Oil tank for an internal combustion engine

Abstract

Oil tank (10) of an internal combustion engine, wherein oil collected in the oil tank for lubrication and optionally cooling of the internal combustion engine can be removed from the oil tank, conveyed towards the internal combustion engine and then returned from the internal combustion engine into the oil tank, comprising a central oil chamber (11) open at the top, from which oil can be sucked in and conveyed towards the internal combustion engine; a first lateral, top-open oil chamber (17) which is positioned diagonally above or alternatively diagonally below the central oil chamber (11) depending on an inclined position of the oil container (10), and a second lateral, top-open oil chamber (18) which is positioned diagonally below or alternatively diagonally above the central oil chamber (11) depending on the inclined position of the oil container (10), wherein oil can be returned from the internal combustion engine into the first lateral oil chamber (17) and / or into the second lateral oil chamber (18); wherein the central oil chamber (11) is coupled to the first lateral oil chamber (17) and / or to the second lateral oil chamber (18) depending on the inclined position of the oil container (10); wherein the first lateral oil chamber (17) can be coupled to the central oil chamber (11) via a first connecting pipe (24) depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, and that the second lateral oil chamber (18) can be coupled to the central oil chamber (11) via a second connecting pipe (25) depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, wherein both connecting pipes interact with an oil pump and a three-way valve; characterized in that the pump and the three-way valve are controlled depending on the inclination of the oil tank, namely in such a way that that when the inclination of the oil tank is less than a limit value, the pump is switched off, that when the inclination of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the first lateral oil chamber (17) is arranged obliquely below the central oil chamber (11), the pump is switched on and furthermore the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump conveys the oil from the first lateral oil chamber (17) via the first connecting pipe (24) into the central oil chamber (11), and that when the inclination of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber (18) is arranged obliquely below the middle oil chamber (11), the pump is switched on and furthermore the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump conveys the oil from the second lateral oil chamber (18) via the second connecting pipe (25) into the middle oil chamber (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an oil tank of an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] An internal combustion engine has an oil reservoir, typically designed as an oil pan, in which oil can be collected to lubricate and, if necessary, cool components of the internal combustion engine. The oil collected in the oil reservoir can be fed from the oil reservoir to the relevant components of the internal combustion engine for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling. The oil can then be fed from the respective components of the internal combustion engine back into the oil reservoir. In an internal combustion engine of the so-called Holeby type, the oil expelled from the internal combustion engine runs directly from the internal combustion engine down into the oil reservoir. In an internal combustion engine of the so-called Augsburg type, the oil is pumped from the internal combustion engine towards the oil reservoir via a pipe.

[0003] Particularly in so-called offshore applications on board a ship or on board an oil platform, it is required that an internal combustion engine installed there can continue to operate even at a permanent inclination of up to 25°. With oil tanks known from the state of the art, the problem is that in such an inclination the oil collected in the oil tank either backs up into the internal combustion engine or that no more oil can be drawn from the oil tank. If the oil backs up into the internal combustion engine, parts of the internal combustion engine are flooded with oil, which impairs its functioning. If no more oil can be drawn in, the internal combustion engine is damaged due to a lack of lubrication and, in some cases, cooling.

[0004] The problem that conventional oil tanks can no longer ensure a sufficient oil supply when the engine is tilted at such an angle becomes more severe with increasing engine length or the number of cylinders. In principle, the above-mentioned problem of tilting can be addressed with a higher-mounted oil tank, but this is impractical due to limited space.

[0005] The documents DE 10 2006 021 678 B4 and DE 20 14 916 A describe oil pans in a sloping environment.

