Oil pan assembly

An internal combustion engine having at least twelve cylinders, comprising a crankcase and an oil pan assembly attached to a bottom side of an engine casing, wherein the oil pan assembly is formed by at least one casted segment. The oil pan assembly is formed by at least two segments, wherein the at least two segments are casted parts and are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the engine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2021 101 304.6 filed on Jan. 22, 2021. The entire contents of the above-listed application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine comprising an oil pan assembly.

BACKGROUND

Oil pans serve for the storage as well as for the collection of oil and its supply to an internal combustion engine. In the course of the development of internal combustion engines, oil pans have been adapted and optimized to meet the respective requirements according to the engine's field of application and its size.

SUMMARY

U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,646 shows an oil pan comprising two separate sections each of which is secured independently to the engine as well as to each other, wherein one end of the oil pan being downwardly relatively deep while an opposite end thereof is downwardly shallow. During repair, one of the sections can be removed independently from the other section.

EP 0 661 420 B1 shows an overpan for sound proofing an oil pan and an engine, for which purpose the overpan encloses the oil pan at a distance, wherein the overpan is split into two parts by a parting line.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,273,842 B2 shows an oil pan assembly for an agricultural tractor, comprising

a first portion including an inner set of openings configured to receive a first set of fasteners to couple the first portion to an engine block and a second portion including an outer set of openings positioned laterally outward relative to the inner set of openings and configured to receive a second set of fasteners to couple the second portion to the first portion and the engine block.

EP 2 981 691 B1 shows an oil sump arrangement for a piston engine, the oil sump arrangement comprising an oil sump, wherein a partition wall is arranged between side walls of the oil sump for dividing the oil sump into compartments.

Oil sumps for smaller engines, as those discussed above, are mostly formed from plastic or metal sheets.

However, especially with regard to engines of large size, a large oil pan having high stiffness is required. Therefore, especially for large engines, the oil pan is formed as a casted part.

EP 1 688 595 B1 shows an oil sump for an internal combustion engine, which oil sump is cast from an iron material and has a flange surface by means of which the oil sump can be screwed, with the interposition of a seal, to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine.

In view of the resulting increased cost and weight of the casted oil pan due to its size, specific design changes of the oil pan are required to simplify the manufacture and/or handling of the oil pan accordingly.

The object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an improved internal combustion engine comprising an oil pan assembly.

This object is solved by an internal combustion engine or by a set comprising at least two different internal combustion engines.

The present disclosure provides an internal combustion engine comprising an engine casing and an oil pan assembly attached to a bottom side of the engine casing, wherein the oil pan assembly is formed by at least one casted segment. According to the disclosure the oil pan assembly is formed by at least two segments, wherein the at least two segments are casted parts and are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the engine.

In this way, the weight and size of the individual parts of the oil pan assembly can be reduced, thus facilitating the manufacture and transport of the parts and the assembly of the oil pan assembly. By arranging the segments next to each in longitudinal direction of the engine, the length of the oil pan assembly can be adjusted.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engine has at least twelve cylinders. The above advantages are particularly useful for such big engines.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a segment interface between two adjacent segments is transverse to a first interface between an upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly and the bottom side of the engine casing.

Thus the assembly of the oil pan assembly can be simplified.

In an embodiment, the first interface extends in a single plane.

In an embodiment, the segment interface extends in a single plane.

In an embodiment each segment interface is orthogonal to the first interface and/or arranged vertically.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oil pan assembly comprises two end segments each having an end wall and two side walls.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the end segments are directly connected to each other.

In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the oil pan assembly further comprises at least one middle segment arranged between the end segments, wherein the middle segment comprises two side walls.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each segment also comprises a bottom wall connecting the side walls and/or the end wall.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining sides of a segment are open. In particular, an end segment may have an open front on a side opposite the end wall. A middle segment may have open fronts on its two opposing axial sides.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper side of each segment is open.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the segments comprises a flange, which is attachable to another segment and/or to the bottom side of the engine casing by means of fasteners, wherein the fasteners may lead through interspaced openings provided in the flange.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange of at least one segment and each flange of the segments may comprise an interface surface with another segment or engine part formed by material removal from the casted part, in particular by milling.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one out of two flanges forming an interface is provided with a groove for receiving a sealing element. The sealing element may be an O-ring or a molded seal element. The groove may be provided by material removal, in particular by milling.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange of at least one segment is formed so as to entirely surround an edge of the segment. For instance, the flange of an end segment comprises an upper flange surface forming a part of the upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly and pressing a part of an O-ring against the bottom side of the engine casing, and further comprises a flange end surface pressing a molded seal against an end surface of an adjacent segment.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper flange surface and the flange end surface are arranged orthogonally to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a middle segment comprises a flange with two upper flange surfaces each forming a part of the upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly and each pressing a part of an O-ring against the bottom side of the engine casing, and with two opposite flange end surfaces respectively pressing a molded seal against an end surface of a respective adjacent segment.

