BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine block having a combination bearing beam and crankshaft-interactive oil management device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view from underneath the engine block of FIG. 1 showing the present combination bearing beam and oil management device.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower face of the present combination bearing beam and oil management device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inside region of the present combination bearing beam and oil management device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the present combination bearing beam and oil management device having a series of main bearing caps situated in the manner in which the bearing beam and bearing caps are installed in the engine.
FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 but shows an inside view of the present combination bearing beam and oil management device with a number of engine main bearing caps.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the crankshaft of an engine, showing baffles and scrapers incorporated in the present device.
FIG. 8 illustrates a section through a crankshaft and through the combination bearing beam and oil management device showing the large end of a connecting rod and a scraper and baffles incorporated in the present device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIG. 1, cylinder block 10 has bearing cap 14 mounted thereto. Bearing beam and crankshaft-interactive oil management device 26 is mounted to a lower surface of main bearing cap 14. The mounting of device 26 is shown with further specificity in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. With specific reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is noted that main bearing caps 14 are mounted by two inner rows of cap screws, 22, and two outer rows of cap screws, 18. Cap screws 18 are also used for the purpose of attaching or mounting bearing beam 26 to main bearing caps 14 and cylinder block 10. It is easily seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 that cap screws 18 extend not only through bearing beam and oil management device 26, but also through the outermost mounting holes of main bearing caps 14 and into threaded bores (not shown) formed in cylinder block 10.
As seen in FIG. 2, as well as in FIGS. 3 and 4, combination bearing beam and oil management device 26 has a number of laterally extending beam elements, which underlie main bearing caps 14. Beam elements 34 help to strengthen the engine block 10 torsionally. Longitudinal rigidity is imparted by longitudinally extending beam elements 30, which are shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, as well as in FIGS. 5 and 6. Beam elements 30 and 34 are part of an integral assembly, which preferably comprises cast metal, which could be either die cast, sintered or alternatively, machined billet material. In any event, beam elements 30 and 34 function to reduce engine noise by preventing unwanted vibration.
The avoidance of unwanted noise and vibration is only part of the function of bearing beam and oil management device 26. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, a number of windows, 54 and 58, are formed in device 26. Windows 54 cooperate with counterweight scrapers 42, as shown in FIG. 7, to direct oil captured by scrapers 42 into a crankcase sump which underlies cylinder block 10.
In FIG. 8, large end 24 of connecting rod 25 is shown in proximity to window 58 formed in bearing beam 26. Window 58 cooperates with connecting rod baffle 46 and connecting rod scraper 50 to remove oil from the large end 24 of the connecting rod and to direct the oil into the engine's sump.
Various figures, particularly FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show separator elements 62 which minimize direct contact between oil within the crankcase sump and crankshaft 16. As described above, this is important to prevent windage, or the unwanted interaction between oil vapor, mist, and liquid splashed within the crankcase sump and onto the rotating crankshaft. In this manner, the engine horsepower output will be increased, and unwanted aeration of the oil, which is sometimes accompanied by a loss of lubrication effectiveness, will also be avoided.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20070283918
