Oil pan sealing structure and replacement oil pan

Abstract

To provide an oil pan sealing structure which enables an oil pan to be removed from a case quickly.SOLUTION: An oil pan sealing structure includes: a resin oil pan; and a metallic case which is joined to the oil pan, and to which a resin member is attached. One of the oil pan and the resin member includes at least one first projection. At least a part of the at least one first projection is joined to the other of the oil pan and the resin member. A joint part formed by the first protrusion between the oil pan and the resin member includes a fragile part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil pan sealing structure and a replacement oil pan. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of vehicles, several structures have been proposed for joining parts of an oil pan. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for joining a metal outer pan and a resin inner pan in a two-chamber oil pan. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure for joining a resin oil pan and a plate material including a metal plate and two resin plates arranged on both sides of the metal plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-20363 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-275899 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The oil pan may be removed from a case (e.g., a transmission case or a cylinder block, etc.) during maintenance, so if the oil pan can be quickly removed from the case, maintenance can be completed quickly.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In consideration of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide an oil pan sealing structure that allows the oil pan to be quickly removed from the case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An oil pan sealing structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A plastic oil pan, a metal case joined to the oil pan, the metal case having a resin member attached thereto; Equipped with One of the oil pan and the resin member is protruding toward the other of the oil pan or the resin member at least one first projection; the at least one first projection has a closed contour extending around an entire periphery of a bottom edge of the case; At least a portion of the at least one first protrusion is The above Attached to the other to seal the oil pan and the case, The joint between the oil pan and the resin member formed by the first projection includes a fragile portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the oil pan can be quickly removed from the case. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an oil pan sealing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion A in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the case and the oil pan before they are joined together. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for removing the oil pan from the case. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for joining a replacement oil pan to a case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the oil pan sealing structure after the oil pan has been replaced with a replacement oil pan. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure in which the oil pan has been replaced with a replacement oil pan according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure according to still another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, values, etc. shown in the embodiment are merely examples for easy understanding, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanation. In addition, elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an oil pan sealing structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The oil pan sealing structure (hereinafter, may also be simply referred to as "structure") 100 is applied to a vehicle 500, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a gasoline automobile, or a diesel automobile, to store oil L. For example, the structure 100 is applied to a transmission to store transmission oil. In another embodiment, the structure 100 may be applied to an engine to store engine oil. The structure 100 defines a space 101 that contains the oil L. The structure 100 includes, for example, a case 1 and an oil pan 2.

[0011] Case 1 is, for example, a transmission case. The transmission case houses components (e.g., gears, etc.) of the transmission (not shown). In another embodiment, case 1 may be a cylinder block of an engine. Case 1 includes a side wall 11. The bottom of case 1 is open. Side wall 11 includes a lower edge 12. Lower edge 12 has a closed contour surrounding space 101 when viewed from the bottom (not shown). Case 1 is made of metal (e.g., aluminum alloy).

[0012] The oil pan 2 is attached to the lower edge 12 of the case 1 so as to close the bottom of the case 1. The oil pan 2 includes a side wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The upper part of the oil pan 2 is open. The side wall 21 includes an upper edge 23. The upper edge 23 has a closed contour surrounding the space 101 when viewed from above (not shown). The upper edge 23 faces the lower edge 12 of the case 1 and has a contour corresponding to the contour of the lower edge 12. The upper edge 23 is joined to the lower edge 12 (described in detail later). The oil pan 2 is made of resin (e.g., PA66).

[0013] Next, the joint between the case 1 and the oil pan 2 will be described in detail.

[0014] 2 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing portion A in FIG. 1, and shows a joint J1 between the case 1 and the oil pan 2. The structure 100 includes a resin member 3. The resin member 3 is attached to a lower edge 12 of the case 1. The resin member 3 is made of resin (e.g., PA66). In the structure 100, the oil pan 2 is joined to the case 1 by the joint between the oil pan 2 and the resin member 3.

