Claims:We claim:

1. A crankcase supporting device (101) for an internal combustion engine (100) of a vehicle, the device (101) comprising:
an elongated body (300) defining a first major surface (304) and a second major surface (400);
a casing (307) surrounding the elongated body (300), the casing (307) is configured to be accommodated between a crank case and an oil sump (102) of the internal combustion engine (100);
an adapter portion (403) integrally formed with the casing (307), wherein the adapter portion (403) is defined with at least one through passage (203), and at least one auxiliary passage (205) fluidly connected to the at least one through passage (203),
wherein, the adapter portion (403) is configured to couple with an oil filter (200), such that the oil filter (200) is fluidly connected to the at least one through passage (203).

2. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adapter portion (403) is defined with a cavity (206) in fluid communication with the auxiliary passage (205), the cavity (206) is configured to accommodate a pressure sensing means.

3. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality ribs (302) extending from the adapter portion (403) to the elongated body (300) for reinforcing the adapter portion (403).

4. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one through passage (203) fluidly communicates with a main oil gallery (103).

5. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one through passage (203) is fluidly connected to the main oil gallery (103) through a connector (204).

6. The device (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connector (204) is defined with a groove (201) for fluidly connecting the at least one through passage (203) with the at least one auxiliary passage (205).

7. The device (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connector (204) is configured to hold the oil filter (200).

8. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (307) comprises a connector and locator (202A) in a mounting region (202) to locate and connect an oil pump (104).
9. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting region (202) is defined with a first opening (303) fluidly connecting the oil pump (104) and the oil filter (200).

10. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first major surface (304) of the elongated body (300) is defined in a concave shape, and the first major surface (304) is oriented to face the crankcase.

11. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first major surface (304) is defined with a plurality of oil drain pockets (305).

12. The device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first major surface (304) is defined with a plurality of protruded openings (301), the plurality of protruded openings (301) scrape the oil from crankshaft webs and a connecting rod envelops in the crankcase.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second major surface (400) is oriented to face the oil sump (102).

14. The device as claimed in claim 1, comprises a rib structure (402) integrated to the second major surface (400).

15. The device as claimed claim 1, wherein the second major surface (400) is defined with a mounting boss for mounting an oil strainer.

16. A vehicle comprising a crankcase supporting device (101) for an internal combustion engine (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a crankcase supporting device for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a crankcase supporting device with an integrated provision for supporting an oil filter, and oil pressure switch.

BACKGROUND

Engines are generally defined as machines with moving parts that converts power into motion.
Generally, engines are classified based on their operation, and such classification includes external combustion engines and internal combustion engines. The internal combustion engines widely used in many applications including the automotive applications. The internal combustion engine generates power by burning a mixture of fuel and air in a combustion chamber through the process of combustion. The internal combustion engine may include various parts such as a spark plug, fuel injectors, valves, piston rings, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, cam mechanism, and the like, and all these parts are generally made of metallic materials. The combustion of the fuel and air produces heat energy which may be converted into useful mechanical work. The remaining heat generated in the internal combustion engine, should be dissipated to atmosphere for continuous and efficient operation of the internal combustion engine. To efficiently dissipate the heat generated in the internal combustion engine to the surrounding atmosphere, the internal combustion engines are employed with one or more cooling systems.

During the operation of the internal combustion engine, many parts move relative to one another. Such relative movement of the components of the internal combustion engine may generate heat and may also result in mechanical wear. To prevent the wear and generation of heat between the components of the internal combustion engine, lubrication systems are employed. The lubrication system may supply or circulate lubricant such as oil to various engine components during the operation of the internal combustion engine. One such lubrication system is an integrated lubrication system. The integrated lubrication system may include an oil sump integrated to a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. The oil sump may be defined with a cavity to store lubricant such as oil. The lubrication system may also be provided with an oil pump which circulates the lubricant from the oil sump to various portions of the internal combustion engine through the oil galleries defined in the engine block. Also, the lubrication system includes oil filter for filtering the foreign particles from the oil before supplying the oil through the oil galleries, and a and the pressure sensing means may also be provided to determine the pressure of the oil. In some of the integrated lubrication systems, a support structure that separates the oil sump and the crankcase is provided.

