Crankshaft assembly, engine system and method for assembling crankshaft assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a crankshaft assembly, an engine system and a method for assembling the crankshaft assembly. The crankshaft assembly includes a crankshaft including a connecting member. The connecting member includes a connecting surface. The crankshaft assembly also includes a crankshaft shim engaged with the connecting member. The crankshaft gasket includes a first crankshaft gasket surface and a second crankshaft gasket surface opposite the first crankshaft gasket surface. The second crankshaft gasket surface is in butt joint with the connecting surface. The crankshaft assembly also includes a sealing member engaged with the connecting member and a gear engaged with the crankshaft gasket and the sealing member. The gear includes a first gear surface and a second gear surface opposite the first gear surface. The second gear surface is in butt joint with the first crankshaft gasket surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to crankshaft assemblies for internal combustion engines. Background Art

[0002] An internal combustion engine may include a crankshaft and a flywheel attached directly or indirectly to the crankshaft. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a crankshaft assembly includes a crankshaft including a connecting member. The connecting member includes a connecting surface. The crankshaft assembly also includes a crankshaft gasket engaged with the connecting member. The crankshaft gasket includes a first crankshaft gasket surface and a second crankshaft gasket surface opposite to the first crankshaft gasket surface. The second crankshaft gasket surface is docked with the connecting surface. The crankshaft assembly also includes a sealing member engaged with the connecting member and a gear engaged with the crankshaft gasket and the sealing member. The gear includes a first gear surface and a second gear surface opposite to the first gear surface. The second gear surface is docked with the first crankshaft gasket surface.

[0004] In one embodiment, the connecting member defines a groove around an outer periphery of the connecting surface, the sealing member being disposed within the groove.

[0005] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the groove is greater than the outer diameter of the crankshaft gasket.

[0006] In one embodiment, the sealing member is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft spacer.

[0007] In one embodiment, a gap is provided radially between the sealing member and the crankshaft spacer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sealing member is disposed around an outer periphery of the crankshaft spacer.

[0009] In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the sealing member and the outer periphery of the crankshaft spacer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connecting member defines a connecting member hole; the crankshaft gasket defines a crankshaft gasket hole;

[0011] The gear defines a gear hole; and the crankshaft assembly further includes a fastener disposed within the connecting member hole, the crankshaft spacer hole, and the gear hole, the fastener securing the crankshaft spacer between the connecting member and the gear.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sealing member comprises an O-ring gasket.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the sealing member is greater than the outer diameter of the crankshaft spacer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the sealing member is smaller than the outer diameter of the gear.

[0015] In another embodiment, an engine system includes at least one piston. Each of the at least one piston is disposed within a corresponding cylinder. The engine system also includes a crankshaft coupled to the at least one piston and rotated by movement of the at least one piston. The crankshaft includes a connecting member. The connecting member includes a connecting surface. The engine system also includes a crankshaft gasket engaged with the connecting member. The crankshaft gasket includes a first crankshaft gasket surface and a second crankshaft gasket surface opposite to the first crankshaft gasket surface. The second crankshaft gasket surface interfaces with the connecting surface. The engine system also includes a sealing member engaged with the connecting member, and a gear engaged with the crankshaft gasket and the sealing member. The gear includes a first gear surface and a second gear surface opposite to the first gear surface. The second gear surface interfaces with the first crankshaft gasket surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the engine system further includes a flywheel engaged with the gear.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flywheel comprises: a first flywheel surface; and a second flywheel surface, the second flywheel surface is opposite to the first flywheel surface, and the second flywheel surface is connected to the first gear surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the engine system also includes a flywheel gasket engaged with the gear and the flywheel, the flywheel gasket including: a first flywheel gasket surface, and a second flywheel gasket surface, the second flywheel gasket surface is opposite to the first flywheel gasket surface, and the second flywheel gasket surface is docked with the first gear surface; and the flywheel includes: a first flywheel surface, and a second flywheel surface, the second flywheel surface is opposite to the first flywheel surface, and the second flywheel surface is docked with the first flywheel gasket surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connecting member defines a connecting member hole; the crankshaft gasket defines a crankshaft gasket hole; the gear defines a gear hole; the flywheel gasket defines a flywheel gasket hole; the flywheel defines a flywheel hole; and the engine system also includes a fastener, which is arranged in the connecting member hole, the crankshaft gasket hole, the gear hole, the flywheel gasket hole and the flywheel hole, and the fastener fixes the crankshaft gasket between the connecting member and the gear and fixes the flywheel gasket between the gear and the flywheel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sealing member extends around and is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft spacer, and wherein a gap is radially disposed between the sealing member and the crankshaft spacer.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method of assembling a crankshaft assembly includes coupling a sealing member to a connecting member of a crankshaft. The connecting member includes a connecting surface. The method also includes coupling a crankshaft gasket to the connecting member. The crankshaft gasket includes a first crankshaft gasket surface and a second crankshaft gasket surface opposite the first crankshaft gasket surface and abutting the connecting surface. The method also includes coupling a gear to the sealing member and the crankshaft gasket. The gear includes a first gear surface and a second gear surface opposite the first gear surface and abutting the first crankshaft gasket surface.

