LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Lubrication system (26) in a power machine (10), comprising: an oil pan (32) to collect a large proportion of a lubricant (36); a pump (28) adapted to direct the lubricant (36) from the oil pan (32) through a lubricant line into an area of ​​the engine (10) for lubrication; an oil filter (34) installed along the lubricant line to filter the lubricant (36) flowing through the lubricant line; and an additive receiving device (342) in fluid connection with the oil filter (34) which is adapted to receive at least one additive material section and to distribute the additive material in a lubricant circulation; characterized by the fact that the lubrication system (26) further comprises a measuring rod (300) along which one or more lubricant level indicators (310) are provided, the measuring rod (300) having a handle section (302) at a first end extending from an upper region of the power unit (10) and a lower section (304) at a second end extending to a section of the oil pan (32) where the majority of the lubricant (36) is collected; wherein the lower section (304) is located below an upper level of the lubricant (36) collected in the oil pan (32); and wherein the additive receiving device (342) is connected to the second end of the measuring rod (300) such that, in the inserted state of the measuring rod (300), at least part of the additive receiving device (342) is immersed below the upper level (306) of the lubricant (36).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the provision of additive components to a lubricant circulation system for an engine, and in particular to a lubrication system according to the preamble of claim 1, as is essentially known from US 5 459 074 A. Comparable systems are known from the documents DE 60 2004 008 029 T2, DE 10 2010 034 435 A1, DE 10 2010 009 009 A1, and DE 102 97 145 T5. INTRODUCTION

[0002] Lubricant circulation systems, such as those for an internal combustion engine or other power machine, can be designed to accommodate the addition of friction modifiers or other additives to enhance the performance of the lubricant over the life of the engine. Over time, the friction modifiers added to the lubricant can degrade, resulting in higher friction and, in a vehicle's power machine, potentially reduced fuel efficiency. SUMMARY

[0003] According to the invention, a lubrication system is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of an engine for a motor vehicle with a lubrication system. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a lubricant additive material distribution system according to an example not according to the invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a lubricant additive material distribution system according to a second example not according to the invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a lubricant additive material distribution system according to a third example not according to the invention. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a lubricant additive material distribution system according to the invention. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a lubricant additive material distribution system according to an example not according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicular internal combustion engine 10 includes a cylinder housing 12 defining a plurality of cylinders 14, each arranged to receive a piston 16 for reciprocal movement therein. Each piston 16 transmits torque to a crankshaft 18 via a connecting rod 20 as a result of a force generated by combustion of an air-fuel mixture within each of the corresponding cylinders 14. Each connecting rod 20 is rotatably mounted on the crankshaft 18 via a connecting rod bearing 22. The crankshaft 18 is rotatably mounted within the cylinder housing 12 via main bearings 24.

[0005] The engine 10 uses a lubrication system 26 with passages or fluid passages 27 to supply oil to the connecting rod bearings 22, the main bearings 24, and other moving parts (not shown). The fluid passages of the lubrication system 26 are supplied with oil 36 via an oil pump 28, which first pumps the oil through an oil filter 34. The oil filter 34 includes filter media that filters particles and other contaminants from the lubricant circulating through the filter. The oil pump 28 uses a receiving structure 30 that extends from the pump 28 and may be closed with a steel mesh screen 38 to filter out foreign matter and receive oil from an oil pan 32. The oil pan 32 may also include a molecular sieve structure 40 attached to an oil pan 32 so as not to interfere with the operation of the engine. In the example of the Fig. 1, the molecular sieve structure 40 is formed in the shape of a rectangular brick and attached to a bottom portion of the oil pan 32. In other examples (not shown), the sieve structure 40 may have other shapes or may be sized differently relative to the oil pan 32. In some examples, the sieve structure may substantially fill the oil pan. The sieve structure may also be incorporated as multiple nodules in another material, such as a foam or a porous casing.

