阅读说明：本技术 从动机构 (Driven mechanism ) 是由 S.亚伯拉罕森 于 2017-04-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种从动机构,包括外杯,外杯具有基本上圆柱形的侧壁,设置在侧壁的第一端的环形唇部和设置在侧壁上的环形凸台,环形凸台设置在横向于从动机构的纵向中心轴线的平面中。内杯包括从其向外延伸的环形唇部和一对轴孔隙,并且设置在外杯中,使得唇部邻接外杯的环形凸台,并且内杯通过与内杯的唇部邻接的外杯的环形唇部而不可旋转地固定到外杯。轴被接收在轴孔隙中,并且滚子从动件可旋转地接收在轴上,使得滚子从动件的一部分轴向向外延伸超过外杯的环形唇部。(A follower includes an outer cup having a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an annular lip disposed at a first end of the sidewall, and an annular boss disposed on the sidewall, the annular boss being disposed in a plane transverse to a longitudinal central axis of the follower. The inner cup includes an annular lip and a pair of axial apertures extending outwardly therefrom and is disposed within the outer cup such that the lip abuts the annular boss of the outer cup and the inner cup is non-rotatably secured to the outer cup by the annular lip of the outer cup abutting the lip of the inner cup. A shaft is received in the shaft aperture and a roller follower is rotatably received on the shaft such that a portion of the roller follower extends axially outwardly beyond the annular lip of the outer cup.)

1. A follower mechanism movable within a bore along a longitudinal central axis of the bore, comprising:

an outer cup having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an annular lip portion disposed at a first end of the sidewall, and an annular boss disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall, the annular boss being disposed in a plane transverse to a longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism;

an inner cup including an annular lip and a pair of axial apertures extending outwardly therefrom, the inner cup disposed within the outer cup such that the lip of the inner cup abuts the annular boss of the outer cup and the inner cup is non-rotatably secured to the outer cup by the annular lip of the outer cup abutting the lip of the inner cup;

a shaft having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end disposed in a respective one of the shaft apertures; and

a roller follower rotatably received on the shaft such that a portion of the roller follower extends axially outwardly beyond the annular lip of the outer cup.

2. The follower mechanism of claim 1, wherein the inner cup further comprises a sidewall and a hemispherical portion disposed at a second end of the sidewall, the sidewall comprising two opposing curved portions, a pair of parallel side portions extending between the two opposing curved portions, wherein the annular lip extends radially outward from a front end of the sidewall.

3. The follower mechanism of claim 2, wherein an axle aperture is defined in each of the parallel sides of the inner cup.

4. The follower mechanism of claim 1, wherein the inner cup further comprises a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end, a hemispherical portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical sidewall, and wherein the annular lip extends radially outward from the first end of the cylindrical sidewall.

5. The follower mechanism of claim 4, wherein the sidewall of the inner cup defines the pair of shaft apertures therein, and a cylindrical protrusion is formed around each shaft aperture, the cylindrical protrusion extending inwardly from the sidewall toward the longitudinal central axis of the follower mechanism.

6. The follower mechanism of claim 5, wherein the first and second ends of the shaft are rotatably received in the shaft aperture.

7. The follower mechanism of claim 4, wherein the hemispherical portion of the inner cup has a radius of curvature equal to a radius of a cross-section of the inner cup when taken in a plane passing through the cylindrical sidewall and transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism.

8. The follower mechanism of claim 4, wherein the inner cup further comprises an alignment device extending radially outward through an aperture defined in a sidewall of the outer cup.

9. The follower mechanism of claim 8, wherein the alignment device further comprises a tab integrally formed with the inner cup.

10. The driven mechanism of claim 4, wherein the roller follower includes an outer race rotatably received about the shaft, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the outer race and the shaft, wherein the outer race includes an annular beveled surface at each end.

11. The follower mechanism of claim 3, wherein the annular boss is disposed at the first end of the outer cup adjacent the annular lip portion.

12. The follower mechanism of claim 11, wherein the annular lip portion is thinner than the sidewall of the outer cup in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism.

13. The follower mechanism of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the outer cup includes a first cylindrical sidewall portion and a second cylindrical sidewall portion, and the annular boss is disposed between the first cylindrical sidewall portion and the second cylindrical sidewall portion.

14. The follower mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first cylindrical sidewall portion is thinner than the second cylindrical sidewall portion in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism.

