An engine oil pan structure, an engine, and a vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an engine oil sump structure, an engine and a vehicle and belongs to the technical field of engines.The engine oil sump structure comprises an oil sump provided with an engine oil cavity and an oil return port; a partition is arranged on the oil sump and separates the engine oil cavity into a first oil storage cavity and a second oil storage cavity, and overflow holes are formed in the partition and communicate the first oil storage cavity and the second oil storage cavity; wherein the oil return port is arranged on the first oil storage cavity, the backflow engine oil flows into the first oil storage cavity, and when the liquid level in the first oil storage cavity is higher than the overflow holes, the backflow engine oil flows into the second oil storage cavity; the second oil storage cavity is configured to communicate with an oil inlet of an engine oil pump.The engine oil sump structure, the engine and the vehicle provided by the application can isolate water vapor condensate in piston blow-by gas, the water content of engine oil of the oil sump is low, the oil sump will not freeze in an extremely cold environment, the problem that an oil suction disc filter screen is blocked by ice is avoided from the source, and the engine oil sump structure, the engine and the vehicle have the advantages of simple structure, low cost and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of engine technology, and in particular relates to an engine oil pan structure, an engine, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In the engine lubrication system, the oil pump draws oil from the oil pan via an oil suction plate and pumps it to various friction pairs, piston cooling nozzles, and VVT actuators, among other oil-using components. The end of the oil suction plate is immersed below the oil level in the oil pan and is equipped with a filter screen to coarsely filter the drawn-in oil.

[0003] When vehicles frequently travel short distances in extremely cold regions, the engine oil temperature remains consistently low. Exhaust gases from engine combustion leak into the crankcase through the piston ring gaps, where the large amount of water vapor carried condenses into liquid water upon cooling, entering the engine oil. This is especially true for hybrid vehicles with frequent start-stop cycles and short operating times, where the oil temperature rises more slowly and water content accumulates more rapidly. When the water content in the oil pan is high, if the vehicle is stationary in extremely cold environments, the water in the oil can freeze, easily clogging the oil filter and preventing the oil pump from drawing oil, potentially damaging the engine.

[0004] In existing technologies, some solutions involve adding heating resistance wires or mechanical knocking structures to the oil suction plate filter for de-icing. However, these solutions are complex in structure and difficult to arrange, and heating to melt ice takes time, while mechanical ice breaking has poor reliability. The engine still faces the risk of running without oil until de-icing is complete. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an engine oil pan structure, an engine, and a vehicle, aiming to at least partially solve the technical problem of water in the engine oil freezing and clogging the oil suction pan filter after short-distance driving in extremely cold environments. Therefore, One aspect of this application provides an engine oil pan structure, comprising: The oil pan has an oil reservoir and an oil return port; A separator is provided on the oil pan and divides the oil reservoir into a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, and the separator is provided with an overflow hole that connects the first oil reservoir and the second oil reservoir; The oil return port is located in the first oil storage chamber, and the return oil flows into the first oil storage chamber and flows into the second oil storage chamber when the liquid level in the first oil storage chamber is higher than the overflow hole. The second oil storage chamber is configured to be connected to the oil inlet of the oil pump.

[0006] In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the first oil storage chamber to the second oil storage chamber is 3:1.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first oil reservoir is disposed between the engine piston and the second oil reservoir, so that when the piston leaks air downwards, it contacts the first oil reservoir.

[0008] In some embodiments, an air inlet is provided on the oil pan, and the air inlet is connected to the second oil storage chamber; The air inlet is configured as an air supply passage connected to the engine.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air supply port is provided with a one-way valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the separator includes: An oil storage tank, wherein the tank wall is connected to the inner wall of the oil pan, and the opening of the oil storage tank covers the oil return port; The second oil storage chamber is located below the oil storage tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the overflow hole is located at the bottom of the oil tank, and an annular baffle is provided along the edge of the overflow hole to configure the overflow height of the oil tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, the diameter of the overflow hole is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the oil suction assembly connected to the oil pump inlet, so that when the oil suction assembly passes through the overflow hole, a preset overflow gap is maintained between the overflow hole and the oil suction assembly. The overflow gap ranges from 2mm to 5mm.