In some embodiments, the two upper flange surfaces are arranged orthogonally to the two opposite flange end surfaces and/or wherein the flange of the middle segment is formed so as to entirely surround an edge of the middle segment.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engine casing is a crankcase, such that the upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly is attached to a bottom side of the crankcase. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a crankshaft extends within the crankcase.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotational axis of the crankshaft extends at a level above the upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly forming the first interface to the engine housing.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft is supported at at least two opposite end portions in the crankcase.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crankshaft extends through at least one opening provided in a sidewall of the crankcase. A bottom side of the sidewall of the crankcase extending below the opening may be attached to an upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oil pan assembly and in particular the at least two segments of the oil pan assembly is/are attached to a bottom side of the crankcase.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one segment comprises a plurality of leg portions. The legs may extend from a wall of the segment in a direction away from a segment upper edge portion.

For instance, the legs are integrally casted with the segment and/or at least one of the legs forms at least a part of a flange for fastening two adjacent segments together.

The legs may extend from a bottom wall and/or a side wall and/or an end wall of the segment in a direction away from a segment upper edge portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the segments each comprise a plurality of leg portions supporting the oil pan assembly when it is placed on a ground surface. In particular, the bottom surface of all the leg portions may be arranged to extend in a single plane.

By providing an oil pan assembly with leg portions, the segments of the oil pan assembly can be individually placed onto the ground and the mounting process of the oil pan assembly may be facilitated.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least two segments each have an equal segment height.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least two segments are configured such that the segments, when being placed on a flat surface and arranged adjacent to each other, the two segments are connectable to each other. For instance, the segments together form a flat upper surface of the oil pan assembly and/or a surface in which a first groove in which the O-ring can be arranged is provided.

With the same segment height, the mounting of the segments among each other can be facilitated. In particular, both segments can be placed on a flat surface next to each other for being connected to each other. It can also be ensured that the segments form a flat surface, which is necessary to achieve a secure seal at the first interface.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the segments comprises at least one stiffening rib connecting one side wall with another side wall and/or with a bottom wall, wherein at least one stiffening rib can be formed such that an oil exchange is possible from an area located adjacent to one side of the stiffening rib to an area located adjacent to another side of the stiffening rib and/or wherein one or more openings are provided between the stiffening rib and the segment from which the stiffening rib extends.

Especially regarding large internal combustion engines having at least twelve cylinders and a corresponding large oil pan assembly, stiffening ribs enhance the stability of the segments.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one stiffening rib is configured such that in a side view along a longitudinal direction of the engine, the stiffening rib comprises two side portions and a middle portion arranged there between, wherein at least one of the side portions reaches closer to an imaginary plane defined by a segment upper edge portion than the middle portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oil pan assembly comprises at least one opening, such as provided in a segment side wall and/or end wall, for allowing an oil exchange between an inside and an outside area of the oil pan assembly. For instance, the oil pan assembly comprises at least two openings and/or wherein one of the openings is arranged closer to a bottom wall of the oil pan assembly than another of the openings.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the openings may serve as an oil outlet. In particular, an inlet side of an oil pump may be connected to the oil pan via the opening.

The present disclosure further comprises a set comprising at least two different internal combustion engines, the at least two engines may comprise a different number of cylinders. The at least two internal combustion engines each comprise at least one first segment of the oil pan assembly that is identical for the at least two internal combustion engines, wherein a second internal combustion engine comprises at least one second segment of the oil pan assembly which is different from a second segment of the oil pan assembly of a first internal combustion engine or provided in addition to the segments of the oil pan assembly of a first internal combustion engine, wherein the second segment of the oil pan assembly may be attached to the at least one first segment of the oil pan assembly.

Thus manufacturing costs can be reduced due to identical segments.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first internal combustion engine comprises two end segments, which are directly attached to each other so as to form a first oil pan assembly, and the second internal combustion engine comprises two end segments of the oil pan assembly which are respectively identical to the two end segments of the first internal combustion engine, and at least one middle segment of the oil pan assembly, wherein the two end segments and the least one middle segment of the second internal combustion engine are respectively attached to each other so as to form a second oil pan assembly.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the second internal combustion engine comprises two end segments of the oil pan assembly, which are directly attached to each other so as to form a second oil pan assembly, wherein one of the end segments is identical for the first and the second internal combustion engines and one of the end segments is different for the at least two internal combustion engines.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and the second internal combustion engine each comprise two end segments of the oil pan assembly which are respectively identical, and different middle segments, the two end segments and the least one middle segment being respectively attached to each other so as to form an oil pan assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oil pan assembly comprises an O-ring for sealing a first interface between an upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly and the bottom side of the engine casing. The O-ring extends in a plane formed by the first interface, wherein the oil pan assembly may further comprise at least one molded seal for sealing a segment interface between two adjacent segments. Each molded seal comprises two seal end portions, which are respectively sealingly connected to the O-ring, wherein at least one molded seal can be arranged in a groove provided in one of the segment end surfaces.

