GB2595358A

GB2595358A - Alternator support with alignment features

Info

Publication number: GB2595358A
Application number: GB2104941.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jennings Thomas; Hickson Adrian; Richard Freary David; Andrew Bamford Luke; Tarn Bainbridge Edward
Original assignee: Cummins Inc
Current assignee: Cummins Inc
Priority date: 2020-05-06
Filing date: 2021-04-07
Publication date: 2021-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-07
Also published as: GB2595358B; BR102021008750A2; GB202104941D0

Abstract

An alternator support for an engine is provided. The alternator support includes a base portion 12 for mounting to the engine, a first cantilever portion 14 and a second cantilever portion 16 extending in opposite directions from the base portion for supporting one or more alternator(s) and/or an engine component such as a compressor thereon. The support may include an arm 40 extending outwardly from and transversely to the second cantilever portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine and an arm (40a, fig.5) extending from the base portion also for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine.

Description

ALTERNATOR SUPPORT WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to internal combustion engines, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a support for one or more alternators and/or engine components. Generally, alternator mounting brackets are secured to the engine block with bolts that pass through holes in the bracket and are secured to the block. Alignment of the bracket on the block relies on the size of the holes through which the bolts pass. However, this arrangement can cause misalignment issues. Therefore, further improvements in this technology area are needed to address these issues, among others.

SUMMARY

[0002] The present disclosure includes a unique arrangement for an alternator support configured to support one or more alternator(s) and/or engine components on an internal combustion engine, such as on the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the alternator support includes features that provide a desired alignment of the alternator(s) and/or component(s) on the alternator support. In another embodiment, the alternator support include one or more features to align the alternator support with the engine block. In another embodiment, the alternator support includes one or more features that steady the location of the support in relation to the engine block.

[0003] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an alternator support according to an embodiment

of the present disclosure.

[0006] Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the alternator support of Fig. I. [0007] Fig. 3 is an elevation view of the alternator support of Figs. I and 2 mounted to an engine block and to one or more alternator(s) and/or engine component(s).

[0008] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternator support according to another

embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the alternator support of Fig. 4.

[0010] Fig. 6 is an elevation view of the alternator support of Figs. 4 and 5 mounted to an engine block and to one or more alternator(s) and/or engine component(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly describing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an alternator support for an engine. In certain embodiments, the alternator support may be used with two alternators to support the alternators in a desired alignment relative to the engine. In certain embodiments, the alternator support may be used to support an alternator and another engine component, such as a compressor, in a desired alignment relative to the engine. The alternator support may improve alignment of the alternator(s) and/or component(s) relative to the engine, reduce assembly errors and/or alignment errors, and reduce assembly time.

[0013] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, there is illustrated perspective view of an embodiment of alternator support 10. Alternator support 10 includes an elongated body having a base portion 12, a first cantilever portion 14 extending in a first direction from base portion 10, and a second cantilever portion 16 extending in a second direction from base portion 12 that is generally opposite the first direction. First cantilever portion 14 includes a height H1 extending from base portion 12 to a first end 18. Second cantilever portion 16 includes a height H2 that extends from base portion 12 in a second direction to second end 20. Heights H1 and H2 are the same in the illustrated embodiment, but may differ depending on the component to be supported thereby.

[0014] The base portion 12 includes a first hole 22a and a second hole 22b that extend through the base portion I 2 transversely the first and second cantilever portions 14, 16. Holes 22a, 22b receive respective ones of the fasteners 30a, 30b that secure alternator support 10 to engine 100, such as to cylinder head 100a as shown in FIG. 3. First cantilever portion 14 may also include first and second holes 26a, 26b located adjacent to base portion 12 that receive fasteners 30a, 30d to secure alternator support 10 to cylinder head 100a, with the remaining part of height H1 extending from holes 26a, 26b to first end 18 being cantilevered. In an embodiment, the remaining part of H1 is more than half of the height H1.

r09151 When secured to engine 100, alternator support 10 is aligned so cantilever portions 14, 16 extend vertically relative to engine 100. First cantilever portion 14 is oriented so that a concave side thereof faces laterally outwardly to receive a first alternator 102 thereon. Second cantilever portion 16 is oriented so that a concave side thereof faces laterally outwardly to receive a second alternator 104 thereon. An arm 40 extends outwardly from the convex side of second cantilever portion 16 and contacts a part of block 100b to facilitate aligning the alternator support 10 on engine 100. Arm 40 may taper outwardly to provide the desired fit against block 100b.

