U.S. patent application number 10/388046 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-16 for integral baffle and lubricant cooler.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shore Line Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chui, Kwok-Sang, Hoyte, David S., Jiang, Alan Honggen, Waldon, Charles M..
Application Number | 20040177827 10/388046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32962037 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040177827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoyte, David S. ; et
al. |
September 16, 2004 |
Integral baffle and lubricant cooler
Abstract
A baffle for use in a lubricant pan of an engine that uses a
lubricant having a viscosity. The baffle includes a first sheet and
a second sheet substantially aligned with the first sheet, the
sheets are sized and shaped to reduce turbulence of the lubricant
in the lubricant pan. The baffle also includes a tube having a
first end and a second end, whereby at least part of the tube is
sandwiched between the first and second sheets. A first tube
connector is connected to the first end of the tube. A second tube
connector is connected to the second end of the tube. A plurality
of draining apertures are formed in the first and second sheets,
whereby the size of the draining apertures are based on the
viscosity of the lubricant.
Inventors: |
Hoyte, David S.; (Sheboygan,
WI) ; Jiang, Alan Honggen; (Sheboygan Falls, WI)
; Chui, Kwok-Sang; (Columbus, IN) ; Waldon,
Charles M.; (Sheboygan, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Shore Line Industries, Inc.
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
32962037 |
Appl. No.: |
10/388046 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
123/196AB |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0234 20130101;
F01M 2011/0066 20130101; F01M 11/0004 20130101; F28F 1/22 20130101;
F01M 2011/005 20130101; F01M 2011/0025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/196.0AB |
International
Class: |
F01N 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A baffle for use in a lubricant pan of an engine that uses a
lubricant, the lubricant having a viscosity, the baffle comprising:
a first sheet; a second sheet substantially aligned with the first
sheet, the first and second sheets sized and shaped so as to reduce
turbulence of the lubricant in the lubricant pan; a tube including
a first end and a second end, at least part of the tube being
sandwiched between the first and second sheets; a first tube
connector connected to the first end of the tube; a second tube
connector connected to the second end of the tube; an aperture
formed in the first and second sheets, the aperture sized and
shaped for accepting a lubricant pickup; and a plurality of
draining apertures formed in the first and second sheets, the size
of the draining apertures being based on the viscosity of the
lubricant.
2. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of bosses configured to support the baffle in the lubricant
pan.
3. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is configured
in a serpentine path.
4. The baffle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and second
sheets have a common longitudinal axis and the serpentine path is
generally oriented along the longitudinal axis.
5. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is configured
as a main load bearing member of the baffle.
6. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of clinch joints, wherein each clinch joint connects the first
sheet and second sheet to one another.
7. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second
sheets are made from aluminum.
8. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is a seamless
tube.
9. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tube
connector couples the first end of the tube to the lubricant pan,
and wherein the second tube connector couples the second end of the
tube to the lubricant pan.
10. The baffle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first tube
connector is configured to threadably engage a first threaded
aperture in the lubricant pan, and wherein the second tube
connector is configured to threadably engage a second threaded
aperture in the lubricant pan.
11. The baffle as claimed in claim 10, wherein coolant enters the
tube via one of the first and second threaded apertures, and
wherein the coolant exits the tube via the other of the first and
second threaded apertures.
12. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second
sheets are curved to define a forward baffle portion and a rear
baffle portion, and wherein the rear baffle portion is not coplanar
with the forward baffle portion.
13. The baffle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rear baffle
portion is parallel to and offset from the forward baffle
portion.
14. The baffle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising louvers
formed in the first and second sheets, the size of the louvers
being based on the viscosity of the lubricant.
15. A baffle for use in a lubricant pan of an engine that uses a
lubricant, the lubricant having a viscosity, the baffle comprising:
a first sheet having a size and shape; a second sheet substantially
the same size and shape as the first sheet, the first and second
sheets configured to reduce turbulence of the lubricant in the
lubricant pan; a tube including a first end and a second end, at
least part of the tube sandwiched between the first and second
sheets; an aperture formed in the first and second sheets, the
aperture sized and shaped for accepting a lubricant pickup; and a
plurality of draining apertures formed in the first and second
sheets, the size of the draining apertures based on the viscosity
of the lubricant.
16. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: a first
tube connector connected to the first end of the tube; and a second
tube connector connected to the second end of the tube.
