JPWO2015107836A1 - Valve lifter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve lifter having a surface structure suitable for sliding conditions capable of reducing friction loss with excellent lubrication performance. SOLUTION: A first texture groove 132 for retaining lubricating oil is formed in the central region 130 defined by a radius r1 from the center of the crown surface of the valve lifter 100 of the present invention, and further an intermediate region. A second texture groove 152 for holding lubricating oil is formed in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral region 150 defined by the radii r2 and r3 with 140 therebetween. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a valve lifter used in a direct-acting valve operating mechanism, and more particularly to a surface structure of a valve lifter crown surface.

  In order to improve fuel efficiency in response to energy and environmental problems, reducing friction loss of an internal combustion engine has become an important issue. Examples of main sliding parts of the internal combustion engine include a valve system, a piston system, and a crankshaft system. Friction loss accounts for 75 to 90% in these main sliding parts, and the ratio of piston rings, pistons, and connecting rods is high in the middle and high speed rotation range, and the ratio of friction in the valve system is high in the low speed rotation range. There are various technologies for reducing these friction losses, basically reducing the surface roughness of the sliding surface to lower the frictional resistance, and providing a surface structure with improved oil retention from the viewpoint of lubrication. Improvements have been made.

  One typical valve operating system for an internal combustion engine is a valve lifter. The valve lifter is a member that is disposed between the cam and the valve, and converts the rotational movement of the cam into the opening / closing movement of the valve (Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.). The valve lifter has a valve lifter body including a crown portion and a skirt portion, and the cam slides on the crown surface, so it is desirable to reduce the frictional resistance on the valve lifter crown surface. For example, in Patent Document 3, a plateau-like convex portion is formed on the sliding surface of the valve lifter, and a groove-like concave portion is deepest at the sliding central portion and has a surface structure that becomes shallower toward the stroke end. This prevents oil shortage at the center and reduces friction loss at the center. In Patent Document 4, a large number of rectangular recesses are formed concentrically in the central portion of the valve lifter crown surface, and a large number of circular recesses are formed in an annular portion away from the center to reduce the frictional resistance. .

JP 2008-240601 A JP 2008-215172 A JP 2002-235852 JP 2007-46660 A

  1A is a schematic sectional view of a valve lifter valve operating system, FIG. 1B is a sectional view when the valve lifter is raised and the valve is closed, and FIG. 1C is a valve lifter lowered and the valve is It is sectional drawing when it opens. A valve lifter 14 is disposed in a bore 12 formed in the cylinder head 10 so as to be movable up and down with an appropriate clearance. A cam 16 that slides on the crown of the valve lifter 14 is attached to a camshaft 18, and the camshaft 18 is rotated by a drive system 20 such as a chain. The lubricating oil supplied to the space 18A in the camshaft 18 is supplied to the cam journal portion 24 and the cam journal cap 26 through the holes 22, and the lubricating oil that has further lubricated the cam journal portion 24 is indirectly outer periphery thereof. Part is used for lubrication of the valve lifter 14. Although not shown here, a weir for storing lubricating oil is formed on the outer periphery of the bore 12 of the cylinder head 10 so that the lubricating oil is quickly supplied to the valve lifter at the time of startup.

  Thus, the lubricating oil is supplied to the valve lifter 14 as the cam shaft 18 rotates, and the cam 16 slides on the crown surface of the valve lifter in a certain direction. Further, since the center of the cam width is somewhat offset from the center of the valve lifter 14, when the cam 16 slides on the crown surface, a rotational moment is given to the valve lifter 14, and the valve lifter 14 rotates. The sliding condition of the valve lifter crown surface that is slid by such rotational reciprocation of the cam varies depending on the region. In particular, there is a great difference in the sliding conditions between the central area of the crown surface and the outer peripheral area. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the valve lifter crown surface, and for convenience, the center region 40 and the outer peripheral region 50 are illustrated by hatching.

