Engine oil temperature control lubricating system for hybrid electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an engine oil temperature control lubricating system for a hybrid electric vehicle, and belongs to the field of engine lubricating systems. Comprising a main oil duct, an engine oil pan, an engine oil pump and an oil duct pipe set, the engine oil pan is used for storing engine oil, the engine oil pump is used for pumping the engine oil in the engine oil pan, and the oil duct pipe set communicates with the engine oil pump and the main oil duct and comprises a first oil duct and a second oil duct which are arranged in parallel; the heater is opened to heat engine oil flowing through the first oil duct when the engine oil temperature is lower than a second preset temperature, and is closed when the engine oil temperature is higher than or equal to the second preset temperature; and the second oil duct comprises a second temperature control valve, and the second temperature control valve is opened when the temperature of the engine oil is larger than or equal to the second preset temperature, so that the engine oil further flows into the main oil duct through the second oil duct. When the engine of the hybrid electric vehicle is in cold start, the temperature of the engine oil can be rapidly increased through the heating piece, so that abnormal sound and abrasion of the engine when the temperature of the engine oil is too low can be well improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engine lubrication system technology, and in particular to an oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With the current trend towards new energy vehicles, engines are increasingly being used in hybrid vehicles. However, after starting, the engine speed of a hybrid vehicle quickly rises to medium-high RPMs. Engines typically use low-viscosity oils, such as 0W-20 or 0W-16, which have good low-temperature fluidity to meet the engine's lubrication needs at low temperatures. However, this approach has drawbacks. At high engine speeds and under high loads, the oil film of low-viscosity oil becomes too thin, resulting in insufficient bearing lubrication, which may lead to abnormal noises, abnormal wear, and other malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles. It includes: a main oil passage; an oil pan for storing engine oil; an oil pump for pumping the oil from the oil pan; an oil passage assembly connecting the oil pump and the main oil passage, the oil passage assembly including a first oil passage and a second oil passage arranged in parallel; the first oil passage including a heater, which opens when the oil temperature is below a second preset temperature to heat the oil flowing through the first oil passage, and closes when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature; and the second oil passage including a second temperature control valve, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature to allow oil to flow into the main oil passage through the second oil passage.

[0005] This application utilizes a heating element to rapidly increase the engine oil temperature during cold starts or under high power and heavy load conditions in hybrid vehicles, thereby effectively reducing engine noise and wear when the engine oil temperature is too low.

[0006] Optionally, the second oil passage also includes a second cooler connected in series with the second temperature control valve, the second cooler being used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the second oil passage.

[0007] Optionally, the second temperature control valve includes a second regulating component, which is used to regulate the opening degree of the second temperature control valve; Optionally, the oil passage assembly also includes a third oil passage connected in parallel with the first oil passage. The third oil passage includes a third temperature control valve, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to a third preset temperature, so that the oil flows into the main oil passage through the third oil passage. The third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

[0008] Optionally, the third oil passage also includes a third cooler connected in series with the third temperature control valve, the third cooler being used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the third oil passage.

[0009] Optionally, the third temperature control valve includes a third control component, which is used to control the opening degree of the third temperature control valve.

[0010] Optionally, an oil filter is provided between the oil passage assembly and the oil pump.

[0011] Optionally, a lubricating element is connected to both the main oil passage and the oil pan, and the oil flowing out of the main oil passage lubricates the lubricating element before flowing into the oil pan.

[0012] Optionally, a temperature sensor is also provided between the main oil passage and the lubrication components. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage.

[0013] Optionally, a pressure sensor is also provided between the main oil passage and the lubrication components. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an oil temperature control lubrication system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the second or third temperature control valve according to the embodiments of this application.

[0016] Figure label: Oil pan 10; oil pump 20; oil filter 30; first oil passage 41; second oil passage 42; third oil passage 43; heater 411; second temperature control valve 421; second cooler 422; third temperature control valve 431; third cooler 432; main oil passage 50; temperature sensor 60; lubricating components 70. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0018] Hybrid vehicle engines operate with a more complex logic than traditional gasoline vehicles, placing specific demands on engine oil. Firstly, they require higher lubrication capacity during cold starts. After starting, the engine speed rapidly increases to medium-high RPMs, resulting in a shorter oil warm-up time. Low-temperature oil has poor fluidity and cannot reach all parts of the engine quickly, causing abnormal noises and wear. Furthermore, the movement of parts requires overcoming greater oil resistance, leading to fuel consumption losses. Secondly, they demand higher lubrication capacity under heavy loads. Due to the frequent switching between various driving modes in hybrid vehicles, engine bearings need to withstand higher instantaneous stresses, requiring more reliable lubrication and protection from the oil. However, once the oil temperature exceeds a certain range, its viscosity decreases, failing to provide reliable lubrication, leading to bearing wear and affecting its lifespan.

