Oil pan sealing structure

Abstract

The invention discloses an oil pan sealing structure and belongs to the technical field of crankcase sealing, the oil pan sealing structure comprises an oil pan body, an inner supporting piece and a sealing sleeve, an outer convex part is fixed to the outer edge of the top of the oil pan body, corresponding grooves are formed in the top of the outer convex part and the bottom edge of a crankcase body of a crankcase, the inner supporting piece is arranged between the oil pan body and the crankcase body, and the sealing sleeve is arranged in the inner supporting piece. The inner pushing part of the inner supporting piece is sleeved with a sealing sleeve. The grooves are formed in the oil pan body and the crankcase body of the crankcase, the inner supporting pieces are arranged in the grooves, and when the oil pan body and the crankcase body are gradually locked through bolts, the deep groove part pushes the traction part to the side away from the center of the oil pan body, so that the traction part pulls the inner pushing part through the flat part; the inner pushing part located on the inner side of the oil pan body can press the sealing sleeve arranged on the inner pushing part to the inner side seam of the oil pan body and the box body, so that the inner side seam of the oil pan body and the box body is effectively sealed, and engine oil leakage is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of crankcase sealing technology, and more specifically to an oil pan sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] The engine oil pan, also known as the lower crankcase, is a removable housing at the bottom of the engine. The inside of the oil pan stores lubricating oil, and a drain plug is usually located at the lowest point of the oil pan. The oil pan is typically a one-piece molded structure, requiring sealing in two areas: the connection between the oil pan and the crankcase housing, and the area between the drain hole and the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. The oil pan and crankcase housing are bolted together, and the mating joint is sealed with sealant or a gasket. Existing sealing structures are simplistic, and the joint gaps are susceptible to corrosion, accelerating the aging and damage of the seal, leading to oil leaks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide an oil pan sealing structure that, by incorporating grooves, internal supports, and sealing sleeves, forms a multi-layer sealing structure to enhance sealing performance.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides an oil pan sealing structure, comprising: The oil pan body has an outward protrusion fixed on the top outer edge. The top of the outward protrusion and the bottom edge of the crankcase are both provided with corresponding grooves. The grooves include flat grooves and deep grooves. The flat grooves are located on the side of the deep grooves closer to the center of the oil pan body. An internal support component is disposed between the oil pan body and the housing. The internal support component includes an internal push part, a flat part corresponding to the flat groove part, and a pulling part corresponding to the deep groove part. The flat part connects the internal push part and the pulling part. The internal push part is located inside the oil pan body and the housing. A sealing sleeve is fitted on the internal push part. When the protruding part is fixedly connected to the bottom edge of the housing by bolts, the deep groove part pushes the pulling part away from the center of the oil pan body, so that the inner pushing part cooperates with the inner wall of the oil pan body and the inner wall of the housing to press the sealing sleeve tightly and seal the inner joint between the oil pan body and the housing.

[0005] Preferably, the groove wall of the deep groove portion near the center of the oil pan body is inclined, and the pulling portion is provided with a curved surface that cooperates with the groove wall. When the two deep groove portions cooperate to squeeze the pulling portion, the groove wall applies a thrust to the curved surface on the side away from the center of the oil pan body.

[0006] Preferably, the cross-section of the pulling part is C-shaped, the middle part of the pulling part is fixedly connected to the flat part, and the thickness of the pulling part gradually decreases from the middle part to both ends.

[0007] Preferably, the two ends of the pulling part are provided with inwardly rolled flanges, and the sealing sleeve covers the pushing part, the flat part, the pulling part and the flanges.

[0008] Preferably, the two ends of the pulling part are elastic, and the two ends of the pulling part press the sealing sleeve against the inner wall of the deep groove under the action of elasticity.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes a sealing element disposed in a deep groove on the side of the pulling portion away from the flat portion, the sealing element being used to seal the seam between the two deep groove portions.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing element has a circular cross-section, and the two flanges, under elastic action, press the sealing element against the joint of the two deep grooves.

[0011] Preferably, the sealing element is an oil-swellable rubber. When the sealing element expands, it squeezes the flange, causing the two ends of the pulling part to press the sealing sleeve against the inner wall of the deep groove.

