Devices and vehicles for recovering the energy of oil sloshing.

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of vehicle technology and provides a device and vehicle for recovering the energy of oil sloshing. The device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing includes a sloshing capture unit and an energy conversion unit. The sloshing capture unit includes a follower component located inside the oil tank. The follower component moves synchronously with the oil in the tank to generate mechanical energy. The energy conversion unit is connected to the follower component and is used to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. This invention achieves the recovery of energy from oil sloshing, avoids the waste of energy generated by oil sloshing, and helps improve energy utilization efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a device and vehicle for recovering the energy of oil sloshing. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the automotive industry, energy utilization in automobiles has always been a key research focus. Currently, gasoline-powered vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles mainly rely on the combustion of fuel to provide power. During vehicle operation, the fuel in the tank typically sloshes. In existing technologies, the energy generated by this sloshing is not only wasted, but the sloshing also contributes to noise and vibration issues in the vehicle. If the energy from this sloshing could be collected and converted into electricity, it would not only provide additional power to the vehicle's auxiliary equipment, improving energy efficiency, but also enhance the vehicle's noise, vibration, and harshness performance, thus improving the passenger experience.

[0003] Currently, there is no effective device in the automotive industry that can convert oil sloshing into electrical energy, which is also the problem that this utility model needs to solve. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a device and vehicle for recovering the energy of oil sloshing, so as to solve the problem of the energy wasted by oil sloshing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides a device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing, specifically configured as follows: it includes a sloshing capture unit and an energy conversion unit. The sloshing capture unit includes a follower component located inside the oil tank. The follower component moves synchronously with the oil in the oil tank to generate mechanical energy. The energy conversion unit is connected to the follower component and is used to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0006] Optionally, the follower assembly includes a rotating disk rotatably connected to the bottom of the oil tank and one or more follower blades connected to the rotating disk. The follower blades swing under the influence of the swaying oil, thereby causing the rotating disk to swing around its own axis.

[0007] Optionally, the sway detection unit further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a rotating crankshaft that are hinged in sequence. The first connecting rod is fixed to the rotating disk and oscillates synchronously with the rotating disk. The energy conversion unit includes a magnet and a plurality of induction coils distributed around the magnet. The magnet is connected to the rotating crankshaft, and the rotating crankshaft drives the magnet to rotate.

[0008] Optionally, the follower assembly includes a follower swing arm, the first end of which is hinged to the chassis, and the second end of which is inserted into the interior of the oil tank. The follower swing arm swings under the influence of the swaying oil.

[0009] Optionally, the energy conversion unit includes a magnet and a plurality of induction coils distributed around the magnet. The magnet is connected to the side of the follower pendulum near the first end, and the follower pendulum drives the magnet to swing synchronously.

[0010] Optionally, the oil tank is provided with an elastic sealing cover assembly, which includes a sealing cover and an elastic film connected to the opening of the sealing cover. A flexible hose is provided on the elastic film and the flexible hose is sleeved on the follower swing arm.

[0011] Optionally, the follow-up component includes multiple airbags connected to the inner wall of the oil tank. The airbags are filled with gas and are provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The multiple airbags are connected in series through the air inlet, the air outlet and the air duct, and each air duct is provided with a one-way valve.

[0012] Optionally, the energy conversion unit includes a wind turbine disposed inside the air duct, an induction coil connected to the wind turbine, and magnets disposed on opposite sides of the induction coil. The airflow inside the air duct drives the wind turbine to rotate, and the wind turbine drives the induction coil to rotate synchronously.

[0013] Optionally, the device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing further includes an electrical energy storage unit electrically connected to the energy conversion unit, the electrical energy storage unit being used to store the electrical energy converted by the energy conversion unit.