(Surface pressure)
Since the central region 40 is a region that directly transmits the rotational motion of the cam 16 to the valve stem 28 disposed on the back side thereof, the surface pressure Pc of the central region 40 is larger than the surface pressure Pp of the outer peripheral region 50. (Pc> Pp).
(Number of contacts)
Since the valve lifter 14 is always rotated, the contact frequency or the contact frequency Np between the outer peripheral region 50 and the cam 16 is smaller than the contact frequency Nc between the central region 40 and the cam 16 (Nc> Np). In other words, since the outer peripheral region 50 that contacts the cam 16 is rotated, there is less chance of contact compared to the central region 40.

  When the surface pressure Pc of the central region 40 increases, the oil retaining property of the lubricating oil decreases and the frictional resistance of the central region 40 increases.

  The outer peripheral region 50 can include a region where the pulling speed of the lubricating oil becomes very small, or a point where the pulling speed becomes zero. In such a region or point, the oil retention of the lubricating oil is further deteriorated. As described above, the cam 16 slides on the crown surface in a certain direction, while the valve lifter 14 rotates in a certain direction. Therefore, there is a relative speed between the sliding speed of the cam 16 and the rotation speed of the valve lifter 14. A point where zero occurs, that is, a point where the lubricating oil pull-in speed becomes zero occurs. The point at which the pull-in speed becomes 0 may occur in the outer peripheral region 50 where the circumferential speed on the crown surface generally increases, although it depends on the sliding speed of the cam. Further, the decrease in the oil retaining property of the outer peripheral region 50 adversely affects the lubrication between the skirt portion of the valve lifter 14 and the bore. In other words, the valve lifter given a rotational moment moves up and down in the bore while receiving a force that is inclined in the axial direction. Therefore, if the lubricating oil becomes insufficient, the wear at the upper end or the lower end of the bore 12 increases. Clearance is lost, which causes abnormal noise.

  As described above, since the sliding conditions are different between the central region 40 and the outer peripheral region 50 of the crown surface of the valve lifter 14, if the lubrication of the central region 40 and the outer peripheral region 50 is not optimized, friction loss increases and fuel efficiency is improved. In addition to being unable to do so, there is a problem that the product life due to wear is reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a valve lifter having a surface structure suitable for sliding conditions capable of solving such problems of the prior art and having excellent lubrication performance and reducing friction loss.

  The valve lifter according to the present invention is disposed between the valve and the cam, and converts the rotational operation of the cam into the lift operation of the valve, and has a first distance in the radial direction from the center of the circular valve lifter crown surface. The first texture groove for holding the lubricating oil is formed in the circumferential direction in the central region defined by the above, and is defined by a second distance in the radial direction across an intermediate region adjacent to the central region. A second texture groove for holding lubricating oil is formed in the outer circumferential region in the circumferential direction.

  Preferably, an amorphous hard carbon film is formed on the crown surface of the valve lifter, and first and second texture grooves are formed on the amorphous hard carbon film. Preferably, the outer peripheral region includes a region where the lubricating oil drawing speed is zero. Preferably, the first and second texture grooves are herringbone patterns. Preferably, at least one of the first and second texture grooves is a groove continuous in the circumferential direction. Preferably, at least one of the first and second texture grooves is a groove discontinuous in the circumferential direction. Preferably, no texture groove is formed in the intermediate region. Preferably, a third texture groove is formed in the intermediate region, the groove being shallower than the first and second texture grooves and having a larger groove pitch. Preferably, the third texture groove is a linear groove extending in the radial direction. Preferably, the texture groove is formed by laser processing. Preferably, the lubricating oil is a molybdenum-based oil.

  The valve lifter according to the present invention is disposed between the valve and the cam, and converts the rotational operation of the cam into the lift operation of the valve. An amorphous hard carbon film is formed on the crown of the circular valve lifter. Then, herringbone texture grooves that are continuous in the circumferential direction are formed on the amorphous hard carbon coating.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the valve lifter which was excellent in lubrication performance and reduced the friction loss can be provided.