[0015] 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the case 1 and the oil pan 2 before being joined. The resin member 3 extends around the entire circumference of the lower edge 12 in a bottom view (not shown). That is, the resin member 3 has a closed contour in a bottom view. The resin member 3 includes a main body 31 and a plurality of (two in FIG. 3) protrusions (first protrusions) 32a, 32b. The number of protrusions 32a, 32b is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0016] The main body 31 is fixed to the lower edge 12 of the case 1. The main body 31 extends around the entire circumference of the lower edge 12 in a bottom view. That is, the main body 31 has a closed contour in a bottom view. For example, in order to fix the main body 31 to the case 1, first, a fine recess is formed by etching on the lower edge 12 of the case 1. Then, the upper surface of the main body 31 is melted. The upper surface of the main body 31 is attached to the lower edge 12 of the case 1 so that the molten resin enters the recess. When the molten resin solidifies in the recess, the main body 31 is fixed to the case 1. In other embodiments, the main body 31 may be fixed to the case 1 by other fixing means, such as an adhesive.

[0017] The main body 31 has, for example, a rectangular cross section. For example, the main body 31 has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the side wall 11 (the length in the left-right direction in FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the resin member 3 may have the same (or approximately the same) thickness as the thickness of the side wall 11. For example, the resin member 3 is attached to the lower end edge 12 so as to be flush with the outer surface of the side wall 11. In other embodiments, the resin member 3 may be attached to the lower end edge 12 so as to be flush with the inner surface of the side wall 11. The height d1 of the resin member 3 (the length in the up-down direction in FIG. 2) is, for example, 2.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. The height d1 is not limited to this range, and may be in other ranges in other embodiments.

[0018] Each of the protrusions 32a, 32b protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main body 31. Each of the protrusions 32a, 32b extends around the entire circumference of the lower edge 12 of the case 1 in a bottom view. That is, each of the protrusions 32a, 32b has a closed contour in a bottom view. The multiple protrusions 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the main body 31 (i.e., the thickness direction of the side wall 11 of the case 1). The protrusion 32b is located inside the protrusion 32a and is surrounded by the protrusion 32a. For example, the outer protrusion 32a is formed on the lower surface of the main body 31 along the outer surface of the side wall 11.

[0019] The protrusions 32a and 32b are tapered toward the tip (lower end). Specifically, in this embodiment, the protrusions 32a and 32b have a triangular cross section. In other embodiments, the protrusions 32a and 32b may have other tapered shapes other than a triangular cross section. The height d2 of the protrusions 32a and 32b from the lower surface of the main body 31 is, for example, 2.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. The thickness d3 of the thickest part of the protrusions 32a and 32b is, for example, 5.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less. The height d2 and the thickness d3 are not limited to these ranges and may be in other ranges in other embodiments. Also, in other embodiments, the outer protrusion 32a and the inner protrusion 32b may have different dimensions from each other.

[0020] A protrusion (second protrusion) 24 is provided on the upper edge 23 of the oil pan 2. The protrusion 24 protrudes upward from the upper edge 23. The protrusion 24 extends around the entire circumference of the upper edge 23 of the oil pan 2 in a top view. That is, the protrusion 24 has a closed contour in a top view. The protrusion 24 is provided at a position corresponding to the outer protrusion 32a of the resin member 3. The protrusion 24 is formed on the upper edge 23 along the outer surface of the side wall 21. For example, the protrusion 24 has a rectangular cross section. For example, the thickness d4 of the protrusion 24 may be the same as the thickness d3 of the thickest part of the protrusions 32a and 32b. The height d5 of the protrusion 24 is, for example, 2.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. The thickness d4 and the height d5 are not limited to these ranges and may be in other ranges in other embodiments.

[0021] Next, a method for joining the oil pan 2 to the case 1 will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the oil pan 2 is positioned relative to the case 1 so that the outer projection 32a of the resin member 3 and the projection 24 of the oil pan 2 face each other. Then, an upward force is applied to the oil pan 2 to press the projection 24 of the oil pan 2 against the projection 32a of the case 1. Then, the oil pan 2 is vibrated in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. At least the tapered projection 32a melts due to friction, and the projection 32a and the projection 24 are fixed to each other (so-called vibration welding). Since the projection 32a and the projection 24 have a closed contour, the case 1 and the oil pan 2 are sealed. Also, since the projection 32a before joining is tapered, a thin-walled weak portion w1 is formed at the joint J1 between the projection 32a and the projection 24 as shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the projection 32a and the projection 24 may be joined by a method other than vibration welding.

[0023] As described above, the joint J1 between the projection 32a of the resin member 3 and the projection 24 of the oil pan 2 includes a weak portion w1. In this disclosure, the "weak portion" may refer to a portion of the oil pan 2 and the resin member 3 that has a lower strength than other portions other than the weak portion w1, for example, against a force in a predetermined direction. In the structure 100, the weak portion w1 is formed as a thin-walled portion. In the weak portion w1, grooves g1 are formed on the outer and inner surfaces of the joint J1.