[0014] This utility model also provides a vehicle, which includes any of the above-described devices for recovering the energy of oil sloshing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model proposes a device and vehicle for recovering the energy of oil sloshing. When the oil in the tank sloshes, the follower component moves synchronously with the oil under the influence of the oil, generating mechanical energy, thereby capturing the sloshing of the oil in the tank. Furthermore, the energy conversion unit is connected to the follower component and converts the mechanical energy generated by the follower component into electrical energy, thereby recovering the energy of oil sloshing, avoiding the waste of energy generated by oil sloshing, and improving energy utilization efficiency. Moreover, during the synchronous movement with the oil, the follower component can suppress oil sloshing, which is beneficial to improving the stability of vehicle driving and the overall performance of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0017] In the attached diagram:

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a device for recovering the sloshing energy of oil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 Displayed as Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the medium energy conversion unit.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0023] 1-Fuel tank; 11-First adapter plate; 12-Chassis; 13-First fixing plate; 14-Second adapter plate; 15-Second fixing plate; 16-Third adapter plate; 17-Third fixing plate;

[0024] 2-Rotating disk; 21-Follower blade; 22-Elastic diaphragm;

[0025] 3-First connecting rod; 31-Second connecting rod; 32-Rotating crankshaft;

[0026] 4-Magnet; 41-Induction coil;

[0027] 5-Follow-up swing arm;

[0028] 6-Sealing cap; 61-Elastic film; 62-Hose;

[0029] 7-Airbag; 71-Air inlet; 72-Air outlet; 73-Air duct; 74-One-way valve; 75-Wind impeller. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0032] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, some embodiments of this utility model provide a device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing, including a sloshing capture unit and an energy conversion unit. The sloshing capture unit includes a follower component located inside the oil tank 1. When the oil in the oil tank 1 sloshes, the follower component moves synchronously with the oil in the tank 1, generating mechanical energy. The energy conversion unit is connected to the follower component and converts the mechanical energy generated by the follower component into electrical energy, thereby recovering the energy of oil sloshing and avoiding the waste of energy generated by oil sloshing, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization. Furthermore, during the synchronous movement with the oil, the follower component generates resistance to the oil sloshing, which can suppress oil sloshing, improve vehicle driving stability, and enhance the overall performance of the vehicle.

[0034] In some embodiments, the energy conversion unit is electrically connected to an energy storage unit, which stores the electrical energy converted by the energy conversion unit, thereby providing additional power to the vehicle, which helps to reduce the burden on the vehicle battery and extend the battery's lifespan.

[0035] In one example, the energy storage unit includes a capacitor and a battery. The electrical energy converted by the energy conversion unit is rectified by a rectifier circuit and then stored in the capacitor for initial voltage regulation. Subsequently, the capacitor charges the battery through a smart charging circuit. For example, the battery may be a lithium battery or other batteries suitable for automotive environments to provide stable power to electrical devices in the vehicle.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, to capture the sloshing of the oil, the follower assembly includes a rotating disk 2 and follower blades 21. The rotating disk 2 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the oil tank 1 via a shaft and bearing assembly, and the follower blades 21 are mounted on the rotating disk 2. When the oil in the oil tank 1 sloshes, the follower blades 21 follow the oil's movement, causing the rotating disk 2 to oscillate around its own axis. The rotating disk 2 may have one or more follower blades 21; the number of follower blades 21 can be one, two, three, etc., adapted to actual needs.

[0037] For example, to prevent oil in tank 1 from leaking out through the connection between the rotating disk 2 and tank 1, the inside of tank 1 is covered with an elastic diaphragm 22, which is seamlessly connected to or integrally formed with the rotating disk 2. It should be noted that the rotating disk 2 rotates back and forth in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions under the drive of the follower blade 21, and does not rotate continuously in one direction, which helps to improve the service life of the elastic diaphragm 22.

[0038] For example, the rotating disk 2, the follower blade 21 and the elastic diaphragm 22 are all made of oil-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such as polymer materials and rubber materials.

[0039] In one example, in order to ensure the stability of the rotation of the rotating disk 2, multiple follower blades 21 on the rotating disk 2 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the rotating disk 2.

