Internal-combustion engines – Lubricators – Crankcase – pressure control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-08-07
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Lubricators
Crankcase, pressure control
C123S1960CP
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269788
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to oil pumps and more specifically to a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which allows a lubrication system failure to be corrected quicker, more reliably, and more economically than a repair of the original system.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
It is common for an oil drive gear to fail in an oil pump drive system of an outboard engine. The resulting failure is very costly to repair, because the drive gear is located on the crankshaft in an inaccessible part of the engine. Many hours are required to repair the failed oil gear which translates into a very expensive repair bill. Further, since some outboard engines use an unreliable plastic gear to drive the oil pump; multiple failures of the oil drive gear over the life of the outboard engine can occur.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for an programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be easily installed, replicates the operation of the oil pump as originally installed and utilizes the warning protections which are part of the outboard engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electric motor driven oil pump which acts as a replacement on engines having a gear driven oil pump. The electric motor driven oil pump may also be used to replace other lubrication systems, and to provide an oil injection system where none existed previously. According to the present invention, a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines includes an electric motor, coupler assembly, programmable controller, and mounting plate. A motor drive shaft of the electric motor is coupled to the pump drive shaft of the oil pump through the coupler assembly. The rotation of the electric motor is controlled by the programmable controller. The programmable controller is powered by a battery. The programmable controller receives a speed signal from an alternator in the engine electrical system.
The coupler assembly includes a coupler housing, a coupler device, and a speed sensor. The coupler device has an embedded magnet. One end of the coupler device receives the motor drive shaft of the electric motor and the other end thereof receives the pump drive shaft of the oil pump. An opening is formed in a side of the coupler housing for insertion of the speed sensor. The magnet is located in the coupler device such that it closes one switch at a time in the speed sensor upon rotation of the coupler device. The result of the coupler device rotation is a change in the electrical signal output from the speed sensor.
The programmable controller preferably supplies the electric motor with voltage according to a look-up table or algorithm. The speed of the oil pump is adjusted according to the engine speed as defined by the look-up table or algorithm. The speed of the electric motor is monitored by the programmable controller through the speed sensor. If the speed is too low, the programmable controller will raise the value of voltage sourced to the electric motor. If the speed of the electric motor is too high, the value of the voltage sourced to the electric motor will be reduced. If the required speed is not reached, a motor drive circuit will cease supplying the electric motor with current, a warning signal will be sent and a horn activated when no rotation of the electric motor is sensed.
A first embodiment of the programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines is used on Mercury/Mariner outboard engines. The oil pump, coupler, and speed sensor from the engine are utilized. The warning signal and horn activation are implemented by the engine electrical system.
In a second embodiment, the programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines is used to provide an oil injection system on non-oil injected engines. An oil pump, oil reservoir, and connecting device are provided. The speed sensor and magnet are optional to facilitate a lubrication failure warning system, if desired.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be easily installed to replace a gear driven system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be conveniently serviced if a failure occurs with any component of the system.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be substituted for an expensive repair to the oil pump drive system.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which is more reliable than the oil pump drive/lubrication system in some engines.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be programmed to deliver more or less oil according to the specific application of the outboard engine.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which provides a failure warning where none previously existed.
Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a programmable computer controlled electric oil pump drive for engines which may be used in non-oil injected engines to provide oil injection.
These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.
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patent: 5884601 (1999-03-01), Robinson
patent: 5944632 (1999-08-01), Hara et al.
Benton Jason A
Ersler Donald J.
Wolfe Willis R.
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