Patent ID: 7458352

Claim:
A valve drive element for an internal combustion engine, comprising a valve tappet which can be displaced axially in a bore of a machine housing, a camshaft with a respective rotatable cam thereon for operating the tappet, wherein the valve drive element is a switchable valve drive element that is actuated hydraulically, the valve tappet including an oil reservoir, a ball valve, a high-pressure space, at least one connecting element, an additional internal space, and a roller which are arranged in a row extending in an axial direction; a switching duct which adjoins the valve tappet and is for holding a hydraulic oil, and a connection through the valve tappet between the switching duct and the additional internal space having a lower pressure level as compared to a pressure level in the switching duct, the connection comprising a longitudinal groove arranged on a lateral surface of the valve tappet and connected to the additional internal space of the valve tappet; and a scavenging duct for connecting the longitudinal groove to the additional internal space of the valve tappet, the additional internal space located between the connecting element and the roller.