U.S. patent application number 12/748588 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for integrated pump pressure washer.
This patent application is currently assigned to GXi Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Gordon W. Jackson, Brian K. Sawyer.
Application Number | 20110135512 12/748588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44082222 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110135512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson; Gordon W. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
Integrated Pump Pressure Washer
Abstract
An integrated pressure washer is disclosed. The integrated
pressure washer has an engine. At the bottom of the engine is an
engine bottom cover. The engine bottom cover has a recess formed by
a cylindrical wall that extends up from a base of the engine bottom
cover. The pressure washer also has a pump assembly. The pump
assembly is attached to the engine bottom cover and extends into
the recess. The pump assembly receives water and applies pressure
to the water and directs the pressurized water out a high pressure
hose.
Inventors: |
Jackson; Gordon W.;
(Clayton, NC) ; Sawyer; Brian K.; (Clayton,
NC) |
Assignee: |
GXi Holdings, LLC
|
Family ID: |
44082222 |
Appl. No.: |
12/748588 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61266214 |
Dec 3, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 17/06 20130101;
F04B 17/05 20130101; B08B 3/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/364 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/05 20060101
F04B017/05 |
Claims
1. An integrated pressure washer comprising: an engine further
comprising an engine bottom cover, the engine bottom cover having a
recess which is formed by a continuous wall that extends away from
the engine bottom cover; a pump assembly, the pump assembly
attaching to the engine bottom cover and extending into the recess,
the pump assembly receiving water and applying pressure to the
water and directing the pressurized water out a high pressure
outlet.
2. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the engine is a vertical
shaft engine.
3. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the engine is a
horizontal shaft engine.
4. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the engine bottom cover
and the pump assembly share lubricating fluid.
5. The pressure washer of claim 4 wherein the engine bottom cover
is composed of aluminum.
6. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the pump assembly is an
in-line piston pump.
7. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the pump assembly is
wobble plate pump.
8. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the continuous wall is
cylindrical.
9. A single piece engine bottom cover for use in an engine powered
pressure washer comprising: a base, and; a continuous wall attached
to the base, the continuous wall extending away from the base, the
continuous wall creating a recess, the recess having a bottom end,
the bottom end extending into the base, the bottom end further
comprising a crankshaft opening, the crankshaft opening allowing a
crankshaft to protrude there through; wherein the recess is adapted
to fit a pump assembly which is inserted into the recess and
attached to the continuous wall.
10. The single piece engine bottom cover of claim 9 wherein the
continuous wall is cylindrical.
11. The single piece engine bottom cover of claim 9 wherein the
cooling fins extend along the base.
12. The single piece engine bottom cover of claim 9 wherein the
engine bottom cover is composed of aluminum.
13. The single piece engine bottom cover of claim 9 wherein the
pump assembly is an in-line piston pump.
14. The single piece engine bottom cover of claim 9 wherein the
pump assembly is wobble plate pump.
15. An integrated pressure washer comprising: an engine further
comprising an engine bottom cover, the engine bottom cover adapted
to receive; a pump assembly, the pump assembly further comprising a
recess; a pump manifold, the recess formed by a continuous wall
that extends away from the pump manifold; wherein the continuous
wall of the pump assembly attaches directly to the engine bottom
cover the pump assembly receiving water and applying pressure to
the water and directing the pressurized water out a high pressure
outlet.
16. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the engine is a
vertical shaft engine.
17. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the engine is a
horizontal shaft engine.
18. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the continuous wall is
cylindrical.
19. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the engine bottom cover
is composed of aluminum.
20. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the pump assembly is an
in-line piston pump.
21. The pressure washer of claim 15 wherein the engine bottom cover
and the pump assembly share lubricating fluid.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/266,214 filed on Dec. 3, 2009 and is included herein
in its entirety by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material
that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an engine powered pressure
washer and more specifically to an integrated pump pressure
washer.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Pressure washers are used to clean various surfaces by
projecting high pressure water. A typical pressure washer consists
of an engine, a pump, a water intake, a high pressure hose, and a
gun and wand assembly. Water from a garden hose is typically
provided to the intake of the pump. An engine connected to the pump
turns a crank shaft which drives the pump. The pump pressurizes the
incoming water and the high pressure spray is directed out of the
high pressure wand. The user simply squeezes the trigger on the
wand to turn the high pressure spray on and off.