[0019] Currently, engines often use low-viscosity engine oils, such as 0W-20 or 0W-16, which have good low-temperature fluidity to meet the engine lubrication needs at low temperatures. However, this approach has drawbacks. When the engine is running at high speed and under high load, the oil film of low-viscosity engine oil is too thin, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the bearings.

[0020] Therefore, such as Figure 1 As shown, this application discloses an oil temperature control lubrication system for a hybrid vehicle. The system includes an oil pan 10, an oil pump 20, an oil passage assembly, and a main oil passage 50, which are connected in sequence. The oil pan 10 is used to store engine oil. The oil pump 20 is used to pump the engine oil in the oil pan 10. The oil passage assembly connects the oil pump 20 and the main oil passage 50, and includes a first oil passage 41 and a second oil passage 42 arranged in parallel. The first oil passage 41 includes a heater 411, which opens when the engine oil temperature is lower than a second preset temperature to heat the engine oil flowing through the first oil passage 41, and closes when the engine oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature. The second oil passage 42 includes a second temperature control valve 421, which opens when the engine oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, so that engine oil also flows into the main oil passage 50 through the second oil passage 42.

[0021] Understandably, hybrid vehicles include various lubricating components 70 that require lubrication. The main oil passage 50 lubricates the friction pairs of each lubricating component 70 through multiple branch oil passages. The oil pump 20 pumps the oil stored in the oil pan 10 through the oil pipe assembly to the main oil passage 50, which then flows through multiple branch oil passages to each lubricating component 70 for lubrication. In particular, after a cold start, the hybrid engine speed needs to be rapidly increased to medium-high speeds. Under these conditions, the engine oil typically needs to be maintained at, for example, 80℃-120℃ to maintain good lubrication performance. However, the relevant technology cannot quickly raise the oil temperature to, for example, 80℃-120℃, thus the lubricating components 70 cannot be adequately lubricated during cold starts.

[0022] This application's oil passage assembly includes a first oil passage 41 and a second oil passage 42 arranged in parallel. The first oil passage 41 includes a heater 411. When the engine starts, the heater 411 can be turned on when the oil temperature is lower than a second preset temperature, for example, when the oil temperature is lower than, say, 100°C. This allows for rapid heating of the oil in the first oil passage 41, increasing its temperature and fluidity. The heated oil can then quickly flow through the main oil passage 50 to lubricate various systems. After lubricating the lubricating components 70, the oil flows back to the oil pan 10, and this cycle rapidly raises the oil temperature to, for example, 100°C, providing better lubrication performance. Especially in cold winters, the first oil passage 41 with its rapid heating function reduces the time for abnormal wear of the lubricating components 70, extending their service life and performance. Furthermore, the heater 411 can be turned on or off based on signals such as engine speed and load for better control.

[0023] The second oil passage 42 includes a second thermostatic valve 421, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to a second preset temperature. This second preset temperature is not specifically limited and can be selected based on the type of oil and its optimal operating stability. For example, the second thermostatic valve 421 opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to, say, 100°C, allowing oil to flow into the main oil passage 50 through the second oil passage 42. Understandably, when the oil temperature is less than, say, 100°C, the second oil passage 42 is not open, and the main oil passage 50 is opened through the first oil passage 41. When the oil temperature is greater than or equal to, say, 100°C, the second thermostatic valve 421 opens, allowing oil to flow into the main oil passage 50 through the second oil passage 42. At this time, the heater 411 can be turned off because during continuous operation of the hybrid engine, the friction pairs of the lubricating components 70 cause the oil to continuously heat up. Turning off the heater 411 prevents the oil temperature from becoming too high and saves energy.

[0024] This application utilizes a heating element to rapidly increase the engine oil temperature during cold starts in hybrid vehicles, thereby effectively reducing engine noise and wear when the engine oil temperature is too low.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second thermostatic valve 421 includes a second regulating component for regulating the opening degree of the second thermostatic valve 421. For example, the opening degree of the second thermostatic valve 421 can increase as the oil temperature rises, thereby increasing the oil flow rate through the second oil passage 42.

