WO2020088800A1

WO2020088800A1 - Pump actuator and method of assembling same

Info

Publication number: WO2020088800A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/025372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael HALSMER; Anuja DEVI; Kapil MOHADIKAR; Vikram DEOKAR; Pratik AHER; John P. Chapman
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date: 2018-11-03
Filing date: 2019-10-30
Publication date: 2020-05-07

Abstract

A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure comprises an outer body, an inner body and an axle. The inner body is received by the outer body. The axle is supported by the inner body. The bearing is supported on the axle. The inner body can include an angled bottom having a web geometry including a first and a second converging angled walls and a bottom wall that connects the first and second converging angled walls.

Description

PUMP ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a pump actuator or roller tappet and more particularly to a pump actuator having improved load carrying capacity and reduced manufacturing costs.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A pump actuator is an integral component of a spark ignition direct injection (SI Dl) fuel system. The pump actuator redirects the fuel pump cam rotary motion into linear fuel pump drive motion. The pump actuator is a roller follower that is sandwiched between a cam and a gasoline direct injection (GDI) pump. During operation the pump actuator will pressurize fuel inside the GDI pump so as to maintain pressure inside the fuel rail. Typical direct injection fuel pressure can be 90 times higher than conventional fuel pressures. It is desirable to increase load carrying capacity and reduce friction of the pump actuator. Furthermore, it is desirable to reduce cost with alternate geometry, materials and manufacturing processes.

[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0004] A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure comprises an outer body, an inner body and an axle. The inner body is received by the outer body. The axle is supported by the inner body. The bearing is supported on the axle. The inner body can include an angled bottom having a web geometry including a first and a second converging angled walls and a bottom wall that connects the first and second converging angled walls. [0005] According to additional features, the axle is supported by an axle support comprising detents that locate into respective indents defined on opposite distal ends of the axle. The inner body deflects outwardly during advancement of the axle into the axle support until the detents align with the indents in the assembled position. A load path through the axle support flows exclusively through the inner body. The bearing can comprise needles. Washers can be disposed on opposite locations on the axle outboard of the needles. The outer body can comprise at least one tab that is deflected into engagement with a complementary lip formed on the inner body. The at least one tab can comprise a pair of diametrically opposed tabs formed on the outer body that are deflected toward complementary pairs of lips formed on the inner body. The outer body can include an inset wall that defines a pocket that receives a pin that assists to orient the actuator relative to an engine bore. The inset wall further contacts an engagement wall of the inner body and orients the inner body relative to the outer body.

[0006] A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure includes an outer body, an inner body, an axle and a bearing. The inner body is received by the outer body and has lip surfaces thereon. The inner body further comprises an axle support having detents thereon. The axle can be supported by the inner body. The axle defines indents formed on opposite ends thereof. The bearing can be supported on the axle. The axle can be received at the axle support. The inner body can deflect outwardly during advancement of the axle into the axle support until the detents align with the indents in the assembled position.

[0007] In other features, the outer body can include tabs that are deflected into engagement with the lip surfaces to inhibit the inner body from dropping within the outer body. The tabs can be disposed on diametrically opposite portions of the outer body. The inner body can include an angled bottom having a web geometry including a first and a second converging angled walls and a bottom wall that connects the first and second converging angled walls. A load path through the axle support flows exclusively through the inner body. The bearing can comprise needles. Washers can be disposed on opposite locations on the axle outboard of the needles. The outer body can include an inset wall that defines a pocket that receives a pin that assists to orient the actuator relative to an engine bore. The inset wall can further contact the engagement wall of the inner body and orient the inner body relative to the outer body.

[0008] A method of assembling a pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump is disclosed. An outer body, an inner body and an axle are provided. The outer body has inwardly deflected tabs. The inner body has lip surfaces and an axle support including detents extending therefrom. The axle defines indents on opposite ends thereof. The axle and bearing are advanced collectively into the axle support. The axle is advanced whereby the inner body deflects outwardly during advancement of the axle. The advancing is continued until the detents of the axle support locate into the indents of the axle and the inner body retracts inwardly into the assembled position.

