U.S. patent application number 09/861285 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for disk oil slinger assembly.
Invention is credited to Burkholder, Robert F..
Application Number | 20020170781 09/861285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25335389 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burkholder, Robert F. |
November 21, 2002 |
Disk oil slinger assembly
Abstract
A "splash" lubrication system having an oil slinger capable of
providing an increased flow rate of lubricating and cooling oil to
lubricated components of the system compared to conventional dip
stick oil slingers while reducing oil atomization and oil loss
through the crankcase vent is disclosed. In embodiments of the
invention, the oil slinger is comprised of a disk coupled to the
crankshaft assembly of the device being lubricated (e.g., an
engine, pump, compressor, or the like) so that rotation of the
crankshaft assembly rotates the disk for splashing lubricating oil
from the crankcase's oil sump onto the moving parts of the device
being lubricated by the lubricating system.
Inventors: |
Burkholder, Robert F.;
(Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUITER & ASSOCIATES, PC
14301 FNB PARKWAY
SUITE 220
OMAHA
NE
68154-5299
US
|
Family ID: |
25335389 |
Appl. No.: |
09/861285 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
184/11.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16N 7/26 20130101; F01M
9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
184/11.1 |
International
Class: |
F01M 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lubrication system for a device having a crankcase housing a
crankshaft assembly capable of rotation, comprising: an oil sump
suitable for containing lubricating oil for lubricating moving
components within the crankcase; and an oil slinger coupled to the
crankshaft assembly so that rotation of the crankshaft assembly
rotates the oil slinger for splashing lubricating oil from the oil
sump, wherein at least a portion of the oil slinger is continuously
submerged in the lubricating oil contained in the oil sump as it is
rotated by the crankshaft assembly.
2. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil
slinger is generally disk shaped.
3. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one
of increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
4. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the oil
slinger comprises surface features suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
5. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil
slinger is coaxial with the crankshaft assembly.
6. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil
slinger comprises an auger.
7. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil
slinger is capable of extending into lubricating oil contained in
the oil sump when the crankcase is tilted.
8. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a sector of a disk.
9. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sector
rotates 360 degrees about the center of rotation of the crankshaft
assembly so that the oil slinger is capable of extending into
lubricating oil contained in the oil sump when the crankcase is
tilted.
10. A lubrication system, comprising: an oil sump suitable for
containing lubricating oil for lubricating moving components within
a crankcase housing a crankshaft assembly so the crankshaft
assembly is capable of rotation; and a disk coaxially coupled to
the crankshaft assembly so that rotation of the crankshaft assembly
rotates the disk for splashing lubricating oil from the oil sump,
wherein at least a portion of the disk is continuously submerged in
the lubricating oil contained in the oil sump as it is rotated by
the crankshaft assembly.
11. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one
of increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
12. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a surface feature suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
13. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the disk
is capable of extending into lubricating oil contained in the oil
sump when the crankcase is tilted.
14. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the disk
is formed into an auger.
15. A lubrication system for a device having a crankcase housing a
crankshaft assembly capable of rotation, comprising: means for
containing lubricating oil; and means, coupled to the crankshaft
assembly, for splashing lubricating oil from the containing means,
wherein at least a portion of the splashing means is continuously
submerged in the lubricating oil contained in the containing
means.
16. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
splashing means comprises a disk.
17. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
splashing means comprises means for increasing the amount of oil
splashed from the containing means.
18. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
splashing means comprises means for directing the flow of oil away
from the disk.
19. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
splashing means is capable of extending into lubricating oil
contained in the containing means when the crankcase is tilted.
20. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 15, wherein
splashing means comprises a sector of a disk.
21. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the
sector rotates 360 degrees about the center of rotation of the
crankshaft assembly so that the splashing means is capable of
extending into lubricating oil contained in the containing means
when the crankcase is tilted.
22. An oil slinger for a lubrication system, comprising: a disk
suitable for being coupled to a crankshaft assembly so that
rotation of the crankshaft assembly rotates the disk for splashing
lubricating oil from an oil sump suitable for containing
lubricating oil, wherein at least a portion of the disk is
continuously submerged in the lubricating oil contained in the oil
sump as it is rotated by the crankshaft assembly.