[0026] In one embodiment, Figure 2A schematic diagram of the second thermostatic valve 421 is shown. When engine oil enters the second thermostatic valve 421, the temperature-sensitive substance (such as paraffin wax) expands upon heating, pushing a lever to move and extending the spring. When the lever exceeds the edge of the oil outlet, engine oil flows out of the thermostatic valve. When the engine oil temperature reaches a certain value, the lever exceeds the other edge of the oil outlet, and the thermostatic valve fully opens. The opening temperature of the second thermostatic valve 421 can be adjusted by the formula of the temperature-sensitive substance (such as paraffin wax). Thus, the opening degree of the second thermostatic valve 421 can increase as the engine oil temperature rises. When the engine stops running, the engine oil temperature gradually decreases, and the paraffin wax temperature also gradually decreases, for example, changing from a liquid to a solid state. The spring pulls the lever back to its original position, preventing engine oil from flowing out of the thermostatic valve. The second regulating component of the second thermostatic valve 421 may include the temperature-sensitive substance, the lever, and the spring.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second oil passage 42 may further include a second cooler 422 connected in series with the second thermostatic valve 421. The second cooler 422 can be used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the second oil passage 42. By setting the second cooler 422, the rate of oil temperature rise can be reduced. For example, as the oil temperature increases, the opening degree of the second thermostatic valve 421 increases, the flow rate of oil through the second oil passage 42 increases, and then the oil temperature rise rate can be reduced by the cooling effect of the second cooler 422. The second cooler 422 can be turned on at a preset temperature based on the oil temperature to cool the oil.

[0028] Thus, this application allows for rapid oil temperature increase during cold starts of the hybrid vehicle engine via a heating element, effectively mitigating engine noise and wear caused by excessively low oil temperature. By incorporating a second cooler 422 in the second oil passage 42, this application can precisely control the oil temperature within an optimal range, reducing abnormal wear on lubricating components 70 and extending their service life. Especially during high-power, high-load operation, it can prevent engine lubrication failure caused by excessively high oil temperature.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the oil passage assembly further includes a third oil passage 43 connected in parallel with the first oil passage 41. The third oil passage 43 includes a third thermostatic valve 431, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to a third preset temperature, allowing oil to flow into the main oil passage 50 through the third oil passage 43. The third preset temperature is greater than a second preset temperature. The third preset temperature is not specifically limited and can be selected based on the type of oil and its optimal operating temperature. For example, the third preset temperature could be, for instance, 110°C. The structure of the third thermostatic valve 431 can be similar to that of the second thermostatic valve 421, and its opening temperature can be adjusted by the formulation of the temperature-sensing substance.

[0030] When the temperature of the engine oil is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature, this application also controls the third temperature control valve 431 to open, so that the engine oil can also flow into the main oil passage 50 through the third oil passage 43.

[0031] Understandably, when the oil temperature is below, for example, 100°C, the second oil passage 42 and the third oil passage 43 are not connected; in this case, the main oil passage 50 is connected through the first oil passage 41. When the oil temperature is above or equal to, for example, 100°C, the heater 411 can be turned off, the second thermostatic valve 421 can be opened, and the oil can still flow into the main oil passage 50 through the second oil passage 42. During continuous operation of the hybrid engine, the oil temperature may rise further. When the oil temperature is above or equal to, for example, 110°C, the third thermostatic valve 431 opens, and the oil can still flow into the main oil passage 50 through the third oil passage 43.

[0032] In one embodiment, the third oil passage 43 may further include a third cooler 432 connected in series with the third thermostatic valve 431. The third cooler 432 can be used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the third oil passage 43. By setting the third cooler 432, the rate of oil temperature rise can be reduced. The oil temperature can be reduced by multiple coolers set on the second oil passage 42 and the third oil passage 43, for example, the oil temperature can be maintained in the optimal lubrication range of 80°C-120°C. Through staged cooling and the application of the heater 411, the oil temperature can be quickly and accurately controlled within a certain optimal range, reducing abnormal wear of various lubricating components 70 and extending their service life. Especially during high-power, high-load operation, it can prevent engine lubrication failure caused by excessively high oil temperature. The third cooler 432 can be turned on at a preset temperature based on the oil temperature to cool the oil.

[0033] In one embodiment, the third thermostatic valve 431 includes a third regulating component for regulating the opening degree of the third thermostatic valve 431. For example, the opening degree of the third thermostatic valve 431 can increase as the oil temperature rises, thereby increasing the oil flow through the third oil passage 43 to better control the oil temperature. The structure of the third thermostatic valve 431 can be the same as that of the second thermostatic valve 421. The third regulating component may also include a temperature-sensing material, a lever, and a spring.

