Securing device for an actuating lever

Abstract

A device for securing an actuating lever of a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine to a support element. The actuating lever having a recess and protrusion, to accept a spherical end of the support element, the securing device seated on an upper portion of the protrusion and having side walls seated in an undercut of the support element, for securing the support element with the actuating lever. The securing device having a top bifurcated element, bottom perforated element and a connecting element connecting the top and bottom elements together.

What we claim is: 
     
         1 . A actuating lever assembly for a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine comprising;
 a support member; comprising
 a spherical end; 
 an undercut located below the spherical end; 
   an actuating lever comprising;
 an actuating end; 
 a support member end; 
 a concave recess in a bottom surface of the support member end for receiving an end of the support element; and 
 a convex protrusion extending from a top surface of the support member end; 
   a securing device comprising;
 a top bifurcated piece; 
 a bottom piece; 
 a connecting member for connecting the top and bottom pieces; 
 the top bifurcated piece having at least two arms on opposing sides of the top piece, extending perpendicularly from the connecting member and the arms separated by a slot on the opposite axial end of the connecting member; 
 the bottom piece having a cavity with two side walls arranged on opposite ends of the concave recess of the actuating lever; and 
   the securing device secured to the actuating lever, with the arms seated on an upper portion of the protrusion, with the slot located toward the actuating end of the actuating lever, and the side walls of the bottom piece received in the undercut of the support member.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the arms include plastically deformed grooves extending toward a top surface of the actuating lever, located on an end opposite the connecting member. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the protrusion includes a spray hole directed towards the actuating end of the actuating lever. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein, the slot of the securing device is in line with the spray hole. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the securing device is formed from sheet metal. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the securing device is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the securing device is made from wire. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the securing device is C-shaped. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein, the arms are seated above the top  1 / 3  of the protrusion. 
     
     
         10 . A securing device for securing a support element to an actuating lever of a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine comprising;
 a top bifurcated element;   a bottom element;   a connecting element joining the top and bottom elements;   the top bifurcated element having two arms extending perpendicularly from the connecting element, and at least one arm having a groove at an opposite end from the connecting element; and   the bottom element having a cavity in a center portion for receiving and retaining a support element.   
     
     
         11 . The securing device of  claim 10 , wherein, the device is formed of sheet metal. 
     
     
         12 . The securing device of  claim 10 , wherein, the device is formed of wire. 
     
     
         13 . The securing device of  claim 10 , wherein, the device is formed of plastic. 
     
     
         14 . The securing device of  claim 10 , wherein, the device is C-shaped.