Engine block crankshaft bearings
US6308680A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05C2201/0439
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An internal combustion engine comprises an aluminum alloy engine block housing pistons in cylinders and having a lower face including an upper semi-circular bearing surface. A lower bearing support has a lower semi-circular bearing surface to complement the upper semi-circular bearing surface in the engine block to define a crankshaft bore to rotatably support a ferrous crankshaft. The lower bearing support is formed of a single beryllium-aluminum alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to the ferrous crankshaft to promote a consistent clearance between the lower bearing support and the crankshaft. Such a beryllium-aluminum alloy may be comprised of approximately 60-65% by weight beryllium and the balance is aluminum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.