Engine oil heating device, methanol engine and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses an engine oil heating device, a methanol engine and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicles, the engine oil heating device comprises a heating structure and a disturbance structure, the heating structure is arranged on an oil pan of the engine to heat engine oil in the oil pan; the disturbance structure is arranged on the oil pan, and the disturbance structure can enable engine oil in the oil pan to flow. According to the technical scheme, the heating uniformity of engine oil can be improved, and the heating efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to an engine oil heating device, a methanol engine, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Driven by the dual-carbon strategy, traditional internal combustion engine fuels face significant challenges. While hydrogen fuel boasts zero carbon emissions, its industrialization is hampered by technological barriers related to production, storage, transportation, and the restructuring of refueling infrastructure. In contrast, methanol, as an excellent hydrogen storage carrier, offers advantages such as efficient and clean combustion, low emissions, high anti-knock properties, and a wide range of combustion limits. These characteristics give methanol fuel a significant advantage in industrial substitution, leading to the widespread application of methanol engines.

[0003] In cold weather, methanol engines often face difficulties starting. The engine oil in the oil pan, acting as a lubricant, has a higher viscosity at low temperatures, making it difficult to form an oil film between internal engine components and increasing the risk of wear. Therefore, an auxiliary heating device or method is needed to restore the engine oil to its normal state and allow it to perform its lubricating and protective functions. However, existing heating solutions often suffer from poor heating efficiency and uneven heating. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an engine oil heating device, a methanol engine, and a vehicle, which aims to improve the heating uniformity and heating efficiency of the engine oil.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the engine oil heating device proposed in this utility model includes:

[0006] A heating structure, disposed in the engine oil pan, for heating the engine oil within the oil pan; and

[0007] A disturbance structure is provided in the oil pan, and the disturbance structure is capable of causing the oil in the oil pan to flow.

[0008] In one embodiment, the disturbance structure includes a drive motor and a disturbance propeller connected to the drive motor, the disturbance propeller extending at least partially into the oil pan, and the drive motor driving the disturbance propeller to rotate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the disturbance propeller is disposed within the oil pan, the output shaft of the drive motor passes through the oil pan and is drively connected to the disturbance propeller, the output shaft is threaded to the oil pan, and an oil seal is provided between the output shaft and the oil pan; and / or,

[0010] The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotation shaft of the disturbance propeller by a key.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive motor is used for electrical connection to the engine's starting power supply.

[0012] In one embodiment, the disturbance structure and the heating structure are located at two opposite corners of the oil pan.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating structure is electrically connected to the vehicle's range extender.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heating structure is an electric heating rod, which extends at least partially into the oil pan to heat the engine oil.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electric heating rod is threadedly connected to the oil pan; or,

[0016] The oil pan is provided with an oil drain plug, the oil drain plug is threaded to the oil drain plug, and the electric heating rod is fixedly connected to the oil drain plug.

[0017] This utility model also proposes a methanol engine, including the engine oil heating device described above.

[0018] This utility model also proposes a vehicle with a methanol engine as described above.

[0019] This invention utilizes a heating structure installed in the oil pan to heat the engine oil within. A disturbance structure is also located in the oil pan, causing the oil to flow and creating a convection effect. This enhances the heat transfer rate between oil particles, accelerating heat diffusion and shortening the oil heating time. Furthermore, it effectively prevents localized overheating, avoiding oxidation and deterioration of the oil near the heating structure, thus significantly extending the oil's lifespan. Simultaneously, the disturbance of the oil by the disturbance structure results in a more uniform temperature distribution, allowing the heating element to reach the target temperature more quickly, thereby significantly shortening the high-power operating time and achieving energy savings while improving heating efficiency. Moreover, this solution integrates thermodynamics and fluid mechanics principles, improving energy efficiency and reliability through the synergistic coupling of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. This provides technical support for the stable operation of methanol engines in a wider range of temperature environments and complex operating conditions, significantly expanding its application boundaries. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the engine oil heating device provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the engine oil heating device in the middle section;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the heating structure in another embodiment of the engine oil heating device provided by this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 1. Heating structure; 11. Electric heating rod; 2. Disturbance structure; 21. Drive motor; 211. Output shaft; 212. Limit key; 22. Disturbance propeller; 221. Rotating shaft; 222. Disturbance fan blade; 23. Oil seal sealing structure; 3. Oil pan; 4. Oil drain plug.

[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0030] To address the difficulty of starting methanol engines in cold weather, an auxiliary heating device or method is needed to restore the engine oil to its normal state and allow it to perform its lubricating and protective functions. However, existing heating solutions often suffer from poor heating efficiency and uneven heating, which may lead to localized overheating and oxidation of the engine oil, thus affecting its service life.