[0013] In another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an engine is also provided, including the aforementioned engine oil pan structure.

[0014] In another aspect of this application, a vehicle is also provided, including the aforementioned engine.

[0015] The embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: The engine oil pan structure, engine, and vehicle provided in this application embodiment divide the oil pan cavity into a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir using a separator. An overflow hole is provided between the first and second oil reservoirs for communication. The oil return port area of ​​the oil pan is located in the first oil reservoir, and the second oil reservoir is configured to communicate with the oil pump inlet. Oil-water separation is achieved in the first oil reservoir, with the water overflowing into the second oil reservoir through the overflow hole. Simultaneously, the second oil reservoir serves as the oil pump's suction area, significantly reducing the water content in the oil pump and thus lowering the risk of ice formation and blockage. Furthermore, this application achieves chamber division and oil-water isolation through the separator, eliminating the need for electronic control components and heating devices. The structure is simple, low-cost, highly reliable, and easy to arrange within the limited space of the engine. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an oil pan in the prior art is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the oil pan structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0018] Figure label: 100-Oil pan, 110-Oil reservoir, 110a-Oil return port, 111-First oil reservoir, 112-Second oil reservoir, 113-Air inlet, 114-Air inlet line; 200-Separator, 210-Oil reservoir, 220-Overflow hole, 221-Annular baffle; 300-Oil Absorption Component; a-Return oil flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples in this application. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, this application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0021] This application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: The engine oil pan stores engine oil and pumps it to various friction surfaces via the oil pump. During operation, oil flowing back from the oil-using components also collects in the oil pan. Therefore, the oil in the oil pan will inevitably contain various impurities and condensation; furthermore, water vapor from leaking exhaust gases from the piston rings easily condenses in the oil pan, further increasing the water content. In cold environments, the oil in the oil pan is highly susceptible to freezing and clogging the oil pump's suction plate, thus causing engine damage.

[0022] Therefore, this application provides an engine oil pan structure, an engine, and a vehicle, which aims to at least partially solve the technical problem that water in the engine oil freezes after the engine has traveled a short distance in extremely cold environments, causing the oil suction plate filter to become clogged with ice.

[0023] See Figure 1 In conventional designs, the engine's oil pan 100 has an oil reservoir 110 for storing engine oil; the oil pan 100 also has an oil return port 110a for connecting to the oil return channels a of various oil-using components of the engine and receiving the collected returning oil. The oil pump draws oil from the oil pan through an oil suction assembly 300 such as an oil suction plate and pumps it to the various oil-using components. In conventional designs, the oil return port 110a is typically designed as an open window in the oil pan and is positioned below the engine to receive the oil returning by its own weight.

[0024] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the engine oil pan structure includes an oil pan 100 and a separator 200. The separator 200 is disposed within the oil pan 100 and divides the oil reservoir 110 within the oil pan 100 into a first oil reservoir 111 and a second oil reservoir 112. The separator 200 has an overflow hole 220 that connects the first oil reservoir 111 and the second oil reservoir 112. Thus, when the oil level in the first oil reservoir 111 is higher than the overflow hole 220, the upper layer of oil will overflow into the second oil reservoir 112, or when the oil level in the second oil reservoir 112 is higher than the overflow hole 220, the upper layer of oil will overflow into the first oil reservoir 111.

[0025] The first oil reservoir 111 is configured as a primary oil collection chamber. The oil return port 110a of the oil pan 100 is correspondingly located in the cavity area of ​​the first oil reservoir 111, receiving the engine oil collected and returned from various oil-using structures of the engine. The returned engine oil contains various impurities and condensate, which can settle and separate into layers in the first oil reservoir 111. The oil with lower density is on the upper layer, while the water and impurities with higher density settle at the bottom.

