Engine cylinder block assembly, engine and vehicle

Abstract

This application provides an engine cylinder block assembly, an engine, and a vehicle. The engine cylinder block assembly includes a cylinder block portion and a crankcase, wherein the cylinder block portion and the crankcase are integrally formed or fixedly connected. The side walls of the cylinder block portion and the crankcase have oil return channels that connect the cylinder head side of the cylinder block portion to the oil pan side of the crankcase. The side wall of the oil return channel has a first opening, and the side wall of the crankcase also has an oil return labyrinth that communicates with both the first opening and the inner cavity of the crankcase. The oil return labyrinth is configured to allow oil to flow through the labyrinth into the inner cavity of the crankcase when the oil level in the oil return channel exceeds a first threshold, and to prevent oil from entering the inner cavity of the crankcase when the oil level in the oil return channel is less than or equal to the first threshold. This engine cylinder block assembly ensures rapid oil return even when the engine is tilted at a large angle, preventing poor lubrication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle engine technology, and in particular to an engine cylinder block assembly, an engine, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] An engine comprises a complex array of components, including the cylinder block, cylinder head, cylinder head cover, main bearing caps, and oil pan. Due to friction between many of these components, a lubrication system is installed to minimize wear. This system delivers engine oil from the oil pan to various parts of the engine block. Subsequently, the oil at each component flows back down under gravity until it reaches the oil pan again.

[0003] To ensure smooth oil return, a chain chamber is formed at the engine timing chain structure, allowing oil in the cylinder head and cylinder head cover to return to the oil pan via the chain chamber. Oil return channels can be installed at the rear end of the engine, directly connecting the cylinder head and cylinder block, allowing oil accumulated at the rear of the engine to return to the oil pan via these channels.

[0004] However, for "hardcore" off-road vehicles, the above-mentioned oil return design is still difficult to meet the oil return needs of the vehicle under various large tilt angles in complex road conditions, which can easily lead to slow oil return speed and poor lubrication of various friction pairs of the engine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides an engine cylinder block assembly, an engine, and a vehicle that can ensure that the engine can quickly return oil even when tilted at a large angle, thus avoiding poor lubrication.

[0006] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0007] In a first aspect, an engine cylinder block assembly is provided, including a cylinder block portion and a crankcase, wherein the cylinder block portion and the crankcase are integrally formed or fixedly connected.

[0008] The cylinder block and the side wall of the crankcase have oil return channels, which connect the cylinder head side of the cylinder block with the oil pan side of the crankcase.

[0009] The sidewall of the oil return channel has a first opening, and the sidewall of the crankcase also has an oil return labyrinth. The oil return labyrinth is connected to the first opening and the inner cavity of the crankcase. The oil return labyrinth is configured to allow oil to flow through the oil return labyrinth into the inner cavity of the crankcase when the amount of oil in the oil return channel is greater than a first threshold, and to prevent oil from entering the inner cavity of the crankcase when the amount of oil in the oil return channel is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0010] Optionally, the oil return labyrinth has a second through hole, which connects the oil return labyrinth to the inner cavity of the crankcase;

[0011] The oil return labyrinth has a barrier component that divides the oil return labyrinth into multiple sub-chambers. The multiple sub-chambers include a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The first sub-chamber is connected to the first opening, and the second sub-chamber is connected to the second through hole.

[0012] The barrier is configured to prevent oil from flowing from the first sub-chamber into the second sub-chamber when the oil level in the oil return passage is less than or equal to the first threshold, and to allow oil to flow from the first sub-chamber into the second sub-chamber when the oil level in the oil return passage is greater than the first threshold.

[0013] Optionally, the barrier includes a strip structure with a first end connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth, and a first gap between the second end of the strip structure and the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth, wherein the first end and the second end are opposite ends of the strip structure;

[0014] The first gap connects the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, and the first gap is located away from the oil pan side of the crankcase relative to the second through hole.

[0015] Optionally, the strip structure includes a first sub-strip structure, which extends in a direction away from the oil pan side of the crankcase, and one end of the first sub-strip structure away from the oil pan side of the crankcase forms the first gap with the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth.

