Cylinder body oil return structure and engine

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air cylinder body oil return structure and an engine. The air cylinder body oil return structure comprises an air cylinder body which extends in the first direction; the crankcase is connected to one end, in the first direction, of the air cylinder body; the oil return channel is arranged on the air cylinder body, the oil return channel penetrates through the air cylinder body, an oil inlet is formed in the top end face of the air cylinder body, and an oil outlet facing the interior of the crankcase is formed in the connecting position of the air cylinder body and the crankcase. The oil return channel penetrating through the air cylinder body is arranged on the air cylinder body, the oil inlet of the oil return channel is located in the top end face of the air cylinder body, and the oil outlet of the oil return channel is located in the connecting position of the air cylinder body and the crankcase, so that lubricating oil can directly flow back to the crankcase from the top end of the air cylinder body without additional pipelines and connecting pieces; and a zigzag oil return channel does not need to be arranged, so that the overall structure of the oil return structure of the cylinder body is simplified, and the weight and the production cost of the cylinder body are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile engines, and in particular to a cylinder oil return structure and an engine. Background Art

[0002] The car engine is the heart of the car. During engine operation, moving parts such as the valve train and crankshaft-connecting rod mechanism require adequate lubrication. Lubrication requires lubricating oil to flow in and out of the lubricated parts. Usually, an oil return channel is set on the cylinder block to facilitate the circulation of lubricating oil.

[0003] In related art, lubricating oil return is achieved by providing an oil return passage that runs through the cylinder block or by providing an external pipe on the cylinder block. However, providing an oil return passage that runs through the cylinder block requires avoiding components within the cylinder block, often resulting in a complex structure with multiple tortuous sections. Furthermore, providing an external pipe on the cylinder block also increases the structural complexity and cost of the cylinder block. Furthermore, both approaches increase the weight of the cylinder block, hindering its lightweight design. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a cylinder oil return structure and an engine to address the above technical problems, so as to simplify the cylinder oil return structure and reduce the weight of the cylinder body and the production cost.

[0005] The first aspect of the present application provides a cylinder block oil return structure, which includes: a cylinder body, which is extended along a first direction; a crankcase, which is connected to one end of the cylinder body in the first direction; and an oil return channel, which is arranged on the cylinder body, and the oil return channel runs through the cylinder body, and an oil inlet is formed on the top surface of the cylinder body, and an oil outlet is formed at the connection between the cylinder body and the crankcase, which is arranged toward the inside of the crankcase.

[0006] The above-mentioned cylinder block oil return structure is achieved by setting an oil return channel that runs through the cylinder body on the cylinder body. The oil inlet of the oil return channel is located on the top surface of the cylinder body, and the oil outlet is located at the connection between the cylinder body and the crankcase, so that the lubricating oil can flow directly back to the crankcase from the top of the cylinder body. No additional pipes and connectors are required, and no tortuous oil return channel is required. This simplifies the overall structure of the cylinder block oil return structure and helps to reduce the weight and production cost of the cylinder block oil return structure.

[0007] In one embodiment, multiple oil return channels are provided, spaced apart on the sidewall of the cylinder body along a second direction, with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The provision of multiple oil return channels allows lubricating oil to return to the crankcase from multiple locations, increasing the number of return paths and improving lubricating oil return efficiency. Furthermore, the design of multiple oil return channels strengthens the internal support structure of the cylinder body sidewall, thereby enhancing the overall rigidity and strength of the cylinder body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the total cross-sectional area of the multiple oil return channels is greater than or equal to 1000 mm². This cross-sectional area can ensure that the lubricating oil returns to the crankcase quickly and in large quantities, thereby improving the return efficiency.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the oil return passage gradually increases along the first direction. This increase in the cross-sectional area of the oil return passage increases the flow rate of the lubricating oil within the oil return passage, enhancing the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil to the crankcase while reducing the flow resistance of the lubricating oil, allowing the lubricating oil to return more smoothly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the crankcase includes a crankcase body and a support seat disposed within the crankcase body. The central axis of the oil return passage is parallel to the central axis of the support seat, and the oil return passage and the support seat are spaced apart in a first direction. This allows the oil return passage to avoid the support seat, thereby avoiding a tortuous design of the oil return passage, simplifying the oil return passage structure, and effectively reducing the weight of the cylinder block return structure. Furthermore, the oil return passage is prevented from interfering with the support seat, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the cylinder block return structure and, consequently, the stability and reliability of the engine.