[0026] The second oil reservoir 112 is configured as a secondary oil collection chamber, used to collect the upper layer of engine oil after sedimentation and stratification through the overflow hole 220, thereby obtaining engine oil with relatively low water content; therefore, under extremely cold conditions, the risk and extent of oil freezing in the second oil reservoir 112 are both low. The second oil reservoir 112 is configured to communicate with the oil pump's suction port, thereby reducing the risk of freezing and blockage of the oil suction assembly 300 connected to the suction port to a certain extent.

[0027] When the engine is running normally, the oil pump draws low-water-content oil from the second oil reservoir 112 through the oil suction assembly 300 and pumps it to various oil-using components of the engine (including main bearings, connecting rod bearings, piston cooling nozzles, VVT actuators, etc.). After completing its lubrication and cooling tasks, the oil returns to the oil return port 110a via the engine return passage and falls entirely into the first oil reservoir 111. Because water is denser than oil, under the influence of gravity, liquid water and emulsions gradually settle and accumulate at the bottom of the first oil reservoir 111, forming a layer of impurities such as water and impurities. The oil with lower water content is located above the impurity layer, forming an oil layer. As the engine continues to run, the oil level in the first oil reservoir 111 continuously rises. When the oil level exceeds the height of the overflow hole 220, the low-water-content oil at the top overflows before the water at the bottom and flows into the second oil reservoir 112 through the overflow hole 220. Therefore, the second oil storage chamber 112 always stores low-water-content engine oil that overflows from the first oil storage chamber 111, and the oil suction assembly 300 of the oil pump draws in engine oil with significantly reduced water content from the second oil storage chamber 112.

[0028] Under extremely cold conditions, after a vehicle has been driven several short distances and then left to stand still, the water condensed in the first oil reservoir 111 cannot be evaporated and discharged due to the short engine running time and consistently low oil temperature. After standing still, the oil and water in the first oil reservoir 111 further separate due to their different densities—water and emulsions deposit at the bottom to form a water / ice layer and other impurity layers, while the oil forms an oil layer on top. In extremely low temperatures (such as below -30°C), the water layer at the bottom of the first oil reservoir 111 freezes. However, the oil in the second oil reservoir 112 originates from the low-water-content oil overflowing from the upper layer of the first oil reservoir 111, and its water content is extremely low, so it will not freeze under the same low-temperature conditions. Therefore, when the oil suction plate of the oil pump suction assembly 300 extends into the second oil reservoir 112, its filter will not be blocked by ice.

[0029] When the engine restarts, the oil pump normally draws low-water-content oil from the second oil reservoir 112 through the oil suction assembly 300, without encountering a situation where the oil suction plate of the oil suction assembly 300 is blocked by ice and unable to draw oil. After the engine starts, as the running time increases, the oil temperature gradually rises, and the ice in the first oil reservoir 111 gradually melts into water. The melted water continues to settle at the bottom of the first oil reservoir 111 and will not overflow into the second oil reservoir 112. When the oil temperature rises sufficiently to evaporate the water, the water can be discharged with the exhaust gas through the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system.

[0030] In some embodiments, given that the first oil storage chamber 111 is configured as a stratified sedimentation chamber and the second oil storage chamber 112 serves as an oil suction chamber, it can ensure that the oil pump suction assembly 300 can absorb oil with low water content. In order to ensure oil stratification efficiency and oil circulation stability, and given that the volume of the oil pan 100 is limited, the volume ratio of the first oil storage chamber 111 to the second oil storage chamber 112 should be reasonably configured.

[0031] Given that the first oil reservoir 111 needs sufficient volume to accommodate all the oil returning from the engine and to provide sufficient time for the oil and water to settle and separate, the volume of the first oil reservoir 111 should be set to be multiple times the volume of the second oil reservoir 112.

[0032] Furthermore, the ratio of the first oil storage chamber 111 to the second oil storage chamber 112 can be controlled at 3:1; thereby, while making reasonable use of the limited oil storage volume, the oil-water separation efficiency and the supply of low-water-content engine oil can be taken into account to meet the engine oil demand.

[0033] It should be noted that the 3:1 volume ratio is only one ratio selection in this application embodiment, and those skilled in the art can adjust this ratio according to the specific engine model and application scenario.