17. The baffle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first tube
connector is configured to couple the first end of the tube to the
lubricant pan, and wherein the second tube connector is configured
to couple the second end of the tube to the lubricant pan.
18. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second
sheets are made from aluminum.
19. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second
sheets are curved to define a forward baffle portion and a rear
baffle portion, and wherein the rear baffle portion is not coplanar
with the forward baffle portion.
20. The baffle as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rear baffle
portion is parallel to and offset from the forward baffle
portion.
21. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tube is a
seamless tube.
22. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tube is
configured in a serpentine path.
23. The baffle as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first and second
sheets define at least one plane, and at least a portion of the
serpentine path is generally oriented along the at least one
plane.
24. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tube provides
structural rigidity to the baffle.
25. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, further comprising at least
one boss for supporting the baffle in the lubricant pan.
26. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a
plurality of clinch joints interconnecting the first and second
metal sheets.
27. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, further comprising louvers
formed in the first and second sheets, the size of the louvers
being based on the viscosity of the lubricant.
28. The baffle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the baffle includes
a third sheet coupled to at least one of the first and second
sheets, the third sheet extending downwardly from the baffle in a
plane that is substantially normal to a horizontal plane in which
the baffle is generally positioned.
29. The baffle as claimed in claim 28, wherein the third sheet
includes a groove formed therein, the groove configured to route
lubricant from at least one of the first and second sheets to the
lubricant pan.
30. The baffle as claimed in claim 29, wherein the groove has a
serpentine configuration.
31. A combination of a baffle and a lubricant pan for an engine
that uses a lubricant, the lubricant having a viscosity, the
combination comprising: a baffle including a first sheet; a second
sheet substantially aligned with the first sheet, the first and
second sheets sized and shaped so as to reduce turbulence of the
lubricant in the lubricant pan; a tube including a first end and a
second end, at least part of the tube being sandwiched between the
first and second sheets; a first tube connector connected to the
first end of the tube; a second tube connector connected to the
second end of the tube; an aperture formed in the first and second
sheets, the aperture sized and shaped for accepting a lubricant
pickup; and a plurality of draining apertures formed in the first
and second sheets, the size of the draining apertures being based
on the viscosity of the lubricant; and a lubricant pan housing the
baffle therein, the first tube connector coupling the first end of
the tube to the lubricant pan and the second tube connector
coupling the second end of the tube to the lubricant pan.
32. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the first and
second sheets are made from aluminum.
33. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the first and
second sheets are curved to define a forward baffle portion and a
rear baffle portion, and wherein the rear baffle portion is not
coplanar with the forward baffle portion.
34. The combination as claimed in claim 33, wherein the rear baffle
portion is parallel to and offset from the forward baffle
portion.
35. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the lubricant
pan includes a first threaded aperture and a second threaded
aperture, wherein the first tube connector threadably engages one
end of the first threaded aperture, and wherein the second tube
connector threadably engages one end of the second threaded
aperture.
36. The combination as claimed in claim 35, wherein coolant enters
the tube via one of the first and second threaded apertures, and
wherein the coolant exits the tube via the other of the first and
second threaded apertures.
37. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the tube is a
seamless tube.
38. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the tube is
configured in a serpentine path.
39. The combination as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first and
second sheets define at least one plane, and at least a portion of
the serpentine path is generally oriented along the at least one
plane.
40. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the tube
provides structural rigidity to the baffle.
41. The combination as claimed in claim 31, further comprising at
least one boss for supporting the baffle in the lubricant pan.
42. The combination as claimed in claim 31, further comprising a
plurality of clinch joints interconnecting the first and second
metal sheets.
43. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the lubricant
pan includes at least one bottom wall and at least one side wall
upstanding from the bottom wall, and wherein the baffle includes a
third metal sheet coupled to at least one of the first and second
metal sheets, the third metal sheet extending downwardly from the
baffle in a plane that is substantially normal to a horizontal
plane in which the baffle is generally positioned, the third metal
sheet positioned adjacent and generally parallel to the at least
one side wall.
44. The combination as claimed in claim 43, wherein the third metal
sheet includes a groove formed therein, the groove configured to
route lubricant from at least one of the first and second metal
sheets to the lubricant pan.
45. The combination as claimed in claim 44, wherein the groove has
a serpentine configuration.
46. The combination as claimed in claim 43, wherein the lubricant
pan includes cooling fins extending from the at least one side wall
of the lubricant pan.