In the conventional integrated lubrication systems, some of the components such as oil filter, oil pressure sensors are mounted external to the internal combustion engine in the engine compartment and are supported by adapters. Further, the oil filter, and the pressure sensor are fluidly connected to the oil pump and the oil galleries through suitable hoses or tubes. This configuration increases the pump head requirements, and the feedback received from the pressure sensor may be poor due to the placement of the oil pressure sensors away from the oil filters. Further, the conventional configuration of the lubrication system, require an additional place in the engine compartment, and also require a greater number of components which in turn makes the engine bulky. The more number components in the engine may also increase the cost of production. In addition, in the conventional support structures for the crankcase doesn’t eliminate the splashing of the oil to the crank train and which would result in the loss of oil.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional device are overcome by the device as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of device as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a crankcase supporting device for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes an elongated body which defines a first major surface and second major surface. The device further includes a casing surrounding the elongated body. The casing is configured to be accommodated between a crank case and an oil sump. An adapter portion is integrally formed with the casing, wherein the adapter portion is defined with at least one through passage, and at least one auxiliary passage which is fluidly connected to at least one through passage. The adapter portion is configured to couple with an oil filter which is fluidly connected to at least one through passage.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the adapter portion is defined with a cavity which is in fluid communication with the auxiliary passage which connects to another cavity. This cavity is configured to accommodate a pressure sensing means.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device comprises plurality of ribs extending from the adapter portion to the elongated body for reinforcing the adapter portion.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one of the through passage fluidly communicates with a main oil gallery of the internal combustion engine, wherein at least one through passage is fluidly connected to the main oil gallery.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the connector is defined with holes for fluidly connecting at least one through passage with at least one auxiliary passage. The connector is configured to hold the oil filter.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the casing comprises a connector and locator in the mounting region of an oil pump to locate and connect an oil pump in the mounting region. The mounting region is defined with a first opening fluidly connecting the oil pump to the oil filter.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first major surface of the elongated body is defined by concave shape and the first major surface is oriented to face the crankcase.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first major surface is defined with a plurality of oil drain pockets. Also, the first major surface is defined with a plurality of protruded openings. The protruded openings scrape the oil from crankshaft webs and a connecting rod envelops in the crankcase.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second major surface is oriented to face the oil sump. A rib structure is integrated to the second major surface. The second major surface is defined with a mounting boss for mounting an oil strainer.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle comprising a crankcase supporting device for an internal combustion engine as claimed in claim.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a lubrication system of an internal combustion engine, with a crankcase support device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates a magnified view of an adapter portion of FIG. 1.

FIG.3 illustrates a top isometric view of the crankcase supporting device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the crankcase support device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent processes do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a device for supporting the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The device is configured to be accommodated between a crankcase and an oil sump. The device at least partially separates the oil sump from the crankcase. Oil sump as known in the art stores the lubricant such as oil for lubricating the internal combustion engine. The oil from the oil sump may be supplied to the different portions of the internal combustion engine through integrated oil galleries for lubricating the components of the internal combustion engine. For supplying the oil through the oil galleries, and oil pump may be provided. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the oil pump may be integral to the device, and may disposed in fluid communication with the oil sump. The oil pump pressurizes the oil stored in the oil sump for circulating through the oil galleries. Before circulating the oil through the oil galleries, foreign particles in the oil may have to filtered. In order to filter the foreign particles, the oil from the oil pump may be supplied through an oil filter. The oil filter may be supported by an adapter which may be integrally formed with the device.

Accordingly, the device of the present disclosure includes an elongated body having a first major surface and second major surface. The elongated body is surrounded by a casing, an adapter portion is formed integrally with the casing. The adapter portion includes at least one through passage and at least one auxiliary passage. At least one auxiliary passage is fluidly connected to at least one of the through passage. Further, the adapter portion is configured to couple with an oil filter. The oil filter is coupled to the adapter portion such that it is fluidly connected to at least one of the through passage. The adapter portion further includes a cavity which is fluid communication with the auxiliary passage which connects to another cavity. This cavity in the adapter portion is configured to house a pressure sensing means such as pressure sensor. The provision for cavity in the adapter portion is made very close to the oil filter such that the pressure of the fluid coming out from the oil filter is measured immediately at the outlet of the oil filter. The adapter portion includes plurality of ribs extending from the surface of the adapter portion to the elongated body. These ribs reinforces the adapter portion increasing the strength.