[0006] There is therefore a need for an oil tank for an internal combustion engine that enables a defined oil supply to the internal combustion engine even when tilted. This prevents oil from backing up into the internal combustion engine and ensures that oil can be drawn from the oil tank. Based on this, the present invention seeks to create a novel oil tank for an internal combustion engine. This object is achieved by an oil tank according to claim 1. The oil tank according to the invention has a central, top-open oil chamber from which oil can be drawn in and conveyed toward the internal combustion engine.Furthermore, the oil tank according to the invention has a first lateral oil chamber that is open at the top and is positioned diagonally above or alternatively diagonally below the central oil chamber depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, and a second lateral oil chamber that is open at the top and is positioned diagonally below or alternatively diagonally above the central oil chamber depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, wherein oil can be returned from the internal combustion engine into the first lateral oil chamber and / or into the second lateral oil chamber. The central oil chamber is coupled to the first lateral oil chamber and / or to the second lateral oil chamber depending on the inclined position of the oil tank. The oil tank according to the invention ensures a trouble-free supply of the internal combustion engine with oil for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling thereof, even when the internal combustion engine is inclined.This can prevent oil from backing up into the engine when tilted. It can also prevent oil from being sucked from the oil tank when the engine is tilted.

[0007] Preferably, the two lateral oil chambers are coupled to the central oil chamber depending on the inclination of the oil reservoir in such a way that, when the inclination of the oil reservoir is greater than a limit value and the first lateral oil chamber is arranged diagonally below the central oil chamber, at least the first lateral oil chamber is coupled to the central oil chamber, and when the inclination of the oil reservoir is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber is arranged diagonally below the central oil chamber, at least the second lateral oil chamber is coupled to the central oil chamber. When the inclination of the oil reservoir is less than a limit value, both lateral oil chambers are separated from the central oil chamber or coupled to it. This allows the internal combustion engine to be optimally supplied with oil for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling, even when the internal combustion engine is at an inclination.

[0008] According to the invention, the first lateral oil chamber can be coupled to the central oil chamber via a first connecting pipe depending on the inclination of the oil container, wherein the second lateral oil chamber can be coupled to the central oil chamber via a second connecting pipe depending on the inclination of the oil container, and wherein both connecting pipes interact with an oil pump and a three-way valve in such a way that when the inclination of the oil container is less than a limit value, the pump is switched off, when the inclination of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the first lateral oil chamber is arranged obliquely below the central oil chamber, the pump is switched on and furthermore the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump conveys the oil from the first lateral oil chamber via the first connecting pipe into the central oil chamber, and that then,When the inclination of the oil reservoir exceeds the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber is positioned diagonally below the central oil chamber, the pump is switched on, and the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump pumps the oil from the second lateral oil chamber via the second connecting pipe into the central oil chamber. This design is simple and ensures an optimal supply of the engine with the oil required for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling, even when the engine is tilted.

[0009] Preferably, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe each open into the central oil chamber adjacent to a bottom wall of the central oil chamber and the lateral oil chamber, wherein an oil intake pipe, through which oil can be drawn from the central oil chamber, opens into the central oil chamber approximately in the middle of the central oil chamber and / or adjacent to a bottom wall of the central oil chamber. This allows for optimal supply of oil to the internal combustion engine for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling, even when the internal combustion engine is tilted.

[0010] Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail, without being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1: a perspective view of an oil tank of an internal combustion engine according to the invention; Fig. 2: a side view without side wall of the oil container according to the invention; Fig. 3: the oil container according to the invention in normal position; and Fig. 4: the oil container according to the invention in an inclined position.

[0011] The present invention relates to an oil tank for an internal combustion engine. The oil tank according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in internal combustion engines installed on ships or oil platforms, and whose operation must be maintained even when the engine is continuously operated at a steep incline.

[0012] Fig. 1 to 4 show different views and details of an open-topped oil tank 10 of an internal combustion engine according to the invention, wherein oil collected in the oil tank 10 for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling of the internal combustion engine can be removed from the oil tank 10, conveyed towards the internal combustion engine, and then returned from the internal combustion engine to the oil tank 10. In an internal combustion engine of the so-called Holeby design, the oil expelled from the engine flows directly downwards into the oil tank arranged below the internal combustion engine. In an internal combustion engine of the so-called Augsburger design, the oil expelled from the internal combustion engine is returned towards the oil tank via at least one pipe.

[0013] The oil container 10 according to the invention has a central, top-open oil chamber 11, from which oil can be sucked in and conveyed toward the internal combustion engine. An oil intake pipe 12 serves to suck in oil from the central oil chamber 11, through which oil can be sucked in from the central oil chamber 11. The oil intake pipe 12 opens into the central oil chamber 11 with an opening region 14 thereof, approximately in the center of the central oil chamber 11, adjacent to a bottom wall 13 of the central oil chamber 11.

