EP2025889A1 - Oil pan for a combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

The oil pan (1) has a base body (3) that encloses a volume for receiving oil. The oil pan has a recess (5) attached on one side of the base body, through which the volume of the oil pan that receives oil is increased. The base body and the recess are made of a polymer material. The oil pan is connected to a frame (9) by a metallic material. The polymer material for the base body is a thermoplastic, partly crystalline or an amorphous plastic.

Description

The invention relates to an oil pan for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, comprising a base body, which encloses a volume for receiving oil.

Currently, oil pans are generally made of metallic materials. The production is generally carried out by deep drawing or die casting. The oil volume required for the engine is adjusted by the height of the oil sump. However, for reasons of pedestrian protection, it is necessary to increase the distance between the engine and the bonnet in order to achieve an additional, elastically deformable area. This is preferably realized in that the parts installed in the engine compartment are offset downwards. With the currently used oil pans, however, a deeper installation of the engine causes the ground clearance, d. H. the distance between engine and ground, is reduced. For oil pans, as known from the prior art, this can lead to the fact that the distance between the oil pan and soil is too small. This makes it necessary to use a flat-built unit. However, since the interval for oil change depends on the amount of oil used, it is desirable to provide the largest possible volume of oil available. However, flattening the sump will initially reduce the volume of oil.

In addition to oil pans made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum or steel, it is made for example DE-A 10 2004 050 666 also known to produce an oil pan made of a plastic material. In order to achieve the necessary stability, at least one element for protecting the base body from the plastic material is positively and / or non-positively connected to the base body in regions of an external load. Such oil pans made of plastic are used for example in trucks. However, the height of the internal combustion engine is not reduced by the oil pan described here.

The object of the present invention is to provide an oil sump which exhibits a flat construction and whose oil volume is at least as great as that of the oil sumps known from the prior art.

The object is achieved by an oil pan for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, comprising a base body which encloses a volume for receiving oil, wherein the oil pan at least one laterally attached to the body Pocket has increased by the enclosed by the body volume of the oil pan.

Advantage of the side attached to the body bag is that, depending on the size of the bag, an arbitrarily large volume of oil in the oil pan can be realized. Another advantage is that a very flat design of the oil pan is possible.

The main body of the oil pan and / or the sides attached to the base body pockets can be made for example of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel or a polymer material. For reasons of weight saving, it is preferable to manufacture the base body and / or the at least one laterally attached pocket from a polymer material.

Suitable polymers are thermoplastic semicrystalline or amorphous polymers. However, thermosets or mixtures of these polymer classes are also suitable.

Suitable thermoplastic polymers are all thermoplastics known to those skilled in the art. For example, suitable thermoplastic polymers in Kunststoff-Taschenbuch, publisher Saechling, 25th edition, Hansa Verlag, Munich, 1992, especially Chapter 4, as well as references cited therein, and in the Plastics Handbook, editors G. Becker and D. Braun, volumes 1-11, Hansa Verlag, 1966-1996.

Suitable polymers are, for example, unfilled or fiber-reinforced and / or mineral-filled polyamide-6 and polyamide-6,6, polyethylene and polybutylene terephthalate, polyoxymethylene, polysulfone or polyethersulfone, furthermore polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

The polymers may also contain conventional additives and processing aids. Suitable additives and processing aids are, for example, lubricants or mold release agents, rubbers, antioxidants, light stabilizers, antistatic agents, flame retardants or fibrous, spherical and pulverulent fillers or reinforcing agents and other additives or mixtures thereof.

Examples of fibrous, spherical or pulverulent fillers and reinforcing materials are carbon or glass fibers in the form of glass fabrics, glass mats or glass silk rovings, chopped glass and glass beads. Particularly preferred are glass fibers. The glass fibers used can be made of E, A or C glass and are preferably coated with a sizing, for example on epoxy resin, silane, aminosilane. or polyurethane base and a primer based on functionalized silanes. The incorporation of the glass fibers can take place both in the form of short glass fibers and in the form of endless strands (rovings).