100161 The base portion 14 includes a thickness t that is greater than the thicknesses of the cantilever portions 14, 16. First end 18 includes a first mounting portion 28a and second end 20 includes a second mounting portion 28b. Mounting portions 28a, 28b have an increased thickness t relative to cantilever portions 14, 16. In particular, each of the mounting portions 28a, 28b may include first and second ears or lobes that define bores for receiving engaging members that secure the alternator or component on the respective cantilever portion 14, 16. Base portion 12 also includes bores for receiving engaging members to secure the alternator or component that is supported by the respective cantilever portions 14, 16.

[0017] For example, first mounting portion 28a includes first and second bores 24a, 24b and base portion 12 includes third and fourth bores 24c, 24d. These bores 24a-24d receive respective ones of the engaging members 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d to secure alternator 102 to first cantilever portion 14. Second mounting portion 28b includes fifth and sixth bores 24e, 24f and base portion 12 includes seventh and eighth bores 24g, 24h. These bores 24e-24h receive respective ones of the engaging members 32e, 32f, 32g, etc. to secure alternator 104 or another component to second cantilever portion 16.

[0018] The base portion 12 and cantilever portions 14, 16 include a width W that is transverse to thickness t and heights HI, 1-12. In the illustrated embodiment, width W is substantially the same for base portion 12 and cantilever portions 14, 16. Width W can also differ to accommodate the size of the alternator or component supported thereon.

[0019] The cantilever portions 14, 16 includes plate-like bodies that are integrally formed with base portion 12 to provide a unitary body structure for alternator support 10. Arm 40 may also be integrally formed with cantilever portion 16 to provide a unitary structure. Alternator support 10 may also include one or more transverse lobes 42 to facilitate attachment of pulleys, brackets, plates, etc. to alternator support 10. Alternator support 10 may also include one or more pins 44 that are receive in detents or holes in block 100b to facilitate alignment and/or assembly with engine 100. Cantilever portions 14, 16 may also include stiffeners integrally formed therewith to provide improved stability.

[NM Referring to Figs. 4-6, there is shown another embodiment alternator support ET that is similar to alternator support 10, and like features will not be re-described to avoid repetition. Alternator support 10' includes a base portion 12', a first cantilever portion 14', and a second cantilever portion 16'. in this embodiment, the second cantilever portion 16' has a width W that is greater than the width of first cantilever portion 14' to accommodate a component 106 that differs in size from alternator 102, such as a compressor. The engaging members 110a, 110b, 110c, 100d are used to secure alternator 102 to first cantilever portion 14', and engaging members 110e, 110g, 110g, 100h are used to secure compressor 106 to second cantilever portion 16'.

[0021] Alternator support 10 also includes a first arm 40a extending outwardly from base portion 12' and a second arm 40b' extending outwardly from second cantilever portion 16'. First and second arms 40a', 40b' are integrally formed or cast with alternator support 10' and provide alignment of the alternator support 10' with engine 100, such as with cylinder head 100a and/or block 100b.

[0022] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, an alternator support for an engine is provided that includes a base portion for engagement to the engine with one or more fasteners. The alternator support includes a first cantilever portion extending from the base portion in a first direction, and the first cantilever portion is configured to support a first alternator or engine component thereon. The alternator support also includes a second cantilever portion extending from the base portion in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The second cantilever portion is configured to support a second alternator or engine component thereon.

[0923] Various embodiments of the above alternator support are also contemplated. One or more embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other embodiments.

[0024] For example, in an embodiment, the base portion includes one or more holes for receiving the one or more fasteners, and the one or more holes extend transversely to the first and second directions. In an embodiment, the first and second cantilever portions are concavely curved from the base portion to the respective first and second ends [0025] In an embodiment, the first cantilever portion extends from the base portion to a first end, and the second cantilever portion extends from the base portion to a second end opposite the first end. In an embodiment, the first and second ends include respective ones of a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that each define a number of bores for receiving engaging members that mount the alternator or alternator component thereto.

[0026] In an embodiment, the base portion includes a third mounting portion and a fourth mounting portion associated with respective ones of the first and second cantilever portions, and each of the third and fourth mounting portions define a number of bores for receiving engaging members that mount the alternator or alternator component thereto.