[0034] In some embodiments, given that exhaust gas leaks easily through the piston ring gaps of the engine, it enters the oil pan 100 via the crankcase and oil return port, and condenses upon contact with the oil, causing condensate to enter the engine oil. Therefore, exhaust gas contact with the second oil reservoir 112 should be strictly limited to maintain a low water content in the engine oil within the second oil reservoir 112.

[0035] Therefore, the first oil reservoir 111 can be positioned closer to the engine piston, allowing exhaust gas to enter through the opening area of ​​the first oil reservoir 111. Water vapor in the exhaust gas liquefies upon contact with the engine oil in the first oil reservoir 111 and dissolves in the engine oil.

[0036] In some embodiments, in a conventional design, the oil return channel a and the exhaust gas flow range of the engine are related to the inherent structure of the engine and are distributed within the top open window range of the oil pan 1. In order to balance the reliability of oil return collection, the utilization rate of oil storage space, and the limitation of exhaust gas contamination of the oil in the second oil storage chamber 112, the first oil storage chamber 111 can be set between the engine piston and the second oil storage chamber 112, thereby ensuring that the first oil storage chamber 111 can stably cover the range of the engine's oil return line a and isolate the exhaust gas leaking from the piston from the second oil storage chamber 112, so that when the piston leaks gas downwards, it contacts the first oil storage chamber 111 without contacting and contaminating the second oil storage chamber 112.

[0037] In other words, vertically, the separator 200 divides the oil pan 1 into two cavities connected by the overflow hole 220: the first oil reservoir 111 and the second oil reservoir 112. The first oil reservoir 111 is located below the engine piston and the return oil passage a, and the second oil reservoir 112 is located below the first oil reservoir 111. Returning engine oil falls into the first oil reservoir 111 under its own weight, and exhaust gas leaking from the piston also flows downwards and contacts the oil in the first oil reservoir 111, remaining within the area of ​​the first oil reservoir 111.

[0038] When the engine is running, the exhaust gas (containing water vapor) produced by combustion leaks into the crankcase through the piston ring gaps along the piston leakage direction (downward). Since the first oil reservoir 111 is physically located between the piston and the second oil reservoir 112, when the piston leaks and sinks downward, it first enters the first oil reservoir 111.

[0039] When water vapor comes into contact with the engine oil in the first oil reservoir 111, it condenses into liquid water due to the lower temperature of the oil in the first oil reservoir 111. The liquid water mixes into the engine oil in the first oil reservoir 111. Since water is denser than engine oil, under the influence of gravity, the liquid water and emulsion gradually settle and accumulate at the bottom of the first oil reservoir 111, forming a water / ice layer of impurities. The engine oil, with a lower water content, lies above the water layer, forming an oil layer.

[0040] As the engine continues to run, the oil level in the first oil reservoir 111 rises continuously. When the oil level exceeds the overflow hole 220, the low-water-content oil at the top overflows through the overflow hole 220 before the impurities at the bottom and flows into the second oil reservoir 112.

[0041] Therefore, the second oil storage chamber 112 always stores low-water-content engine oil that overflows from the first oil storage chamber 111, and the oil suction assembly 300 of the oil pump draws in engine oil with significantly reduced water content from the second oil storage chamber 112.

[0042] In some embodiments, due to the presence of the overflow hole 220, the exhaust gas leaking from the piston can still enter the second oil reservoir 112, and due to the suction effect of the oil pump, the second oil reservoir 112 presents a certain negative pressure, which to some extent promotes the entry of the exhaust gas leaking from the piston into the second oil reservoir 112.

[0043] Therefore, in order to restrict exhaust gas from entering the second oil storage chamber 112, an air inlet 113 can be opened on the oil pan 100, and the air inlet 113 is connected to the second oil storage chamber 112; the air inlet 113 is configured to connect to an external air source, thereby introducing a directional air supply flow from bottom to top into the second oil storage chamber 112 to form an air curtain barrier, restricting exhaust gas from entering the second oil storage chamber 112 through the overflow hole 220.