23. The oil slinger as claimed in claim 22, wherein the disk
comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
24. The oil slinger as claimed in claim 22, wherein the disk
comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
25. The oil slinger as claimed in claim 22, wherein the disk is
formed into an auger.
26. A device, comprising: a crankcase housing a crankshaft assembly
capable of rotation; an oil sump suitable for containing
lubricating oil for lubricating moving components within the
crankcase; and an oil slinger coupled to the crankshaft assembly so
that rotation of the crankshaft assembly rotates the oil slinger
for splashing lubricating oil from the oil sump, wherein at least a
portion of the oil slinger is continuously submerged in the
lubricating oil contained in the oil sump as it is rotated by the
crankshaft assembly.
27. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger is
generally disk shaped.
28. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger
comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
29. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger
comprises a surface feature suitable for at least one of increasing
the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and directing oil
splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the disk.
30. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger is
coaxial with the crankshaft assembly.
31. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger
comprises an auger.
32. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger is
capable of extending into lubricating oil contained in the oil sump
when the device is tilted at an angle to horizontal.
33. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the oil slinger
comprises a sector of a disk.
34. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the sector rotates
360 degrees about the center of rotation of the crankshaft assembly
so that the oil slinger is capable of extending into lubricating
oil contained in the oil sump when the crankcase is tilted.
35. A lubrication system, comprising: an oil slinger suitable for
being coupled to a crankshaft assembly so that rotation of the
crankshaft assembly rotates the oil slinger for splashing
lubricating oil from an oil sump suitable for containing
lubricating oil, wherein flow of the lubricating oil over the oil
slinger as it passes through the oil sump is substantially laminar
for inhibiting atomization of the lubricating oil.
36. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a disk, and wherein at least a portion of the
disk is continuously submerged in the lubricating oil contained in
the oil sump as it is rotated by the crankshaft assembly.
37. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a shaped edge portion suitable for at least one
of increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
38. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the oil
slinger comprises surface features suitable for at least one of
increasing the amount of oil splashed from the oil sump and
directing oil splashed from the oil sump at an angle to the
disk.
39. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the oil
slinger comprises an auger.
40. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the oil
slinger comprises a sector of a disk.
41. The lubrication system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the
sector rotates 360 degrees about the center of rotation of the
crankshaft assembly so that the oil slinger is capable of extending
into lubricating oil contained in the oil sump when the crankcase
is tilted.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of oil
lubrication devices for engines, compressors, pumps and the like,
and more particularly to a disk oil slinger suitable for use in oil
lubricated engines, compressors, pumps, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, lower cost oil lubricated engines, compressors,
pumps and the like have employed a "splash" lubrication system to
distribute oil from the oil sump to the mechanical bearings, seals,
valves, pistons and other parts that require lubrication and oil
cooling. A small protruding piece of material or "dip stick" is
attached to one or more of the moving components such that during
each revolution of the crankshaft, the dip stick dips into the oil
sump at sufficient velocity to cause oil to splash onto the
components requiring lubrication.
[0003] The size, shape and velocity of the dip stick must be
engineered to assure sufficient lubrication and oil cooling for all
components while minimizing atomization of the oil in the crankcase
so as to reduce oil loss through the crankcase vent. A higher
velocity or larger profile dip stick will improve lubrication and
oil cooling but will increase oil atomization and oil loss through
the crankcase vent. A less aggressive dip stick velocity or profile
will reduce lubrication and oil cooling but also reduce oil loss
through the vent. These conflicting phenomena require designers to
compromise their design by reducing the positive benefits of
lubrication and oil cooling in order to reduce the negative effects
of oil loss.