[0007] Pressure washers may vary in size and shape. Typically
pressure washers are designed to be portable, therefore, size may
be an important factor in the pressure washer design since the size
of the pressure washer may impact everything from shipping costs to
density of stocking to consumer transportation to storage. Thus, a
pressure washer that delivers the same performance but in a smaller
overall package is desired.
[0008] One of the drawbacks related to current pressure washers is
that the pumping mechanism is simply bolted on to the end of a
drive shaft that protrudes out the engine. A pressure washer with a
pump mounted in this manner may be bulky and contain additional
parts such as castings, seals, and bearings. In the prior art, the
pump may be added as an extension of the engine crank shaft. The
present invention integrates the pump housing directly into the
engine bottom or side cover thus providing a pressure washer with a
smaller profile. In addition, a pressure washer using the concepts
of the present invention may be lighter and more efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A single piece engine bottom cover for use in an engine
powered pressure washer is disclosed. The single piece engine
bottom cover has a base upon which is attached a cylindrical wall.
The cylindrical wall extends away from the base. The cylindrical
wall creates a recess, and the recess has a bottom end. The bottom
end extends into the base. The bottom end has a crankshaft opening,
the crankshaft opening allows a crankshaft to protrude there
through, wherein the recess is adapted to fit a pump assembly which
is inserted into the recess and attached to the cylindrical
wall.
[0010] An integrated pressure washer is disclosed. The integrated
pressure washer has an engine further which has an engine bottom
cover. The engine bottom cover has a recess which is formed by a
cylindrical wall that extends away from the engine bottom cover.
The integrated pressure washer has a pump assembly. The pump
assembly attaches to the engine bottom cover and extends into the
recess. The pump assembly receives water and applies pressure to
the water and directs the pressurized water out a high pressure
outlet.
[0011] An integrated pressure washer is disclosed. The integrated
pressure washer has an engine. At the bottom of the engine is an
engine bottom cover. The engine bottom cover is adapted to receive
a pump assembly. The pump assembly has a pump manifold and a
recess, the recess is formed by a cylindrical wall that extends
away from the pump manifold. The pump assembly attaches directly to
the engine bottom cover and the pump assembly receives water and
applies pressure to the water and directs the pressurized water out
a high pressure outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 displays a power washer in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 displays a side perspective view of the engine and
pump assembly of the power washer of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 displays a side view of the engine and pump assembly
of the power washer of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 displays a bottom view of the engine with the pump
assembly removed.
[0016] FIG. 5 displays a bottom engine cover in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 displays an exploded view of the pump assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as it fits
on to the engine cover shown in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 displays a bottom engine cover in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 displays an exploded view of the pump assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention as it
fits on to the engine cover shown in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 displays a bottom engine cover in accordance with a
further embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 displays an exploded view of a pump assembly in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention as it
fits on to the engine cover shown in FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 displays a side view the pump assembly as it fits on
to a horizontal shaft engine.
[0023] FIG. 12 displays a front view the pump assembly as it fits
on to the horizontal shaft engine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered
as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the
description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the
same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the
drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the
terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order
for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.
[0025] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or
as more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined
as two or as more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as
connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically.
[0026] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment",
"certain embodiments", and "an embodiment" or similar terms means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without
limitation.
[0027] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an
inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B
or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and
C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only
when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
[0028] The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of
illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present
invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term
"means" preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a
desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e.,
one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the
desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from
these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use
of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an integrated pump and pressure washer in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
integrated pump and pressure washer (hereinafter referred to as
pressure washer 100) consists of an engine 110, a pump assembly 120
and a gun 102 and a wand 103. The gun 102 is connected to the pump
assembly 120 by a gun hose 104. At the end of the gun 102, the wand
103 directs the stream of pressurized water as it exits. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the engine 110 is a gasoline engine with a
gas tank 112 attached to the side of the engine 110. The pressure
washer 100 has handles 114 which allow a user to easily grasp and
move the pressure washer 100. On the pump assembly is a water
intake connector 108 upon which a water hose 106 may be coupled. As
depicted in FIG. 1, the engine 110 is a vertical shaft engine.
