Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[Refer Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
An Oil Regulation System for an Internal Combustion Engine

APPLICANT
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World City, Plot No:41/1, Anjur P.O., Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu – 603004, India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oil regulation system for the internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, an internal combustion engine incorporates a lubrication pump that delivers lubricating oil under pressure, to circulate the oil through the engine block to lubricate the various moving parts such as the camshaft, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods and other various bearings. Conventionally, a constant displacement oil pump has been utilized in engine lubrication system due to its simplicity. The output of a constant displacement oil pump is solely determined by the engine RPM, resulting in a fixed oil flow and pressure with respect to engine RPM. However, these pumps have limitations in terms of adjusting the oil outlet pressure and oil flow to match the varying engine requirements. Consequently, the constant displacement oil pump supplies excessive oil flow at higher engine RPMs, without the ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the engine leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased energy consumption.
[003] To overcome these limitations, the existing constant displacement oil pump is replaced with a variable displacement oil pump to optimize the vehicle fuel consumption by regulating oil supply based on engine requirements of a vehicle. The variable displacement oil pump includes a control valve that adjusts the eccentricity of the variable displacement oil pump, thus controlling the oil pump discharge pressure and oil flow rate.
[004] Conventionally, the variable displacement oil pump and the control valve are disposed on an inner side of a front cover of the engine. Generally, the control valve is integrated with the housing of the variable displacement oil pump. However, the integrated control valve and variable displacement oil pump requires a large packaging space. Packaging of the integrated oil pump and control valve within the confines of the limited packaging space of the engine becomes a challenge. Especially in engines where packaging space is limited, accommodating the control valve with the variable displacement oil pump without compromising the functionality of the control valve and the variable displacement oil pump is challenging. In case the control valve is not integrated with the variable displacement oil pump, the routing of the oil from the variable displacement oil pump to the control valve and back from the control valve to the variable displacement oil pump becomes a challenge.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for an oil regulation system for an internal combustion engine, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an oil regulation system for an internal combustion engine. The oil regulation system includes a variable displacement oil pump configured to supply oil from an oil sump for lubrication and cooling of the internal combustion engine. An engine front cover is configured to cover a crankcase from a front side in a front-rear direction and the variable displacement oil pump is disposed on an inner side of the engine front cover. An oil pump cover is configured for covering the variable displacement oil pump and the oil pump cover is provided on the inner side of the engine front cover. A control valve is configured to control a displacement of the variable displacement oil pump. The control valve is disposed on an outer side of the engine front cover. The system further has an oil flow path between the variable displacement oil pump and the control valve. The oil flow path has a first oil channel provided in the crankcase and the first oil channel is configured to receive oil from a main oil gallery of the crankcase. A second oil channel is provided in the oil pump cover and the second oil channel is fluidly connected to the first oil channel. A third oil channel is provided in the engine front cover and connected with the control valve provided on the outer side of the front cover. The second oil channel interconnects the first oil channel with the third oil channel, thereby supplying oil to the control valve for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the oil flow path has a fourth oil channel provided in the engine front cover. The fourth oil channel is configured to receive oil from the control valve and supply oil to variable displacement oil pump for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control valve is a solenoid valve having an application port, a pressure port and a leakage port. The application port receives the oil from the third oil channel, the pressure port supplies oil to the fourth oil channel for controlling displacement of the variable displacement oil pump, and the leakage port is configured to discharge spare oil from the control valve to the oil sump.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first oil channel is connected to an auxiliary oil gallery in the crankcase, wherein the auxiliary oil gallery branches from the main oil gallery.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary oil gallery is configured to supply oil to a cam chain tensioner and a turbocharger of the internal combustion engine.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the internal combustion engine has a gasket being provided between the crankcase and the oil pump cover, for preventing leakage of oil between the first oil channel and the second oil channel.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the internal combustion engine has an oil pump housing defined by the oil pump cover and the engine front cover. The variable displacement oil pump is disposed enclosed by the oil pump housing.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the variable displacement oil pump has a pump stator movably housed in oil pump housing, and a pump rotor provided radially inward of the pump stator. Herein, alteration of eccentricity between the pump stator and the pump rotor results in alteration of output pressure of the variable displacement oil pump.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the variable displacement oil pump has a spring element connected between the oil pump housing and the pump stator. The spring element restraining the movement of pump stator with respect to the oil pump housing.
