| CPC F01M 11/0004 (2013.01) [F01M 11/03 (2013.01); F01M 2011/005 (2013.01); F01M 2011/031 (2013.01)] | 27 Claims |
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1. A system for collecting lube oil in an oil sump in an internal combustion engine with a cranktrain, a plurality of crank bays and at least one main bearing bulkhead, the system comprising:
a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall;
an oil accumulation ramp comprising a top, and extending downwards from the second side wall to the first side wall, and separating the oil sump from the crankcase;
an oil entrance aperture arranged in the ramp adjacent the first side wall for directing oil accumulating on the ramp into the oil sump;
a plurality of air return ports extending through the ramp from the oil sump to the crankcase and spaced from the first side wall; and wherein each of the air return ports comprises an airflow director provided at the second side wall, for guiding air across the top of the oil accumulation ramp from the oil sump, and causing oil droplets to fall into the oil sump;
at least one flow delineator incorporated into the ramp and arranged adjacent to at least one air return ports to obstruct airflow and divert airflow into the adjacent air return ports; and
wherein the air return ports and flow delineators are longitudinally located along the oil accumulation ramp such that each crank bay has one corresponding air return port and each main bearing bulkhead has one corresponding flow delineator; and
wherein the plurality of air return ports and the flow delineators are positioned to aim air from the oil sump, across the oil accumulation ramp, and towards the oil entrance aperture thereby driving oil from the ramp into the oil sump.
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