[0012] Preferably, the inner push portion and the flat portion are connected in a T-shape, and the two flat groove portions cooperate to abut the sealing sleeves on the upper and lower sides of the flat portion.

[0013] Preferably, the two deep groove sections have their groove walls on the side furthest from the center of the oil pan body fitted together to form a wedge shape.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention features grooves on the oil pan body and crankcase housing, with internal support members installed within these grooves. As the oil pan body and housing are gradually tightened together with bolts, the deep groove pushes the pulling part away from the center of the oil pan body. This causes the pulling part to pull the pushing part through the flat part, allowing the pushing part, located inside the oil pan body, to press the sealing sleeve fitted on the pushing part against the inner joint between the oil pan body and the housing. This effectively seals the inner joint between the oil pan body and the housing, preventing oil leakage. The pulling part, in conjunction with the deep groove, prevents external dust from entering the flat groove. Simultaneously, as the oil pan body and housing gradually tighten, the distance between the upper and lower flat grooves also decreases, compressing the sealing sleeves wrapped around the upper and lower sides of the flat part, thereby... The groove seal forms a double seal, enhancing the overall sealing performance. The cross-section of the pull section is C-shaped, and the thickness gradually decreases from the middle to both ends, giving the ends of the pull section a certain elastic deformation capability. Under the action of elasticity, both ends always press the sealing sleeve against the inner wall of the deep groove, compensating for gap changes caused by thermal expansion, vibration, or wear, and maintaining a long-term sealing effect. The groove wall on the side of the deep groove away from the center of the oil pan forms a wedge shape, which, together with the two ends of the pull section, presses against the sealing element, allowing the sealing element to block the outer gap between the oil pan body and the tank, preventing external dust and rainwater from entering the groove. At the same time, the sealing element can further press against the flange, allowing the two ends of the pull section to press against the sealing sleeve, ultimately forming a multi-seal structure and reducing the risk of oil leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an oil pan sealing structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the trench structure in this invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the oil pan body in this invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the inner support member in this invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Oil pan body, 2. Outer protrusion, 3. Housing, 4. Groove, 5. Flat groove, 6. Deep groove, 7. Inner support, 8. Inner push, 9. Flat part, 10. Pulling part, 11. Sealing sleeve, 12. Flanged edge, 13. Sealing part. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides an oil pan sealing structure for sealing between the oil pan and the crankcase housing 3 to prevent oil leakage. The oil pan body 1 is made of metal material, generally aluminum alloy. An outwardly protruding portion 2 is integrally formed on the top outer edge of the oil pan body 1. A flat mating surface is also machined on the bottom edge of the crankcase housing 3. Through holes for mounting bolts are provided on the top of the outwardly protruding portion 2 and the bottom edge of the housing 3. The oil pan body 1 and the housing 3 are fixedly connected by bolts. Corresponding grooves 4 are formed on the top of the outwardly protruding portion 2 and the bottom portion of the housing 3 within the through holes. The grooves 4 encircle the top of the oil pan body 1, forming a closed shape with the ends connected. When the oil pan body 1 and the housing 3 are mated, the two grooves 4 are precisely aligned.

[0027] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the groove 4 includes a flat groove 5 and a deep groove 6. The flat groove 5 is located on the side of the deep groove 6 near the center of the oil pan body 1. The flat groove 5 is shallow, uniform in width and flat. The deep groove 6 is deeper, and the groove wall near the center of the oil pan body 1 is designed as an inclined surface.

[0028] The inner support member 7 is made of an elastic metal material such as spring steel, and its shape is adapted to the groove 4 to match the shape of the oil pan. In cross-section, the inner support member 7 includes an inward pushing portion 8, a flat portion 9, and a pulling portion 10. The flat portion 9 has a flat surface and corresponds to the flat groove portion 5. The flat portion 9 is located between the inward pushing portion 8 and the pulling portion 10, connecting them. The inward pushing portion 8 is located inside the oil pan body 1 and the housing 3, and its cross-section is a rounded rectangle. A sealing sleeve 11 is fitted onto the inward pushing portion 8. This sealing sleeve 11 is made of oil-resistant rubber material and completely encloses the inward pushing portion 8, the flat portion 9, and part of the pulling portion 10. For ease of manufacturing and installation, the sealing sleeve 11 has an opening at the corresponding position of the pulling portion 10, allowing the inner support member 7 to be inserted into the sealing sleeve 11 through the opening. The push-in part 8 and the flat part 9 are connected in a T-shape, which increases the rigidity of the push-in part 8 and ensures that the force is even when the sealing sleeve 11 is pressed.

