Patent ID: 7819227

Claim:
Internal combustion engine having cylinder groups and using dry-sump-principle pressure lubrication, comprising: a crankcase having a dry-sump oil suction space in a lower part thereof for collecting lubricant oil; an oil return pump that is configured to convey lubricant oil out of the dry-sump oil suction space, through an oil suction line, and directly into an annular space arranged around cylinder groups, wherein the oil suction line of the oil return pump delivers lubricant oil directly into the annular space, and wherein the annular space is fluidly coupled to a vent connection that is exposed to the atmosphere for defoaming the lubricant oil collected within the annular space; a wet-sump oil supply container that is fluidly coupled to the annular space for receiving defoamed lubricant oil from the annular space; and a main delivery pump configured for conveying lubricant oil from the wet-sump oil supply container directly to consumers of the lubricant oil, wherein the wet-sump oil supply container is separate from the dry-sump oil suction space and is positioned to at least partially surround the dry-sump oil suction space, at least a portion of the wet-sump oil supply container being disposed at an elevation beneath the dry-sump oil suction space.