Thus a simple sealing arrangement is provided for sealing a first interface and at least a second interface, which is a segment interface and which is present between two adjacent segments of the oil pan assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the O-ring has the same cross-section over its entire extension.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing areas are provided on a front end side of the seal end portions and contact a side surface of the O-ring. In particular, the side surface of the O-ring contacted by the sealing area may be formed by one side of constant cross-section of the O-ring.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a groove is provided in the sealing surface of at least one seal end portion for retaining the O-ring. In particular, the groove may form a sealing area for sealing with the O-ring.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the groove is provided in a front end side of the seal end portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the O-ring extends in a first groove provided in an upper edge portion of the oil pan assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing end portions of the molded seal comprise a second groove for receiving the O-ring.

For instance, the first and the second grooves form a groove arrangement in which the O-ring extends.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engine comprises a third and/or a fourth molded seal. The third and/or the fourth molded seal each have two seal end portions respectively being connected to the O-ring so as to seal respective transition regions.

The third molded seal may be provided between a side surface of a crankcase of the engine casing and a side surface of a flywheel housing of the engine casing.

The fourth molded seal may be provided between another side surface of the crankcase and a side surface of a front end of the engine casing.

A sealing surface of the third and/or fourth molded seal may have a flat or convex form.

The sealing end portions may be provided at enlarged shoulder portions provided at the ends of the molded seals, the shoulder portions being retained in enlarged retaining portions of the groove in which the molded seal extends.

For instance, the third and/or the fourth molded seal may comprise at least one opening, such as with an O-shaped form, wherein an oil channel may lead through the opening.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the O-ring is manufactured with the same cross-section over its entire extension. The cross-section may in particular be circular in the uncompressed state of the O-Ring. The O-ring may be formed by connecting the ends of a sealing cord.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the seal end portions of the third and/or fourth molded seal have a flat or convex shape.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the engine comprises at least twelve cylinders, or at least16cylinders.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the set comprises at least two different internal combustion engines, each of the engines having at least twelve cylinders.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the oil pan assembly has a length which is at least 1000 mm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure at least one of the segments comprises a length of at least 500 mm, or at least 1000 mm, and/or each segment comprises a length of at least 1000 mm.

The present disclosure further comprises a method for manufacturing at least one internal combustion engine comprising an oil pan assembly formed by at least two segments, in particular an internal combustion engine according to any of the herein disclosed embodiments and/or a set comprising at least two different internal combustion engines according to any of the herein disclosed embodiments.

The method comprises providing a first segment, such as a first end segment, being independent from a length of the engine, wherein the first segment may be identical for at least two different internal combustion engine.

In a first variant, the method comprises providing a second segment, such as a second end segment, being selected according to the length of the engine and may also be attachable to the first segment, wherein second segments of at least two different internal combustion engines may be different.

In a second variant of the present disclosure, the method comprises providing a second end segment and at least one middle segment for being arranged between the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein at least one out of the second end segment and the middle segment is selected according to the length of the engine.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the other one out of the second end segment and the middle segment is identical for at least two different internal combustion engines.

For instance, the middle segment is selected according to the length of the engine, and the second end segment is identical for at least two different internal combustion engines.

In particular, selecting the middle segment according to the length of the engine may comprise not using a middle segment for one of the at least two different internal combustion engines and using a middle segment for the other one.

Further, selecting the middle segment according to the length of the engine may comprise using middle segments of different lengths for at least two different internal combustion engines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows an embodiment of the present disclosure with an oil pan assembly10and a sealing arrangement30, wherein several aspects of the present disclosure are realized in combination. However, the features of these aspects described in the embodiment may also be realized separately.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure an internal combustion engine1is provided having an oil pan assembly10which comprises at least two segments20, wherein the segments20are casted parts.

As can be seen inFIG.1the oil pan assembly10comprises two segments20being two end segments20a, which respectively comprise an end wall23a, two side walls23b, and a bottom wall23c, the walls forming a part of the oil pan assembly10. As can be seen inFIG.4aandFIG.4bthe oil pan assembly10may comprise a middle segment20b, which comprises a bottom wall23cand two side walls23b(only one of the two side walls23bis respectively shown inFIG.4aandFIG.4b).

The embodiment shown inFIG.1comprises an oil pan assembly10with two segments20, wherein the embodiment is shown in a demounted state. In an embodiment, the two segments20can be attached to each other at a second interface71and to a bottom side of an engine casing at a first interface70(not shown) by fasteners (not shown) leading through interspaced openings24cprovided in flanges24. In a mounted state the segments20are attached to each other and to the underside of the engine thus compressing a sealing arrangement for sealing the respective interfaces between the parts.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly10is provided with a first groove13for receiving a sealing element for sealing the first interface70with the bottom side of an engine casing (not shown). One of the end faces22of the segments20is equally provided with a groove29receiving a sealing element for sealing the second interface71between the two segment end surfaces22of the segments20.

