Oil pan and vehicle

By adopting a laminated structure design in the oil pan, including a base layer of aluminum or composite materials and shock absorbing layers, the problems of poor NVH performance and heavy weight of traditional oil pan are solved, and the effects of lightweight and noise reduction are achieved.

CN223048868UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-01SHANGHAI LIXIANG AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422196799.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-06
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The NVH performance of traditional oil pans is poor and has heavier weight, making it difficult to meet the needs of lightweight design of vehicles.

Method used

The oil pan design adopts a laminated structure, including a first base layer, a shock absorbing layer and a second base layer, at least one of which is made of aluminum or composite layer, and a shock absorbing layer in the middle is formed. A three-layer structure is formed by adhesive connection to improve the buffering and shock isolation capability.

Benefits of technology

Effectively improves the NVH performance of the oil pan while significantly reducing weight, reducing noise levels and reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

According to the oil pan and the vehicle, the oil pan comprises the first base layer, the shock absorption layer and the second base layer which are arranged in a stacked mode to form a three-layer structure, the middle layer is the shock absorption layer, the buffering and shock insulation capacity of the oil pan is effectively improved, and the NVH performance of the oil pan is improved; meanwhile, at least one of the first base layer and the second base layer is the aluminum layer or the composite layer, and the aluminum layer or the composite layer is lighter, so that the total weight of the oil pan is reduced; therefore, the oil pan has good NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) performance while having lower monomer weight.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of oil sumps, in particular to an oil sump and a vehicle. Background Technique

[0002] As an important part of the engine, the vehicle oil sump is located at the lower part of the engine, forms a relatively enclosed space with the crankcase, prevents impurities from entering, collects and stores the returned engine oil, enables the high-temperature oil to dissipate part of the heat, and slows down the oxidation of the engine oil.

[0003] In the traditional method, a single-layer steel oil sump is adopted, and the NVH performance of the oil sump is poor and the weight is heavy, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the vehicle. With the continuous improvement of technology, some vehicles begin to adopt a single-layer aluminum oil sump, which effectively reduces the weight of the oil sump, but its NVH performance still cannot reach the ideal level of the vehicle. Content of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the utility model provides an oil sump and a vehicle to at least solve the problems of poor NVH performance or heavy weight of the current oil sump.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is realized as follows:

[0006] The utility model provides an oil sump, which comprises a first base layer, a shock-absorbing layer and a second base layer which are stacked; at least one of the first base layer and the second base layer is an aluminum layer or a composite layer.

[0007] Optionally, both the first base layer and the second base layer are aluminum layers.

[0008] Optionally, the first base layer is adhesively connected to the shock-absorbing layer, and the shock-absorbing layer is adhesively connected to the second base layer.

[0009] Optionally, the first base layer is connected to the second base layer to enclose the shock-absorbing layer between the first base layer and the second base layer.

[0010] Optionally, the first base layer and the second base layer are stamping parts.

[0011] Optionally, the thickness range of the shock-absorbing layer is 0.015 mm to 0.035 mm.

[0012] Optionally, the total thickness range of the oil sump is 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the shock-absorbing layer is any one of a butyl rubber layer, a polyurethane rubber layer, an acrylate rubber layer, a polysulfide rubber layer, a nitrile rubber layer and a silicone rubber layer.

[0014] Optionally, the first base layer and the second base layer have the same thickness.

[0015] The present utility model also provides a vehicle, including the oil pan described in any one of the foregoing items.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the oil pan and the vehicle of the present utility model have the following advantages:

[0017] The oil pan of the present utility model includes a first base layer, a shock-absorbing layer, and a second base layer that are stacked, forming a three-layer structure. The middle layer is the shock-absorbing layer, effectively improving the buffering and shock isolation ability of the oil pan and enhancing the NVH performance of the oil pan. At the same time, at least one of the first base layer and the second base layer is an aluminum layer or a composite layer, and the aluminum layer or the composite layer is lighter in weight, which helps to reduce the total weight of the oil pan. Thus, the oil pan has a low single weight while having good NVH performance.