[0011] In one embodiment, two oil outlets are provided, symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the oil return passage. The two oil outlets are disposed toward the interior of the crankcase and are located on either side of the support seat in a second direction, with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. Lubricating oil can flow directly from the two oil outlets to either side of the support seat and into the crankcase, thereby preventing the support seat from affecting the flow of lubricating oil, ensuring smooth lubricating oil return, and enabling the support seat to provide good support. This maximizes the retention of the support seat configuration and improves the strength of the cylinder block return structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the oil outlets are all configured in a circular shape. The circular configuration can avoid casting sharp corners, thereby reducing stress concentration at the oil outlets.

[0013] In one embodiment, the oil inlet is configured as a special-shaped hole. The provision of the special-shaped hole can increase the inlet cross-sectional area of the oil inlet, thereby effectively improving the inflow and flow efficiency of the lubricating oil.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cylinder body is further provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded hole and the oil return passage are spaced apart on the top surface of the cylinder body. The oil return passage can avoid the influence of the threaded hole, ensuring that lubricating oil can stably enter the crankcase through the oil return passage.

[0015] On the other hand, the present application provides an engine, which includes the cylinder oil return structure as described above.

[0016] The above-mentioned engine contributes to the lightweight design of the engine by simplifying the structure of the cylinder oil return structure, reducing the weight and production cost of the cylinder oil return structure, and the setting of the cylinder oil return structure helps to improve the stability and reliability of the engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cylinder oil return structure in one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the cylinder oil return structure along the AA direction.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the cylinder block oil return structure along the BB direction.

[0020] Description of reference numerals:

[0021] 100. Cylinder oil return structure; 10. Cylinder body; 11. Cylinder cavity; 12. Threaded hole; 20. Crankcase; 21. Crankcase body; 22. Support seat; 30. Oil return channel; 31. Oil inlet; 32. Oil outlet; S1. First direction; S2. Second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0024] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0027] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0028] During engine operation, lubricating oil is required to lubricate and cool the moving parts inside the engine. To improve lubrication efficiency, effective oil return is used to allow the lubricating oil to smoothly return to the crankcase from the cylinder wall and piston ring area, avoiding the accumulation of lubricating oil inside the engine, improving the utilization rate of the lubricating oil, reducing oil temperature and energy loss, and helping to improve the engine's lubrication effect, heat dissipation capacity and overall operating efficiency.

[0029] In order to achieve the return of lubricating oil, a cylinder block oil return structure is usually set on the engine to achieve efficient lubricating oil return in a limited space and improve the space utilization of the engine. The cylinder block oil return structure should minimize the flow resistance in the oil return path to ensure that the lubricating oil returns to the crankcase quickly and effectively, thereby improving the overall performance of the engine.

[0030] See Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the present application provides a cylinder oil return structure 100, which includes a cylinder body 10, a crankcase 20, and an oil return passage 30. The cylinder body 10 extends along a first direction S1, and a cylindrical cylinder cavity 11 is formed in the cylinder body 10. The crankcase 20 is connected to one end of the cylinder body 10 in the first direction S1, that is, the crankcase 20 is connected to the lower end of the cylinder body 10, and the crankcase 20 is used to support the crankshaft. The lower end of the crankcase 20 is used to connect to an oil pan (i.e., a lower crankcase), which is used to store lubricating oil and seal the crankcase 20. It should be noted that the crankcase 20 in this application refers to the upper crankcase.

