EP4303408A1

EP4303408A1 - A crankcase assembly for an internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number: EP4303408A1
Application number: EP22183477.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roger BODÉN; Emil KALPINOS
Original assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Current assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Priority date: 2022-07-07
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2024-01-10

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a crankcase assembly (12) for an internal combustion engine, ICE, (10) said crankcase assembly comprising an inner circumferential side (13) defining an inner volume (14), and further having an inner bottom portion (15) defining a lower oil reservoir (16) for lube oil and an upper portion (20) having at least one opening (21) arranged to face the crankshaft, wherein said crankcase assembly further comprises an oil collector plate (30) for receiving and collecting oil droplets, said oil collector plate being fixedly arranged inside said crankcase assembly, and having an upper surface (31) facing the upper portion and further being downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir, and wherein said oil collector plate comprises one or more protrusions (33) arranged on said upper surface to collect the received oil droplets and configured to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a crankcase assembly for an internal combustion engine. The disclosure also relates to an internal combustion engine system comprising a crankcase assembly. Moreover, the disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising such a crankcase assembly and/or internal combustion engine system. The disclosure is applicable on vehicles, in particular heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the disclosure will be described in relation to a truck, the disclosure is not restricted to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other types of vehicles such as cars, working machines within the fields of industrial construction machines or construction equipment, such as articulated haulers, dump trucks, wheel loaders and the like. The disclosure may also be used in other types of industrial machines, engines, marine vessel and applications.

BACKGROUND

In the field of internal combustion engine systems, there is generally an integrated oil system for providing oil for oil using components, such as e.g. moving parts in the engine. An engine oil system typically comprises an oil pan or oil sump functioning as an oil reservoir below the engine and also for collecting returning oil from the engine. The oil reservoir may generally be an integral part of the crankcase of the internal combustion engine system, or at least connected thereto. In a conventional internal combustion engine system, the oil sump is typically arranged at the bottom of the crankcase. The crankcase is a housing for the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and may often be integrated into, or connected to the engine block.
During operation of the engine, oil may generally be provided to various engine components for lubrication purposes as well as for cooling the pistons of the engine.
In addition, during operation of the engine and the engine oil system, oil may generally be circulated within the engine system and may become soiled by debris and impurities, such as wear particles originating from engine operation.
Moreover, during operation of the engine, small amount of unburned fuel and exhaust gases typically escape around the piston rings of the piston and enter the crankcase. Such flow of gases may also be commonly known as "blow-by" or "blow-by gases". Thus, the crankcase needs to be ventilated in a controlled manner in order to avoid unwanted and uncontrolled leakage of the blow-by gases and/or to avoid condensation of the blow-by gases inside the crankcase causing dilution and degrading of the crankcase with the effect of a decreased ability to lubricate.
In addition, crankcase gases originating from leakages that occur between the piston rings and the cylinder walls of the engine may often leak down into the crankcase, where it generates a fine mist of oil droplets from the oil used for lubricating and cooling the engine.
To this end, there is a continuous high supply of oil to the engine system, that may occasionally also be mixed with the flow of gases within the engine systems, such as the flow of blow-by gases.
There is thus a challenge during engine operation to handle the oil and gas circulation underneath the piston(s) as well as the consequences of having oil in circulation within the crankcase.
By way of example, it would be desirable to provide an improved crankcase assembly for returning oil to the oil reservoir. In particular, it would be desirable to provide an improved crankcase assembly for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to facilitate separation and collection of supplied oil from the flow of gases within an internal combustion engine, whilst also furthermore allow the separated oil to return to the oil reservoir. The object is at least partly achieved by a crank assembly according to claim 1. The object is at least partly also achieved by the other independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a crankcase assembly for an internal combustion engine, ICE. The crankcase assembly comprises an inner circumferential side defining an inner volume. The crankcase assembly further has an inner bottom portion defining a lower oil reservoir for lube oil, and an upper portion having at least one opening arranged to face a crankshaft. Moreover, the crankcase assembly comprises an oil collector plate for receiving and collecting oil droplets. The oil collector plate is fixedly arranged inside the crankcase assembly. The oil collector plate has an upper surface facing the upper portion and is further downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir. Furthermore, the oil collector plate comprises one or more protrusions arranged on the upper surface to collect the received oil droplets. The oil collector plate is configured to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir.