[0022] In one embodiment, coupling the sealing member to the connecting member includes: machining a groove around an outer periphery of the connecting surface; and disposing the sealing member within the groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method also includes: coupling a flywheel gasket to the gear, the flywheel gasket comprising a first flywheel gasket surface and a second flywheel gasket surface opposite to the first flywheel gasket surface and docking with the first gear surface; and coupling a flywheel to the flywheel gasket, the flywheel comprising a first flywheel surface and a second flywheel surface opposite to the first flywheel surface and docking with the first flywheel gasket surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a side view of a crankshaft assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a crankshaft assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a crankshaft assembly including a crankshaft, a connecting member, a friction pad, a sealing member and a gear;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a crankshaft, connecting member, friction pad, sealing member and gear; and

[0029] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example method of assembling a crankshaft assembly.

[0030] It should be appreciated that these drawings are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments, with the explicit understanding that the drawings will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods, devices and systems for crankshaft assemblies for internal combustion engines and implementations of these methods, devices and systems. Since the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation, the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways. Specific implementations and examples of applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0032] Figure 1 A crankshaft assembly 100 for an engine system (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.) is depicted. The engine system may be, for example, a diesel internal combustion engine system, a gasoline internal combustion engine system, a hybrid internal combustion engine system, a propane internal combustion engine system, a dual-fuel internal combustion engine system, a natural gas internal combustion engine system, etc. The engine system is configured to burn fuel (e.g., diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, etc.) to generate energy that can be utilized by various output ends. For example, the engine system may generate energy for driving a moving member (e.g., a wheel, a tread, a propeller, an impeller, a turbine, a rotor, etc.) or provide power for a generator. The engine system may be implemented in a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a car, an engineering vehicle, a freight vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a military vehicle, a maritime vehicle, etc.). In some embodiments, the engine system has an in-line or straight cylinder configuration. In other embodiments, the engine system has a "V" cylinder configuration or other configurations.

[0033] The engine system includes a cylinder block. The cylinder block includes one or more cylinders, such as one cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder block includes four to eight cylinders. In other embodiments, the cylinder block includes up to twenty cylinders, and other numbers of cylinders are also possible. The engine system also includes at least one piston. Each of the at least one piston is disposed in a corresponding cylinder of the cylinder block.

[0034] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1-Figure 3A crankshaft assembly 100 is depicted, comprising a crankshaft 102, the crankshaft 102 comprising a connecting member 200. The connecting member 200 comprises a connecting surface 202. The crankshaft assembly 100 further comprises a crankshaft gasket 300 engaged with the connecting member 200. The crankshaft gasket 300 comprises a first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and a second crankshaft gasket surface 304 opposite the first crankshaft gasket surface 302. The second crankshaft gasket surface 304 interfaces with the connecting surface 202. The crankshaft assembly 100 further comprises a sealing member 400 engaged with the connecting member 200 and a gear 500 engaged with the crankshaft gasket 300 and the sealing member 400. The gear 500 comprises a first gear surface 502 and a second gear surface 504 opposite the first gear surface 502. The second gear surface 504 interfaces with the first crankshaft gasket surface 302.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the engine system includes at least one piston. Each of the at least one piston is disposed in a corresponding cylinder. The engine system also includes a crankshaft 102 coupled to the at least one piston and configured to rotate by the movement of the at least one piston. The crankshaft 102 includes a connecting member 200. The connecting member 200 includes a connecting surface 202. The engine system also includes a crankshaft gasket 300 engaged with the connecting member 200. The crankshaft gasket 300 includes a first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and a second crankshaft gasket surface 304 opposite to the first crankshaft gasket surface 302. The second crankshaft gasket surface 304 is docked with the connecting surface 202. The engine system also includes a sealing member 400 engaged with the connecting member 200 and a gear 500 engaged with the crankshaft gasket 300 and the sealing member 400. The gear 500 includes a first gear surface 502 and a second gear surface 504 opposite to the first gear surface 502. The second gear surface 504 is docked with the first crankshaft gasket surface 302.