47. The combination as claimed in claim 31, wherein the lubricant
pan includes a second tube coupled to the lubricant pan and
positioned toward a bottom end of the lubricant pan.
48. The combination as claimed in claim 47, wherein coolant passes
through the second tube to cool lubricant lying near the bottom end
of the lubricant pan.
49. A method of making a baffle for use in a lubricant pan, the
method comprising: providing a tube including a first end and a
second end; bending the tube into a serpentine pattern; positioning
the tube between a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet; and
stamping the first and second metal sheets to at least partially
sandwich the tube therebetween.
50. The method as claimed in claim 49, further comprising
interconnecting the first and second metal sheets via multiple
clinch joints.
51. The method as claimed in claim 49, further comprising forming
apertures through the first and second metal sheets.
52. A method of cooling and controlling turbulence of a lubricant
in a lubricant pan of an engine, the method comprising: providing a
baffle including a tube sandwiched by interconnected metal sheets;
positioning the baffle over the lubricant in the lubricant pan,
such that at least some of the lubricant drains onto the baffle
before draining into the lubricant pan; coupling the baffle to the
lubricant pan; and passing coolant through the tube to cool the
lubricant in contact with the baffle.
53. The method as claimed in claim 52, wherein positioning the
baffle over the lubricant includes positioning the baffle near the
lubricant to decrease splashing of the lubricant.
54. The method as claimed in claim 52, wherein coupling the baffle
to the lubricant pan includes coupling opposite ends of the tube
with the lubricant pan such that lubricant is not allowed to enter
the tube.
55. A baffle for use in a lubricant pan of an engine that uses a
lubricant, the baffle comprising: a first sheet positioned above
the lubricant in the lubricant pan, the first sheet configured to
receive lubricant from the engine and reduce turbulence of the
lubricant in the lubricant pan; and a second sheet positioned
adjacent the first sheet at an angle relative to the first sheet,
the second sheet including a groove configured to route lubricant
received from the first sheet along an interior surface of the
lubricant pan.
56. The baffle as claimed in claim 55, further comprising an
aperture formed through the first sheet, the aperture sized and
shaped for accepting a lubricant pickup.
57. The baffle as claimed in claim 55, wherein the groove has a
serpentine configuration.
58. The baffle as claimed in claim 55, wherein the second sheet
substantially abuts the interior surface of the lubricant pan, such
that a combination of the groove and the interior surface of the
lubricant pan defines a passageway for routing the lubricant
therethrough.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to engine components, and
more particularly to baffles in a lubricant pan of an engine.
[0002] It is well known that internal combustion engines are
generally lubricated with oil to maintain the engine components in
good working condition. In most instances, an oil pan is utilized
to hold oil that is circulated throughout the engine. An oil pump
pumps oil from the oil pan toward the top end of the engine, where
the oil is routed via internal passageways to the various engine
components. The oil drains back to the oil pan under the influence
of gravity, where it accumulates and is circulated back to the top
end of the engine by the oil pump.
[0003] During acceleration, braking, or maneuvering of a vehicle
utilizing a typical internal combustion engine, the accumulated oil
in the oil pan often sloshes and/or splashes against the oil pan
walls. Conventional engine oil pumps utilize a pickup submerged in
the accumulated oil to feed the oil pump. The sloshing and/or
splashing oil in the oil pan (sometimes referred to as
"turbulence"), in extreme conditions, can uncover the pickup,
therefore causing a low oil pressure condition in the engine. The
movement of the oil can also cause it to foam.
[0004] To prevent such sloshing, splashing, or foaming, a baffle is
usually positioned in the oil pan. The baffle restricts the
movement of the accumulated oil in the oil pan. Such baffles
typically include sheet metal bodies that are welded or fastened in
place in the oil pan.
[0005] It is generally known in the art that excess heat can
degrade the performance of lubricants. Overheating can result in
thermal breakdown of oil such that the oil looses its ability to
maintain a lubricating layer between moving components. Removing
built-up heat in the oil, which can be accomplished by using an oil
cooler, helps maintain the oil's viscosity, thus preventing thermal
breakdown. In conventional applications, a separate oil cooler is
remotely mounted from the engine. In a typical design, a separate
radiator is mounted in the vehicle to air-cool the oil. An adapter
is required (typically positioned between the engine block and oil
filter) to route heated oil from the engine through the radiator
and back into the engine again after the oil has been cooled. Hoses
are also required to route the oil both to and from the radiator.
