Machine element or mechanism – Elements – Flywheel – motion smoothing-type
Utility Patent
1998-11-18
2001-01-02
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Elements
Flywheel, motion smoothing-type
C074S604000
Utility Patent
active
06167782
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to systems and processes for installing torsional dampers and pulleys on engine crankshafts, particularly as part of a modular assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of existing engines, many of which have a damper or isolator member attached to a pulley on the crankshaft to minimize vibration and other noise. Various accessories are also attached to the engines, such as alternators, air compressors, power steering pumps, water pumps, and the like. These accessories are typically assembled on the engines individually, and then operably linked to the pulley and damper member by one or more drive belts.
The damper or isolator member typically has an inner hub (pulley) member and an outer inertia member connected together by an elastomer member. The engine drive belt is connected to the belt track driven by the hub or inertia member and, since the damper member is secured to the crankshaft, is used to power the accessories. In a belt drive system, a tensioner and often an idler pulley, are utilized in order to maintain tension in the belt member.
In order to extend the life of the belt mechanism and drive mechanism, it is important to locate all the engine accessories in such a manner that the path of travel of the belt is all in one plane. In the Applicant's co-pending related patent application directed to a front engine accessory drive system, various engine accessories are secured to a modular housing member and then installed on the front surface of the engine. That application is Ser. No. 09/195,122 and entitled “Integrated Front End Accessory Drive System” (File Simp 0127 PUS). The disclosure of that patent application, which is being filed concurrently with the present application, is incorporated herein by reference.
In the modular system, a damper member is positioned on the housing member along with the various accessories. The damper member, however, is not permanently affixed or secured to the housing member like the other accessories, but only attached to the housing in a temporary manner until it is secured to the crankshaft. Thus, some mechanism is needed to accurately hold and position the damper member precisely in place until the modular housing assembly is secured to the engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the present invention are met by the apparatus and system disclosed herein. In this regard, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and method for mounting engine accessories to an engine. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and process for assembling engine accessories and a belt drive system on an engine with minimal alignment concerns.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular assembly for mounting on an engine with a modular housing assembly containing the various engine accessories and belt drive system. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a locator bushing member for locating and temporarily securing a damper member in a modular assembly for subsequent assembly to the front of an engine.
These and other objects, purposes and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent from the following summary of the invention, description of the invention, appended claims and drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, a locator bushing member is utilized with the modular housing member. The locator member (a/k/a a locator bushing), includes a cylindrical member, preferably made of a plastic material or the like, which is snap fit or otherwise attached to the modular housing assembly and in turn provides for temporary positioning and holding of the pulley/damper member. The locator member or bushing allows the complete front end modular assembly with attached accessories and belt drive system to be assembled in one piece and then installed on the engine as a subassembly.
When the modular assembly is secured to the engine, the damper/pulley member is bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the crankshaft of the engine.
One or more seals or sealing members can be used in the joints or connections between the locator bushing, pulley/damper member and the modular housing member. Also, preferably, lead tapers or close clearance pilot diameters are provided on the pulley/damper member to aid in the assembly to the crankshaft.
In an alternate embodiment, it is also possible to mount an oil pump to the modular assembly and be interconnected with the locator bushing. The present invention can aid in the mounting of a crankshaft driven oil pump to both a modular assembly and the engine.
The locator member can be made of any material that will withstand the temperatures associated with vehicle engines, and also be sufficiently durable and solvent resistant. In this regard, the material should also be oil and wear resistant, and can further provide a lubricant or have lubricating properties.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4034616 (1977-07-01), Rausher
patent: 4881426 (1989-11-01), Serizawa et al.
patent: 4962677 (1990-10-01), Withers
patent: 4977870 (1990-12-01), Hashimoto
patent: 5010855 (1991-04-01), Ogami
patent: 5203293 (1993-04-01), Shintani
patent: 5231893 (1993-08-01), Sisco et al.
patent: 5231961 (1993-08-01), Shimada et al.
patent: 5573461 (1996-11-01), Colford
patent: 5575728 (1996-11-01), Cerny
patent: 5692466 (1997-12-01), Hausmann
patent: 5704329 (1998-01-01), Bublitz
patent: 5718196 (1998-02-01), Uchiyama
patent: 5938169 (1999-08-01), Ogawa
patent: 3842351 (1990-06-01), None
Bucci David A.
Charles Marcus
Simpson Industries Inc.
LandOfFree
Engine module locator bushing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Engine module locator bushing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Engine module locator bushing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2440231