Grooved alignment pin and engine assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grooved alignment pin and an engine assembly. An engine assembly is provided. The engine assembly includes: a first housing defining a first oil passage; a second housing defining a second oil passage; and an alignment pin configured to be received within the first and second housings to provide an alignment feature for positioning the first and second housings of the engine assembly relative to each other, wherein the alignment pin includes a groove formed in an outer surface of the pin, the groove being configured to receive oil from the first oil passage, and wherein the pin is configured to provide a flow passage for the received oil to flow to the second oil passage. An alignment pin for use in an engine assembly is also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of UK Patent Application No. 1717608.2, entitled "AN ALIGNMENT DOWEL AND ENGINE ASSEMBLY", filed on October 26, 2017. The entire content of the above - mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an alignment dowel for an engine assembly. Background art

[0004] Reference Figure 1 , shows an engine assembly 2 of the prior art, which includes two or more housings, such as a cylinder block 4 and a cylinder head 6. Engine housings are typically joined together using one or more fasteners (e.g., cylinder head bolts (not shown)) and one or more dowel pins 8, and the dowel pins 8 provide alignment features for positioning the cylinder block and the cylinder head relative to each other before installing the fasteners. As shown, when the engine housings are correctly positioned relative to each other, the dowel pins 8 are typically received within holes formed in the aligned (e.g., axially aligned) cylinder block and cylinder head.

[0005] The engine assembly 2 further includes an oil pan 10, which is configured to form a reservoir 11 for storing engine oil when the engine oil is not circulating within the engine assembly 2. In use, the engine oil is pumped from the reservoir 11 in the oil pan 10 to a first oil gallery 12 formed in the cylinder block 4. The oil from the first oil gallery 12 is distributed to the oil - consuming components associated with the cylinder block 4 of the engine assembly 2.

[0006] A second oil passage 14 is formed in the cylinder head 6 to distribute oil to the oil-consuming components associated with the cylinder head. An oil passage 16 extends from the first oil passage 12 to the second oil passage 14 to provide an oil supply to the second oil passage. As shown, the oil passage 16 extends through the joint between the engine housings 4, 6, and thus, a seal (e.g., gasket 18) is typically provided between the engine housings around the oil passage 16 to seal the oil passage at the joint between the engine housings 4, 6. An oil restrictor 20 may be disposed within the oil passage 16. The restrictor includes an orifice 20a that provides a flow area of a predetermined size that limits the flow rate of oil flowing through the oil passage 16. The restrictor 20 is typically installed in the oil passage 16 by pushing the restrictor 20 into mating engagement with the oil passage 16, where the oil restrictor 20 is retained by an interference fit between the oil restrictor 20 and the oil passage. The inventors have recognized Figure 1 several disadvantages of the prior art engine assembly 2 shown in Figure 1 . For example, during engine assembly, the interaction between the oil restrictor 20 and the oil passage 16 can generate debris (e.g., chips, shavings, etc.). For example, due to the interference fit between the oil passage and the restrictor and the rotation between components, debris is generated when the restrictor is inserted into the oil passage. Debris in the lubrication system can cause undesired wear of the lubricated components downstream of the restrictor. As a result, the life of the engine is reduced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one example, the above problems can be solved by an engine assembly including a first housing and a second housing, the first housing defining a first oil passage and the second housing defining a second oil passage. The engine assembly further includes an alignment pin configured to be received within the first and second housings to provide alignment features for positioning the first and second housings of the engine assembly relative to each other. The alignment pin includes an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the alignment pin, the oil receiving groove being configured to receive oil from the first oil passage. Additionally, the alignment pin is configured to provide a flow path for the oil received in the oil receiving groove to flow to the second oil passage, the oil receiving groove extending through the outer surface of the alignment pin, and a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction having a component in the circumferential direction of the alignment pin. Providing an alignment pin having an oil receiving groove allows a constriction to be formed at the intersection between the oil passages. Thus, a desired oil flow pattern can be generated in the engine assembly, which improves engine lubrication. Further, circumferentially positioning the oil receiving groove enables the pin to be installed in multiple orientations, which allows the pin to provide a desired oil flow pattern in the engine assembly. For example, in one example, when the pin is installed in the oil passage, the radial and / or longitudinal orientation of the pin can be disregarded. As a result, engine manufacturing efficiency is increased.

