Claims:1. A crankshaft pulley assembly (100) mounted on a crankshaft (2) of an engine, comprising:
a timing gear (3) mounted on the crankshaft (2), wherein a position sensor wheel (4) is integrated with the timing gear (3); and,
a crankshaft pulley wheel (1) connectable to the crankshaft (2), abutting the timing gear (3) using a plurality of fasteners , wherein each of the plurality of fasteners fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) at a circumferential axis (X), eccentrically about an axial axis (A-A’) of the crankshaft (2), to mitigate torsional loads on the crankshaft pulley assembly (100).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the timing gear (3) is provisioned with a recess (6), to circumferentially accommodate the crankshaft pulley wheel (1).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises one or more keyways (8) formed on the timing gear (3), wherein the one or more keyways (8) are adapted to seat over one or more splines (7) of the crankshaft (2).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more of keyways (8) mitigate relative rotational motion between the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a belt drive accommodated on the timing gear (3), wherein the belt drive is restricted at an engine of the timing gear (3) by the position sensor wheel (4), and is restricted at a pulley side of the timing gear (3) by the crankshaft pulley wheel (1).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) and the timing gear (3) are adapted to secure one or more pulley arrangements, for operating components consisting at least one of a pump, a compressor, and an alternator.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) and the timing gear (3) are manufactured from at least one of aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and the like.

8. A method of mounting a crankshaft pulley assembly (100) of an engine, the method comprising:
configuring a crankshaft (2) to extend from a casing of the engine; and
mounting a timing gear (3) on the crankshaft (2), wherein a position sensor wheel (4) is integrated with the timing gear (3); and
connecting a crankshaft pulley wheel (1) to the crankshaft (2), abutting the timing gear (3), wherein a plurality of fasteners (5) fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) at a circumferential axis (X), eccentrically about an axial axis (A-A’) to the crankshaft (2), to mitigate effect of torsional loads acting on the crankshaft pulley assembly.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprises providing a recess (6) in the timing gear (3), to circumferentially accommodate the crankshaft pulley (1).

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprises forming one or more keyways (8) on the timing gear (3), wherein the one or more keyways (8) are adapted to seat over one or more splines (7) of the crankshaft (2).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more of keyways (8) mitigate relative rotational motion between the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2).

12. An engine comprising a crankshaft pulley assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not limited to, a crankshaft of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a crankshaft pulley assembly for the engine of the vehicle and a method of mounting thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventionally, vehicle manufacturers utilize a myriad of prime movers in operating the vehicle, where the prime movers are including, but not limited to, internal combustion engines, electrical engines, pneumatic engines, electromechanical engines, and the like. However, due to factors such as, high-power output, affordability, reduced cost for manufacturing and maintenance, and the like, due to which the internal combustion engines [or simply IC-engines] are widely used. Meanwhile, the IC-engines require numerous sub-components for their efficient functioning such as, but not limited to, water pumps, oil pumps, alternators, air conditioner compressor pumps, cooling fans, and the like.

On the other hand, due to advent in technology, these peripheral components are configured to be operated by the engine, thereby reducing the necessity of employing auxiliary components for their functioning. In general, these peripheral components are primarily driven by the rotational motion of a crankshaft of the engine. The crankshaft may be connectable to each of the peripheral components by means including, but not limited to, linkage mechanisms, belt drives, chain drives and the like.