[0016] Optionally, the strip structure includes a second sub-strip structure, one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth, and the other end is connected to the first sub-strip structure. The extension direction of the second sub-strip structure is perpendicular to the extension direction of the oil return channel.

[0017] Optionally, the first side opening of the oil return labyrinth is located away from the center of the engine cylinder block assembly;

[0018] The engine cylinder block assembly also includes a labyrinth cover plate, which is detachably installed on the first side of the oil return labyrinth and closes the opening on the first side of the oil return labyrinth.

[0019] Optionally, a sealing structure is also included, which is located between the labyrinth cover and the return oil labyrinth, and seals the gap between the labyrinth cover and the return oil labyrinth.

[0020] Optionally, the oil return labyrinth and the oil return channel are located on the side of the engine cylinder block assembly away from the chain chamber.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an engine, the engine including any of the engine cylinder blocks as described above.

[0022] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle that includes any of the engine cylinder block assemblies or engines as described above.

[0023] This application provides an engine cylinder block assembly, an engine, and a vehicle. The cylinder block assembly has a first opening on the side wall of its oil return passage, which communicates with an oil return labyrinth in the crankcase. When the vehicle tilts at a small angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is small, the oil return labyrinth ensures that the oil flows directly back to the oil pan via the oil return passage. This satisfies the oil return requirement for small-angle tilts without impacting the crankshaft. When the vehicle tilts at a large angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is large, the oil return labyrinth also ensures that the oil flows back via the oil return passage and simultaneously flows rapidly into the crankcase cavity via the oil return labyrinth, then drips into the oil pan. This satisfies the oil return requirement during large tilts, and since the duration of large-angle tilts is generally short, the oil flowing into the crankcase will not cause significant damage to the crankshaft. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an engine cylinder block assembly provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of the structure shown at box A;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another engine cylinder block assembly provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a labyrinth cover and sealing structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The reference numerals in the figure are respectively:

[0030] 1- Engine cylinder block assembly;

[0031] 11-Cylinder block section;

[0032] 12-Crankcase;

[0033] 121-Oil return labyrinth; 1211-Second through hole; 1212-Blocking element; 12121-Strip structure; 12121a-First sub-strip structure; 12121b-Second sub-strip structure; 1213-Sub-chamber; 1213a-First sub-chamber; 1213b-Second sub-chamber; x-First gap; 1214-Second opening; 1215-Sidewall structure;

[0034] 13-Return oil channel; 131-First opening;

[0035] 14-Maze cover plate;

[0036] 15-Sealing structure; 151-First sealing part; 152-Second sealing part;

[0037] y-Avoidance section.

[0038] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] The directional terms used in the embodiments of this application, such as "upper," "lower," and "side," are generally based on the orientation shown in the figure or the relative orientation between structures when the engine is conventionally positioned. These directional terms are used merely to more clearly describe the relationships between structures, not to describe absolute orientation. The orientation may change when the engine is positioned in different ways; for example, "upper" and "lower" may be interchanged.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] To make the technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an engine cylinder block assembly.

[0044] Combination Figures 1-2 The engine cylinder block assembly includes a cylinder block portion 11 and a crankcase 12, wherein the cylinder block portion 11 and the crankcase 12 are integral or fixedly connected.

[0045] The cylinder block 11 and the crankcase 12 have oil return channels 13 in their side walls, which connect the cylinder head side of the cylinder block 11 with the oil pan side of the crankcase 12.