Suitable particulate fillers are, for example, carbon black, graphite, amorphous silica, whiskers, alumina fibers, magnesium carbonate (chalk), powdered quartz, mica, bentonite, talc, feldspar or in particular calcium silicates, such as wollastonite and kaolin. Furthermore, the polymers may also contain colorants or pigments.

If the base body and / or the pockets attached to the side of the main body are made of a polymer material, it is preferred that metallic inserts are contained in the base body or the pockets attached laterally to the base body. The metallic inserts are used to increase the stability of the body and the side attached to the body pockets. The metallic inserts can be encapsulated, for example, by the polymer material. Furthermore, it is also possible that the metallic inserts abut the outside of the polymer material. It is on the one hand possible that the metallic inserts are arranged in the interior of the base body and the sides attached to the base body pockets or on the outside of the body and / or the attached pockets. Furthermore, it is also possible that the metallic inserts are mounted both on the inside and on the outside of the base body and the sides attached to the base body pockets.

The metallic insert can be used, for example, in the form of plates, strips, gratings or other shaped parts. The attachment of the metallic insert is done for example non-positively or positively. A frictional attachment, for example, by screwing the metallic insert with the body or the side attached to the base body pockets.

Preferably, however, the metallic insert is positively connected to the polymer material of the main body or the side attached to the base body pockets, for example by the metallic insert is inserted into an injection mold and then encapsulated with the polymer composition. At the same time, the base body or the pocket attached to the side of the main body is formed by the injection molding process.

Furthermore, it is also possible, for example, on the metallic insert to form an edgy pull edge, which penetrates into the polymer material of the main body or the side attached to the base body pockets and in this way with the Body or bag connects. Such a method is for example off DE-A 10 2004 050 666 known.

Suitable materials for the metallic insert are any metals or metal alloys. However, preferred metals are steel or aluminum.

Instead of a metallic insert, it is also possible to use an insert made of another material, for example made of ceramic or a plastic material, which is different from the polymer material of the base body or the sides attached to the base body bags.

To connect the oil pan to the internal combustion engine, the oil pan is preferably connected to a frame made of a metallic material. The metallic frame also contributes to increasing the stability of the oil pan. The connection of the metallic frame with the oil pan can be done positively or positively. In general, the metallic frame is merely connected to the main body of the oil pan. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, that the metallic frame is enclosed in the injection molding process by the polymer material of the main body. Furthermore, it is also possible that the metallic frame is bolted to the base body. Preferably, however, the frame is glued to the base body.

Suitable adhesives for bonding the frame to the base body are, for example, silicones, (meth) acrylates, phenolic resins, polyurethanes.

In order to achieve a liquid-tight connection, it is preferred in this case if a sealing element is received between the metallic frame and the main body. The material for this metallic frame is preferably aluminum. The metallic frame is made, for example, by an aluminum die casting process. Other suitable materials for the frame are e.g. also gray cast iron or magnesium.

In a preferred embodiment, bearing shells for receiving a crankshaft are formed in the metallic frame. The advantage of the bearing shells in the metallic frame is that a stable bearing of the crankshaft is ensured since the mechanical stability of a metallic frame is greater than that of a plastic component. In particular, the tendency to delay is lower.

In order to prevent vibrations and to achieve sufficient rigidity, it is preferred if a flange is formed on the base body, on which a transmission housing can be mounted. Preferably, the flange is reinforced with an insert.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that the flange for attachment of the transmission housing is formed on the frame. A trained on the frame flange for mounting the gear housing is particularly advantageous if the body is detachably connected to the frame. In this way, namely, the body can be removed from the frame, without this must be solved by the transmission.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one functional element is accommodated in at least one of the pockets attached laterally to the base body. In this way it is possible to position the functional elements directly in the oil sump. An arrangement outside the oil pan, which would require additional space under the hood, is not required.

Functional elements which can be accommodated in the pockets attached to the side of the main body are, for example, oil coolers, oil filters, oil pumps or intake snorkels. So that the oil flows through the functional element and this can thus fulfill its task, it is further preferred if in the pocket in addition a pump is included, which promotes the oil through the functional element. In addition, it is preferred that the at least one pocket attached laterally to the base body is connected via an inlet and a drain to the volume enclosed by the base body. This ensures that the oil flows through the functional element contained in the pocket and so the functional element can perform its task.