[015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine has an engine front cover configured to cover a crankcase from a front side in a front-rear direction. A variable displacement oil pump is configured to supply oil from an oil sump for lubrication and cooling of the internal combustion engine, and the variable displacement oil pump is disposed on an inner side of the engine front cover. An oil pump cover is configured for covering the variable displacement oil pump and the oil pump cover is provided on the inner side of the engine front cover. A control valve is configured to control a displacement of the variable displacement oil pump. The control valve is disposed on an outer side of the engine front cover. The system further has an oil flow path between the variable displacement oil pump and the control valve. The oil flow path has a first oil channel provided in the crankcase and the first oil channel is configured to receive oil from a main oil gallery of the crankcase. A second oil channel is provided in the oil pump cover and the second oil channel is fluidly connected to the first oil channel. A third oil channel is provided in the engine front cover and connected with the control valve provided on the outer side of the front cover. The second oil channel interconnects the first oil channel with the third oil channel, thereby supplying oil to the control valve for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an illustrative diagram of an oil regulation system for an internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2A and 2B respectively illustrate a front view and a rear view of an engine front cover of the internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the crankcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an oil pump cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the engine front cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a perspective view of the engine front cover and the oil pump cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of an oil flow path of the oil regulation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oil regulation system for an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine of the present invention is typically used for a four wheeled vehicle or other multi-wheeled vehicles as required. However, it should be understood that the internal combustion engine as illustrated may find its application on any other automotive or non-automotive application using an internal combustion engine.
[018] Figure 1 shows an illustrative diagram of an oil regulation system 100 for an internal combustion engine 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The oil regulation system 100 comprises a variable displacement oil pump 150, an engine front cover 110, a control valve 140 and an oil flow path, wherein the variable displacement oil pump 150 is disposed on an inner side 110A (shown in figure 2B) of the engine front cover 110 and the control valve is disposed on an outer side 110B (shown in figure 2A) of the engine front cover 110, and the oil flow path is provided between the variable displacement oil pump 150 and the control valve 140. Accordingly, the oil flow path enables supply of oil to the control valve 140 provided on the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110 from the variable displacement oil pump 150 provided on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110.
[019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B illustrate an internal combustion engine 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the engine front cover 110 is configured to cover a crankcase 120 (shown in Figure 3) from a front side in a front-rear direction. Figure 2A illustrates a front view of the internal combustion engine 10 and depicts an outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110. Similarly, Figure 2B illustrates a rear view of the engine front cover 110 and depicts an inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the internal combustion engine 10 and depicts a face of the crankcase 120 on which the engine front cover 110 is attached for covering and sealing the internal combustion engine 10.
[020] Further, the variable displacement oil pump 150 is configured to supply oil from an oil sump 170 for lubrication and cooling of the internal combustion engine 10. The variable displacement oil pump 150 is disposed on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110. A variable displacement oil pump 150, also known as a variable discharge oil pump is a pump in which oil delivery rate can be adapted flexibly to the required oil flow rate depending on the engine temperature, oil temperature, engine RPM and load state of the engine. As opposed to conventional fixed displacement oil pumps or fixed discharge oil pumps, the variable delivery rate of the variable displacement oil pump results in reduced power consumption, fuel saving and reduction of emissions.
[021] To achieve the variable oil delivery rate, the variable displacement oil pump 150 comprises a pump housing which is fixed, and has an inlet port and outlet port for intake of oil from an oil sump and supply of oil to various parts of the internal combustion engine 10. The pump housing also has a separate provision for receiving oil from a valve. The variable displacement oil pump 150 further has a stator provided inside the pump housing and a rotor provided radially inward of the stator. The rotor is generally powered by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The rotor is provided eccentrically with respect to the stator. In other words, a rotational/geometric centre of the rotor is offset from a geometrical centre of the stator. The stator and rotor are provided such that in an initial state, the stator abuts the pump housing, and the eccentricity between the rotor and the stator is at the highest. A higher eccentricity between the stator and rotor results in higher oil delivery rates, which are appropriate for engine starting condition where quick delivery of oil to all parts of the engine is required.
[022] As the engine RPM increases, or there is a change in engine load or oil/engine temperature, the oil delivery rate requirement changes. To achieve the required delivery rate, a portion of the oil from the valve is supplied to the housing and the oil travels between the housing and the stator. The oil between the housing and the stator pushes the stator away from the housing, thus reducing the eccentricity between the rotor and the stator. The reduced eccentricity leads to lower oil delivery rate, which is appropriate for cruising conditions etc. In operation, the valve is operated by a control unit that determines the amount of oil to be supplied between the housing and the stator in accordance with the oil delivery requirement corresponding to a particular engine condition. This reduces the power consumption by the variable displacement oil pump, and supply of oil to various engine parts as per requirement, which results in better fuel economy and lower emissions.
[023] As further illustrated in Figure 2B, an oil pump cover 130 is configured for covering the variable displacement oil pump 150. The oil pump cover 130 is provided on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110, thereby covering the variable displacement oil pump 150 provided on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110. In an embodiment, the oil pump cover 130 is attached to the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110. In an alternative embodiment, the oil pump cover 130 is integrated with the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110.
