Tubular rocker shaft with multiple internal compartments

Abstract

A rocker shaft having at least two transversely formed interior compartments is provided each of which is devised for, and capable of, containing fluid at differing pressures. A multiplicity of generally radially directed holes present along the length of the rocker shaft communicate hydraulic fluid to the compartments via passageways present in the rocker arms, or valve deactivating rocker arm sections mounted thereon. Plugs installed within the rocker shaft at locations on either side of the holes provide compartmented regions within the shaft, each region of which has the capacity to contain hydraulic fluid at different pressures. The rocker shaft is capped at each end. Hydraulic fluid may be provided to the rocker shaft interior in a number of ways, such as through additional holes aligned with passageways provided in the cylinder head or through clearance openings between rocker shaft fasteners and rocker shaft mounting holes.

1 . A longitudinal rocker shaft having a generally hollow interior with plugged ends and containing at least two transverse isolated fluid confining compartments formed by intermittently plugging the interior of the shaft with plugs inserted and secured at locations within the shaft to provide the desired predetermined compartment size. 
   
   
       2 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  comprising a tubular member. 
   
   
       3 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  configured such that hydraulic fluid is introduced to at least one of said compartments through holes provided by a cylinder head. 
   
   
       4 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  wherein fluid is introduced to the rocker shaft compartments through clearance openings between rocker shaft fasteners and rocker shaft mounting holes. 
   
   
       5 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  wherein said compartments are formed by tubular plugs slideably inserted within the rocker shaft bore. 
   
   
       6 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  wherein said compartments are formed by an insert having a distal closed end. 
   
   
       7 . The rocker shaft of  claim 5  wherein said tubular plugs are secured in place by an interference fit insert introduced into said tubular plugs. 
   
   
       8 . The rocker shaft of  claim 7  wherein the insert comprises a ball. 
   
   
       9 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  provided with passageways for introducing fluid to said compartments through holes that are aligned with passageways of an associated cylinder head. 
   
   
       10 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  provided with passageways for introducing fluid to said compartments through clearance openings between rocker shaft fasteners and rocker shaft mounting holes. 
   
   
       11 . The rocker shaft of  claim 1  wherein the inserted plugs are sized so as to seal and minimize the compartment volume.