[0044] In other words, by opening the air inlet 113 on the side wall of the second oil reservoir 112, during assembly and use, the air inlet 113 can be connected to an external air source through the air supply pipe 114. By continuously supplying airflow, the air supply airflow in the first oil reservoir 111 forms an air curtain around the overflow hole 220. The upward momentum of the airflow prevents water vapor in the piston leakage from diffusing downward into the engine oil in the second oil reservoir 112. The physical isolation of the first oil reservoir 111 and the air curtain barrier of the air supply pipe work together to doublely ensure the low water content of the engine oil in the second oil reservoir 112.

[0045] On the other hand, since the overflowing oil in the first oil storage chamber 111 flows naturally along the edge of the overflow hole 220, it is relatively less affected by the air pressure difference and can be ignored.

[0046] It is worth noting that the air inlet 113 should be positioned higher than the oil level in the second oil reservoir 112 to prevent oil leakage. Furthermore, the air inlet 113 can be positioned at a relatively high point on the oil pan 100 by designing the fit between the separator 200 and the oil pan 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, given that the engine is provided with an air intake structure, in order to simplify the air replenishment structure, the air intake structure of the engine can be directly utilized to replenish the second oil reservoir 112.

[0048] The air inlet 113 can be configured to communicate with the engine's air intake passage or other similar pathway to obtain stable air intake. The air intake passage is typically connected to the rear of the air filter, thereby enabling the acquisition of clean air and helping to maintain the quality of the engine oil in the second oil reservoir 112.

[0049] It is worth noting that during engine operation, the PCV (Powered Crankcase Ventilation) system continuously draws air from the upper part of the crankcase, keeping the entire crankcase under a slight negative pressure. Clean air is introduced from behind the air filter—the pressure behind the air filter is typically higher than the crankcase pressure (approximately 2-10 kPa higher for naturally aspirated engines, and even greater under turbocharged conditions). This clean air enters the second oil reservoir 112 through the air inlet 113. The incoming clean air flows upwards from the second oil reservoir 112, passes through the first oil reservoir 111, and finally merges into the upper crankcase space, where it is drawn out by the PCV valve. The direction of this airflow (upwards) is opposite to the downward settling direction of piston leakage.

[0050] During engine operation, the air intake 113 continuously supplies fresh air into the second oil reservoir 112, forming an air curtain as the fresh air flows upward. Water vapor in the piston leakage is pushed upward at this channel, preventing it from reaching the oil level in the second oil reservoir 112. The physical obstruction of the separator 200 and the air curtain obstruction by the air intake 113 form a dual synergistic protection mechanism. Together, these mechanisms further reduce the water content of the oil in the second oil reservoir 112, making the anti-icing effect more reliable in extremely cold environments.

[0051] It is worth noting that under idling / low load conditions: the intake manifold negative pressure is relatively large, the PCV system's air intake increases, the air intake of the air supply line increases accordingly, and the air curtain effect is enhanced.

[0052] Under high / full load conditions: Piston leakage increases, but at the same time, the intake manifold negative pressure decreases, reducing the PCV system's air extraction volume and consequently reducing the air supply volume in the make-up air path. In this situation, the physical isolation provided by the separator 200 plays a dominant role, ensuring that the separation effect is not affected.

[0053] In some embodiments, a one-way valve may be provided at the air supply port 113 to prevent reverse airflow. The one-way valve may be a reed valve, ball valve, or solenoid valve, and is preferably a reed-type one-way valve with simple structure, rapid response, and good sealing performance.

[0054] In some embodiments, the separator 220 is connected to the oil pan 100, separating the space within the oil pan 100, and forming the first oil storage cavity 111 through the separator 220 and the inner wall of the oil pan 100. In other words, the inner cavity of the oil tank 210 and the upper cavity of the oil pan 100 together form the first oil storage cavity 111.

[0055] To ensure the functionality and structural reliability of the first oil storage chamber 111, the separator 200 can be configured as an oil tank 210 with a certain volume, and the tank wall of the oil tank 210 is connected to the inner wall of the oil pan 100, using the shell of the oil tank 210 to separate the inner cavity of the oil pan 100.