[0009] In additional features, the inner body is located into the outer body such that the respective tabs engage the lip surfaces to inhibit the inner body from dropping within the outer body. Washers can be located on opposite ends of the axle prior to advancing the axle and bearing into the axle support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pump actuator arranged between a cam on a camshaft and a high pressure GDI pump according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pump actuator having a plain roller bearing according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pump actuator having a plain roller bearing and having a diamond like coating (DLC) in accordance to another example of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pump actuator body having a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) sheet fixed thereon;

[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one prior art example; [0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B show cross-sectional views of a pump actuator incorporating ribs according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art pump actuator shown in FIG. 5A;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pump actuator incorporating ribs according to another example of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pump actuator body constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pump actuator body of FIG. 9 and shown with a roller;

[0021] FIG. 1 1 is a bottom view of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 1 taken along lines A-A;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 1 taken along lines B-B;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 taken along lines A-A;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 taken along lines B-B;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 taken along lines A-A;

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 taken along lines B-B;

[0030] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines A-A;

[0032] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines B-B;

[0033] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a pump actuator of FIG. 20 shown without the bearing;

[0034] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 23 taken along lines A-A;

[0035] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 23 taken along lines B-B; [0036] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a pump actuator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the pump actuator of FIG. 26;

[0038] FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the pump actuator of FIG. 27 taken along lines

28-28;

[0039] FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the pump actuator of FIG. 27 taken along lines 29-29;

[0040] FIG. 30 is a side view of the pump actuator of FIG. 26;

[0041] FIG. 31 is a top view of the pump actuator of FIG. 26;

[0042] FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the pump actuator of FIG. 26 taken along lines

32-32;

[0043] FIG. 33 is a detail view of the inner body of the pump actuator of FIG. 32; and [0044] FIG. 34 is another detail view of the inner body of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] With initial reference to FIG. 1 , a pump actuator or roller tappet constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10. The pump actuator 10 is shown in operative engagement with a cam 12 on a camshaft 14. Translation of the pump actuator 10 pressurizes fuel inside a GDI pump 20. The pump actuator 10 uses rotatable motion of the camshaft 14 and into linear fuel pump drive motion.

[0046] A pump actuator 10A constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2. The pump actuator 10A includes a pump actuator body 30A, a plain roller 32A and an axle 34A. The plain roller 32A engages the cam 12A. The plain roller 32A can sustain higher loads (up to 7kN) as compared to prior art configuration that incorporate needle bearings that can generally sustain loads up to 4kN. In some prior art configurations that incorporate needle bearings, the inner race of the bearing (axle) and needles tend to get worn out quickly under high load. The configuration of the pump actuator 10A using a plain roller 32A can sustain higher loads. [0047] The pump actuator body 30A defines a passage 40A that accommodates oil dripping. The configuration improves lubrication as oil film can be maintained within the axle 34A and the plain roller 32A. In prior art examples, only oil dripping is used as a mode of lubrication between the roller and the cam. The axle 34A can be induction hardened. In one example, the axle can be hardened and be used to ease stamping operation. In one example, soft ends up to 54 HRC and hard middle part can be used. In this regard, the lift of the plain roller 32A can be improved. In addition, the plain roller 32A can offer better load bearing capacity and less wear.

[0048] A pump actuator 10B constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3. The pump actuator 10B includes a pump actuator body 30B, a plain roller 32B and an axle 34B. The pump actuator body 30B defines a passage 40B that accommodates oil dripping. The axle 34B has a diamond like coating (DLC) 50B disposed thereon. The plain roller 32B inner diameter and the axle 34B outer diameter can remain susceptible to wear in the absence of continuous lubrication film. The DLC 50B helps minimize this wear to great extent. Due to the use of DLC 50B, the existing method of staking the axle 34B may not be feasible since the force required for staking may influence cracking of the DLC 50B. The width wall of the body 30B can be increased to accommodate circlips 52B. In some examples, the width wall of the body 30B can be increased by 2mm such that the functional outer diameter is not affected.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a pump actuator body 30C constructed in accordance to another example. The pump actuator body 30C defines a passage 40C that accommodates oil dripping. The pump actuator body 30C includes a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) sheet 60C that is attached thereto. The FRP sheet 60C can be fixed on a pad area 62C by any suitable means 64C such as but not limited to adhesive or a press-fit mechanism. The addition of the FRP sheet 60C to the steel body 30C will give enhanced compressive strength (up to 10 times) and avoid pad failure even in case of raised loads by the GDI pump 20. The FRP sheet 60C and the steel body 30C can help achieve better resistance against compressive shear and bending failures. The FRP sheet 60C can have a thickness between 1 mm and 3mm. The thickness of the FRP sheet 60C can be decided based on margin left by pump design. [0050] A pump actuator 10D constructed in accordance to one example of prior art is shown in FIG. 5A. The pump actuator 10D includes a pump actuator body 30D, a needle bearing 32D having rollers 33D and an axle 34D. The pump actuator body 30D defines a generally cylindrical inner diameter 36D. In some applications, the geometrical configuration of the pump actuator body 30D, with the cylindrical inner diameter 36D may have undesirable load carrying capacity for some raised fuel pressures in GDI engines.

