Internal combustion engine pre-lubrication system

• US 6,253,877 B1
• Filed: 08/30/1999
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hung-Yung Yang
• Original Assignee: Hung-Yung Yang
• Inventors: Yang, Hung-Yung
• Primary Examiner(s): Bucci, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KIM, CHONG HWA
• Application Number:
  US09/385,686
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 184/6.3, 184/7.4, 184/105.1, 123/196.S, 123/196.R, 123/179.5
• US Class Current: 184/6.3
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/025 by prelubricating, e.g. using an accumulator

Abstract

An internal combustion engine pre-lubrication system that operates before a typical internal combustion engine is started, in which engine oil inside the pre-lubrication system is rapidly delivered in advance of actual starting through the main oil duct to the internal combustion components requiring lubrication. When the internal combustion engine starting process occurs, all the engine components operate quicker, piston compression is more optimal, internal combustion engine starting is easier, frictional wear between engine components is reduced, fuel combustion is more complete and thereby complies with exhaust emission standards, and overall internal combustion engine service life is effectively prolonged.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine pre-lubrication system for an internal combustion engine having an engine oil pump and an oil pan, an oil circulating system including a main oil duct and an engine starting system including a starter motor, the pre-lubrication system comprising:

a) a hydraulic cylinder having a first end connected to the main oil duct, and a movable piston rod extending out of a second end;

b) a rack affixed to the movable piston rod, the rack having an actuator extending therefrom;

c) an electric motor electrically connected to the engine starting system and having an output shaft with a pinion gear thereon, the pinion gear engaging the rack such that rotation of the output shaft and pinion gear causes linear movement of the rack and piston rod;

d) first and second microswitches electrically connected to the electric drive motor; and

e) an electrical circuit connected to the engine starting system, the drive motor, and the first and second microswitches, whereby, when the internal combustion engine is turned off, the electric drive motor is actuated to move the piston rod to a first position in which a supply of oil is drawn into the hydraulic cylinder from the main oil duct, the first position being determined by contact of the actuator with the first microswitch, when the engine starting system is actuated, the drive motor moves the piston rod to a second position determined by contact of the actuator with the second microswitch so as to inject the oil in the hydraulic cylinder into the main oil duct before the starter motor starts the engine.

2. The internal combustion engine pre-lubrication system of claim 1 further comprising:

a) an oil pressure switch; and

,

b) a three way connector connected to the main oil duct, the first end of the hydraulic cylinder and to the oil pressure switch.

3. The internal combustion engine pre-lubrication system of claim 2 further comprising a flexible hydraulic line connected between the three way connector and the first end of the hydraulic cylinder.