DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A LUBRICANT RETAINING BEARING SURFACE AND ITS METHOD THEREOF

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having Address As:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent application numbered IN 202241045974 filed on 12th August, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof, and more specifically the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof .
BACKGROUND
[003] Any moving parts in contact with each other and having relative motion between them are provided with lubricants, gearing, bearings strokes or bearing surfaces to reduce the friction between them. There are different types of bearings configured for specific purposes and designs to carry specific types of loads, radial or thrust. A journal bearing is configured to be simple in design and used for heavier loads. The journal bearings are used to provide radial location for a rotating shaft carrying radial load.
[004] The journal bearings are configured to be a cylindrical bushing made from a suitable material of properly machined inside and outside diameters. The journal is usually the part of a shaft or pins that rotates inside the bearing. The journal bearing is configured to have an oil hole drilled at the top for lubrication. Further, the journal bearings helps to make the engine quiet and smooth running due to damping effect of the oil film. In existing journal bearing, the journal bearing is configured to have an inner surface of plain surface finish.
[005] In conventional construction of journal bearing, the bearing is mounted on the bearing housing wherein the journal bearing assembly is mounted on the shaft. Such that an oil film is maintained between the journal bearing and the crankshaft rotating part. During engine shut OFF state, the crankshaft rotating part (106) as shown in figure 1 is in contact with the bottom half of the journal bearing (102) and the quantity of the oil in the oil film (104) area is less. Thus this leads to increase of sound due to friction and reduces the life of the journal bearing due to wear and tear.
[006] In the conventionally available contact surfaces, the bearing has multiple grooves formed on the bearing surface in an axial direction. Such axially-oriented grooves do not satisfactorily distribute lubricant uniformly in an axial direction. The other limitation of these type of grooves are that the significant portions of the bearing surface are not effectively lubricated thus subjected to inordinate wear and tear of the bearing.
[007] The aforesaid conventionally available movable contact surfaces are been provided with grooves on the contact surfaces but has a drawback of not retaining lubricant uniformly and continuously over the entire contact surfaces.
[008] Hence to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks there is a requirement to provide such a pattern on atleast one of the contact surfaces which will retain lubricant uniformly and continuously over the entire contact surfaces.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[009] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof for optimal retention of lubricant between the contact surfaces.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof to reduce sound level due to friction.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof to maintain lubrication oil in the cross hatch thereby retaining lubricant on whole of the contact surfaces.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof to increase durability and improve life of the contact surfaces.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof which is compact, cost effective and easy to implement.
SUMMARY
[0014] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine, device or system, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0015] The present subject matter discloses the lubricant retaining bearing surface comprising an atleast one contact surface of a preselected bearing is cross hatched.
[0016] A method for manufacturing the lubricant retaining bearing surface comprising the steps of selecting an atleast one bearing whose surface is to be processed. The atleast one of the contact surfaces of a preselected bearing passed through a honing machine. The atleast one of the contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is cross hatched. The cross hatched contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is assembled.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0017] The present subject matter discloses, a lubricant retaining bearing surface comprising an atleast one contact surface of a preselected bearing which is cross hatched.
[0018] In an embodiment, the said atleast one of the contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is configured to be a top half and bottom half of the bearing inner surface.
[0019] In an embodiment, the preselected bearing comprises a journal bearing, a bush bearing, a sleeve bearing and all such moving contact surfaces.
[0020] In an embodiment, the atleast one of the contact surfaces are a stationary contact surface.
[0021] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing the lubricant retaining bearing surface comprising the steps of selecting atleast one bearing whose surface is to be processed. An atleast one of the contact surfaces of a preselected bearing passed through a honing machine. The atleast one of the contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is cross hatched. The cross hatched contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is assembled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and device disclosed in the document and the drawing. The detailed description is described with reference to the following accompanying figures.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a journal bearing side view of cross hatching on one of the contact surfaces (Prior Art), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of journal bearing assembly of a lubricant retaining bearing surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0025] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of showing cross hatching on one of the contact surfaces of the lubricant retaining bearing surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a part of the bearing to be cross hatched for the lubricant retaining bearing surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a method for manufacturing the lubricant retaining bearing surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0028] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any devices and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, devices and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0030] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0031] Now referring to figure 2, a lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) is disclosed in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) comprising atleast one contact surface (202, 204) of a preselected bearing (200) which is cross hatched (210). A journal bearing (200) comprises of two journal bearing surfaces (202, 204) which are in arcuate shape, such that the top surface is a journal upper bearing (202) surface and the bottom surface is a journal lower bearing (204) surface. The journal upper bearing (202) is fixed on a cylinder block of the engine and the journal lower bearing (204) is fixed on a bearing cap (206). Further, a crankshaft rotating part (208) is inserted between the journal bearing surfaces (202, 204). The atleast one contact surface of the preselected bearing is a top half (202) and bottom half (204) of the bearing inner surface.
[0032] Now referring to figure 3, the cross hatching (210) is provided on the inner surface (202, 204) of the journal bearing (200) is shown. The journal bearing (200) is passed through honing operation at step 402 as shown in figure 4. In step 404, the cross hatched (210) part of the journal bearing is ready to be assembled.
[0033] Now referring to figure 5, a method (500) for manufacturing the lubricant retaining bearing surface is disclosed in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In step 502, an atleast one bearing (200) is selected whose surface is to be processed. In step 504, an alteast one of the contact surface (202, 204) of a preselected bearing (200) is passed through a honing machine. In step 506, the alteast one of the contact surface (202, 204) of a preselected bearing (200) is cross hatched. In step 508, the cross hatched (210) contact surfaces (202, 204) of the preselected bearing (200) are assembled to form the preselected bearing (200). Additional tooling and fixtures are needed for the honing operation for cross hatching on the journal bearing (202, 204) as using honing operation for cross hatching is novel.
[0034] The present subject matter discloses the lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) and its method (500) thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface). Cross hatching (210) on the journal bearing (202, 204) by honing operation is provided to retain lubrication oil between the journal bearing (102) and the crankshaft rotating part (106).
[0035] In an embodiment, the said cross hatching (210) is provided on either the inner bearing surface or outer bearing surface which are stationary contact surfaces (202, 204).
[0036] The cross hatching on one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) (preferably the stationary contact surface) improves lubrication between the contact surfaces. The said inner contact surfaces to use cross hatching (210) to improve lubrication and reduce friction sound can be a journal bearing, a bush bearing, a sleeve bearing, and all such moving contact surfaces.
[0037] In another embodiment, more particularly the lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) and its method (500) thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) is provided to reduce sound level at the starting and shutting OFF of the engine. Thus cross hatching (210) provided on one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) (preferably the stationary contact surface) to improve the engine overall efficiency and smooth operation.
[0038] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following.
[0039] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to for optimal retention of lubrication oil between the contact surfaces.
[0040] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to reduce friction noises, sounds between the contact surfaces.
[0041] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to reduce sound level at the starting and shutting OFF of the engine.
[0042] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to improve overall efficiency of the engine and smooth operation.
[0043] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to maintain lubrication oil at the cross hatch area thereby retaining lubricant on whole of the contact surfaces.
[0044] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) to improve the life of the contact surfaces.
[0045] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof (preferably the stationary contact surface) which is compact, cost effective and easy to implement.
[0046] Following is a list of elements and reference numerals used to explain various embodiments of the present subject matter.
Reference Numeral Element Description
100 Journal Bearing Assembly
102 Journal Bearing on Fixed Part (Housing)
104 Oil Film Area
106 Crankshaft Rotating Part
200 Journal Bearing in Engine
202 Journal Upper Bearing Surface
204 Journal Lower Bearing Surface
206 Bearing Caps
208 Crankshaft Rotating Part
210 Cross Hatch Surface

