Oil pan and engine system

Abstract

An oil pan includes: a first sidewall; the second side wall is opposite to the first side wall; and a third side wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. The oil pan further includes a bottom surface extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the bottom surface define an internal cavity therebetween. The inner cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The bottom surface defines a protrusion disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The oil pan further comprises an oil suction pipe, and the oil suction pipe is integrated with the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall and the bottom surface. The oil suction pipe comprises a first inlet and a second inlet, wherein the first inlet is in fluid communication with the first cavity; the outlet is formed in the third side wall; and an oil suction pipe body extending between the first inlet and the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates in general to oil pans for internal combustion engine systems. Background Technology

[0002] Oil is used to lubricate the moving parts of an internal combustion engine. In many implementations, oil is supplied and collected in a reservoir at the bottom of the engine's crankcase, commonly referred to as the oil pan. An oil pump draws oil from the oil pan and supplies it to engine components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, and cylinder walls. Ultimately, oil drips from the engine components and collects in the oil pan, from which it can be recirculated through the internal combustion engine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, an oil pan includes: a first sidewall; a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall; and a third sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The oil pan also includes a bottom surface extending between the first and second sidewalls, such that the first, second, third, and bottom surfaces define a cavity therebetween. The cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The bottom surface defines a protrusion disposed between the first and second cavities. The oil pan also includes an oil suction tube integral with the first, second, third, and bottom surfaces. The oil suction tube includes: a first inlet in fluid communication with the first cavity; an outlet disposed at the third sidewall; and an oil suction tube body extending between the first inlet and the outlet.

[0004] In some embodiments, the outlet is located on the upper surface of the third sidewall.

[0005] In some embodiments, the oil suction tube body extends along the outer periphery of the protrusion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the suction tube further includes a second inlet, which is in fluid communication with the second cavity; and the suction tube body further extends between the second inlet and the outlet.

[0007] In some embodiments, the oil suction tube body further extends between the first inlet and the second inlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the suction tube body defines: a first inlet tube section extending between a first inlet and a junction generally between the third sidewall and the protrusion; and a second inlet tube section extending between the second inlet and the junction generally located between the third sidewall and the protrusion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the suction pipe body further defines an outlet pipe section that extends between the outlet and the junction located generally between the third sidewall and the protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the protrusion has two generally flat portions, which are generally parallel to each other and joined by a generally curved portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the oil pan further includes a filter screen connected to the first inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion defines a hollow volume opposite the inner cavity.

[0015] In another embodiment, an engine system includes: an engine; and an oil sump coupled to the engine and storing oil for the engine. The oil sump includes: a first sidewall; a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall; and a third sidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The oil sump also includes a bottom surface extending between the first and second sidewalls, such that the first, second, and third sidewalls and the bottom surface define a cavity therebetween. The cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The bottom surface defines a protrusion disposed between the first and second cavities. The oil sump also includes a suction pipe integral with the first, second, and third sidewalls and the bottom surface. The suction pipe includes: a first inlet in fluid communication with the first cavity; an outlet disposed on the upper surface of the third sidewall; and a suction pipe body extending between the first inlet and the outlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the oil pan further includes a fourth sidewall opposite to the third sidewall; and the protrusion extends between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fourth sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0018] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion is equal to at least 25% of the height of the first sidewall.

[0019] In some embodiments, the height of the first sidewall is approximately equal to the height of the second sidewall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom surface defines an attachment hole; and the oil pan further includes: a filter screen defining a filter hole; and a fastener disposed within the filter hole and the attachment hole, the fastener securing the filter screen to the bottom surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the protrusion defines a hollow volume opposite to the cavity; and the engine system further includes a drive shaft coupled to the engine, the drive shaft being disposed at least partially within the hollow volume.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the oil suction tube body is generally smooth. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Details of one or more specific embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an oil pan including a mesh filter according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The line 2-2 in the middle is cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the oil pan; Figure 3 It does not include the mesh filter but includes the oil suction pipe. Figure 1 A perspective view of the oil pan; Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The line 4-4 in the middle is cut off Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the oil pan; and Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the oil suction pipe.

