Patent ID: 6253877
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
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; ande) 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.