[0018] The vehicle of the present utility model has the same or similar advantages as the foregoing oil pan compared with the prior art, which will not be elaborated herein. Description of the Drawings

[0019] The drawings constituting a part of the present utility model are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present utility model. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an oil pan in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 is a side view of an oil pan in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an oil pan in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0024] 1 - First base layer, 2 - Second base layer, 3 - Shock-absorbing layer, 4 - Cavity, 5 - Flange. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] In the description and claims of the present utility model, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present utility model can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of the same category, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the description and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / ", generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0027] It should be understood that "some embodiments" mentioned throughout the description means that specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present utility model. Therefore, the "in some embodiments" that appears throughout the description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0028] The following specifically introduces an oil pan and a vehicle provided by the present utility model by listing specific embodiments.

[0029] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an embodiment of the present utility model provides an oil pan, which includes a first base layer 1, a shock-absorbing layer 3 and a second base layer 2 arranged in a stacked manner; at least one of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is an aluminum layer or a composite layer.

[0030] Specifically, the oil pan is a detachable component located at the lower part of the engine, which is the lower half of the crankcase and is also called the lower crankcase. The oil pan can enclose the crankcase to prevent external impurities from entering and protect the internal parts of the engine from being polluted. At the same time, the oil pan can collect and store the lubricating oil flowing back from each friction surface of the engine to ensure that all parts of the engine are fully lubricated. The oil pan can also dissipate part of the heat to prevent the lubricating oil from oxidizing and deteriorating at high temperatures, thereby extending the service life of the lubricating oil. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the oil pan has an open cavity 4, and the opening part of the oil pan bends and extends in a direction away from the cavity 4 to form a flange 5. The flange 5 is provided with connection holes for fasteners such as bolts and screws to pass through, and the oil pan can be fixedly connected to the vehicle body through these connection holes.

[0031] The oil pan includes a first base layer 1, a shock-absorbing layer 3, and a second base layer 2 that are stacked. The shock-absorbing layer 3 is disposed between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2. In some embodiments, the areas of the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3, and the second base layer 2 are approximately the same. The shock-absorbing layer 3 is connected to the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 respectively to form an oil pan with a three-layer structure. In other embodiments, the areas of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are larger than the area of the shock-absorbing layer 3. The shock-absorbing layer 3 is disposed in the central region of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2, and the edges of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are connected to each other to form an oil pan with a three-layer structure.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments, the shock-absorbing layer 3 may have a layered structure with multiple pores. The multiple pores enable the shock-absorbing layer 3 to undergo elastic or plastic deformation when subjected to an external force, reducing stress concentration and damage in the shock-absorbing layer 3 during vibration, thereby absorbing and dispersing energy and playing a certain role in buffering and energy absorption.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments, the shock-absorbing layer 3 may be processed from a polymer shock-absorbing adhesive, such as any one of a butyl rubber layer, a polyurethane rubber layer, an acrylate rubber layer, a polysulfide rubber layer, a nitrile rubber layer, and a silicone rubber layer. The shock-absorbing layer 3 made of the above materials has good heat resistance, wear resistance, aging resistance, etc., and can play a role in buffering and energy absorption through its own deformation.

[0034] Compared with the traditional single-layer steel oil pan or single-layer aluminum oil pan, the oil pan in this embodiment adopts a three-layer structure, with the middle layer being the shock-absorbing layer 3, effectively improving the buffer and vibration isolation ability of the oil pan and enhancing the NVH performance of the oil pan. Among them, the NVH performance refers to the comprehensive performance of noise, vibration, and harshness. Noise refers to various sounds generated during the operation of the vehicle, including engine noise, wind noise, road noise, tire noise, etc. Vibration refers to the vibration of components such as the body, chassis, and seat caused by uneven road surfaces, unbalanced engine operation, etc. during the driving process of the vehicle. Harshness refers to the uncomfortable feeling during riding caused by vibration and noise. Therefore, the NVH performance is an important indicator for measuring the manufacturing quality of vehicles.

[0035] At least one of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is an aluminum layer or a composite layer. The aluminum layer is processed from pure aluminum or aluminum alloy. The aluminum layer is light in weight, has good plasticity, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, and can be made into shells of various shapes and sizes through different processing techniques to meet the requirements of different oil sumps. The composite layer is processed from composite materials. Composite materials usually consist of two parts: a matrix and a reinforcing material. The matrix usually uses aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium and their alloys, etc., and the reinforcing material usually uses glass fiber, carbon fiber, boron fiber, silicon carbide fiber, asbestos fiber, etc. The composite material has a small specific gravity, high specific strength, and corrosion resistance, and can effectively improve the strength of the oil sump, reduce the weight of the oil sump, and at the same time enhance the buffer and shock isolation ability of the plate.