[0030] Water may be fed into the pump assembly 120 through the
water hose 106. As is described in subsequent sections, when the
engine 110 is running a crank shaft is being turned. The turning
crankshaft causes pistons within the pump assembly 120 to develop
high pressure within the pump assembly manifold. The high pressure
is applied to the incoming water. The pressurized water is then
directed through the high pressure connector 122 (See FIG. 2) to
the gun hose 104, through the gun 102 and out the wand 103 when a
trigger 107 is depressed. Although a gasoline engine is displayed
in FIG. 1, other types of engines may also be used along with the
inventive concepts of the present invention to produce the same
results.
[0031] FIG. 2 displays a side perspective view of the engine 110
and pump assembly 120 of the pressure washer 100. As can be seen
from this view, a muffler 118 and spark plug 116 are positioned on
the side of the engine 110. The spark plug 116 is installed into
the top of the cylinder which is part of the engine block 140. The
spark plug 116 provides the spark necessary to keep the internal
combustion engine running. Fuel is routed from the gas tank 112
through a carburetor and into the cylinder to be ignited by the
spark plug 116. The exhaust from the internal combustion engine is
then routed out of the cylinder via exhaust valves and out the
muffler 118. Additionally, engine oil is splashed within the engine
110 and an oil dip stick 111 may be used to confirm the engine oil
level within the engine block 140.
[0032] At the bottom of the engine block 140 is an engine bottom
cover 130. Affixed to the engine bottom cover 130 is the pump
assembly 120. The water intake connector 108 and the high pressure
connector 122 are on the pump assembly 120. The engine bottom cover
130 may be manufactured out of cast aluminum and provides a seal to
the bottom of the engine block 140. Spaced in between the engine
block 140 and the engine bottom cover 130 may be a gasket 131. As
can be seen in FIG. 2, the engine bottom cover 130 is integrated
into the engine block 140.
[0033] FIG. 3 displays a side view of the engine 110 and pump
assembly 120. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the engine bottom cover 130
has a top edge 132 which extends away from a base 134 as well as a
wall 136. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the wall 136 is
cylindrically shaped. Although the wall 136 is cylindrically
shaped, in further embodiments, the wall 136 may be any shape as
long as it is a continuous wall and may encapsulate the pump
assembly 120. The wall 136 extends away from the base 134 and
creates a recess 138, into which the pump assembly 120 extends when
the pump assembly 120 is attached to the engine 110. At the bottom
of the recess 138 is a crankshaft opening through which the
crankshaft extends when the engine bottom cover 130 is attached to
the engine 110. The recess 138 and wall 136 combined may also be
referred to as a pump housing. The pump assembly 120 extends into
the recess 138 when it is affixed to the engine bottom cover
130.
[0034] A better view of the pump housing 139 is displayed in FIG.
4. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the engine 110 with the pump assembly
120 removed. In the embodiment as displayed in FIG. 4, the engine
bottom cover 130 is attached to the bottom of the engine 110 and
held in place by bolts 181. The surface of the engine bottom cover
130 may be flat or ribbed. Extending into the recess 138 is a crank
shaft 170 (See also FIG. 7). As mentioned previously, the
crankshaft 170 is connected to the piston of the engine and is
rotated when the engine is running. In one embodiment, the
crankshaft 170 may be slotted. In an alternative embodiment, the
crankshaft 170 may be keyed. The crankshaft 170 may be keyed or
slotted in order to mesh up with the receiving member within the
pump assembly 120.
[0035] One advantage of the present invention is that the crank
shaft 170 may be shorter since the pump assembly 120, when
attached, is much closer to the engine than the prior art pressure
washers. Utilizing an engine bottom cover 130 as shown in FIG. 4
allows the pump assembly 120 to be integrated into the bottom of
the engine. Integrating the pump assembly 120 into the engine
reduces the height of the overall pressure washer 100. In addition,
integrating the pump assembly 120 also allows the pressure washer
manufacturer to reduce the number of parts required to connect the
pump assembly 120 with the engine 110. For example, one combined
crankshaft/pump shaft seal may be used instead of a separate
crankshaft seal and a pump shaft seal.