[0008] It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form some concepts that are further described in the detailed description. This is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages recited above or in any part of this disclosure.

[0009] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and text in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that, where technically possible, features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used in conjunction with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to more clearly show how the present invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an engine assembly of the prior art.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an engine assembly arranged according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alignment pin arranged according to one arrangement of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is installed in Figure 2 shown in the Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment pin shown in the engine assembly.

[0015] Figure 5 is installed in Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alignment pin arranged according to another arrangement of the present disclosure in the engine assembly shown.

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an engine assembly arranged according to one or more further arrangements of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 is installed in Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alignment pin arranged according to another arrangement of the present disclosure in the engine assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 are shown approximately to scale. However, other relative dimensions may be used if desired. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an engine assembly is provided that includes: a first housing defining a first oil passage; a second housing defining a second oil passage; and an alignment pin configured to be received within the first and second housings to provide alignment features for positioning the first and second housings of the engine assembly relative to one another, wherein the alignment pin includes an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the pin, the oil receiving groove being configured to receive oil from the first oil passage, wherein the pin is configured to provide a flow passage for the received oil to the second oil passage, wherein the oil receiving groove extends through the outer surface of the pin, and wherein a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction having a component in a circumferential direction of the pin.

[0020] The first oil passage may extend in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of the pin at a location where the first oil passage abuts the alignment pin. Alternatively, the first oil passage may extend in a direction parallel to the main axis of the pin at a location where the first oil passage abuts the alignment pin.

[0021] The first oil passage may abut the pin at a location between longitudinal ends of the alignment pin.

[0022] The alignment pin may include a central bore. The central bore may at least partially form a flow passage for receiving oil.

[0023] The first housing may further define a third oil passage. The pin and the third oil passage may be arranged such that oil from the third oil passage flows through the central bore to the second oil passage. For example, oil from the third oil passage may flow into the central bore through an opening in a longitudinal end face of the alignment pin.

[0024] The third oil passage may extend in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of the alignment pin at a location where the third oil passage abuts the alignment pin. Alternatively, the third oil passage may extend in a direction parallel to the main axis of the alignment pin at a location where the third oil passage abuts the alignment pin.

[0025] The first housing may include a cylinder block and the second housing may include a cylinder head. Alternatively, the first housing may include a first cylinder head housing and the second housing may include a camshaft bracket, such as a second cylinder head housing.

[0026] The alignment pin may include an oil passage formed between the oil receiving groove and the central bore. The oil passage may include a passage extending radially between the oil receiving groove and the central bore.

[0027] The alignment pin may further include an oil filter arranged to filter oil flowing through the flow passage provided by the pin. For example, the oil filter may be disposed within the central bore of the pin.

[0028] The oil passage can extend from the alignment pin to the second oil passage in a direction having a component parallel to the main axis of the pin (e.g., in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis of the pin).

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an alignment pin is provided that is configured to provide alignment features for positioning a first housing and a second housing of an engine assembly relative to each other, wherein the pin includes an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the pin, the oil receiving groove being configured to receive oil from a first oil passage defined by the first housing, wherein the pin is configured to provide a flow passage for the oil received in the groove into a second oil passage defined by the second housing, wherein the oil receiving groove extends through the outer surface of the pin, and wherein a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction having a component in the circumferential direction of the pin. For example, the flow passage can extend in the axial direction of the pin so as to pass between the first housing and the second housing.

[0030] The oil receiving groove can extend through the outer surface of the pin. The centerline of the oil receiving groove can extend in a direction having a component in the circumferential direction of the pin. The centerline of the oil receiving groove can extend around the entire circumference of the pin (e.g., 360 degrees about the main axis of the pin) at least once.