The two segments20of the embodiment shown inFIG.1are casted parts, wherein the segments20are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction L of the engine (not shown). The longitudinal direction L of the engine corresponds to the axial extension of a crankshaft2a(for example shown inFIG.16) of the engine.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1the segments20each comprise a segment end surface22being such configured that when the segments20are attached to each other the segment end surfaces22form the second interface71between the segments20. The second interface71shown in the embodiment extends in a plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L, wherein the first interface70between the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly10and the bottom side of the engine (not shown) is orthogonal to the second interface71.

As shown inFIG.1each segment20may comprise a flange24that entirely surrounds the edge25of the respective segment20. Further also a middle segment20b, as shown inFIG.4a, may comprise a flange24that entirely surrounds the middle segment20b.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1each of the segments20comprises a stiffening rib14, wherein the configuration of the stiffening ribs14is exemplarily described regarding the stiffening rib14of the segment20shown on the right inFIG.1. The stiffening rib14extends from a side wall23bto a bottom wall23cof the segment20. Further the stiffening rib14extends from the bottom wall23cto the other side wall23b.

As can be seen in the embodiment shown inFIG.1the stiffening rib14comprises at least one opening14a, which allows an oil exchange between an area at one side to an area at another side of the stiffening rib14. For providing the opening, the stiffening rib14does not contact the bottom wall23cover the entire width of the segment, such that an opening14ais left between the bottom wall23cand a lower edge of the stiffening rib14in this area. In the embodiment, openings14aare provided on both sides of a middle portion14cof the stiffening rib14connected to the bottom wall.

In the shown embodiment the stiffening rib14comprises a side portion14bwhich is arranged closer to the side wall23bthan the middle portion14c, wherein an upper edge of the side portion14breaches closer to the first interface70than an upper edge of the middle portion14c. The same applies to the other side portion (not shown) of the sealing rib14.

FIG.2shows the embodiment ofFIG.1in a state, in which the segments20are attached to each other, wherein the oil pan assembly10forms an upper edge portion11, which is formed by the segment upper edge portions21.

The embodiment shown inFIG.2comprises several openings26,27, wherein the opening26provided in the oil pan assembly10is arranged closer to the bottom wall23cthan the other openings27. The openings26,27allow an oil exchange between an inside and an outside area of the oil pan assembly. As can be seen, the openings26,27may have different diameters, in order to satisfy different application purposes.

An oil pump may be connected to the mounting area surrounding opening27, with a suction side oil channel of the pump reaching through opening27into the oil pan assembly.

FIG.3shows a side view from the left of the embodiment shown inFIG.2, wherein the end segment20acomprises a flange24that entirely surrounds the end segment20aand that extends in two planes that are orthogonal to each other. One of the planes forms the second interface71, as can be seen inFIG.2. The other plane forms the first interface70, as can be seen inFIG.2andFIG.3. The flange24shown inFIG.3comprises an upper flange surface24awhich forms a flat upper surface15of the oil pan assembly10.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, each end segment20acomprises a plurality of leg portions28, which may be integrally casted with the respective end segment20a. As can be seen inFIG.2andFIG.3a portion of the flange24may form a leg portion28.

As can be seen inFIG.3, the end segment20amay be such configured that when it is being placed on a flat surface, the leg portions28contact the flat surface to support the segment, wherein at least a part of the bottom wall23cof the end segment20ais spaced apart from the flat surface. In an embodiment also a middle segment20b, as for example shown inFIGS.4aand4b, may comprise the above described configuration regarding the leg portions28.

In the embodiment, all the segments have the same height H. In particular, the distance between the bottom side of the leg portions28and the upper edge portion21of each segment20may be identical.

As can be seen inFIG.2andFIG.3, the segments20may comprise stiffening ribs provided between the flange24and a wall, such as an outer side of a wall, of the respective segment20.

The surfaces of the segments forming the interfaces, and in particular the segment upper edge portions21, the segment end surfaces22and the grooves13and29may be formed by material removal from the casted part. In particular, the surface may be formed by milling.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure a set comprising at least two different internal combustion engines each comprising an oil pan assembly is provided. With the following described modular concept a set of engines with oil pan assemblies is proposed, wherein each oil pan assembly is adapted to a particular size of engine, wherein the oil pan assemblies have at least one segment in common. The oil pan assemblies may in particular be adapted to different lengths of the engine which are due to a difference in the number of cylinders of the engine, wherein the different engines may have between12and20cylinders, inclusive.