[0024] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are illustrative representations for purposes of illustration. The drawings are provided to illustrate one or more specific embodiments, and it is clearly understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and their specific implementations related to methods, apparatus, and systems for crankshaft assemblies used in internal combustion engines. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0026] Figures 1 to 5 An oil pan 100 for an engine system (e.g., an internal combustion engine system, etc.) is depicted. The oil pan 100 is configured to store engine oil (e.g., engine oil, etc.) for the engine system. The oil is used to lubricate the moving parts of the engine. The engine system can be used in vehicles or industrial machinery (e.g., tractors, etc.). The engine system can be, for example, a diesel internal combustion engine system, a gasoline internal combustion engine system, a hybrid internal combustion engine system, a propane internal combustion engine system, a dual-fuel internal combustion engine system, a natural gas internal combustion engine system, etc.

[0027] Engine systems are configured to burn fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, methane, etc.) to produce energy that can be utilized by various outputs. For example, an engine system may generate energy to drive moving components (e.g., wheels, tires, propellers, impellers, turbines, rotors, etc.) or to power a generator. Engine systems can be implemented in vehicles (e.g., trucks, automobiles, engineering vehicles, freight vehicles, commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, military vehicles, maritime vehicles, etc.). In some embodiments, the engine system has an inline or straight-cylinder configuration. In other embodiments, the engine system has a V-cylinder configuration or other configurations. In some embodiments, such as in agricultural applications, the engine system forms part of the chassis of industrial machinery, such that the engine system is considered a structural power system. In some embodiments, the oil pan 100 may have a predetermined stiffness, enabling the oil pan 100 to withstand structural loads applied to the industrial machinery.

[0028] The oil pan 100 includes a first sidewall 102, a second sidewall 104 opposite to the first sidewall 102, and a third sidewall 106 extending between the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. The oil pan 100 also includes a bottom surface 108 extending between the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104, such that the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108 define a cavity 110 therebetween. The cavity 110 includes a first cavity 112 and a second cavity 114. The bottom surface 108 defines a protrusion 116 disposed between the first cavity 112 and the second cavity 114. The oil pan 100 also includes an oil suction tube 118 integral with the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108. The suction pipe 118 includes a first inlet 120 in fluid communication with the first cavity 112, an outlet 122 disposed at the third side wall 106, and a suction pipe body 126 extending between the first inlet 120 and the outlet 122.

[0029] According to various embodiments, an engine system includes an engine and an oil pan 100 coupled to the engine and configured to store oil for the engine. The oil pan 100 includes a first sidewall 102, a second sidewall 104 opposite to the first sidewall 102, and a third sidewall 106 extending between the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. The oil pan 100 also includes a bottom surface 108 extending between the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104, such that the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108 define a cavity 110 therebetween. The cavity 110 includes a first cavity 112 and a second cavity 114. The bottom surface 108 defines a protrusion 116 disposed between the first cavity 112 and the second cavity 114. The oil pan 100 also includes an oil suction pipe 118, which is integral with the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108. The oil suction pipe 118 includes a first inlet 120 in fluid communication with the first cavity 112, an outlet 122 disposed on the upper surface of the third sidewall 106, and an oil suction pipe body 126 extending between the first inlet 120 and the outlet 122.

[0030] First sidewall 102, second sidewall 104, and third sidewall 106 define a flange 124 at their tops. The flange 124 is configured to connect to the cylinder block of an engine, such that the oil pan 100 is connected to the engine. In some embodiments, a gasket is connected between the flange 124 and the cylinder block to prevent oil from leaking from the interior cavity 110 of the oil pan 100 into the surrounding environment. The flange 124 may include a through-hole configured to receive fasteners connecting the flange 124 to the cylinder block. The through-hole may also receive fasteners connecting a gearbox or oil pump to the oil pan 100. In some embodiments, the flange 124 has a predetermined stiffness, enabling it to withstand structural loads applied to industrial machinery associated with the engine. In some embodiments, an engine system dipstick is located near the flange 124 of the oil pan 100.