1A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a valve lifter valve operating system, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view when the valve lifter is raised and the valve is closed, and FIG. 1C is a view showing the valve lifter being lowered. It is sectional drawing when a valve opens. It is a top view of the conventional valve lifter crown surface. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the surface structure of the crown surface of the valve lifter of this embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. It is a figure which shows an example of the herringbone-shaped texture groove | channel formed in the valve lifter crown surface which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the other texture pattern formed in the valve lifter crown surface which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the experimental result which compares the friction torque of the valve lifter by a present Example, and the valve lifter in which the texture groove | channel is not formed. It is a top view of the surface structure of the valve lifter crown surface concerning the 2nd example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the texture groove | channel formed in the valve lifter crown surface which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention.

  The valve lifter according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the scale of the drawings is emphasized for easy understanding of the features of the invention, and is not necessarily the same as the scale of actual devices and parts.

  The valve lifter according to the present embodiment is disposed between the valve stem and the cam in the direct stroke type valve operating mechanism of the internal combustion engine and has a function of transmitting the lift operation of the cam to the valve. Further, the valve lifter may be provided with a pausing mechanism for pausing or operating the lift operation of the valve stem by controlling the hydraulic ON / OFF. For example, when the internal combustion engine is operated at a low speed, the cam lift operation is stopped so as not to be transmitted to the valve, and when the internal combustion engine is operated at a medium or high speed, the cam lift operation is transmitted to the valve.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of the valve lifter according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. As shown in FIG. 3B, the valve lifter 100 according to the present embodiment has a generally inverted cup-shaped valve lifter main body, and the valve lifter main body extends in a vertical direction from the circular crown portion 110 and the crown portion 110. And a circumferential skirt portion 120. Although not shown in detail here, a valve pausing mechanism can be arranged in the space in the skirt portion 120.

  The material of the valve lifter body can be carburized SCM material according to JIS standard, and other steel materials, castings, iron alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys and high strength resins can be used. Preferably, in order to improve the wear resistance, a hard film is formed on the surface of the crown portion 110 by nitriding treatment, such as a nitride layer, a Cr plating film, titanium nitride, or chromium nitride. As a more preferred embodiment, an amorphous hard carbon coating (hereinafter referred to as a DLC (Diamond like carbon) coating) 112 having high hardness and excellent friction characteristics is formed on the surface of the crown 110. The DLC film 112 may be formed directly on the surface of the substrate, but may be formed via an intermediate layer of a metal such as Cr or a metal nitride thereof in order to improve adhesion. For the base material on which the DLC coating 112 is formed, a steel material such as SCM415 material or an iron-based alloy, or a steel material or an iron-based alloy subjected to a hardening heat treatment such as a carburizing treatment or a quenching treatment to have a surface hardness of HRC 53 or more. It is preferable to use it. The DLC film 112 can be formed by a PVD method, a CVD method, a PACVD method, or the like. For example, when the DLC film 112 is formed by the arc ion plating method, a hydrogen content of 0.5 atomic% or less is preferable from the viewpoints of hardness and wear resistance. The film thickness of the DLC film 112 can be, for example, about 0.3 to 1.5 μm for the PVD method and about 20 μm for the CVD method. Ra0.01-0.03 is suitable for the surface roughness of the DLC film 112 from a viewpoint of the aggressiveness to a cam. A thick boss 122 is formed on the back surface side of the crown portion 110, and the boss 112 is brought into contact with a valve stem or a shim interposed therebetween. In the following description, a valve lifter in which the DLC film 112 is formed on the crown part 110 is illustrated, but the present invention does not require the DLC film 112 and the valve lifter in which the surface of the crown part 110 is nitrided. It should be noted that this is also applicable.