[0006] Lubricant additive mechanisms may be located along various parts of the engine lubrication system 26, instead of or in addition to the location in the oil pan 32. For example, the screen structure may be configured to continuously and / or periodically release additive material for distribution throughout the lubricant flowing through fluid channels 27 of the lubrication circuit 26. The additive material is formulated to chemically alter at least one physical property of a lubricant flowing within the engine 10. A typical type of additive material is a friction modifier to improve the lubricity of the engine oil. The friction modifier reduces overall engine friction and improves fuel efficiency. Over time, the friction modifiers added to the engine oil may degrade, resulting in higher friction and decreased fuel economy.In alternative examples, other types of additives may be used to modify engine oil aeration, defoamers, antioxidants, and / or wear properties.

[0007] Additive materials can be applied to the engine oil at various locations along the lubricant circulation system. In some examples, one or more additive mechanisms can be positioned in a separate fluid circuit within the lubrication system to contain and release the additive material. More specifically, additives can be introduced into the oil pan area, for example, from the screen structure 40. In such cases, this represents additional, separate maintenance locations, as users would otherwise not have a regular need to access the components in the oil pan area for maintenance purposes. Comparatively, the oil filter requires regular service and must be replaced as part of a normal vehicle maintenance schedule. Thus, there may be advantages to integrating the lubricant additive distribution into a regularly maintained component, such as the oil filter.

[0008] A mechanism for introducing one or more engine oil additive materials without significant engine hardware changes can serve to simplify the lubrication system and save costs. In some examples, the methods presented here are backward compatible with standard oil filtration system interfaces.

[0009] A distribution mechanism may be strategically connected to an adapter portion attached to the oil filter 34 to retain and distribute the additive material in the engine oil circulating through the oil filter 34.

[0010] With reference to Fig. 2, a device 42 is described that holds and releases an additive 44 in a fluid circuit of the engine oil. A strategic placement of the containment device 42, which threads into the oil filter block adapter 46 as an additive material housing, allows a friction modifier (or other type of engine oil additive) to be dispersed into oil flowing through the oil filter 34. As discussed above, the additive material 44 may be provided as solid pellets, a fluid or gel volume directly within the containment device, a gel pack, a capsule, a powder, or other medium suitable for dissolving and releasing the desired chemicals into the oil circulating in the lubrication system.

[0011] The oil filter 34 includes a standard interface 48 sized to receive the receiver 42 in an interior portion of the oil filter 34 and thread into the engine oil filter block adapter 46 as usual. In some examples, the standard interface 48 is threaded to mate with a threaded portion of the filter block adapter 46. The receiver 42 may be a strainer basket configuration constructed of stainless steel or another material capable of handling oil temperatures and material compatibilities. Openings 50 are attached to the basket and allow flow through the basket as the lubricant circulates around the oil filter 34. One or more layers of the additive material 44 may be incorporated into the receiver 42 prior to installation of the oil filter 34.Thus, during an oil change, a new oil filter can be mounted in the holder and additive material can be introduced to change a property of the lubricant circulating within it. The subsequent oil flow through the oil filter then gradually dissolves the additive material and distributes it throughout most of the oil.

[0012] Different types of additive materials can be introduced depending on the desired lubricant enhancement. As mentioned above, a friction modifier can be used to reduce wear on the internal combustion engine component and improve fuel economy. In other examples, the additive material can contain antioxidants to reduce lubricant failure and extend service life. The antioxidant additives delay the depletion of the oil reservoir due to oxidation. In further embodiments, the additive material can have defoaming properties to reduce foaming and oil aeration. Thus, a particular type of additive material 44 can be selected to address problems of a particular engine.

