly, away from one another. During operation of boat-type rocker arms, the side walls tend to buckle, with the bottom wall deflecting. This changes the relationship between the two end portions of the rocker arm and can have an adverse effect on the operation of the engine.
In accordance with the invention, it has been found that the intermediate portions of the side walls of the rocker arm y II
can be formed with flanges extending outwardly at upper edge portions thereof to substantially enhance the stiffness of the side walls of the rocker arm and cause deflection to be minimal during operation.
Zt is, therefore, a principal object of the invention to provide a cold-formed, boat-type rocker arm which is stiffer and has less deflection during engine operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a cold-formed, boat-type rocker arm with longitudinally-extending, continuous flanges extending outwardly from upper edge portions of side walls of the rocker arm.
II A .further object of the invention is to provide a rocker arm of the boat type having the advantages and features dis-cussed above.
Many other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a pre-ferred embodiment thereof, reference being made to the accom-panying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a somewhat schematic view in elevation of a rocker arm assembly in accordance with the invention, mounted II on an engine block shown in section;
Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of the rocker arm shown in Fig. 1;
~~ -ø~

n Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in longitudinal cross section taken through the rocker arm of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the rocker arm; and Fig. 5 is a view in transverse cross section taken through an intermediate portion of the rocker arm.
Referring particularly t o Fig. 1, a rocker arm assembly in accordance with the invention is indicated at 10 and includes a boat-type rocker arm 12 mounted on a supporting pedestal 14.
A suitable threaded fastener 16 extends through the pedestal and mounts the assembly on an engine block 18. One end of the rocker arm 12 engages the upper end of a push rod at 20 and the other end engages the upper end o~ a valve stem 22.
Referring particularly to Fig. 3, the rocker arm 12 has a concave recess 24 which receives the upper end of the push rod 20, with a lubricating Bole 26 communicating with the recess 24 and with the interior of the rocker arm. The other end of the rocker arm 12 has a convex surface or pad 28 which engages the upper end of the valve stem 22. An intermediate portion of the rocker arm has a recessed area or surface 30 which is concave and of generally semi-cylindrical shape. As shown in Figs. 3-5, the recess 30 has a centrally located rectangular opening 32 therein. The pedestal 14 includes a fulcrum or head 34 (Fig. 1) and a shank 36. The fulcrum 34 extends transversely beyond both sides of the shank 36 and has lower, downwardly-extending surfaces 38 which engage the concave surface 30 of the rocker arm 12.
~~ _5-.

ii The rocker arm 12 has substantially parallel side walls 40 and 42 which are structurally integral with the rocker arm bottom, specifically the recessed area 30 thereof, and extend upwardly in generally parallel relationship. The rocker arm also has angular side walls 44 and 46 extending angularly inwardly toward the left end of the rocker arm and angular side walls 48 and 50 extending angularly inwardly toward the right end of the rocker arm. Heretofore, the tendency of the rocker arm to buckle or deflect was greatest where the angular side walls 44-SO met the parallel side wails 40 and 42.
Upper edges of the side walls 40 and 42 and portions of the upper edges of the angular side walls 44-50 have outwardly-extending stiffening flanges 52 and 54 in~~.accordance with the invention. The flanges 52 and 54 have widths which are from about ten percent to about forty percent of the height of the side walls 40 and 42 and preferably from about fifteen percent to about twenty-five percent of the height, tapering off at the angular taalls 44-50. The flanges 52 and 5.4 extend contin-BO uously over the intermediate portions of the side walls 40 and 42 and portions of the angular walls 44-50.for a distance from about one-third to about three-fourths of the length of the rocker arm, and preferably from about forty percent to about sixty percent of the length. Stated another way, the flanges extend continuously over the length of the wide intermediate portion of the rocker arm 12 and taper off at the narrower end portions. As viewed in cross section in Fig. 5, the flanges 52 and 54 from an included angle of from about ~~

thirty degrees to about one hundred forty degrees and prefer-ably from about seventy degrees to about one hundred ten degrees.
The flanges 52 and 54 of the side walls have been found to provide significant increased stiffness in the overall rocker arm and a resulting reduction in deflection of the rocker arm body arid specifically between the two end portions thereof. The increased stiffness is believed to be due to a reduction in the tendency of the side walls to buckle during operation, which results in the bottom of the xocker arm deflecting. Conseauently, the invention enables the rocker arm 12 to be cold-formed, and specifically stamped, with the advantages discussed above resulting from the cold-formed construction. At the same time, the rocker arm has the-strength and stiffness of a cast one or at least substantially similar characteristics to a cast rocker arm.
Various modifications of the above described embodiment 0~ the invention will be appaxent to those skilled in the art, and it is to be understood that such madifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, if they are within the spirit and the tenor of the accompanying claims.
30 ~~ _.7..