[0036] In one embodiment, one of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is selected as an aluminum layer or a composite layer, and the other is selected as a steel layer. That is, the materials of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are different. Since the cost of the steel layer is lower than that of the aluminum layer or the composite layer, this embodiment is more helpful for controlling the overall cost of the oil sump. In another embodiment, both the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are selected as an aluminum layer or a composite layer. That is, the materials of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are the same. The first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 with the same material have similar strength and stiffness, which is more helpful for realizing the uniform stress of the oil sump, and at the same time is more convenient for the subsequent connection and fixation of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2.

[0037] After testing, in terms of the NVH performance of the vehicle, under the average measurement standard at about four meters away from the oil sump, the noise of a single-layer steel oil sump is about 3 dB(A). If the oil sump provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used, the noise level of the oil sump with the same wall thickness can be reduced by about 0.5 dB(A) to 2.5 dB(A), effectively improving the NVH performance of the oil sump. In terms of the total weight of the oil sump, the total weight of a single-layer steel oil sump is about 1.8 Kg to 1.9 Kg. If the oil sump provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used, the total weight of the oil sump with the same wall thickness is about 0.7 Kg to 0.8 Kg, and the weight can be reduced by about 61%. Obviously, the total weight of the oil sump is effectively reduced.

[0038] In summary, the oil sump of the embodiment of the present invention includes a first base layer 1, a shock-absorbing layer 3, and a second base layer 2 that are stacked, forming a three-layer structure. The middle layer is the shock-absorbing layer 3, which effectively improves the buffer and shock isolation ability of the oil sump and improves the NVH performance of the oil sump; at the same time, at least one of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is an aluminum layer or a composite layer, and the aluminum layer or the composite layer is lighter in weight, which helps to reduce the total weight of the oil sump; thus, the oil sump has good NVH performance while having a lower single weight.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments, the first base layer 1 and the shock-absorbing layer 3 are adhesively connected, and the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 are adhesively connected. During the forming process of the oil pan, the plate structures of the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 can be prepared separately first. Then, an adhesive layer is coated on the first base layer 1, and the shock-absorbing layer 3 is placed on the first base layer 1. The first base layer 1 and the shock-absorbing layer 3 are bonded together by using the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cured and formed under a certain pressure and temperature, so as to bond the first base layer 1 and the shock-absorbing layer 3 together reliably. Then, an adhesive layer is coated on the shock-absorbing layer 3, and the second base layer 2 is placed on the shock-absorbing layer 3. The adhesive layer is cured and formed under a certain pressure and temperature, so as to bond the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 together reliably. After the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 are bonded and fixed, the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 can be stamped into a preset shape structure through a stamping process to form a finished oil pan.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, the adhesive layer can be selected as a structural adhesive. A structural adhesive is an adhesive that can form a strong structural bond on the surface of materials. It has high strength, can withstand large loads, is resistant to aging and corrosion, and has stable performance within the expected service life. It can be used for bonding structural parts that bear strong forces to ensure the reliability of the bonding.