[0014] The central oil chamber 11 is delimited not only by the bottom wall 13 but also by side walls 15. A ceiling wall 16 extends above the bottom wall 13, which delimits the central oil chamber at the top. A recess 23 is formed in the ceiling wall 16, so that the central oil chamber 11 is open at the top.

[0015] In addition to the central oil chamber 11, which is open at the top, the oil container 10 according to the invention has two lateral oil chambers 17, 18, which are also open at the top, namely a first lateral oil chamber 17, which is open at the top and is arranged on a first side of the central oil chamber 11, and a second lateral oil chamber 18, which is open at the top and is arranged on an opposite second side of the central oil chamber.

[0016] When the oil tank 10 assumes an inclined position, the first lateral oil chamber 17 is positioned either diagonally above or alternatively diagonally below the central oil chamber 11. Accordingly, the second lateral oil chamber 18 is positioned either diagonally below or alternatively diagonally above the central oil chamber 11, depending on the inclined position of the oil tank 10. Fig. 4 shows an inclined position of the oil container 10, in which the first lateral oil chamber 17 is positioned obliquely above the middle oil chamber 11 and the second lateral oil chamber 18 is positioned obliquely below the middle oil chamber 11.

[0017] The first lateral oil chamber 17 is separated from the central oil chamber 11 by a side wall 15 and is further delimited by a bottom wall 19 and further side walls 21. The second lateral oil chamber 18 is separated from the central oil chamber 11 by a side wall 15 and is delimited by a bottom wall 20 and further side walls 22.

[0018] Oil discharged from the internal combustion engine can be returned to the or each lateral oil chamber 17, 18, i.e. to the first lateral oil chamber 17 and / or the second lateral oil chamber 18.

[0019] The middle oil chamber 11 is coupled to the first lateral oil chamber 17 and / or to the second lateral oil chamber 18 depending on the inclination of the oil tank 10.

[0020] Then, when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is greater than a threshold value and the first lateral oil chamber 17 is arranged obliquely below the middle oil chamber 11, at least the first lateral oil chamber 17 is coupled to the middle oil chamber 11.

[0021] Then, when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber 18 is arranged obliquely below the middle oil chamber 11, at least the second lateral oil chamber 18 is coupled to the middle oil chamber 11.

[0022] Then, if the inclination of the oil tank 10 is less than a limit value, if the same, for example, Fig. 3 assumes the position without inclination, both lateral oil chambers 17, 18 are separated from the central oil chamber 11 or coupled to it.

[0023] The first lateral oil chamber 17 can be coupled to the central oil chamber 11 via a first connecting pipe 24, to which a first pump 26 is assigned, depending on the inclination of the oil tank 10. The second lateral oil chamber 18 can also be coupled to the central oil chamber 11 via a second connecting pipe 25, to which a second pump 27 is assigned, depending on the inclination of the oil tank 10. The two pumps 26, 27 are switched on or off depending on the inclination of the oil tank 10, namely in such a way that when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is less than a limit value, both pumps 26, 27 are switched off. If both pumps 26, 27 are oil-tight in the switched-off state, the two lateral oil chambers 17, 18 are each separated from the central oil chamber 11.If, however, the two pumps 26, 27 are not oil-tight when switched off, the two lateral oil chambers 17, 18 are coupled to the central oil chamber 11 in this state, whereby an identical oil level can then be established in all oil chambers 11, 17 and 18.

[0024] Then, when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is greater than the first limit value and the first lateral oil chamber 17 is arranged diagonally below the middle oil chamber 11 and the second lateral oil chamber 18 is arranged diagonally above the middle oil chamber 11, the first pump 26 is turned on and the second pump 27 is turned off. However, when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber 18 is arranged diagonally below and the first lateral oil chamber 17 is arranged diagonally above the middle oil chamber 11, the first pump 27 is turned off and the second pump 26 is turned on.