[0036] The crankshaft 102 is coupled to at least one piston. The crankshaft 102 is configured to rotate by the movement of at least one piston. The rotation converts the vertical movement of the at least one piston into a rotational movement around a horizontal axis. The rotational movement can be used to drive the vehicle to move (e.g., through wheels) via a gearbox (e.g., a transmission, etc.). The connecting member 200 of the crankshaft 102 is configured to couple the crankshaft 102 to other components of the crankshaft assembly 100.

[0037] The crankshaft shim 300 is engaged with the connecting member 200 and the gear 500 and is positioned between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500. The ability of the gear 500 to rotate in response to the rotation of the crankshaft 102 is based in part on the friction between the gear 500 and the connecting member 200. The higher the friction (or adhesion) between the gear 500 and the connecting member 200 (e.g., the lower the slippage between the gear 500 and the connecting member 200), the better the transmission of the rotational movement of the connecting member 200 (via the crankshaft 102) to the gear 500. The crankshaft shim 300 is configured to improve the friction between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500. The second crankshaft shim surface 304 interfaces with the connecting surface 202 (e.g., contacts the connecting surface 202, etc.), and the first crankshaft shim surface 302 interfaces with the second gear surface 504.

[0038] In some embodiments, the surface roughness of the first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and the second crankshaft gasket surface 304 is higher than the surface roughness of the connecting surface 202 and the second gear surface 504, so that the friction (more specifically, the friction coefficient) between the first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and the second gear surface 504 and between the second crankshaft gasket surface 304 and the connecting surface 202 is higher than the friction between the second gear surface 504 and the connecting surface 202.

[0039] The sealing member 400 (e.g., a gasket, etc.) engages with the connecting member 200 and the gear 500 and is positioned between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500. The sealing member 400 is configured to seal the connection between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500 so that oil around the crankshaft 102 and / or the connecting member 200 does not leak by entering between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500. In some embodiments, the sealing member 400 includes an O-ring gasket. In some embodiments, the sealing member 400 is arranged around the outer periphery of the crankshaft gasket 300. In some embodiments, the sealing member 400 is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft gasket 300.

[0040] A gap 402 may be provided between the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300. The gap 402 may prevent the crankshaft gasket 300 from contacting the sealing member 400, thereby preventing the crankshaft gasket 300 from damaging (e.g., braking, puncturing, etc.) the sealing member 400. In some embodiments, the gap 402 is radially provided between the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300. In some embodiments, the gap 402 is provided between the sealing member 400 and the outer periphery of the crankshaft gasket 300. In some embodiments, the sealing member 400 extends around the crankshaft gasket 300 and is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft gasket 300, and the gap 402 is radially provided between the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300.

[0041] The connection member 200 defines a groove 204. The groove 204 surrounds the outer periphery of the connection surface 202. The groove 204 is configured to receive the sealing member 400 such that the sealing member 400 is disposed within the groove 204.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the groove 204 has an inner diameter, such as a first diameter D1. The crankshaft gasket 300 has an outer diameter, such as a second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the first diameter D1 (eg, the inner diameter of the groove 204) is greater than the second diameter D2 (eg, the outer diameter of the crankshaft gasket 300).

[0043] The sealing member 400 has an inner diameter, for example, a third diameter D3. In some embodiments, the third diameter D3 (eg, the inner diameter of the sealing member 400) is greater than the second diameter D2 (eg, the outer diameter of the crankshaft spacer 300).

[0044] The sealing member 400 has an outer diameter, such as a fourth diameter D4. The gear 500 has an outer diameter, such as a fifth diameter D5. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter D4 (eg, the outer diameter of the sealing member 400) is smaller than the fifth diameter D5 (eg, the outer diameter of the gear 500).

