Internal-combustion engines – Lubricators – Crankcase – pressure control
Reexamination Certificate
1997-04-28
2001-09-11
Kwon, John (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Lubricators
Crankcase, pressure control
C123S1960CP
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286476
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the invention is an improved lubricating system for an engine having a vertically arranged crankshaft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Internal combustion engines which are utilized to power outboard motors are commonly oriented vertically in a cowling of the motor. In this arrangement, each piston reciprocates along a horizontal axis. Each piston is connected, via a crankrod, to a vertically extending crankshaft. This crankshaft extends out the bottom of the engine in driving relation with a water propulsion device of the outboard motor.
This outboard motor engine arrangement has the advantage that the crankshaft is oriented for simple connection to a transmission or other drive for the water propulsion device. Several disadvantages are associated with this engine arrangement, however. One problem relates to the lubricating system.
As is well known, in these engines crank-bearing halves are connected to crankshaft supports extending from the cylinder block for rotatably supporting the crankshaft. Corresponding bearing halves are supported by a bearing cap connected to the cylinder block.
Oil is supplied by an oil pump from an oil pan to oil passages throughout the cylinder block of the engine. These passages include a main passage and several bearing passages leading through the crankshaft supports extending from the cylinder block for lubricating the crankshaft bearing areas. It is then intended for the lubricating oil to drain through the crankcase to the bottom of the crankcase for recovery and delivery back to the oil pan.
It has been found, however, that the lubricating oil largely becomes trapped in the bearing support areas of the bearing cap and adjacent crankcase cover. The total amount of oil available for distribution through the engine while it is running is reduced, and the oil within the crankcase may be foamed as it is thrown from the crankshaft, runs back towards the crankshaft, and is thrown from the crankshaft in repeating fashion.
In addition, the manner by which the lubricating oil is supplied to the bearing parts which support the crankshaft often greatly complicates the construction of the engine.
A lubricating system for an engine including a vertically arranged crankshaft, is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lubricating system for an engine arranged so that the crankshaft is vertically extending. At least a portion of the crankshaft is rotatably positioned within a crankcase chamber defined by a cylinder block of the engine and a crankcase cover connected thereto. The crankshaft is supported within the crankcase chamber by at least one first crankshaft supporting member which extends from the cylinder block and at least one corresponding second crankshaft supporting member positioned on the opposite side of the crankshaft.
Preferably, an oil flow passage or path is provided through the crankcase chamber from a top end to a bottom end thereof. In this manner, lubricating oil which is delivered to the crankcase chamber and dispersed therein easily drains to the bottom of the crankcase chamber for return to an oil reservoir for redistribution throughout the engine.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, at least one second crankshaft supporting member extends from the crankcase cover. Oil is supplied from an oil reservoir by a pump to a main gallery or passage in the crankcase cover. Branch passages lead from this passage through the second crankshaft supporting members or webs extending from the cover to the bearings supporting the crankshaft. Preferably, an oil filter is connected to the crankcase cover and positioned along the main gallery for filtering the oil.
A deflector plate is provided in the chamber for deflecting oil which is dispersed through the chamber by the rotating crankshaft. The plate is positioned between the crankcase cover and the crankshaft. In one arrangement, through holes or slots are provided in the cover. Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5085186 (1992-02-01), Kobayashi
patent: 5456230 (1995-10-01), VanRens et al.
patent: 5460555 (1995-10-01), Fukuoka et al.
patent: 5524581 (1996-06-01), Rush, II et al.
patent: 5687686 (1997-11-01), Takahashi
patent: 5687688 (1997-11-01), Tsunoda et al.
patent: 5690062 (1997-11-01), Yamada
Hiraoka Noriyoshi
Oishi Hiroshi
Takahashi Masanori
Beutler Ernest A.
Kwon John
Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
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