[024] Further, the control valve 140 configured to control a displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150, as explained hereinbefore. To accommodate the control valve 140 without hampering the limited packaging space on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110, as illustrated in figure 2A, the control valve 140 is disposed on an outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110, whereby the control valve 140 is packaged close to the variable displacement oil pump 150 ensuring proper functionality of the control valve 140 and the variable displacement oil pump 150.
[025] To ensure transmission of oil from the variable displacement oil pump 150 to control valve 140 and then from the control valve 140 to the variable displacement oil pump 150 for adjusting the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150, the oil flow path is provided between the variable displacement oil pump 150 and the control valve 140. As illustrated in figure 4, the oil flow path comprises a first oil channel 210 provided in the crankcase 120. The first oil channel 210 is a cross-drill provided in the body of the crankcase 120 and the first oil channel 210 is configured to receive oil from a main oil gallery 202 of the crankcase 120. The main oil gallery 202 receives oil from the variable displacement oil pump 150 for supply to different parts of the internal combustion engine 10. A portion of the oil is received by the first oil channel 210.
[026] As further illustrated in figure 5, the oil flow path further comprises a second oil channel 220 provided in the oil pump cover 130. The second oil channel 220 is fluidly connected to the first oil channel 210, and is configured to receive oil from the first oil channel 210. As illustrated in figure 6, the oil flow path comprises a third oil channel 230. The third oil channel 230 is provided in the engine front cover 110 and is connected with the control valve 140 provided on the outer side 110B of the front cover 110. Herein, the second oil channel 220 interconnects the first oil channel 210 with the third oil channel 230. The third oil channel 230 extends from the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110 to the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110. Thus, the control valve 140 receives oil from the main oil gallery 202 via the first oil channel 210, the second oil channel 220 and the third oil channel 230, which is then supplied to the variable displacement oil pump 150 in a controlled manner for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150. Thus, oil channels are created in the crankcase 120, the oil pump cover 130 and the engine front cover 110 for allowing oil from the variable displacement oil pump 150 disposed on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110 to be transmitted to the control valve 140 disposed on the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110. Accordingly, proper routing of oil between the variable displacement oil pump 150 and the control valve 140 is achieved thereby ensuring optimal functionality of the control valve 140 and the variable displacement oil pump 150, and performance of the engine 10 itself.
[027] In an embodiment depicted in figure 7A and figure 7B, for allowing the oil to be transmitted from the control valve 140 disposed on the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110 to the variable displacement oil pump 150 disposed on the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110, the oil flow path further comprises a fourth oil channel 240. The fourth oil channel 240 is provided in the engine front cover 110. The fourth oil channel 240 extends from the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110 to the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110. The fourth oil channel 240 is configured to receive oil from the control valve 140 and supply oil to variable displacement oil pump 150 for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150. More particularly, the oil from the control valve 140 is transmitted inside the oil pump cover 130 through the fourth oil channel 240 provided on the engine front cover 110.
[028] In an embodiment, the control valve 140 is a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is operably connected to a control unit 160 (shown in Figure 1) such as electronic control unit wherein the control unit 160 electronically controls the degree of opening of the solenoid valve. The control unit 160 monitors the current oil pressure being delivered by the variable displacement oil pump and compares the current oil pressure with the required oil pressure for a given engine condition. For example, if the output oil pressure is more than the required output oil pressure, the control unit 160 activates the control valve 140 to deliver the required oil into the variable displacement oil pump 150 to reduce the output oil pressure.
[029] The displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150 and in turn, the oil delivery rate depends upon the degree of opening of the solenoid valve. When the opening of the solenoid valve is at a higher degree, more oil flows from the control valve 140 to the variable displacement oil pump 150, altering the displacement to achieve reduced oil delivery rates. Conversely, a lower degree of opening of the solenoid valve means that less amount of oil flows from the control valve 140 to the variable displacement oil pump 150, altering the displacement to achieve greater oil delivery rates.
[030] The solenoid valve has an application port, a pressure port and a leakage port (illustrated as A, P and L respectively in Figure 1). The application port receives the oil from the third oil channel 230. The oil received by the application port is supplied to the fourth oil channel 240 through the pressure port for controlling displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150. The degree of opening of the solenoid valve decides the amount of oil being supplied to the variable displacement oil pump 150, and the spare oil is discharged back to the oil sump 170. The leakage port is configured to discharge spare oil from the control valve 140 to the oil sump 170. To allow for the oil to be discharged from the leakage port of the control valve 140 placed on the outer side 110B the engine front cover 110 to the oil sump 170, as illustrated in Figure 7A and Figure 7B, a through hole 112 is provided in the engine front cover 110 and a corresponding through hole 132 is provided on the oil pump cover 130. Spare oil from the leakage port of the control valve 140 travels through the through hole 112 provided in the engine front cover 110 and the corresponding through hole 132 provided on the oil pump cover 130, to be discharged back to the oil sump 170.
