Chain box structure of chain system

Abstract

The chain box structure of the chain system can stably ensure lubricating oil for lubricating elements and reduce the necessary amount of lubricating oil. The chain box structure comprises: a chain box body for covering timing chain; a first rib part extending from a pair of camshafts to a crankshaft in the center of the chain box body; a second rib part extending in the direction of the first rib part between one of the pair of camshafts and the crankshaft, the first rib part and the second rib part guiding the lubricating oil from the pair of camshafts to the crankshaft; and a third rib part connecting the first rib part and the second rib part, the third rib part extending obliquely from the second rib part to the first rib part, guiding the part of the lubricating oil falling from the second rib part to the first rib part, and the height of the second rib part being the same as that of the third rib part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a chain box structure of chain system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, in order to ensure that more people can afford, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy access, research and development related to improving fuel efficiency performance and lightening that contributes to the efficiency of energy is being carried out.

[0003] In the past, the chain box covering the timing chain that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft of the engine to the camshaft is usually provided with ribs for strengthening the structure of the chain box. When the engine is running, a large amount of lubricating oil for lubricating the timing chain will scatter in the chain box, and if the lubricating oil stays in the chain box, problems such as reduced lubrication performance will occur. Therefore, the ribs in the chain box mostly have the function of guiding the flow of lubricating oil to ensure the flow of lubricating oil.

[0004] However, in the prior art documents, in the case of sufficient amount of lubricating oil, there is no detailed configuration about the subsequent supply point in the chain system. However, when the lubricating oil flows downward along the inner surface of the chain box from the lower end of the rib, the lubricating oil may flow out and scatter, and it is not possible to ensure that the amount of lubricating oil is sufficient to supply the elements at the downstream end of the chain system. And when only a small amount of oil flows in the inner surface of the chain box, such problems become significant. Therefore, the structure of the chain box not only needs to be improved in terms of collecting lubricating oil in the chain box to ensure that the amount of lubricating oil is sufficient to meet its necessary amount to reduce the wear caused by friction between elements, but also needs to accurately position the supply point of the lubricating oil supply to reduce the necessary amount of lubricating oil so as to achieve the light weight of the overall system. The case is to solve the problem to achieve the purpose of improving fuel efficiency performance and lightening. Furthermore, it helps to improve the efficiency of energy.

[0005] [Prior art documents]

[0006] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent document 1] Japanese patent publication No. 2009-174463

[0008] [Patent document 2] Japanese patent publication No. 2013-113166

[0009] [Patent document 3] Japanese patent publication No. 2015-227635

[0010] [Patent document 4] Japanese patent publication No. H08-200088 Utility model content

[0011] This invention provides a chain box structure for a chain system that can reliably ensure the supply of lubricating oil for lubrication elements and reduce the amount of lubricating oil required.

[0012] This utility model provides a chain box structure for a chain system, used to cover a timing chain on the side of an engine body. The chain system includes: a crankshaft; a crankshaft sprocket, rotating integrally with the crankshaft; a pair of camshafts; a pair of cam sprockets, rotating integrally with the pair of camshafts; a timing chain connecting the crankshaft sprockets and the pair of cam sprockets; and a chain box structure. The chain box structure includes: a chain box body for covering the timing chain; a first rib, located at the center of the chain box body, extending from between the pair of camshafts toward the crankshaft; a second rib, extending along the direction of the first rib between one of the pair of camshafts and the crankshaft, the first and second ribs guiding lubricating oil from the pair of camshafts to the crankshaft; and a third rib connecting the first and second ribs, the third rib extending obliquely from the second rib toward the first rib, guiding a portion of the lubricating oil falling from the second rib to the first rib, and the second rib having the same height as the third rib.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned chain box structure further includes a fourth rib, which is disposed next to the meshing part of the crankshaft sprocket and the timing chain, and is connected to the first rib and the second rib, and protrudes from the surface of the chain box body facing the engine body toward the engine body.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chain system further includes: a balance shaft disposed on the side of the crankshaft away from a pair of cam sprockets; a balance shaft sprocket that rotates integrally with the balance shaft; a balance chain connecting the crankshaft sprocket and the balance shaft sprocket, wherein the crankshaft sprocket includes a first gear and a second gear, the first gear and the second gear of the crankshaft sprocket are arranged parallel to each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft, the first gear of the crankshaft sprocket meshes with the timing chain, and the second gear of the crankshaft sprocket meshes with the balance chain; and a fourth rib is integrally formed on the chain box body and is located above the crankshaft sprocket and extends toward the balance chain.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the orthogonal projection of the aforementioned fourth rib onto the crankshaft sprocket at least covers the first gear of the crankshaft sprocket.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chain box structure further includes a corner portion located below the crankshaft sprocket and extending toward the balance chain.