[0040] For example, in order to reduce the resistance of the follower blade 21 to the sloshing oil, the shape of the follower blade 21 can be streamlined, such as a leaf-shaped, streamlined, or diamond-shaped shape. However, in order to better capture the sloshing of the oil, the outer surface of the follower blade 21 can be textured to increase the friction between the follower blade 21 and the oil.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wobbling capture unit further includes a transmission assembly comprising a first connecting rod 3, a second connecting rod 31, and a rotating crankshaft 32, which are sequentially hinged. The first connecting rod 3 is fixedly mounted on the rotating disk 2 via a threaded connection or other means, so that the rotating disk 2 drives the first connecting rod 3 to oscillate synchronously. The energy conversion unit includes a magnet 4 and induction coils 41. Multiple induction coils 41 are arranged and distributed around the circumference of the magnet 4, and the specific number of induction coils 41 is adaptively set according to actual needs. The magnet 4 is mounted on the rotating crankshaft 32. The rotating crankshaft 32 drives the magnet 4 to rotate, causing a change in the magnetic field environment around the induction coils 41. This utilizes Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction to induce an electromotive force in the induction coils 41 in response to the change in magnetic field strength, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. It should be noted that the principle of the transmission assembly, from the back-and-forth oscillation of the first connecting rod 3 to the circular motion of the magnet 4 driven by the rotating crankshaft 32, can be found in the crank-rocker mechanism of a sewing machine foot pedal, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0042] In one example, both the transmission assembly and the energy conversion unit are located outside the fuel tank 1. The fuel tank 1 is mounted on the vehicle chassis 12 via a first adapter plate 11, on which a first fixing plate 13 is also mounted. An induction coil 41 is mounted on the first fixing plate 13, and the end of the rotating crankshaft 32 away from the second connecting rod 31 is rotatably connected to the first fixing plate 13 via bearings or the like.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in some other embodiments, in order to capture the sloshing of the oil, the follower assembly includes a follower swing arm 5, the first end of which is hinged to the chassis 12 of the vehicle, and the second end of which is inserted into the interior of the oil tank 1. When the oil in the oil tank 1 sloshes, the follower swing arm 5 swings synchronously under the influence of the oil.

[0044] For example, in order to better capture the sloshing of the oil, the outer surface of the follower arm 5 can be provided with recessed holes to increase the contact area between the follower arm 5 and the oil.

[0045] In some embodiments, to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, the energy conversion unit includes a magnet 4 and an induction coil 41. Multiple induction coils 41 are arranged and distributed circumferentially around the magnet 4. The magnet 4 is mounted on the side of the follower pendulum 5 near the first end. When the follower pendulum 5 swings, it drives the magnet 4 to swing synchronously, causing a change in the magnetic field environment around the induction coil 41. This, in turn, utilizes Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction to induce a change in the magnetic field strength in the induction coil 41, thereby generating an induced electromotive force and converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. For example, multiple magnets 4 can be arranged on the follower pendulum 5, and the specific number of magnets 4 can be adaptively set according to actual needs.

[0046] For example, the fuel tank 1 is mounted on the vehicle chassis 12 via a second adapter plate 14, and a second fixing plate 15 is also connected to the chassis 12. The magnet 4 and the induction coil 41 are both located above the fuel tank 1, and the induction coil 41 is mounted on the second fixing plate 15.

[0047] In one example, to prevent oil leakage from the connection between the follower rocker arm 5 and the oil tank 1 during sloshing, an elastic sealing cap assembly is installed on the oil tank 1. The elastic sealing cap assembly includes a sealing cap 6 and an elastic diaphragm 61. The elastic diaphragm 61 is installed at the opening of the sealing cap 6, and a hose 62 is provided on the elastic diaphragm 61. The hose 62 is sleeved on the follower rocker arm 5 to prevent oil leakage.

[0048] It should be noted that both the follower rocker arm 5 and the elastic sealing cover assembly are made of oil-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such as polymer materials and rubber materials.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in some other embodiments, to capture the sloshing of the oil, the follower assembly includes multiple airbags 7, which are mounted on the inner wall of the oil tank 1 by means of adhesion or other methods. Each airbag 7 is filled with gas and has an inlet 71 and an outlet 72. The multiple airbags 7 are connected in series via the inlet 71, outlet 72, and air duct 73. When the oil in the oil tank 1 sloshes, one or more airbags 7 are compressed by the oil. The gas in the compressed airbag 7 flows into another airbag 7 through the air duct 73, thus allowing gas to flow between the airbags 7. Each air duct 73 is equipped with a one-way valve 74 to ensure that the gas can only move in one direction within the air duct 73.

[0050] For example, when there are two airbags 7, the air outlet 72 of the first airbag 7 is connected to the air inlet 71 of the second airbag 7 through the air guide pipe 73, and the air outlet 72 of the second airbag 7 is connected to the air inlet 71 of the first airbag 7 through the air guide pipe 73. When the number of airbags 7 is any other, the connection method of multiple airbags 7 is the same as the connection method of two airbags 7.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the energy conversion unit includes a wind turbine 75, an induction coil 41, and a magnet 4. The wind turbine 75 is installed inside the air duct 73, and the induction coil 41 is located outside the air duct 73 and fixedly connected to the wind turbine 75, so that the induction coil 41 can rotate synchronously with the wind turbine 75. The magnets 4 are arranged on opposite sides of the induction coil 41. It should be noted that the connection between the induction coil 41 and the wind turbine 75 is sealed to the air duct 73 to prevent gas leakage from the air duct 73.