[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is that a
separate casting may not be necessary. The engine bottom cover 130
as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be a single casting thus eliminating
additional material that may be required for multiple castings.
Another advantage of the engine bottom cover 130 having the
integrated pump housing 139 is that the number of fasteners
necessary to affix the engine bottom cover 130 into place may be
less than an engine bottom cover not having the integrated pump
housing 139.
[0037] Additionally, a pressure washer 100 employing the concepts
of the present invention may only need one bearing assembly instead
of two. Some prior art pressure washers have thrust bearings and
radial bearings, which may be eliminated in embodiments of the
present invention. Another advantage of the present invention is
that the manufacturing process may require only one step to
integrate, assemble and test when building the engine. The engine
manufacturer may also assemble the pump assembly 120 into the
engine bottom cover 130 thus allowing the engine manufacturer to
build the complete pressure washer 100.
[0038] FIG. 5 displays the engine bottom cover 130 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. On the engine bottom
cover 130 are bolt mounting holes 144 as well as fins 142. The fins
142 may act as a heat sink and provide a means to displace some of
the heat that may be generated by the engine 110 when it is
running. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the fins 142 may extend away
from the walls 136 and extend to the edges of the engine bottom
cover 130. Also shown on the engine bottom cover 130 are pump
assembly mounting holes 146. In this embodiment, there are four
pump assembly mounting holes 146. After the engine bottom cover 130
is affixed to the bottom of the engine 110, the pump assembly 120
may be attached by attaching and tightening bolts which extend
through the pump assembly 120 and into the pump assembly mounting
holes 146.
[0039] The engine bottom cover 130 may be constructed out of
various types of metals. In one embodiment, the engine bottom cover
130 may be made of cast aluminum. Alternatively, the engine bottom
cover 130 may be made of cast iron or stainless steel. Several
factors may need to be taken into consideration such as, but not
limited to, weight, cost, manufacturability and the like. Aluminum
may be preferred due to its availability, cost and light weight.
Regardless, the engine bottom cover 130 should be of sufficient
thickness and strength to withstand the operation of the pump
assembly 120 when fully assembled.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pump
assembly 120 may be an axial pump. Within any axial pump, pistons
move up and down creating the pressure that is applied to the water
coming in the water inlet 108. In axial piston pumps, the pistons
stroke in the same direction on a cylinder block's centerline
(axially). Axial piston pumps may be an in-line or angled design.
Pressures generated by the pump assembly 120 may be as high as
5,000 psi. Axial pumps are usually very efficient and the pumps
typically have excellent durability. Petroleum oil fluids are
usually required within the pump assembly 120 to keep the moving
parts lubricated.
[0041] Types of axial piston pumps may include, but are not limited
to, in-line pumps, wobble plate in-line pumps and bent-axis axial
pumps. In an in-line piston pump, a drive shaft and cylinder block
are on the same centerline. Reciprocation of the pistons is caused
by a swash plate that the pistons run against as a cylinder block
rotates. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive
shaft 170 turns a cylinder block, which carries the pistons around
a shaft. The piston shoes slide against a swash plate and are held
against it by a shoe plate. A swash plate's angle causes the
cylinders to reciprocate in their bores. At the point where a
piston begins to retract, an opening in the end of a bore slides
over an inlet slot in a valve plate, and oil is drawn into a bore
through somewhat less than half a revolution. There is a solid area
in a valve plate as a piston becomes fully retracted. As a piston
begins to extend, an opening in a cylinder barrel moves over an
outlet slot, and oil is forced out a pressure port.
[0042] A wobble plate pump is a variation of an in-line piston
pump. In this embodiment, a cylinder barrel does not turn. Instead
a wobble plate wobbles as it is turned by the crank shaft 170. The
wobbling of the wobble plate pushes the pistons in and out of the
pumping chambers in a stationary cylinder barrel. In a wobble-plate
pump, separate inlet and outlet check valves are required for each
piston, since the pistons do not move past a port.
