Internal combustion engine having an improved oil cooling structure, and personal watercraft incorporating same
US7219643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H21/24
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The use of an oil cooler in an internal combustion engine for a personal watercraft is controlled, whereby excessive cooling of the engine during warmup with cold water operation is avoided, and dilution of oil is substantially prevented. The internal combustion engine includes a bypass oil path connecting respective oil paths upstream and downstream of the oil cooler. The bypass oil path permits oil to be selectively detoured around the oil cooler. An oil thermostat is provided in the upstream oil path for selectively opening either a path to the oil cooler or the bypass oil path, and the oil thermostat is operable to switch the flow of oil therebetween. The oil thermostat opens the bypass oil path when the temperature of the oil is below a predetermined temperature, and directs oil to the oil cooler when the temperature of the oil is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.