Anti-tipping roller follower

Abstract

An anti-tipping feature for a roller follower is provided that is positioned at the socket end of a Type II roller follower. The anti-tipping feature is designed to fit around the plunger of a lash adjuster. The feature has legs that extend down around the plunger to provide stability for the roller follower. Tipping of the roller follower is controlled by the formed legs that extend down the plunger. The length of the legs and clearance determine the amount of roller follower tipping. The valve guide wall height can be shortened enough to still provide valve containment and reduce moving mass which comprises a key component to engine performance.

1 . In a roller follower that pivots about a lash adjuster of internal combustion engines comprising a one-piece, cold-formed, elongate metal body having a generally U-shaped cross-section and having an intermediate portion, a first valve contact end portion, and a second lash adjuster contact end portion, said intermediate portion having two substantially parallel side walls and a large elongate upper opening, said first end portion having a top wall and two side walls extending downwardly therefrom generally inverted U-shaped recess to receive an end of a valve stem, said second end lash adjuster contact portion having a second top wall and side walls extending downwardly there from, the improvement comprises an anti-tipping clip secured to the lash adjuster end and having a pair of legs extended around the lash adjuster contact so as to afford stability for the assembly.  
   
   
       2 . The roller follower of  claim 1  wherein legs of the lash adjuster clip comprises a flat configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The roller follower of  claim 1  wherein the lash adjuster clip comprises a wire leg configuration.