[0013] In some examples, the containment device 42 may be equipped with a segment of the additive material 44 and secured to the engine block adapter 46 prior to installation of the oil filter 34. In such cases, the containment device 42 may be formed from a flexible material to allow the oil filter 34 to be installed at an angle that facilitates installation. Additional filter media may also be provided within the housing 42 to further prevent foreign matter from entering the engine. In such cases, a portion of the filter media that would otherwise be located within the oil filter may be removed from the filter to maintain a similar level of lubricant back pressure.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 3, an alternative non-inventive arrangement for a containment device 142 is provided for containing and dispensing the additive material 44. The containment device 142 is adapted to thread onto the oil filter engine block adapter 46 and contains the friction modifier or other type of engine oil additive. A first circulation port 144 may include a threaded portion for attachment to a corresponding portion of the oil filter engine block adapter 46. The first circulation port 144 allows the containment device 142 to be in fluid communication with a lubricant passage of the cylinder block. An interior cavity of the containment device 142 is sized to receive one or more portions of the additive material 44.The inner portion may include one or more passageways or other fluid-directing features to initiate a predetermined flow pattern of lubricant flowing through the containment device. In one example, the internal portion initiates a spiral flow pattern terminating at a second circulation port 150 in fluid communication with the oil filter 34. The fluid-directing feature may be configured to cause a desired volumetric flow of lubricant to contact the portions of additive material 44 and dissolve and deliver the additive chemical to the majority of the oil volume in the desired ratio. In one specific example, the inner cavity of the containment device 142 includes a swirl chamber to direct a flow of lubricant around one or more portions of the additive material.

[0015] An insertion port 146 is provided for inserting portions of additive materials into the internal cavity of the receptacle 142. In some examples, one or more replacement portions may be inserted at a time according to a lubrication system service schedule or, for example, when the previously inserted portions are dissolved. A cap (not shown) may be provided to create a fluid seal when the receptacle 142 is installed and the additive material portions 44 are inserted into the internal cavity.

[0016] The oil filter 34 includes a standard interface 48, as discussed above, and is arranged to be threaded onto the receptacle 142. A boss portion 148 may include an external thread to retain the standard interface 48 of the oil filter 34 and create a fluid seal. The arrangement of the receptacle 142 is such that it can be retrofitted to an existing vehicle over a standard interface and oil filter components. Thus, specific additives in a vehicle's lubricant can be applied depending on the particular physical condition and operating conditions of the engine. In some alternative examples, the receptacle 142 is configured as a disposable device and can be replaced as part of a maintenance schedule and replaced with a new receptacle filled with additive materials.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 4, a further containment device 242 not according to the invention is provided, which is arranged in series with the oil flow line 244. The containment device 242 itself can be designed for periodic replacement or can be permanently installed, whereby portions of the additive material 44 can be introduced without interrupting the oil flow line. A first oil flow line can be a circulation line 248 that carries lubricant to the oil filter 34 for conditioning. A second oil flow line can be an engine supply line 250 that provides lubricant to the engine after filtering in the oil filter 34. According to some examples, the containment device 242 is positioned along the supply line 250 downstream of the oil filter 34 with respect to a direction 252 of fluid flow.This allows the additive material to be added to the lubricant after filtering in the oil filter as it is returned to the engine. In certain alternative examples, the particular additive material may be configured to enhance filtering in the oil filter. In such cases, the receiving device 242 may be positioned upstream of the oil filter along the circulation line 248 so that the additive material is applied to the lubricant before entering the oil filter 34.

[0018] The containment device 242 includes an introduction port 246 for introducing additive materials 44 similar to the previous examples. While the illustrated examples include pellets or gel packs, alternative forms of additive materials may be applied to the containment device 242. More specifically, a supply line (not shown) may be connected to the introduction port 246 such that a liquid, solid, or semi-solid additive material is supplied to the containment device 242 to replenish the additive material. The additive material may be contained within an internal cavity of the containment device 242 and released into the bulk of the oil over time. In other examples, the material may be applied immediately to the bulk of the oil.The in-line pickup device 242 may alternatively be mounted at a position along the lubricant circulation system such that the additive is provided directly to a lubricant passage 27 of the engine block.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 5, an embodiment of the invention for dispensing oil additive materials is shown. A dipstick 300 is used to indicate an oil level measurement and to provide a means for assessing oil deterioration. As is known from conventional vehicles, the dipstick 300 includes a handle portion 302 at a first end that protrudes from an upper region of the engine. The dipstick 300 also includes a lower portion 304 at a second end that extends to a portion of the engine oil pan 32 where much of the lubricant is collected. The lower portion 304 is located below an upper level 306 of collected fluid within the oil pan 32. Due to the viscosity of the lubricant, some oil is retained in a central portion 308 between the first and second ends of the dipstick, which it contacts when the dipstick 300 is withdrawn from the engine.One or more lubricant level indicators 310 are provided along the dipstick 300 to provide a visual indication of the level and quality of the lubricant.