[0051] Turning now to FIG. 6, a pump actuator 10E constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown. The pump actuator 10E includes a pump actuator body 30E, a needle bearing 32E having rollers 33E and an axle 34E. The pump actuator body 30E defines an inner surface 36E that can generally define a conical profile 37E. The inner surface 36E can include ribs 38E added to the pump actuator body 30E for strengthening.

[0052] FIG. 7 reproduces the pump actuator 10D shown in FIG. 5A for reference purposes. The pump actuator 10D is shown to include a separately formed anti-rotation feature 39D. FIG. 8 shows a pump actuator 10F constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown. The pump actuator 10F includes a pump actuator body 30F, a needle bearing 32F having rollers 33F and an axle 34F. The pump actuator body 30F defines an inner surface 36F that can generally define a conical profile 37F. The inner surface 36F can include ribs 38F added to the pump actuator body 30F for strengthening. An anti-rotation feature 42F can be integrally formed with the pump actuator body 30F. The anti-rotation feature 42F can be cold formed with the pump actuator body 30F which eliminates the need for a separate anti-rotation pin 39D (FIG. 7). In some prior art designs, the pocket needed to retain the anti-rotation pin 39D must be created from a secondary operation after the initial cold forming and machining. The anti-rotation feature 42F eliminates the need for a secondary forming operation. A passage 44F is formed in the body 30F and can be used to lubricate the anti-rotation feature 42F and reduce friction.

[0053] Turning now to FIGS. 9-25, pump actuators constructed in accordance to additional examples of the present disclosure is shown. The pump actuator 10G includes a pump actuator body 30G, a needle bearing 32G having rollers 33G and an axle 34G. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, the pump actuator 10G has high strength and low mass while satisfying operational constraints related to high fuel pressure. The pump actuator body 30G eliminates the need for conventional passages used to receive an axle (see axle 34D received in passages 35D in housing 30D, FIG. 5A). Such conventional passages require machining steps such as drilling, boring and/or reaming. Further, axle retention hardware such as clips and/or assembly stations used to install the clips can be avoided. In addition, the step of staking and/or peening the axle to inhibit axle removal from the passages can be eliminated with the pump actuator 10G.

[0054] As best shown in FIG. 9, the pump actuator body 30G is formed from a single piece stamping of a unitary sheet of metal. By constructing the pump actuator body 30G out of a single piece stamping, manufacturing costs can be reduced. A seam 70G is shown where the single unitary sheet is joined. In one method of making, the outline of the body 30G would be stamped in a flat state. The legs of the axle support structure are then formed. The axle support feature (saddle, described below) is then created. Next, the two outer diameter halves are folded down and pieced together. In one example the pump actuator body 30G can be welded or otherwise connected at seams 70G. Finally, the anti-rotation feature (detent, described below) is formed. The single piece stamped versions shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are generally associated with the examples shown in FIGS. 17-25, while pump actuator bodies formed of cold forging are generally associated with the examples shown in FIGS. 1 1 -16. Similar features are however used in both versions as will become appreciated.

[0055] The pump actuator body 30G includes a saddle portion 72G that is used to support the bearing axle load. Again, the saddle portion 72G is integrally formed from the single sheet of metal stamping with the pump actuator body 30G. Unless otherwise described, the pump actuator bodies 30G1 and 30H1 shown in FIGS. 1 1 -16 can be made as a single piece through a cold forging process. The pump actuator bodies 30G1 and 30H1 are formed by cold forming. In one example, the pump actuator bodies 30G1 and 30H1 start as round stock. A puck-like structure of material is sheared off from the round stock. The remaining features are progressively formed into the puck-like structure to arrive at the geometry shown in FIGS. 12-16.

[0056] The saddle portion 72G can generally include walls 73G that have opposing detents 74G and define a relief area 76G. The axle 34G and bearing 32G are assembled as a sub-assembly and then installed together into the pump actuator body 30G by pressing past the detents 74G until the axle 34G“snaps” into the relief area 76G. The axle 34G can define indent portions 78G defined on opposite ends to receive the respective detents 76G. In an assembled position (FIG. 12), the axle 34G is free to rotate (floating axle). The axle 34G is inhibited from translating along its axis by the walls 73G and inhibited from falling out of the body 30G by the detents 74G. As best shown in FIG. 12, washers 80G are used to retain the needles 33G within the assembly. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while these features are being disclosed herein as part of a pump actuator, the same may be used for other components such as, but not limited to, type-5 roller lifters and roller rocker arms.