[0024] Next, a method for removing the oil pan 2 from the case 1 will be described.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a method of removing the oil pan 2 from the case 1. For example, the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1 during maintenance. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a horizontal force is applied to the oil pan 2, which breaks the thin-walled weak portion w1 before other portions. Thus, the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1. In another embodiment, for example, a downward force may be applied to the oil pan 2. With reference to FIG. 2, in yet another embodiment, the weak portion w1 may be broken by a cutting tool such as a cutter. In this case, the cutting tool can be inserted into the groove g1 on the outer surface, and the cutting tool can be easily moved along the groove g1.

[0026] Next, a method for joining a replacement oil pan to the case 1 will be described.

[0027] 5 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a method for joining replacement oil pan 4 to case 1. For example, replacement oil pan 4 is replaced with oil pan 2 during maintenance. Replacement oil pan 4 differs from oil pan 2 in that the distance between side walls 41 is smaller than that of oil pan 2 (i.e., upper edges 43 of side walls 41 of replacement oil pan 4 are located more inward than lower edge 12 of case 1). In other respects, replacement oil pan 4 may be the same as oil pan 2.

[0028] The projection 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 is provided at a position corresponding to the projection 32b on the inside of the resin member 3. In other respects, the projection 44 may be the same as the projection 24 of the oil pan 2.

[0029] The replacement oil pan 4 may be joined to the case 1 in the same manner as the oil pan 2 described above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer projection 32a of the resin member 3 has already been used. Therefore, the replacement oil pan 4 is positioned relative to the case 1 so that the inner projection 32b of the resin member 3 and the projection 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 face each other. Then, an upward force is applied to the replacement oil pan 4 to press the projection 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 against the projection 32b of the case 1. Then, the replacement oil pan 4 is vibrated in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. At least the tapered projection 32b melts due to friction, and thus the projection 32b and the projection 44 are fixed to each other (so-called vibration welding). Since the projection 32b and the projection 44 have a closed contour, the case 1 and the oil pan 2 are sealed.

[0030] 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the oil pan sealing structure 100 in which the oil pan 2 has been replaced with a replacement oil pan 4. As described above, the projection 32b is tapered before joining, so that a thin-walled weak portion w2 is formed at the joint J2 between the projection 32b and the projection 44. At the weak portion w2, a groove g2 is formed on the outer and inner surfaces of the joint J2. Therefore, at the time of the next maintenance, the replacement oil pan 4 can be removed from the case 1 by destroying the weak portion w2 in the same manner as the above-mentioned oil pan 2.

[0031] The structure 100 as described above includes a resin oil pan 2 and a metal case 1 joined to the oil pan 2, to which a resin member 3 is attached. One of the oil pan 2 or the resin member 3 (in this embodiment, the resin member 3) includes at least one protrusion 32a, 32b, and at least a part of the at least one protrusion 32a, 32b (in this embodiment, the outer protrusion 32a) is joined to the other of the oil pan 2 or the resin member 3 (in this embodiment, the oil pan 2). The joint J1 between the oil pan 2 and the resin member 3 formed by the protrusion 32a includes a weak part w1. Therefore, during maintenance, the oil pan 2 can be quickly removed from the case 1 by destroying the weak part w1 without time-consuming work such as loosening a bolt. In addition, in the structure 100, the case 1 and the oil pan 2 are sealed without a sealing member such as a gasket or a liquid gasket, so that the number of parts and additional time for hardening the liquid gasket can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0032] Moreover, in the structure 100, the resin member 3 includes a plurality of protrusions 32a, 32b, some of the plurality of protrusions 32a, 32b (in this embodiment, the outer protrusion 32a) are joined to the oil pan 2, and the rest of the plurality of protrusions 32a, 32b (in this embodiment, the inner protrusion 32b) are not joined to the oil pan 2. Therefore, once the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1, the unjoined protrusion 32b can be used in the next joining in place of the already used protrusion 32a.

[0033] Furthermore, in the structure 100, the oil pan 2 includes at least one protrusion 24 that is joined to the protrusion 32a. Therefore, when joining the oil pan 2 to the case 1, the protrusion 24 can be used as a mark for joining to the protrusion 32a. Thus, the oil pan 2 can be easily positioned with respect to the case 1.

[0034] In the structure 100, the replacement oil pan 4 to be replaced with the oil pan 2 includes a portion for the next joining (in this embodiment, the protrusion 44) at a position corresponding to the unjoined protrusion 32b of the resin member 3. Therefore, the replacement oil pan 4 can be joined to the case 1 using the unjoined protrusion 32b.

[0035] In particular, the replacement oil pan 4 includes a protrusion 44 for the next joining at a position corresponding to the unjoined protrusion 32b. Therefore, when joining the replacement oil pan 4 to the case 1, the protrusion 44 can be used as a mark for joining to the protrusion 32b. Therefore, the replacement oil pan 4 can be easily positioned with respect to the case 1.

[0036] 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure 100 in which the oil pan 2 has been replaced with a replacement oil pan 5 according to another embodiment. For example, the replacement oil pan 5 is replaced with the oil pan 2 during maintenance. The replacement oil pan 5 differs from the above-described replacement oil pan 4 in that it has a recess 55. In other respects, the replacement oil pan 5 may be the same as the replacement oil pan 4.

[0037] As described above, the replacement oil pan 4 has a smaller distance between the side walls 41 than the oil pan 2. Therefore, the replacement oil pan 4 has a smaller capacity than the oil pan 2. Therefore, when using the replacement oil pan 4, in order to keep the liquid level of the oil L the same, it is necessary to reduce the amount of oil L compared to when the oil pan 2 is used.

[0038] In contrast, the inner wall of the replacement oil pan 5 includes a recess 55 as a portion where the material is reduced compared to the inner wall of the oil pan 2 (which may also be simply referred to as a "reduced portion" in this disclosure). In this disclosure, the "inner wall" may mean a portion that defines at least a part of the space 101 that contains the oil L when the oil pan or the replacement oil pan is joined to the case. For example, the recess 55 is formed in the upper end edge 53 of the side wall 51. The recess 55 is designed so that the volume of the recess 55 matches the reduced volume due to the reduction in the space between the side walls 41 compared to the oil pan 2. Therefore, when using the replacement oil pan 5, the same amount of oil L as when using the oil pan 2 can be used in order to keep the liquid level of the oil L the same.

[0039] In FIG. 7 , the inner wall of replacement oil pan 5 includes a recess 55 as the reduced portion. In other embodiments, the reduced portion may have a form other than recess 55. For example, the reduced portion may be a chamfer formed on the inner circumference of upper edge 53. Also, in other embodiments, the reduced portion may be provided in an area other than upper edge 53. For example, the reduced portion may be provided on inner surface 56 of side wall 51. Also, for example, the reduced portion may be provided on a bottom wall (not shown) of replacement oil pan 5.

[0040] The replacement oil pan 5 as described above can achieve substantially the same effects as the replacement oil pan 4 described above.

[0041] In particular, the spacing between the side walls 51 of the replacement oil pan 5 is reduced compared to the spacing between the side walls 21 of the oil pan 2, and the inner wall of the replacement oil pan 5 includes a portion 55 where the material is reduced compared to the inner wall of the oil pan 2, so that the volume of the replacement oil pan 5 is the same as the volume of the oil pan 2. Thus, when using the replacement oil pan 5, the same amount of oil L can be used as when using the oil pan 2, in order to keep the liquid level of the oil L the same. Thus, for example, using an incorrect amount of oil L can be prevented.

[0042] 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure 200 according to another embodiment. The structure 200 differs from the above-described structure 100 in that the shapes of the projections 33a, 33b of the resin member 3 and the projection 25 of the oil pan 2, as well as the joint J3 formed therewith, are different from the shapes of the projections 32a, 32b, the projection 24, and the joint J1 in FIG. 2. In other respects, the structure 200 may be the same as the above-described structure 100.

[0043] In the structure 200, the protrusions 33a, 33b of the resin member 3 are not tapered. The protrusions 33a, 33b have approximately the same thickness along the height direction. As can be better understood from the inner protrusion 33b, the protrusions 33a, 33b protrude outwardly while curving from the lower surface of the main body 31. Before joining, the outer protrusion 33a has the same (or approximately the same) cross-sectional shape as the inner protrusion 33b. An acute-angled connecting portion w31 exists between the main body 31 and the protrusion 33a.