[0029] During installation, first, the sealing sleeve 11 is fitted onto the inner support 7. Then, the inner support 7 is placed in the groove 4 of the oil pan body 1, aligning the pulling part 10 with the deep groove 6 and the flat part 9 with the flat groove 5. Next, the oil pan body 1 is joined to the housing 3, and multiple bolts are used to evenly tighten the outer protrusion 2 to the bottom edge of the housing 3 along the circumferential direction. As the bolts are tightened, the oil pan body 1 and the housing 3 gradually approach each other, and the deep groove 6 begins to contact and compress the pulling part 10. Because the groove wall of the deep groove 6 near the center of the oil pan body 1 is an inclined surface, and the pulling part 10 has a matching curved surface, the inclined groove wall applies a thrust to the curved surface away from the center of the oil pan body 1, pushing the pulling part 10 outward. The pulling part 10 pulls the pushing part 8 through the flat part 9, causing the pushing part 8 to move towards the inner wall of the oil pan body 1 and the inner wall of the housing 3, thereby pressing the sealing sleeve 11 against the inner joint of the oil pan body 1 and the housing 3, forming a primary seal on the inner side of the joint, preventing engine oil from entering the joint and leaking from the joint.

[0030] Simultaneously, during the bolt tightening process, the gap between the flat grooves 5 gradually decreases, compressing the sealing sleeves 11 wrapped around the upper and lower sides of the flat portion 9. This causes the sealing sleeves 11 to deform and fill the space of the flat grooves 5, forming a planar secondary seal. In this way, through the dual sealing effect of the inner joint seal and the flat groove 5 seal, oil leakage from the joint is effectively prevented.

[0031] Example 2 Based on Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 of the present invention optimizes the oil pan sealing structure, focusing on enhancing the elastic compensation capability of the seal.

[0032] like Figure 5As shown, the tensioning part 10 of the inner support member 7 adopts a special design with a C-shaped cross-section. Its middle part is fixedly connected to the flat part 9, and its thickness gradually decreases from the middle to both ends, so that the tensioning part 10 has a certain elastic deformation capacity at both ends. The tensioning part 10 is also provided with inwardly curled flanges 12 at both ends, and the flanges 12 are arc-shaped.

[0033] When the oil pan body 1 and the housing 3 are tightened with bolts, the inclined groove wall of the deep groove 6, through the sealing sleeve 11, presses against the curved surface of the pulling part 10, causing it to move outward. The inclined groove wall and the curved surface of the pulling part 10 cooperate to press against the sealing sleeve 11, forming a three-stage seal. At the same time, due to the elasticity at both ends of the pulling part 10, after the bolts are tightened, the flange 12 continues to apply pressure to the sealing sleeve 11, causing the sealing sleeve 11 to fit tightly against the inner wall of the deep groove 6, forming a four-stage seal.

[0034] The elastic pressure at both ends of the tension section 10 can automatically compensate for gap changes caused by engine thermal expansion, vibration or material wear, maintaining long-term sealing stability.

[0035] Example 3 like Figure 5 As shown, based on Embodiments 1 and 2, Embodiment 3 of the present invention also designs the side wall of the deep groove 6 away from the center of the oil pan body 1 as a slope, so that a wedge-shaped space is formed when the two deep grooves 6 are joined. A sealing member 13 is provided in the wedge-shaped space. The overall shape of the sealing member 13 is still a closed loop pattern adapted to the groove 4, and its cross-section is circular. It is made of oil-swellable rubber.

[0036] During installation, the inner support 7 is first inserted into the groove 4 of the oil pan body 1, and then the sealing member 13 is placed on the side wall of the deep groove 6 away from the flat part 9. The cross-sectional diameter of the sealing member 13 is larger than the width of the joint between the two deep groove parts 6. As the oil pan body 1 is gradually locked and fixed to the bottom of the housing 3, the flanges 12 at both ends of the pulling part 10, under the action of elasticity, press the sealing member 13 against the wedge-shaped joint formed by the two deep groove parts 6. After being compressed, the sealing member 13 deforms and fills the gap in the joint, effectively preventing external dust, rainwater and other pollutants from entering the interior of the groove 4. At the same time, the sealing member 13 also enhances the clamping force on the sealing sleeve 11 at both ends of the pulling part 10.