[0031] The oil receiving groove can form a continuous ring around the central axis of the pin, e.g., such that a first end of the oil receiving groove is connected to a second end of the oil receiving groove.

[0032] The size of the oil flow area defined by the oil receiving groove can be set to provide a predetermined flow rate of oil through the oil receiving groove. For example, the width and / or depth of the oil receiving groove can be selected to provide a desired flow area for metering oil between the first housing and the second housing.

[0033] The alignment pin can further include an axial groove formed in the outer surface of the pin between the oil receiving groove and a longitudinal end face of the pin. The axial groove can form a flow passage for the oil.

[0034] The alignment pin can include a central hole. The central hole can at least partially form a flow passage for receiving oil. The alignment pin can further include an oil passage formed between the oil receiving groove and the central hole.

[0035] The alignment pin can include an opening of the central hole disposed in a first longitudinal end face of the pin, e.g., to enable oil to flow from the central hole into the second oil passage.

[0036] The alignment pin can include another opening of the central hole disposed in a second longitudinal end face of the pin (e.g., opposite the first longitudinal end face).

[0037] The opening and the other opening may together enable oil to flow from a third oil passage formed in the first housing through the central hole to the second oil passage. Alternatively, the oil restrictor may not include the other opening.

[0038] The alignment pin may further include an oil filter arranged to filter the oil passing through the flow passage. For example, the oil filter may be disposed within the central hole.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 , the engine assembly 100 according to the arrangement of the present disclosure includes a first engine housing 104 (e.g., a cylinder block) and a second engine housing 106 (e.g., a cylinder head). Thus, the first engine housing 104 (e.g., a cylinder block) and the second engine housing 106 (e.g., a cylinder head) may be included in an engine 150 having one or more combustion chambers therein. The engine may be configured to perform a combustion cycle in the combustion chamber. Thus, the engine may include components for enabling combustion, such as intake valves, exhaust valves, pistons, etc.

[0040] The alignment pin 200 according to the arrangement of the present disclosure is received within a first hole 104a and a second hole 106a formed in the first engine housing 104 and the second engine housing 106, respectively, and provides alignment features for positioning the first housing and the second housing relative to each other before, for example, joining the first housing and the second housing together using one or more fasteners 160 (such as cylinder head bolts). Thus, the alignment pin 200 may extend into openings in both the first engine housing 104 and the second engine housing 106. Additionally, in one example, the alignment pin 200 may not be in interference fit with the openings in the first engine housing 104 and the second engine housing 106. That is, the fit may accommodate a small amount of movement between the pin and the opening. However, the alignment pin 200 may be attached to the first engine housing 104 and / or the second engine housing 106 by many suitable techniques.

[0041] The engine assembly 102 may further include an oil sump 110 (e.g., an oil pan) that forms a reservoir 111 for engine oil.

[0042] The first oil passage 112 is defined within the first engine housing 104 and is configured to supply oil to one or more oil-consuming components associated with the first engine housing 104. Oil can be pumped from a reservoir within the oil pan to the first oil passage 112. Pumping can be performed by an oil pump 152 (e.g., an oil pan pump). The oil pump 152 is shown in fluid communication with the first oil passage 112. Additionally or alternatively, the oil pump 152 can be in fluid communication with a second oil passage 114. The second oil passage 114 is defined within a second engine housing 106 and is configured to supply oil to oil-consuming components associated with the second engine housing. The oil-consuming components described herein can include, but are not limited to, a crankshaft, a camshaft, a piston, etc.

[0043] In Figure 2 the illustrated arrangement, the first oil passage 112 is arranged in fluid communication with a first hole 104a. Thus, when the engine assembly is assembled and the alignment pin 200 is received within the first hole 104a, oil is provided from the first oil passage 112 to the alignment pin 200.

[0044] As Figure 2 illustrated, a portion of the first oil passage 112 can extend in a direction (e.g., a lateral direction of the engine assembly 100) perpendicular to the main axis 154 (e.g., longitudinal axis) of the pin to interface with the alignment pin 200.