Equivalents
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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."
[0049] Although implementations for a lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementation for the lubricant retaining bearing surface and its method thereof.
,CLAIMS:
1. A lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) comprising;
an atleast one contact surface (202, 204) of a preselected bearing (200) configured to be cross hatched (210).

2. The lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said atleast one contact surface of the preselected bearing is configured to be a top half (202) and bottom half (204) of the bearing inner surface.

3. The lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preselected bearing (200) comprises a journal bearing, a bush bearing, a sleeve bearing and all such moving contact surfaces.

4. The lubricant retaining bearing surface (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) are a stationary contact surface.

5. A method (500) for manufacturing the lubricant retaining bearing surface comprising the steps of :
selecting, an atleast one bearing (200) whose surface is to be processed;
passing, through a honing machine, an atleast one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) of a preselected bearing (200);
cross hatching, the atleast one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) of the preselected bearing (200); and
assembling, the cross hatched (210) contact surfaces (202, 204) of the preselected bearing (200).

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the atleast one of the contact surfaces of the preselected bearing is configured to be a top half (202) and bottom half (204) of the bearing inner surface.

7. The method (500) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the preselected bearing (200) comprises a journal bearing, a bush bearing, a sleeve bearing and all such moving contact surfaces.

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the atleast one of the contact surfaces (202, 204) are a stationary contact surface.