[031] Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in figure 8A and figure 8B, wherein as illustrated, the first oil channel 210 is connected to an auxiliary oil gallery 204 in the crankcase 120. The auxiliary oil gallery 204 branches from the main oil gallery 202. The auxiliary oil gallery 204 is configured to supply oil to a cam chain tensioner and a turbocharger of the internal combustion engine 10.
[032] Thus, in operation, as illustrated in figure 8A and figure 8B, the variable displacement oil pump 150 receives oil from the oil sump 170, and the oil is then transmitted to an oil filter and an oil cooler for cooling and filtering of the oil before it can be supplied to the different parts of the engine 10. Oil from the oil filter and oil cooler then enters the main oil gallery 202, and part of the oil from the main oil gallery 202 is transmitted to the auxiliary oil gallery 204. One part of the oil from the auxiliary oil gallery 204 travels into the first oil channel 210 in the crankcase 120, and the other part of the oil in the auxiliary oil gallery 204 travels to the turbocharger and the cam chain tensioner. Oil from the first oil channel 210 in the crankcase 120 then travels to the second oil channel 220 in the oil pump cover 130. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 10 has a gasket being provided between the crankcase 120 and the oil pump cover 130. The gasket prevents leakage of oil between the first oil channel 210 and the second oil channel 220.
[033] Thereafter, oil from the second oil channel 220 in the oil pump cover 130 travels into the third oil channel 230 in the engine front cover 110. The third oil channel 230 transmits the oil from the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110 to the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110, thereby supplying oil to application port of the control valve 140. Part of the oil received by the application port is transmitted out from the pressure port and the spare oil is transmitted out from the leakage port. Oil from the pressure port of the control valve 140 is transmitted to the fourth oil channel 240 and the fourth oil channel 240 transmits oil from the outer side 110B of the engine front cover 110 to the inner side 110A of the engine front cover 110, thereby supplying oil to the variable displacement oil pump 150 for adjusting the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump 150. Spare oil from the leakage port is discharged back into the oil sump 170.
[034] In an embodiment as referenced in Figure 1, to facilitate the operation of the variable displacement oil pump 150, the internal combustion engine 10 has an oil pump housing 152 defined by the oil pump cover 130 and the engine front cover 110. The variable displacement oil pump 150 is disposed enclosed by the oil pump housing 152. Further, the variable displacement oil pump 150 comprises a pump stator 154 movably housed in oil pump housing 152, and a pump rotor 156 provided radially inward of the pump stator 152. In that, alteration of eccentricity between the pump stator 152 and the pump rotor 156 results in alteration of output pressure or the oil delivery rate of the variable displacement oil pump 150. Further, the variable displacement oil pump 150 comprises a spring element 158 connected between the oil pump housing 152 and the pump stator 154 and the spring element 158 restrains the movement of pump stator 154 with respect to the oil pump housing 152. Thus, when oil from the control valve 140 is supplied to the variable displacement oil pump 150, the oil travels between the oil pump housing 152 and the pump stator 154, thereby reducing the eccentricity between the pump stator 154 and the pump rotor 156 and reducing output pressure or oil delivery rate. Whenever oil travelling between the oil pump housing 152 and the pump stator 154 reduces, the spring element 158 pushes the pump stator 154, thereby increasing the eccentricity between the pump stator 154 and the pump rotor 152 and increasing output pressure or oil delivery rate.
[035] Advantageously, the present invention provides an oil regulation system for an internal combustion engine with a variable displacement oil pump wherein the variable displacement oil pump is disposed in the inner side of the engine front cover and the control valve is disposed on the outer side of the engine front cover. This ensures that the provision of the variable displacement oil pump is not hampered by the limited packaging space available in the internal combustion engine. The provision of the variable displacement oil pump allows for reduced power consumption, better engine performance, greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Such a disposition also provides for the disposition of the control valve close to the variable displacement oil pump, thus ensuring proper functioning of the control valve as well as the variable displacement oil pump.
[036] Further, the provision of the first oil channel in the crankcase, second oil channel in the oil pump cover and the third oil channel in the engine front cover allows for adequate supply of oil to the control valve provided on the outer side of the engine front cover. Provision of the fourth oil channel in the front engine cover ensures adequate supply of oil from the control valve on the outer side of the front cover to the variable displacement oil pump on the inner side of the front cover for adjusting displacement of the variable displacement oil pump.
[037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An oil regulation system (100) for an internal combustion engine (10), the oil regulation system (100) comprising:
a variable displacement oil pump (150) configured to supply oil from an oil sump (170) for lubrication and cooling of the internal combustion engine (10);
an engine front cover (110) configured to cover a crankcase (120) from a front side in a front-rear direction, the variable displacement oil pump (150) being disposed on an inner side (110A) of the engine front cover (110);
an oil pump cover (130) configured for covering the variable displacement oil pump (150), the oil pump cover (130) being provided on the inner side (110A) of the engine front cover (110);
a control valve (140) configured to control a displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150), the control valve (140) being disposed on an outer side (110B) of the engine front cover (110); and
an oil flow path between the variable displacement oil pump (150) and the control valve (140), the oil flow path comprising:
a first oil channel (210) provided in the crankcase (120), the first oil channel (210) configured to receive oil from a main oil gallery (202) of the crankcase (120);
a second oil channel (220) provided in the oil pump cover (130), the second oil channel (220) fluidly connected to the first oil channel (210); and
a third oil channel (230) provided in the engine front cover (110) and connected with the control valve (140) provided on the outer side (110B) of the front cover (110), the second oil channel (220) interconnecting the first oil channel (210) with the third oil channel (230), thereby supplying oil to the control valve (140) for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150).

2. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil flow path comprises a fourth oil channel (240) provided in the engine front cover (110), the fourth oil channel (240) being configured to receive oil from the control valve (140) and supply oil to variable displacement oil pump (150) for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150).

3. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control valve (140) is solenoid valve having an application port, a pressure port and a leakage port, wherein the application port receives the oil from the third oil channel (230), the pressure port supplies oil to the fourth oil channel (240) for controlling displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150), and the leakage port is configured to discharge spare oil from the control valve (140) to the oil sump (170).

4. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first oil channel (210) is connected to an auxiliary oil gallery (204) in the crankcase (120), wherein the auxiliary oil gallery (204) branches from the main oil gallery (202).

5. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the auxiliary oil gallery (204) is configured to supply oil to a cam chain tensioner and a turbocharger of the internal combustion engine (100).

6. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (10) comprises a gasket being provided between the crankcase (120) and the oil pump cover (130), for preventing leakage of oil between the first oil channel (210) and the second oil channel (220).

7. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine (10) comprises an oil pump housing (152) defined by the oil pump cover (130) and the engine front cover (110), the variable displacement oil pump (150) being disposed enclosed by the oil pump housing (152).

8. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the variable displacement oil pump (150) comprises a pump stator (154) movably housed in oil pump housing (152), and a pump rotor (156) provided radially inward of the pump stator (154), wherein alteration of eccentricity between the pump stator (154) and the pump rotor (156) results in alteration of output pressure of the variable displacement oil pump (150).

9. The oil regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the variable displacement oil pump (150) comprises a spring element (158) connected between the oil pump housing (152) and the pump stator (154), the spring element (158) restraining the movement of pump stator (154) with respect to the oil pump housing (152).

10. An internal combustion engine (10), comprising:
an engine front cover (110) configured to cover a crankcase (120) from a front side in a front-rear direction;
a variable displacement oil pump (150) configured to supply oil from an oil sump (170) for lubrication and cooling of the internal combustion engine (10), the variable displacement oil pump (150) being disposed on an inner side (110A) of the engine front cover (110);
an oil pump cover (130) configured for covering the variable displacement oil pump (150), the oil pump cover (130) being provided on the inner side (110A) of the engine front cover (110);
a control valve (140) configured to control a displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150), the control valve (140) being disposed on an outer side (110B) of the engine front cover (110); and
an oil flow path between the variable displacement oil pump (150) and the control valve (140), the oil flow path comprising:
a first oil channel (210) provided in the crankcase (120), the first oil channel (210) configured to receive oil from a main oil gallery (202) of the crankcase (120);
a second oil channel (220) provided in the oil pump cover (130), the second oil channel (220) fluidly connected to the first oil channel (210); and
a third oil channel (230) provided in the engine front cover (110) and connected with the control valve (140) provided on the outer side (110B) of the front cover (110), the second oil channel (220) interconnecting the first oil channel (210) with the third oil channel (230), thereby supplying oil to the control valve (140) for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement oil pump (150).
Dated this 25th day of July 2023
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193