[0004] Another problem with such traditional splash oil lubrication
systems is that the engines, compressors, pumps, and the like in
which such systems are used are employed in portable devices (e.g.,
compressors, generators, pressure washers, etc.) that are regularly
moved by hand from one work site to another. If such portable
devices are not properly leveled prior to operation, the dip stick
splash lubricator may not reach the oil sump causing a lack of
needed lubrication and cooling, possibly leading to subsequent
component failure.
[0005] Consequently, it would be advantageous to provide a "splash"
lubrication system designed to increase the flow rate of
lubricating and cooling oil to lubricated components while reducing
oil atomization and oil loss through the crankcase vent. Further,
it would be desirable to provide such a lubrication system that is
capable of functioning properly while the crankcase is tilted
providing an increased tolerance of operation on non-level
surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a "splash"
lubrication system having an oil slinger capable of providing an
increased flow rate of lubricating and cooling oil to lubricated
components of the system compared to conventional dip stick oil
slingers while reducing oil atomization and oil loss through the
crankcase vent. In embodiments of the invention, the oil slinger is
comprised of a disk coupled to the crankshaft assembly of the
device being lubricated (e.g., an engine, pump, compressor, or the
like) so that rotation of the crankshaft assembly rotates the disk
for splashing lubricating oil from the crankcase's oil sump onto
components of the device being lubricated. Preferably, at least a
portion of the oil slinger is continuously submerged in the
lubricating oil contained in the oil sump as it is rotated by the
crankshaft assembly, thereby decreasing atomization of oil from the
oil sump. Further, the oil slinger may be designed to remain at
least partially submerged in the oil sump even if the crankcase is
tilted providing increased tolerance of operation on non-level
surfaces.
[0007] It is to be understood that both the forgoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention and together with the general description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a lubrication
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustrating the oil
slinger of the lubrication system shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side elevational views illustrating
tilting of the crankcase;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating a shaped disk oil
slinger having edge and/or surface features in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating an auger oil
slinger in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is an isometric view illustrating an oil slinger in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
wherein the oil slinger is not a continuous disk.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, an exemplary "splash"
lubrication system suitable for providing lubrication to the moving
components of devices such as engines, compressors, pumps, and the
like in accordance with the present invention is described. The
lubrication system 100 includes an oil sump 102 formed in the
crankcase 104 of the device 106 in which the lubrication system 100
is employed and an oil slinger 108 coupled to the device's
crankshaft assembly 110.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment, the oil slinger 108 is
comprised of a continuous disk 112 attached to the crankshaft
assembly 110. Rotation of the crankshaft assembly 110 rotates the
disk for splashing lubricating oil 114 from the oil sump 102 onto
components of the device 108 being lubricated (e.g., crankshaft
assembly 110, journal 116, piston 118, cylinder wall 120, and the
like). Preferably, the disk 112 is positioned along the crankshaft
immediately adjacent to journal 116 so that oil may be slung from
the oil sump 102 onto the piston 118 and cylinder wall 120. For
instance, in one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disk 112
is bolted to a counterweight 122 of the crankshaft assembly 108 so
that it is centered coaxially with the center of rotation 124 of
the crankshaft assembly 110. The disk 112 may have an aperture 126
sized and shaped to fit over the crankshaft assembly 110 so that
the disk 112 and crankshaft assembly 110 may be assembled together.
However, it will be appreciated that other fabrication methods may
be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention. For example, the disk 112 may be formed as an
integral part of the crankshaft assembly 110, or the crankshaft
assembly 110 may be formed in two or more sections which are joined
together around the disk 112, thereby clamping the disk 112 in
place.