[0031] In view of this, the present invention proposes an engine oil heating device to improve the heating uniformity of the oil in the oil pan 3, improve the service life of the oil, and improve the heating uniformity of the oil.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the engine oil heating device includes:

[0033] Heating structure 1 is located in the oil pan 3 of the engine to heat the engine oil inside the oil pan 3; and

[0034] The disturbance structure 2 is provided in the oil pan 3, and the disturbance structure 2 can make the oil in the oil pan 3 flow.

[0035] Specifically, the heating structure 1 extends directly into the oil pan 3 to directly heat the engine oil, or indirectly heats the oil by heating the outer surface of the oil pan 3. The disturbance structure 2 promotes oil flow within the oil pan 3, creating a convection effect, increasing the heat transfer rate between oil particles, and accelerating heat diffusion. This not only shortens the oil heating time but also effectively prevents localized overheating, avoiding oxidation and deterioration of the oil near the heating structure 1 due to localized overheating, thus significantly extending the oil's service life. Simultaneously, the disturbance effect of the disturbance structure 2 results in a more uniform temperature distribution in the oil, allowing the heating element to reach the target temperature more quickly, thereby significantly shortening the high-power operating time and achieving energy saving and consumption reduction while improving heating efficiency. Furthermore, this solution integrates thermodynamics and fluid mechanics principles, improving energy efficiency and reliability through the synergistic coupling of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. This provides technical support for the stable operation of methanol engines in a wider range of temperature environments and complex operating conditions, significantly expanding its application boundaries.

[0036] The disturbance device can actively disturb the flow of oil in the oil pan 3; it can also guide the flow of oil by setting up structures such as baffles in the oil pan 3 and using the speed changes of the vehicle during driving, thereby promoting oil heat exchange.

[0037] In an embodiment of this utility model, the disturbance structure 2 includes a drive motor 21 and a disturbance propeller 22 connected to the drive motor 21. The disturbance propeller 22 extends at least partially into the oil pan 3; the drive motor 21 drives the disturbance propeller 22 to rotate. That is, in this solution, the flow of engine oil is achieved through the agitation of the disturbance propeller 22. This not only controls the flow rate of the engine oil but also effectively reduces the deposition of oil sludge in the oil pan 3, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect. In this solution, the disturbance propeller 22 includes a rotating shaft 221 and disturbance fan blades 222 disposed on the rotating shaft 221. The rotation of the rotating shaft 221 drives the disturbance fan blades 222 to agitate the engine oil. The structure is simple and highly reliable.

[0038] The disturbance propeller 22 can be completely located inside the oil pan 3, or it can only extend partially into the oil pan 3. When the disturbance propeller 22 extends partially into the oil pan 3, that is, one end of the rotating shaft 221 is located outside the oil pan 3 and is connected to the drive motor 21, while the other end extends into the oil pan 3, the disturbance fan blade 222 is located at the other end of the rotating shaft 221.

[0039] When the disturbance propeller 22 is completely within the oil pan 3, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The turbulent propeller 22 is housed within the oil pan 3. The output shaft 211 of the drive motor 21 passes through the oil pan 3 and is connected to the turbulent propeller 22. The output shaft 211 is threaded into the oil pan 3, and an oil seal 23 is provided between the output shaft 211 and the oil pan 3. Specifically, the oil pan 3 has a mounting hole through which the output shaft 211 passes for transmission connection with the turbulent propeller 22. The mounting hole has an internal thread, while the output shaft 211 has an external thread, allowing the output shaft 211 to engage with the threaded mounting hole, thus facilitating the connection between the turbulent propeller 22 and the oil pan 3. Simultaneously, an oil seal 23 is provided at the connection between the output shaft 211 and the oil pan 3 to reduce oil leakage between the mounting hole and the drive shaft.

[0040] For example, the oil seal sealing structure 23 typically includes an elastic seal, a sealing pressure plate, and fasteners. The inner edge of the mounting hole is provided with a receiving groove. The elastic seal is disposed in the receiving groove and abuts against the groove wall and the output shaft 211, thereby utilizing the elastic deformation of the elastic seal to form a reliable seal on the shaft surface, effectively preventing oil leakage. The sealing pressure plate presses the elastic seal into the receiving groove on the inner side of the oil pan 3 and is fastened by fasteners to ensure the sealing effect of the oil seal sealing structure 23.

[0041] To ensure stable transmission between the drive motor 21 and the output shaft 211, in one embodiment, the output shaft 211 of the drive motor 21 is connected to the rotating shaft 221 of the turbulent propeller 22 by a key. Specifically, one of the output shaft 211 and the rotating shaft 221 is provided with a limiting key 212, and the other is provided with a limiting groove. During the assembly process, the limiting groove engages with the limiting component, thereby achieving stable torque transmission through the cooperation of the key. This assembly method is simple to assemble and easy to install.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the drive motor 21 is electrically connected to the engine's starting power supply. Specifically, the drive motor 21 is connected to the DC power supply system of the engine's starter motor, thereby enabling the disturbance structure 2 to be powered by the starter motor. This achieves reliable power supply without the need for additional complex power supply modules, simplifying the power supply system and facilitating later maintenance. The drive motor 21 requires a 24V DC power supply.