Claims (22)

1. A cold-formed, boat-type rocker arm comprising an elongate, one-piece metal body of generally U-shaped configuration in transverse cross section throughout most of its length, said body having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly therefrom and structurally integral therewith, said body having means at a first end portion thereof for receiving a push rod, said body having additional means at a second end portion thereof for receiving an end of a valve stem, said bottom wall having an intermediate opening therein at an intermediate portion of said body to receive pivot means about which said rocker arm can pivot, upper edge portions of said side walls having outwardly-extending, continuous flanges to provide stiffness for said side walls and to resist buckling of said side walls during operation of said rocker arm.
2. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance from about one-third to about three-fourths of the overall length of said rocker arm body.
3. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance from about forty percent to about sixty percent of the overall length of said rocker arm body.
4. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said rocker arm body has a wide intermediate portion and narrower end portions with said flanges extending substantially the length of the intermediate portion.
5. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges form an included angle of from about thirty degrees to about one hundred forty degrees.
6. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges form an included angle of from about seventy degrees to about one hundred ten degrees.
7, A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges have widths which are from about ten percent to about forty percent of the height of said side walls.
8. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges have widths which are from about fifteen percent to about twenty-five percent of the height of said side walls.
9. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance of about one-third to about three-fourths of the overall length of said rocker arm body, said flanges form an included angle of from about thirty degrees to about one hundred forty degrees, and said flanges have widths which are from about ten percent to about forty percent of the height of said side walls.
10. A rocker arm according to claim 1 wherein said side walls of said body include generally parallel side walls and angular side walls extending inwardly toward both ends of said body, said flanges extending continuously over the length of the parallel side walls and tapering off at the angular side walls.
11. A cold-formed, boat-type rocker arm comprising an elongate, one-piece metal body of generally U-shaped configuration in transverse cross section throughout most of its length, said body having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly therefrom and structurally integral therewith, said body having a recess at a first end portion for receiving an end of a push rod, said body having a pad at a second end portion for engaging an end of a valve stem, said rocker arm having means at an intermediate portion thereof for receiving pivotal supporting means about which said rocker arm can be pivotally supported, upper edge portions of intermediate portions of said side walls having stiffening flanges extending upwardly and outwardly to provide stiffness for said side walls and to resist buckling of said side walls during operation of said rocker arm.
12. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance from about one-third to about three-fourths of the overall length of said rocker arm body.
13. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance from about forty percent to about sixty percent of the overall length of said rocker arm body.
14. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said rocker arm body has a wide intermediate portion and narrower end portions with said flanges extending substantially the length of the intermediate portion.
15. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges form an included angle of from about thirty degrees to about one hundred forty degrees.
16. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges form an included angle of from about seventy degrees to about one hundred ten degrees.
17. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges have widths which are from about ten percent to about forty percent of the height of said side walls.
18. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges have widths which are from about fifteen percent to about twenty-five percent of the height of said side walls.
19. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said flanges extend continuously for a distance of about one-third to about three-fourths of the overall length of said rocker arm body, said flanges form an included angle of from about thirty degrees to about one hundred forty degrees, and said flanges have widths which are from about ten percent to about forty percent of the height of said side walls.
20. A rocker arm according to claim 11 wherein said side walls of said body include generally parallel side walls and angular side walls extending inwardly toward both ends of said body, said flanges extending continuously over the length of the parallel side walls and tapering off at the angular side walls.
21. A rocker arm comprising an elongate, one-piece metal body having two generally parallel side walls and a connecting bottom wall therebetween, said body having angular side walls extending inwardly toward both ends of said body from said parallel side walls, upper edge portions of intermediate portions of said parallel side walls having stiffening flanges extending upwardly and outwardly to provide stiffness for said side walls, said stiffening flanges also extending over upper edge portions of said angular side walls, said rocker arm body having means for receiving a pivotal support, means for engaging a push rod, and additional means for engaging an end of a valve stem.
22. A rocker arm according to claim 21 wherein said stiffening flanges extend continuously for a distance from about forty percent to about sixty percent of the overall length of said rocker arm body, said flanges form an included angle from about seventy degrees to about one hundred ten degrees, and the width of said flanges is from about fifteen percent to about twenty-five percent of the height of said side walls.
CA002018299A 1989-11-09 1990-06-05 Boat-type rocker arm with flanges Expired - Fee Related CA2018299C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/434,857 1989-11-09
US07/434,857 US4940048A (en) 1989-11-09 1989-11-09 Boat-type rocker arm with flanges