[0044] Before joining, the protrusion 25 of the oil pan 2 has a cross-sectional shape that is upside down compared to the cross section of the protrusion 33a of the resin member 3. The protrusion 25 has approximately the same thickness along the height direction. The protrusion 25 protrudes while curving outward from the upper end edge 23 of the side wall 21. An acute-angled connecting portion w32 exists between the upper end edge 23 and the protrusion 25. The protrusion 33a of the resin member 3 and the protrusion 25 of the oil pan 2 may be joined by, for example, vibration welding as described above.

[0045] The joint J3 between the projection 33a and the projection 25 is curved so as to have a cross section symmetrical with respect to a horizontal axis. When an upward force is applied to such a joint J3, the center of the joint J3 is buckled. Therefore, the center of the joint J3 functions as the weak part w33. When an upward force (or a downward force) is applied to the joint J3, stress is concentrated at the connecting part w31 and the connecting part w32. Therefore, the connecting parts w31 and w32 function as the weak parts w31 and w32. Therefore, when the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1, an upward force (or a downward force) is applied to the oil pan 2, which breaks at least one of the weak parts w31, w32, and w33 before the other parts. Therefore, the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1.

[0046] The structure 200 as described above can achieve substantially the same effects as the structure 100 described above.

[0047] 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an oil pan sealing structure 300 according to yet another embodiment. The structure 300 differs from the above-described structure 100 in that the shapes of the protrusions 34a, 34b of the resin member 3 and the protrusion 26 of the oil pan 2, as well as the joint J4 formed therewith, are different from the shapes of the protrusions 32a, 32b, the protrusion 24, and the joint J1 in FIG. 2. In other respects, the structure 300 may be the same as the above-described structure 100.

[0048] In the structure 300, the protrusions 34a, 34b of the resin member 3 are not tapered. The protrusions 34a, 34b have approximately the same thickness along the height direction. As can be better understood from the inner protrusion 34b, the protrusions 34a, 34b linearly protrude outward from the lower surface of the main body portion 31. The outer protrusion 34a before joining has the same (or approximately the same) cross-sectional shape as the inner protrusion 34b. An acute angled connection portion w41 exists between the main body portion 31 and the protrusion 34a.

[0049] Before joining, the protrusion 26 of the oil pan 2 has the same (or approximately the same) cross-sectional shape as the protrusion 34a of the resin member 3. The protrusion 26 has approximately the same thickness along the height direction. The protrusion 25 protrudes linearly inward from the upper edge 23 of the side wall 21. The protrusion 26 is positioned so that the upper end of the protrusion 26 corresponds to the lower end of the protrusion 34a. An acute-angled connecting portion w42 exists between the upper edge 23 and the protrusion 26. The protrusion 34a of the resin member 3 and the protrusion 26 of the oil pan 2 may be joined, for example, by vibration welding, as described above.

[0050] When an upward force (or a downward force) is applied to the joint J4 as described above, stress is concentrated at the connecting portion w41 and the connecting portion w42. Therefore, the connecting portions w41, w42 function as the weak portions w41, w42. Therefore, when removing the oil pan 2 from the case 1, an upward force (or a downward force) is applied to the oil pan 2, which destroys at least one of the weak portions w41 and w42 before the other portions. Therefore, the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1.

[0051] The structure 300 as described above can achieve substantially the same effects as the structure 100 described above.

[0052] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such examples also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0053] For example, in the above structures 100, 200, and 300, the oil pan 2 has only one protrusion 24, 25, and 26. However, in other embodiments, the oil pan 2 may have an additional protrusion generally similar to the protrusion 24, 25, and 26 at a position corresponding to the inner protrusion 32b, 33b, and 34b of the resin member 3. In this case, after the oil pan 2 is removed from the case 1 by destroying the weak parts w1, w3, w41, and w42, the inner protrusion 32b, 33b, and 34b of the resin member 3 and the additional protrusion of the oil pan 2 can be joined. Therefore, the oil pan 2 can be reused. In this case, for example, the height of the additional protrusion may be reduced below the protrusions 24, 25, and 26. With this configuration, when the outer protrusions 32a, 33a, 34a of the resin member 3 are joined to the protrusions 24, 25, 26 of the oil pan 2, contact between the inner protrusions 32b, 33b, 34b and the additional protrusions of the oil pan 2 can be prevented.

[0054] Also, for example, in the above structures 100, 200, and 300, the oil pan 2 has the protrusions 24, 25, and 26. However, in other embodiments, the oil pan 2 may not have the protrusions 24, 25, and 26, and the protrusions 32a, 33a, and 34a of the resin member 3 may be directly joined to the upper edge 23 of the oil pan 2. In this case, the heights of the inner protrusions 32b, 33b, and 34b may be reduced compared to the outer protrusions 32a, 33a, and 34a. With this configuration, when the outer protrusions 32a, 33a, and 34a are directly joined to the upper edge 23 of the oil pan 2, contact between the inner protrusions 32b, 33b, and 34b and the upper edge 23 can be prevented.

[0055] Similarly, in the above-described structure 100, the replacement oil pan 4 has the protrusion 44. However, in other embodiments, the replacement oil pan 4 does not need to have the protrusion 44, and the protrusions 32b, 33b, and 34b of the resin member 3 may be directly joined to the upper edge 43 of the replacement oil pan 4.

[0056] Also, for example, in the above structures 100, 200, and 300, the resin member 3 has a plurality of protrusions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b. However, in other embodiments, the resin member 3 may have only one protrusion 32a, 33a, and 34a. In this case, for example, after removing the oil pan 2 from the case 1 by breaking the fragile parts w1, w31, w32, w33, w41, and w42, the protrusion 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 may be directly joined to the main body part 31 of the resin member 3. In this case, for example, the protrusion 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 may be tapered like the protrusions 32a and 32b of the resin member 3. In this case, a thin-walled fragile part can be formed by directly joining the tapered protrusion 44 of the replacement oil pan 4 to the main body part 31 of the resin member 3.

[0057] Also, for example, in the above structures 100, 200, and 300, the resin member 3 has the protrusions (first protrusions) 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b. However, in other embodiments, the resin member 3 may not have a protrusion, and only the oil pan 2 may have a protrusion (first protrusion). In this case, for example, in the structure 100, the protrusion 24 of the oil pan 2 may be tapered like the protrusions 32a and 32b of the resin member 3. In this case, by directly joining the tapered protrusion of the oil pan 2 to the main body portion 31 of the resin member 3, a thin-walled fragile portion can be formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 case 2 Oil pan 3 Resin parts 4 Replacement oil pan 5 Replacement oil pan 21 Oil pan side wall 24 protrusion (second protrusion) 25 Protrusion (2nd protrusion) 26 protrusion (second protrusion) 32a Protrusion (1st protrusion) 32b Protrusion (1st protrusion) 33a Protrusion (1st protrusion) 33b Protrusion (1st protrusion) 34a Protrusion (1st protrusion) 34b Protrusion (1st protrusion) 41 Replacement oil pan side wall 51 Replacement oil pan side wall 100 Oil pan sealing structure 200 Oil pan sealed structure 300 Oil pan sealed structure J1 joint J2 joint J3 joint J4 joint w1 vulnerable part w2 Weak part w31 vulnerable part w32 vulnerable part w33 vulnerable part w41 vulnerable part w42 vulnerable part

Claims

1. A plastic oil pan, a metal case joined to the oil pan, the metal case having a resin member attached thereto; Equipped with one of the oil pan or the resin member includes at least one first projection protruding toward the other of the oil pan or the resin member, the at least one first projection has a closed contour extending around an entire periphery of a bottom edge of the case; at least a portion of the at least one first projection is joined to the other of the oil pan and the resin member to seal the oil pan and the case; a joint portion between the oil pan and the resin member formed by the first projection includes a fragile portion, Oil pan sealed structure.

2. the resin member includes a plurality of first projections, A portion of the plurality of first projections is joined to the oil pan, and the remainder of the plurality of first projections is not joined to the oil pan.

2. The oil pan sealing structure according to claim 1.

3. The oil pan sealing arrangement of claim 2 , wherein the oil pan includes at least one second protrusion joined to the first protrusion.

4. A replacement oil pan for replacing the oil pan in the oil pan sealing structure according to claim 2 or 3, The replacement oil pan includes a joining portion at a position corresponding to the unjoined first protrusion of the resin member. Replacement oil pan.

5. a spacing between side walls of the replacement oil pan being reduced compared to a spacing between side walls of the oil pan; 5. The replacement oil pan of claim 4, wherein an inner wall of the replacement oil pan includes a portion having reduced material compared to an inner wall of the oil pan such that a volume of the replacement oil pan is the same as a volume of the oil pan.

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