Lubrication system for an internal combustion engine, and method for lubrication

• US 10,215,066 B2
• Filed: 01/20/2017
• Issued: 02/26/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Quix, Hans Guenter, Mehring, Jan
• Primary Examiner(s): McMahon, Marguerite
• Application Number:
  US15/411,218
• Publication Number:
  US 20170130623A1
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 123196 AB
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 1/02 using lubricating pumps pumps in general F04; lubricating pumps per se F16N
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 1/08 Lubricating systems characterised by the provision therein of lubricant jetting means
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/00 Heating, cooling, or controlling temperature of lubricant arrangement of lubricant coolers in engine cooling system F01P11/08; Lubrication means facilitating engine starting
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/001 Heating
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/002 Cooling
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/021 by heating
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2003/006 the liquid being oil
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 3/06 Arrangements for cooling pistons
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 3/08 Cooling of piston exterior only, e.g. by jets
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 7/16 by thermostatic control

Abstract

Embodiments for a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine comprises a lubricant circuit, a radiator for cooling the lubricant, a heat accumulator arranged upstream of the engine for warming up the lubricant, the heat accumulator connected in parallel to the radiator, and a valve for switching over the lubricant circuit between the radiator and the heat accumulator. In this way, the oil may be rapidly heated during cold engine start conditions.

Claims

1. An engine method, comprising:

during a first condition, pumping oil to piston cooling jets of an engine through a chemical heat accumulator;

during a second condition;

pumping oil to the piston cooling jets through a radiator, bypassing the heat accumulator, and

periodically recharging the heat accumulator by pumping engine oil through the heat accumulator; and

in response to engine knocking, interrupting the recharge.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first condition comprises oil temperature below a cold threshold, and wherein the second condition comprises oil temperature at or above the cold threshold.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein interrupting the recharge further comprises pumping oil to the piston cooling jets through the radiator, and bypassing the heat accumulator.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, during a third condition, pumping oil directly to the piston cooling jets.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the third condition comprises the heat accumulator being below a charge threshold.