However, due to the rotational motion of the crankshaft as well as relative movement of the peripheral components, the crankshaft and the peripheral components may be subjected to a torsional load. This torsional load may exert undesired forces on connecting members including, but not limited to, fasteners, clamps, rivets, and the like, employed to secure the peripheral components therein. Additionally, these connecting member, over a period of time, on experiencing the torsional load may slack, weaken over time or in other scenarios break-off from the crankshaft thereby resulting in failure of the peripheral components, and in-turn damaging the engine. Additionally, in several cases, the belt drives and/or chain drives which were used to run the peripheral components are subjected to stress, whereby leading to premature failure of the peripheral components. Also, these means of driving the peripheral components are generally bulky and increase the load on the crankshaft, by virtue of their weight and torque.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcoming of the prior arts and conventional methods are overcome by providing with a crankshaft pulley assembly as disclosed herein.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a crankshaft pulley assembly mounted on a crankshaft of an engine is disclosed. The assembly comprises a timing gear, mounted on the crankshaft, wherein a position sensor wheel is integrated with the timing gear. Further, a crankshaft pulley wheel is connectable to the crankshaft, abutting the timing gear using a plurality of fasteners, where each of the plurality of fasteners are used to fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel at an axis, eccentrically about an axial axis of the crankshaft, to mitigate torsional loads on the crankshaft pulley assembly.

In an embodiment, the timing gear is provisioned with a recess, to circumferentially accommodate the crankshaft pulley wheel.

In an embodiment, the system comprises one or more keyways formed on the timing gear, wherein the one or more keyways are adapted to seat over one or more splines of the crankshaft.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a belt drive is accommodated on the timing gear, wherein the belt drive is restricted at an engine side of the timing gear by the position sensor wheel, and is restricted at a pulley side of the timing gear by the crankshaft pulley wheel.

In an embodiment, the crankshaft pulley wheel and the timing gear are adapted to secure one or more pulley arrangements, for operating components consisting of at least one of a pump, a compressor, and an alternator.

In an embodiment, the crankshaft pulley wheel and the timing gear are manufactured from at least one of aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and the like.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method of mounting a crankshaft pulley assembly of an engine is disclosed. The method comprises steps of configuring a crankshaft to extend from a casing of the engine. Mounting a timing gear on the crankshaft, wherein a position sensor wheel is integrated with the timing gear. Further, a crankshaft pulley wheel is connectable to the crankshaft, abutting the timing gear, wherein a plurality of fasteners fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel at an axis, eccentrically about an axial axis to the crankshaft, to mitigate effect of torsional loads acting on the crankshaft pulley assembly.

In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a recess in the timing gear, to circumferentially accommodate the crankshaft pulley.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises forming one or more keyways on the timing gear, wherein the one or more keyways are adapted to seat over one or more splines of the crankshaft.

In an embodiment, the one or more of keyways mitigate relative rotational motion between the timing gear and the crankshaft.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only, and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the detailed disclosure. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a crankshaft pulley assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1b illustrates another perspective view of the crankshaft pulley assembly disclosing a circumferential axis X, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the crankshaft pulley assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described hereinbelow. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated by the present disclosure and may be motivated to modify various compositions, shapes, profiles, and configurations of the crankshaft pulley assembly and the method of mounting thereof. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism and a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or an apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the disclosure discloses a crankshaft pulley assembly mounted on a crankshaft of an engine. The system comprises a timing gear mounted on the crankshaft, and a position sensor wheel integrated with the timing gear. Further, a crankshaft pulley wheel is connectable to the crankshaft, abutting the timing gear using a plurality of fasteners, where each of the plurality of fasteners fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel at axis, eccentrically about an axial axis of the crankshaft, to mitigate torsional loads on the crankshaft pulley assembly.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a method of mounting a crankshaft pulley assembly of an engine. The method comprises steps of configuring a crankshaft to extend from a casing of the engine. Mounting a timing gear on the crankshaft, wherein a position sensor wheel is integrated with the timing gear. Further, a crankshaft pulley wheel is connectable to the crankshaft, abutting the timing gear, wherein a plurality of fasteners fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel at an axis, eccentrically about an axial axis to the crankshaft, to mitigate effect of torsional loads acting on the crankshaft pulley assembly.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which the assembly and the method is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described with sufficient details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate various perspective views of a crankshaft pulley assembly (100) for an engine of a vehicle [not shown in Figures]. The engine is provisioned with a crankshaft (2), where the crankshaft (2) is adapted to transmit generated usable torque as a result of power stroke due to combustion within the engine of the vehicle. Further, the crankshaft (2) may be configured to extend from the engine, in order to derive the usable torque or power from the rotational motion of the crankshaft (2) about an axial axis (A-A’), as seen in Figure 1a. The crankshaft (2), extended from the engine, is configured to accommodate the crankshaft pulley assembly (100). The crankshaft pulley assembly (100), herein also referred to as “the assembly (100)”, includes a timing gear (3), where the timing gear (3) is coaxially mounted on the crankshaft (2). Further, a position sensor wheel (4) is integrally formed with the timing gear (3). In an embodiment, the position sensor wheel (4) is formed on a first edge of the timing gear (3), where the first edge of the timing gear (3) is a portion that initially engages with the crankshaft (2), during mounting of the timing gear (3). The position sensor wheel (4) mounted on the crankshaft (2) assists in identifying and indicating an angular position of the crankshaft (2).