The embodiment of a set shown inFIGS.4a,4b, and4ccomprises three different engines (not shown) each having an oil pan assembly10. Each of the shown oil pan assemblies10comprises two end segments20a, wherein the end segments20aof the oil pan assembly10shown inFIG.4aare identical to the end segments20aof the oil pan assemblies10shown inFIGS.4band4c. The end segments20ashown inFIG.4care attached to each other directly. RegardingFIG.4ba middle segment20bis arranged between the two end segments20b, wherein the segments20a,20bare connected to each other respectively. A further modification is possible, as can be seenFIG.4a, in which a middle segment20bof a different length than that shown inFIG.4bis arranged between the two end segments20a. Thus a set of three different oil pan assemblies with three different lengths can be provided with only four different segments (end segment20ashown on the left inFIG.4a, end segment20ashown on the right inFIG.4a, middle segment20bshown inFIG.4a, and middle segment20bshown inFIG.4b).

In another embodiment, as for example shown inFIGS.5and6, it is also conceivable to provide a set comprising at least two different internal combustion engines (not shown), wherein the engines respectively comprise a first identical end segment20a, inFIGS.5and6the respective end segment20aon the left, wherein the engines further comprise respectively a second end segment20a, inFIGS.5and6the respective end segment20aon the right, being (directly) connected to the first end segment20a, wherein the second end segments20aof the engines are different, such as having different lengths, as can be seen inFIGS.5and6.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4a, the edge25of the middle segment20bis formed by a flange24, wherein the flange24entirely surrounds the edge25of the middle segment20b.

The height H of a segment20a,20bis defined as its extension from its bottom side12to its upper surface15, as shown inFIG.4a. The segments20a,20bof the embodiment shown inFIG.4aeach comprise the same height H. The same applies to the segments of the embodiments shown inFIGS.4band4c,FIG.5andFIG.6. As can be seen fromFIGS.4ato4cthe embodiments each comprise segments20a,20bhaving an equal height H.

The length of the oil pan assembly10is defined as its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the engine, as can be seen inFIGS.4ato4cand inFIGS.5and6. In other words the length of an oil pan assembly10is defined as its extension from an outer end of an end segment20a(inFIGS.4ato4con the left) to an outer end of the other end segment20a(inFIGS.4ato4crespectively on the right).

The embodiment of the set shown inFIGS.4ato4ccomprises three different oil pan assemblies10having different lengths, thus the respective oil pan assembly10being designed for a particular engine size. The embodiment of the set shown inFIGS.5to6comprises two different oil pan assemblies10having different lengths, thus the respective oil pan assembly10being designed for a particular engine size.

For example the oil pan assembly10shown inFIG.4a,4b,4cmay be designed for an engine having20,16,12cylinders, respectively, wherein the respective engine may be a V-type engine.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4athe oil pan assembly10comprises a length greater than 2000 mm and/or is designed for an engine having20cylinders.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4bthe oil pan assembly10comprises a length greater than 1500 mm and/or is designed for an engine having16cylinders.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4cthe oil pan assembly10comprises a length greater than 1000 mm and/or is designed for an engine having12cylinders.

In an embodiment the internal combustion engine1comprising the sealing arrangement30and/or the oil pan assembly10may be a V-type engine and/or comprises more than12cylinders.

Regarding the embodiment shown inFIGS.4aand4ba first and a second molded seal40a,40bmay be provided between the end segment20ashown on the left and the middle segment20band between the middle segment20band the end segment20ashown on the right, respectively. Regarding the embodiment shown inFIGS.5and6, a first molded seal (not shown) may respectively be provided between the end segments20a.

The oil pan assemblies described with respect to the second aspect of the present disclosure may have the configuration already described with respect to the first aspect.

In particular, in the embodiment, the end segments20of the oil pan assembly shown inFIGS.1to3are used as the end segments20aof the oil pan assemblies shown inFIGS.4ato4c. Therefore, the oil pan assembly shown inFIG.4cis the same oil pan assembly already described with respect toFIGS.1to3.

As shown inFIG.16, the internal combustion engine may comprise a crankshaft2a, the rotational axis of which extends at a level above the first interface70between the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly10and the engine casing.

In the embodiment, the rotational axis of the crankshaft2aextends above the level of the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly through a crankcase forming the engine housing, the bottom side of which is attached to the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly. In particular, the at least two segments20,21of the oil pan assembly may be attached to a bottom side of a crankcase2.

The crankcase2supports the crankshaft2aat two opposite end portions of the crankshaft2a.

At least one end of the crankshaft2aextends through an opening provided in the crankcase2. In the shown embodiment, the crankshaft2aextends through a first opening provided in a first sidewall of the crankcase2and/or extends through a second opening provided in a second, opposed sidewall of the crankcase2. Lower edge portions of the first and/or second sidewalls may be sealingly connected to upper edge portions11of the oil pan assembly.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a sealing arrangement30may be provided having an O-ring31and at least one molded seal40.

The O-ring31consists of a flexible material and/ or is shapelessly manufactured. It can therefore be adapted to a certain shape of a first groove13.

The O-ring has the same cross-section over its entire extension and forms a closed loop. It may for example be provided by connecting two ends of a sealing cord. The cross-section may be circular when the O-ring is uncompressed.

The molded seal (40) comprises two seal end portions (41) comprising sealing areas (48) to be sealingly connected to the O-ring (31). In particular, the sealing areas (48) are provided on a front end side of the seal end portions (41) and contact a side surface of the O-ring.