Hereby, the oil collector plate is arranged and configured to capture oil droplets from the flow of oil and gas mist caused by the crankshaft under rotation and further guide the oil droplets downwardly to the lower oil reservoir. The oil collector plate is thus arranged to provide an oil impactor for the flow of oil droplets, in which the oil droplets collide with one or more protrusions arranged on the oil plate collector. Moreover, by the configuration of the one or more protrusions, the oil droplets are guided to return to the lower oil reservoir.
In this manner, the one or more protrusions are configured to separate oil droplets from the gas and further configured to guide the oil droplets to the lower oil reservoir.
To this end, the proposed crankcase assembly relates to an area where two medias (oil and gas) are interfering with each other, and one is to be separated from the other. The oil plate collector is arranged within the crankcase assembly of the ICE to separate oil from the gas-flow, and return oil to the lower oil reservoir. The oil collector plate is provided to collect the oil droplets, whilst allowing the gas-flow to continue, and further to minimize, or at least reduce the oil entrained in the gas for further separation later in the system chain. The oil collector plate is thus arranged and configured to collect the oil droplets by an impact separation in the form of the one and more protrusions. Such impact separation between oil and gas may also occur at least partly due to a density difference between gas and oil, i.e. the oil droplets will not as easy as the gas content move around obstacles due to its weight, but rather collide with the protrusions of the oil collector plate such that smaller oil drops agglomerate to larger ones after the impact with the protrusions of the oil collector plate.
The present disclosure is also based on the insight that one of the challenges within ICE systems is the oil circulation and the consequences of having oil in circulation within the ICE at a pace that leaves little oil left in the oil reservoir. In addition, it has been observed that the current change, or need, of continuously lowering the oil viscosity has caused an increase in the circulation rate of the oil in the oil pan, with even less oil left in the lower oil reservoir. The proposed oil collector plate contributes to increase the chances of having enough oil in the oil reservoir by allowing more oil to return to the oil reservoir at every given time.
The crankcase assembly is thus adapted to collect returning oil during rotation of the crankshaft of the ICE and further adapted to separate oil from the gas.
In this manner, the proposed oil plate collector provides for a more efficient arrangement than hitherto known prior art arrangement, such as perforated bottom plates that merely permit the oil to drip into the oil reservoir.
The oil collector plate can be arranged in several different manners inside the crankcase assembly. By way of example, the oil collector plate may be fixedly arranged to the inner circumferential side. The oil plate collector is intended to be arranged below any upper reinforcement frame, or oil windage tray.
By providing the crankcase assembly with the oil plate collector having the one or more protrusions, it becomes possible to separate oil from the blow-by-gases in an efficient manner, whilst reducing the risk of having gas (air) dragged into the lower oil reservoir. In this manner, the risk of oil splashing may also be reduced in comparison to other arrangements.
The crankcase assembly may generally be provided in the form of a housing for the crankshaft in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. The crankcase assembly may typically extend in a longitudinal direction, in a traverse direction, and further in a height direction.
The inner volume of the crankcase assembly can be provided in several different ways by the inner circumferential side. The crankcase assembly may be provided with opposite side sections. The crankcase assembly may be provided with opposite longitudinal side sections and opposite transverse side section, which collectively form at least part of the inner circumferential side.
The crankcase assembly may comprise an inner intermediate portion defining at least an inner side section. The oil collector plate may be fixedly arranged to the inner side section of the inner intermediate portion.
The inner intermediate portion may be arranged in-between the inner bottom portion and the upper portion.
The oil collector plate may thus be fixedly arranged to the inner side section of the inner intermediate portion. The oil collector plate may fixedly arranged to the inner side section of the inner intermediate portion and thus located underneath the crankshaft.
The lower oil reservoir may generally be considered as a sump section of the crankcase assembly. The lower oil reservoir may generally be a part of the oil pan of the crankcase assembly.
The upper surface may define a zone arranged to receive oil droplets of the returning oil.
The one or more protrusions may be arranged on the oil collector plate to define one or more oil flow guiding paths in-between adjacent protrusions. In this manner, the oil droplets can be guided to the lower oil reservoir in an efficient manner.
The one or more protrusions may comprise corresponding curved portions arranged to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir. In this manner, the oil droplets can be guided to the lower oil reservoir in an even more efficient manner.