[0043] In an angle- or a bent-axis-type piston pump, the piston
rods are attached by ball joints to a drive shaft's flange. A
universal link keys a cylinder block to a shaft so that they rotate
together but at an offset angle. A cylinder barrel turns against a
slotted valve plate to which the ports connect. Pumping action is
the same as an in-line pump. The angle of offset determines a
pump's displacement, just as the swash plate's angle determines an
in-line pump's displacement. In fixed-delivery pumps, the angle is
constant. In variable models, a yoke mounted on pintles swings a
cylinder block to vary displacement. Flow direction can be reversed
with appropriate controls.
[0044] Although various types of pumps may be used in conjunction
with the present invention, a wobble plate in-line axial pump is
shown as the pump assembly 120 in the exploded view of FIG. 6. As
mentioned previously, the crankshaft 170 extends away from the
engine 110 through the recess 138 of the engine bottom cover 130
and into the pump assembly 120.
[0045] As the crankshaft 170 extends into the recess 138, a
crankshaft seal 606 is attached over the crankshaft 170. The
crankshaft seal 606 prevents any oil or other type of lubricant
that may be used from leaking out of the recess 138 by way of the
crankshaft 170. In alternative embodiments, the crankshaft seal 606
may be removed to allow oil or other type of lubricant to flow into
the recess 138.
[0046] Bolts 604 are used to attach the pump assembly 120 to the
engine bottom cover 130 and are inserted in pump manifold 139 and
into pump assembly mounting holes 146. The pump assembly mounting
holes 146 are threaded and constructed to fit the bolts 604.
[0047] When the pump assembly 120 is attached to the engine bottom
cover 130, the crankshaft 170 mates up with a wobble plate 612.
Prior to insertion into the wobble plate 612, two lower thrust
bearing races 608 and a lower thrust bearing rack 610 are placed on
the crankshaft 170. The thrust bearing rack 610 may contain ball
bearings to facilitate the movement of the wobble plate 612.
[0048] On the top of the wobble plate 612 is a set of upper thrust
bearing races 616 and an upper thrust bearing rack 618. Spring
retaining clips 620 secure spring retainers 622 into place. Pump
pistons 624 extend through piston return springs 626. An oil seal
628 is attached at the bottom of the pistons 624. The oil seal 628
keeps the oil or other type of lubricant contained within the pump
assembly 120 from leaking into the pump manifold 630. Pump manifold
630 attaches to the pump housing 139 of the engine bottom cover 130
and keeps the components of the pump assembly 120 in place. The
pump manifold 630 is attached to the engine bottom cover by bolts
650.
[0049] As the engine 110 is running, the crankshaft 170 is turning,
causing the wobble plate 612 to rotate. In turn, the rotation of
the wobble plate 612 causes the pistons 624 to move in an up and
down fashion. The movement of the pistons 624 causes pressure to be
created and in turn applied to the water that enters the pump
manifold 630 and is in turn directed out the high pressure outlet
122.
[0050] As described previously, by integrating the pump assembly
120 into the bottom engine cover 130, the pressure washer 100 may
have increased efficiency. Bringing the components of the pump
assembly closer to the engine 110 and the crankshaft 170, reduces
the length of the crankshaft 170 and may increase the power
transfer efficiency. Integrating the pump assembly into the bottom
engine cover 130 also allows the pressure washer manufacturer to
manufacture a smaller power washer that may deliver the same if not
greater pressurized fluid delivery.
[0051] FIG. 7 displays the engine bottom cover 730 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. On the engine
bottom cover 730 are bolt mounting holes 744. In contrast to the
engine bottom cover 130 of FIG. 5, the engine bottom cover 730 does
not contain walls which support the pump assembly. Instead, as can
be seen in FIG. 8, pump assembly 820 has walls 836 which form the
recess 838 into which the internal components of the pump assembly
820 are located. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly 820
may have the same internal components as the pump assembly 120. The
walls 836 of pump assembly 820 attach directly to the engine cover
730.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 7, the engine bottom cover 730 has
pump assembly mounting holes 746. In this embodiment, there are
four pump assembly mounting holes 746. Now back to FIG. 8, after
the engine bottom cover 730 is affixed to the bottom of the engine
110 using engine mounting holes 744, the pump assembly 820 may be
attached by attaching and tightening bolts which extend through the
pump assembly 820 and into the pump assembly mounting holes 746.