[0045] The alignment pin 200 is configured to provide a flow path for oil to flow from the first oil passage 112 to the second housing 106 (e.g., to a second hole 106a). As shown, an oil passageway 116 can be formed between the second hole 106a and the second oil passage 114 such that oil can flow from the first oil passage 112 to the second oil passage 114 via the alignment pin 200. The oil passageway 116 can be a part of the second oil passage 114.

[0046] Referring Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the alignment pin 200 can include a substantially cylindrical body 202 having an outer surface 202a configured to engage the inner surfaces of the first hole 104a and the second hole 106a and first and second longitudinal ends 202b and 202c (e.g., longitudinal end faces).

[0047] The alignment pin 200 includes an oil receiving groove 204 formed in the outer surface of the alignment pin 200 (e.g., at a location between the longitudinal ends of the alignment pin 200). The groove 204 is formed such that when the pin 200 is disposed in the first hole 104b, the groove 204 is capable of receiving oil from the first oil passage 112. The first oil passage 112 can interface with the alignment pin 200 at a location between the longitudinal ends of the alignment pin 200, e.g., aligned with the oil receiving groove 204. The main axis 154 of the alignment pin 200 is also Figure 3 shown in.

[0048] The slot 204 (e.g., the centerline 204a of the slot) may extend above the outer surface of the alignment pin in a direction having a component in the circumferential direction of the pin. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the slot may extend circumferentially around the entire circumference of the pin 200. In Figure 3 the arrangement shown, the slot 204 forms a continuous loop around the pin 200. In this way, when connecting the engine housing during manufacturing (if required), the relative orientation of the pins (e.g., the radial and / or longitudinal orientation) need not be considered. Thus, engine manufacturing is simplified, thereby reducing engine manufacturing costs and the likelihood of incorrect pin installation in terms of oil flow.

[0049] The slot 204 (e.g., slot centerline 204a) may also extend in a direction having a component in the axial direction of the pin 200. For example, the slot 204 may form a helix around the main axis of the pin 200, or may form a loop around an axis arranged at an angle to the main axis of the pin 200. Thus, in one example, the slot 204 may at least partially circumferentially surround the pin 200. Specifically, in one example, the slot 204 may completely circumferentially surround the pin 200.

[0050] Although a single oil receiving slot 204 is shown in the illustrated arrangement, in other arrangements, the pin 200 may include one or more additional oil receiving slots configured to receive oil from the first oil passage 112 or one or more additional oil passages. For example, the oil receiving slots may be axially spaced along the alignment pin 200.

[0051] When the slot 204 extends circumferentially above the outer surface 202a of the pin 200, it may improve the alignment between the oil receiving slot and the first oil passage so that the first oil passage is in fluid communication with the first oil passage 112, regardless of the orientation of the pin 200 within the first hole 104a (e.g., the angle of the pin about its main axis).

[0052] In other arrangements, the oil receiving slot 204 may extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the pin 200. In such an arrangement, when the alignment pin 200 is inserted into the first hole 104a, the oil receiving slot 204 may be aligned with the first oil passage 112.

[0053] The size of the oil receiving slot 204 may be set to provide a predetermined flow area for the oil to flow through the slot 204. For example, the depth and width of the slot may be selected to provide the desired flow area. The alignment pin 200 may thus be configured to perform the function of an oil restrictor disposed within the engine assembly in addition to the pin's positioning function.

[0054] In Figure 3 and Figure 4In the depicted arrangement, the dowel pin 200 further includes an axial slot 206 that extends from the oil receiving groove 204 to the first longitudinal end 202b of the dowel pin 200. The axial slot 206 is in fluid communication with the oil receiving groove 204 and the second hole 106a.

[0055] The flow area provided by the axial slot can be a predetermined flow area. In other words, the flow area provided by the axial slot 206 can be substantially the same as the flow area provided by the oil receiving groove 204. Alternatively, the flow area provided by the axial slot 206 can be greater than the predetermined flow area.