The adapter and hoses increase the number of places where oil might
leak. Furthermore, conventional oil coolers add complexity to
vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides, in one aspect, a baffle for use in a
lubricant pan of an engine that uses a lubricant having a
viscosity. The baffle includes a first sheet, a second sheet
substantially aligned with the first sheet, the first and second
sheets sized and shaped so as to reduce turbulence of the lubricant
in the lubricant pan, and a tube including a first end and a second
end, at least part of the tube being sandwiched between the first
and second sheets. The baffle also includes a first tube connector
connected to the first end of the tube, and a second tube connector
connected to the second end of the tube. Also, the baffle includes
an aperture formed in the first and second sheets, the aperture
sized and shaped for accepting a lubricant pickup, and a plurality
of draining apertures formed in the first and second sheets, the
size of the draining apertures being based on the viscosity of the
lubricant.
[0007] The invention provides, in another aspect, a baffle for use
in a lubricant pan of an engine that uses a lubricant having a
viscosity. The baffle includes a first sheet having a size and
shape, a second sheet substantially the same size and shape as the
first sheet, the first and second sheets configured to reduce
turbulence of the lubricant in the lubricant pan, and a tube
including a first end and a second end, at least part of the tube
sandwiched between the first and second sheets. The baffle also
includes an aperture formed in the first and second sheets, the
aperture sized and shaped for accepting a lubricant pickup, and a
plurality of draining apertures formed in the first and second
sheets, the size of the draining apertures based on the viscosity
of the lubricant.
[0008] The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a combination
of a baffle and a lubricant pan for an engine that uses a lubricant
having a viscosity. The combination includes a baffle, which
includes a first sheet, a second sheet substantially aligned with
the first sheet, the first and second sheets sized and shaped so as
to reduce turbulence of the lubricant in the lubricant pan, and a
tube including a first end and a second end, at least part of the
tube being sandwiched between the first and second sheets. The
baffle also includes a first tube connector connected to the first
end of the tube, and a second tube connector connected to the
second end of the tube. The baffle also includes an aperture formed
in the first and second sheets, the aperture sized and shaped for
accepting a lubricant pickup, and a plurality of draining apertures
formed in the first and second sheets, the size of the draining
apertures being based on the viscosity of the lubricant. The
combination also includes a lubricant pan housing the baffle
therein, the first tube connector coupling the first end of the
tube to the lubricant pan and the second tube connector coupling
the second end of the tube to the lubricant pan.
[0009] The invention provides, in another aspect, a method of
making a baffle for use in a lubricant pan. The method includes
providing a tube including a first end and a second end, bending
the tube into a serpentine pattern, positioning the tube between a
first metal sheet and a second metal sheet, and stamping the first
and second metal sheets to at least partially sandwich the tube
therebetween.
[0010] The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a method of
cooling and controlling turbulence of a lubricant in a lubricant
pan of an engine. The method includes providing a baffle including
a tube sandwiched by interconnected metal sheets, positioning the
baffle over the lubricant in the lubricant pan, such that at least
some of the lubricant drains onto the baffle before draining into
the lubricant pan, coupling the baffle to the lubricant pan, and
passing coolant through the tube to cool the lubricant in contact
with the baffle.
[0011] Further aspects of the present invention, together with the
organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent
from the following detailed description of the invention when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a baffle
exploded away from an oil pan.
[0014] FIG. 2a is an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion
of the baffle of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a section view along line 2b--2b of the baffle of
FIG. 2a.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the baffle of FIG. 1
positioned in the oil pan.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a section view of the oil pan along line 4--4 of
FIG. 3, showing a connecting configuration between the baffle and
the oil pan.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial section view of a side of the oil pan,
illustrating another embodiment of a baffle.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial section view along line 6--6 of the oil
pan and baffle of FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partial section view of the baffle of FIG. 1
positioned in the oil pan, illustrating an additional tube
positioned in the oil pan.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
baffle in the oil pan.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a section view along line 9--9 of the baffle of
FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an oil pan including a
coolant channel formed in a bottom wall of the oil pan, in
combination with a baffle.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a section view along line 11--11 of the oil pan
and baffle of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Before embodiments of the invention are explained in detail,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of the examples set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention
is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried
out in a variety of applications and in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein
is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The
terms "mounted," "connected," and "coupled" are used broadly and
encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, and
coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to
physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, an integral baffle 10 and
lubricant cooler ("baffle") is shown removed from an engine oil pan
14. The oil pan 14 is used in combination with an internal
combustion engine (not shown) to collect oil used to lubricate
frictionally-contacting components in the engine. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, a rear portion 18 of the oil pan 14 includes a
sump 22, which defines the deepest portion of the oil pan 14
relative to an upper flange surface (not shown), which mates to the
bottom portion of an engine block (also, not shown). The sump 22
contains a majority of the oil collected in the oil pan 14. The oil
pan 14 also includes a forward portion 26 which is shallower than
the rear portion 18. Also, the oil pan 14 includes a curved portion
30 connecting or in between the forward and rear portions 26, 18,
such that oil collected by the forward portion 26 of the oil pan 14
is allowed to drain into the sump 22. Optionally, the baffle 10 may
be generally linearly shaped and configured generally parallel to a
horizontal plane (not shown) passing through the oil pan 14.