[0031] The oil return channel 30 is arranged on the cylinder body 10. The oil return channel 30 runs through the cylinder body 10. An oil inlet 31 is formed on the top surface of the cylinder body 10, and an oil outlet 32 is formed at the connection between the cylinder body 10 and the crankcase 20, which is arranged toward the inside of the crankcase 20. Therefore, the lubricating oil can enter the oil return channel 30 from the oil inlet 31 on the top surface of the cylinder body 10, flow out to the crankcase 20 through the oil outlet 32, and finally flow to the oil pan through the crankcase 20.

[0032] By setting an oil return channel 30 that runs through the cylinder body 10 on the cylinder body 10, the oil inlet 31 of the oil return channel 30 is located on the top surface of the cylinder body 10, and the oil outlet 32 is located at the connection between the cylinder body 10 and the crankcase 20, so that the lubricating oil can flow directly back to the crankcase 20 from the top of the cylinder body 10, without the need for additional pipes and connectors, and without the need to set a tortuous oil return channel 30, the overall structure of the cylinder body oil return structure 100 is simplified, which helps to reduce the weight of the cylinder body and the production cost, and thus contributes to the lightweight design of the engine.

[0033] The cylinder block 10, crankcase 20, and oil return passage 30 can be configured as an integrated structure, such as by integrally casting the cylinder block 10, crankcase 20, and oil return passage 30. This integrated structure allows the cylinder block oil return structure 100 to have greater rigidity and strength, allowing it to withstand greater mechanical and thermal stresses. The integrated structure also reduces deformation and stress concentration issues caused by separate manufacturing and assembly, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the engine. Furthermore, the integrated molding optimizes the engine's volume, making it more compact. It also improves the sealing properties of the cylinder block 10, crankcase 20, and oil return passage 30, reducing the risk of lubricating oil and coolant leakage and improving engine reliability.

[0034] In a feasible embodiment, multiple oil return channels 30 are provided, and the multiple oil return channels 30 are spaced apart along the second direction S2 on the sidewall of the cylinder body 10. The second direction S2 is perpendicular to the first direction S1. It should be noted that the first direction S1 in this application refers to the height direction of the engine, and the second direction S2 refers to the width direction of the engine.

[0035] By locating the oil return passage 30 on the sidewall of the cylinder body 10, the internal structure of the cylinder body 10 is not damaged, and excessive weakening of the top surface of the cylinder body 10 is avoided, thereby reducing stress concentration. The top surface of the cylinder body 10 typically bears high thermal and mechanical loads. Maintaining its integrity helps prevent cracks and fatigue damage, allowing the cylinder body 10 to withstand the explosion pressure and improving its reliability.

[0036] The provision of multiple oil return channels 30 allows lubricating oil to flow back to the crankcase 20 from multiple locations, increasing the number of return paths and improving lubricating oil return efficiency. The design of multiple oil return channels 30 also strengthens the internal support structure of the sidewalls of the cylinder body 10, improving the overall rigidity and strength of the cylinder body 10 and reducing deformation caused by thermal expansion and mechanical stress. Furthermore, the design of multiple oil return channels 30 reduces evaporation and loss of lubricating oil under high temperature and pressure, ensuring that more lubricating oil can flow back into the crankcase 20, thereby improving lubricating oil utilization.

[0037] Preferably, multiple oil return channels 30 are equidistantly arranged on the side wall of the cylinder body 10, so that the lubricating oil can be evenly distributed into the crankcase 20 through multiple channels, avoiding the problem of insufficient local lubrication and ensuring that all engine components are fully lubricated. At the same time, the equidistant arrangement can optimize stress distribution, reduce stress concentration, and improve the durability and reliability of the cylinder body oil return structure 100.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, to ensure smooth oil return, the combined cross-sectional area of the multiple oil return channels 30 is greater than or equal to 1000 mm². This combined cross-sectional area of the oil return channels 30 ensures rapid and substantial return of lubricating oil to the crankcase 20, improving return efficiency. Furthermore, the multiple, large cross-sectional areas of the oil return channels 30 allow for rapid return of lubricating oil to the crankcase 20, reducing evaporation and loss under high temperature and pressure, ensuring more lubricating oil returns to the crankcase 20, and helping to alleviate the problem of high internal pressure in the crankcase 20.