[0017] Based on the above, in the chain system structure and chain box structure of this utility model, the arrangement of the first rib, second rib, and third rib allows the lubricating oil to be quickly guided and concentrated in the center of the chain box body, flowing down towards the crankshaft. This stabilizes the flow direction of the lubricating oil on the inner surface of the chain box structure, ensuring uniform flow towards the crankshaft. Furthermore, the lubricating oil can be guided quickly and seamlessly, effectively utilizing it and reducing the necessary amount of lubricating oil without needing to ensure an unnecessary amount. This reduces the pump discharge, achieving a lightweight design. In addition, by reducing the necessary amount of lubricating oil, even with a reduced pump discharge, friction is reduced, further improving fuel efficiency by decreasing lubricating oil consumption. Moreover, by quickly guiding the lubricating oil to the center of the chain box body and flowing down towards the crankshaft, the risk of air mixing caused by lubricating oil scattered within the chain box structure is suppressed. Thus, the lubrication and cooling performance of the lubricating oil is improved, while also enhancing the blow-by performance of the chain box structure.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, and detailed descriptions are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a chain box structure installed on an engine body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the chain box structure and a portion of the engine body along section AA;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the components in the chain housing;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the surface of the chain box body facing the engine body;

[0023] Figure 5A yes Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the chain box body near the fourth rib;

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 2 The structural diagram of the chain box structure and a portion of the engine body on section BB.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10: Engine body

[0027] 11: Cylinder block

[0028] 12: Cylinder head

[0029] 13: Crankcase

[0030] 14: Oil pump

[0031] 100: Chain System Structure

[0032] 110: Crankshaft

[0033] 120: Crankshaft sprocket

[0034] 121: First Gear

[0035] 122: Second Gear

[0036] 130: Camshaft

[0037] 131: Intake Camshaft

[0038] 132: Exhaust camshaft

[0039] 141, 142: Cam sprocket

[0040] 150: Timing chain

[0041] 160: Balance Shaft

[0042] 170: Balance chain

[0043] 180: Balance shaft sprocket

[0044] 200: Chain box structure

[0045] 210: Chain box body

[0046] 220: First rib

[0047] 230: Second rib

[0048] 240: Third rib

[0049] 250: Fourth rib

[0050] 260: Corner

[0051] S: Chain housing

[0052] AA, BB: Section lines. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a chain box structure installed on an engine body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the chain box structure and a portion of the engine body along section AA;Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the components in the chain housing; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the surface of the chain box body facing the engine body; Figure 5A yes Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the chain box body near the fourth rib; Figure 5B Please refer to this. Figure 1 to Figure 5B In this embodiment, the chain system 100 refers to the valve train structure located on one side of the engine in the vehicle for driving the engine. The chain box structure 200 is the structure of the chain box near the crankshaft 110 of the chain system 100.