[0057] Turning now to FIGS. 14-16, a pump actuator 10H constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure is shown. The pump actuator 10H includes a pump actuator body 30H 1 , a bearing 32H and an axle 34H. The bearing 32H is not a needle bearing such as shown in FIGS. 1 1 -13. As there are no needles in the bearing, no washers (like washers 80G, FIG. 12) are needed. The pump actuator body 30H can be formed similarly to the pump actuator body 30G described above and will not be repeated here. Similar features are designated with like reference numerals having an “H" suffix.

[0058] Tuning now to FIGS. 17-25, pump actuator bodies formed from a single piece stamping process (see also FIGS. 9 and 10) will be described. A pump actuator 10J (FIGS. 17-19) includes a pump actuator body 30J, a needle-less bearing 32J and an axle 34J. The pump actuator body 30J is single piece stamped having a hole 35J. A pump actuator 10K (FIGS. 20-25) includes a pump actuator body 30K, a needle-less bearing 32K and an axle 34K. The pump actuator 10K does not have a hole for receiving the axle 34K like FIGS. 17-19. Instead, the pump actuator 10K includes a saddle portion 72K having detents 74K, and a relief area 76K similar to described above with FIG. 12. Further, the axle 34K includes indent portions 78K (FIG. 21 ) defined on opposite ends to receive the respective detents 76K.

[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 26-34 a pump actuator constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference 1 10. As will become appreciated by the following discussion, the pump actuator 1 10 is a two piece stamped pump actuator having an outer body or sleeve 130 and an inner body or cup 132. The outer body 130 functions as a guide in the engine bore and contains an anti-rotation feature. The inner body 132 supports the functional load path (bearing support through pump pad contact point). The inner body 132 further includes an angled support web 150 that increases strength and stiffness. A single component provides functional support. The outer body 130 can include folded tabs 180 for retention of the inner body 130. An anti-rotation feature 188 can include a second alignment function (inner to outer cup).

[0060] With particular reference to FIGS. 26-29, the pump actuator 1 10 will be further described. The pump actuator 1 10 generally includes the outer body 130, the inner body 132, a pin 136, an axle 140 and a bearing 142. The bearing 142 can generally include an outer roller 144 and a plurality of internal rollers 146. With the arrangement shown in FIG. 28, all of the load of the axle 140 is carried in the inner body 132. For simplicity, a plurality of cutouts 148 are only shown around the outer body 130 in FIGS. 26, 30 and 32. It is appreciated that the cutouts 148 are optional.

[0061] With particular reference to FIGS. 29 and 34, additional features of the inner body 132 will be described. The inner body 132 includes an angled bottom 150. The angled bottom 150 includes a web geometry that is optimized for strength, load carrying and minimized mass. The angled bottom 150 collectively comprises first and second converging angled walls 152, 154 and a bottom wall 156. The bottom wall 156 can be generally transverse to the outer wall of the inner body 132.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 28-30, additional feature will be described. The axle 140 is supported by a saddle or an axle support 170 comprising detents 172 that locate into respective indents 174 defined on opposite distal ends of the axle 140. The load path through the axle support 170 to where the pump contacts all flows through the inner body 132. In this regard, all the loading force goes through a single component. The outer body 130 is free of such loading and functions to guide the pump actuator 1 10 in the engine bore. In prior art two-piece examples, such load can be shared by both the inner and outer bodies.

[0063] The pump actuator 1 10 utilizes similar axle retention features as described above with respect to the saddle portion 72G. In this regard, the axle 140 and bearing 142 can be assembled as a sub-assembly and subsequently installed together into the inner body 132 of the pump actuator 1 10. In one example, the axle 140 (together with the bearing 140) are advanced in a direction downwardly as viewed in FIG. 28 relative to the inner body 132. The detents 172 will initially deflect outwardly during advancement of the axle 140 until a point where the detents 172 align with the indents 174. Once the detents 172 align with the indents 174 on the axle 140, the detents 172 rebound inwardly and the axle 140 will snap into an assembled position. Again, no axle passages are included in the pump actuator 1 10. In some arrangements when the bearing 142 includes needles 146, washers 178 (FIG. 28) are installed onto the axle 140 outboard of the needles 146.