15. A follower mechanism movable within a bore along a longitudinal central axis of the bore, comprising:

an outer cup having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an annular lip portion disposed at a first end of the sidewall, and an annular boss disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall, the annular boss being disposed in a plane transverse to a longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism;

an inner cup including an annular lip extending outwardly therefrom, the inner cup disposed within the outer cup such that the lip of the inner cup abuts the annular boss of the outer cup and the inner cup is non-rotatably secured to the outer cup by the annular lip of the outer cup abutting the lip of the inner cup; and

a roller follower rotatably supported by the inner cup.

16. The follower mechanism of claim 15, wherein the inner cup further includes a pair of shaft apertures and the roller follower further includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end disposed in a corresponding one of the shaft apertures and an outer race rotatably received on the shaft such that a portion of the outer race extends axially outward beyond the annular lip portion of the outer cup.

17. The follower mechanism of claim 15, wherein the inner cup further comprises a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end, a hemispherical portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical sidewall, and wherein the annular lip extends radially outward from the first end of the cylindrical sidewall.

18. The follower mechanism of claim 17, wherein the hemispherical portion of the inner cup has a radius of curvature equal to a radius of a cross-section of the inner cup when taken in a plane passing through the cylindrical sidewall and transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the follower mechanism.

19. The follower mechanism of claim 15, wherein the inner cup further comprises a pair of curved sidewalls and a pair of parallel sidewalls extending between the pair of curved sidewalls, wherein the curved sidewalls have a curvature that is the same as a curvature of an adjacent portion of the inner surface of the inner cup.

20. The follower mechanism of claim 19, wherein the lip of the inner cup is disposed on one of the curved sidewalls.

21. The follower mechanism of claim 15, wherein the annular boss is disposed at the first end of the outer cup adjacent the annular lip portion.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to follower mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of designing and assembling follower mechanisms and their associated alignment devices.

Background

Driven mechanisms are commonly used in valvetrains of internal combustion engines to transfer motion from a camshaft of the engine to one or more intake or exhaust valves. As the camshaft rotates, the driven mechanism receives both lateral and downward forces from corresponding lobes on the camshaft, but only transmits the downward force to open and/or close the valve. The follower mechanism thus reduces the likelihood of bending or otherwise damaging the valve stem of the valve. Likewise, the driven mechanism is typically used for camshaft driven high pressure fuel pumps used in gasoline direct injection systems.

Existing bucket followers typically include stamped or cold formed buckets. The roller follower is typically supported on a shaft that is directly secured to the bucket by, for example, riveting, swaging, etc. As such, the bucket is a load bearing member, and therefore requires heat treatment and operations such as grinding. Also, the follower mechanisms typically have some form of alignment device carried in an aperture defined by the bucket to prevent rotation of the follower mechanism within its corresponding bore. One example of a known alignment device includes a mushroom-shaped pin secured in an aperture of a bucket of a follower mechanism. Such pins can be difficult to manufacture due to their complex shape. Also, the required heat treatment of the bucket can cause deformation of the aperture receiving the alignment device, thereby complicating assembly. Such alignment devices are typically secured in their corresponding apertures by an interference fit.

The present invention recognizes and addresses prior art structural and methodological considerations.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a follower mechanism movable within a bore along a longitudinal central axis of the bore, the mechanism including an outer cup, an inner cup, a shaft, and a roller follower. The outer cup has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an annular lip portion disposed at the first end of the sidewall, and an annular boss disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall, the annular boss being disposed in a plane transverse to the longitudinal central axis of the follower mechanism; the inner cup including an annular lip extending outwardly therefrom and a pair of axial apertures, the inner cup being disposed within the outer cup such that the lip of the inner cup abuts the annular boss of the outer cup, and the inner cup being non-rotatably secured to the outer cup by the annular lip of the outer cup abutting the lip of the inner cup; the shaft having a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends being disposed in a respective one of the shaft apertures of the shaft; and the roller follower is rotatably received on the shaft such that a portion of the roller follower extends axially outwardly beyond the annular lip of the outer cup.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a follower mechanism movable within the bore along the longitudinal central axis of the bore, the mechanism including an outer cup, an inner cup, and a roller follower. The outer cup has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an annular lip portion disposed at the first end of the sidewall, and an annular boss disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall, the annular boss being disposed in a plane transverse to the longitudinal central axis of the follower mechanism; the inner cup including an annular lip extending outwardly therefrom, the inner cup being disposed within the outer cup such that the lip of the inner cup abuts the annular boss of the outer cup, and the inner cup being non-rotatably secured to the outer cup by the annular lip of the outer cup abutting a rim of the inner cup; and the roller follower is rotatably supported by the inner cup.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of one embodiment of a follower mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the inner cup of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer cup of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a high pressure fuel pump including the driven mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are cross-sectional views of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the inner cup of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of the outer cup of the follower mechanism shown in fig. 7A and 7B.