[0027] The terminology "forward portion" and "rear portion" is not
limiting. The oil pan 14 may be transversely mounted relative to a
vehicle, such as a front-wheel drive vehicle utilizing a
transversely-mounted engine. Also, as a further alternative, the
orientation of the oil pan 14 may be reversed, such that the rear
portion 18 including the sump 22 is positioned forward-most in a
vehicle, and the forward portion 26 is positioned rear-most in the
vehicle. Further, in addition to the sump 22 in the rear portion
18, the forward portion 26 may also include a sump (not shown) to
collect oil therein.
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the baffle 10 is shaped
such that it generally follows the curve of the oil pan 14 (more
clearly seen in FIG. 3). Relative to its positioning in the oil pan
14, the baffle 10 includes an upper planar section 34 and a lower
planar section 38. A curved section 42 connects or bridges the
upper and lower planar sections 34, 38, and generally conforms with
the curved portion 30 of the oil pan 14. Alternatively, the baffle
10 may be configured in any number of reasonable shapes, such that
it does not interfere with existing components of the engine (e.g.,
the oil pump, crankshaft, bearing caps, etc.) or various oil pan
walls comprising the oil pan 10. Some additional embodiments are
discussed below, with like components labeled with like reference
numerals.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the baffle 10 includes a tube 46
sandwiched between metal sheets 50, 54. The tube 46 includes a tube
inlet 58 and a tube outlet 62, such that coolant is diverted from
the engine cooling system (not shown), for example, routed through
the tube 46, and re-diverted back to the engine cooling system. The
tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62 may be reversed, such that coolant
enters the baffle 10 via the tube outlet 62, and coolant leaves the
baffle 10 via the tube inlet 58. Alternatively, a separate,
independent cooling system (e.g., an oil cooling system with a
radiator, or a transmission fluid cooler, both not shown) may be
utilized to provide coolant to the baffle 10. As a result, the
metal sheets 50, 54 sandwiching the tube 46 act as cooling fins and
promote heat transfer from the tube 46 and coolant.
[0030] The tube 46 is configured throughout the baffle 10 in a
serpentine pattern, such that the tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62
are exposed and on the same side of the sheets 50, 54. The
exemplary serpentine pattern illustrated in FIG. 1 does not imply
that the tube 46 is limited to any particular shape or pattern. The
tube 46 may be configured throughout the baffle 10 in any
reasonable shape or pattern, provided the tube inlet 58 and tube
outlet 62 are exposed. Also, the tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62
may be positioned on adjacent sides of the sheets 50, 54 or on
opposite sides of the sheets 50, 54, rather than the same side of
the sheets 50, 54.
[0031] Both the tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62 include flared
ends 66 which capture tube connectors 70 on the respective tube
inlet 58 and tube outlet 62. The tube connectors 70 couple the
baffle 10 to the oil pan 14 to support the baffle 10 therein, in
addition to fluidly connecting the tube 46 with the cooling system
used. As shown in FIG. 4, the oil pan 14 includes threaded
apertures 74 through a side wall 78 to receive the tube connectors
70 of the tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62, respectively, on the
interior portion of the side wall 78. Similar tube connectors 70
couple to the exterior portion of the side wall 78 and fluidly
connect additional tubing or hose (not shown) with the tube 46 in
the baffle 10. The additional tubing or hose is further routed to
the cooling system employed to transport coolant both to and from
the baffle 10.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 3, the baffle 10 is shown positioned
in the oil pan 14 above the oil collected in the sump 22. Bosses 82
formed in the oil pan 14 space the baffle 10 from the bottom of the
oil pan 14 and provide support locations for the baffle 10.