[0052] When the oil in the tank 1 sloshes, one or more of the airbags 7 deform, causing gas flow in the air duct 73 connected to the deformed airbags 7. Driven by this airflow, the impeller 75 rotates, causing the induction coil 41 to rotate synchronously. As the induction coil 41 rotates, it continuously cuts magnetic field lines, changing the magnetic field environment around it. This, in turn, utilizes Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction to induce an electromotive force in the coil, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0053] It should be noted that the airbag 7, the air duct 73, and the impeller 75 are all made of oil-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such as polymer materials and rubber materials.

[0054] In one example, the fuel tank 1 is mounted on the vehicle chassis 12 via a third adapter plate 16, which is also connected to a third fixing plate 17. The energy conversion unit is mounted on a second fixing plate 15.

[0055] In summary, the device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing provided by this utility model allows the following component to move synchronously with the oil when it sloshes in the tank, generating mechanical energy and thus capturing the sloshing of the oil. Furthermore, the energy conversion unit is connected to the following component and converts the mechanical energy generated by the following component into electrical energy, thereby recovering the energy of the oil sloshing and avoiding the waste of energy generated by oil sloshing, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization. Moreover, the following component, in the process of moving synchronously with the oil, can suppress oil sloshing, which is beneficial to improving the stability of vehicle driving and the overall performance of the vehicle.

[0056] Some embodiments of this utility model also provide a vehicle that includes the above-described device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing.

[0057] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid, characterized in that include: The sway detection unit includes a follower component located inside the oil tank, which moves synchronously with the oil in the oil tank to generate mechanical energy; An energy conversion unit, connected to the follower component, is used to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

2. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid of claim 1, wherein: The follower assembly includes a rotating disk rotatably connected to the bottom of the oil tank and one or more follower blades connected to the rotating disk. The follower blades swing under the influence of the swaying oil, thereby causing the rotating disk to swing around its own axis.

3. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid of claim 2, wherein: The sway detection unit further includes a transmission assembly, which includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a rotating crankshaft that are hinged in sequence. The first connecting rod is fixed to the rotating disk and oscillates synchronously with the rotating disk. The energy conversion unit includes a magnet and a plurality of induction coils distributed around the magnet. The magnet is connected to the rotating crankshaft, and the rotating crankshaft drives the magnet to rotate.

4. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from oil as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The follower assembly includes a follower swing arm, the first end of which is hinged to the chassis, and the second end of which is inserted into the interior of the oil tank. The follower swing arm swings under the influence of the swaying oil.

5. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid of claim 4, wherein: The energy conversion unit includes a magnet and a plurality of induction coils distributed around the magnet. The magnet is connected to the side of the follower pendulum near the first end, and the follower pendulum drives the magnet to swing synchronously.

6. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from oil as claimed in claim 4 wherein: The oil tank is provided with an elastic sealing cover assembly, which includes a sealing cover and an elastic film connected to the opening of the sealing cover. A flexible hose is provided on the elastic film and is sleeved on the follower swing arm.

7. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from oil as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The follow-up component includes multiple airbags connected to the inner wall of the oil tank. Each airbag is filled with gas and has an air inlet and an air outlet. The multiple airbags are connected in series through the air inlet, the air outlet, and the air duct. Each air duct is equipped with a one-way valve.

8. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid of claim 7, wherein: The energy conversion unit includes a wind turbine disposed inside the air duct, an induction coil connected to the wind turbine, and magnets disposed on opposite sides of the induction coil. The airflow inside the air duct drives the wind turbine to rotate, and the wind turbine drives the induction coil to rotate synchronously.

9. The apparatus for recovering sloshing energy from an oil liquid of any of claims 1-8, wherein: The device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing also includes an electrical energy storage unit electrically connected to the energy conversion unit, the electrical energy storage unit being used to store the electrical energy converted by the energy conversion unit.

10. A vehicle characterized by: The vehicle includes a device for recovering the energy of oil sloshing as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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