  A DLC coating 112 formed on the top layer of the crown 110 provides a crown surface 114 on which the cam slides. A texture groove 132 is formed in the central region 130 of the crown surface 114. The texture groove 132 is a fine uneven groove having regularity or periodicity. Such a texture groove 132 has a function of holding lubricating oil and the like as will be described later. The center region 130 is defined by a distance of a radius r1 from the center of the valve lifter 100. Preferably, the radius r1 defines a region where the surface pressure Pc is relatively high due to sliding with the cam or a region where the contact frequency Nc is relatively high. For example, the radius r1 can be set to a value at which the surface pressure Pc is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold based on engine design specifications or the like, or a value at which the contact frequency Nc is equal to or greater than the threshold. In another example, the radius r1 can be a value equal to or larger than the radius of the boss 122 formed on the back surface of the crown 110 by a certain value.

  An intermediate region 140 is defined adjacent to the central region 130. The intermediate region 140 is a region surrounded by a radius r1 and a radius r2 (r1 <r2). In this embodiment, no texture groove is formed in the intermediate region 140, and the surface of the intermediate region 140 is the DLC film 112.

  An outer peripheral area 150 is defined adjacent to the intermediate area 140. The outer peripheral region 150 is a region surrounded by a radius r2 and a radius r3 (r3> r2). A texture groove 152 is formed in the outer peripheral region 150. The texture groove 152 may have the same configuration as the texture groove 132 formed in the central region 130 or may have a different configuration. The configuration of the texture groove is specified from, for example, a pattern, depth, pitch, size, area ratio, and cross-sectional shape.

  The outer peripheral region 150 is a region in which the surface pressure Pp is relatively small, the number of contact times Np with the cam is relatively small, and the pull-in of the lubricating oil is small. For example, the radius r3 can be set to a value at which the surface pressure Pp is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, or a value at which the contact frequency Np is equal to or less than the threshold value. Furthermore, the outer peripheral region 150 includes a point where the lubricating oil pull-in speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, that is, a point where the relative speed between the cam and the crown surface is equal to or lower than the threshold value. Includes a point at which the retraction speed or relative speed becomes zero.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, the texture grooves 132 and 152 in the central region 130 and the outer peripheral region 150 are formed by laser processing. By scanning the laser beam optically, a fine and complicated texture groove having periodicity or regularity can be formed on the DLC film 112. The depth of the groove can be arbitrarily adjusted by the output of the laser beam. For example, a groove of about 300 nm can be formed. Although the pitch of the grooves is also arbitrary, for example, a pitch of 0.1 to 0.2 mm can be formed.

  The texture groove has a periodic structure including fine irregularities, and has an effect of retaining the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding surface in the groove. If the oil retention is increased by holding the lubricating oil, the oil film is prevented from being thinned, and good lubrication with reduced friction loss can be obtained.

  When viewed in terms of the amount of oil (oil film thickness) between the sliding cam and the crown surface 114, the outer peripheral region 150 theoretically includes a timing at which the oil film thickness instantaneously becomes almost 0 (the oil film is cut). At this moment, the oil film cannot be dynamically formed. On the other hand, although the central region 130 has a high surface pressure, an oil film is formed somewhat, so that a better lubrication state can be obtained theoretically than the outer peripheral region 150, but the contact load is high, Also, the lubrication state of the crown surface 114 becomes severe due to abnormal behavior (bounce, spring surging) of the inertia system at high rotation. Further, since the number of repetitions of sliding with the cam is several times as large as that of the outer peripheral region 150, the amount of wear inevitably increases.

  By forming the texture groove 132 in the central region 130, the supplied lubricating oil is effectively held in the groove, and a constant oil film of the lubricating oil can be formed even when a high contact pressure is applied with a large number of contact times Nc. Maintained, and therefore the lubrication performance of the central region 130 is improved.

  By forming the texture groove 152 in the outer peripheral region 150, a small amount of lubricating oil is held in the groove and a constant oil film is maintained, and therefore the lubricating performance of the outer peripheral region 150 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, no texture groove is formed in the intermediate region 140. The intermediate region 140 has a smaller surface pressure than the central region 130. For this reason, in the intermediate | middle area | region 140, sufficient lubrication can be obtained by the surface treatment by the DLC film 112, and a texture groove | channel is not essential. By eliminating the need for processing the texture groove in the intermediate region 140, the cycle time for forming the texture groove by laser processing can be increased, productivity can be improved, and cost can be reduced.