[0045] The connecting member 200 defines a connecting member hole 206 (e.g., a hole, etc.). The crankshaft spacer 300 defines a crankshaft spacer hole 306. The gear 500 defines a gear hole 506. The crankshaft assembly 100 also includes a fastener 104 disposed within the connecting member hole 206, the crankshaft spacer hole 306, and the gear hole 506. The fastener 104 secures the crankshaft spacer 300 between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500. In some embodiments, the connecting member 200 defines a plurality of connecting member holes 206, the crankshaft spacer 300 defines a plurality of crankshaft spacer holes 306, the gear 500 defines a plurality of gear holes 506, and the crankshaft assembly 100 includes a plurality of fasteners 104, wherein each fastener 104 is disposed within a corresponding connecting member hole 206, the crankshaft spacer hole 306, and the gear hole 506.

[0046] The crankshaft assembly 100 also includes a flywheel 600. The flywheel 600 includes a first flywheel surface 602 and a second flywheel surface 604 opposite the first flywheel surface 602. In some embodiments (not shown), the flywheel 600 is engaged with the gear 500. In these embodiments, the second flywheel surface 604 interfaces with the first gear surface 502.

[0047] In some embodiments, the crankshaft assembly 100 further includes a flywheel spacer 700. In these embodiments, the flywheel spacer 700 engages with the gear 500 and the flywheel 600 and is positioned between the gear 500 and the flywheel 600. The flywheel spacer 700 includes a first flywheel spacer surface 702 and a second flywheel spacer surface 704 opposite to the first flywheel spacer surface 702. The first flywheel spacer surface 702 interfaces with the second flywheel surface 604. The second flywheel spacer surface 704 interfaces with the first gear surface 502.

[0048] The ability of the flywheel 600 to rotate in response to the rotation of the crankshaft 102 is based in part on the friction acting between the flywheel 600 and the gear 500. The higher the friction (or adhesion) between the flywheel 600 and the gear 500 (e.g., the lower the slip between the flywheel 600 and the gear 500), the better the transfer of the rotational motion of the gear 500 (via the crankshaft 102) to the flywheel 600. The flywheel spacer 700 is configured to improve the friction between the gear 500 and the flywheel 600.

[0049] In some embodiments, the surface roughness of the first flywheel gasket surface 702 and the second flywheel gasket surface 704 is higher than the surface roughness of the first gear surface 502 and the second flywheel surface 604, so that the friction (more specifically, the friction coefficient) between the first flywheel gasket surface 702 and the second flywheel surface 604 and between the second flywheel gasket surface 704 and the first gear surface 502 is higher than the friction between the first gear surface 502 and the second flywheel surface 604.

[0050] The flywheel 600 defines a flywheel hole 606. In embodiments including a flywheel spacer 700, the flywheel spacer 700 defines a flywheel spacer hole 706. In these embodiments, the fastener 104 is disposed within the connecting member hole 206, the crankshaft spacer hole 306 and the gear hole 506, the flywheel spacer hole 706, and the flywheel hole 606. The fastener 104 secures the crankshaft spacer 300 between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500 and the flywheel spacer 700 between the gear 500 and the flywheel 600.

[0051] In some embodiments, the connecting member 200 defines a plurality of connecting member holes 206, the crankshaft gasket 300 defines a plurality of crankshaft gasket holes 306, the gear 500 defines a plurality of gear holes 506, the flywheel gasket 700 defines a plurality of flywheel gasket holes 706, the flywheel 600 defines a plurality of flywheel holes 606, and the crankshaft assembly 100 includes a plurality of fasteners 104, wherein each fastener 104 is disposed in a corresponding connecting member hole 206, crankshaft gasket hole 306, gear hole 506, flywheel gasket hole 706, and flywheel hole 606.

[0052] Figure 5A flow chart is depicted showing an example method 800 for assembling the crankshaft assembly 100. The method 800 for assembling the crankshaft assembly 100 includes: at 802, coupling the sealing member 400 to the connecting member 200 of the crankshaft 102, the connecting member 200 including the connecting surface 202; at 808, coupling the crankshaft gasket 300 to the connecting member 200, the crankshaft gasket 300 including a first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and a second crankshaft gasket surface 304 opposite the first crankshaft gasket surface 302 and abutting the connecting surface 202; and at 810, coupling the gear 500 to the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300, the gear 500 including a first gear surface 502 and a second gear surface 504 opposite the first gear surface 502 and abutting the first crankshaft gasket surface 302.

[0053] Coupling the sealing member 400 to the connecting member 200 at 802 may include machining the groove 204 around the outer periphery of the connecting surface 202 at 804 and disposing the sealing member 400 within the groove 204 at 806. In some embodiments, machining may include various processes including, for example, drilling, tapping, surfacing, honing, polishing, lapping, reaming, and cutting.