[0056] The opening of the oil storage tank 210 should cover the return oil port 110a to ensure stable collection of return oil. The second oil storage chamber 112 is located below the oil storage tank 210, and the overflow hole 220 is formed on the oil storage tank 210.

[0057] In some embodiments, in order to form the functional structure of the overflow hole 220, the overflow hole 220 can be opened at the bottom of the oil storage tank 210, and an annular baffle 221 can be provided on the edge of the overflow hole 220, thereby forming an overflow structure with a certain overflow height.

[0058] In other words, the overflow hole 220 and the annular baffle 221 together form a cylindrical structure with a certain height. The cylindrical cavity serves as an overflow channel, connecting the first oil storage chamber 111 and the second oil storage chamber 112. The annular baffle 221 can be a cylindrical component of a set specification.

[0059] It is worth noting that the side wall of the oil tank 210 is relatively close to the side wall of the oil pan 100, which is not conducive to the overflow of the overflow hole 220 and is easily interfered with. By placing the overflow hole 220 at the bottom of the oil tank 210, although the annular baffle 221 is added, a larger flow space can be obtained, and the overflow function is more stable compared to the narrow slit near the tank wall.

[0060] The height of the annular baffle 221 can be matched and set according to actual needs, so that the overflow height can be customized. When the oil level in the first oil storage chamber 111 exceeds the upper height of the annular baffle 221, the oil overflows above the annular baffle 221 and flows into the second oil storage chamber 112 through the overflow hole 220.

[0061] In some embodiments, the separator 200 can be configured as a horizontal or arc-shaped separator extending inward from the inner wall of the oil pan 100, dividing the oil reservoir 110 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, namely the first oil reservoir 111 and the second oil reservoir 112. One or more overflow holes 210 are provided on the separator, through which oil in the upper chamber flows into the lower chamber. This implementation reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, and allows the oil pan 100 and the separator to be integrally cast.

[0062] Furthermore, the baffle can also be detachable. The baffle has mounting flanges along its edges, which are connected to the inner wall of the oil pan 100 via bolts or clips. A sealing gasket or sealant is provided between the baffle and the inner wall of the oil pan 100 to prevent return oil from leaking directly into the second oil storage chamber 112 without separation. This implementation facilitates disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance, and is suitable for applications requiring regular cleaning.

[0063] In some embodiments, to simplify the oil pan structure, the oil inlet of the oil pump can be directly connected to the oil suction assembly 300, which passes through the overflow hole 220 and is then immersed in the oil in the second oil storage chamber 112.

[0064] Given that the overflow gap serves as the main channel for oil overflow from the first oil reservoir 111 to the second oil reservoir 112, its area should be large enough to ensure that low-water-content oil can flow smoothly from the first oil reservoir 111 to the second oil reservoir 112, meeting the oil pump's suction flow requirements and preventing abnormal increases in the liquid level within the first oil reservoir 111. Therefore, the diameter of the overflow hole 220 should be larger than the specifications of the oil suction assembly 300, maintaining a sufficient overflow gap between them to ensure smooth overflow. The oil suction assembly 300 can be configured as an oil suction pipe and an oil suction plate, with the oil suction pipe passing through the overflow hole 220 and the oil suction plate immersed in the oil within the second oil reservoir 112.

[0065] On the other hand, the overflow gap also serves as a channel for the replenishing airflow to flow from bottom to top. According to fluid mechanics principles, under the condition of a constant replenishing airflow rate, the smaller the gap, the greater the airflow velocity, and the more significant the air curtain effect. Therefore, the gap should not be too large; otherwise, the replenishing airflow velocity will be insufficient, making it difficult to form an effective air curtain barrier. Therefore, the diameter of the overflow hole 220 should also not be too large.

[0066] Therefore, the overflow gap can be controlled within the range of 2mm to 5mm to balance overflow reliability and air curtain strength. It is worth noting that the overflow gap can be appropriately matched and selected for different engine models and specifications.

[0067] In other embodiments of this application, an engine is also provided, including an engine body and the aforementioned engine oil pan structure.