The laterally attached to the base body pockets can be connected to the body releasably or permanently. If the pockets are detachably connected to the base body, then these are bolted to the base body, for example. Furthermore, it is also possible, for example, that the pockets are connected to the main body by means of brackets.

If the side-mounted pockets are permanently connected to the body, the connection is preferably positive. The pockets can be welded or glued to the base body, for example. In particular, when the pockets and the base body are made of a thermoplastic material, it is preferred if the base body and the pockets are welded together.

As an adhesive, when the pockets and the base are bonded together, for example, silicones, (meth) acrylates, phenolic resins, polyurethanes are suitable.

In order to be able to attach the oil pan to an engine block of an internal combustion engine, in a preferred embodiment continuous screw holes are formed in the frame and in the oil pan, through which screws can be guided. It is preferred if the screw holes are formed in the region of the base body in the form of sleeves which connect the top side and the bottom side of the base body to one another. The sleeves are extended through the screw holes on the frame. In this way, the screws can be passed through the sleeves in the body and the screw holes in the frame to attach the oil pan to the engine block. In this way it is possible to solve the oil pan and frame from the engine block. A separation of the body from the frame is not required. This is particularly advantageous when the frame is connected to the base body by a positive connection, for example when the base body is molded directly onto the frame or when the base body and the frame are glued together.

Thus, during operation of the internal combustion engine, no oil splashes up, for example, as would be done by dipping the crankshaft, in the oil pan generally a splash guard included. The splash guard can take any conventional form known in the art, as it is also used in the oil pans known from the prior art.

In order to achieve a sufficient supply of oil to the moving parts of the internal combustion engine, it is preferred if an oil suction snorkel is integrated in the main body. About the Ölansaugschnorchel the oil is transported to the internal combustion engine and can lubricate the moving parts of the internal combustion engine. The Ölansaugschnorchel can be designed as an additional component, which is attached to the body. The attachment of Ölansaugschnorchels takes place for example by welding or gluing. Preferably, the Ölansaugschnorchel is welded to the body.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the Ölansaugschnorchel is formed integrally with the main body. In this case, for example, it is possible to produce the oil suction snorkel by gas injection technique or water injection pressure technique. Furthermore, it is also possible to form the Ölansaugschnorchel, for example, by a combined internal gas pressure / in-water pressure method. The internal gas pressure technology and internal water pressure technology are customary processes for the production of hollow profiles and known to the person skilled in the art.

The inventively designed oil pan can be used both in passenger cars and in trucks. However, the inventively designed oil pan is preferably used in passenger cars, as this is made possible to position the engine block deeper in the engine compartment, whereby the distance between the engine and hood is increased, which is an improved pedestrian protection. The bags attached to the side of the body increase the volume of oil contained in the oil sump, which increases the oil change intervals. The amount of oil that can be absorbed by the oil pan is in the usual for internal combustion engines frame. Thus, the pockets are preferably sized so that the oil pan can accommodate an oil volume of generally 4 to 6 liters.

By the sides attached to the body pockets results in a saving in height in comparison to the usual known from the prior art oil pans of up to 50%.

Figur 1

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Ölwanne von oben,

Figur 2

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer Tasche mit darin enthaltenem Funktionselement,

Figur 3

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Ölwanne von unten.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

FIG. 1

a three-dimensional representation of an inventively designed oil pan from above,

FIG. 2

a three-dimensional representation of a bag with functional element contained therein,

FIG. 3

a three-dimensional view of an inventively designed oil pan from below.

In FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an oil pan in plan view of the top of the oil pan shown.

An inventively constructed oil pan 1 comprises a base body 3, are attached to the side of pockets 5. The pockets 5 receive part of the oil volume contained in the oil sump 1. Preferably, the volume of oil contained in the pockets 5 is in the range of 5 to 50% by volume of the total volume of oil contained in the oil sump 1.

