Valve rotating mechanism for IC engine - has split circular spring to dispense with need for ball cage

摘要

A fixed ring (4) has tapered slots (6) holding balls (5). A circular leaf spring resting on the balls presses on a cap which forms the seat of the valve spring. Each slot (6) is curved so that it has a smaller radius at is deeper end than at its shallower end. A split circular spring (7) surrounds the valve shaft and rests on the inner sides of the balls (5). As the valve is depressed the cap and leaf spring exert a force on the balls which moves them to rotate the cap. When the valve closes the split spring (7) returns the balls to their initial position.