12A and 12B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of the inner cup of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the outer cup of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

17A and 17B are perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of the inner cup of the follower mechanism shown in fig. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the spacer of the follower mechanism shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B; and

fig. 22 is a perspective view of the outer cup of the follower mechanism shown in fig. 17A and 17B.

Reference numerals have been repeated among the specification and drawings to indicate the same or analogous features or elements of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to the drawings, as shown in fig. 1A-3C, an embodiment of a follower mechanism 100 according to the present disclosure includes a substantially cylindrical outer cup 120, an inner cup 140 received therein, a roller follower 160 supported by the inner cup 140, and an alignment device 142 extending through an aperture 122 formed in the outer cup 120. As shown in fig. 6, the driven mechanism 100 is used in a high-pressure fuel pump 180 of an internal combustion engine, although other uses of the driven mechanism 100 are possible. As the camshaft 182 of the engine rotates, a lobe 184 of the camshaft 182 or a rocker arm (not shown) connected with the camshaft 186 engages the roller follower 160 of the follower 100 to convert the rotational motion of the camshaft 182 into linear motion of the follower 100 within the bore 186 of the corresponding cylinder head 188. Pump rod 190 of pump 180 is positioned within follower 100 and is connected to follower 100 such that when follower 100 moves in a linear direction within bore 186, pump rod 190 is alternately moved leftward (as shown) by spring 192 and rightward by follower 100. The force from the cam shaft 182 is thus transmitted to the pump 180 through the driven mechanism 100, so that only a force in substantially the same direction as the movement of the pump lever 190 acts on the pump 180. In addition, the driven mechanism 100 serves as a torsional vibration isolation device between the camshaft 182 and the pump 180 to prevent transmission of the rotational force. As shown, alignment means 142 (fig. 1A) is an outwardly extending tab, a portion of which is slidably received in a correspondingly shaped alignment groove (not shown) defined by the inner wall of bore 186.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, the outer cup 120 of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical outer surface 124, a cylindrical inner surface 126 substantially concentric therewith, and an aperture 122 defined therein for receiving an alignment device 142. As shown, the apertures 122 are generally circular, but may also be oval, square, etc. Preferably, the outer cup 120 is formed from a metal sheet blank of low, medium or high carbon or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing, in which case the apertures 122 are formed by, for example, piercing, machining or otherwise cutting into the outer cup 120. In addition, the outer cup 120 includes annular lips 128 and 134 formed at each of opposite ends thereof. The annular lip 128 is thinner in the radial direction than the remaining sidewall of the outer cup 120, forming an annular boss 130 therewith. In its initial state, prior to full assembly of the follower 100, the annular lip 128 extends axially outwardly parallel to the central longitudinal axis 132 of the outer cup 120, while the annular boss 130 lies in a plane transverse to the central longitudinal axis 132. When forming the outer cup 120, the annular lip 134 may initially be formed radially inward as the other components of the roller follower are preferably placed into the outer cup 120 from the end where the annular lip 128 is located.