[0056] As described above, the second hole 106a (through the oil passage 116) is in fluid communication with the second oil passage 114, as Figure 2 shown. The axial slot 206 thus forms a flow passage for oil to flow from the first oil passage 112 to the second housing 106 through the alignment dowel pin 200.

[0057] Referring Figure 5 , in addition to or as an alternative to the axial slot 206, the alignment dowel pin 500 can include a central hole 508. The central hole 508 can extend between the first longitudinal end face 502b and the second longitudinal end face 502c of the dowel pin 500. In the depicted arrangement, the first opening 508a and the second opening 508b of the central hole are formed in the first longitudinal end face 502b and the second longitudinal end face 502c of the dowel pin, respectively. Thus, the central hole 508 is in fluid communication with the oil passage 116 (e.g., via the first opening 508a). In some arrangements, the second opening 508b can be omitted.

[0058] The flow area provided by the central hole 508 for the oil can be greater than the predetermined flow area. Thus, the central hole 508 does not restrict the flow of oil between the first oil passage 112 and the second oil passage 114. Alternatively, at least a portion of the central hole can define a flow area that is substantially equal to the predetermined flow area.

[0059] The alignment dowel pin 500 further includes an oil receiving groove 504, which is similar to the oil receiving groove 204 described above. An oil passage 510 is formed between the oil receiving groove 504 and the central hole 508. The oil passage 510 and the central hole 508 thus form a flow passage for the oil flowing from the first oil passage 112 into the second housing 106 (e.g., flowing to the second oil passage 114).

[0060] When the flow passage between the first engine housing 104 and the second engine housing 106 is formed by the central hole 508 of the alignment dowel pin 500, oil leakage at the joint between the engine housings is prevented by the dowel pin. Thus, in order to prevent oil leakage, gasket material is not required in the dowel pin area between the engine housings.

[0061] In the illustrated arrangement, two oil passages 510 are formed between the oil receiving sump 504 and the central bore 508, which are diametrically opposed to each other, e.g., separated by 180 degrees about the alignment pin 500. However, in other arrangements, a different number of oil passages 510 may be provided, which may be spaced apart at any one or more desired angular intervals about the alignment pin (e.g., circumferentially).

[0062] One or more oil passages 510 may define a flow area that is substantially equal to a predetermined flow area. The oil passages 510 may thus be configured to restrict the flow of oil from the first oil passage 112 to the second housing 106. In such an arrangement, the flow area of the oil receiving sump 504 may be greater than the predetermined flow area.

[0063] An oil filter 512 may be disposed within the central bore 508 to filter the oil passing through the alignment pin. As Figure 5 shown, the oil filter 512 may be disposed in a portion of the central bore 508 adjacent to the first longitudinal end face 502b of the pin 500 (e.g., extending from the first longitudinal end face 502b of the pin 500). The oil filter 512 may be received within a portion of the central bore having a diameter greater than the diameter of the remaining portion of the central bore (e.g., the portion not receiving the oil filter 512).

[0064] When the engine assembly 100 is assembled, the first longitudinal end face 502b of the pin may abut or be arranged close to the end face of the second bore 106a such that the oil filter 512 is held within the central bore 506 by the end face of the second bore 106a.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , an engine assembly 600 according to another arrangement of the present disclosure includes a first engine housing 604, a second engine housing 606, and an oil pan 610. An alignment pin 500 is disposed within a first bore 604a and a second bore 606a formed in the first engine housing 604 and the second engine housing 606, respectively, to provide alignment features for positioning the first housing and the second housing relative to each other in the same manner as in the engine assembly 100.

[0066] The second housing 606 and the oil pan 610 are similar to the second housing 106 and the oil sump 110 (e.g., the oil pan) described above. Specifically, the second housing 606 includes a second oil passage 614 similar to the second oil passage 114 and an oil passage 616 formed between the second oil passage 614 and the second bore 606a.

[0067] The first housing 604 includes a first oil passage 612 similar to the aforementioned first oil passage 112. The first housing 604 further includes a third oil passage 618. The third oil passage 618 can also be formed within the first housing 604. Oil can be pumped from the oil sump 110 to the third oil passage 618. Additionally or alternatively, oil can be supplied from the first oil passage 612 to the third oil passage 618.