To attach the pockets 5 on the base body 3, it is possible, for example, that the base body 3 and the pockets 5 each have a flange is formed and the Bags 5 are bolted through the flange to the base body 3. It is also possible that the pockets 5 are clamped to the base body 3. However, it is preferred that the pockets 5 are connected directly to the main body 3. Such compounds are, for example, welded joints or adhesive bonds. In order to achieve a sufficiently stable connection of the base body 3 with the pockets 5, it is also preferred in the case of a welded or glued connection if a circumferential flange 7 is formed on the base body 3 and on the pockets 5.

The inventively embodied oil pan further comprises a frame 9. The frame 9 is connected to the base body 3. The connection of the frame 9 with the base body 3 takes place for example by gluing. It is important to ensure that the bond between the body 3 and frame 9 is liquid-tight, so that no oil can escape from the oil pan 1. However, it is also possible that the frame 9 is releasably connected to the base body 3. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to screw the main body 3 to the frame 9. It is also possible that the base body 3 is molded onto the frame 9 during manufacture. This is possible, for example, if the main body 3 is a polymer material and is produced by an injection molding process. However, it is preferred that the frame 9 is glued to the base body 3.

In the embodiment shown here, a gear flange 11 is formed on the frame 9. The gear flange 11 serves for connection to a transmission housing. In this case, only the lower part of the transmission flange 11 is formed on the oil pan 1. The upper part of the transmission flange 11 is generally formed on the engine block. The division of the gear flange 11 is therefore particularly necessary in order to mount a crankshaft. To accommodate the crankshaft 9 bearing shells 13, 15 are formed in the frame. A first bearing shell 13 is formed on the transmission flange 11 opposite side of the frame 9 and a second bearing shell 15 in the transmission flange 11. In the bearing shells 13, 15 bearings or seals are generally used, in which the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is performed.

In order to secure the gear housing to the gear flange 11, through holes 17 are formed in the gear flange 11, can be inserted through the screws, with which the gear housing is screwed to the gear flange 11.

In order to achieve the necessary rigidity, the gear flange 11 is formed with reinforcing ribs 19 in the embodiment shown here. The advantage of the reinforcing ribs 19 is that the gear flange is not made of a solid piece of metal is made but can be made in a thin wall thickness to save weight.

In the embodiment shown here 9 through holes 21 are formed in the frame, can be performed by the screws with which the oil pan on the engine block, which is not shown here, can be attached. It is on the one hand possible that first the frame 9 is fixed to the engine block and then the base body 3 on the frame 9. It is preferred, however, that the through holes 21 are extended by the base body 3, so that initially a mounting of the base body 3 with the Frame 9 can be made and then the entire oil pan 1 with frame 9 and body 3 is attached to the engine block. To extend the through holes 21, sleeves 23 are formed in the base body 3 at the positions where the through holes 21 are in the frame 9. The sleeves are designed so that they can be passed through these screws. Preferably decreases in the sleeves 23, the diameter of the through hole. This makes it possible that a screw with the screw head rests on the diameter constriction and so the attachment of the oil pan 1 is made possible on the engine block.

In addition to the embodiment shown here, in which the gear flange 11 is mounted on the frame 9, it is also possible that the gear flange 11 is formed directly on the base body 3. In this case, it is preferable if the gear flange 11 is reinforced in a base body 3 made of a polymer material with metallic inserts in order to ensure sufficient mechanical stability. If the base body 3 is made of a metal, it is also possible that the base body 3 and frame 9 are formed in one piece. In this case, the connection of frame 9 with the base body 3 is eliminated. If both the base body 3 and the frame 9 are made of a metal and a two-part design is provided, it is for example possible to frame 9 with the base body 3 weld.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the pockets 5 contains a functional element 22, as shown in FIG FIG. 2 is shown. Such functional elements 22 are for example oil filter, oil cooler, oil pump or suction snorkel. In order for the oil to be transported through the oil cooler or the oil filter, it is preferred if the pocket 5 also contains a pump. In addition, it is in the case that in one of the pockets 5, a functional element 22 is included, preferably, when the bag 5 is not open over its entire cross-section to the base body 3, but only has an inlet and a drain. In this case, the oil over the Feed the inlet into the pocket 5, continue to flow through the functional element and flow out of the drain into the oil circuit of the engine.