Ordinary fasteners 86 (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) are passed
through the metal sheets 50, 54 and threadably engage the bosses 82
to further secure the baffle 10 to the oil pan 14. In comparison to
the metal sheets 50, 54, the tube 46 is substantially more rigid.
Therefore, the tube's rigidity allows the baffle 10 to be almost
entirely supported by the tube 46.
[0033] During normal operation of the engine, most of the heated
oil draining from the engine drops onto the baffle 10 before being
collected in the sump 22. The coolant passing through the baffle 10
continually cools the baffle 10, which in turn allows the baffle 10
to cool any oil with which it is in contact. Apertures 90 through
the metal sheets 50, 54 allow the cooled oil to drop from the
baffle 10 into the oil pan 14. Although the exemplary apertures 90
are circular, the apertures 90 may be formed in any reasonable
shape, including triangular, oval, square, and trapezoidal.
Generally, the size of the apertures is dependent on the viscosity
of the lubricant being used. Lower viscosity lubricants can drain
more easily through smaller openings than higher viscosity
lubricants. Louvers 94 in the metal sheets 50, 54 may also be used
in combination with the apertures 90, or used exclusively in the
metal sheets 50, 54. The engine's oil pump (not shown) then
circulates the cooled oil in the sump 22 throughout the engine,
after which the oil drains back toward the baffle 10, and the
process repeats.
[0034] The baffle 10 also helps restrict movement of the oil
collected within the oil pan 14, such that sloshing and/or
splashing of the oil in the oil pan 14 is restricted. This sloshing
and/or splashing movement of the oil is sometimes referred to as
"turbulence." Excess turbulence in the oil in the oil pan 14 may
cause the oil to foam, thus decreasing the amount of oil available
to the oil pump pickup and oil pump for circulation throughout the
engine. The baffle 10 is positioned in the oil pan 14 to decrease
turbulence in the oil and to limit movement of the oil, such that
the oil pump pickup remains generally submerged in the oil. Also,
the baffle 10 is positioned to intercept aerated, or foamed oil
from the engine before it returns to the oil pan 14. Further, the
baffle 10 allows time for the foamed oil to naturally purge itself
of entrained air before falling through the apertures 90 or louvers
94 into the oil pan 14. Consequently, a conventional baffle (not
shown) in the oil pan 14, separate from the baffle 10, is not
required.
[0035] In another embodiment of the baffle 10, as shown in FIGS.
5-6, the baffle 10 includes sheet portions 98 configured
substantially perpendicularly to opposite sides of at least one of
the metal sheets 50, 54. The sheet portions 98 each include a
serpentine groove 102 formed therein, such that on each sheet
portion 98, an inlet 106 is defined near the lower planar section
38, and an outlet 110 is defined on the opposite side of the sheet
portion 98. Also, each sheet portion 98 is positioned against the
side wall 78 of the oil pan 14, such that the combination of the
groove 102 and side wall 78 forms a passageway 118 between the
inlet 106 and the outlet 110. The serpentine groove 102 is
configured to route oil from the lower planar section 38 of the
baffle 10 through the passageway 118, before reaching the sump 22.
Gravity drives oil through passageway 118 between the inlet 106 and
outlet 110. By routing oil through the passageway 118, the oil is
further cooled by contacting the side wall 78, which is air-cooled
by the air surrounding the outside of the oil pan 14. Further, the
oil pan 14 may include cooling fins 122 projecting from the side
wall 78 to further promote cooling of the side wall 78.
Alternatively, the sheet portions 98 may extend farther toward the
forward portion 26 of the oil pan 14, such that the sheet portions
98 are defined along substantially the entire length of the baffle
10. Also, the sheet portions 98 may be coupled to the respective
side walls 78 of the oil pan 14 rather than being coupled to the
sheets 50, 54.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 7, the baffle 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is
shown in combination with an additional tube 126 carrying coolant
routed through the oil sump 22 to cool the oil collected in the
sump 22. Like the tube 46 in the baffle 10, the additional tube 126
is configured in a serpentine pattern and includes a tube inlet 130
and a tube outlet 134, such that the additional tube 126 is fluidly
connected with the engine's (or a separate, independent) cooling
system. Also, the additional tube 126 includes tube connectors (not
shown) that threadably engage threaded apertures (also, not shown)
in a side wall of the oil pan 14. Like the tube 46 in the baffle
10, the additional tube 126 may be configured in any reasonable
shape or pattern. Also, the tube inlet 130 and tube outlet 134 may
be positioned on adjacent sides of the oil pan 14 or on opposite
sides of the oil pan 14, rather than the same side of the oil pan
14. Further, the additional tube 126 may be sandwiched by metal
sheets (not shown) acting as cooling fins, similar to the baffle
10. The baffle 10 and additional tube 126 may be fluidly connected
with the cooling system in either a parallel or series
configuration.