[0046] The side wall of the oil return channel 13 has a first opening 131, and the side wall of the crankcase 12 also has an oil return labyrinth 121. The oil return labyrinth 121 is connected to the first opening 131 and the inner cavity of the crankcase 12. The oil return labyrinth 121 is configured to allow oil to flow through the oil return labyrinth 121 into the inner cavity of the crankcase 12 when the amount of oil in the oil return channel 13 is greater than a first threshold, and to prevent oil from entering the inner cavity of the crankcase 12 when the amount of oil in the oil return channel 13 is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0047] It should be noted that the aforementioned "cylinder head side" refers to the side of the cylinder block that connects to the cylinder head, and the "oil pan side" refers to the side of the crankcase closer to the oil pan or the side of the crankcase that connects to the oil pan. This disclosure focuses on the engine cylinder block assembly; other engine components such as the cylinder head and oil pan are not described, but it is easy to understand that the engine cylinder block assembly in this disclosure has a matching structure for connecting to the cylinder head or oil pan. In this disclosure, the cylinder block and crankcase sidewalls have oil return channels, meaning that the oil return channels are formed within the wall thickness range of the cylinder block and crankcase sidewalls and are not connected to the actual internal cavity of the cylinder block or crankcase (i.e., the cylinder block for placing the piston or the chamber for housing the crankshaft). This ensures that the oil in the oil return channels does not affect the normal operation of the piston or crankshaft. The oil return channel connects the cylinder head side of the cylinder block to the oil pan side of the crankcase, meaning that the oil accumulated on the side of the cylinder block near the cylinder head can directly flow back to the oil pan via the oil return channel, entering the next cycle in the oil pan. Furthermore, the "oil return labyrinth" in this disclosure is a chamber structure that may have oil return channels or sub-chambers divided by barriers. These oil return channels, together with the outer wall of the overall chamber structure, form a labyrinth-like structure. The oil return labyrinth has an outlet and an inlet, and the outlet and inlet are connected by the oil return channel, allowing oil to flow in and out.

[0048] In this embodiment, the sidewall of the oil return channel has a first opening, which communicates with the oil return labyrinth on the sidewall of the crankcase. When the vehicle tilts at a small angle and the amount of oil in the oil return channel is small, the oil in the oil return channel is unlikely to enter the oil return labyrinth through the first opening, and the oil return labyrinth itself can provide some obstruction for the oil. Therefore, the oil return labyrinth ensures that the oil flows directly back to the oil pan via the oil return channel, without flowing through the crankcase cavity and impacting the crankshaft. In this way, while meeting the oil return requirements for small-angle vehicle tilts, the returning oil will not damage the crankshaft. When the vehicle tilts at a large angle and the amount of oil in the oil return channel is large, the oil in the oil return channel easily overflows from the first opening, flows into the oil return labyrinth, then into the crankcase cavity and drips into the oil pan. That is, the oil return labyrinth also ensures that the oil flows back via the oil return channel and quickly flows into the crankcase cavity via the oil return labyrinth, then drips into the oil pan. In this way, the oil return demand when the vehicle tilts significantly can be met, and since the period of large-angle tilt is generally short, the oil flowing into the crankcase will not continuously damage the crankshaft.

[0049] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1-2 The oil return labyrinth 121 has a second through hole 1211, which connects the oil return labyrinth 121 to the inner cavity of the crankcase 12.

[0050] The oil return maze 121 has a barrier 1212, which divides the oil return maze 121 into multiple sub-chambers 1213. The multiple sub-chambers 1213 include a first sub-chamber 1213a and a second sub-chamber 1213b. The first sub-chamber 1213a is connected to the first opening 131, and the second sub-chamber 1213b is connected to the second through hole 1211.

[0051] The barrier 1212 is configured to prevent oil from flowing from the first sub-chamber 1213a into the second sub-chamber 1213b when the amount of oil in the oil return passage 13 is less than or equal to a first threshold, and to allow oil to flow from the first sub-chamber 1213a into the second sub-chamber 1213b when the amount of oil in the oil return passage 13 is greater than the first threshold.

[0052] In this embodiment, the oil return labyrinth is connected to the inner cavity of the crankcase via a second through-hole. The oil return labyrinth is divided into multiple sub-chambers by a barrier. Oil can only flow into the inner cavity of the crankcase after passing through multiple sub-chambers and reaching a specific position (i.e., the location of the second through-hole). Thus, the oil return labyrinth itself also functions as an oil storage device, allowing for rapid pressure reduction in the oil return channel when the oil volume is high. Simultaneously, the barrier ensures that when the oil volume in the oil return channel is not yet at the first threshold but is still relatively high, a certain amount can be stored in the first sub-chamber, preventing it from flowing into the crankcase, thus achieving a buffering effect when the oil volume is high; and ensuring rapid pressure relief and rapid oil return when the oil volume in the oil return channel exceeds the first threshold.