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2018299A1 CA2018299A1 (en) 1991-05-09
CA2018299C true CA2018299C (en) 2000-02-15

Family

ID=23725971

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002018299A Expired - Fee Related CA2018299C (en) 1989-11-09 1990-06-05 Boat-type rocker arm with flanges

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4940048A (en)
JP (1) JP2846935B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2018299C (en)
DE (1) DE4020891A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2237842B (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4033688A1 (en) * 1990-10-23 1992-04-30 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Lightweight rocker for use between can and valve - has baseplate and curved bow sides made of FRP with injection moulded braces and centre bearing
US5048475A (en) * 1991-01-17 1991-09-17 Henley Manufacturing Holding Company, Inc. Rocker arm
US5207191A (en) * 1992-08-31 1993-05-04 Henley Manufacturing Holding Company, Inc. Boat-type rocker arm with stiffening member
US5372097A (en) * 1992-12-18 1994-12-13 Welles Manufacturing Self-lubricating cam follower
JP2879511B2 (en) * 1993-07-07 1999-04-05 光洋精工株式会社 Press-made rocker arm and method of manufacturing the same
JP3306478B2 (en) * 1993-11-29 2002-07-24 光洋精工株式会社 Pressed rocker arm
EP0761933A1 (en) * 1995-09-08 1997-03-12 Sandco Automotive Limited Finger follower
US5730093A (en) * 1996-08-07 1998-03-24 Sandco Automotive Limited Roller rocker arm
US5819694A (en) * 1997-05-15 1998-10-13 Welles Manufacturing Company Stamped roller-type cam followers with added height
US6032627A (en) * 1998-07-28 2000-03-07 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Compact valve actuation mechanism
DE10064481A1 (en) 2000-12-22 2002-07-04 Mann & Hummel Filter Internal combustion engine with secondary air charging and method for controlling the secondary air charger
US7836860B2 (en) * 2007-11-21 2010-11-23 Charter Manufacturing Co., Inc. Engine rocker arm
CN112805455B (en) * 2018-05-24 2023-06-23 伊顿智能动力有限公司 Carrier with integrated engine brake and lubrication circuit

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US2905160A (en) * 1958-03-06 1959-09-22 Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc Rocker arm
US2905161A (en) * 1958-04-14 1959-09-22 Chrysler Corp Rocker arm
US3142357A (en) * 1962-05-11 1964-07-28 Earl A Thompson Rocker arm
US3614943A (en) * 1970-06-01 1971-10-26 Gerald A Schley Engine rocker arm support means
US3667434A (en) * 1970-12-31 1972-06-06 Ford Motor Co Rocker arm assembly including fulcrum mounted lubricant deflector
US4799464A (en) * 1983-03-03 1989-01-24 Toledo Stamping & Manufacturing Company Boat-type rocker arm assembly
US4577911A (en) * 1985-09-26 1986-03-25 The Torrington Company Oscillating bearing
US4653441A (en) * 1986-04-22 1987-03-31 Navistar International Corporation Engine rocker arm assembly
US4718379A (en) * 1986-05-27 1988-01-12 Eaton Corporation Rocker arm pivot assembly
US4858575A (en) * 1988-03-01 1989-08-22 David Fittro Rocker arm bearing assembly
US4825717A (en) * 1988-09-12 1989-05-02 Henley Manufacturing Corporation Rocker arm of the cam-follower type with ribs

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2846935B2 (en) 1999-01-13
GB2237842A (en) 1991-05-15
DE4020891A1 (en) 1991-05-16
JPH03168306A (en) 1991-07-22
GB9014401D0 (en) 1990-08-22
GB2237842B (en) 1994-01-05
US4940048A (en) 1990-07-10
CA2018299A1 (en) 1991-05-09

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