Internal Combustion Engine Shaft Mounting Device with Calibrated Lubrication Supply Passage

Abstract

A shaft mounting device for an internal combustion engine includes a bearing body having a mounting base for engaging an engine structure, and a semi-circular bore which is serviced by a lubricant distribution channel. An integral flow regulator, which is formed in place as a partial hydraulic obstruction, is located within the lubricant distribution channel. Because the flow restriction is integral, a separately machined flow restrictor is eliminated.

1 . A shaft mounting device for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
 a bearing body having a mounting base for engaging an engine structure;   a semi-circular bore formed in said bearing body, with said semi-circular bore extending upwardly from said mounting base;   a lubricant inlet port extending upwardly from said mounting base, and communicating with a lubricant distribution channel extending about the circumference of said semi-circular bore; and   an integral, formed-in-place flow regulator located in said lubricant distribution channel downstream from said lubricant inlet port.   
   
   
       2 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 1 , wherein said flow regulator comprises a hydraulic obstruction extending partially into said lubricant distribution channel from a base portion of said channel. 
   
   
       3 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 2 , wherein said hydraulic obstruction is integral with said bearing body. 
   
   
       4 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bearing body is formed from sintered metal powder. 
   
   
       5 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bearing body is adapted to secure a camshaft within an engine. 
   
   
       6 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bearing body is adapted to secure a crankshaft within an engine. 
   
   
       7 . A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
 a cylinder head casting;   at least one camshaft retained upon said cylinder head casting, with said at least one camshaft having a lubricant supply passage; and   at least one camshaft retainer, comprising:
 a cap-shaped bearing body having a mounting base for engaging said cylinder head casting; 
 a semi-circular bore formed in said bearing body, with said semi-circular bore cooperating with a mating semi-circular bore formed in said cylinder head casting to define a bearing surface for encircling a portion of said camshaft; 
 a lubricant inlet port extending upwardly from said mounting base, and receiving lubricant from a mating passage within said cylinder head; 
 a lubricant distribution channel extending about the circumference of the semi-circular bore formed in the bearing body, with said lubricant distribution channel communicating with said lubricant inlet port and also with said lubricant supply passage of said camshaft; and 
 a formed-in-place flow regulator located in the lubricant distribution channel downstream from the lubricant inlet port. 
   
   
   
       8 . A cylinder head according to  claim 7 , wherein said flow regulator comprises a hydraulic obstruction formed integrally with said cap-shaped bearing body, and with said hydraulic obstruction extending partially across a portion of said lubricant distribution channel. 
   
   
       9 . A shaft mounting device according to  claim 7 , wherein said bearing body is formed from sintered metal powder. 
   
   
       10 . A camshaft mounting device for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
 a bearing cap body having a mounting base for engaging an engine cylinder head;   a semi-circular bore formed in said bearing cap body, with said semi-circular bore extending upwardly from said mounting base;   a lubricant inlet port extending upwardly from said mounting base and communicating with a lubricant distribution channel extending about the circumference of said semi-circular bore; and   a formed-in-place flow regulator located in said lubricant distribution channel downstream from said lubricant inlet port, with said flow regulator comprising a hydraulic obstruction extending partially across a portion of said distribution channel.   
   
   
       11 . A camshaft mounting device according to  claim 10 , wherein said bearing cap body and said flow regulator are formed integrally from sintered metal. 
   
   
       12 . A camshaft mounting device according to  claim 10 , wherein said bearing cap body and said flow regulator are formed integrally from metal. 
   
   
       13 . A camshaft mounting device according to  claim 10 , wherein said bearing cap body and said flow regulator are formed integrally from cast metal. 
   
   
       14 . A camshaft mounting device according to  claim 10 , wherein said bearing cap body and said flow regulator are formed integrally from composite material.