Patent ID: 6164256
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: F01L,Y10T

Abstract:
A follower mechanism for transmitting movement of a three-dimensional cam to a valve, wherein the cam has a cam surface for driving the valve, the cam surface having a profile that varies in the axial direction of the cam, the follower mechanism comprising:a valve lifter arranged between the cam and the valve to transmit movement of the cam to the valve;a guide groove extending perpendicular to the axis of the cam and provided on the valve lifter, wherein the guide groove is defined by a retainer surface that has an arcuate cross-section; anda cam follower retained in the guide groove to engage the cam surface, wherein the cam follower pivots about a pivot axis and has an arcuate surface that contacts the retainer surface of the guide groove, wherein the arcuate surface includes a outer tapered surface, which is tapered relative to the pivot axis at an angle less than 90 degrees, wherein the retainer surface includes an inner tapered surface corresponding to the outer tapered surface of the cam follower, and wherein movement of the cam follower is restricted in a direction of the pivot axis by contact between the outer tapered surface and the inner tapered surface.