[0068] In Figure 6 the illustrated arrangement, the first oil passage 612 is configured to supply oil to a first group of oil-consuming components associated with the first housing 604, and the third oil passage 618 is configured to supply oil to a second group of oil-consuming components associated with the first housing 604.

[0069] In other arrangements, the first oil passage 612 can be omitted, and oil can be supplied from the third oil passage 618 to each of the oil-consuming components associated with the first housing 604.

[0070] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrated, oil can be supplied from the first and third oil passages to the second housing 606, e.g., to the second oil passage, via alignment pins 500. As shown, the first oil passage 612 can be arranged to be in fluid communication with the first hole 604a in the same manner as the aforementioned first oil passage 112 and the first hole 104a. Additionally, a portion 620 of the third oil passage 618 can be arranged to be in fluid communication with the first hole 604a.

[0071] In the illustrated arrangement, the portion 620 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis of the alignment pin 500, where the portion 620 of the third oil passage abuts the pin 500. However, in other arrangements, the portion 620 can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the alignment pin 500 to abut the pin 500.

[0072] As Figure 7 illustrated, the central hole 508 of the restrictor pin provides a flow path for oil to flow from the third oil passage 618 into the second housing 606. Figure 7 An oil passage 510 extending between the oil receiving groove 504 and the central hole 508 is also shown.

[0073] In the above arrangement, the first engine housing is the cylinder block, and the second engine housing is the cylinder head. However, in other arrangements of the present disclosure, the first and second engine housings can be any other housings of the engine assembly. For example, the cylinder head can be a two-piece cylinder head, which includes: a first cylinder head housing configured to be coupled to the cylinder block; and a second cylinder head housing (also referred to as a camshaft bracket) configured to be coupled to the first cylinder head housing and support the camshaft of the engine assembly relative to the cylinder head. In such an arrangement, the first housing can be the first cylinder head housing, and the second housing can be the camshaft bracket.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the present invention has been described by reference to one or more exemplary examples by way of illustration, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

[0075] Figures 1-7 An example configuration showing the relative positioning of various components is illustrated. If shown in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then in at least one example, these elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements shown adjacent or adjoining each other may be adjacent or adjoining each other, respectively. As an example, components placed in face-to-face contact with each other may be referred to as coplanar contact. As another example, in at least one example, elements that are spaced apart from each other and have only space therebetween without other components may be so referred to. As yet another example, elements shown one above / below another, one on the opposite side of another, or one to the left / right of another may be so referred to relative to each other. Further, as shown in the drawings, in at least one example, the topmost element or the topmost point of an element may be referred to as the "top" of the component, and the bottommost element or the bottommost point of an element may be referred to as the "bottom" of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, up / down, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of the drawing and are used to describe the positioning of the elements of the drawing relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an element shown above other elements is vertically positioned above the other elements. As yet another example, the shape of an element drawn in the drawing may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, etc.). Further, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or mutually intersecting. Additionally, in one example, an element shown inside another element or shown outside another element may be so referred to.

[0076] The technical effect of providing an engine assembly having an alignment pin with an oil receiving groove is to reduce the possibility of misassembling the alignment pin in the oil passage while providing a restriction in the oil passage to generate a desired oil flow pattern in the lubrication system. Providing an alignment pin that serves as a flow interface between oil passages can also improve the compactness of the engine assembly.

[0077] It should be understood that the architectures disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and these specific embodiments are not to be considered limiting in any sense as numerous variations are possible. For example, the above technology can be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-12, opposed 4-cylinder, and other engine types. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and architectures and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0078] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "about" is interpreted to mean ±5% of a range.