[0031] The third sidewall 106 may include one or more attachment bodies (e.g., two attachment bodies, etc.) outside the cavity 110. The attachment bodies may be configured to connect the oil pan 100 to components of the engine and / or engine system. For example, the attachment body may connect the oil pan 100 to a vehicle axle bracket, which may be a primary load-bearing member. The attachment body may have a predetermined stiffness such that it can handle structural loads applied to the engine system and / or industrial machinery.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one of the first sidewall 102 or the second sidewall 104 is configured to be coupled to components of the engine system and / or components of the industrial machinery. For example, at least one of the first sidewall 102 or the second sidewall 104 may be configured to be coupled to a loading arm. In some embodiments, at least one of the first sidewall 102 or the second sidewall 104 has a thickness that provides sufficient rigidity to handle loads applied to the loading arm, components of the engine system, and / or components of the industrial machinery.

[0033] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 108 is configured to be coupled to components of an engine system and / or industrial machinery. For example, the bottom surface 108 may be configured to be coupled to a separate front axle suspension via one or more bolt joints. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 108 has a thickness and / or structure (e.g., protrusion 116, etc.) that provides sufficient stiffness to handle loads applied to the separate front axle suspension, components of the engine system, and / or components of the industrial machinery.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the bottom surface 108 is generally perpendicular to the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. The third sidewall 106 is generally perpendicular to the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As illustrated, the oil pan 100 also includes a fourth sidewall 128 opposite to the third sidewall 106. A protrusion 116 extends between the third sidewall 106 and the fourth sidewall 128. The fourth sidewall 128 is generally perpendicular to the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. In some embodiments, the fourth sidewall 128 is configured to be coupled to a component of an engine system and / or industrial machinery. For example, the fourth sidewall 128 may be configured to be coupled to a transmission housing of the engine system. The fourth sidewall 128 may have a thickness that provides sufficient rigidity to handle loads applied to the transmission housing, components of the engine system, and / or other components of the industrial machinery.

[0036] The cavity 110 is configured to receive and store oil from the engine. During operation, the oil is configured to collect in the cavity 110 after lubricating the engine. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the inner cavity 110 includes a first cavity 112 and a second cavity 114 disposed on opposite sides of the protrusion 116. The first cavity 112 and the second cavity 114 are configured to store oil in the vicinity of the protrusion 116.

[0037] like Figures 2 to 4As illustrated, the protrusion 116 defines a hollow volume 130 opposite to the inner cavity 110. In some embodiments, the engine system includes a drive shaft coupled to an engine. This drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the hollow volume 130.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the cross-section of the protrusion 116 is defined by two generally flat portions that are generally parallel to each other and joined by a generally curved portion. The radius of curvature of the generally curved portion may be slightly larger than the radius of the drive shaft connected to the engine, such that the drive shaft fits within the hollow volume 130 without contacting the protrusion 116. The two generally flat portions that are generally parallel to each other allow the drive shaft to move vertically within the hollow volume 130 (i.e., caused by the movement of the vehicle, etc.) without contacting the protrusion 116. Furthermore, the two generally flat portions that are generally parallel to each other allow either the oil pan 100 or the drive shaft to be separated from the engine without requiring separation of both the oil pan 100 and the drive shaft. In other embodiments, the protrusion 116 has a generally semi-circular cross-section. In still other embodiments, the protrusion 116 has a generally circular cross-section.

[0039] In yet other embodiments, the cross-section of the protrusion 116 is defined by three generally flat portions that are generally parallel to each other and joined by two generally curved portions. A first generally curved portion of the two generally curved portions joins a first generally flat portion and a second generally flat portion of the three generally flat portions, and a second generally curved portion of the two generally curved portions joins a second generally flat portion and a third generally flat portion of the three generally flat portions. The first generally curved portion is disposed on the side of the three generally flat portions opposite to the second generally curved portion. In yet other embodiments, the cross-section of the protrusion 116 has a different shape.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the first sidewall 102 includes a first height H1, and the second sidewall 104 includes a second height H2. In some embodiments, the first height H1 (i.e., the height of the first sidewall 102) is equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., approximately equal to) the second height H2 (i.e., the height of the second sidewall 104). In other embodiments, the first height H1 is not equal to the second height H2 (i.e., the first height H1 is greater than the second height H2, or the second height H2 is greater than the first height H1). In some specific implementations, the first height H1 and the second height H2 are determined based on system requirements such as oil volume capacity or geometric constraints.