[0018] During operation of the device 106, rotation of the
crankshaft assembly 110 rotates the oil slinger 108 for splashing
lubricating oil 114 from the oil sump 102 onto components of the
device 106 being lubricated (e.g., crankshaft assembly 110, journal
116, piston 118, cylinder wall 120, and the like). As shown, the
disk 112 of oil slinger 108 is generally centered coaxially with
the center of rotation 124 of the crankshaft assembly 110 so that
rotation of the crankshaft assembly 110 causes the disk 112 to
rotate 360 degrees about the center of rotation of the crankshaft
124. Thus, during operation, the lower portion of disk 112 is
continuously submerged in lubricating oil 114 contained in the oil
sump 102. Because the disk 112 remains in the oil 114 instead of
cyclically entering and exiting the oil 114, as does a conventional
dip stick or dipper oil slinger, the volume of oil 114 in the oil
sump 102 that the disk 112 displaces does not change during each
revolution of the crankshaft 110. Further, the oil slinger 108,
being a continuous disk 112, does not have a high speed advancing
edge that must pass through the lubricating oil 114 as do dipper
slingers. Thus, the flow of lubricating oil 114 over the surface of
the oil slinger 108 as it advances through the oil sump 102 is
substantially more laminar than is possible with intermittent
dipper slingers. As a result, the disk oil slinger 108 of the
present invention is capable of moving lubricating oil 114 about
the crankcase 104 with substantially less atomization of the oil
114.
[0019] The amount of oil flow generated by an oil slinger is
proportional to the surface area of the submerged portion of the
slinger, and proportional to the amount of time that the slinger is
submerged during each revolution of the crankshaft. Because the
lower portion of disk oil slinger 108 is continuously submerged in
the lubricating oil 114 contained in the oil sump 102, and the
submerged surface area of the disk 112 is substantially larger than
that of the dipper of a dipper oil slinger, the oil flow rate of
disk oil slinger 108 of the present invention is significantly
greater than that of an intermittent dipper slinger. For example,
lubrication systems 100 in accordance with the present invention
have been found to be capable of providing oil flows that are 50 to
100 times greater than lubrication systems utilizing dipper
slingers, while at the same time reducing atomization of the
lubricating oil 114 from the oil sump 102.
[0020] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 106 shown in FIGS.
1 and 2 is illustrated as being tilted at an angle to the
horizontal, for example, as if it were set on a non-level surface.
As shown, when the crankcase 104 is tilted, the surface of the
lubricating oil 114 in oil sump 102 remains substantially
horizontal. As shown, the disk 112 of oil slinger 108 is generally
centered coaxially with the center of rotation 124 of the
crankshaft assembly 110 so that rotation of the crankshaft assembly
110 causes the disk 112 to rotate 360 degrees about the center of
rotation of the crankshaft 124. As a result, the disk 112 remains
at least partially submerged in the oil sump 102 if the crankcase
104 is tilted providing an increased tolerance to unit operation on
non-level surfaces. It will be appreciated that the degree of tilt
(.alpha.) tolerated by lubrication system 100 may vary depending on
the design of crankcase 104, and is limited only by the possibility
of lubricating oil 114 from the oil sump 102 entering cylinder 118.
However, it is contemplated that degrees of tilt (.alpha.) of up to
or even greater than 90 degrees (i.e., the crankcase 102 is tilted
on its side) are possible.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 5, a shaped oil slinger for a
lubrication system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention is described. Shaped oil slinger 128 is comprised of
a disk 130 including an edge portion 132 shaped for generating
additional oil flow and/or for directing the oil flow at angles to
the side of the disk 130, thereby distributing the oil more
uniformly within the crankcase than conventional dipper type
lubrication systems. Further, the edge portion 132 may be shaped so
that it is capable of providing such advantages without
unnecessarily interrupting the laminar flow of the lubricating oil
around the disk 130, thus preventing unnecessary atomization of
lubricating oil from the oil sump (see FIG. 1). For instance, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, edge portion 132 may be formed so
as to have a contour that is generally sinusoidal or curvilinear in
shape as viewed along an edge of the disk 130. Alternately, edge
portion 132 may be shaped to have other contours such as fins,
slots, grooves, or the like, depending on the requirements of the
particular application in which the lubrication system is
employed.
