US 5,143,351 A · Self-locking valve spring retainer

Abstract

A self-locking valve spring retainer (30) operatively retaining a return spring (28) on the stem (20) of a poppet valve (16) comprises an annular base ring (48) from which three flexible arms (52) upwardly extend. A pair of axially spaced locking steps (66, 68) project radially inwardly from each of the arms (52) to provide barbed engaging ledges (74, 76) which interlock with a correspondingly shaped valve stem (20). An annular waisted hinge (86) is formed between the three arms (52) and the base ring (48) to ease stresses on the retainer (30) as the arms (52) are blossomed outwardly during installation and removal. A metallic anti-wear plate (88) is secured to the top of each arm (52). An installation and removal tool (92) for the retainer (30) comprises three wedge-shaped prongs (98) insertable within the three expansion slots (54) separating the three arms (52) for blossoming the retainer (30) prior to insertion and removal. A member (102) extends integrally from each of the prongs (98) for engaging the return spring (28) to maintain the return spring (28) spaced from the retainer (30) prior to blossoming the retainer (30).

Claims15

Dependent claims

A self-locking valve spring retainer (30) for operatively retaining a return spring (28) on the stem (20) of a poppet valve (18), said retainer (30) comprising:

an annular base ring (48) for surrounding a valve stem (20);
a plurality of arms (52) extending in cantilever fashion from said base ring (48) for resiliently flexing outwardly from said base ring (48) as said retainer (30) is pressed over the end of the valve stem (20) to an operative position;
self-locking means (64) extending inwardly from each of said arms (52) for automatically engaging and gripping the valve stem (20) when in the operative position;
and characterized by a wasted hinge (86) formed as a scalloped impression in said base ring (48) for establishing a definite hinge location between each of said arms (52) and said base ring (48) to reduce stress in said base ring (48) as said arms (52) are flexed outwardly from the valve stem (20) during installation and removal of said retainer (30).

1 more element

A self-locking valve spring retainer (30) for operatively retaining a return spring (28) on the stem (20) of a poppet valve (16), said retainer (30) comprising:

an annular base ring (48) having a substantially cylindrical inner periphery defining a stem passage (50) for surrounding a valve stem (20);
a plurality of arms (52) extending in cantilever fashion from said base ring (48) and surrounding said stem passage (50) for flexing outwardly from said base ring (48) as said retainer (30) is pressed over the end of the valve stem (20) to an operative position;
a locking step (66) projecting radially inwardly from each of said arms (52) for automatically engaging and interlocking with a mating projection (70) on the valve stem (20) when in the operative position;
and characterized by an anti-wear plate (88) secured to each of said locking steps (66) and fabricated from a dissimilar and harder material than said locking steps (66) for forming a durable interface between the valve stem (20) and each of said locking steps (66) to better distribute shear forces throughout said arms (52) and thereby extend the operative life of said retainer (30).

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-locking valve spring retainer

Life of this patent

Self-locking valve spring retainer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15