[0037] In yet another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, a baffle
138 is shown including a first sheet, or an upper sheet 142,
positioned above the oil in the oil pan 14 to receive oil dropping
from the engine. The upper sheet 142 includes an aperture 146
therethrough to allow passage of the oil pump pickup. The upper
sheet 142 is supported by bosses (not shown) formed in the oil pan
14, similar to the mounting configuration of the baffle 10 of FIG.
1. However, the upper sheet 142 is supported at an angle relative
to a horizontal plane (not shown) passing through the oil pan 14,
such that oil dropping from the engine onto the upper sheet 142 is
funneled to one side of the oil pan 14. In the exemplary
configuration of FIGS. 8-9, the upper sheet 142 funnels oil toward
an interior surface 150 of a side wall 154 of the oil pan 14.
[0038] A second sheet, or a lower sheet 158, is coupled to the
interior surface 150 adjacent the upper sheet 142. The lower sheet
158 may be coupled to the interior surface 150 by any number of
different methods, including but not limited to: welding, brazing,
fastening, utilizing snap-fits, and so forth. The lower sheet 158
includes a serpentine groove 162 formed therein, the groove 162
defining an inlet 166 at one end of the lower sheet 158, and an
outlet 170 at the opposite end of the lower sheet 158. Since the
lower sheet 158 is coupled against the interior surface 150, a
combination of the groove 162 and the interior surface 150 defines
a passageway 174 to route oil therethrough. During operation of the
engine, oil drops from the engine onto the upper sheet 142, and is
funneled into the inlet 166 of the passageway 174 by the upper
sheet 142. Gravity provides the necessary force to establish oil
flow through the passageway 174. By routing oil through the
passageway 174, the oil is cooled by contacting the interior
surface 150 of the side wall 154, which is air-cooled by the
outside air surrounding the oil pan 14.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 10-11, an oil pan 178 including a
coolant channel 182 formed in a bottom wall 186 of the oil pan 178
is shown in combination with a baffle 190. In one embodiment, the
baffle 190 includes a metal sheet 194 having apertures 198
therethrough. Alternatively, the baffle 190 may be configured in a
manner identical or similar to the baffle 10 of FIG. 1. The baffle
190 is positioned in the oil pan 178 to decrease turbulence in the
oil and to substantially limit movement of the oil, such that the
oil pump pickup remains continually submerged in the oil. Also, the
baffle 190 is positioned to intercept aerated, or foamed oil from
the engine before it returns to the oil pan 178. Further, the
baffle 190 allows time for the foamed oil to naturally purge itself
of entrained air before falling through the apertures 198 and into
the oil pan 178. The baffle 190 may be supported in the oil pan 178
by fasteners engaging threaded bosses (not shown) formed therein.
However, the baffle 190 may also be supported in the oil pan 178 by
other methods, including welding, fastening, and so forth.
[0040] The coolant channel 182 formed in the bottom wall 186 of the
oil pan 178 is configured in a serpentine pattern and includes an
inlet 210 and an outlet 214, such that the coolant channel 182 is
fluidly connected with the engine's (or a separate, independent)
cooling system. Coolant from the cooling system enters the baffle
190 via the inlet 210, and leaves the baffle 190 via the outlet
214. However, the inlet 210 and outlet 214 may be reversed, such
that coolant enters the baffle 190 via the outlet 214, and leaves
the baffle 190 via the inlet 210. Coolant flowing through the
coolant channel 182 removes heat from the bottom wall 186 of the
oil pan 178, which subsequently removes heat from the oil contained
in the oil pan 178. To fluidly connect with the cooling system,
additional tubes including tube connectors 218 threadably engage
threaded apertures (not shown) in a side wall 222 of the oil pan
178. Like the tube 126 of FIG. 7, the coolant channel 182 may be
configured in any reasonable shape or pattern. Also, the inlet 210
and outlet 214 may be positioned on adjacent sides of the oil pan
178 or on opposite sides of the oil pan 178, rather than the same
side of the oil pan 178. The coolant channel 182 may be fluidly
connected with the cooling system in either a parallel or series
configuration.
[0041] The exemplary baffle 10 of FIGS. 1-4 may be manufactured
using conventional materials. In one embodiment, the tube 46 is
made from seamless aluminum tubing to prevent leakage. The sheets
50, 54 are made from thin, aluminum sheets, and act as cooling fins
to the aluminum tube 46. Also, aluminum provides desirable heat
transfer characteristics. Alternatively, the tube 46 and the sheets
50, 54 may be made from any metal, such that the heat transfer
requirements of the baffle 10 are satisfied.
[0042] In one embodiment, the tube 46 is configured in its
serpentine pattern by a CNC tube-bending machine, and the tube 46
is subsequently sandwiched by the metal sheets 50, 54 during a
sheet stamping process, utilizing a die and stamping machinery.
Also, during the sheet stamping process, clinch joints 226 (see
FIG. 2) may be formed between the metal sheets 50, 54 to
interconnect the sheets 50, 54. The clinch joints 226 locally
deform the sheets 50, 54, such that the sheets 50, 54 are
permanently interconnected. As shown in FIG. 1, the clinch joints
226 are formed on opposite sides of the tube 46 to secure the tube
46 between the sheets 50, 54. Alternatively, the clinch joints 226
may be formed on the sheets 50, 54 in any reasonable pattern such
that the sheets 50, 54 are permanently interconnected, and the tube
46 is tightly secured therebetween.
[0043] Rather than being formed during the sheet stamping process,
the clinch joints 226 may be formed in a separate, independent
stamping process carried out after the sheet stamping process.
Also, the baffle 10 may be formed in its final, curved shape during
the sheet stamping process. Alternatively, the baffle 10 may be
formed in its final, curved shape during a separate, independent
stamping process occurring after the sheet stamping process.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the sheet portions 98 are integrally
formed with one of the metal sheets 50 or 54. The sheet portions 98
may be formed (the grooves and shape) during any of the above
mentioned stamping processes, including the sheet stamping process,
the stamping process forming the clinch joints 226, or the stamping
process forming the final, curved shape of the baffle 10.
Alternatively, the sheet portions 98 may be separately formed and
coupled to the metal sheets 50, 54 via fasteners (e.g., bolts,
screws, rivets, etc.) or via welding, soldering, brazing, or other
like methods. Further, the tube connectors 70 are secured along the
tube 46 by flaring the tube inlet 58 and tube outlet 62, using
conventional processes.
[0045] The additional tube 126 of FIG. 7, in one embodiment, is
made from seamless aluminum tubing to prevent leakage. The
additional tube 126 is configured in its serpentine pattern by a
CNC tube-bending machine, similar to the tube 46 in the baffle 10.
Further, the tube connectors (not shown) are secured along the tube
126 by flaring the tube inlet 130 and tube outlet 134, using
conventional processes.
[0046] The baffle 138 of FIGS. 8-9 includes upper and lower sheets
142, 158 made from thin, aluminum sheets. Alternatively, the sheets
142, 158 may be made from any metal, such that the heat transfer
requirements of the baffle 138 are satisfied. Also, the oil pan 14
may be made from aluminum to enhance heat transfer from the oil as
it is routed through the passageway 174. Further, the oil pan 14
may include cooling fins (not shown), similar to the oil pan 14
shown in FIGS. 5-6, to enhance heat transfer from the oil and the
oil pan 14. The serpentine groove 162 formed in the lower sheet 158
is formed by a stamping process. In addition, both upper and lower
sheets 142, 158 may be stamped utilizing a stamping process such
that no additional machining or forming is necessary in producing
the final product.
[0047] The oil pan 178 of FIGS. 10-11 may be die cast such that
minimal machining is required to complete the oil pan 178. The
coolant channel 182 may be formed in the bottom wall 186 during the
casting process. The oil pan 178 may be made from aluminum to
enhance heat transfer from the oil as it is routed through the
coolant channel 182. Also, the oil pan 178 may include cooling fins
(not shown), similar to the oil pan 14 of FIGS. 5-6, to enhance
heat transfer from the oil and the oil pan 178.
* * * * *