Engine finger follower type rocker arm assembly
AssigneeFord Motor Company
InventorWilliam K. Ojala
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve train for an overhead camshaft type engine includes a finger follower lever type rocker arm assembly. The lever is of lightweight stamped construction containing a pocket or recess in which is received a precision molded plastic bearing cup. The cup has a smoothly polished bearing surface for slidably receiving an axleless roller that is contained laterally within the insert and is rotated by the engine driven cam located above the roller for pivotally moving the lever to actuate the engine valves. The inclusion of the pocket in the lever assures lubrication of the parts at all times since it will collect and retain lubricant or engine oil during engine operation so that even during a lengthy shutdown, upon restart, the elements will be fully lubricated.
Claims9
A reduced friction finger follower type rocker arm assembly for an overhead camshaft type engine including a one-piece pivotally movable finger follower type lever having a fulcrum at one end and engaging an engine valve stem at its opposite end for reciprocation thereof, the lever having a recess therein opening upwardly and containing an axleless roller bearing therein against lateral movement and an engine rotated cam located above the roller and contiguous thereto for rotating the roller in the lever, the recess including a smoothly formed one-piece bearing insert in the lever upon which the roller slides during rotation by the cam for reducing friction between the parts, the recess retaining engine lubricant admitted thereto during operation of the engine for further reducing friction between the parts and for a lubricated restart after engine shutdown.
A rocker arm assembly for an overhead camshaft engine including a pivotally movable finger follower type rocker arm lever engaging a fulcrum at one end and a reciprocal engine valve stem at the other end for actuation thereof, the lever having a pocket therein opening upwardly and containing a one-piece plastic bearing cup of precision molded configuration with a smooth low friction bearing surface, the cup bearing surface receiving and supporting thereon above the cup a roller for a sliding movement therein, and an engine cam above the roller engaging and rotating the roller and simultaneously forcibly moving the lever in a pivotal manner to actuate the valve stem, the cup retaining any engine lubricant admitted thereto during engine operation for reducing friction between the cup bearing surface and roller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.