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) further includes a crankshaft pulley wheel (1). The crankshaft pulley wheel (1) is mounted to the crankshaft (2), in a way so as to abutt the timing gear (3). For the purpose of abutting and/or positioning the crankshaft pulley wheel (1), the timing gear (3) may be provisioned with a recess (6), as best seen in Figure 2. The recess (6) may be configured to be circumferentially defined in the timing gear (3) and may be adapted to resemble an inner circumferential groove of the crankshaft pulley wheel (1). Due to this configuration of the recess (6), the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) may be accommodated and/or rigidly seated on the timing gear (3).

Further, a plurality of fasteners (5) may be employed for securing the crankshaft pulley wheel (1). The plurality of fasteners (5) may fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) with the crankshaft (2), at a circumferential axis (X) which is eccentric about the axial axis (A-A’) of the crankshaft (2), as best seen in Figure 1b. It may be noted that, the plurality of fasteners (5) are adapted to connect the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) and the timing gear (3) with the crankshaft (2). Also, the circumferential axis (X) may be an axis on perimeter of the crankshaft (2), which may be offset from a center point of the crankshaft pulley wheel (1), whereby the plurality of fasteners (5) may be adapted to fasten the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) on the circumferential axis (X). The plurality of fasteners (5) may impart forces on the assembly (100) on the circumferential axis (X), which is offset from the center point of the crankshaft pulley wheel (1). Due to fastening of the plurality of fasteners (5) on the circumferential axis (X), requirement of a washer member between the plurality of fasteners (5) and the crankshaft pulley wheel (1), and in-turn the crankshaft (2), may be avoided. Furthermore, this eccentric fastening of the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) on the circumferential axis (X) may assist in enhancing a clamping force therebetween. It may be noted that the enhanced clamping force mitigates the torsional loads acting on the crankshaft pulley wheel (1), and in-turn the assembly (100), thereby increasing the load carrying capacity of the assembly (100). In an embodiment, the plurality of fasteners (5) may also aid in dampening torsional vibration experienced by the crankshaft (2).

Additionally, one or more keyways (8) are formed on the timing gear (3), where the one or more keyways (8) are adapted to receive one or more splines (7) of the crankshaft (2). This engagement of the one or more splines (7) of the crankshaft (2) and the one or more keyways (8) of the timing gear (3), mitigates possible relative rotational movement between the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2). The mitigation of the relative rotational movement between the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2) ensures rotational speed between the crankshaft (2) and the timing gear (3) remains unaltered. In an embodiment, the one or more keyways (8) may be provisioned in each of the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2), whereby a key member may be employable to connect the corresponding one or more keyways (8) therein.