The one or more protrusions may comprise corresponding convex surfaces.
The one or more protrusions may comprise corresponding upper-facing convex surfaces.
The one or more protrusions may comprise corresponding concave surfaces.
The one or more protrusions may comprise corresponding lower-facing concave surfaces.
The one or more protrusions may be provided in the form of one or more fins.
The oil collector plate may be arranged to extend into the oil volume of the lower oil reservoir. In this manner, the oil collector plate is arranged to further reduce the risk of oil splash, whilst also further reducing the risk of having gas (air) dragged into the oil in the lower oil reservoir. In other words, the oil collector plate is arranged to remove, or at least reduce the free distance to the current oil level in the lower oil reservoir.
The crankcase assembly may further comprise a reinforcement frame arranged at the upper portion, the reinforcement frame may comprise the at least one opening. The oil collector plate may be fixedly arranged below the reinforcement frame.
In some examples, the oil collector plate may be fixedly arranged to the reinforcement frame.
The oil collector plate may be made of a solid material, such as a fluid-tight material. In this manner, no oil can pass across the oil plate structure.
The oil collector plate may be avoid of any oil drainage openings. In this manner, no oil can pass across the oil plate structure.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an internal combustion engine, ICE, system for a vehicle. The ICE system comprises a crankcase assembly according to the first aspect of the disclosure.
Effects and features of the second aspect are largely analogous to those described above in relation to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle comprising a crankcase assembly according to any one of the examples and/or features described in relation to the first aspect and/or an internal combustion engine, ICE, system according to the second aspect. The vehicle may be a truck, such as a heavy-duty truck. However, the disclosure is not limited to trucks and heavy-duty trucks. Rather, the vehicle may be any type of vehicle, such as a truck, car, working machine intended for carrying out an operation etc.
Effects and features of the third aspect are largely analogous to those described above in relation to the first aspect and/or the second aspect.
Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person will realize that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a lateral side view illustrating an example of a vehicle in the form of a truck; the vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine system having a crankcase assembly according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates parts of the internal combustion engine in Fig. 1 comprising an example embodiment of a crankcase assembly according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 is cross-sectional view of the crankcase assembly in Fig. 2, according to the present disclosure; and
Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an example of an oil collector plate of the crankcase assembly in Fig. 2, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.
With particular reference to Fig. 1, there is provided a vehicle 1 in the form of a truck. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine system 8 having an internal combustion engine 10, such as a diesel engine. Further, the engine or engine system comprises a crankcase assembly 12 according to any one of example embodiments of the present disclosure. The crankcase assembly 12 comprises an oil collector plate 30 according to any one of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, which will be further described in the following Figs. 2 to 5.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of parts of the crankcase assembly 12 of the ICE 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the crankcase assembly 12. The crankcase assembly 12 typically extends in a longitudinal (length) direction X, a transverse (width) direction Y and in a vertical (height) direction Z.
As shown in the figures, the directions form a conventional coordinate system, i.e. the three coordinate axes are given, each perpendicular to the other two at the origin, the point at which they cross. In other words, the longitudinal direction X is perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. Analogously, the longitudinal direction X is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Analogously, the vertical direction Z is perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the crankcase assembly 12 of Fig. 2, and illustrates additional features of the crankcase assembly 12.
As depicted in Figs. 2 and 3, the crankcase assembly 12 comprises a housing 12a. The housing 12a of the crankcase assembly 12 is the housing for a crankshaft 41 in a reciprocating internal combustion engine. Figs. 2 and 3 also illustrate some common parts of the ICE 10 such as a piston 42 and a connecting rod 11. The connecting rod 11 connects the piston 42 to the crankshaft 41. Together with the crank, the connecting rod 11 converts the reciprocating motion of the piston 42 into the rotation of the crankshaft 41. Although not illustrated, the ICE 10 also comprise main bearings, which are bearing that hold the crankshaft 41 in place and allow the crankshaft 41 to rotate within the ICE 10. The direction of rotation is indicated in Fig. 2 by an arrow. The crankshaft 41 rotates in a clockwise direction. This clockwise rotation forms a rotating "cyclonic cloud" of lube oil and air, generally also containing so called blow-by-gases, within the crankcase housing 12a of the crankcase assembly 12, which in Figs. 2 and 3 is indicated by the arrows 50. As may be gleaned from Figs. 2 and 3, the rotational speed of the crankshaft 41 forces the entrained oil and air / gas, arrows 50, in a direction towards the lower parts of the crankcase housing 12a. This is at least partly due to the rotation speed and caused centrifugal force. In this way, accumulated oil is swept towards the lower parts of the crankcase housing 12a.