[0025] In the state of Fig. 4, in which the first lateral oil chamber 17 is arranged diagonally above the central oil chamber 11 and the second lateral oil chamber 18 is arranged diagonally below the central oil chamber 11, the second oil pump 27 is switched on and the first oil pump 26 is switched off. In this state, the second oil pump 27 therefore pumps oil from the second lateral oil chamber 18 into the central oil chamber 11.

[0026] If the oil pump 26 is oil-tight when switched off, the central oil chamber 11 and the first lateral oil chamber 17 are separated from each other. However, if the pump 26 is not oil-tight when switched off, oil can flow from the first lateral oil chamber 17 into the central oil chamber 11.

[0027] It should be noted at this point that the oil tank 10 can also be equipped with a single pump, in which case both connecting pipes 24, 25 interact with one and the same oil pump and a three-way valve. In this case, the single pump and the three-way valve can be controlled depending on the inclination of the oil tank such that when the inclination of the oil tank 10 is less than a limit value, the pump is switched off. Then, when the inclination of the oil tank is greater than the limit value, the single oil pump is switched on, with the switching position of the three-way valve depending on which of the lateral oil chambers 17, 18 is positioned diagonally above or diagonally below the central oil chamber 11.If the first lateral oil chamber 17 is arranged diagonally below the middle oil chamber 11, the three-way valve interacting with the connecting pipes 24 and 25 assumes a switching position in which the pump pumps the oil from the first lateral oil chamber 17 via the first connecting pipe 24 into the middle oil chamber 11. If, however, the second lateral oil chamber is arranged in the inclined position diagonally below the middle oil chamber 11, the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump pumps the oil from the second lateral oil chamber 18 via the second connecting pipe 25 into the middle oil chamber 11.

[0028] How best Fig. 2 to 4, the two connecting pipes 24 and 25 open into the oil chambers 11, 17, 18 adjacent to a bottom wall 13, 19 and 20 respectively.

[0029] The suction of oil for the lubrication and, if necessary, cooling of an internal combustion engine takes place, as explained above, via the oil suction pipe 12, preferably approximately in the middle adjacent to the bottom wall 13 of the central oil chamber 11, which is open at the top. This central oil chamber 11 is of relatively large volume compared to the two lateral oil chambers 17, 18. At the top, the central oil chamber 11 is covered at least in sections by the ceiling wall 16, with the recess 23 being made in this ceiling wall 16. The two lateral oil chambers 17, 18, which are also open at the top, interact with the central oil chamber 11, which is open at the top, in the manner described above. If the oil container 10 is in an inclined position, oil can be pumped into the central oil chamber 11 by means of a pump, starting from the lateral oil chamber which is positioned diagonally below the central oil chamber 11.As explained, a separate pump can be assigned to each lateral oil chamber 17, 18. Alternatively, both lateral oil chambers 17, 18 can interact with a single pump and a three-way valve.

[0030] Then, if as in Fig. 3 shows, the oil reservoir 10 is not inclined, the or each pump is switched off. Oil which, in a Holeby-type internal combustion engine, flows directly from the internal combustion engine downwards into the open-topped oil reservoir can collect in the area of ​​the lateral oil chambers 17, 18 and the central oil chamber 11, whereby this oil can reach the area of ​​the central oil chamber 11 via the recess 23 in the ceiling wall 16. In an Augsburg-type internal combustion engine, the oil coming from the internal combustion engine can be directed into one or both of the lateral oil chambers 17, 18, namely via an oil line.

[0031] Then, when the oil container 10 according to the invention Fig. 4, oil is pumped from the lateral oil chamber 18 positioned diagonally below the central oil chamber 11 into the central oil chamber 11, for which purpose Fig. 4, the second pump 27 associated with the second connecting pipe 24 is switched on. The first pump 26, however, is switched off in this case.

[0032] Whether the side oil chambers 17, 18 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are coupled to the middle oil chamber 11 when the pumps are switched off or the pump is switched off, depends on whether the respective oil pump is oil-tight when switched off.

[0033] The invention makes it possible to provide a flat, low-profile oil reservoir that ensures optimal supply of oil to an internal combustion engine for lubrication and, if necessary, cooling, even when tilted. This prevents oil from backing up into the engine area when tilted. Furthermore, it prevents oil from being sucked in when tilted.