[0041] In addition, after the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3 and the second base layer 2 are connected, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are used as edge layers. Preferably, their edge parts are set to be flush with each other. The shock-absorbing layer 3 is used as an intermediate layer. Due to the deformation characteristics of its material, its edge part can be flush with the edge parts of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2, or can be slightly shorter than or extend beyond the edge parts of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, both the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are aluminum layers. The surface of the aluminum layer does not require electroplating for rust prevention treatment. Compared with the traditional steel layer, the aluminum layer has lower processing costs and is easier to process, which helps to control the overall cost of the oil pan and reduce the processing difficulty of the oil pan.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are connected to each other to enclose the shock-absorbing layer 3 between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2. Specifically, the areas of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are larger than the area of the shock-absorbing layer 3. The edge part of the first base layer 1 is connected to the edge part of the second base layer 2, and a closed cavity is formed between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2. The shock-absorbing layer 3 is filled in the cavity. Among them, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 can be connected by means of laser welding, bolts or screws and other fastener assembly connections to ensure the connection reliability between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are hermetically connected. Specifically, a gasket may be provided at the connection portion between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2. The gasket can be made of materials such as rubber, nylon, polyethylene, etc., which can achieve the sealing of the cavity between the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2, avoiding the overflow of the shock-absorbing layer 3, and thus ensuring the reliability of the oil pan during use.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are stamping parts, that is, the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are processed by stamping technology. Stamping technology is a forming processing method that applies external forces to plates, strips, tubes, profiles, etc. by a press and a die, causing them to undergo plastic deformation or separation, so as to obtain workpieces with the required shapes and sizes. The formed workpieces have the characteristics of thin and uniform thickness, light weight, high strength, and high material utilization rate. Therefore, by using stamping parts for the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2, on the basis of meeting the strength requirements of the oil pan, the total weight of the oil pan can be further controlled, and at the same time, material waste can be avoided.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the thickness range of the shock-absorbing layer 3 is 0.015 mm to 0.035 mm. Exemplarily, the thickness of the shock-absorbing layer 3 can be set to 0.015 mm, 0.025 mm, 0.035 mm, and is specifically set according to the thickness of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2. If the thickness of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is smaller, the thickness of the shock-absorbing layer 3 can be correspondingly smaller, closer to 0.015 mm, controlling the cost of the shock-absorbing layer 3 on the basis of meeting the shock-absorbing ability; if the thickness of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 is larger, the thickness of the shock-absorbing layer 3 can be correspondingly larger, closer to 0.035 mm, to meet the shock-absorbing requirements of the oil pan.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments, the total thickness range of the oil pan is 1 mm to 3 mm. The total thickness of the oil pan refers to the sum of the thicknesses of the first base layer 1, the shock-absorbing layer 3, and the second base layer 2. Exemplarily, the total thickness of the oil pan can be set to 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and is specifically set according to the vehicle's needs. If the total thickness of the oil pan is larger, closer to 3 mm, the strength and stiffness of the oil pan are greater and the weight is heavier; if the total thickness of the oil pan is smaller, closer to 1 mm, the strength and stiffness of the oil pan are smaller and the weight is lighter.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the thicknesses of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 are equal, making the strength and stiffness of the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 2 nearly the same, making the upper and lower forces of the oil pan more uniform, and more conducive to improving the structural stability of the oil pan.

[0049] The embodiment of the present utility model also provides a vehicle, including the oil pan described in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0050] Specifically, the vehicle is a fuel vehicle that uses the oil pan of the foregoing embodiment. The oil pan belongs to the lubrication system of the vehicle, and the lubrication system is an important part of the vehicle engine. It is mainly used to lubricate various friction surfaces inside the engine, reduce the wear and frictional resistance of parts, and at the same time cool the friction surfaces, clean the friction surfaces, and prevent the engine oil from oxidizing and deteriorating. As a key component in the lubrication system, the oil pan is used to collect and store the lubricating oil flowing back from various friction surfaces of the engine, prevent impurities from entering, and help dissipate heat to a certain extent. When the engine is working, the oil pump pumps the engine oil out of the oil pan and transports it to the surfaces of various components that need lubrication through the oil passage. After completing the lubrication task, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan to form a cycle. At the same time, the oil pan is light in weight and has good NVH performance, which helps to achieve the lightweight design of the vehicle and improve the quality of the vehicle.

[0051] Finally, it should also be noted that the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device comprising the element.

[0052] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oil pan, characterized in that: The oil pan comprises a first base layer (1), a shock absorbing layer (3) and a second base layer (2) which are stacked; At least one of the first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2) is an aluminum layer or a composite layer.

2. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2) are both aluminum layers.

3. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first base layer (1) and the shock-absorbing layer (3) are adhesively connected, and the shock-absorbing layer (3) and the second base layer (2) are adhesively connected.

4. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2) are connected to each other so as to seal the shock absorbing layer (3) between the first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2).

5. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2) are stamped parts.

6. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the shock-absorbing layer (3) ranges from 0.015 mm to 0.035 mm.

7. The oil sump according to claim 1, characterized in that The total thickness of the oil pan is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

8. The oil sump according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The shock-absorbing layer (3) is any one of a butyl rubber layer, a polyurethane rubber layer, an acrylic rubber layer, a polysulfide rubber layer, a nitrile rubber layer, and a silicone rubber layer.

9. The oil sump according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The thickness of the first base layer (1) and the second base layer (2) are equal.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The oil pan comprises the oil pan as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.