With additional reference to fig. 4A and 4B, the inner cup 140 preferably includes a cylindrical sidewall 144, a hemispherical bottom 146, an upper lip 148 extending radially outward from an upper periphery of the sidewall, a pair of axial apertures 150 defined by the sidewall 144, and an alignment tab 142 extending outward from the sidewall. As best shown in fig. 1A, 3A and 3B, when fully inserted into the outer cup 120, the upper lip 148 of the inner cup 140 rests on the annular boss 130 of the outer cup 120 and the alignment tabs 142 extend outwardly from the alignment apertures 122. Once fully inserted into the outer cup 120 and rotationally positioned by the alignment tab 142, the inner cup 140 is retained therein by folding the annular lip 128 inwardly, such as by crimping, rotational crimping, press forming, or the like, such that the upper lip 148 is non-rotatably squeezed between the annular lip 128 and the annular boss 130. Note that since the outer cup 120 does not directly support the shaft 162 of the roller follower 160, a heat treatment process typically performed on outer cups of known follower mechanisms is not required. In this way, the folding/crimping operation performed on the annular lip 128 is facilitated. However, in those applications where heat treatment of the outer cup 120 is required for wear purposes, the heat treatment process occurs after the formation of the aperture 122 for receiving the alignment feature 142. Next, before the annular lip 128 is folded inwardly, crimped, etc., the annular lip 128 is tempered for ease of handling and to help prevent cracking.

Preferably, the inner cup 140 is formed from a sheet metal blank by a stamping process or a drawing process and is subjected to a heat treatment process in that it directly supports the shaft 162 of the follower mechanism 100 and supports the cyclical force exerted by the pump rod 190 (fig. 6) on the bottom of the inner cup 140. Prior to the heat treatment process, the shaft apertures 150 are pierced and pressed in the side walls 144 of the inner cup 140 such that a protrusion 152 is formed around each shaft aperture 150. Similarly, prior to any heat treatment process, lubrication apertures 154 are also pierced in the hemispherical bottom 146 of the inner cup 140. As shown, the alignment tabs 142 include rounded distal ends that correspond in shape to alignment grooves (not shown) formed in the corresponding cylinder head 188 (fig. 6). As shown, preferably a portion of the hemispherical bottom 146 may flatten out forming a bottom wall 156 perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 132 of the follower mechanism 100. The bottom wall 156 facilitates the transfer of force from the follower mechanism 100 to the corresponding pump stem 190, or alternatively, the valve stem. Note, however, that in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the base 146 may have a constant radius of curvature. Alternatively, the bottom 146 may be a simple dome shape.

As best shown in fig. 2, the roller follower 160 includes a shaft 162, an outer race 166 and a plurality of rollers 164 disposed therebetween such that the race 166 is free to rotate about the shaft 162. The opposite end of the shaft 162 is received in the shaft aperture 150 of the inner cup 140 such that the roller follower 160 is mounted to the outer cup 120 of the follower mechanism 100 through the inner cup. When assembled, the roller follower 160 extends axially outward beyond the top edge of the outer cup 120 such that the outer surface of the raceway 166 engages a corresponding lobe 184 of the camshaft 182, as shown in fig. 6. Preferably, the diameter of shaft aperture 150 is slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 162 so that shaft 162 is free to rotate within shaft aperture 150 during operation. Alternatively, the opposite end of the shaft 162 may be riveted, swaged, etc. to the inner cup 140, thereby preventing rotation relative thereto. Note that when the shaft 162 is free to rotate within the shaft aperture 150, axial movement of the shaft 162 is limited by abutment with the inner surface 126 of the outer cup 120 at either end. Preferably, a washer 158 is provided at each end of the race 160 to limit movement of the race 160 and rollers 164 along the shaft 162. Preferably, annular beveled edges 168 are provided on opposite ends of the outer race 166 to allow the overall size of the outer race 166 to be maximized without contacting the inner surface of the hemispherical bottom 146 of the inner cup 140.

As shown in fig. 7A-9C, an alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism 200 according to the present disclosure includes a substantially cylindrical outer cup 220, an inner cup 240 received therein, a roller follower 260 supported by the inner cup 240, and an alignment device 242 extending through a slot 222 formed in the outer cup 220. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the driven mechanism 200 may be used with the high pressure fuel pump 180 (fig. 6) of an internal combustion engine, although other uses of the driven mechanism 200 are possible.

With additional reference to FIG. 11, the outer cup 220 includes a cylindrical outer surface 224, a cylindrical inner surface 226 substantially concentric therewith, and a slot 222 defined in the annular lip 228 for slidably receiving the alignment device 242. As shown, the slot 222 is generally U-shaped with a flat bottom edge 222 a. However, the bottom edge 222a may also be semicircular, curved, etc. Preferably, the outer cup 220 is formed from a sheet metal blank of low, medium or high carbon or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing, in which case the slots 222 are preferably formed by piercing, although they may be machined or otherwise cut into the outer cup 220. In addition, the outer cup 220 includes annular lips 228 and 234 formed at each of its opposite ends. The annular lip 228 is thinner in the radial direction than the remaining sidewall of the outer cup 220, forming an annular boss 230 therewith. Prior to full assembly of the follower mechanism 200, the annular lip 228 extends axially outward parallel to the central longitudinal axis 232 of the outer cup 220, while the annular boss 230 lies in a plane transverse to the central longitudinal axis 232. When forming the outer cup 220, the annular lip 234 may initially be formed radially inward as the other components of the roller follower are preferably placed into the outer cup 220 from the end where the annular lip 228 is located.