[0020] An additive receptacle 342 is connected to the second end of the dipstick 300 such that when the dipstick 300 is inserted, at least a portion of the receptacle 342 is submerged below the upper level 306 of the oil. The receptacle may be attached to the end of the dipstick using a thread or other mechanical fastening method. The additive receptacle 342 may be detached from a connecting end of the dipstick and configured for periodic replacement, such as when the oil is serviced and the filter is changed. In some examples, the additive receptacle 342 is a disposable product such that each time the oil is changed, a first additive receptacle is removed and a second replacement additive receptacle is inserted to replenish the additive material. A replacement receptacle may be included as part of a field service component package.The dipstick configuration can allow a user to visually check the amount of additive remaining in the additive receptacle 342. Thus, a user can add various additive materials to condition the lubricant mid-cycle, according to the drawdown rate of a previously applied additive material portion. Such a strategic arrangement of additive materials, such as engine oil friction modifiers, in a small container at the end of the dipstick also creates an advantage for easier customer service. The additive receptacle is thus conveniently accessible, removable, and replaceable. This means the additive can be conveniently added without having to work on the underbody of the vehicle.

[0021] Similar to previous examples, additive materials are contained within an interior cavity of the additive containment device 342 and are distributed to the bulk of the oil as the lubricant circulates through the containment device 342. The additive containment device 342 includes an outer basket portion 344 for housing a pellet or gel capsule within the interior cavity. The housing of the additive containment device 342 may retain mesh portions, perforations, or other features that allow the lubricant to flow through the housing and contact the additive material portion when the engine is running. Thus, the outer basket allows fluid communication of the lubricant between the interior cavity and the bulk of the lubricant.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 6, a dispensing system 400 is provided for delivering one or more additive materials over the life of the vehicle without requiring a user to refill the material. An oil life monitor 402 may monitor a duration or operating time since the last oil change or the last additive material release. Alternatively, the oil life monitor 402 may detect one or more physical attributes of the lubricant based on detecting a chemical state of the lubricant. In the example of Fig. 6, the oil life monitor 402 is in communication with a portion of the lubricant circulation system to collect data on the condition of the lubricant. The oil life monitor 402 receives a signal from a sensor 404 located along a portion of the lubricant circulation loop. In the example of Fig.6, the sensor 404 may be mounted on an oil pan portion of the engine. The sensor 404 may output a signal indicative of a contamination level in the lubricant within the oil pan. The oil life monitor may store thresholds that, when exceeded, indicate a need to release additive material to recondition the lubricant. The oil life monitor 402 may be further configured to output command signals to operate the dispensing system 400 based on one or more lubricant attributes. In further embodiments, the oil life monitor is programmed to vary a volume of additive material dispensed from the cartridge. In particular, the dispensing system may determine an amount of additive material portions dispensed from the cartridge 408 based on engine operating conditions.

[0023] The dispensing system 400 includes an additive material release mechanism 406 arranged to automatically release the friction modifier into the oil circulation system. This release mechanism 406 includes a cartridge 408 formed from a series of additive material sections 410. In one example, the additive material sections comprise release delay pellets that dissolve in the lubricant and release chemical additives over time. The additive release mechanism 406 also includes a spring element 412 arranged to align the additive material sections 410 toward a release opening 414. A release lever 416 is arranged to selectively retain the additive material sections 410 in the cartridge 408 until a predetermined time for deployment and release into the oil circulation system is reached.