[0022] In addition to (or in place of) shaped edge portion 132,
features 134 may be formed on the surfaces of either or both sides
of disk 130 for providing additional oil flow and/or for directing
the oil flow at lateral angles to the disk 130. It will be
appreciated that the shape of such surface features 134 may vary
depending on the requirements (desired oil flow rate, splash
pattern, etc.) of the particular device in which the lubrication
system is employed. However, exemplary surface features 134 include
circumferential or spiraled ridges or grooves (shown), spaced
bumps, indentations, or slots, vanes, and the like. Additionaly,
surface features 134 may be shaped so they do not create
unnecessary turbulence thereby interrupting the substantially
laminar flow of lubricating oil around the disk 130 and increasing
atomization of lubricating oil from the oil sump (see FIG. 1).
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 6, an auger oil slinger in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Oil
slinger 136 is comprised of a disk 138 having a slit 140 radially
formed therein from edge portion 142 toward the disk center 144.
The ends 146 & 148 of edge portion 142 adjacent to the slit 140
are separated laterally so that edge portion 142 assumes a
generally spiral shape. In this manner, disk 138 is formed into a
simple auger capable of generating substantially greater oil flow
than the dip stick slingers of conventional dipper lubrication
systems. The spiral shape of edge portion 142 may further direct
the oil flow at angles to disk 138 thereby distributing the oil
more uniformly within the crank case and providing greater coverage
of components of the device (see FIG. 1). Because disk 138 remains
substantially continuous except for leading and trailing edges 150
& 152 caused by slit 140, oil flow over the surface of the disk
138 is generally laminar. Thus, atomization of lubricating oil may
be held to rates that are substantially equal to or less than that
of conventional dipper lubrication systems.
[0024] Based on the discussion of the disk oil slingers shown in
FIGS. 1 through 6, it should now be appreciated that a substantial
advantage is obtained by increasing the surface area of the oil
slinger so that area of laminar flow is enlarged. In this manner,
cohesion of oil to the surface of the oil slinger is improved so
that the volume of oil "splashed" by the oil slinger as it rotates
is increased while atomization of the oil remains substantially
unchanged or is reduced. Thus, it should also be appreciated that
in accordance with the present invention, lubrication systems may
be provided that, while not utilizing continuous disk oil slingers,
provide enhanced performance compared to conventional "dip stick"
or dipper systems by substantially increasing the surface area of
the oil slinger to provide for more laminar flow of the lubricating
oil over the slinger as it is rotated.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 7, an oil slinger in accordance with
such an alternate embodiment of the present invention is described.
Oil slinger 154 is comprised of a sector 156 of the full disk 112
of oil slinger 108 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, having curvilinear
leading and trailing edges 158 & 160. Preferably, the angle
(.beta.) defining sector 156 is selected to provide sufficient
surface area so that the flow of lubricating oil over the oil
slinger 154 as it is rotated is substantially laminar except for
turbulence at leading and trailing edges 158 & 160. In this
manner, the volume of oil splashed by the oil slinger 154 is
substantially increased compared to conventional dipper oil
slingers, while the amount of atomization of lubricating oil
remains substantially equal to or less than such oil slingers.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the oil slinger
154 may be mounted to crankshaft assembly 110, shown in FIG. 1, so
that the disk 112 from which sector 156 is taken would be generally
centered coaxially with the center of rotation 124 of the
crankshaft assembly 110 if it were complete. In this manner,
rotation of the crankshaft assembly 110 causes the oil slinger 154
to rotate 360 degrees about the center of rotation of the
crankshaft 124. As a result, the oil slinger 154 remains capable of
being at least partially submerged in the oil sump 102 as it is
rotated even if the crankcase 104 is tilted. In this manner, the
oil slinger 154 is capable of providing an increased tolerance to
unit operation on non-level surfaces or in non-level
orientations.
[0027] It is contemplated that, employing the principles of the
invention discussed and illustrated herein, those of skill in the
art may now design lubrication systems utilizing oil slingers
having a wide variety of shapes (e.g., oval, eccentric, octagonal,
etc.) and/or edge and surface features other than those
specifically disclosed. Accordingly, such lubrication systems are
considered to be well within the scope and spirit of the present
invention as presently claimed. Further, it is believed that the
lubrication system of the present invention and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing
description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be
made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components
thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages,
the form herein before described being merely an explanatory
embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to
encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *