Lubricant tank for an internal combustion engine and corresponding internal combustion engine

Abstract

A lubricant container (1) for an internal combustion engine (2), comprising an intake port (8) arranged at an intake point (7) for sucking lubricant from the lubricant container (1), wherein a plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements (10) are arranged in the lubricant container (1), each of which has, on its side facing the intake point (7), a lubricant receiving chamber (14) open in the direction of the intake point (7) and, on its side facing away from the intake point (7), lubricant guide surfaces provided on lubricant guide legs (12) extending from an apex (13) of the respective lubricant guide element (10) and inclined in the direction of the intake point (7), characterized in that the lubricant guide elements (10) extend at least on one side from a lubricant guide base (17),which is arranged in the lubricant container (1) at a distance from a lubricant container base (4) of the lubricant container (1) at least in some areas, wherein a lubricant container cover is present on a side of the lubricant container (1) or its interior (5) opposite the lubricant container base (4), wherein at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant container cover, which opens into the interior (5) of the lubricant container (1) via a lubricant line opening, wherein the lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome (19), via which the lubricant line is fluidically connected to a partial area of the interior (5) present on the side of the lubricant guide base (17) opposite the lubricant line opening.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lubricant reservoir for an internal combustion engine, comprising an intake manifold arranged at an intake point for sucking lubricant from the lubricant reservoir. A plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements are arranged in the lubricant reservoir, each of which has, on its side facing the intake point, a lubricant receiving chamber open in the direction of the intake point and, on its side facing away from the intake point, lubricant guide surfaces provided on lubricant guide legs extending from an apex of the respective lubricant guide element and inclined in the direction of the intake point. The invention further relates to an internal combustion engine.

[0002] For example, the prior art document DE 10 2014 109 581 A1 is known. This document describes a vertically arranged oil pan baffle comprising a body with first and second opposing side walls connected by a third wall and an opposing fourth wall. Each of the first and second side walls is configured to conform to a first and second inner surface of an oil pan. A metering opening is formed in the third or fourth wall. The metering opening is configured and arranged to control a flow rate of oil through the vertically arranged oil pan baffle.

[0003] The publication DE 198 33 535 A1 describes an oil pan for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and is considered generic. The oil pan can be flanged to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and forms a shallower oil guide section and a deeper oil collection section. Guide walls are provided for stiffening and oil guidance, which direct the returning lubricating oil to an oil extraction point in the oil collection section. To achieve effective degassing of the lubricating oil and improved cooling, pincer-shaped guide walls are provided in the oil collection section. These guide the returning oil from the oil guide section around the oil extraction point, along the side walls, and at least partially along the end wall of the oil collection section.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a lubricant reservoir for an internal combustion engine that offers advantages over known lubricant reservoirs, in particular enabling reliable removal of lubricant, preferably independent of external influences. External influences include, for example, ambient temperature, acceleration acting on the lubricant reservoir, and the like.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention with a lubricant tank for an internal combustion engine having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the lubricant guide elements extend at least on one side, preferably on both sides, from a lubricant guide base, which is arranged in the lubricant tank at least partially spaced from a lubricant tank base of the lubricant tank, wherein a lubricant tank cover is present on a side of the lubricant tank or its interior opposite the lubricant tank base, wherein at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant tank cover, which opens into the interior of the lubricant tank via a lubricant line opening, wherein the lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome,via which the lubricant line opening is fluidically connected to a part of the interior space located on the side of the lubricant guide base opposite the lubricant line opening.

[0006] Basically, it is provided that a plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements are arranged in the lubricant container, each of which has a lubricant receiving chamber open in the direction of the suction point on its side facing the suction point and lubricant guide surfaces on its side facing away from the suction point, which are present on lubricant guide legs extending from an apex of the respective lubricant guide element and inclined in the direction of the suction point.

[0007] The lubricant reservoir serves to store the lubricant that is used, at least temporarily, to operate the internal combustion engine. The lubricant reservoir can be a component of the internal combustion engine and, for example, form a lubricant sump of the internal combustion engine. In this case, the lubricant reservoir is preferably arranged and attached directly to a cylinder crankcase of the internal combustion engine. Of course, the lubricant reservoir can also be separate from the internal combustion engine and merely fluidically connected to it in order to supply the lubricant temporarily stored therein to the internal combustion engine.

[0008] The internal combustion engine, in turn, is preferably a component of a drive device for a motor vehicle, which serves to drive the motor vehicle and accordingly to provide a drive torque directed toward driving the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine represents a drive unit of the drive device and is used, at least temporarily, to provide the drive torque. The internal combustion engine or the drive device are particularly preferably components of the motor vehicle. However, they can, of course, also be present separately from the motor vehicle.

[0009] The lubricant reservoir has an intake port, which is designed, configured, and arranged to draw in the lubricant from the reservoir. For this purpose, the intake port protrudes into the interior of the lubricant reservoir, specifically such that one end of the intake port is immersed in the lubricant. The intake port has an opening on this side, which can also be referred to as an intake port. This intake port is located at a suction point at which the lubricant is drawn in via the intake port.

[0010] The intake manifold is preferably fluidically connected to a lubricant pump on its side facing away from the intake point. This pump at least temporarily conveys the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir toward the internal combustion engine, in particular toward a cylinder crankcase and / or a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The lubricant is used there, for example, to lubricate a bearing, in particular a plain bearing, and / or to cool a piston of the internal combustion engine and / or the cylinder crankcase and / or the cylinder head.

[0011] To prevent losses, low-viscosity lubricants are increasingly being used. For example, the lubricant is an engine oil with a viscosity class of 0W20 or even 0W12 according to SAE J 300 (as of January 20, 2015). This results in the lubricant temporarily stored in the lubricant reservoir being extremely fluid and being forced away from the intake point, for example, due to the acceleration acting on the lubricant reservoir, so that the lubricant cannot be sucked in through the intake manifold, or at least it is more difficult to do so.

[0012] For this reason, the lubricant guide elements are arranged in the lubricant reservoir. These are spaced apart from one another and have the lubricant receiving chamber on the side facing the intake point. The lubricant receiving chamber is open towards the intake point, so that lubricant flowing from the intake point towards the respective lubricant guide element enters the lubricant receiving chamber, preventing further flow away from the intake point by the lubricant guide elements. This means that the flow velocity of the lubricant away from the intake point and away from the lubricant guide elements is reduced. Conversely, the lubricant guide elements are intended to guide the lubricant towards the intake point.At least the flow velocity of the lubricant towards the suction point should not be reduced or should be reduced to a lesser extent than the flow directed away from the suction point.

[0013] For this reason, each of the lubricant guide elements has lubricant guide legs that extend from the apex of the respective lubricant guide element and are inclined toward the intake point. This means that the lubricant guide legs each form an angle of less than 90° with an imaginary straight line that runs from the intake point or a central axis passing through the intake point through the apex of the lubricant guide element, with the lubricant guide legs being inclined toward the intake point or the central axis. The angle is preferably at most 60°, at most 45°, or at most 30°.In other words, the lubricant guide legs form an angle of at least 30°, at least 45° or at least 60° with an imaginary further straight line which is perpendicular to the imaginary straight line and runs through the apex of the respective lubricant guide element, wherein the lubricant guide legs are arranged on the side of the further straight line facing the suction point.

[0014] Viewed in section, the lubricant guide legs are arranged or designed, for example, in a roof-like or circular arc. Instead of the lubricant guide legs, straight lines can be used to determine the angles, for example, which run through the apex on the one hand and through the (free) ends of the lubricant guide legs facing away from the apex on the other. This is particularly important if the lubricant guide legs are not straight, but curved or point-shaped. In any case, the lubricant guide legs are arranged in such a way that they meet to form the apex on the one hand and form the lubricant receiving chamber between them on the other, which is open towards the suction point. The lubricant guide surfaces are also located on the lubricant guide legs, namely on the side facing away from the suction point.The lubricant guide legs therefore limit the lubricant receiving chamber on their side facing the suction point and form the lubricant guide surfaces on their side facing away from the suction point.

[0015] The described design of the lubricant reservoir has the advantage of achieving different lubricant flow velocities, depending on whether—at a given acceleration—the lubricant flows away from or toward the intake point. This ensures reliable suction of the lubricant through the intake port, regardless of external influences acting on the lubricant reservoir. It is particularly noteworthy that the function of the lubricant guide elements is essentially independent of the ambient temperature or the temperature of the lubricant.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that at least some of the lubricant guide elements are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to a central axis penetrating the intake point. The central axis is an imaginary straight line that runs through the intake point, in particular centrally. For example, it is perpendicular to the previously described outlet opening of the intake nozzle on the side facing the intake point. It can be provided that the central axis is perpendicular to a lubricant container base that defines the interior of the lubricant container.

[0017] At least some of the lubricant guide elements, but preferably all of the lubricant guide elements, are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis. This means, in particular, that they are present or arranged symmetrically with respect to the center axis. The arrangement refers, in particular, to the arrangement of the vertices of the lubricant guide elements. The sizes of the lubricant guide elements can fundamentally differ from one another or be identical.

[0018] Preferably, several imaginary straight lines run through the center axis, which are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction, i.e., at identical angles to one another. One or more lubricant guide elements are assigned to each of these imaginary straight lines; this or these elements are thus located on the straight line, in particular with their apex. The uniform distribution of the lubricant guide elements ensures particularly reliable guidance of the lubricant toward the intake point.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide legs are straight and angled to one another at a first angle, or at least partially, in particular continuously, curved. In a first variant, the lubricant guide legs are straight throughout and meet at the apex at the first angle. The first angle is understood, in particular, to be a smaller angle enclosed by the lubricant guide legs.

[0020] In a second variant, the lubricant guide legs are each curved at least in some areas, in particular continuously curved. The curvature of the lubricant guide legs can be constant across the respective lubricant guide leg or can vary. Particularly preferably, the lubricant guide legs are designed in the shape of a circular arc, so that the lubricant guide element they form has the shape of a circular segment, at least in some areas. With both variants, the advantages already explained are achieved in a structurally simple manner.

[0021] A further development of the invention provides that extension legs are connected to the lubricant guide legs on their side facing away from the apex. These extension legs are continuously straight and / or are angled to one another at a second angle different from the first angle, or run parallel to one another. Thus, one of the extension legs is connected to each of the lubricant guide legs on its side facing away from the apex. The extension legs are each continuously straight.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, they are angled to each other at the second angle or run parallel to each other. In the first case, the imaginary straight lines accommodating the extension legs intersect at the second angle. This angle is offset from the first angle at which the lubricant guide legs are angled to each other. In this respect, the extension legs are not merely extensions of the lubricant guide legs, but must be differentiated from them.

[0023] As an alternative to the angled arrangement, the continuously straight extension legs run parallel to each other. In this case, the lubricant guide elements, for example, have the shape of a house with a gable roof in cross-section. The design of the lubricant guide elements with the extension legs enables the realization of a significantly larger volume of the lubricant receiving chamber, which is jointly defined by the lubricant guide legs and the extension legs, at least in cross-section.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the central axis is encompassed by several different imaginary circular paths, on each of which the vertices of several of the lubricant guide elements lie. The central axis is therefore encompassed by circular paths with different radii. Each circular path is assigned several of the lubricant guide elements, which are arranged with their respective vertices on the corresponding circular path. The circular paths preferably each have the central axis as their center point. For example, it is provided that the vertices of several first of the lubricant guide elements are arranged on a first circular path encompassing the central axis, and the vertices of several second of the lubricant guide elements are arranged on a second circular path encompassing the central axis and different from the first circular path.In any case, the advantages mentioned can be achieved with the described arrangement of the lubricant guide elements.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide elements are each designed symmetrically, at least when viewed in section, to a respective axis of symmetry, in particular one running through the respective apex, wherein the axis of symmetry extends through the intake point, in particular the central axis. In other words, the lubricant guide legs and optionally the extension legs are arranged symmetrically to the axis of symmetry or a plane of symmetry accommodating the axis of symmetry. In order to achieve particularly reliable retention of the lubricant in the region of the intake point, the axis of symmetry or the plane of symmetry runs through the intake point or the central axis, namely in such a way that the lubricant receiving chamber faces the intake point.Lubricant flowing radially outward enters the intake port directly and is prevented from flowing further away from the intake port by the lubricant guide element. This ensures the aforementioned advantages are achieved particularly reliably.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide elements are larger in the radial direction and / or in the circumferential direction, the further they are away from the suction point, in particular the central axis. The lubricant guide elements are intended, on the one hand, to prevent the flow of lubricant away from the suction point and to promote the flow towards the suction point. The latter is achieved to a particularly high degree by comparatively small lubricant guide elements. In order to ensure that the cross-sectional flow area available for the lubricant becomes increasingly smaller as the distance from the suction point decreases in the radial direction, the blockage of the flow cross-sectional area by the lubricant guide elements must not be excessive. Accordingly, the lubricant guide elements located closer to the suction point are designed to be smaller than the lubricant guide elements further away from the suction point.As a result, the lubricant receiving chambers become smaller with decreasing distance from the suction point, but at the same time the flow of the lubricant in the radial direction from the outside to the inside towards the suction point is promoted.

[0027] The invention provides that the lubricant guide elements extend at least on one side, preferably on both sides, from a lubricant guide base, which is arranged in the lubricant container at least partially spaced from the lubricant container base of the lubricant container. When the lubricant container is arranged as intended, the lubricant container or its interior is bounded at the bottom by the lubricant container base. On the side of the lubricant container or its interior opposite the lubricant container base, there is a lubricant container ceiling. The lubricant container base and the lubricant container ceiling are connected to one another, for example, by lubricant container walls.

[0028] The lubricant tank floor, the lubricant tank ceiling, and the lubricant tank walls define the lubricant tank's exterior and enclose the interior between them. The lubricant guide floor is arranged in the lubricant tank or its interior, namely at least partially spaced from the lubricant tank floor and, in particular, also from the lubricant tank ceiling. In other words, the lubricant guide floor is arranged between the lubricant tank floor and the lubricant tank ceiling in the lubricant tank.

[0029] The lubricant guide elements extend from the lubricant guide base. It can be provided that the lubricant guide elements extend only on one side of the lubricant guide base, i.e., only protrude beyond it on one side. However, the lubricant guide elements particularly preferably extend on both sides of the lubricant guide base, i.e., are located on both sides of the lubricant guide base. The lubricant guide base can, for example, be designed as a plate-like element and thus be flat, at least in some areas or throughout. The lubricant guide base preferably has a consistently consistent wall thickness.

[0030] The lubricant guide base provides additional guidance for the lubricant. In particular, the intake point is provided between the lubricant guide base and the lubricant reservoir base. In this case, the lubricant guide base prevents the lubricant from escaping vertically upwards from the intake point (when the lubricant reservoir is installed as intended). The intake port may extend through the lubricant guide base toward the lubricant reservoir base. For this purpose, the lubricant guide base has a corresponding intake port opening, in which the intake port is arranged, extending toward the lubricant reservoir base.

[0031] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide elements are connected to one another exclusively via the lubricant guide base. The lubricant guide elements are rigidly connected to the lubricant guide base. While it may be provided that the lubricant guide elements are at least partially supported on the lubricant container base and / or the lubricant container cover, they are not rigidly attached to the base and / or the cover, in particular, they are not formed integrally with them.

[0032] For example, the lubricant guide elements and the lubricant guide base are jointly designed as an insert that is inserted into the lubricant container. For example, the insert is supported on the lubricant container base via the lubricant guide elements and on the lubricant container walls via the lubricant guide base, so that the insert is ultimately held in the lubricant container with a form-fitting fit. Preferably, the insert is inserted exclusively into the lubricant container and is not secured in any other way.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the lubricant guide elements and the lubricant guide base are configured as a single piece and / or made of the same material. In particular, the lubricant guide elements and the lubricant guide base are manufactured as a single component, for example, as an injection-molded component. The lubricant guide elements and the lubricant guide base are preferably made of a different material than the lubricant guide base. In particular, the lubricant guide elements and the lubricant guide base are made of plastic, whereas the lubricant container base is made of metal or a different plastic. This ensures simple and cost-effective production of the lubricant container.

[0034] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide base is supported on the lubricant container base via at least some of the lubricant guide elements. In other words, the lubricant guide elements space the lubricant guide base from the lubricant container base. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the lubricant guide base is initially supported on the lubricant container ceiling via some of the lubricant guide elements. Particularly preferably, the lubricant guide base is held stationary by the lubricant guide elements between the lubricant container base and the lubricant container ceiling. Such a design of the lubricant container, in turn, enables the described simple and cost-effective production.

[0035] A further development of the invention provides that an interior of the lubricant container is delimited by the lubricant container ceiling on its side facing away from the lubricant container base, and at least some of the lubricant guide elements rest against the lubricant container ceiling. Such a configuration has already been mentioned. It can, of course, be provided that other lubricant guide elements are spaced from the lubricant container ceiling. Alternatively, it can also be provided that all lubricant guide elements are spaced from the lubricant container ceiling.

[0036] A further development of the invention provides that at least some of the lubricant guide elements protrude beyond the lubricant guide base by different distances on opposite sides. This means that the lubricant guide elements each have a first height on one side, by which they protrude beyond the lubricant guide base, and a second height on a second side opposite the first side, which is different from the first height. In other words, each of the at least some lubricant guide elements on opposite sides of the lubricant guide base has different extensions in the same direction, namely in particular in the vertical direction when the lubricant container is installed as intended. This allows the lubricant guide elements to be adapted particularly effectively to the design of the lubricant container.

[0037] A further development of the invention provides that at least some of the lubricant guide elements protrude beyond the lubricant guide base in a first direction with identical extensions and in a second direction opposite the first direction with different extensions. This means that the lubricant guide elements have the same height on a first side of the lubricant guide base and different heights on a second side of the lubricant guide base opposite the first side. This again achieves a particularly effective adaptation to the design of the lubricant container.

[0038] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide base is inclined toward the intake point by means of a funnel-shaped configuration and has a passage opening surrounding the intake point. Essentially, the lubricant guide base is inclined like a funnel wall, namely on opposite sides of the intake point in the direction of the intake point. As a result, the lubricant present on the lubricant guide base is forced radially toward the intake point by gravity.

[0039] In addition, the lubricant guide base has a passage opening that encloses the intake point. The lubricant present on the lubricant guide base flows through the passage opening toward the intake point. Preferably, the intake nozzle extends through the passage opening, with the intake nozzle being spaced at least partially, as seen in the circumferential direction, from a wall that radially outwardly delimits the passage opening, so that the lubricant can flow between the intake nozzle and the wall through the passage opening. This guides the lubricant particularly effectively toward the intake point.

[0040] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant guide base is penetrated by at least one vent opening leading into at least one of the lubricant receiving chambers. The vent opening ensures that air present in the lubricant receiving chamber can be discharged therefrom, namely in particular from an underside of the lubricant guide base toward an upper side of the lubricant guide base. For this purpose, the vent opening leads into the lubricant receiving chamber. Particularly preferably, each of the lubricant receiving chambers, in particular each of the lubricant receiving chambers located below the lubricant guide base, is provided with such a vent opening. This measure ensures a high capacity of the lubricant container for lubricant.

[0041] Preferably, the vent opening is spaced from the respective apex in a given direction by a distance of at most 10%, at most 5%, or at most 2.5%, based on the overall dimensions of the respective lubricant guide element. In other words, the vent opening is arranged near the apex. This ensures reliable venting, particularly in the case of a funnel-shaped design of the lubricant guide base.

[0042] The invention provides that at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant reservoir cover, which opens into the interior via a lubricant line opening. The lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome, via which the lubricant line is fluidically connected to a partial region of the interior located on the side of the lubricant guide base opposite the lubricant line opening. The lubricant line serves to return lubricant to the lubricant reservoir. For this purpose, for example, the lubricant line is fluidically connected to the cylinder crankcase and / or the cylinder head on its side facing away from the lubricant reservoir.

[0043] The lubricant line flows into the interior, forming the lubricant line opening. There, it overlaps with the hollow lubricant guide dome. The lubricant guide dome establishes a flow connection between the lubricant line and the section of the interior located on the side of the lubricant guide base opposite the lubricant line, in particular between the lubricant guide base and the lubricant reservoir base. The lubricant guide dome ensures that lubricant entering the interior through the lubricant line does not hit the lubricant guide base, but is guided through it, so that it reaches the side of the lubricant guide base facing the intake point. This ensures extremely rapid supply of lubricant to the intake point.The lubricant guide dome extends up to the lubricant container ceiling or through it. The lubricant guide dome is preferably designed as a single piece and / or made of the same material as the lubricant guide base; for example, it forms the insert part or is a component thereof.

[0044] A further development of the invention provides that the lubricant dome opens directly into the sub-region or is connected to it via a lubricant channel. It can therefore be provided that the lubricant flowing through the lubricant dome reaches the sub-region directly. Alternatively, the lubricant channel is arranged fluidically between the lubricant dome and the sub-region. The lubricant channel preferably extends radially inwards from the lubricant dome, in particular in the direction of the suction point. The lubricant channel preferably opens into the sub-region at the suction point or at least in the immediate vicinity of the suction point. This enables a particularly targeted supply of the lubricant to the suction point.

[0045] A further development of the invention provides for the lubricant channel to be present as an additional component or to be configured in the lubricant reservoir cover. In the former case, the lubricant channel is configured as a separate component and is arranged on the lubricant reservoir cover. In the latter case, it is integrated into the lubricant reservoir cover, particularly during its manufacture. Both configurations fundamentally enable a cost-effective implementation of the lubricant reservoir.

[0046] A further development of the invention provides that a lubricant pump, fluidically connected to the intake manifold, is arranged next to the lubricant guide base. It can be provided that the lubricant guide base is supported laterally or radially on the lubricant pump. In any case, the lubricant pump is located in an area of the lubricant reservoir in which the lubricant guide base is not located. For example, the lubricant pump is located on a step that is flush or at least nearly flush with an upper surface of the lubricant guide base.

[0047] The invention further relates to an internal combustion engine with a lubricant reservoir forming a lubricant sump, in particular a lubricant reservoir according to the embodiments within the scope of this description, wherein the lubricant reservoir has an intake port arranged at an intake point for sucking lubricant from the lubricant reservoir. It is provided that a plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements are arranged in the lubricant reservoir, each of which has, on its side facing the intake point, a lubricant receiving chamber open in the direction of the intake point and, on its side facing away from the intake point, lubricant guide surfaces which are present on lubricant guide legs extending from an apex of the respective lubricant guide element and inclined in the direction of the intake point. It is further provided that the lubricant guide elements, at least on the one hand,preferably on both sides, from a lubricant guide base, which is arranged in the lubricant container at least partially spaced from a lubricant container base of the lubricant container, wherein a lubricant container cover is present on a side of the lubricant container or its interior opposite the lubricant container, wherein at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant container cover, which opens into the interior of the lubricant container via a lubricant line opening, wherein the lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome, via which the lubricant line opening is fluidically connected to a partial area of the interior present on the side of the lubricant guide base opposite the lubricant line opening.

[0048] The advantages of such a design of the internal combustion engine or the lubricant tank have already been pointed out.

[0049] Both the internal combustion engine and the lubricant tank can be further developed in accordance with the explanations in this description, so that reference is made to these in this respect.

[0050] A further development of the invention provides that at least one oil scraper opening opens into an interior of the lubricant reservoir above a lubricant guide base that at least partially connects the lubricant guide elements. The oil scraper opening serves to return lubricant present in the cylinder crankcase to the lubricant reservoir. The oil scraper opening is associated, in particular, with an oil scraper, which scrapes the lubricant from moving parts of the internal combustion engine. The oil scraper opening is located above the lubricant guide base, so that lubricant entering the lubricant reservoir through the oil scraper opening impinges on it and is discharged toward the intake point.

[0051] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which emerge from or can be derived from the explained embodiments.

[0052] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a lubricant reservoir for an internal combustion engine, Fig. 2 a first schematic cross-sectional view of the lubricant container, and Fig. 3 a second schematic cross-sectional view of the lubricant container.

[0053] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a lubricant reservoir 1, which is a component of an internal combustion engine 2 (not shown in detail here). More precisely, the lubricant reservoir 1 forms a lubricant sump of the internal combustion engine 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the lubricant reservoir 1 has a lubricant reservoir lower part 3 and a lubricant reservoir upper part (not shown). The lubricant reservoir lower part 3 is a continuous, shell-like element. It forms a lubricant reservoir base 4, which delimits an interior space 5 of the lubricant reservoir 1 at the bottom when the lubricant reservoir 1 is arranged as intended.

[0054] Furthermore, lubricant container walls 6 are at least partially present on the lower part 3 of the lubricant container, which laterally delimit the interior 5—again when the lubricant container 1 is arranged as intended—to the outside. Preferably, the lubricant container walls 6 are formed partly by the lower part 3 of the lubricant container and partly by the aforementioned upper part of the lubricant container. The upper part of the lubricant container also has a lubricant container cover, which delimits the interior 5 upwards when the lubricant container 1 is arranged as intended. The upper part of the lubricant container, for example, delimits the interior 5 from a crankcase of the internal combustion engine 2, i.e., is arranged between the crankcase and the interior 5.

[0055] The lubricant container 1 has a suction point 7 at which lubricant is at least temporarily sucked in from the interior 5 of the lubricant container 1 via a suction nozzle 8, in particular by means of a lubricant pump 9 also arranged in the lubricant container 1. To optimize the availability of the lubricant in the lubricant container 1 for suction at the suction point 7, the lubricant container 1 contains a plurality of lubricant guide elements 10, of which only a few are identified here by way of example. The lubricant guide elements 10 are arranged spaced apart from one another and distributed around a central axis 11 of the suction point 7, which is indicated here only by way of example.

[0056] Each of the lubricant guide elements 10 has lubricant guide legs 12, which are again only partially indicated. The lubricant guide legs 12 meet at an apex 13 of the respective lubricant guide element 10. The apex 13 is to be understood in particular as the point of each lubricant guide element 10 furthest away from the suction point 7 or the central axis 11. The lubricant guide legs 12 originate from the apex 13 and are inclined towards the suction point 7, thus promoting a flow of the lubricant in a radial direction inwards with respect to the central axis 11, i.e., towards the suction point 7. The lubricant guide elements 10 are preferably arranged such that the apex 13 is at a maximum distance from the suction point 7.

[0057] The lubricant guide legs 12 enclose a lubricant receiving chamber 14 between them, which is located on the side of the lubricant guide legs 12 facing the intake point 7 and is open in the direction of the intake point 7 or the central axis 11. On their side facing away from the intake point 7 or the central axis 11, they have lubricant guide surfaces that promote the flow of the lubricant in this direction.

[0058] Such a configuration of the lubricant guide elements 10 enables lubricant flowing radially away from the intake point 7 to be collected in the lubricant receiving chambers 14. This significantly reduces the flow velocity of the lubricant in the radial direction away from the intake point 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the lubricant guide elements 10 have extension legs 15 in addition to the lubricant guide legs 12. Each of the extension legs 15 adjoins one of the lubricant guide legs 12.

[0059] While the lubricant guide legs 12 meet at a specific angle, the extension legs 15 run parallel to one another in the illustrated embodiment. The extension legs 15, together with the lubricant guide legs 12, delimit the lubricant receiving chamber 14, so that the provision of the extension legs 15 results in a larger volume of the lubricant receiving chamber 14 compared to a design of the lubricant guide elements 10 without extension legs 15.

[0060] It can be seen that the vertices 13 of several of the lubricant guide elements 10 lie on imaginary straight lines 16, which are each perpendicular to the central axis 11 and intersect there. The straight lines 16 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction and are therefore equidistant from one another. This achieves a radial alignment of the lubricant guide elements 10, which ensures a particularly good conducting effect on the lubricant. It can also be seen that the lubricant guide elements 10 all originate from a lubricant guide base 17, with which they are preferably designed in one piece and / or from the same material. In particular, the lubricant guide base 17 and the lubricant guide elements 10 are present together as an insert inserted into the lubricant container 1.

[0061] The lubricant guide base 17 is arranged at a distance from the lubricant container base 4, at least in part, in particular for the most part, but preferably completely. To prevent air from accumulating below the lubricant guide base 17, i.e., between the lubricant container base 4 and the lubricant guide base 17, vent openings 18 are formed in the lubricant guide base 17, only a few of which are indicated by way of example. Preferably, such a vent opening 18 is formed for each of the lubricant guide elements 10, namely such that the vent opening 18 opens into the respective lubricant receiving chamber 14. Preferably, the vent opening 18 is arranged directly adjacent to the apex 13 and / or directly adjacent to the lubricant guide legs 12. This enables particularly efficient venting.

[0062] At least one lubricant guide dome 19 is also arranged in the lubricant container 1; in the exemplary embodiment shown here, several lubricant guide domes 19 are arranged. The lubricant guide dome 19, or each of the lubricant guide domes 19, extends up to the lubricant container ceiling and is fluidly connected thereto to a lubricant line formed therein. Lubricant entering the interior 5 through the lubricant line therefore first reaches the corresponding lubricant guide dome 19. This penetrates the lubricant guide base 17, so that the lubricant reaches a partial area of the interior 5 located between the lubricant container base 4 and the lubricant guide base 17. The at least one lubricant guide dome 19 is preferably designed as a single piece with the lubricant guide base 17 and / or made of the same material.The at least one lubricant guide dome 19 is also preferably present as a component of the insert.

[0063] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the lubricant container 1 through the central axis 11. It can be seen that the intake port 8 extends through the lubricant guide base 17. For this purpose, a through-opening 20 is formed in the lubricant guide base 17. This through-opening has larger dimensions than the intake port 8, so that lubricant can flow through the through-opening 20 between an edge of the lubricant guide base 17 that delimits the through-opening 20 and the intake port 8. Furthermore, the lubricant guide base 17 is funnel-shaped, at least in some areas, so that lubricant present on it is forced by gravity towards the intake point 7 or the through-opening 20 and through the latter when the lubricant container 1 is arranged as intended.

[0064] It is also shown that the lubricant guide elements 10 protrude at least partially beyond the lubricant guide base 17 on both sides, i.e., both in the direction of the lubricant container base 4 and in the direction of the lubricant container ceiling. They are designed such that the lubricant guide base 17 is supported on the lubricant container base 4 via the lubricant guide elements 10. In order to realize the funnel-shaped design of the lubricant guide base 17, the lubricant guide elements 10 protrude the lubricant guide base 17 to varying degrees in the direction of the lubricant container base 4.

