Self-lubricating cam follower

摘要

A self-lubricating cam follower for an overhead cam internal combustion engine of the reciprocating piston-and-cylinder type has a generally upright U-section and an elongated body and is provided with a gravity feed ramp for oil to flow from a support end to a cam follower roller which is typically journaled in bearings in the cam follower. The oil flow serves to lubricate the cam follower, and especially its roller bearings. A lip at the support end of the follower retains oil in the cam follower body and a controlled clearance between a roller-accommodating cutout in the base and the roller, tends to force bearing lubrication. The novel self-lubricating characteristics of the inventive cam follower are operable in an engine having a piston-and cylinder disposed for substantially vertical relative movement and provide greater versatility in engine design.