[0054] The following will be based on Figure 1 to Figure 5B This describes the specific structure of the chain box structure 200 of the chain system 100.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5B In this embodiment, the chain system 100 includes a crankshaft 110, a crankshaft sprocket 120 that rotates integrally with the crankshaft 110, a pair of camshafts 130, a pair of cam sprockets 141 and 142, a chain box structure 200, a timing chain 150, a balance shaft 160, a balance chain 170, and a balance shaft sprocket 180 that rotates integrally with the balance shaft 160.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the chain box structure 200 is disposed on the sides of the cylinder block 11 and cylinder head 12 of the engine body 10, covering the cylinder block 11 with four cylinder bores arranged laterally and the sides of the crankcase 13 integrally formed with the cylinder block 11 below the cylinder block 11. The cylinder block 11 is formed by a plurality of cylinders, which house vertically movable pistons. The cylinder block 11 houses a crankshaft 110 that converts the vertical movement of the pistons into rotational movement, and the crankshaft 110 extends in the left-right direction and is supported in a rotatable manner. The cylinders are arranged along the direction in which the crankshaft 110 extends.

[0057] More specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the crankshaft sprocket 120, serving as a drive sprocket, is fixed to one end of the crankshaft 110, which protrudes from the side of the engine body 10, and can rotate integrally with the crankshaft 110. The crankshaft sprocket 120 includes a small-diameter first gear 121 and a large-diameter second gear 122, which are arranged parallel to each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft 110. The second gear 122 is arranged closer to the engine body 10 than the first gear 121.

[0058] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the chain box structure 200 forms a shape with the cylinder block 11 and the cylinder head 12 as follows: Figure 3 The chain receiving chamber S is shown. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a pair of camshafts 130 includes an intake camshaft 131 and an exhaust camshaft 132. The cylinder head 12 accommodates the intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132, and the intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132 extend parallel to each other along the cylinder arrangement direction. The intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132 are supported in a rotatable manner. Cam sprockets 141 and 142 are respectively fixed to one end of the intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132, and can rotate integrally with the intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132, respectively.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the chain box structure 200, which serves as a cover component, covers the timing chain 150 from the outside on the side of the engine body, housing it within the chain receiving chamber S. The timing chain 150 is composed of a ring chain and connects the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120 (which serves as a drive sprocket) and the cam sprockets 141 and 142 (which serve as driven sprockets) to transmit power. Thus, the rotation of the crankshaft 110 is transmitted from the crankshaft sprocket 120 to the cam sprockets 141 and 142 via the timing chain 150, thereby causing the intake camshaft 131 and exhaust camshaft 132 to rotate.

[0060] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5B As shown, the balance shaft 160 is positioned on the side of the crankshaft 110 away from the cam sprocket and is located on the oil pan below the cylinder block 11 to reduce engine vibration during operation. Furthermore, the oil pump 14, located below the engine, is typically positioned close to the balance shaft 160. To achieve a compact design, the balance shaft 160 and balance shaft sprocket 180 can serve as the oil pump drive shaft and oil pump sprocket for the oil pump 14, forming an integrated structure with the oil pump 14. Further, the balance shaft sprocket 180 is connected to the second gear 122 of the crankshaft sprocket 120 via a balance chain 170, allowing the driving force of the second gear 122 of the crankshaft sprocket 120 (which acts as the drive sprocket) to be transmitted to the balance shaft sprocket 180 via the balance chain 170, thus rotating both the balance shaft sprocket 180 and the balance shaft 160. At this time, the oil pump 14 is driven by the rotation of the balance shaft 160, which serves as the pump drive shaft, so that the high-pressure oil therein can flow through the oil supply passage (not shown) to various parts of the oil pump 14.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, in this embodiment, the chain box structure 200 includes a chain box body 210, a first rib 220, a second rib 230, a third rib 240, a fourth rib 250, and a corner portion 260. Specifically, in this embodiment, the chain box body 210 is used to cover the timing chain 150, and, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5A As shown, the first rib 220, the second rib 230, the third rib 240, the fourth rib 250 and the corner portion 260 are all integrally formed on the surface of the chain box body 210 facing the engine body 10.