[0053] Optionally, the flow area of ​​the second through hole 1211 is greater than or equal to 2 cm². 2 This ensures a faster flow rate when using the second through-hole for recirculation.

[0054] Optionally, the opening area of ​​the first opening 131 is greater than or equal to 2 cm². 2 Less than or equal to 5cm 2 This ensures that, on the one hand, when oil needs to return through the crankcase cavity, it can quickly flow into the oil return labyrinth; on the other hand, it ensures that the first opening will not have a significant impact on the overall structural rigidity of the engine cylinder block assembly, and will not cause a large amount of returning oil to be poured into the oil return labyrinth at an instant.

[0055] Optional, combined Figure 2 The barrier 1212 includes a strip structure 12121 with its first end connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth 121, and a first gap x between the second end of the strip structure 12121 and the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth 121. The first end and the second end are the opposite ends of the strip structure 12121.

[0056] The first gap x connects the first sub-chamber 1213a and the second sub-chamber 1213b, and the first gap x is away from the oil pan side of the crankcase 12 relative to the second through hole 1211.

[0057] In this embodiment, the strip-shaped structure divides the oil return labyrinth into at least a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, and connects the two via a first gap. This allows for the achievement of the aforementioned buffering effect, as well as the pressure relief and rapid oil return effect when the oil return flow is large, all with a simple structure. Positioning the first gap on the oil pan side, away from the crankcase relative to the second through-hole, ensures that the strip-shaped structure can effectively guide the oil flowing into the oil return labyrinth, preventing the incoming oil from flowing directly into the second through-hole, thus avoiding a large impact on the crankshaft from a sudden influx of oil, and preventing blockage of the second through-hole.

[0058] Optional, combined Figure 2The first sub-chamber 1213a can be connected to the first opening 131 by removing part of the sidewall of the oil return labyrinth 121 to form a second opening 1214, which then connects to the first opening 131. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the second opening 1214 onto the engine cylinder block assembly overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first opening 131 onto the engine cylinder block assembly. This ensures that the oil in the oil return passage can flow more smoothly into the oil return labyrinth.

[0059] Optional, combined Figure 2 The strip structure 12121 includes a first sub-strip structure 12121a, which extends away from the oil pan side of the crankcase 12. One end of the first sub-strip structure 12121a away from the oil pan side of the crankcase 12 forms a first gap x with the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth 121. With the help of the first sub-strip structure, it can be ensured that the oil level in the first sub-chamber of the oil return labyrinth is higher than or equal to the first gap x before flowing into the second sub-chamber. This strengthens the oil storage and buffering function of the first sub-chamber. For example, in the case of a momentary engine tilt causing a large amount of oil in the oil return channel, the amount of oil in the first sub-chamber may not be sufficient to flow into the second sub-chamber through the first gap. However, when the engine returns to its normal operating angle shortly afterward, the oil in the first sub-chamber can flow back into the return channel and return to the oil pan, thus minimizing the impact of oil on the crankshaft.

[0060] Optionally, the lowest height of the second opening 1214 of the oil return labyrinth 121 relative to the oil pan side of the crankcase 12 is higher than or equal to the lowest height of the first opening 131 of the oil return passage 13 relative to the oil pan side of the crankcase 12. Here, the lowest height refers to the minimum distance between the sidewall of the opening and the oil pan side of the crankcase. In this way, the engine oil that flows into the first sub-chamber of the oil return labyrinth but cannot flow into the second sub-chamber can flow back to the oil return passage more smoothly through the first opening, instead of accumulating in the oil return labyrinth for a long time.

[0061] Optional, combined Figure 2 The strip structure 12121 includes a second sub-strip structure 12121b. One end of the second sub-strip structure 12121b is connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth 121, and the other end is connected to the first sub-strip structure 12121a. The extension direction of the second sub-strip structure 12121b is perpendicular to the extension direction of the oil return channel 13. The second sub-strip structure is connected to the first sub-strip structure, together dividing the oil return labyrinth into at least two sub-chambers. By setting the extension direction of the second sub-strip structure to be perpendicular to the oil return channel, the first or second sub-chamber obtained by the strip structure has a larger oil storage capacity, thereby improving the buffering capacity of the oil return labyrinth.