With additional reference to fig. 10A and 10B, the inner cup 240 preferably includes a sidewall 244 (the sidewall 244 includes two opposing curved portions 243 with two parallel sides 255 extending between the two opposing curved portions 243), a hemispherical bottom 246, an upper lip 248 extending radially outward from an upper periphery of the sidewall 244, a pair of axial apertures 250 defined by the sidewall 244, and an alignment tab 242 extending outward from the sidewall. As best shown in fig. 7A, 9A and 9B, when fully inserted into the outer cup 220, the upper lip 248 of the inner cup 240 rests on the annular boss 230 of the outer cup 220 and the alignment tabs 242 extend outwardly from the alignment slots 222. Note that the inner cup 240 may be inserted directly into the outer cup 220 without tilting because the slot 222 is open at the periphery of the annular lip 228 so that the alignment tab 242 may slide directly therein.

Once fully inserted into the outer cup 220 and rotationally positioned by the alignment tab 242, the inner cup 240 is retained therein by folding the annular lip 228 inwardly, such as by crimping, rotational crimping, press forming, or the like, such that the upper lip 248 is non-rotatably squeezed between the annular lip 228 and the annular boss 230. Note that in an alternative embodiment, the spacer 229 may be positioned between the annular lip 228 and the annular boss 230. The spacers 229 help to ensure that any potential gap between the lip 228 and the boss 230 is minimized. The separator 229 is preferably formed of plastic or similar material. Note that since the outer cup 220 does not directly support the shaft 262 of the roller follower 260, it does not require the heat treatment process that is typically performed on outer cups of known follower mechanisms. In this way, the folding/crimping operation performed on the annular lip 228 is facilitated. However, in those applications where heat treatment of the outer cup 220 is required for wear purposes, the heat treatment process occurs after the formation of the alignment slots 222. Next, before the annular lip 228 is folded inwardly, crimped, etc., the annular lip 228 is tempered for ease of handling and to help prevent cracking.

Preferably, the inner cup 240 is formed from a metal plate blank through a stamping process or a drawing process and is subjected to a heat treatment process because it directly supports the shaft 262 of the follower mechanism 200. Initially, when the inner cup 240 is formed, the sidewall 244 is substantially cylindrical. However, prior to the heat treatment process, the flat side portions 245 are formed, resulting in the side portions 245 extending between the two opposing curved portions 243. Also, prior to the heat treatment process, the shaft aperture 250 is pierced in the flat side 245 of the inner cup 240. Prior to any heat treatment process, lubrication apertures 254 are also pierced in the hemispherical bottom 246 of the inner cup 240. As shown, the alignment tabs 242 include rounded distal ends that correspond in shape to alignment grooves (not shown) formed in the corresponding cylinder head 188 (fig. 6). Although not shown, a portion of the hemispherical bottom 246 may be flattened to form a bottom wall perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 232 of the follower mechanism 200, similar to the first embodiment (fig. 1A and 1B).

As best shown in fig. 8, the roller follower 260 includes a shaft 262, an outer race 266 and a plurality of rollers 264 disposed therebetween such that the race 266 is free to rotate about the shaft 262. The opposite end of the shaft 262 is received in the shaft aperture 250 of the inner cup 240. When assembled, the roller follower 260 extends axially outward beyond the top edge of the outer cup 220 such that the outer surface of the race 266 engages the corresponding lobe 184 of the camshaft 182, as shown in fig. 6. Preferably, the diameter of shaft aperture 250 is slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 262 so that shaft 262 is free to rotate therein. Alternatively, the opposite end of the shaft 262 may be riveted, swaged, etc. to the inner cup 240, thereby preventing rotation relative thereto. Note that when the shaft 262 is free to rotate within the shaft aperture 250, axial movement of the shaft 262 is limited by abutment with the inner surface 226 of the outer cup 220 at either end. Note that unlike the previously discussed embodiments, the flat inner surfaces of the parallel sides 255 of the inner cup 240 do not require washers at opposite ends of the rollers 264. Preferably, annular beveled edges 268 are provided on opposite ends of the outer race 266 to allow the overall size of the outer race 266 to be maximized without contacting the rounded bottom corners of the inner cup 240.