[0062] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first rib 220 is located at the center of the chain box body 210, extending from between the intake camshaft 131 and the exhaust camshaft 132 towards the crankshaft 110. The second rib 230 extends along the direction of the first rib 220 between the intake camshaft 131 and the crankshaft 110 of the pair of camshafts 130. Thus, the first rib 220 and the second rib 230 can be used to collect lubricating oil in the chain box structure 200 and guide the lubricating oil from the pair of camshafts 130 to the crankshaft 110. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the chain box structure 200 has multiple third ribs 240 arranged side by side. Each third rib 240 connects to the first rib 220 and the second rib 230, and extends obliquely from the second rib 230 to the first rib 220. For example, the height of the second rib 230 is the same as that of the third rib 240. In this way, some of the lubricating oil falling from the second rib 230 can be guided to the first rib 220 and flow to the crankshaft 110 at the center of the chain box body 210.

[0063] Thus, by providing the first rib 220, the second rib 230, and the third rib 240, the lubricating oil can be quickly guided and concentrated in the center of the chain box body 210 and flow down to the crankshaft 110. This stabilizes the flow direction of the lubricating oil on the inner surface of the chain box structure 200 and ensures uniform flow towards the crankshaft 110, thereby reliably lubricating the timing chain 150. Furthermore, the first rib 220, the second rib 230, and the third rib 240 allow for rapid and seamless guidance of the lubricating oil, effectively utilizing it and reducing the necessary amount of lubricating oil. This eliminates the need to ensure an unnecessary amount of oil, reducing the discharge of the oil pump 14 and achieving weight reduction. Simultaneously, it also reduces lubricating oil consumption, further improving fuel efficiency. Moreover, by quickly guiding the lubricating oil to the center of the chain box body 210 and flowing towards the crankshaft 110, the risk of air mixing caused by lubricating oil scattered within the chain box structure 200 can be suppressed. This improves the lubrication and cooling performance of the lubricating oil, and also improves the blow-by performance of the chain box structure 200.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 4 to Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the fourth rib 250 is formed in the middle of the first rib 220 and is disposed next to the meshing part of the crankshaft sprocket 120 and the timing chain 150 (i.e., the meshing teeth of the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120), and is connected to the first rib 220 and the second rib 230, and protrudes from the surface of the chain box body 210 facing the engine body 10 toward the engine body 10. Thus, since the fourth rib 250 is connected to the first rib 220 and the second rib 230, when the timing chain 150 is driven, the lubricating oil guided by the fourth rib 250 can drip simultaneously at both the infeed end and the outfeed end of the timing chain 150 where it is meshed with the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120, thereby ensuring the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the timing chain 150 and making the oil passage smooth and stable.

[0065] On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the balance chain 170 is positioned closer to the engine body 10 than the timing chain 150, a structure is needed in the inner surface of the chain box structure 200 to stably supply lubricating oil to the engine body 10, thereby ensuring the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the balance chain 170. Furthermore, as... Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the fourth rib 250 is located above the crankshaft sprocket 120 and extends toward the balance chain 170, and the orthographic projection of the fourth rib 250 onto the crankshaft sprocket 120 at least covers the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120. Furthermore, as... Figure 5BAs shown, the corner portion 260 is located on the side of the crankshaft 110 away from the camshaft 130 and below the crankshaft sprocket 120, and the corner portion 260 extends toward and is adjacent to the balance chain 170. Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the corner portion 260 onto the crankshaft sprocket 120 also at least covers the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120.

[0066] Thus, by extending the fourth rib 250 and corner 260 towards the balance chain 170, the lubricating oil within the chain box structure 200 can be reliably guided to the balance chain 170, ensuring a reliable supply of lubricating oil to the balance chain 170. Furthermore, the structural design, where the orthogonal projection of the fourth rib 250 and corner 260 onto the crankshaft sprocket 120 at least covers the first gear 121 of the crankshaft sprocket 120, reliably collects any lubricating oil dripping from the chain box, ensuring an adequate supply of oil to the balance chain 170 and maintaining a smooth and stable oil path. Moreover, the arrangement of the fourth rib 250 and corner 260 further prevents the lubricating oil in the balance chain 170 from running out.