[0039] Preferably, five oil return channels 30 are provided, equidistantly spaced on the sidewalls of the cylinder body 10. Testing has shown that the provision of five oil return channels 30 ensures smooth oil return while also ensuring that the fatigue strength of the cylinder body 10 meets the engine's operating requirements. It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of oil return channels 30; as long as the provision of five oil return channels 30 ensures smooth oil return and ensures that the cylinder body 10 has the fatigue strength required by the design, it will suffice.

[0040] In a feasible embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the oil return passage 30 gradually increases along the first direction S1, that is, the oil return passage 30 is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. This increase in the cross-sectional area of the oil return passage 30 increases the flow rate of the lubricating oil within the oil return passage 30, enhancing the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil to the crankcase 20. It also reduces the flow resistance of the lubricating oil, allowing the lubricating oil to return more smoothly.

[0041] Optionally, the side of the oil return channel 30 facing away from the interior of the cylinder body 10 is inclined, so that the cross-sectional area of the oil return channel 30 gradually increases along the first direction S1. This prevents the increased cross-sectional area of the oil return channel 30 from affecting the interior of the cylinder body 10 and helps improve the overall strength of the cylinder body 10. It should be noted that the side of the oil return channel 30 facing the interior of the cylinder body 10 may also be inclined, as long as the oil return channel 30 can avoid affecting the interior of the cylinder body 10.

[0042] Furthermore, a cylindrical cavity 11 is provided on the top surface of the cylinder body 10. The cavity 11 is used to accommodate a piston to achieve its up and down reciprocating motion. The plane where the oil return passage 30 is located is located between two adjacent cylinder cavities 11. The oil return passage 30 between adjacent cylinder cavities 11 can strengthen the cylinder body 10, helping to disperse and withstand the explosive pressure and vibration during engine operation. At the same time, it can effectively utilize the supporting role of the cylinder body 10 to achieve a more uniform force distribution, thereby reducing the risk of damage caused by excessive local stress, enhancing the deformation resistance of the cylinder body 10, and preserving the integrity of the top surface of the cylinder body 10.

[0043] The setting of the oil return channel 30 does not affect the setting of the cylinder chamber 11 . At the same time, the setting of the oil return channel 30 can ensure that the cylinder body 10 still has a relatively high strength, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the cylinder body 10 .

[0044] In some embodiments, the crankcase 20 includes a crankcase body 21 and a support base 22 disposed within the crankcase body 21. The crankcase body 21 is connected to the cylinder block 10 and is used to accommodate and support the crankshaft. The support base 22 is disposed within the crankcase body 21 and is used to support the main bearings of the crankshaft, ensuring stable operation of the crankshaft.

[0045] The central axis of the oil return passage 30 is parallel to the central axis of the support base 22, and the oil return passage 30 and the support base 22 are spaced apart in the first direction S1. That is, the oil return passage 30 and the support base 22 are arranged on the same plane. By locating the oil outlet 32 between the crankcase 21 and the cylinder body 10, the oil return passage 30 avoids the support base 22. This not only avoids the tortuous design of the oil return passage 30, simplifies the structure of the oil return passage 30, effectively reduces the weight of the cylinder oil return structure 100, but also prevents the oil return passage 30 from affecting the support base 22, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the cylinder oil return structure 100, and thus improving the stability and reliability of the engine.

[0046] In this specific embodiment, two oil outlets 32 are provided, symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the oil return passage 30. These two oil outlets 32 face the interior of the crankcase 21 and are located on either side of the support seat 22 in a second direction S2, with the second direction S2 being perpendicular to the first direction S1. This allows lubricating oil to flow directly from the two oil outlets 32 to either side of the support seat 22 and into the crankcase 20, thereby preventing the support seat 22 from interfering with the flow of lubricating oil and ensuring smooth oil return. This also allows the support seat 22 to provide effective support, maximizing the retention of the support seat 22 and improving the strength of the cylinder oil return structure 100.

