Partial internal guide for curved helical compression spring
AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey D. Rohe, Ronald J. Pierik, Thomas H. Fischer, William R. Haslett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable valve actuating comprising a spring guide for use with a curved spring includes an elongate, curved guide member having a centerline. The centerline has a centerline curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the curved spring. The guide member has a first side having a side curvature. The side curvature is substantially equal to a curvature of the curved inside surfaces of the coils of the curved spring. The guide member is configured for being disposed within the curved spring such that the coils thereof substantially surround a periphery of the guide member.
Claims16
A variable valve actuating mechanism, comprising:
- a helical curved return spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, said first spring end associated with a frame member of said variable valve mechanism, said second spring end associated with an output cam of said variable valve actuating mechanism, said curved return spring having a radius of curvature and a plurality of coils, each of said plurality of coils being substantially concentric with said radius of curvature and having curved inside surfaces;
- and
- an elongate, curved guide member having a first guide end and a centerline, said first guide end affixed to said frame member, said centerline having a centerline curvature, said centerline curvature being substantially equal to said radius of curvature of said curved return spring, said guide member disposed within said curved return spring such that said plurality of coils substantially surround a periphery of said guide member.
An internal combustion engine, comprising:
- a variable valve actuating mechanism including a helical curved return spring, said return spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, said first spring end associated with a frame member of said variable valve actuating mechanism, said second spring end associated with an output cam of said variable valve actuating mechanism, said curved return spring having a radius of curvature and a plurality of coils, each of said plurality of coils being substantially concentric with said radius of curvature and having curved inside surfaces;
- and
- an elongate, curved guide member having a first guide end and a centerline, said first guide end affixed to said frame member, said centerline having a centerline curvature, said centerline curvature being substantially equal to said radius of curvature of said curved return spring, said guide member disposed within said curved return spring such that said plurality of coils substantially surround a periphery of said guide member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.