As shown in fig. 12A-14B, an alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism 300 according to the present disclosure includes a substantially cylindrical outer cup 320, an inner cup 340 received therein, a roller follower 360 supported by the inner cup 340, and an alignment device 342 formed on the outer cup 320. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the driven mechanism 300 may be used with the high pressure fuel pump 180 (fig. 6) of an internal combustion engine, although other uses of the driven mechanism 300 are possible.

With additional reference to FIG. 16, the outer cup 320 includes a cylindrical outer surface, a cylindrical inner surface 324/326 substantially concentric therewith, and an alignment device 342. The outer cup 320 is formed from a metal sheet blank of low, medium or high carbon steel or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing. The preferably semicircular alignment features 342 are cut or formed into the sidewall of the outer cup 320 prior to any heat treatment process.

The outer cup 320 includes annular lips 328 and 334 formed at each of its opposite ends. The annular lip 328 is thinner in the radial direction than the first wall portion 324 of the side wall, forming an annular boss 330 therewith. Prior to full assembly of the follower mechanism 300, the annular lip 328 extends axially outward parallel to a central longitudinal axis 332 of the outer cup 320, while the annular boss 330 lies in a plane transverse to the central longitudinal axis 332. When forming the outer cup 320, the annular lip 334 may initially be formed radially inward as the other components of the roller follower are preferably placed into the outer cup 320 from the end where the annular lip 328 is located. In addition, a boss 331 or seat is provided between the first wall portion 324 and the second wall portion 326 of the inner surface of the outer cup 320 for receiving a corresponding pair of bosses 348 formed on the outer surface of the inner cup 340. The boss 331 lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 332 of the follower 300.

With additional reference to fig. 15A and 15B, preferably, the inner cup 340 includes a side wall 345 (the side wall 345 includes two opposing curved portions 346 with two parallel side portions 344 extending between the two opposing curved portions 346), a bottom wall 356, a pair of axial apertures 350 defined by the side wall 344, and a retention tab 352 disposed on one of the curved portions 346 of the side wall. As best shown in fig. 14A, when fully inserted into the outer cup 320, the boss 348 of the inner cup 340 rests on the annular boss 331 of the outer cup 320 and the retention tabs 352 extend outward into the apertures in the sidewall of the outer cup 320 resulting from the formation of the alignment features 342. Note that the inner cup 340 can be inserted directly into the outer cup 320 with minimal force because the alignment tab 352 is angled such that it projects the sidewall of the outer cup 320 outward until it engages the aperture of the alignment feature 342. Once fully inserted into the outer cup 320 and rotationally positioned by the retention tabs 352, the inner cup 340 is retained therein by folding the annular lip 328 inwardly, such as by crimping, rotational crimping, press forming, or the like, until the annular lip 328 engages the upper surface 341 of the curved sidewall portion 346 of the inner cup. In this way, the inner cup 340 is non-rotatably squeezed between the annular lip 328 and the annular boss 331. Note that since the outer cup 320 does not directly support the shaft 362 of the roller follower 360, it does not require the heat treatment process that is typically performed on outer cups of known follower mechanisms. In this way, the folding/crimping operation performed on the annular lip 328 is facilitated. However, in those applications where heat treatment of the outer cup 320 is required for wear purposes, the heat treatment process occurs after the alignment features 342 are formed. Next, before the annular lip 328 is folded inwardly, crimped, etc., the annular lip 328 is tempered for ease of handling and to help prevent cracking.

Preferably, the inner cup 340 is formed from a metal slab of low, medium or high carbon steel or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing and is subjected to a heat treatment process because it directly supports the shaft 362 of the driven mechanism 300. Prior to the heat treatment process, the shaft aperture 350 is pierced in the flat side wall portion 344 of the inner cup 340. Prior to any heat treatment process, the lubrication apertures 354 are also pierced in the bottom wall 356 of the inner cup 340. As shown, the bottom wall 356 is preferably flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 332 of the follower 300. The bottom wall 356 helps to transfer force from the follower 300 to the corresponding pump rod, valve stem, etc.