[0037] Because the sealing element 13 is made of oil-swellable rubber, this rubber can expand in volume by 20% to 50% after contact with engine oil. When the engine is working normally, if a small amount of engine oil leaks into the groove 4 area, the sealing element 13 will gradually expand upon contact with the oil. The expanded sealing element 13 presses against the flange 12 of the pulling part 10, and the flange 12 transmits pressure to both ends of the pulling part 10, causing the pulling part 10 to further press the sealing sleeve 11 against the inner wall of the deep groove 6, increasing the sealing pressure and preventing further leakage.

[0038] The wedge-shaped groove wall of the deep groove 6 ensures that the sealing part 13 is subjected to uniform force when it expands, and its position will not deviate. The C-shaped cross-section and thickness gradient design of the tension part 10 make it maintain its elasticity during long-term use, and the arc-shaped structure of the flange 12 reduces stress concentration.

[0039] Through the above configuration, this embodiment forms a multi-layer sealing system: the inner side of the joint abuts against the sealing sleeve 11 through the inner push part 8 to prevent oil leakage, forming the first layer of sealing; the flat groove part 5 and the flat part 9 form the second layer of sealing; the deep groove part 6 and the pulling part 10 form a multi-layer sealing; the two ends of the pulling part 10 maintain pressure through elastic elements; and the sealing part 13 is both dirt-proof and expands upon contact with oil, preventing further leakage. This invention is particularly suitable for engines operating at high temperatures, high pressures, or with frequent changes in operating conditions, greatly reducing the probability of oil leakage and extending the maintenance cycle.

[0040] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An oil pan sealing structure, characterized in that, include: The oil pan body has an outward protrusion fixed on the top outer edge. The top of the outward protrusion and the bottom edge of the crankcase are both provided with corresponding grooves. The grooves include flat grooves and deep grooves. The flat grooves are located on the side of the deep grooves closer to the center of the oil pan body. An internal support component is disposed between the oil pan body and the housing. The internal support component includes an internal push part, a flat part corresponding to the flat groove part, and a pulling part corresponding to the deep groove part. The flat part connects the internal push part and the pulling part. The internal push part is located inside the oil pan body and the housing. A sealing sleeve is fitted on the internal push part. When the protruding part is fixedly connected to the bottom edge of the housing by bolts, the deep groove part pushes the pulling part away from the center of the oil pan body, so that the inner pushing part cooperates with the inner wall of the oil pan body and the inner wall of the housing to press the sealing sleeve tightly and seal the inner joint between the oil pan body and the housing.

2. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The groove wall of the deep groove section is inclined near the center of the oil pan body, and the pulling part is provided with a curved surface that cooperates with the groove wall. When the two deep groove sections cooperate to squeeze the pulling part, the groove wall applies a thrust to the curved surface on the side away from the center of the oil pan body.

3. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the pulling part is C-shaped, the middle part of the pulling part is fixedly connected to the flat part, and the thickness of the pulling part gradually decreases from the middle part to both ends.

4. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The two ends of the pulling part are provided with inwardly rolled flanges, and the sealing sleeve covers the pushing part, the flat part, the pulling part and the flanges.

5. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The two ends of the pulling part are elastic, and the two ends of the pulling part press the sealing sleeve against the inner wall of the deep groove under the action of elasticity.

6. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing element, which is disposed in a deep groove on the side of the pulling part away from the flat part, and the sealing element is used to block the seam between the two deep grooves.

7. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing component has a circular cross-section, and the two flanges, under elastic action, press the sealing component against the joint of the two deep grooves.

8. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing element is made of oil-swellable rubber. When the sealing element expands, it squeezes the flange, causing the two ends of the pulling part to press the sealing sleeve against the inner wall of the deep groove.

9. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inner push part and the flat part are connected in a T-shape, and the two flat groove parts cooperate to press the sealing sleeves on the upper and lower sides of the flat part together.

10. The oil pan sealing structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two deep grooves, on the side walls furthest from the center of the oil pan body, fit together to form a wedge shape.

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