[0062] Optional, combined Figure 2 The first sub-strip structure 12121a extends obliquely in a direction away from the oil pan side of the crankcase 12. Here, oblique extension means that the further away from the oil pan side of the crankcase 12, the greater the distance from the first opening 131. In this way, it can be ensured that the oil storage capacity of the first sub-chamber divided by the strip structure can be larger.

[0063] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the first sub-chamber 1213a onto the engine cylinder block assembly covers the orthographic projection of the first opening 131 onto the engine cylinder block assembly, to ensure that the distance between the first sub-chamber and the first opening is minimized, and to ensure that the hydraulic pressure in the return oil pipe is reduced in time when the oil volume is large.

[0064] Optional, combined Figure 2 The projection of the second through hole 1211 onto the engine cylinder block assembly does not overlap with the projection of the oil return passage 13 onto the engine cylinder block assembly. This ensures that there is a distance between the second through hole and the oil return passage, and that the oil will only flow into the crankcase when there is enough oil to flow through this distance, thereby improving the buffering capacity of the oil return labyrinth.

[0065] Optional, combined Figure 2 The second through hole 1211 is an extension hole facing the crankcase cavity. This ensures that engine oil can flow more easily into the crankcase cavity.

[0066] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2-4 The first side opening of the oil return labyrinth 121 is the side away from the center of the engine cylinder block assembly 1;

[0067] The engine cylinder block assembly 1 also includes a labyrinth cover 14, which is detachably mounted on the first side of the oil return labyrinth 121 and closes the opening on the first side of the oil return labyrinth 121.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first side of the oil return labyrinth is directly open to the outside and is sealed by a corresponding labyrinth cover. This allows the labyrinth cover to be removed and the interior of the oil return labyrinth inspected when problems such as slow oil return occur in the engine, thus reducing engine maintenance costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the oil return labyrinth can also be directly embedded within the wall thickness of the crankcase sidewall.

[0069] Optional, combined Figure 4 The engine cylinder block assembly also includes a sealing structure 15, which is located between the labyrinth cover 14 and the oil return labyrinth 121, and seals the gap between the labyrinth cover 14 and the oil return labyrinth 121.

[0070] In this embodiment, the sealing structure ensures that the oil in the oil return labyrinth will not overflow from the gap between the labyrinth cover 14 and the oil return labyrinth 121, thereby ensuring that the oil volume will not be lost.

[0071] Optionally, the structural surface of the first side of the oil return labyrinth 121 is flush with the surface of the first side of the oil return labyrinth, which includes the side wall structure 1215 of the oil return labyrinth protruding away from the center of the engine cylinder block assembly and the surface of the first side of the barrier 1212. In this way, the contact surface between the labyrinth cover 14 and the oil return labyrinth 121 is a flat surface, which facilitates the sealing installation of the two and ensures that there are no other flow channels between the different sub-chambers except for the first gap.

[0072] Optional, see reference Figure 4 The sealing structure 15 includes at least a first sealing portion 151 and a second sealing portion 152. The first sealing portion 151 is used to seal the gap between the sidewall structure 1215 and the labyrinth cover plate 14, and the second sealing portion 152 is used to seal the gap between the barrier member 1212 and the labyrinth cover plate 14. The shape or extension direction of the second sealing structure 152 corresponds to the barrier member 1212 or the strip structure 12121.

[0073] Optionally, the labyrinth cover 14 and the return labyrinth 121 each have a mounting structure, which allows them to be installed together. The mounting structure may be, for example, bolt holes, through which bolts are screwed in. Bolts may include hexagonal flange bolts.

[0074] It is important to understand that the shapes of the oil return labyrinth 121 and the labyrinth cover 14 are determined by the fit between the engine cylinder block assembly and other components. Optionally, the oil return labyrinth 121 and the labyrinth cover 14 may each have clearance portions to avoid other surrounding components. Figure 2-3 As shown, depending on the requirements, the return oil labyrinth 121 and the labyrinth cover 14 can have a pentagonal or other shapes as a whole.

[0075] Optionally, the barrier 1212 can be a reinforcing rib structure to enhance the overall rigidity of the oil return labyrinth.