[0067] In this way, the chain box structure 200 of the chain system 100 can ensure that the lubricating oil supplied to the chain system is not depleted by using a small amount of lubricating oil, thereby reducing the cost of the chain system. In addition, since the amount of lubricating oil used to lubricate the components of the chain system can be reduced, the required amount of lubricating oil can be reduced. Furthermore, since the required amount of lubricating oil can be reduced, even if the oil pump discharge is reduced, friction can be reduced, thereby further reducing the amount of lubricating oil consumed and improving fuel efficiency.

[0068] In summary, in the chain box structure of this utility model, the arrangement of the first rib, second rib, and third rib allows the lubricating oil to be quickly guided and concentrated in the center of the chain box body, flowing down towards the crankshaft. This stabilizes the flow direction of the lubricating oil on the inner surface of the chain box structure, ensuring uniform flow towards the crankshaft. The lubricating oil can be guided quickly and seamlessly, effectively utilizing it and reducing the necessary amount, thus eliminating the need for unnecessary oil usage. This reduces the pump discharge, achieving weight reduction. Furthermore, by reducing the necessary amount of lubricating oil, even with a reduced pump discharge, friction is reduced, further improving fuel efficiency by decreasing lubricating oil consumption. Moreover, by quickly guiding the lubricating oil to the center of the chain box body and flowing down towards the crankshaft, the risk of air mixing caused by lubricating oil scattered within the chain box structure is suppressed. This improves the lubrication and cooling performance of the lubricating oil, while also improving the blow-by performance of the chain box structure.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A chain box structure for a chain system, used to cover a timing chain on the side of an engine body, characterized in that, The chain system includes: Crankshaft; The crankshaft sprocket rotates integrally with the crankshaft. A pair of camshafts; A pair of cam sprockets rotate integrally with the pair of camshafts; The timing chain connects the crankshaft sprocket and the pair of cam sprockets; and The chain box structure, wherein the chain box structure includes: The chain box body is used to cover the timing chain; The first rib extends from between the pair of camshafts toward the crankshaft at the center of the chain box body; A second rib extends along the direction of the first rib between one of the pair of camshafts and the crankshaft, the first rib and the second rib guiding lubricating oil from the pair of camshafts to the crankshaft; and Multiple third ribs are arranged side by side, connecting the first rib and the second rib. The third ribs extend obliquely from the second rib to the first rib, guiding a portion of the lubricating oil that falls from the second rib to the first rib. The height of the second rib is the same as that of the third ribs.

2. The chain box structure of the chain system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain box structure also includes: The fourth rib is located next to the meshing part of the crankshaft sprocket and the timing chain, and is connected to the first rib and the second rib. It protrudes from the surface of the chain box body facing the engine body toward the engine body.

3. The chain box structure of the chain system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The chain system also includes: A balance shaft is disposed on the side of the crankshaft away from the pair of cam sprockets; The balance shaft sprocket rotates integrally with the balance shaft; and A balance chain connects the crankshaft sprocket and the balance shaft sprocket, and The crankshaft sprocket includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear of the crankshaft sprocket are arranged parallel to each other in the axial direction of the crankshaft. The first gear of the crankshaft sprocket meshes with the timing chain, while the second gear of the crankshaft sprocket meshes with the balance chain. The fourth rib is integrally formed on the chain box body and is located above the crankshaft sprocket, extending toward the balance chain.

4. The chain box structure of the chain system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the fourth rib onto the crankshaft sprocket at least covers the first gear of the crankshaft sprocket.

5. The chain box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The chain box structure also includes: The corner is located below the crankshaft sprocket and extends toward the balance chain.

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