The crankshaft 170 extends away from the engine 110 through the
recess 838 of the pump assembly 820.
[0053] As the crankshaft 170 extends into the recess 838, a
crankshaft seal 606 is attached over the crankshaft 170. The
crankshaft seal 606 prevents any oil or other type of lubricant
that may be used from leaking out of the recess 838 by way of the
crankshaft 170. In alternative embodiments, the crankshaft seal 606
may be removed to allow oil or other type of lubricant to flow into
the recess 838.
[0054] Bolts 604 are used to attach the pump assembly 820 to the
engine bottom cover 730 and are inserted in pump manifold 839 and
into pump assembly mounting holes 746. The pump assembly mounting
holes 746 are threaded and constructed to fit the bolts 604.
[0055] When the pump assembly 820 is attached to the engine bottom
cover 730, the crankshaft 170 mates up with a wobble plate 612.
Prior to insertion into the wobble plate 612, two lower thrust
bearing races 608 and a lower thrust bearing rack 610 are placed on
the crankshaft 170. The thrust bearing rack 610 may contain ball
bearings to facilitate the movement of the wobble plate 612.
[0056] On the top of the wobble plate 612 is a set of upper thrust
bearing races 616 and an upper thrust bearing rack 618. Spring
retaining clips 620 secure spring retainers 622 into place. Pump
pistons 624 extend through piston return springs 626. An oil seal
628 is attached at the bottom of the pistons 624. The oil seal 628
keeps the oil or other type of lubricant contained within the pump
assembly 820 and from leaking into the pump manifold 830. Pump
manifold 830 attaches to the engine bottom cover 130 with bolts 850
and keeps the components of the pump assembly 820 in place.
[0057] As the engine 110 is running, the crankshaft 170 is turning,
causing the wobble plate 612 to rotate. In turn, the rotation of
the wobble plate 612 causes the pistons 624 to move in an up and
down fashion. The movement of the pistons 624 causes pressure to be
created and in turn applied to the water that enters the pump
manifold 830 and is in turn directed out the high pressure outlet
122.
[0058] As described previously, by integrating the pump assembly
820 into the bottom engine cover 730, the pressure washer 100 may
have increased efficiency. Bringing the components of the pump
assembly closer to the engine 110 and the crankshaft 170 reduces
the length of the crankshaft 170 and may increase the power
transfer efficiency. Integrating the pump assembly into the engine
bottom cover 730 also allows the pressure washer manufacturer to
manufacture a smaller power washer that may deliver the same if not
greater pressurized fluid delivery.
[0059] FIG. 9 displays an engine bottom cover 930 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. On the engine
bottom cover 930 are bolt mounting holes 944. In contrast to the
engine bottom cover 730 of FIG. 7 and engine bottom cover 130 of
FIG. 5, the engine bottom cover 930 has a partial wall which
supports the pump assembly 1020 (FIG. 10). Instead, as can be seen
in FIGS. 9 and 10, pump assembly 1020 has walls 1036 which form the
recess 1038 into which the internal components of the pump assembly
1020 are located. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly
1020 may have the same internal components as the pump assembly
120.
[0060] Referring back to FIG. 9, the engine bottom cover 930 has
pump assembly mounting holes 946. In this embodiment, there are
four pump assembly mounting holes 946. After the engine bottom
cover 930 is affixed to the bottom of the engine 110 using engine
mounting holes 944, the pump assembly 1020 may be attached by
attaching and tightening bolts which extend through the pump
assembly 1020 and into the pump assembly mounting holes 946. The
crankshaft 170 extends away from the engine 110 through the recess
1038 of the pump assembly 1020.