[0076] In some embodiments, the oil return labyrinth 121 and the oil return passage 13 are located on the side of the engine cylinder block assembly 1 away from the chain chamber.

[0077] In this embodiment, the oil return labyrinth and the chain chamber can work together. When one side of the engine chain chamber is lowered, the oil from the cylinder block and cylinder head can flow to the chain chamber and then back to the oil pan. When one side of the engine chain chamber is raised (at which point the oil return channel 13 is relatively lowered), the oil can quickly return through the oil return channel 13 and the oil return labyrinth. That is, the chain chamber and the oil return structure of this application respectively achieve oil return under two large tilt angles. It should be noted that the sidewalls of the main bearing housing areas on both sides of the engine cylinder block assembly can actually have multiple oil return channels. These multiple oil return channels can be spaced apart in a direction parallel to the crankshaft to achieve oil return at different positions of the engine when the vehicle is climbing or descending at small angles, or when the vehicle tilts left or right or backward. The oil return channel of interest in this application is one of the aforementioned multiple oil return channels located on the rear side of the engine (transmission side).

[0078] Optionally, the aforementioned oil return labyrinth 121 is located on the intake side of the engine cylinder block assembly, where the intake side refers to the side used to install the intake manifold. This allows for full utilization of the space on the engine intake side. The oil return passage 13 extends vertically relative to the ground when the engine is not tilted, ensuring oil return is possible in tilting situations in different directions.

[0079] In summary, the present disclosure provides an engine cylinder block assembly with an oil return labyrinth at the crankcase. A first opening in the sidewall of the oil return passage communicates with a first sub-chamber of the oil return labyrinth, and a second sub-chamber of the oil return labyrinth communicates with the inner cavity of the crankcase. The first and second sub-chambers are connected by a first gap. When the engine is tilted at a small angle, the oil in the oil return passage is blocked by the sidewall of the oil return passage itself and the baffle in the oil return labyrinth, preventing it from flowing into the second sub-chamber. Instead, the oil flows only through the oil return passage itself to the oil pan. This avoids a large amount of oil flowing back from the crankcase and impacting the high-speed rotating crankshaft balance weight and connecting rod, which could cause problems such as high oil gas content, severe cracking, and bearing cavitation. When the engine tilts back at a large angle (the side containing the oil return labyrinth sinks), the oil in the oil return passage flows back through the passage itself and also enters the crankcase through the oil return labyrinth for rapid return. This prevents oil accumulation inside the cylinder head, ensuring the oil level in the oil pan remains constant, allowing the oil collector to draw oil from the oil pan and guaranteeing proper engine lubrication. Furthermore, since the extreme operating conditions of climbing steep inclines are generally short-lived, the impact of a large amount of oil returning from the crankcase in a short period on the crankshaft and connecting rods is minimal. In addition, the aforementioned oil return labyrinth and related structures do not occupy space at the rear of the engine.

[0080] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an engine, including any of the engine cylinder block assemblies 1 described above.

[0081] This application provides an engine whose cylinder block assembly has a first opening on the side wall of its oil return passage, which communicates with an oil return labyrinth in the crankcase. When the vehicle tilts at a small angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is small, the oil return labyrinth ensures that the oil flows directly back to the oil pan via the oil return passage. This satisfies the oil return requirement for small-angle tilts without impacting the crankshaft. When the vehicle tilts at a large angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is large, the oil return labyrinth also ensures that the oil flows back via the oil return passage and simultaneously flows rapidly into the crankcase cavity via the oil return labyrinth, then drips into the oil pan. This satisfies the oil return requirement during large tilts, and since the period of a large tilt is generally short, the oil flowing into the crankcase will not cause significant damage to the crankshaft.

[0082] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle including any of the engine cylinder block assemblies 1 as described above or an engine as described above.