In some types of ICE systems 8, the crankcase housing 12a is integrated into the engine block (not illustrated). However, the crankcase housing 12a may likewise be a separate part of the ICE 10 that is connected to the engine block (not illustrated). The crankcase housing 12a may be sealingly joined to the engine block as is known in the art.
In Figs. 2 and 3, the crankcase assembly 12 comprises a crankcase housing upper part 12b and a crankcase housing lower part 12c, which together form the boundaries of a crankshaft space. The crankcase housing upper part 12b is connected to the crankcase housing lower part 12c, e.g. by screws (not illustrated). In other examples, the crankcase housing 12a is a single-piece housing.
Moreover, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the crankcase assembly 12 comprises an inner circumferential side 13 defining an inner volume 14. The inner volume 14 is thus an inner space of the crankcase assembly 12. In addition, the crankcase assembly 12 has an inner bottom portion 15, an inner intermediate portion 17 and an upper portion 20, as seen in the height direction Z. The inner intermediate portion 17 is arranged in-between the inner bottom portion 15 and the upper portion 20. In an example where the crankcase housing 12a is defined by the crankcase housing upper and lower parts 12b and 12c, the crankcase housing lower part 12c comprises the inner bottom portion 15, the inner intermediate portion 17 and the upper portion 20, as seen in the height direction Z. However, the crankcase assembly may simply have a one-piece housing 12a comprising the inner bottom portion 15, the inner intermediate portion 17 and the upper portion 20, as seen in the height direction Z.
As further illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the inner bottom portion 15 defines a lower oil reservoir 16 for lube oil. The lower oil reservoir 16 is an oil sump section. The lower oil reservoir may thus generally be considered as a sump section of the crankcase assembly 12. The lower oil reservoir 16 generally also forms part of the oil pan of the ICE 10. Hence, the lower oil reservoir 16 may generally also be a part of the oil pan of the crankcase assembly.
Moreover, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the inner intermediate portion 17 defines at least an inner side section 18. In Figs. 2 and 3, the crankcase assembly 12 comprises opposite arranged side sections 18, 19. The opposite arranged side sections 18, 19 are here longitudinal opposite side sections 18, 19. That is, each one of the longitudinal opposite side sections 18, 19 extend in the longitudinal direction X. Each one of the longitudinal opposite side sections 18, 19 also extend a substantial part in the height direction Z, as illustrated in Fig. 2. In general, the crankcase assembly 12 is provided with opposite longitudinal side sections 18, 19 and opposite transverse side section (not illustrated), which collectively form at least part of the inner circumferential side 13. Thus, the inner volume 14 of the crankcase assembly 12 is here at least partly defined by the opposite longitudinal side sections 18, 19, the opposite transverse side section and a bottom surface 15a of bottom portion 15. It should be noted that the shape and design of the crankcase assembly 12 and its inner circumferential side 13 may vary for different types of ICEs 10, and can be provided in a number of different shapes.
Also, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper portion 20 has at least one opening 21 arranged to face the crankshaft 41. In Figs. 2 and 3, the crankcase assembly 12 here comprises a reinforcement frame 40. The purpose of the reinforcement frame 40 is to support structure of the housing 10a. The reinforcement frame 40 is arranged at the upper portion 20. In addition, the reinforcement frame 40 comprises the at least one opening 21. More specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the reinforcement frame 40 comprises a number of openings 21. The openings 21 are adapted to permit oil and air to flow towards the lower parts of the housing 12a. It should be noted that the crankcase assembly 12 may likewise be designed without reinforcement frame 40. In such example, the opening 21 is defined by the space defined by the side sections 18, 19. The opening 21 is thus configured to allow oil and gas to flow from the surroundings of the crankshaft and through the top portion 20 of the crankcase assembly 12.