[0041] The protrusion 116 includes a third height H3. The ratio of the third height H3 to the first height H1 and / or the second height H2 may be based on the position of the drive shaft coupled to the engine relative to the oil pan 100. For example, in some embodiments, the drive shaft is at least partially disposed in the hollow volume 130 such that the third height H3 (i.e., the height of the protrusion 116) is equal to at least 25% of the first height H1 (i.e., the height of the first sidewall 102) and / or the second height H2 (i.e., the height of the second sidewall 104), such that the drive shaft does not contact the protrusion 116. In other embodiments, the drive shaft is at least partially disposed in the hollow volume 130 such that the third height H3 is equal to at least 5% of the first height H1 and / or the second height H2, such that the drive shaft contacts the protrusion 116. The third height H3 is associated with the first height H1 and / or the second height H2, such that the oil pan 100 satisfies the geometric constraints set by the engine system and / or engine system components based on system parameters (i.e., being assembled within a defined spatial volume, etc.), such system parameters as engine balancer size, engine height, engine size, engine oil capacity, drive shaft diameter, drive shaft length, and / or the position of the drive shaft relative to other engine components, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, the engine system includes an oil pump coupled to the engine, fluidly connected to a suction line 118, and configured to pump oil. In operation, the oil pump draws oil from the oil pan 100 (i.e., the cavity 110, etc.) through the suction line 118 and pressurizes the oil. In some embodiments, the oil pump may pump the oil through an oil filter to remove objects or contaminants from the oil. The oil pump further pumps the oil through engine components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, and cylinder walls. Due to gravity and the movement of the engine components, the oil flows downwards and returns to the oil pan 100.

[0043] The suction pipe 118 is integral with the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108, such that the suction pipe 118 is manufactured simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with these components (e.g., casting, machining, etc.). In some embodiments, the integrality of the suction pipe 118 with the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108 reduces the assembly time of the oil pan 100. In some embodiments, the integrality of the suction pipe 118 with the first sidewall 102, the second sidewall 104, the third sidewall 106, and the bottom surface 108 improves the structural integrity of the oil pan 100 and increases its rigidity, thereby reducing the failure modes of the oil pan 100. In some embodiments, the outlet 122 of the suction pipe 118 is located on the upper surface of the third sidewall 106. In some examples, a conduit (e.g., a connector, tube, etc.) is connected to outlet 122 and pump, such that the pump draws oil from the inner cavity 110 from outlet 122 through suction pipe 118 via the conduit.

[0044] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the suction pipe body 126 extends between the first inlet 120 and the outlet 122. The suction pipe body 126 extends along the outer periphery of the protrusion 116. The suction pipe body 126 includes a generally smooth inner surface, thereby allowing the oil to have a generally unobstructed laminar flow (e.g., streamlined flow, etc.) and reducing the pressure drop within at least a portion of the suction pipe body 126.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As illustrated, the suction pipe 118 also includes a second inlet 132 in fluid communication with the second cavity 114. The suction pipe body 126 further extends between the second inlet 132 and the outlet 122. In some embodiments, the suction pipe body 126 further extends between the first inlet 120 and the second inlet 132. The first inlet 120 and the second inlet 132 provide passageways to oil in the first cavity 112 and the second cavity 114, respectively, which are disposed around the protrusion 116. In some embodiments, industrial machinery including an engine system (which includes an oil pan 100) may undergo tilting (e.g., tilting from front to back or vice versa, from left to right, or combinations thereof) such that a majority (e.g., 51% or more, 50.0001% or more, etc.) of the oil in the oil pan 100 is disposed in one of the first cavity 112 or the second cavity 114. In these embodiments, the first inlet 120 and the second inlet 132 provide access to oil regardless of where the majority of the oil is located in the oil sump 100 (e.g., in the first chamber 112 or the second chamber 114), thereby preventing or reducing the aeration effect (i.e., the suction pipe body 126 receiving air), which minimizes or prevents pump cavitation. In some embodiments, the first inlet 120 and the second inlet 132 allow for higher oil suction flow rates.