[0083] This application provides a vehicle in which the sidewall of the oil return passage of the engine cylinder block assembly has a first opening, which communicates with the oil return labyrinth in the crankcase. When the vehicle tilts at a small angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is small, the oil return labyrinth ensures that the oil flows directly back to the oil pan via the oil return passage. Thus, while meeting the oil return requirements for small-angle tilts, the returning oil does not impact the crankshaft. When the vehicle tilts at a large angle and the amount of oil in the oil return passage is large, the oil return labyrinth also ensures that the oil flows back via the oil return passage and simultaneously flows rapidly into the crankcase cavity via the oil return labyrinth, then drips into the oil pan. This satisfies the oil return requirements during large tilts, and since the period of a large tilt is generally short, the oil flowing into the crankcase will not cause significant damage to the crankshaft.

[0084] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0085] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0086] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An engine cylinder block assembly, characterized in that, It includes a cylinder block (11) and a crankcase (12), wherein the cylinder block (11) and the crankcase (12) are integral or fixedly connected; The cylinder block (11) and the crankcase (12) have oil return channels (13) in their side walls, and the oil return channels (13) connect the cylinder head side of the cylinder block (11) with the oil pan side of the crankcase (12). The side wall of the oil return channel (13) has a first opening (131), and the side wall of the crankcase (12) also has an oil return labyrinth (121). The oil return labyrinth (121) is connected to the first opening (131) and the inner cavity of the crankcase (12), respectively. The oil return labyrinth (121) is configured to allow oil to flow through the oil return labyrinth (121) into the inner cavity of the crankcase (12) when the amount of oil in the oil return channel (13) is greater than a first threshold, and to prevent oil from entering the inner cavity of the crankcase (12) when the amount of oil in the oil return channel (13) is less than or equal to the first threshold. The oil return labyrinth (121) has a second through hole (1211) that connects the oil return labyrinth (121) to the inner cavity of the crankcase (12); The oil return labyrinth (121) has a barrier (1212) that divides the oil return labyrinth (121) into multiple sub-chambers (1213). The multiple sub-chambers (1213) include a first sub-chamber (1213a) and a second sub-chamber (1213b). The first sub-chamber (1213a) is connected to the first opening (131), and the second sub-chamber (1213b) is connected to the second through hole (1211). The barrier (1212) is configured to prevent oil from flowing from the first sub-chamber (1213a) into the second sub-chamber (1213b) when the amount of oil in the oil return passage (13) is less than or equal to the first threshold, and to allow oil to flow from the first sub-chamber (1213a) into the second sub-chamber (1213b) when the amount of oil in the oil return passage (13) is greater than the first threshold. The barrier (1212) includes a strip structure (12121) with a first end connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth (121), and a first gap (x) between the second end of the strip structure (12121) and the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth (121). The first end and the second end are the opposite ends of the strip structure (12121). The first gap (x) connects the first sub-chamber (1213a) and the second sub-chamber (1213b), and the first gap (x) is away from the oil pan side of the crankcase (12) relative to the second through hole (1211).

2. The engine cylinder block assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strip structure (12121) includes a first sub-strip structure (12121a) which extends toward the oil pan side away from the crankcase (12). One end of the first sub-strip structure (12121a) away from the oil pan side of the crankcase (12) forms the first gap (x) with the inner wall of the return oil labyrinth (121).

3. The engine cylinder block assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The strip structure (12121) includes a second sub-strip structure (12121b), one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the oil return labyrinth (121), and the other end is connected to the first sub-strip structure (12121a). The extension direction of the second sub-strip structure (12121b) is perpendicular to the extension direction of the oil return channel (13).

4. The engine cylinder block assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side opening of the oil return labyrinth (121) is a side away from the center of the engine cylinder block assembly (1); The engine cylinder block assembly (1) also includes a labyrinth cover (14), which is detachably installed on the first side of the oil return labyrinth (121) and closes the opening on the first side of the oil return labyrinth (121).

5. The engine cylinder block assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing structure (15) located between the labyrinth cover (14) and the return oil labyrinth (121), the sealing structure (15) sealing the gap between the labyrinth cover (14) and the return oil labyrinth (121).

6. The engine cylinder block assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil return labyrinth (121) and the oil return passage (13) are located on the side of the engine cylinder block assembly (1) away from the chain chamber.

7. An engine, characterized in that, The engine includes the engine cylinder block assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes an engine cylinder block assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6 or an engine as described in claim 7.

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