[0054] In some embodiments, coupling the crankshaft gasket 300 to the connecting member 200 includes machining a connecting member hole 206 in the connecting surface 202, machining a crankshaft gasket hole 306 extending from the first crankshaft gasket surface 302 through the second crankshaft gasket surface 304, and disposing a fastener 104 in the connecting member hole 206 and the crankshaft gasket hole 306 to secure the crankshaft gasket 300 to the connecting member 200.

[0055] In some embodiments, coupling the gear 500 to the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300 includes: machining a connecting member hole 206 in the connecting surface 202, machining a crankshaft gasket hole 306 extending from the first crankshaft gasket surface 302 through the second crankshaft gasket surface 304, machining a gear hole 506 extending from the first gear surface 502 through the second gear surface 504, and disposing a fastener 104 in the connecting member hole 206, the crankshaft gasket hole 306 and the gear hole 506 to secure the gear 500 to the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300 and to secure the sealing member 400 and the crankshaft gasket 300 between the connecting member 200 and the gear 500.

[0056] The method 800 may also include: at 812, coupling the flywheel gasket 700 to the gear 500, the flywheel gasket 700 including a first flywheel gasket surface 702 and a second flywheel gasket surface 704 opposite to the first flywheel gasket surface 702 and docking with the first gear surface 502; and at 814, coupling the flywheel 600 to the flywheel gasket 700, the flywheel 600 including a first flywheel surface 602 and a second flywheel surface 604 opposite to the first flywheel surface 602 and docking with the first flywheel gasket surface 702.

[0057] In some embodiments, coupling the flywheel gasket 700 to the gear 500 includes machining a gear hole 506 extending from the first gear surface 502 through the second gear surface 504, machining a flywheel gasket hole 706 extending from the first flywheel gasket surface 702 through the second flywheel gasket surface 704, and positioning a fastener 104 in the gear hole 506 and the flywheel gasket hole 706 to secure the flywheel gasket 700 to the gear 500.

[0058] In some embodiments, coupling the flywheel 600 to the flywheel shim 700 includes machining a gear hole 506 extending from the first gear surface 502 through the second gear surface 504, machining a flywheel shim hole 706 extending from the first flywheel shim surface 702 through the second flywheel shim surface 704, machining a flywheel hole 606 extending from the first flywheel surface 602 through the second flywheel surface 604, and disposing fasteners 104 within the gear hole 506, the flywheel shim hole 706, and the flywheel hole 606 to secure the flywheel 600 to the flywheel shim 700 and to secure the flywheel shim 700 between the gear 500 and the flywheel 600. It should be understood that the processes of the method 800 disclosed herein may be completed in any order relative to each other.

[0059] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the content that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to a particular implementation. Certain features described in the context of a separate implementation in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. In addition, although features may be described as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the recognized and acceptable usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure relates. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] As used herein, the terms "coupled" and the like refer to the coupling of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such coupling may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such coupling may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0062] As used herein, the term "fluid coupling" and the like refers to two components or objects having a passage formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as air, exhaust gas, liquid reductant, gaseous reductant, aqueous reductant, gaseous ammonia, etc., can flow with or without an intervening component or object. Examples of fluid couplings or structures for achieving fluid communication may include pipes, channels, or any other suitable components for achieving fluid flow from one component or object to another component or object.

[0063] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various example embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. All changes and modifications within the spirit and / or scope of the described embodiments are intended to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and embodiments lacking various features may be considered to be within the scope of the present application, which scope is defined by the appended claims. When the language "a portion" is used, an item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary.

[0064] In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (not in its exclusive sense), so when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specifically stated, conjunction language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood with the context in which it is normally used to express an item, term, or the like, which can be X; Y; Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, such conjunction language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z each be present.

Claims

1. A crankshaft assembly, comprising: a crankshaft comprising a connecting member, the connecting member comprising a connecting surface; A crankshaft gasket, the crankshaft gasket being engaged with the connecting member, the crankshaft gasket comprising: a first crankshaft gasket surface, and a second crankshaft gasket surface, the second crankshaft gasket surface being opposite to the first crankshaft gasket surface and butting against the connecting surface; a sealing member engaged with the connecting member; and a gear engaged with the crankshaft spacer and the sealing member, the gear comprising: a first gear surface, and A second gear surface, the second gear surface is opposite to the first gear surface, and the second gear surface is butted against the first crankshaft gasket surface.

2. The crankshaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member defines a groove around an outer periphery of the connecting surface, and the sealing member is disposed within the groove.