[0024] An actuator 418 is arranged to actuate the release lever 416 and allow dispensing of the next portion of a series of additive material portions 410. In some examples, the actuator 418 is a solenoid valve activated in response to a control signal from the oil life monitor 402. Actuation of the release lever 416 pushes the next of the plurality of additive material portions from the cartridge 408. Each time an additive material portion is dispensed, the force of the spring element 412 further indexes the series of additive material portions 410 to push the next portion into position for a subsequent additive material release. The release port 414 is in fluid communication with the oil pan 404 so that when the next additive material portions 410 are dispensed, it comes into contact with the majority of the oil circulating through the engine.The dispensing position includes a strategic arrangement that allows additive material to be deposited in the oil pan.

[0025] A sufficient quantity of additive material sections is provided within the cartridge 408 to supply additive material over the engine's lifetime. For example, approximately 40 additive sections may be provided on the vehicle, such that if a new section of additive material is dispensed every 6,000 miles, a lifetime of 240,000 miles may be covered by the initial supply of sections 410, according to one example. In alternative examples, the cartridge may be refilled after a period of time and / or once all additive sections are consumed. Further, a different type of additive material may replace a previous type to change the chemical composition of the particular additive supplied to the lubricant circulation system.

[0026] The additive release system is automated, so no technician is required to refill the lubricant additives. Furthermore, the dispensing system 400 is configured to dispense additives using standard oil filter configurations.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the cartridge 408 is filled with a gel or fluid additive material in an internal cavity. A spring-loaded piston may be configured to periodically move forward through the cartridge as a result of a force from the spring element 412. Based on at least a dissolution rate of the engine oil additive, the oil life monitor 402 may periodically output a signal to actuate the lever 416 and release a holding pressure of the pump piston to advance and dispense a predetermined volume of the additive material. A nozzle may be provided with an opening in fluid communication with the majority of the oil to disperse the additive material.Unlike the fixed additive material sections described in examples above, the piston may be configured to extrude a fluid material in a customized amount to provide variable desired volume segments of the additive material. In some examples, the oil life monitor 402 is programmed to dispense a fluid amount of the additive material based on a measured engine oil quality (viscosity, pollutant percentage, etc.).

[0028] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be provided and / or implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or a dedicated electronic control unit. Likewise, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored as data or executable instructions by a controller or computer in a variety of ways, including, without limitation, permanent storage on non-writable storage media, such as ROM, and as alterable information on writable storage media, such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM, and other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods, or algorithms may also be implemented in a software-executable object.Alternatively, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be embodied in whole or in part with suitable hardware components, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), state engines, controllers, or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software, and firmware components.

Claims

[1] Lubrication system (26) in a prime mover (10), comprising: an oil pan (32) for collecting a majority of a lubricant (36); a pump (28) adapted to direct the lubricant (36) from the oil pan (32) through a lubricant line into a region of the engine (10) for lubrication; an oil filter (34) mounted along the lubricant line for filtering the lubricant (36) flowing through the lubricant line; and an additive receiving device (342) in fluid communication with the oil filter (34) adapted to receive at least one additive material portion and to distribute the additive material in a lubricant circulation; characterized by , that the lubrication system (26) further comprises a dipstick (300) along which one or more lubricant level indicators (310) are provided, the dipstick (300) having a handle portion (302) at a first end protruding from an upper region of the engine (10) and a lower portion (304) at a second end extending to a portion of the oil pan (32) where the majority of the lubricant (36) is collected; wherein the lower portion (304) is located below an upper level of the lubricant (36) collected in the oil pan (32); and wherein the additive receiving device (342) is connected to the second end of the dipstick (300) such that, in the inserted state of the dipstick (300), at least a part of the additive receiving device (342) is immersed below the upper level (306) of the lubricant (36).

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