[0068] The engine block includes conventional components such as the cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, oil pump, and valve train. The engine oil pan is installed at the bottom of the engine block and is used to store engine oil and supply oil to the engine lubrication system.

[0069] The engine's return oil passage a is located above the first oil reservoir 111, and the opening area of ​​the first oil reservoir 111 covers the return oil passage a, so that all the returning oil flows into the first oil reservoir 111. The oil pump's inlet is connected to an oil suction assembly, which extends through the overflow hole 220 into the oil in the second oil reservoir 112.

[0070] When the engine is running, the oil pump draws low-water-content oil from the second oil reservoir 112 through the oil suction assembly, pressurizes it, and pumps it to various oil-using components of the engine. After completing its lubrication and cooling tasks, the oil, under the influence of gravity, flows through the return oil channel a in the engine cylinder block and cylinder head and falls entirely into the first oil reservoir 111, entering the next water-oil separation and circulation process.

[0071] The engine in this application embodiment is particularly suitable for hybrid vehicles that frequently start and stop. Hybrid vehicle engines have short single-run times and slow temperature rise, making traditional engines prone to rapid accumulation of water content in the engine oil under such conditions. This application embodiment, through a continuous passive water-oil separation mechanism, enables the engine to maintain a low water content in the oil pump suction area under any operating mode, significantly improving the adaptability of hybrid vehicle engines in extremely cold regions.

[0072] On the other hand, the engine oil pan structure in this embodiment requires minimal modification and has strong compatibility. The separator 200 can be implemented by adding an internal oil reservoir or partition to the existing oil pan, without changing the main structure of the engine block, cylinder head, and oil pump, making it easy to upgrade and modify on existing engine platforms.

[0073] In another aspect of this application, a vehicle is also provided, including the aforementioned engine. The vehicle can be a conventional gasoline vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV / PHEV), or a range-extended electric vehicle. The engine, as a power source or one of the power sources of the vehicle, provides the driving force required for the vehicle to move.

[0074] The embodiments of this application have at least the following comprehensive technical effects: This application uses a separator to divide the oil reservoir of the oil pan body into a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir. By utilizing the positional arrangement of the return oil port and overflow hole, water in the returning oil naturally settles to the bottom of the first oil reservoir under gravity, while the upper layer of oil with low water content flows into the second oil reservoir through the overflow hole for the oil pump to draw in. Thus, the water content of the oil in the oil pump's suction area is effectively controlled. Since the freezing point of low-water-content oil is significantly lower than that of high-water-content oil (with a water content of 0.5%, the freezing point is approximately -5℃ to -10℃; after the water content drops to 0.02%, the freezing point is below -40℃), this application ensures that after the engine is stopped and left to stand in extremely cold environments at -40℃, the oil in the second oil reservoir does not freeze, the oil suction port and filter remain unobstructed, and normal oil pressure can be immediately established when the engine is restarted.

[0075] The water-oil separation mechanism of this application is a passive physical separation, and its separation effect is not affected by operating parameters such as oil temperature, engine speed, and running time. Regardless of whether the engine is in a cold start phase, idling condition, medium-to-high speed operation, or high-temperature, high-load condition, the returning oil continuously undergoes gravity settling separation after entering the first oil reservoir. Compared to existing technologies that rely on high-temperature evaporation of oil to remove water (which is only effective when the oil temperature reaches above 80°C), this application can function across the entire temperature range, making it particularly suitable for applications where the oil temperature is consistently low. Simultaneously, the overflow structure of the annular baffle ensures that a certain amount of oil in the first oil reservoir always participates in water-oil separation, preventing water from entering the second oil reservoir due to excessively low liquid levels, thus maintaining the long-term stability of the separation effect.

[0076] The separator, overflow hole, and annular baffle in this application are all purely mechanical structures, requiring no electronic control components, sensors, heaters, or actuators. The purely mechanical structure does not increase the vehicle's electrical load, does not rely on external energy supply, and the oil pan's anti-icing function can still operate normally even if the vehicle's low-pressure system fails. Simultaneously, it avoids the risk of electronic components failing due to low-temperature malfunctions in extremely cold environments (-40℃). Compared to technologies using electric heating solutions, the reliability and environmental adaptability of this application are significantly improved. Furthermore, the purely mechanical structure does not generate electromagnetic interference and does not affect the normal operation of surrounding sensors. In addition, this application only adds a separator inside the oil pan, without changing the original structure of the oil suction assembly or increasing the external dimensions of the oil pan. It can upgrade existing engine platforms without altering the main engine structure, demonstrating good platform compatibility and promotional value.