As best shown in fig. 13, roller follower 360 includes a shaft 362, an outer race 366, and a plurality of rollers 364 disposed therebetween such that race 366 is free to rotate about shaft 362. The opposite end of the shaft 362 is received in the shaft aperture 350 of the inner cup 340. When assembled, the roller follower 360 extends axially outward beyond the top edge of the outer cup 320 such that the outer surface of the race 366 engages the corresponding lobe 184 of the camshaft 182, as shown in fig. 6. Preferably, shaft aperture 350 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 362 such that shaft 362 is free to rotate therein. Alternatively, the opposite end of the shaft 362 may be riveted, swaged, etc. to the inner cup 340, thereby preventing rotation relative thereto. Note that when the shaft 362 is free to rotate within the shaft aperture 350, axial movement of the shaft 362 is limited by abutment with the inner surface 326 of the outer cup 320 at either end. Preferably, the flat inner surfaces of the parallel side wall portions 344 of the inner cup 340 serve as bearing surfaces for the ends of the rollers 364, thereby eliminating the need for washers at the opposite ends of the rollers 364. Preferably, annular beveled edges 368 are provided on opposite ends of the outer race 366 to allow the overall size of the outer race 366 to be maximized without contacting the circular bottom corners of the inner cup 340.

As shown in fig. 17A-19B, an alternative embodiment of a follower mechanism 400 according to the present disclosure includes a substantially cylindrical outer cup 420, an inner cup 440 received therein, a spacer element 470, a roller follower 460 supported by the inner cup 440, and an alignment device 442 formed on the outer cup 420. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the driven mechanism 400 may be used with the high pressure fuel pump 180 (fig. 6) of an internal combustion engine, although other uses of the driven mechanism 400 are possible.

With additional reference to FIG. 22, the outer cup 420 includes a cylindrical outer surface 424, a cylindrical inner surface 426 substantially concentric therewith, and an alignment device 442. The outer cup 420 is formed from a metal sheet blank of low, medium or high carbon steel or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing. Prior to any heat treatment process, the semi-circular alignment features 442 are preferably pierced into the sidewalls of the outer cup 420. Specifically, a dog bone aperture 422 is pierced in the sidewall, which provides two protrusions that are bent radially outward by shaping, resulting in an alignment feature 442.

The outer cup 420 includes annular lips 428 and 434 formed at each of its opposite ends. The annular lip 428 is thinner in the radial direction than the sidewall of the outer cup 420, forming an annular boss 430 therewith. Prior to full assembly of the follower mechanism 400, the annular lip 428 extends axially outward parallel to a central longitudinal axis 432 of the outer cup 420, while the annular boss 430 lies in a plane transverse to the central longitudinal axis 432. When forming the outer cup 420, the annular lip 434 may initially be formed radially inward as the other components of the roller follower are preferably placed into the outer cup 420 from the end where the annular lip 428 is located. Unlike the previously described embodiments, the outer cup 420 does not include a boss formed on its inner surface 426 that is configured to support the inner cup 440. Rather, the follower mechanism 400 includes a spacer element 470 that supports the inner cup 440 within the outer cup 420, as described below.

Referring additionally to fig. 19A, 19B and 21, preferably, spacer element 470 comprises a cylindrical side wall 474 and an upper wall 476, the cylindrical side wall 474 including a plurality of apertures 472 formed therein, and the upper wall 476 including a plurality of lubrication apertures 478 formed therein. As best shown in fig. 19A and 19B, when fully inserted into the outer cup 420, the bottom edge of the side wall 474 abuts the annular lip 434 such that the upper wall 476 is transverse to the longitudinal central axis 432 and is positioned to support the inner cup 440 in the outer cup 420.

Preferably, the spacer element 470 is formed from a metal sheet blank of low, medium or high carbon steel or alloy steel by a stamping process or a deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing and is not subjected to a heat treatment process because it does not directly support the shaft 462 of the follower 400. As a means of reducing the overall weight of follower mechanism 400, apertures 472 are pierced in side walls 474 of spacer elements 470. The lubrication apertures 478 are also pierced in the upper wall 476 of the spacer element 470 such that they are at least partially aligned with the lubrication apertures 454 formed in the bottom wall 456 of the inner cup 440. As shown, the upper wall 476 is preferably flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 432 of the follower 400 to facilitate the transfer of force from the follower 400 to a corresponding pump stem, valve stem, or the like.