  Next, a preferred example of the texture groove is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a part of the texture grooves 132 and 152 in the central region 130 and the outer peripheral region 150. The texture grooves 132 and 152 are configured by grooves of a so-called herringbone pattern. Each groove is substantially V-shaped, and is continuous in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of sets are arranged in the radial direction. The herringbone has a groove that intersects the cam sliding direction at a constant angle, and this is continuous in the circumferential direction, so that the lubricating oil is easily held in the groove.

  FIG. 4B is a modification of part of the herringbone of FIG. In FIG. 4 (B), the groove at the tip of the herringbone is eliminated, and the continuity in the circumferential direction is cut off. Such a herringbone pattern particularly improves the retention of oil film pressure in the cam width direction of the outer peripheral region 150. Therefore, the texture groove 132 in the central region 130 may be formed in the pattern shown in FIG. 4A, and the texture groove 152 in the outer peripheral region 150 may be formed in the pattern shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the size and pitch of the herringbone in the outer peripheral region 150 are made larger than the size and pitch of the herringbone in the central region 130 according to the area. It may be the same or may be appropriately changed according to the sliding condition.

  The texture grooves 132 and 152 of this embodiment are not limited to the herringbone but may be other patterns (patterns). An example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5A, diamond-shaped grooves are continuously formed in the circumferential direction, and the same effect as the herringbone groove shown in FIG. 4A can be obtained. FIG. 5 (B) is a block of the continuous continuity in the circumferential direction of the rhombic groove and the outer peripheral side of the crown surface of FIG. 5 (A), and this makes it possible to maintain the oil film pressure.

  FIG. 5C shows an example in which 45 ° and 135 ° oblique grooves are alternately set in the circumferential direction to form continuous V-shaped grooves in the radial direction. The length of the groove is set to be relatively long. FIG. 5D is a diagram in which the continuity in the radial direction of each hatched groove in FIG. 5C is cut off. FIG. 5E shows a structure in which a relatively short groove of 45 ° is formed in the circumferential direction, each groove position is offset in the radial direction, and the groove is rectangularized. FIG. 5 (F) is a pattern in which oblique grooves in the 135 ° direction are formed, and is a pattern in the reverse direction to FIG. 5 (E). FIG. 5G shows a configuration in which rectangular grooves are formed in the circumferential direction and upper and lower grooves are offset in the radial direction.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows experimental data for comparing the friction torque between the valve lifter according to this embodiment and the valve lifter (comparative example) in which the texture groove is not formed on the crown surface. In the valve lifter of this embodiment, a herringbone texture groove as shown in FIG. 4A is formed on the DLC coating 112, while the valve lifter of the comparative example has only a DLC coating formed on the crown surface. is there. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show the friction when the friction torque of the comparative example is 1 at the cam rotation speeds of 500 rpm, 1000 rpm and 1500 rpm when the oil temperature is 40 ° C., 80 ° C. and 120 ° C. The torque ratio is shown.