Alternatively it is, as in FIG. 2 illustrated, also possible that contained in the pocket 5 functional element 22 has an inlet 26 and a drain 28. In this case, a pump is preferably integrated in the functional element 22 in order to realize a flow of the oil.

In order to promote the lubrication of the internal combustion engine required oil from the oil pan 1 to the moving parts of the internal combustion engine, in the oil pan 1 a Ölansaugschnorchel 24 is formed. The Ölansaugschnorchel 24 is formed directly on the base body 3 and the frame 9 in the embodiment shown here. For this purpose, a tubular portion 29 is formed in the base body 3, which is extended by a correspondingly shaped piece on the frame 9. In the connection of the base body 3 and the frame 9, the tubular portion 29 in the base body 3 and the part of Ölansaugschnorchels 24 in the frame 9 are also connected by gluing or welding together, so that the connection between the base body 3 and frame 9 in the Ölansaugschnorchels 24th gas and liquid tight, so that no air is sucked.

FIG. 3 shows the oil pan according to FIG. 1 from underneath.

In the view of the underside of the base body 3 through holes 25 can be seen, which protrude through the base body 3 and which extend the through holes 21 in the frame 9. The through holes 25 are those which are enclosed by the sleeves 23 and through which screws can be guided to secure the oil pan 1 to the engine block.

In order to further increase the oil volume of the oil pan 1, it is possible, in addition to the pockets 5 shown here, which are attached to the sides of the base body 3, provide a further pocket which is attached to the end face 27 of the body. It is also possible, if a smaller volume of oil is sufficient to provide only one pocket 5.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

oil pan

3

body

5

bag

7

flange

9

frame

11

gearbox

13

first bearing shell

15

second bearing shell

17

Through holes in the transmission flange 11

19

reinforcing ribs

21

Through holes in frame 9

22

functional element

23

sleeves

24

Ölansaugschnorchel

25

Through holes in the main body 3

26

Intake

27

Front side of the main body 3

28

procedure

29

tubular portion

Claims (18)

Oil pan for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (3) enclosing a volume for receiving oil, characterized in that the oil pan (1) has at least one side of the base body (3) mounted pocket (5) through which the oil-absorbing volume of the oil pan (1) is increased. Oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (3) and / or the side attached to the base body pockets (5) is made of a polymer material. Oil sump according to claim 2, characterized in that for reinforcement in the base body (3) made of polymer material and / or the side of the base body (3) mounted pockets (5) metallic inserts are included. Oil pan according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the oil pan (1) is connected to a frame (9) made of a metallic material. Oil sump according to claim 4, characterized in that in the frame (9) bearing shells (13, 15) are formed for receiving a crankshaft. Oil sump according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the frame (9) has a gear flange (11) for fixing a gear housing. Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the base body (3) a transmission flange (11) is formed, on which a transmission housing can be mounted. Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in at least one of the laterally on the base body (3) attached to the pockets (5) at least one functional element is received. Oil sump according to claim 8, characterized in that the functional element is an oil cooler, an oil filter, an oil pump or a suction snorkel. Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one laterally on the base body (3) attached pocket (5) via an inlet and a drain with the base body (3) enclosed volume is connected. Oil sump according to claim 2, characterized in that the polymer material for the base body (3) is a thermoplastic, semi-crystalline or amorphous plastic. Oil sump according to claim 11, characterized in that the plastic contains additives and processing agents. Oil sump according to claim 3, characterized in that the metallic inserts are made of aluminum or steel. Oil sump according to claim 4, characterized in that the metallic material of the frame (9) is aluminum, gray cast iron or magnesium. Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one pocket (5) is releasably secured to the base body (3). Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one pocket (5) is positively connected to the base body (3). Oil pan according to one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that in the frame (9) and in the oil pan (1) through screw holes (21, 25) are formed, can be guided by the screws to the oil pan (1) on a Attach engine block. Oil sump according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that in the base body (3) an Ölansaugschnorchel (24) is integrated.

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