The crankcase assembly 12 further comprises an oil collector plate 30 for receiving and collecting oil droplets contained in the oil and air mist 50. In this manner, the crankcase assembly 12 is adapted to collect returning oil during rotation of the crankshaft 41 of the ICE 10. The oil collector plate 30 is thus located underneath the crankshaft 41, as seen in the height direction Z. In addition, if the crankcase assembly 12 comprises the reinforcement frame 40, the oil collector plate 30 is arranged to be underneath the reinforcement frame 40, as seen in the height direction Z.
As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the oil collector plate 30 is fixedly arranged to the inner side section 18 of the inner intermediate portion 17. As such, the oil collector plate 30 is fixedly arranged to the inner side section 18 of the inner intermediate portion 17 and thus located underneath the crankshaft 41. In this manner, the oil collector plate 30 is arranged inside the crankcase assembly 12. In another example, if the crankcase assembly comprises the reinforcement frame 40, the oil collector plate 30 may be arranged to the reinforcement frame 40.
The oil collector plate 30 comprises an upper surface 31. The upper surface 31 is arranged to face the upper portion 20. The upper surface 31 is thus located underneath the crankshaft 41.
In addition, the oil collector plate 30 is arranged to be downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir 16. That is, the upper surface 31 is downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir 16. In this example, the upper surface 31 defines a zone 32 arranged to receive oil droplets of the returning oil. The upper surface 31 extends in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y. Hence, the zone 32 extends in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y. The extension of the upper surface 31 may be defined by the inner surfaces / sides of the crankcase assembly, such as the opposite longitudinal side sections 18, 19 and any opposite transverse side sections.
Figs. 4 and 5 schematically illustrates further details of the oil collector 30. Fig. 4 is a perspective top view of an example of the oil collector plate 30 for use in the crankcase assembly 12 in Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the oil collector plate 30 for use in the crankcase assembly 12 in Figs. 2 and 3.
As illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, in conjunction with Fig. 4, the oil collector plate 30 comprises a number of protrusions 33. The protrusions 33 are arranged on the upper surface 31. More specifically, the protrusions 33 are arranged on the upper surface 31 to collect the received oil droplets. In addition, the protrusions 33 are configured to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir 16. The oil collector plate 30 is described in relation to a plurality of protrusions 33. However, it may also be possible to provide the oil collector plate 30 with a single protrusion 33. For ease of reference, the following description is provided in view of the illustrated oil collector plate 30 having eleven protrusions 33. The number of protrusions 33 may generally be set in relation to the size and extension of the oil collector plate 30 and the crankcase assembly 12.
The protrusions 33 are arranged on the oil collector plate 30 so as to provide an impactor for the oil droplets along their flow paths caused due to the rotation of the crankshaft 41, as mentioned above and as also illustrated by the arrows 50 in Figs. 2 and 3, in combination with Fig. 4. In other words, the protrusions 33 are arranged on the oil collector plate 30 such that the oil droplets collide with the protrusions 33.
Hereby, the oil collector plate 30 is arranged and configured to capture one or more oil droplets in the direction of the returned oil from the upper portion 20 of the crankcase assembly 12 and after such oil droplets have collided with the upper surface 31 and the protrusions 30, the oil droplets are directed downwardly by the arrangement and configuration of the protrusions 30. The guiding of the oil droplets by means of the protrusions 33 are illustrated by arrows 51 in Figs. 3 and 4.
Subsequently, the oil droplets are guided to the lower oil reservoir 16, as indicated by the arrows 53 in Figs. 3 and 4. By way of example, the oil collector plate 30 is arranged to extend into the oil volume 16a of the lower oil reservoir, as depicted e.g. in Fig. 3. This will remove any free distance between the oil level and the oil collector plate such that the oil droplets will flow directly to the lower oil reservoir. Hence, the risk of "air drag" into the oil volume 16a is reduced.
The arrangement of the protrusions 33 on the upper surface 21 of the oil collector plate 30 also provides for separating the oil from the gas in an efficient manner. As such, the protrusions 33 are configured to separate the oil droplets from the gas. To this end, the oil collector plate 30 is intended for separating oil and gas.
As illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, in conjunction with Fig. 4, the protrusions 33 are arranged on the oil collector plate 30 to define one or more oil flow guiding paths 34 in-between adjacent protrusions 33.