[0064] With particular reference to FIGS. 28 and 30, the inner and outer bodies 130 and 132 are coupled together by opposing tabs 180. The tabs 180 can be formed on the outer body 130 and can be deflected into engagement with complementary lips 182 on the inner body 132 to inhibit the inner body 132 from dropping further down relative to the outer body 130. In one example, the tabs 180 can be located at diametrically opposite locations on the outer body 130. The tabs 180 are not provided for load support. Rather, they simply maintain the inner body 132 at a position within the outer body 130. In some examples the inner body 132 is located into the outer body 130 such that the respective tabs engage the lip surfaces 182.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 29 and 32, additional feature of the present disclosure will be described. The outer body 130 includes an anti-rotation feature or inset wall 188 that defines a pocket 190 that the pin 136 sits in. The pin 136 assists to orient the actuator 1 10 relative to the engine bore. The inset wall 188 further functions to orient the inner body 132 relative to the outer body 130. Explained further, the inner body 132 defines an engagement wall 194 that locates relative to the inset wall 188 on the outer body 130. The anti-rotation feature 188 therefore inhibits rotation of the inner body 132 relative to the outer body 130.

[0066] The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the pump actuator comprising:

an outer body;

an inner body received by the outer body;

an axle supported by the inner body; and

a bearing supported on the axle;

wherein the inner body includes an angled bottom having a web geometry including a first and a second converging angled walls and a bottom wall that connects the first and second converging angled walls.

2. The pump actuator of claim 1 wherein the axle is supported by an axle support comprising detents that locate into respective indents defined on opposite distal ends of the axle.

3. The pump actuator of claim 2 wherein the inner body is configured to deflect outwardly during advancement of the axle into the axle support until the detents align with the indents in the assembled position.

4. The pump actuator of claim 1 wherein a load path through the axle support flows exclusively through the inner body.

5. The pump actuator of claim 1 wherein the bearing comprises needles and wherein washers are disposed on opposite locations on the axle outboard of the needles.

6. The pump actuator of claim 1 wherein the outer body comprises at least one tab that is deflected into engagement with a complementary lip formed on the inner body.

7. The pump actuator of claim 6 wherein the at least one tab comprises a pair of diametrically opposed tabs formed on the outer body that are deflected toward complementary pairs of lips formed on the inner body.

8. The pump actuator of claim 1 wherein the outer body includes an inset wall that defines a pocket that receives a pin that assists to orient the actuator relative to an engine bore, the inset wall further contacting an engagement wall of the inner body and orienting the inner body relative to the outer body.

9. A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the pump actuator comprising:

an outer body;

an inner body received by the outer body and having lip surfaces thereon, the inner body further comprising an axle support having detents thereon;

an axle supported by the inner body, the axle defining indents formed on opposite ends thereof; and

a bearing supported on the axle;

wherein the axle is received at the axle support, inner body deflecting outwardly during advancement of the axle into the axle support until the detents align with the indents in the assembled position.

10. The pump actuator of claim 9 wherein the outer body includes tabs that are deflected into engagement with the lip surfaces to inhibit the inner body from dropping within the outer body.

1 1. The pump actuator of claim 10 wherein the tabs are disposed on diametrically opposite portions of the outer body.

12. The pump actuator of claim 9 wherein the inner body includes an angled bottom having a web geometry including a first and a second converging angled walls and a bottom wall that connects the first and second converging angled walls.

13. The pump actuator of claim 9 wherein a load path through the axle support flows exclusively through the inner body.

14. The pump actuator of claim 9 wherein the bearing comprises needles and wherein washers are disposed on opposite locations on the axle outboard of the needles.

15. The pump actuator of claim 9 wherein the outer body includes an inset wall that defines a pocket that receives a pin that assists to orient the actuator relative to an engine bore, the inset wall further contacting the engagement wall of the inner body and orienting the inner body relative to the outer body.

16. A method of assembling a pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the method comprising:

providing an outer body having inwardly deflected tabs;

providing an inner body having lip surfaces and an axle support including detents extending therefrom;

providing an axle defining indents on opposite ends thereof; advancing the axle through a bearing; and

advancing the axle and bearing collectively into the axle support comprising: advancing the axle whereby the inner body deflects outwardly during advancement of the axle; and

continuing the advancing until the detents of the axle support locate into the indents of the axle and the inner body retracts inwardly into the assembled position.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising locating the inner body into the outer body such that the respective tabs engage the lip surfaces to inhibit the inner body from dropping within the outer body.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: locating washers on opposite ends of the axle prior to advancing the axle and bearing into the axle support.