[0046] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the suction pipe body 126 defines a first inlet pipe section 134 that extends between a first inlet 120 and a junction 136, which is generally located between a third sidewall 106 and a protrusion 116. The junction 136 is the region between the third sidewall 106 and the protrusion 116, where the protrusion 116 intersects the third sidewall 106. In some embodiments, the junction 136 is close to the maximum height of the protrusion 116. The suction pipe body 126 further defines a second inlet pipe section 138 that extends between a second inlet 132 and a junction 136, which is generally located between the third sidewall 106 and the protrusion 116. The suction pipe body 126 further defines an outlet pipe section 140 that extends between an outlet 122 and a junction 136, which is generally located between the third sidewall 106 and the protrusion 116.

[0047] like Figure 4 As illustrated, bottom surface 108 defines an attachment hole 142. In some embodiments, the attachment hole 142 is located near a first inlet 120. In other embodiments, the attachment hole 142 is located near a second inlet 132. In some embodiments, bottom surface 108 defines a plurality of attachment holes 142. For example, bottom surface 108 defines two attachment holes 142. In some examples, a first attachment hole of the two attachment holes 142 is located near the first inlet 120, and a second attachment hole of the two attachment holes 142 is located near the second inlet 132.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated, the oil pan 100 includes a filter screen 144 (e.g., a coarse filter, etc.) configured to remove objects or contaminants from the oil when it is removed from the interior 110 via a pump through a suction line 118. In some embodiments, the oil pan 100 includes a plurality of filter screens 144. The filter screen 144 defines filter orifices. In some embodiments, the filter screen 144 defines a plurality of filter orifices. The oil pan 100 also includes fasteners 146 (e.g., bolts, screws, nuts, studs, etc.) disposed within the filter orifices and attachment holes 142, such that the fasteners 146 secure the filter screen 144 to the bottom surface 108. In some embodiments, securing the filter screen 144 to the bottom surface 108 via the fasteners 146 reduces assembly stress. In some embodiments, the oil pan 100 includes a plurality of fasteners 146. For example, the number of fasteners 146 may be equal to or greater than the number of filter screens 144.

[0049] In some embodiments, filter screen 144 is coupled to a first inlet 120. For example, attachment hole 142 is located near the first inlet 120, and fastener 146 is disposed within the filter hole and attachment hole 142 such that fastener 146 secures and coupled filter screen 144 to the first inlet 120. In other embodiments, filter screen 144 is coupled to a second inlet 132. For example, attachment hole 142 is located near the second inlet 132, and fastener 146 is disposed within the filter hole and attachment hole 142 such that fastener 146 secures and coupled filter screen 144 to the second inlet 132. In still other embodiments, a first filter screen of filter screen 144 is coupled to the first inlet 120, and a second filter screen of filter screen 144 is coupled to the second inlet 132. In some embodiments, as a supplement to or alternative to the fastener 146, filter screen 144 is coupled to the bottom surface 108, the first inlet 120, and / or the second inlet 132 via welding and / or adhesive, etc.

[0050] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of possible claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination within a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, while features may be described as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from that combination, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0051] As used herein, the terms “generally,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning and are consistent with common and accepted usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] As used herein, the term "joint" or similar means that two components are joined together directly or indirectly. Such a joint can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a joint can be achieved using two components or any additional intermediate component that forms a single monolithic entity with the two components, or using two components with any additional intermediate component attached to each other.

[0053] As used herein, the term "fluid connection" means that two components or objects have a pathway formed between them in which a fluid (such as air, exhaust gas, liquid reducing agent, gaseous reducing agent, aqueous reducing agent, gaseous ammonia, etc.) can flow with or without the intervention of the component or object. Examples of fluid connections or configurations that enable fluid communication may include pipes, channels, or any other suitable components that allow fluid to flow from one component or object to another.