[0027] In an embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth mounting portions includes a first lobe defining a first bore for receiving a first engaging member and a second lobe defining a second bore for receiving a second engaging member. In an embodiment, the base portion includes first and second holes for receiving first and second fasteners, and the first and second holes are located between the third and fourth mounting portions. In an embodiment, each of the first and second mounting portions includes a first lobe defining a first bore for receiving a first engaging member and a second lobe defining a second bore for receiving a second engaging member.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first cantilever portion includes one or more bores adjacent the base portion for receiving fasteners to engage the first cantilever portion to the engine. In an embodiment, the alternator support includes an arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the second cantilever portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine.

[0029] In an embodiment, the arm is integrally formed with the second cantilever portion. In an embodiment, the arm tapers in width outwardly from the second cantilever portion.

[0930] In an embodiment, the alternator support includes a first arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the base portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine, and a second arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the second cantilever

S

portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine. In an embodiment, the first arm is integrally formed with the base portion and the second arm is integrally formed with the second cantilever portion.

[0031] In an embodiment, a first alternator is supported on the first cantilever portion and a second alternator is supported on the second cantilever portion. In an embodiment, an alternator is supported on the first cantilever portion and a compressor is supported on the second cantilever portion.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first and second cantilever portions are integrally formed with the base portion. In an embodiment, the base portion is thicker than the first and second cantilever portions. In an embodiment, the second cantilever portion is wider than the first cantilever portion.

[0033] While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An alternator support for an engine, comprising: a base portion for engagement to the engine with one or more fasteners; a first cantilever portion extending from the base portion in a first direction, the first cantilever portion being configured to support a first alternator or engine component thereon; and a second cantilever portion extending from the base portion in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the second cantilever portion being configured to support a second alternator or engine component thereon.
2. The alternator support of claim I, wherein the base portion includes one or more holes for receiving the one or more fasteners, the one or more holes extending transversely to the first and second directions.
3. The alternator support of claim 2, wherein the first cantilever portion extends from the base portion to a first end, and the second cantilever portion extends from the base portion to a second end opposite the first end.
4. The alternator support of claim 3, wherein the first and second ends include respective ones of a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that each define a number of bores for receiving engaging members that mount the alternator or alternator component thereto.
5. The alternator support of claim 4, wherein the base portion includes a third mounting portion and a fourth mounting portion associated with respective ones of the first and second cantilever portions, and each of the third and fourth mounting portions define a number of bores for receiving engaging members that mount the alternator or alternator component thereto.
6. The alternator support of claim 5, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth mounting portions includes a first lobe defining a first bore for receiving a first engaging member and a second lobe defining a second bore for receiving a second engaging member.
7. The alternator support of claim 5, wherein the base portion includes first and second holes for receiving first and second fasteners, and the first and second holes are located between the third and fourth mounting portions.
8. The alternator support of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second mounting portions includes a first lobe defining a first bore for receiving a first engaging member and a second lobe defining a second bore for receiving a second engaging member.
9. The alternator support of claim 3, wherein the first and second cantilever portions are concavely curved from the base portion to the respective first and second ends.
10. The alternator support of claim 1, wherein the first cantilever portion includes one or more bores adjacent the base portion for receiving fasteners to engage the first cantilever portion to the engine.
11. The alternator support of claim 1, further comprising an arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the second cantilever portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine.
12. The alternator support of claim 11, wherein the arm is integrally formed with the second cantilever portion.
13. The alternator support of claim 1 I, wherein the arm tapers in width outwardly from the second cantilever portion.
14. The alternator support of claim 1, further comprising: a first arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the base portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine; and a second arm extending outwardly from and transversely to the second cantilever portion for aligning the alternator support in relation to the engine.
15. The alternator support of claim 14, wherein the first arm is integrally formed with the base portion and the second arm is integrally formed with the second cantilever portion.
16. The alternator support of claim I, further comprising a first alternator supported on the first cantilever portion and a second alternator supported on the second cantilever portion.
17. The alternator support of claim 1, further comprising an alternator supported on the first cantilever portion and a compressor supported on the second cantilever portion.
18. The alternator support of claim 1. wherein the first and second cantilever portions are integrally formed with the base portion.
19. The alternator support of claim 1, wherein the base portion is thicker than the first and second cantilever portions.
20. The alternator support of claim 1, wherein the second cantilever portion is wider than the first cantilever portion.