The invention relates to a connection element (9, 10) for the captive mounting of a lever-like
cam follower (1) which is used to actuate a
gas exchange valve (5) of an
internal combustion engine, on a support element (2). Said support element comprises a spherical end (7) whereon the
cam follower (1) is pivotably mounted by means of a concave moulding (6). The connection element (9, 10) is made of a flat material and is arranged, with a central section (11), on a lower side (12) of the base (13) which is oriented towards the support element (2), which surrounds the concave moulding (6) and is connected to the lateral walls (27) of the
cam follower (1). The central section (11) forms, with two limbs (14) which are arranged at a distance from each other, in addition to a web connected thereto (15), a U-shaped recess (16) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the
cam follower (1), which is used to surround, in an essentially play-free manner, the annular-shaped groove (8) below the spherical end (7) in a fork-like manner and orthogonal in relation to the direction of pivoting of the
cam follower (1). The limbs (14) extend in the form of retaining grips (17) about an approximately 90 DEG angle and the web (15) extends in a support wall (18) about an approximately 90 DEG angle. Retaining lugs (19, 20) are engaged on an upper side (21) of the base (13) which is orientated away from the support element (2), in order to fix the connection element (9, 10) to the
cam follower (1). The retaining lugs (17) are supported on the inner side (26) of the lateral walls (27) of the cam follower (1) such that the U-shaped recess (16) is essentially fixed in relation to the perpendicular position thereof to the cam follower (1) and the shape thereof.