[0043] Furthermore, heating structure 1 is electrically connected to the vehicle's range extender, and only heating structure 1 receives power from the range extender to obtain a stable and continuous power output, ensuring stable heating performance. Specifically, the range extender generates electricity to power the vehicle's high-voltage system, and the high-voltage auxiliary drive controller draws power from the range extender through the high-voltage DC bus. Heating structure 1 is electrically connected to the high-voltage auxiliary drive controller, thus enabling the range extender to provide power to heating structure 1. Therefore, heating structure 1 does not require an additional complex power supply module, which helps simplify the power supply system and facilitates later maintenance. Heating structure 1 requires a 600V-700V DC power supply.

[0044] Furthermore, the power for both the heating structure 1 and the disturbance structure 2 comes from the engine system, which has advantages such as simple structure, reliable power supply, and convenient maintenance, fully embodying the integrated design concept of the engine.

[0045] In embodiments of this invention, the disturbance structure 2 and the heating structure 1 are respectively located at two opposite corners of the oil pan 3. That is, when the oil pan 3 is approximately rectangular, the disturbance structure 2 and the heating structure 1 can be located at two opposite corners of the oil pan 3; if the oil pan 3 is approximately circular, the disturbance structure 2 and the heating structure 1 can be located on opposite sides of the center of the circle; if the oil pan 3 is irregularly shaped, the disturbance structure 2 and the heating structure 1 can be spaced apart with a large gap between them. The diagonal installation (opposite installation) can better promote the flow of engine oil within the oil pan 3, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the disturbance structure 2 and the heating structure 1 can both be installed using available space on the oil pan 3, thus cleverly avoiding the installation area of ​​the oil filter and preventing interference with its fixation and installation, thereby fully utilizing the internal space of the oil pan 3. Furthermore, this solution significantly improves space utilization while maintaining a compact structure, solving the problem of low efficiency in single heating or disturbance, and enhancing the engine's adaptability to complex environments and diverse operating requirements.

[0046] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The heating structure 1 is an electric heating rod 11, which extends at least partially into the oil pan 3 to heat the engine oil. In other words, the heating structure 1 in this solution can directly heat the engine oil in the oil pan 3. Compared with setting heating plates on the outside of the oil pan 3, this solution can improve heat transfer efficiency and enhance heating effect.

[0047] In one embodiment, the electric heating rod 11 is threadedly connected to the oil pan 3, meaning that the electric heating rod 11 is directly disposed in an unoccupied position of the oil pan 3. In this case, an oil seal structure 23 can also be provided between the electric heating rod 11 and the oil pan 3 to effectively ensure the sealing effect.

[0048] In another embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3The oil pan 3 is provided with a drain plug 4, which is threaded onto the drain plug 4. The electric heating rod is fixedly connected to the drain plug 4. Thus, the electric heating rod 11 and the drain plug 4 are integrated into a single structure, which facilitates installation without requiring large-scale modifications to the oil pan 3, and maximizes the utilization of the original structure. At the same time, the integrated structure of the electric heating rod 11 and the drain plug 4 is small and does not occupy extra space, resulting in high space utilization.

[0049] This utility model also proposes a methanol engine, which includes an engine oil heating device. The specific structure of the engine oil heating device is as described in the above embodiments. Since this methanol engine adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0050] This utility model also proposes a vehicle that includes a methanol engine. The specific structure of the methanol engine is as described in the above embodiments. Since this vehicle adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0051] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this utility model and the contents of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An engine oil heating device, characterized in that, include: A heating structure is provided in the oil pan of the engine to heat the oil in the oil pan; as well as A disturbance structure is provided in the oil pan, and the disturbance structure is capable of causing the oil in the oil pan to flow.

2. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The disturbance structure includes a drive motor and a disturbance propeller connected to the drive motor. The disturbance propeller extends at least partially into the oil pan, and the drive motor drives the disturbance propeller to rotate.

3. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The disturbance propeller is disposed within the oil pan. The output shaft of the drive motor passes through the oil pan and is drively connected to the disturbance propeller. The output shaft is threadedly connected to the oil pan, and an oil seal is provided between the output shaft and the oil pan; and / or, The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotation shaft of the disturbance propeller by a key.

4. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drive motor is used for electrical connection with the engine's starting power supply.

5. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The disturbance structure and the heating structure are located at two opposite corners of the oil pan.

6. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating structure is used for electrical connection to the vehicle's range extender.

7. The engine oil heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The heating structure is an electric heating rod, which extends at least partially into the oil pan to heat the engine oil.

8. The engine oil heating device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The electric heating rod is threadedly connected to the oil pan; or... The oil pan is provided with an oil drain plug, the oil drain plug is threaded to the oil drain plug, and the electric heating rod is fixedly connected to the oil drain plug.

9. A methanol engine, characterized in that, Includes an engine oil heating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the methanol engine as described in claim 9.

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