[0077] This application includes an air inlet for introducing fresh air, which forms an upward directional airflow around the oil reservoir. This air curtain utilizes the momentum and inertia of the air to prevent water vapor in piston leakage from diffusing downwards to the oil surface in the second oil reservoir. Through the synergistic effect of the air curtain in the air inlet and the physical isolation of the oil reservoir, the path of water vapor into the second oil reservoir is blocked layer by layer, further reducing the water content of the oil in the oil suction area. Thus, this application forms a dual anti-icing mechanism combining physical barrier and airflow barrier, which is more reliable in preventing ice blockage than a single physical isolation or a single heating defrosting solution. At the same time, the air inlet also provides fresh air to the PCV system, helping to maintain stable crankcase negative pressure and reducing the risk of increased oil consumption due to excessive crankcase negative pressure.

[0078] Hybrid vehicles, with their frequent engine start-stop cycles, short single-cycle operating times, and slow oil temperature rise, represent the application scenario where oil water content accumulates most rapidly. Existing technologies relying on high-temperature oil evaporation to remove water are largely ineffective in hybrid vehicles, while electric heating solutions suffer from increased energy consumption and shortened heating element lifespan due to repeated heating and cooling caused by frequent start-stop cycles. The passive separation mechanism of this application is not limited by engine operating time or temperature; regardless of whether the engine is running continuously or intermittently, water-oil separation continues after the returned oil enters the first oil reservoir. Therefore, this application is particularly suitable for hybrid vehicles, effectively solving the water accumulation problem caused by frequent start-stop cycles in hybrid engines without additional energy consumption, extending oil lifespan, and reducing maintenance frequency and costs for hybrid vehicles.

[0079] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0080] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0081] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. In this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the aforementioned features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0083] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0084] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An engine oil pan structure characterized by comprising: include: The oil pan has an oil reservoir and an oil return port; A separator is provided on the oil pan and divides the oil reservoir into a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, and the separator is provided with an overflow hole that connects the first oil reservoir and the second oil reservoir; The oil return port is located in the first oil storage chamber, and the return oil flows into the first oil storage chamber and flows into the second oil storage chamber when the liquid level in the first oil storage chamber is higher than the overflow hole. The second oil storage chamber is configured to be connected to the oil inlet of the oil pump.

2. The engine oil pan structure according to claim 1, characterized by The volume ratio of the first oil storage chamber to the second oil storage chamber is 3:

1.

3. The engine oil pan structure according to claim 1, characterized by The first oil reservoir is located between the engine piston and the second oil reservoir so that when the piston leaks air downwards, it contacts the first oil reservoir.

4. The engine oil pan structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, An air inlet is provided on the oil pan, and the air inlet is connected to the second oil storage chamber; The air inlet is configured as an air supply passage connected to the engine.

5. The engine oil pan structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The air supply port is equipped with a one-way valve.

6. The engine oil pan structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The separator includes: An oil storage tank, wherein the tank wall is connected to the inner wall of the oil pan, and the opening of the oil storage tank covers the oil return port; The second oil storage chamber is located below the oil storage tank.

7. The engine oil pan structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The overflow hole is located at the bottom of the oil tank, and an annular baffle is provided along the edge of the overflow hole to configure the overflow height of the oil tank.

8. The engine oil pan structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the overflow hole is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the oil suction assembly connected to the oil pump inlet, so that when the oil suction assembly passes through the overflow hole, a preset overflow gap is maintained between the overflow hole and the oil suction assembly. The overflow gap ranges from 2mm to 5mm.

9. An engine, characterized in that, Includes the engine oil pan structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the engine as described in claim 9.

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