[0061] As the crankshaft 170 extends into the recess 1038, a
crankshaft seal 606 is attached over the crankshaft 170. The
crankshaft seal 606 prevents any oil or other type of lubricant
that may be used from leaking out of the recess 1038 by way of the
crankshaft 170. In alternative embodiments, the crankshaft seal 606
may be removed to allow oil or other type of lubricant to flow into
the recess 1038.
[0062] Bolts 604 are used to attach the pump assembly 1020 to the
engine bottom cover 930 and are inserted in pump manifold 1039 and
into pump assembly mounting holes 946. The pump assembly mounting
holes 946 are threaded and constructed to fit the bolts 604.
Although not shown, a gasket or other type of seal may be applied
on the engine bottom cover 930 to form a pressurized seal between
the engine bottom cover 930 and the pump assembly 1020 when the
bolts 604 are attached.
[0063] When the pump assembly 1020 is attached to the engine bottom
cover 930, the crankshaft 170 mates up with a wobble plate 612.
Prior to insertion into the wobble plate 612, two lower thrust
bearing races 608 and a lower thrust bearing rack 610 are placed on
the crankshaft 170. The thrust bearing rack 610 may contain ball
bearings to facilitate the movement of the wobble plate 612.
[0064] On the top of the wobble plate 612 is a set of upper thrust
bearing races 616 and an upper thrust bearing rack 618. Spring
retaining clips 620 secure spring retainers 622 into place. Pump
pistons 624 extend through piston return springs 626. An oil seal
628 is attached at the bottom of the pistons 624. The oil seal 628
keeps the oil or other type of lubricant contained within the pump
assembly 1020 and from leaking into the pump manifold 630. Pump
manifold 1030 attaches to the engine bottom cover 930 with bolts
1050 and keeps the components of the pump assembly 1020 in
place.
[0065] As the engine 110 is running, the crankshaft 170 is turning,
causing the wobble plate 612 to rotate. In turn, the rotation of
the wobble plate 612 causes the pistons 624 to move in an up and
down fashion. The movement of the pistons 624 causes pressure to be
created and in turn applied to the water that enters the pump
manifold 1030 and is in turn directed out the high pressure outlet
122.
[0066] As described previously, by integrating the pump assembly
1020 into the bottom engine cover 930, the pressure washer 100 may
have increased efficiency. Bringing the components of the pump
assembly closer to the engine 110 and the crankshaft 170 reduces
the length of the crankshaft 170 and may increase the power
transfer efficiency. Integrating the pump assembly into the engine
bottom cover 930 also allows the pressure washer manufacturer to
manufacture a smaller power washer that may deliver the same if not
greater pressurized fluid delivery.
[0067] FIGS. 11 and 12 display a pressure washer 1100 having a
horizontal shaft engine 1110 utilizing an engine bottom cover 1130
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 11 the pump assembly of the pressure washer 1100 is
removed to show the inner view of the recess 1138. Similar to the
pressure washer 100 of FIG. 1, wall 1136 extends radially around
the crankshaft and away from the engine bottom cover 1130.
[0068] As can be seen from this view, a muffler 1118 is positioned
on the side of the engine 1110. A spark plug is installed into the
top of the cylinder which is part of the engine block 1140. Fuel is
routed from the gas tank 1112 through a carburetor and into the
cylinder to be ignited by the spark plug. The exhaust from the
internal combustion engine is then routed out of the cylinder via
exhaust valves and out the muffler 1118. Additionally, engine oil
is circulated within the engine 1110 and an oil dip stick 1111 may
be used to confirm the engine oil level within the engine block
1140.
[0069] At the bottom of the engine block 1140 is the engine bottom
cover 1130. When assembled, the pump assembly is affixed to the
engine bottom cover 1130. In another exemplary embodiment, the
engine bottom cover 1130 may be manufactured out of cast aluminum
and provides a seal to the bottom of the engine block 1140. Spaced
in between the engine block 1140 and the engine bottom cover 1130
may be a gasket 1131. The engine bottom cover 1130 may also have
fins 1142 which are on the outside of wall 1136. In the embodiment
of FIG. 11, the fins 1142 may be positioned on the wall 1136. In
another embodiment, the fins 1142 may extend to the outer edge of
the engine bottom cover 1130.
* * * * *