Patent ID: 6951165

Claim:
A fuel pump ( 10 ) for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a housing ( 14 ), with at least one piston ( 16 ), with a working chamber ( 18 ) that is confined in areas by the piston ( 16 ), with an eccentric shaft ( 22 ) or camshaft that acts on the piston ( 16 ) at least indirectly on its end ( 36 ) furthest from the working chamber ( 18 ), and with a prestressing element ( 30 ) that loads the piston ( 16 ) at least indirectly against the eccentric shaft ( 22 ) or camshaft, wherein a support member ( 40 ) that is separate from the piston ( 16 ) is provided, which said support member is interconnected with the end region ( 36 ) of the piston ( 16 ) closest to the eccentric shaft ( 22 ) or camshaft, and against which the prestressing element ( 30 ) bears, and further comprising a guide sleeve ( 68 ) capable of moving with the piston ( 16 ), which said guide sleeve cooperates with a guide section ( 62 ) secured to the housing, wherein the guide sleeve ( 68 ) comprises a radially inwardly directed annular collar ( 66 ) that extends into an annular space ( 84 ) located between support member ( 40 ) and base part ( 28 ).