In an embodiment, the timing gear (3) may be employed to assist in maintaining a synchronous operation between the crankshaft (2) and one or more camshafts [not shown in Figures]. In an embodiment, the timing gear (3) may be provisioned with a belt drive, where the belt drive may be configured to translate the rotational motion of the timing gear (3), to the one or more camshafts of the engine. Further, the belt drive may be adapted to seat on the timing gear (3), while the position sensor wheel (4) and the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) is adapted to position the belt drive therein. Furthermore, the position sensor wheel (4) and the crankshaft pulley assembly (100) may be separated by a predefined distance, where the predefined distance may be defined to sophistically accommodate the belt drive on the timing gear (3). Here, it may be noted that the position sensor wheel (4) and the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) may be adapted to restrict lateral movement of the belt on the timing gear (3), thereby eliminating the requirement of a support plate. Additionally, the belt drive may be secured on the timing gear (3) by the position sensor wheel (4) at the first side, while the crankshaft pulley assembly (1) may be adapted to secure the belt drive at a second side of the timing gear (3). In an embodiment, the first side of the timing gear (3) may also be construed as an engine side of the timing gear (3), and a second side of the timing gear (3) may be construed as a pulley side of the timing gear (3).

In an embodiment, a method of mounting the assembly (100) on the crankshaft (2) includes steps of configuring the crankshaft (2) to extend from the casing of the engine. Here, it may be noted that the crankshaft (2) is designed and manufactured so as to extend from the casing of the engine. Due to this extension of the crankshaft (2), the assembly (100) may be configured to accommodate thereon. Further, the timing gear (3) of the assembly (100) may be adaptably mounted on the crankshaft (2). The crankshaft (2) may be provisioned with one or more splines (7), while the timing gear (3) may be provisioned with one or more keyways (8). The one or more splines (7) of the crankshaft (2) may be adapted to receive the timing gear (3) vide the one or more keyways (8), thereby accommodating the timing gear (3). In an embodiment, the one or more keyways (8) may be provisioned on each of the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2) such that, the key may be positioned between each of the one or more keyways (8) of the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft (2). This securement of the crankshaft (2) and the timing gear (3) assists in mitigating the relative rotational motion therebetween. Additionally, the timing gear (3) may be integrally provisioned with the position sensor wheel (4) at the first side, where the first side is defined to engage the crankshaft (2) during engagement.

Furthermore, the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) is adapted to abutt the timing gear (3). The timing gear (3) may be provisioned with a recess (6), which is circumferentially defined, to accommodate the crankshaft pulley assembly (100). Upon accommodating the crankshaft pulley assembly (100), the plurality of fasteners (5) are employed to fasten the assembly (100) to the crankshaft (2). It may be noted that the plurality of fasteners (5) are employed to secure the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) at the circumferential axis (X), which is eccentric about the axial axis (A-A) of the crankshaft (2).

In an embodiment, the timing gear (3) and the crankshaft pulley wheel (1) are manufactured from at least one of aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and the like. This ensures that weight of the assembly (100) is reduced, without compromising the aspects of strength and endurance, thereby making the assembly (100) reliable.

ADVANTAGES
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft pulley assembly is configured to mitigate torsional loads, thereby enhancing efficiency and performance of the engine.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft pulley assembly comparatively consists of less number of components, thereby reducing the complexity of assembly during servicing.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft pulley assembly restrains utilizing auxiliary components such as a washer member, a support plate, and the like, due to which space required for operating is reduced, thereby rendering a compact assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft pulley assembly is robust, as minimal number of components are utilized thereto. Further, as each of the components are manufactured from materials having high-strength to weight ratio, thereby making the crankshaft pulley assembly comparatively light in weight.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the manufacturing cost associated with manufacturing of the crankshaft assembly is reduced due to less number of components used and due to selective utilization of materials for manufacturing.

In an embodiment, the crankshaft pulley wheel and the timing gear may be adapted to secure one or more pulley arrangements, for operating components consisting of at least one of a pump unit, a compressor unit, and an alternator unit. The pump unit may be at least one of an oil pump, a water pump, a fuel pump, and the like. Further, the compressor unit may be at least one of an AC compressor unit, a fuel compressor unit, and the like. Additionally, the alternator unit may be an electrical alternator unit or an electro-mechanical alternator unit.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Particular Numeral
Crankshaft pulley wheel 1
Crankshaft 2
Timing gear 3
Position sensor wheel 4
Fasteners 5
Recess 6
Splines 7
Keyways 8
Crankshaft pulley assembly 100
Axial axis of the crankshaft A-A’
Circumferential axis X