In Figs. 2 to 4, each one of the protrusions 33 is provided in the form of a fin. The protrusions 33 may however be provided in other shapes and geometries. As depicted in Figs. 2 to 4, the protrusions 33 are distributed on the upper surface 31 spaced-apart from each other. More specifically, the protrusions 33 are distributed on the upper surface 31 spaced-apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y. Other arrangements of the protrusions 33 may also be readily conceivable.
By way of example, each one of the protrusions 33 comprises a corresponding curved portion arranged to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir 16. As depicted in e.g. Fig. 4, each one of the protrusions 33 comprises a corresponding upper convex surface 33a. The convex surfaces 33a face the inner side 18 when the oil collector plate 30 is arranged inside the crankcase assembly, as illustrated in Fig. 3. In addition, as depicted in e.g. Fig. 4, each one of the 33 comprises a corresponding lower concave surface 33b. The concave surfaces 33b face the opposite inner side 19 when the oil collector plate 30 is arranged inside the crankcase assembly, as illustrated in Fig. 3. In this manner, the protrusions 33 are provided with suitable surfaces directed toward the oil and gas flow, such that the protrusions 33 can function as oil impactors to collect the oil droplets, while the distribution of the protrusions 33 on the upper surface 31 of the oil collector plate 30 allow the oil to flow along the upper surface 31 and in-between the protrusions 33 in a direction downwards to the lower oil reservoir 16.
The oil collector plate 30 can be manufactured in several different ways. By way of example, the oil collector plate 30 is made of a solid material, such as a fluid-tight material. One example of a solid material is stainless steel. Another example of a solid material is a plastic material. Hence, the oil collector plate 30 may be made by any type of solid lightweight material, such as a plastic material, lightweight steel, aluminium or similar material.
Typically, the oil collector plate 30 is avoid of any oil drainage openings. However, the oil collector plate may occasionally include one or more recesses, such as 37 and 38, which are intended for accommodating an oil sensor (not illustrated) and an oil dip stick passage, respectively. However, these recesses 37 and 38 are designed with a corresponding collar to avoid oil leaking therethrough. In addition, these collars provide for re-directing the flow of oil towards the lower parts of the oil collector plate 30.
The oil collector plate 30 can be fixedly arranged to the inside of the crankcase assembly, such as the inner side section 18, in several different ways. In Figs. 4 and 5, the oil collector plate 30 comprises a hinge arrangement 35 for hinging and coupling the oil collector plate 30 to the inner side section 18. In addition, in this example, the oil collector plate 30 comprises another hinge arrangement 36 for hinging and coupling the oil collector plate 30 to the other inner side section 19. Other types of fastening arrangement for fixedly arranging the oil collector plate 30 to the inner sides 18, 19 of the crankcase assembly 12 may also be readily conceivable, such as a bolt fastener system.
In Figs. 4 and 5, the oil collector plate 30 here also comprises an exit 39 for the oil droplets so as to allow them to return to the lower oil reservoir 16. The oil exit 39 is arranged at a lowermost edge portion of the oil collector plate 30. In this manner, the oil can return to the lower oil reservoir 16, as indicated by the arrows 53 in Fig. 4. The oil collector plate 30 generally comprises a number of oil exits 39.
The extension of the oil collector plate 30 is generally defined in relation to the inner volume 14 of the crankcase assembly, as illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. By way of example, the extension of the oil collector plate 30 is defined in relation to the opposite longitudinal side sections 18, 19 and the opposite transverse side sections (not illustrated).
To sum up, there is provided a crankcase assembly 12 for the internal combustion engine, ICE, 10. The crankcase assembly 12 comprises the inner circumferential side 13 defining the inner volume 14. Also, the crankcase assembly 12 comprises the inner bottom portion 15 defining the lower oil reservoir 16 for lube oil. The crankcase assembly 12 further comprises the inner intermediate portion 17 defining at least the inner side section 18 and the upper portion 20 having at least one opening 21 arranged to face the crankshaft 41. Moreover, the crankcase assembly comprises 12 the oil collector plate 30 for receiving and collecting oil droplets. The oil collector plate 30 is fixedly arranged to the inner side section 18 of the inner intermediate portion 17. The oil collector plate 30 comprises the upper surface 31 facing the upper portion 20 and is further downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir 16. In addition, the oil collector plate 30 comprises the one or more protrusions 33, which are arranged on the upper surface 31 to collect the received oil droplets and configured to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir 16.