[0065] The Fig. 3 shows a further sectional view of the lubricant container 1, also through the central axis 11. The section is perpendicular to that of the Fig. 2. Once again, the funnel-like design of the lubricant guide base 17 becomes clear.

[0066] The described design of the lubricant reservoir 1 or of the internal combustion engine 2 provided with the lubricant reservoir 1 enables reliable removal of lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 1, in particular independent of environmental influences, such as, for example, an acceleration acting on the lubricant reservoir 1. With the aid of the lubricant guide elements 10, the lubricant is kept in the area of the intake point 7 or prevented from moving too far away from the intake point 7. Conversely, a flow of the lubricant toward the intake point 7 is promoted or less restricted than a flow of the lubricant directed away from the intake point 7. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 lubricant container 2 internal combustion engine 3 Lubricant tank bottom section 4 Lubricant tank bottom 5 Interior 6 lubricant container edges 7 Intake point 8 intake manifolds 9 Lubricant pump 10 Lubricant guide element 11 Center axis 12 lubricant guide legs 13 vertices 14 Lubricant receiving chamber 15 extension legs 16 straight 17 Lubricant guide base 18 Ventilation opening 19 Lubricant guide dome 20 passage opening

Claims

[1] Lubricant tank (1) for an internal combustion engine (2), with an intake nozzle (8) arranged at an intake point (7) for sucking lubricant from the lubricant tank (1), wherein a plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements (10) are arranged in the lubricant tank (1), each having, on its side facing the intake point (7), a lubricant receiving chamber (14) open in the direction of the intake point (7) and, on its side facing away from the intake point (7), lubricant guide surfaces which are present on lubricant guide legs (12) extending from an apex (13) of the respective lubricant guide element (10) and inclined in the direction of the intake point (7), characterized bythat the lubricant guide elements (10) extend at least on one side from a lubricant guide base (17) which is arranged in the lubricant container (1) at a distance from a lubricant container base (4) of the lubricant container (1) at least in some areas, wherein a lubricant container cover is present on a side of the lubricant container (1) or its interior (5) opposite the lubricant container base (4), wherein at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant container cover, which opens into the interior (5) of the lubricant container (1) via a lubricant line opening, wherein the lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome (19),via which the lubricant line is fluidically connected to a partial area of the interior (5) located on the side of the lubricant guide base (17) opposite the lubricant line opening. [2] Lubricant container according to claim 1, characterized by that at least some of the lubricant guide elements (10) are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to a central axis (11) passing through the suction point (7). [3] Lubricant container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lubricant guide legs (12) are straight and angled towards each other at a first angle or are at least curved in some areas. [4] Lubricant container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the lubricant guide legs (12) are adjoined on their side facing away from the apex (13) by extension legs (15) which run continuously straight and / or are angled towards one another at a second angle different from the first angle or run parallel to one another. [5] Lubricant container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lubricant guide elements (10) are each designed symmetrically to a respective axis of symmetry, at least when viewed in section, the axis of symmetry passing through the suction point (7). [6] Lubricant container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lubricant guide base (17) is supported on the lubricant container base (4) via at least some of the lubricant guide elements (10). [7] Lubricant container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the lubricant guide base (17) is penetrated by at least one vent opening (18) opening into at least one of the lubricant receiving chambers (14). [8] Internal combustion engine (2) with a lubricant reservoir (1) forming a lubricant sump according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant reservoir (1) has an intake nozzle (8) which is arranged at an intake point (7) for sucking in lubricant from the lubricant reservoir (1), wherein a plurality of spaced-apart lubricant guide elements (10) are arranged in the lubricant reservoir (1), each having, on its side facing the intake point (7), a lubricant receiving chamber (14) open in the direction of the intake point (7) and, on its side facing away from the intake point (7), lubricant guide surfaces which are present on lubricant guide legs (12) extending from an apex (13) of the respective lubricant guide element (10) and inclined in the direction of the intake point (7), characterized bythat the lubricant guide elements (10) extend at least on one side from a lubricant guide base (17) which is arranged in the lubricant container (1) at a distance from a lubricant container base (4) of the lubricant container (1) at least in some areas, wherein a lubricant container cover is present on a side of the lubricant container (1) or its interior (5) opposite the lubricant container base (4), wherein at least one lubricant line is formed in the lubricant container cover, which opens into the interior (5) of the lubricant container (1) via a lubricant line opening, wherein the lubricant line opening is arranged in overlap with a hollow lubricant guide dome (19),via which the lubricant line is fluidically connected to a partial area of the interior (5) located on the side of the lubricant guide base (17) opposite the lubricant line opening.

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