The embodiment shown inFIG.7comprises a sealing arrangement30having an O-ring31, a third molded seal40c, and a fourth molded seal40d. The O-ring31is provided for sealing a first interface between an upper edge portion (not shown) of an oil pan assembly and a bottom side (not shown) of an engine casing.

The molded seals40c,40drespectively comprise two seal end portions41, which are respectively sealingly connected to the O-ring31.

In the shown embodiment the molded seal40cis provided for sealing an interface between a crankcase (not shown) and a flywheel housing (not shown), wherein the molded seal40cmay be arranged in a groove provided in the flywheel housing or the crankcase housing. The molded seal40dis provided for sealing an interface between the crankcase housing and a front end housing (not shown) of the engine, wherein the molded seal40dcan be arranged in a groove provided in the front end housing or the crankcase housing.

As shown inFIG.7the molded seal40dmay comprise two openings52for allowing an oil channel to pass through.

The seal end portions41of the third and the fourth molded seal40c,40dshown inFIG.7may be of the type shown inFIGS.14and15, wherein the O-ring31may be arranged in a first groove13of an oil pan assembly. The molded seals40c,40dmay contact a side of the O-ring, which faces away from the first groove.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.7the O-ring31extends in a single plane, wherein the molded seals40c,40dextend transversally thereto.

Further, in the shown embodiment the sealing arrangement30can be provided for an oil pan assembly (not shown) being made out of one part.

The embodiment shown inFIG.8comprises a sealing arrangement30having a first molded seal40a, a third molded seal40c, and a fourth molded seal40c. In the shown embodiment the first molded seal40ais provided for sealing a second interface between two segments (not shown) of an oil pan assembly10, the second interface71therefore being a segment interface71. The molded seal40aextends in a plane which may be orthogonal to the first interface70, as shown inFIG.8, wherein the O-ring31extends in the first interface70. The third and fourth molded seals40c,40dextend respectively in further second interfaces71.

Each of the molded seals40a,40c, and40dshown inFIG.8comprises two seal end portions41.

The two seal end portions41of the first molded seal40acan be of the type shown inFIGS.10to13, wherein the seal end portions41of the third and fourth molded seal40c,40dmay be of the type shown inFIGS.14and15.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.7and8the first groove (not shown) can be provided in an upper edge portion of an oil pan assembly (not shown).

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.7and8, such as the molded seals40a,40c,40dare respectively manufactured in a certain shape.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.9, an internal combustion engine1is shown schematically. The embodiment is shown in a demounted state. The engine1comprises an oil pan assembly, wherein only small portions of two segments20are illustrated, and a sealing arrangement, wherein only small portions of the molded seal40and the O-ring31are illustrated. In the shown embodiment the engine casing1acomprises a bottom side1b, which is formed by a bottom side of a crankcase2, by a bottom side of a front end3, and/or by a bottom side of a flywheel housing4. InFIG.9the crankcase2, the front end3, and the flywheel housing4are illustrated schematically.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.9the O-ring31is arranged in the first groove13which is provided in the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly (which is in particular formed by the segment upper edge portions21), wherein the O-ring31is provided for sealing the first interface70between the upper edge portion11and the bottom side1bof the engine casing1a.

The first molded seal40ais sealingly connected to the O-ring31and extends between the two segments20so as to seal the second interface71which is formed there between.

In an embodiment the seal end portion41of the first molded seal40abetween two segments20, as shown inFIG.9, may comprise a seal end portion41with a second groove42, as for example shown inFIGS.10to13, in which the O-ring31can be arranged. Thus the first groove13and the second groove42may form a continuous groove13,42for the O-ring31, the continuous groove13,42being a groove arrangement13,42.

When the segments20shown in the embodiment ofFIG.9are attached to each other and to the underside1bof the engine casing1a, such as by using fasteners leading through openings provided in the shown flanges24, the O-ring31and the first molded seal40aare compressed by respective adjacent surfaces so as so seal the respective interfaces70,71.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure a molded seal40for the sealing arrangement30comprises a groove for retaining the O-ring31.

According to the embodiments shown inFIGS.10to13a sealing arrangement30is provided for sealing a transition region between at least three connectable parts of an internal combustion engine. The shown embodiments of the sealing arrangement30may be provided for sealing the transition region being present between two segments of an oil pan assembly and an a bottom side of an engine casing, as described with respect to the third aspect.

The O-ring31shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.10has a longitudinal extension L1and is arranged in the second groove42, which is provided in the seal end portion41of the molded seal40. The molded seal40may be a first molded seal40afor sealing an interface between two segments of an oil pan assembly (not shown). In the shown embodiment the molded seal40comprises a longitudinal extension L2, which runs vertically in the drawing plane ofFIG.10.