Thanks to the crankcase assembly 12, it becomes possible to separate oil from the gas-flow inside the ICE 10. Moreover, the arrangement of the oil plate collector 30 and its one or more protrusions 30, as described above, allows for directing and guiding the separated oil droplets to the lower oil reservoir 16. In this manner, the oil can return to the lower oil reservoir 16 more frequently and/or at a higher rate, than with other known systems relating to so called wet oil sump system.
The configuration of the oil collector plate 30 with the protrusions 33 provides for an efficient oil impactor where the oil droplets collide with the protrusions 33 and are thereafter guided to the lower oil reservoir 16. By the protrusions 33 having surfaces directed toward to the gas flow, the protrusions 33 are configured to collect the oil droplets, while the distribution of the protrusions 33 on the upper surface 31 of the oil collector plate 30 allow the oil to flow along the upper surface 31 and in-between the protrusions 33 in a direction downwards lower oil reservoir 16.
In addition, the present disclosure relates to the internal combustion engine, ICE, system 8 comprising the crankcase assembly 12 according to any one of the examples described and illustrated herein.
Further, the present disclosure relates to the vehicle 1 comprising any one of the crankcase assembly 12 and/or the ICE 10 according to any one of examples described and illustrated herein.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Relative terms such as "below", "above", "upper", "lower", "underneath", "bottom", "intermediate", "upward", "downward", "horizontal", "transversal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the system in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Hence, it should be noted that the terms top and bottom, upper and lower, as well as any other similar terms are used in reference to the position of the oil collector plate 30 and the crankcase assembly 12 as depicted in the drawings, e.g. Figs. 2 to 4, and the assembly may be positioned and used in other orientations.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Also, it should be readily appreciated that although some components are mentioned and/or illustrated as having certain dimensions and shapes, the dimensions and shapes of these components may likewise be provided in other shapes and dimensions, such as components having cross sections resembling circular-, oval-, rectangular- and triangularshaped cross sections, or any other conceivable cross-section, as long as nothing else is mentioned in relation to these components and the components can provide their functions.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

A crankcase assembly (12) for an internal combustion engine, ICE, (10) said crankcase assembly comprising an inner circumferential side (13) defining an inner volume (14), and further having an inner bottom portion (15) defining a lower oil reservoir (16) for lube oil, and an upper portion (20) having at least one opening (21) arranged to face a crankshaft, wherein said crankcase assembly further comprises
an oil collector plate (30) for receiving and collecting oil droplets, said oil collector plate being fixedly arranged inside said crankcase assembly and having an upper surface (31) facing the upper portion, and further being downwardly inclined towards the lower oil reservoir, and

wherein said oil collector plate comprises one or more protrusions (33) arranged on said upper surface to collect the received oil droplets and configured to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir.
Crankcase assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more protrusions are arranged on the oil collector plate to define one or more oil flow guiding paths (34) in-between adjacent protrusions.
Crankcase assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said one or more protrusions comprise corresponding curved portions arranged to guide the collected oil droplets downwardly and towards the lower oil reservoir.
Crankcase assembly according to claim 3, wherein said one or more protrusions comprise corresponding upper convex surfaces (33a).
Crankcase assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said one or more protrusions comprise corresponding lower concave surfaces (33b).
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more protrusions are provided in the form of one or more fins.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil collector plate is arranged to extend into the oil volume (16a) of the lower oil reservoir.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,, wherein said crankcase assembly comprises an inner intermediate portion (17) defining at least an inner side section (18), said oil collector plate being fixedly arranged to said inner side section (18) of said inner intermediate portion.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reinforcement frame (40) arranged at the upper portion, said reinforcement frame comprising said at least one opening (21), and wherein said oil collector plate is fixedly arranged below said reinforcement frame.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil collector plate is made of a solid material, such as a fluid-tight material.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil collector plate is avoid of any oil drainage openings.
Crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oil collector plate is arranged to extend into an oil volume of the lower oil reservoir.
An internal combustion engine, ICE, system (8) for a vehicle, said ICE system comprising a crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.
A vehicle comprising a crankcase assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and/or an internal combustion engine, ICE, system according to claim 13.