The device includes a first through passage that fluidly communicates the oil from the oil pump to the oil filter. A connector is provided in at least one through passage which connects the oil filter at one end and a main oil gallery. Further, the connector includes a holes which connects at least one through passage to the at least one auxiliary passage. The auxiliary passage connects to the cavity which accommodates the pressure sensing means. Further, the shape of the first major surface of the elongated body may be concave. The concave surface is oriented to face the crankcase of the cylinder block. The first major surface also includes plurality of drain pockets which drain out the oil from the crankcase to the sump. The first major surface further includes plurality of protruded openings. The plurality of protruded openings scrape the oil from crankshaft webs and a connecting rod envelops in the crankcase. Further, the second major surface of the elongated body is oriented to face the oil sump. The second major surface includes plurality of ribs in the surface to support the cylinder block and dampen the vibration. Also, the second major surface is defined with an opening to mount the oil strainer. This integrated configuration of the device reduces the space consumption in the engine compartment and reduce the number components in the lubrication system of the internal combustion engine.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure. In the figures neither the vehicle nor the complete internal combustion engine is depicted for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the device may be employed in the internal combustion engine of any vehicle including but not limiting to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.1-4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating pictorial view of a crankcase supporting device (101) for an internal combustion engine (100). As shown in the FIG.1 the Crankcase supporting device (101) may be secured between the crankcase and oil sump (102) of the internal combustion engine (100). The crankcase supporting deice (101) is secured to both the crankcase and the oil sump (102) through of the mechanical joining means such as nut and bolt. In some embodiments, a sealing may be provided between the crankcase, device and the oil sump (102) to fluidly seal the joint.

Referring to FIG.2 in conjunction with FIG. 1, the crankcase support device (101) may include an elongated body (300) and a casing that may be surrounded by the elongated body (300). The elongated body (300) may have a first major surface (304) and a second major surface (400). The casing may be configured to be accommodated between the crankcase and the oil sump (102). The device (101) further includes an adapter portion (403) that is integrally formed with the device (101). The adapter portion (403) is structured to be of a uniform thickness to reduce porosity, and pockets (308) are defined surrounding the adapter portion (403). The pockets (308) surrounding the adapter portion (403) are made by removing excess material from the adapter portion (403). Thus, reduces the total material mass in the adapter portion (403). The adapter portion (403) may include at least one through passage (203) and at least one auxiliary passage (205). The auxiliary passage (205) may be configured to connect with the through passage (203) fluidly. Further, the adapter portion (403) is configured to support the oil filter (200). The oil filter (200) may be coupled to the adapter portion (403) via a connector (204) [best shown in FIG. 2]. The through passage (203) is threaded internally such that it interlocks with the threads on the outer periphery of the connector (204). The connector (204) may be made of any suitable material and is positioned in the at least one through passage (203) defined in the adapter portion (403). The connector (204) may be provided with threading’s at one end, to connect the oil filter (200). Threading’s may also be provided in the cylinder block support structure [in the through passage (203)] to mount the connector (204). Other end of the connector (204) may fluidly connect the oil filter (200) with the main oil gallery (103) of the internal combustion engine (100) to supply the oil from oil filter (200) to different components of the engine. The connector (204) also includes a plurality of through holes (404) which connects a groove (201) defined in the adapter portion (403) in order to allow the flow of oil from the through passage (203) to the auxiliary passage (205). The through hole (404) in the connector (204) aids in the flow of oil from the through passage (203) to the groove (201). Then the fluid is transferred to the auxiliary passage (205) from the groove (201). A cavity (206) may be defined within the adapter portion (403), fluidly in communication with the auxiliary passage (205). The cavity (206) may be configured to house a pressure sensing means including not limiting to a pressure sensor. The cavity (406) may be provided at a close proximity to the oil filter (200). The pressure of the fluid may be measured immediately after the oil exits the oil filter (200) as the cavity that houses the pressure sensing means is at close proximity to the oil filter (200). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary passage (205) and a free end of the auxiliary passage (205) may be closed by a closure such as but not limiting to a grub screw (207). The through passage (203) may fluidly communicate between the oil filter (200) and the main gallery. Also, a first opening (303) is provided in the adapter portion (403) that fluidly connects the oil pump (104) and the oil filter (200). The first opening (303) may also include a connector and locator (202A) that connects the oil pump (104) with adaptor portion (403). Adaptor portion (403) is connected to oil filter (200).

As shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, the elongated body (300) of the device (101) includes a first major surface (304) and a second major surface (400). The first major surface (304) may be the upper surface of the elongated body (300) and the second major surface (400) may be the bottom surface. The first major surface (304) may include plurality of oil drain pockets (305). The oil drain pockets (305) are positioned at the lower most position in the oil sump (102). The oil drain pockets (305) drain out the oil from cylinder block to the oil sump (102). Further, oil drain pockets may also be provided in concave casing at rear side of supporting device (101) to drain the returned oil from camshaft through cylinder block to oil sump (102). Also, as shown in FIG.3 protruded openings (301) are provided in the first major surface (304). The protruded openings (301) scrape out the oil from the crankshaft webs and the connecting rod envelops in the crankcase. Further, the shape of the elongated body (300) on the first major surface (304) may be a concave shape but not limiting it to that particular shape. The concave shape of the elongated body (300) on the first major surface (304) may restricts the upward splashing of the oil from the oil sump (102) to the crankcase. The first major surface (304) is oriented to face the crankcase. Also, the datum dowel holes (309) are incorporated on the casing (307) to facilitate the location of the machining features on the cylinder block. Further, the second major surface (400) of the elongated body (300) includes an opening to mount the oil strainer. The oil strainer mounting (401) arrangement on the second major surface (400) is configured to mount the oil strainer. The oil strainers are employed on the mounting (401) to capture much larger contaminants from the fluid. Also, the second major surface (400) includes an integrated rib (402) like structure on the surface. The integrated ribs (402) increases the strength of the device (101). Also, the provision of such ribs (402) may dampen the vibrations of the engine assembly. The ribs (302) are provided on the adapter portion (403) to increase the stability and the strength of the adapter portion (403). The ribs (302) aids in supporting the adapter portion (403). A dipstick guide hole (306) is provided in the elongated body (300). The dipstick hole is located in the vicinity of the oil drain pockets (305). The dipstick guide hole will guide the dipstick to measure the oil level in the internal combustion engines (100). Further, one of the sides of the casing may include a clutch cable support mounting arrangement and the gear box mounting arrangement. Also, a gear cable support bracket mounting surface is included on the one of the sides of the support device (101). Thus, the support structure may be configured to support many components in the engine compartment, thereby reduces the packaging space and constraints.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a crankcase supporting device (101) for an internal combustion engine (100). which offers advantages including ease of assembly and maintenance due to the placement of the oil filter. Also, use of separate oil filter (200) adapter is eliminated, thereby reducing the weight and reducing the cost. During the replacement of the oil filter (200) the spilling of oil on other parts may be avoided. Such arrangements made to the support device reduces the overall engine dimensions, as there are no protruding parts. Elimination of separate oil pressure switch adaptor results in use of short wiring harnessing. Also, a faster feedback may be achieved due to the placement is the pressure sensing means at close proximity to the oil filter. As said in the above description the concave case restricts the upward splashing of the oil to the crank train. The oil carry over in the ventilation gases and prevention of oil aeration may be reduced. The device also supports the cylinder block and transaxle and thereby improves powertrain bending frequency.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:
Description Reference Number
Internal combustion engine 100
Crankcase supporting device 101
Oil sump 102
Main oil gallery 103
Oil pump 104
Oil filter 200
Groove 201
Oil pump mounting region 202
Oil pump mounting connector and locator 202A
Through passage 203
Connector 204
Auxiliary passage 205
Cavity portion to house pressure sensing means 206
Grub screw 207
Elongated body 300
Protruded openings 301
Ribs 302
First opening to connect sump to the pump 303
First major surface 304
Oil drain pockets 305
Dipstick guiding hole 306
Casing 307
Pockets 308
Datum dowel holes 309
Second major surface 400
Oil strainer mounting 401
Ribs 402
Adapter portion 403
Holes 404
Adapter portion A