[0034] In one embodiment, the oil temperature control lubrication system may further include an oil filter 30, which is disposed between the oil passage assembly and the oil pump 20. When the engine starts, the oil pump 20 begins to work, and it can pump oil into the oil passage assembly according to the engine operating conditions. The oil passes through the oil filter 30 to filter impurities and finally enters the main oil passage 50.

[0035] In one embodiment, the oil temperature control lubrication system may further include a lubricating element 70, which is connected to both the main oil passage 50 and the oil pan 10. Thus, the oil flowing out of the main oil passage 50 can lubricate the lubricating element 70 at a suitable temperature, improving the performance and service life of each lubricating element 70. After lubricating the lubricating element 70, the oil flowing out of the main oil passage 50 flows back into the oil pan 10, thus circulating.

[0036] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor 60 and / or a pressure sensor (not shown) are also provided between the main oil passage 50 and the lubricating element 70. The temperature sensor 60 is used to detect the temperature of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage 50, and the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage 50. The temperature sensor 60 and / or the pressure sensor can detect the state of the oil in real time for better vehicle monitoring.

[0037] The oil temperature control lubrication system control method for the hybrid vehicle of this application may include: when the engine is cold-started, the first oil passage 41 and the second oil passage 42 are completely closed. The oil flows through the first oil passage 41, and the heater 411 operates, causing the oil to heat up rapidly, increasing its fluidity and allowing it to quickly enter various systems for lubrication. As the engine speed and load continue to increase, when the oil temperature reaches, for example, 100°C or above, the second temperature control valve 421 opens, the heater 411 closes, and the oil flows through the first oil passage 41 and the second oil passage 42, mixes thoroughly, and enters the main oil passage 50, where some of the oil can be cooled, slowing down the oil temperature rise rate. When the oil temperature continues to rise to, for example, 110°C or above, the third temperature control valve 431 opens. At this time, the second temperature control valve 421 is in the open state, the heater 411 is in the closed state, and the second cooler 422 and the third cooler 432 cool the oil. The oil flows out from the first oil passage 41, the second oil passage 42, and the third oil passage 43, mixes thoroughly, and enters the main oil passage 50.

[0038] Thus, this application, through the aforementioned system and method, can control the engine oil temperature within a certain optimal operating range, maintaining effective lubrication performance within a certain temperature range (e.g., 80℃-120℃) during engine cold starts and high-load conditions. This makes the hybrid engine more reliable, extends the service life of components, improves low-temperature NVH, and is relatively easy to implement, with cost advantages.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0041] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles, comprising: Main oil passage; An oil pan, used to store engine oil; An oil pump, the oil pump being used to pump oil from the oil pan; An oil passage assembly, which connects the oil pump and the main oil passage, includes a first oil passage and a second oil passage arranged in parallel. The first oil passage includes a heater, which is turned on when the oil temperature is lower than a second preset temperature to heat the oil flowing through the first oil passage, and the heater is turned off when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature; The second oil passage includes a second temperature control valve, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, so that the oil can also flow into the main oil passage through the second oil passage.

2. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second oil passage also includes a second cooler connected in series with the second temperature control valve, the second cooler being used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the second oil passage.

3. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second temperature control valve includes a second regulating component, which is used to regulate the opening degree of the second temperature control valve.

4. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil passage assembly also includes a third oil passage connected in parallel with the first oil passage. The third oil passage includes a third temperature control valve, which opens when the oil temperature is greater than or equal to a third preset temperature, so that the oil flows into the main oil passage through the third oil passage. The third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

5. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third oil passage also includes a third cooler connected in series with the third temperature control valve, the third cooler being used to reduce the temperature of the oil flowing into the third oil passage.

6. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third temperature control valve includes a third regulating component, which is used to regulate the opening degree of the third temperature control valve.

7. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, An oil filter is disposed between the oil passage assembly and the oil pump.

8. The oil temperature control lubrication system for hybrid vehicles according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lubricating component is connected to both the main oil passage and the oil pan. The oil flowing out of the main oil passage lubricates the lubricating component and then flows into the oil pan.

9. The oil temperature control lubrication system for a hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is also provided between the main oil passage and the lubricating component. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage.

10. The oil temperature control lubrication system for a hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, A pressure sensor is also provided between the main oil passage and the lubricating component. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the oil flowing out of the main oil passage.

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