[0079] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof. These claims are to be understood to cover a combination of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor precluding a combination of two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by modifying these claims or by presenting new claims in this application or a related application. These claims, whether broader, narrower, equal to, or different in scope from the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An engine assembly, comprising: The first housing that defines a first oil passage; The second housing that defines a second oil passage; And An alignment pin configured to be received within the first housing and the second housing to provide alignment features for positioning the first and second housings of the engine assembly relative to each other, An external oil receiving groove extending through an outer surface of the alignment pin, and the external oil receiving groove is positioned within the first housing and the second housing such that oil flows from the first oil passage through the external oil receiving groove to the second oil passage; and Wherein a centerline of the external oil receiving groove extends in a direction having a component in a circumferential direction of the alignment pin.

2. The engine assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first oil passage extends in a direction perpendicular to the main axis of the alignment pin at a position where the first oil passage meets the alignment pin, and the external oil receiving groove is positioned such that oil flows from the first oil passage through the external oil receiving groove and then flows in the direction of the main axis of the alignment pin.

3. The engine assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first oil passage meets the alignment pin at the position of the external oil receiving groove.

4. The engine assembly according to claim 1, wherein the alignment pin further includes a central hole and an oil passage connecting the central hole and the external oil receiving groove through the alignment pin.

5. The engine assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first housing further defines a third oil passage, and the alignment pin and the third oil passage are arranged such that oil from the third oil passage flows through the oil passage to the central hole and then to the second oil passage.

6. The engine assembly according to claim 1, wherein the external oil receiving groove includes a circumferential external oil groove and a longitudinal external oil groove, and the external oil receiving groove is positioned such that oil enters the circumferential external oil groove from the first oil passage, and then enters the longitudinal external oil groove, and then enters the second oil passage.

7. The engine assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first oil passage and the oil passage leading to the second oil passage are perpendicular to each other, and the alignment pin is positioned such that oil flows from the first oil passage through the external oil receiving groove and the oil passage into the oil passage before flowing through the central hole.

8. The engine assembly according to claim 4, wherein the alignment pin further includes an oil filter, and the oil filter is arranged to filter the oil flowing through the flow passage provided by the alignment pin.

9. The engine assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first oil passage is in the cylinder block, the second oil passage is in the cylinder head, and the oil passage extends perpendicular to the first oil passage and the second oil passage, and the alignment pin is positioned within the oil passage.

10. An alignment pin is positioned within a first housing and a second housing of an engine assembly and is configured to provide alignment features for positioning the first housing and the second housing relative to each other. The alignment pin includes: An external oil receiving groove extending through an outer surface of the alignment pin, and the external oil receiving groove is positioned to receive oil from the first oil passage of the first housing and to direct the received oil into the second oil passage of the second housing; And Wherein a centerline of the external oil receiving groove extends in a direction having a component in a circumferential direction of the alignment pin.

11. The alignment pin according to claim 10, wherein a centerline of the external oil receiving groove extends at least around an entire circumference of the alignment pin and oil flows from a circumferential external oil groove into an oil passage perpendicular to the first oil passage.

12. The alignment pin according to claim 10, wherein the alignment pin is positioned within an oil passage extending perpendicular to the first oil passage and the second oil passage.

13. The alignment pin according to claim 10, wherein the external oil receiving groove includes a circumferential portion and an axial portion, and oil is received from the first oil passage into the circumferential portion of the external oil receiving groove before flowing into the axial portion of the external oil receiving groove.

14. The alignment pin according to claim 10, wherein a size of an oil flow area defined by the external oil receiving groove is set to limit oil flow from the first oil passage to the second oil passage.

15. The alignment pin according to claim 10, further comprising an axial groove formed in an outer surface of the alignment pin between the oil receiving groove and a longitudinal end face of the alignment pin.

16. The alignment pin according to claim 10, wherein the alignment pin further comprises a central hole and an oil passage through the alignment pin between the external oil receiving groove and the central hole.

17. The alignment pin according to claim 16, wherein the alignment pin includes an opening of the central hole provided in a first longitudinal end face of the alignment pin.

18. The alignment pin according to claim 17, wherein the alignment pin includes another opening of the central hole provided in a second longitudinal end face of the alignment pin.

19. The alignment pin according to claim 16, wherein the alignment pin further comprises an oil filter disposed within the central hole.

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