3. The crankshaft assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The inner diameter of the groove is greater than the outer diameter of the crankshaft gasket.

4. The crankshaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft spacer.

5. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A gap is radially provided between the sealing member and the crankshaft spacer.

6. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The sealing member is disposed around an outer periphery of the crankshaft gasket.

7. The crankshaft assembly according to claim 6, wherein: A gap is provided between the sealing member and the outer periphery of the crankshaft spacer.

8. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein: The connecting member defines a connecting member aperture; The crankshaft gasket defines a crankshaft gasket hole; The gear defines a gear hole; as well as The crankshaft assembly also includes a fastener disposed within the connecting member hole, the crankshaft spacer hole, and the gear hole, the fastener securing the crankshaft spacer between the connecting member and the gear.

9. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein: The sealing member includes an O-ring gasket.

10. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, 4 and 7, wherein: The inner diameter of the sealing member is larger than the outer diameter of the crankshaft gasket.

11. The crankshaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein: The outer diameter of the sealing member is smaller than the outer diameter of the gear.

12. An engine system comprising: at least one piston, each of the at least one piston being disposed within a corresponding cylinder; a crankshaft coupled to the at least one piston and configured to be rotated by movement of the at least one piston, the crankshaft comprising a connecting member including a connecting surface; A crankshaft gasket, the crankshaft gasket being engaged with the connecting member, the crankshaft gasket comprising: a first crankshaft gasket surface, and a second crankshaft gasket surface, the second crankshaft gasket surface being opposite to the first crankshaft gasket surface and butting against the connecting surface; a sealing member engaged with the connecting member; and a gear engaged with the crankshaft spacer and the sealing member, the gear comprising: a first gear surface, and A second gear surface, the second gear surface is opposite to the first gear surface, and the second gear surface is butted against the first crankshaft gasket surface.

13. The engine system of claim 12 further comprising a flywheel engaged with the gear.

14. The engine system of claim 13, wherein: The flywheel comprises: a first flywheel surface; and A second flywheel surface, wherein the second flywheel surface is opposite to the first flywheel surface, and the second flywheel surface is butted against the first gear surface.

15. The engine system of claim 13, wherein: The engine system further includes a flywheel spacer engaged with the gear and the flywheel, the flywheel spacer comprising: The first flywheel spacer surface, and a second flywheel gasket surface, the second flywheel gasket surface being opposite to the first flywheel gasket surface, the second flywheel gasket surface being butted against the first gear surface; and The flywheel comprises: The first flywheel surface, and A second flywheel surface, the second flywheel surface is opposite to the first flywheel surface, and the second flywheel surface is butted against the first flywheel gasket surface.

16. The engine system of claim 15, wherein: The connecting member defines a connecting member aperture; The crankshaft gasket defines a crankshaft gasket hole; The gear defines a gear hole; The flywheel spacer defines a flywheel spacer hole; The flywheel defines a flywheel aperture; and The engine system also includes a fastener disposed within the connecting member hole, the crankshaft gasket hole, the gear hole, the flywheel gasket hole, and the flywheel hole, the fastener securing the crankshaft gasket between the connecting member and the gear and securing the flywheel gasket between the gear and the flywheel.

17. The engine system according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein: The sealing member extends around and is coaxially aligned with the crankshaft spacer, and wherein a gap is radially disposed between the sealing member and the crankshaft spacer.

18. A method of assembling a crankshaft assembly, comprising: coupling the sealing member to a connecting member of the crankshaft, the connecting member comprising a connecting surface; coupling a crankshaft gasket to the connecting member, the crankshaft gasket comprising a first crankshaft gasket surface and a second crankshaft gasket surface opposite the first crankshaft gasket surface and abutting against the connecting surface; as well as A gear is coupled to the sealing member and the crankshaft spacer, the gear including a first gear surface and a second gear surface opposite the first gear surface and abutting against the first crankshaft spacer surface.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Coupling the sealing member to the connecting member comprises: machining a groove around the outer periphery of the connecting surface; and The sealing member is disposed within the groove.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: coupling a flywheel spacer to the gear, the flywheel spacer comprising a first flywheel spacer surface and a second flywheel spacer surface opposite the first flywheel spacer surface and abutting against the first gear surface; as well as A flywheel is coupled to the flywheel spacer, the flywheel comprising a first flywheel surface and a second flywheel surface opposite the first flywheel surface and abutting against the first flywheel spacer surface.

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