Referring additionally to fig. 20, preferably, the inner cup 440 includes a sidewall 445 (the sidewall 445 includes two opposing curved portions 446 between which two parallel sides 444 extend), a plurality of apertures 451 defined in the sidewall, a bottom wall 456, a pair of shaft apertures 450 defined by the sidewall 444, and a retaining tab 452 disposed on one of the curved portions 446 of the sidewall. As best shown in fig. 19A, when fully inserted into the outer cup 420, the bottom wall 456 of the inner cup 440 rests on the upper wall 476 of the spacer element 470 and the retention tabs 452 extend outwardly into the apertures 422 in the side wall of the outer cup 420 resulting from the formation of the alignment features 442. Note that the inner cup 440 can be inserted directly into the outer cup 420 with minimal force because the alignment tab 452 is angled such that it projects the sidewall of the outer cup 420 outward until it engages the aperture of the alignment feature 442. Once fully inserted into the outer cup 420 and rotationally positioned by the retention tabs 452, the inner cup 440 is retained therein by folding the annular lip 428 inwardly, such as by crimping, rotational crimping, press forming, or the like, until the annular lip 428 engages the upper surface 441 of the curved sidewall portion 446 of the inner cup. In this way, the inner cup 440 is non-rotatably compressed between the annular lip 428 and the spacer element 470 that abuts the annular boss 434. Note that since the outer cup 420 does not directly support the shaft 462 of the roller follower 460, it does not require the heat treatment process that is typically performed on outer cups of known follower mechanisms. In this manner, the folding/crimping operation performed on the annular lip 428 is facilitated. However, in those applications where heat treatment of the outer cup 420 is required for wear purposes, the heat treatment process occurs after the apertures 422 of the alignment features 442 are formed by piercing. Next, before the annular lip 428 is folded inwardly, crimped, etc., the annular lip 428 is tempered for ease of handling and to help prevent cracking.

Preferably, the inner cup 440 is formed from a metal sheet blank of low, medium or high carbon steel or alloy steel by a stamping process or deep drawing process using multi-station transfer or progressive pressing and is subjected to a heat treatment process because it directly supports the shaft 462 of the follower 400. Prior to the heat treatment process, the shaft aperture 450 is pierced in the flat sidewall portion 444 of the inner cup 440, as is the aperture 451 in the curved sidewall portion 446. Prior to any heat treatment process, lubrication apertures 454 are also pierced in the bottom wall 456 of the inner cup 440. As shown, the bottom wall 456 is preferably flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 432 of the follower 400. The bottom wall 456 facilitates the transfer of forces from the roller follower 460 to the spacer element 470 and, thus, to the corresponding pump stem, valve stem, etc.

As best shown in fig. 18, roller follower 460 includes a shaft 462, an outer race 466, and a plurality of rollers 464 disposed therebetween such that race 466 is free to rotate about shaft 462. The opposite end of the shaft 462 is received in the shaft aperture 450 of the inner cup 440. When assembled, the roller follower 460 extends axially outward beyond the top edge of the outer cup 420 such that the outer surface of the race 466 engages the corresponding lobe 184 of the camshaft 182, as shown in fig. 6. Preferably, the diameter of the shaft aperture 450 is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 462 so that the shaft 462 is free to rotate therein. Alternatively, the opposite end of the shaft 462 may be riveted, swaged, etc. to the inner cup 440, thereby preventing rotation relative thereto. Note that when the shaft 462 is free to rotate within the shaft aperture 450, axial movement of the shaft 462 is limited by abutment with the inner surface 426 of the outer cup 420 at either end. Note that the flat inner surfaces of the parallel side wall portions 444 of the inner cup 440 do not require washers at the opposite ends of the rollers 464. Preferably, annular beveled edges 468 are provided on opposite ends of the outer race 466 to allow the overall size of the outer race 466 to be maximized without contacting the rounded bottom corners of the inner cup 440.

While one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. It is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Priority requirement

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.62/323,110 filed on 2016, month 4, and day 15, and U.S. provisional patent application No.62/379,505 filed on 2016, month 8, and day 25, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.