[0034] As already explained, the switching on and off of the pump(s) depends on the inclination of the oil tank 10 and thus on the inclination of the internal combustion engine to be operated. In this context, it may be possible to measure the inclination, for example, using an inclination sensor, and to switch the pump(s) on or off depending on this. List of reference symbols 10 oil containers 11 Oil chamber 12 Oil intake pipe 13 Floor wall 14 Mouth area 15 Side wall 16 Ceiling wall 17 Oil chamber 18 Oil chamber 19 Floor wall 20 floor wall 21 Side wall 22 side wall 23 Recess 24 connecting pipe 25 connecting pipe 26 Pump 27 Pump

Claims

[1] Oil tank (10) of an internal combustion engine, wherein oil collected in the oil tank for lubrication and optionally cooling of the internal combustion engine can be removed from the oil tank, conveyed in the direction of the internal combustion engine and then returned from the internal combustion engine into the oil tank, comprising a central oil chamber (11) open at the top, from which oil can be sucked in and conveyed towards the internal combustion engine; a first lateral, top-open oil chamber (17) which is positioned diagonally above or alternatively diagonally below the central oil chamber (11) depending on an inclined position of the oil container (10), and a second lateral, top-open oil chamber (18) which is positioned diagonally below or alternatively diagonally above the central oil chamber (11) depending on the inclined position of the oil container (10), wherein oil can be returned from the internal combustion engine into the first lateral oil chamber (17) and / or into the second lateral oil chamber (18); wherein the central oil chamber (11) is coupled to the first lateral oil chamber (17) and / or to the second lateral oil chamber (18) depending on the inclined position of the oil container (10); wherein the first lateral oil chamber (17) can be coupled to the central oil chamber (11) via a first connecting pipe (24) depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, and that the second lateral oil chamber (18) can be coupled to the central oil chamber (11) via a second connecting pipe (25) depending on the inclined position of the oil tank, wherein both connecting pipes interact with an oil pump and a three-way valve; characterized by that the pump and the three-way valve are controlled depending on the inclination of the oil tank, namely in such a way, that when the inclination of the oil tank is less than a limit value, the pump is switched off, that when the inclination of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the first lateral oil chamber (17) is arranged obliquely below the central oil chamber (11), the pump is switched on and furthermore the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump conveys the oil from the first lateral oil chamber (17) via the first connecting pipe (24) into the central oil chamber (11), and that when the inclination of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber (18) is arranged obliquely below the middle oil chamber (11), the pump is switched on and furthermore the three-way valve assumes a switching position in which the pump conveys the oil from the second lateral oil chamber (18) via the second connecting pipe (25) into the middle oil chamber (11). [2] Oil tank according to claim 1, characterized bythat the two lateral oil chambers (17, 18) are coupled to the central oil chamber (11) depending on the inclined position of the oil container in such a way that when the inclined position of the oil container is greater than a limit value and the first lateral oil chamber (17) is arranged obliquely below the central oil chamber (11), at least the first lateral oil chamber (17) is coupled to the central oil chamber (11), and that when the inclined position of the oil container is greater than the limit value and the second lateral oil chamber (18) is arranged obliquely below the central oil chamber (11), at least the second lateral oil chamber (18) is coupled to the central oil chamber (11). [3] Oil tank according to claim 2, characterized by that when the inclination of the oil tank is less than a limit value, both lateral oil chambers (17, 18) are separated from the central oil chamber (11) or coupled to it. [4] Oil tank according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the first connecting pipe (24) and that the second connecting pipe (25) each open into the middle oil chamber (11) and the respective lateral oil chamber (18) adjacent to a bottom wall of the same. [5] Oil tank according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that an oil suction pipe (12), via which oil can be sucked out of the central oil chamber (11), opens into the central oil chamber (11) approximately in the middle and / or adjacent to a bottom wall (13) of the central oil chamber (11). [6] Oil tank according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the middle oil chamber (11) is designed to be relatively large in volume compared to the first lateral oil chamber (17) and the second lateral oil chamber (18). [7] Oil tank according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the internal combustion engine is an internal combustion engine installed on a ship or an oil platform.

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