[0047] Optionally, the oil outlets 32 are all configured in a circular shape. It should be noted that the circular shape in this application is merely a description of the structural shape and does not necessarily represent a perfect circle or ellipse. It may be any circular, annular shape. A circular design avoids sharp casting corners, thereby reducing stress concentration at the oil outlets 32. It should be understood that the circular shape is merely a preferred embodiment, and this application does not limit the oil outlets 32 to circular shapes.

[0048] Optionally, the oil inlet 31 is configured as a special-shaped hole. The provision of the special-shaped hole can increase the inlet cross-sectional area of the oil inlet 31, thereby effectively improving the inflow and flow efficiency of the lubricating oil. Specifically, the design of the special-shaped hole changes the shape of the traditional circular oil inlet 31 to adopt an elliptical, rectangular, polygonal or other irregular shape, so that within the same installation space, the effective cross-sectional area of the oil inlet 31 can be significantly increased, allowing more lubricating oil to enter the return oil channel 30 in the same time, reducing the pressure loss of the lubricating oil at the inlet, and increasing the flow speed and fluidity of the lubricating oil, thereby better meeting the lubrication needs of the engine under high-load and high-speed conditions, and improving the stability and reliability of the engine.

[0049] In a feasible embodiment, a threaded hole 12 is also provided on the top surface of the cylinder body 10, and the threaded hole 12 and the oil return channel 30 are arranged at intervals on the top surface of the cylinder body 10, so that the oil return channel 30 can avoid the influence of the threaded hole 12 and ensure that the lubricating oil can stably enter the crankcase 20 through the oil return channel 30.

[0050] As a similar concept, the present application also provides an engine, which includes a cylinder oil return structure 100, which is the cylinder oil return structure 100 in the above embodiment. The engine is used in vehicles, including but not limited to passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

[0051] Through the cylinder block oil return structure 100, the lubricating oil can enter the oil return channel 30 through the oil inlet 31, and the cross-sectional area of the oil return channel 30 is gradually increased to increase the flow rate of the lubricating oil. The oil outlet 32 is set on both sides of the support seat 22, so that the lubricating oil flows out to the crankcase 20 without hindrance, and then flows to the oil pan, completing the return of the lubricating oil, reducing the resistance during oil flow, and improving the flow efficiency. At the same time, the integrity of the support seat 22 is retained to the greatest extent, and the strength of the cylinder block oil return structure 100 is improved, thereby ensuring the reliability of the cylinder block oil return structure 100. At the same time, the oil return channel 30 is extended along the first direction S1, and there is no need to bend the oil return channel 30, which simplifies the structure of the cylinder block oil return structure 100 and helps to reduce the weight of the cylinder block oil return structure 100. At the same time, it reduces the cost of the cylinder block oil return structure 100, which contributes to the lightweight design of the engine.

[0052] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cylinder oil return structure, characterized in that: The cylinder oil return structure includes: A cylinder body extending along a first direction; a crankcase connected to one end of the cylinder body in the first direction; and An oil return channel is provided on the cylinder body, and the oil return channel passes through the cylinder body. An oil inlet is formed on the top surface of the cylinder body, and an oil outlet facing the inside of the crankcase is formed at the connection between the cylinder body and the crankcase.

2. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are a plurality of oil return channels, and the plurality of oil return channels are arranged on the side wall of the cylinder body at intervals along a second direction, and the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

3. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The total cross-sectional area of the plurality of oil return channels is greater than or equal to 1000 mm².

4. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of the oil return channel gradually increases along the first direction.

5. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crankcase includes a crankcase body and a support seat arranged in the crankcase body; A central axis of the oil return channel is parallel to a central axis of the support seat, and the oil return channel and the support seat are spaced apart in the first direction.

6. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are two oil outlets, which are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the oil return channel. The two oil outlets are arranged toward the interior of the crankcase and are respectively located on both sides of the support seat in the second direction, and the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

7. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The oil outlets are all configured in a circular shape.

8. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil inlet is configured as a special-shaped hole.

9. The cylinder oil return structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylinder body is further provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded hole and the oil return channel are arranged at intervals on the top end surface of the cylinder body.

10. An engine, characterized in that: The engine comprises the cylinder oil return structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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