As shown, the molded seal40may comprise a retaining portion46that protrudes from the molded seal40transverse to its longitudinal extension L2. Thus a displacement of the molded seal40may be blocked, when the O-ring31is pressed towards the seal end portion41.

The embodiment shown inFIG.11comprises a sealing arrangement30being identical to the one shown inFIG.10, wherein inFIG.11the molded seal40is arranged in the groove29with the seal end portion41of the molded seal40being arranged in an enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove29.

The seal end portion41is formed by an enlarged shoulder portion45retained in the enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove29. In particular, the enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove29may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the molded seal L2and the O-ring L1along an edge formed between the first and the second interface. The enlarged shoulder portion45of the molded seal may extend within the enlarged retaining portion29a, such that retaining surfaces29bformed by the bottom of the enlarged retaining portion29aretain bottom surfaces45aof the enlarged shoulder portion45on both sides of the molded seal.

When the O-ring31is pressed against the surface43of the second groove42provided in the seal end portion41, the shoulder portion extending in the enlarged retaining portion29ablocks a displacement of the seal end portion41.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.11the seal end portion41comprises a sealing area48formed by the second groove42.

The O-ring31is arranged in the second groove42and a first groove13, wherein the first groove13is provided in the segment upper edge portion21of the segment20. The O-ring is therefore arranged in a groove arrangement13,42, which is formed by the first groove13and the second groove42. In other words, the first groove13and the second groove42may form a continuous groove13,42in which the O-ring31can be arranged.

The molded seal40can be provided between two segments20of the oil pan assembly10, wherein inFIG.11only one of the two segments20is partly shown. In the shown embodiment the groove29with its enlarged retaining portion29ais formed in the segment20, more precisely in an segment end surface22. As shown inFIG.11, the segment20comprises a segment upper edge portion21which forms a flat upper surface15of the oil pan assembly (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment a sealing arrangement30with a molded seal40having a second groove42provided in its seal end portion41for retaining an O-ring31may be arranged between a crankcase of the engine and another part of the engine casing connectable thereto, wherein a first groove31for retaining the O-ring31may be formed in a bottom side of the engine casing.

In the embodiment shownFIG.11the second groove42is such arranged in the seal end portion41, that an imaginary extension of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40(more precisely the axial center line of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40) does not cross with the second groove42.

In other words, the center of the second groove42is arranged at a distance to an imaginary extension of a side wall22of the groove29and therefore at a position above a bottom surface of the enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove.

In this case, when the O-ring31is pressed against a surface43of the second groove42, the bottom side of the shoulder portion45of the seal end portion41is pressed against a bottom surface of the enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove. Thus a displacement of the seal end portion41is blocked.

In an alternative embodiment, the second groove42may be arranged in the seal end portion41such that an imaginary extension of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40(more precisely the axial center line of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40) crosses with the second groove42.

It is also conceivable to provide an embodiment of a molded seal having one seal end portion41with a second groove42being arranged such that it does not cross with the imaginary extension of the longitudinal extension L2of the respective molded seal40, and having another seal end portion41with another second groove42being arranged such that it does cross with the imaginary extension of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40.

The embodiment shown inFIG.12andFIG.13illustrates a molded seal40having a seal end portion41comprising three sealing ribs44. The molded seal40shown inFIG.12and inFIG.13is identical to the one shown inFIG.10andFIG.11. As shown inFIG.12andFIG.13, the sealing ribs44protrude from a surface43of the second groove42and may reach from one side of the sealing surface47of the seal end portion41over the surface43of the second groove42to the other side of the sealing surface47. In the shown embodiment the sealing ribs44extend orthogonally to a longitudinal extension L1of the O-ring31(not shown).

As can be seen inFIG.11, the O-ring31may be pressed, such as by a bottom side of an engine casing (not shown), against the sealing ribs44such that O-ring31compresses the sealing ribs44towards the surface43of the second groove42. Thus an enhanced sealing can be provided.

FIGS.14and15illustrate an embodiment of a molded seal40, which can be provided between a side surface of a crankcase (not shown) and another side surface of a part of the engine casing connectable to the crankcase. Referring toFIG.9, the molded seal40shown inFIG.14can be provided between the crankcase2and the flywheel housing4and/or between the crankcase2and the front end3, wherein the molded seal40shown inFIGS.14and15can be provided at a side of the O-ring31facing away from the first groove13.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the seal end portion41of the molded seal40equally comprises an enlarged shoulder portion, which is retained in an enlarged retaining portion of a groove in the same way as the enlarged shoulder portion of the embodiments of the molded seal described earlier.

As shown inFIG.15, the sealing surface50of the molded seal40is pressed against an O-ring31arranged in a first groove13. In the shown embodiment the first groove13is provided in an upper edge portion11of an oil pan assembly (not shown).

As can be seen inFIG.14, the sealing surface50of the molded seal40has a flat shape and extends in a single plane when the seal is uncompressed. In alternative embodiments, if might also have a convex shape, for example a middle portion protruding from the sealing surface.