  In the valve lifter of this embodiment, when the oil temperature is relatively low, 40 ° C., the friction torque is significantly lower than that of the comparative example when the cam rotation speed is around 500 rpm. When the cam rotation speed was 500 rpm, it was confirmed that the valve lifter of this example had a reduction in friction torque of 8% compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, it can be seen that as the oil temperature increases, the cam rotation speed that causes a reduction in the friction torque also increases. When the cam rotation speed at an oil temperature of 80 ° C. is 500 rpm, the valve lifter of the present embodiment confirms a 15% reduction in friction torque compared to the comparative example, and when the cam rotation speed at an oil temperature of 120 ° C. is 500 rpm, it is 26%. Reduction of friction torque was confirmed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a view showing the surface structure of the valve lifter crown according to the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the texture groove 142 is formed in the intermediate region 140. Since the intermediate region 140 has a sliding condition different from that of the central region 130 and the outer peripheral region 150, a texture groove suitable for the sliding condition is formed. Since the outer peripheral region 150 is less likely to receive the lubricating oil than the central region 130, the texture groove 142 of the intermediate region 140 is configured in a pattern that allows the lubricating oil to easily flow from the central region 130 to the outer peripheral region 150. For example, the texture groove 142 may be a groove extending in the radial direction so that the texture groove 132 and the texture groove 152 are continuous. In this case, it is desirable that the texture groove 142 is shallower and has a larger groove pitch than the texture grooves 132 and 152 in the center region 130 and the outer peripheral region 150. Thereby, the flow resistance of lubricating oil can be reduced.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the texture groove of the second embodiment. In FIG. 8A, the texture groove 142 is configured by a substantially vertical groove extending in the radial direction, and the fluid resistance from the central region 130 to the outer peripheral region 150 is reduced. 8A is a combination with the herringbone of FIG. 4A, FIG. 8B is a combination with the pattern shown in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 8C is FIG. 5C. FIG. 8D shows a combination with the pattern shown in FIG. 5G. Although not shown here, a combination with FIGS. 5B, 5D, and 5F may be used.

  In addition to the above combinations, a texture groove is formed on the entire valve lifter crown so that the depth of the texture groove 142 in the intermediate region 140 is shallower than the depth of the texture grooves 132 and 152 in the central region 130 and the outer peripheral region 150. The laser output may be controlled. In this case, the texture grooves 132 and 152 and the texture groove 142 may be the same pattern or different patterns.

  In the above-described embodiment, the oil retaining property of the lubricating oil is improved by the texture groove formed on the crown surface of the valve lifter, and the lubrication performance is improved. An effect can be obtained.

  By forming texture grooves that are optimal for the roughness and hardness of the cam, an initial smoothing effect with the cam sliding surface can be obtained. Further, the DLC coating 112 may not have good oil retention depending on the combination of lubricating oils. For example, molybdenum oil has poor affinity with the DLC film and is easily repelled by the DLC film. By forming textured grooves having periodicity, regularity, and continuity in the DLC film 112 as in this embodiment, molybdenum oil is easily retained on the DLC film.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

100, 100A: Valve lifter 110: Crown part 112: DLC film 114: Crown surface 120: Skirt part 122: Boss 130: Center area 132: Texture groove 140: Intermediate area 142: Texture groove 150: Outer peripheral area 152: Texture groove

Claims (12)

A valve lifter that is disposed between the valve and the cam and converts the rotational operation of the cam into the lift operation of the valve,
A first texture groove for holding lubricating oil is formed in the circumferential direction in the central region defined by a first distance in the radial direction from the center of the circular valve lifter crown surface, and is adjacent to the central region. A valve lifter in which a second texture groove for holding lubricating oil is formed in the circumferential direction in an outer circumferential region defined by a second distance in the radial direction across the intermediate region. The valve lifter according to claim 1, wherein an amorphous hard carbon coating is formed on the valve lifter crown surface, and first and second texture grooves are formed on the amorphous hard carbon coating. 3. The valve lifter according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral region includes a region in which a lubricating oil drawing speed is zero. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second texture grooves are herringbone patterns. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first and second texture grooves is a groove continuous in the circumferential direction. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first and second texture grooves is a groove that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein no texture groove is formed in the intermediate region. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a third texture groove having a groove shallower and a groove pitch larger than the first and second texture grooves is formed in the intermediate region. The valve lifter according to claim 8, wherein the third texture groove is a linear groove extending in the radial direction. A valve lifter that is disposed between the valve and the cam and converts the rotational operation of the cam into the lift operation of the valve,
An amorphous hard carbon coating is formed on the crown of the circular valve lifter,
A valve lifter in which a herringbone texture groove continuous in the circumferential direction is formed on the amorphous hard carbon film. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the texture groove is formed by laser processing. The valve lifter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lubricating oil is a molybdenum-based oil.

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