Multiple axle tappet lifter assembly

Abstract

The invention allows for a larger bronze axle outer diameter for increased contact area to carry system loads in tappet body assemblies of engine valve trains; thereby, improving wear and improving the life of the tappet. Relatively small diameter steel pins are used to secure the bronze axle and because the pins are within the bronze axle they do not need to be specifically processed for stress contact or retention. The bronze axle requires the cam roller follower inside diameter to increase as well to reduce the cross section of the cam roller follower. This thinner cross section improves the rotational inertia reducing the risk of skidding at the cam-to-roller interface. Skidding at this interface significantly reduces the life of the cam roller follower and/or the cam lobe. The smaller pin diameter provides addition clearance when packaged next to an adjacent cam lobe.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cam roller follower assembly for tappet bodies comprising:
 a. a tappet body;   b. a bronze axle;   c. a plurality of pins spaced within said bronze axle securing said axle to said tappet body; and   d. a cam roller follower rotatably secured on said bronze axle.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  with two pins. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the pins are spaced relatively about 180°. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the pins extend through said bronze axle and into struts of said tappet body. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said bronze axle is secure between struts formed on said tappet body. 
     
     
         6 . A method of securing a bronze axle on a tappet body comprising positioning a bronze axle between struts formed on said tappet body by at least two spaced steel pins contained within said bronze axle and securing said pins to said struts.