InFIG.15the sealing arrangement30is shown in a mounted state, the sealing arrangement30therefore being in a compressed state, which means that the upper edge portion11of the oil pan assembly (not shown) presses the O-ring31against the sealing surface50of the molded seal40.

The seal end portion41shown inFIG.15is such configured that in the shown mounted state a portion of the seal end portion41reaches into the first groove13. More precisely, the middle portion50bof the sealing surface50of the seal end portion41reaches into the first groove13. With the shown embodiment it is possible that the sealing surface50adapts its shape at least partially to the O-ring. The sealing between the O-ring31and the molded seal40can be enhanced consequently. As can be seen inFIG.15the middle portion50bis arranged between two side portions50aof the sealing surface50.

FurtherFIG.15illustrates that the seal end portion41of the molded seal40may be such configured that the side portions50aof the sealing surface50, in a mounted state, are pressed against respective surfaces of the upper edge portion11, which are respectively arranged adjacent to the surface of the first groove13, which means that the surfaces are arranged at one and on another side of the first groove13, inFIG.15to the left and to the right of the first groove13, respectively.

Subsequently, in a mounted state, beside the sealing between the O-ring31and the middle portion50bof the sealing surface50, at least another sealing can be provided between the respective side portions50aof the sealing surface50and the respective surface of the upper edge portion11. In the shown embodiment ofFIG.15three sealing areas are provided: between the O-ring31and the middle portion50bof the sealing surface50, between one side portion50a(inFIG.15on the left) of the sealing surface50and the respective surface of the upper edge portion11, and between the other side portion50a(inFIG.15on the right) of the sealing surface50and the respective surface of the upper edge portion11.

Referring toFIG.15, the retaining surface60of the enlarged retaining portion of the groove in which the molded seal40is provided blocks the shoulder surface54of the enlarged shoulder portion of the seal end portion40. The retaining surface60may comprise an outer portion60aand an inner portion60b, wherein the inner portion60bis arranged closer to a center axis of the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40than the outer portion60a, wherein the inner portion60bmay extend closer to the bottom side of the engine casing than the outer portion60a. Subsequently the effect of at least a part of the seal end portion41, such as the middle portion50b, reaching into the first groove13in a mounted stated can be enhanced.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.15the seal end portion41comprises sealing areas48, which are formed by the middle portion50band respective side portions50aof the sealing surface50.

As described above, the molded seal40shown inFIG.15may be arranged in a groove29, wherein the seal end portion41may be provided in a enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove29. Referring toFIG.9, the groove29may be provided in the front end3, the crankcase2and/or the flywheel housing4of the engine casing1a, the groove29can however be provided in the front end and/or the flywheel housing4. In the embodiment shown inFIG.15the enlarged retaining portion29aof the groove29forms the retaining surface60for blocking the seal end portion41.

As shown inFIG.14, the seal end portion41may be provided on a side surface facing the groove29and/or the side surface facing the other engine part with a sealing protrusion53. The sealing protrusion53may protrude from a side surface41aof the seal end portion41in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension L2of the molded seal40, wherein the sealing protrusion53may extend from one side portion50aof the sealing surface50to the respective other side portion50aof the sealing surface50, such as in a U-shaped form.

The configuration of the sealing arrangement shown inFIGS.10to14may in particular be used with the sealing arrangements described with respect toFIGS.7to9.

Further, the sealing arrangements described with respect toFIGS.8to14may in particular be used with the oil pan assemblies described with respect toFIGS.1to6.

The sealing arrangement described with respect toFIG.7may be used with an oil pan assembly where the oil pan is a single casted part.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1internal combustion engine1aengine casing1bbottom side of engine casing2crankcase2acrankshaft3front end4flywheel housing10oil pan assembly11upper edge portion12bottom side of oil plan assembly/segment13first groove14stiffening rib14aopening of stiffening rib14bside portion of stiffening rib14cmiddle portion of stiffening rib15flat upper surface20segment20aend segment20bmiddle segment21segment upper edge portion22segment end surface23aend wall23bside wall23cbottom wall24flange24aupper flange surface24bflange end surface24copenings provided in the flange25edge26opening27opening28leg29groove29aenlarged retaining portion of groove30sealing arrangement31O-ring40molded seal40afirst molded seal40bsecond molded seal40cthird molded seal40dfourth molded seal41seal end portion41aside surface of seal end portion42second groove43surface of second groove44sealing rib45shoulder portion46retaining portion of molded seal47sealing surface of a molded seal being arranged at a side of the O-ring facing the first groove48sealing area of seal end portion50sealing surface of a molded seal being arranged at a side of the O-ring facing away from the first groove50aside portion of sealing surface50bmiddle portion of sealing surface52opening for oil channel53sealing protrusion54retaining surface60blocking surface60aouter portion of blocking surface60binner portion of blocking surface70first interface71second interface, segment interfaceL longitudinal direction of the engineL1Longitudinal extension of O-ringL2Longitudinal extension of molded sealH segment height