[0054] It should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. Protection is intended for all variations and modifications within the spirit and / or scope of the described embodiments. It should be understood that some features may not be essential, and embodiments lacking various features may be contemplated as being within the scope of this application, defined by the appended claims. When the term "part" is used, it may include a part and / or the entire item unless the contrary is explicitly stated.

[0055] Furthermore, the term "or" is used in its inclusive meaning (rather than its exclusive meaning), so when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" indicates one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specifically stated, conjunctions such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are understood in context to generally convey that items, terms, etc., can be X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z in a manner that is (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise stated, such conjunctions are generally not intended to imply that some embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be present individually.

Claims

1. An oil pan, the oil pan comprising: First sidewall; The second sidewall is opposite to the first sidewall; A third sidewall extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; A bottom surface extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, such that the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall and the bottom surface define an inner cavity therebetween, the inner cavity including a first cavity and a second cavity, the bottom surface defining a protrusion disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity; and The oil suction pipe is integrally formed with the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the bottom surface, and the oil suction pipe includes: - A first inlet, which is in fluid communication with the first cavity; - An outlet, wherein the outlet is located at the third sidewall; and - An oil suction pipe body that extends between the first inlet and the outlet.

2. The oil pan according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is located on the upper surface of the third sidewall.

3. The oil pan according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the oil suction tube body extends along the outer periphery of the protrusion.

4. The oil pan according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The oil suction pipe further includes a second inlet, which is in fluid communication with the second cavity; and The main body of the oil suction pipe further extends between the second inlet and the outlet.

5. The oil pan according to claim 4, wherein the oil suction pipe body further extends between the first inlet and the second inlet.

6. The oil pan according to claim 4, wherein the oil suction pipe body defines: A first inlet pipe section extends between the first inlet and the junction, the junction being substantially between the third sidewall and the protrusion; and The second inlet pipe section extends between the second inlet and the junction located generally between the third sidewall and the protrusion.

7. The oil pan of claim 6, wherein the suction pipe body further defines an outlet pipe section extending between the outlet and the junction located substantially between the third sidewall and the protrusion.

8. The oil pan according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, wherein the cross-section of the protrusion has two generally flat portions, the two generally flat portions being generally parallel to each other and joined by a generally curved portion.

9. The oil pan according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, wherein the oil pan further comprises a filter screen connected to the first inlet.

10. The oil pan according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, wherein the bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

11. The oil pan according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, wherein the third sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

12. The oil pan of claim 11, wherein the protrusion defines a hollow volume opposite to the inner cavity.

13. An engine system, the engine system comprising: engine; and An oil pan, connected to the engine and configured to store oil for the engine, the oil pan comprising: - First sidewall; - Second sidewall, the second sidewall being opposite to the first sidewall; - A third sidewall, which extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; - A bottom surface extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, such that the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the bottom surface define a cavity therebetween, the cavity including a first cavity and a second cavity, the bottom surface defining a protrusion disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity; and - An oil suction pipe, which is integral with the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the bottom surface, and comprises: -- First inlet, which is in fluid communication with the first cavity; -- An outlet, wherein the outlet is located on the upper surface of the third sidewall; and -- Oil suction pipe body, which extends between the first inlet and the outlet.

14. The engine system according to claim 13, wherein: The oil pan further includes a fourth sidewall, which is opposite to the third sidewall; and The protrusion extends between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall.

15. The engine system of claim 14, wherein the fourth sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

16. The engine system according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the height of the protrusion is equal to at least 25% of the height of the first sidewall.

17. The engine system according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the height of the first sidewall is substantially equal to the height of the second sidewall.

18. The engine system according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein: The bottom surface defines an attachment hole; and The oil pan also includes: - A filter screen defining filter openings; and - Fasteners disposed within the filter holes and the attachment holes, the fasteners securing the filter screen to the bottom surface.

19. The engine system according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein: The protrusion defines a hollow volume opposite to the inner cavity; and The engine system also includes a drive shaft connected to the engine, the drive shaft being at least partially disposed within the hollow volume.

20. The engine system according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the inner surface of the oil suction pipe body is substantially smooth.

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