Lip seal lubrication reservoir and method of level control

Abstract

A system for lubricating a crankshaft lip seal having wear surfaces with a lubricant used with the crankshaft. The system includes a compressor housing portion, wherein the lip seal secured in the compressor housing portion for engagement with the crankshaft and a structure in the compressor housing portion for adequately providing lubricant to the lip seal surfaces. In a preferred embodiment the structure includes a bore having a reservoir for maintaining the lubricant in contact with the lip seal and a manner for controlling the amount of the lubricant in the reservoir.

1 . A system for lubricating a crankshaft lip seal having wear surfaces with a lubricant used with the crankshaft, comprising:
 a compressor housing portion, the lip seal secured in said compressor housing portion for engagement with the crankshaft; and   means in said compressor housing portion for lubricating the lip seal surfaces.   
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said means for lubricating comprises a bore having a reservoir for maintaining said lubricant in contact with the lip seal. 
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 2 , further including means for controlling the amount of the lubricant in said reservoir. 
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said means for controlling comprises a passage for directing the lubricant from the reservoir. 
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 4 , wherein said passage is located at an angle and height relative said reservoir for maintaining an optimum level of lubricant in contact with the lip seal wear surfaces.