Oil cooler and engine with oil storage function

Abstract

This application provides an oil cooler and an engine with an oil storage function, relating to the field of engine technology. The oil cooler with oil storage function includes multiple heat exchange plates stacked sequentially along a first direction, with flow channels formed between adjacent heat exchange plates. The flow channels include a first flow channel and a second flow channel, which are alternately arranged in the first direction. The first flow channel is for oil to pass through, and the second flow channel is for heat exchange medium to pass through. Each heat exchange plate has a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the first flow channel. A flange is provided at both the first inlet and the first outlet. The flange at the first inlet prevents fluid in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet, and the flange at the first outlet prevents fluid in the first flow channel from entering the first outlet. Thus, after the engine stops, the flanges can retain the oil in the first flow channel inside the oil cooler. When the engine restarts, the oil can quickly fill the entire oil circuit, shortening the filling time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of engine technology, and in particular to an oil cooler with oil storage function and an engine. Background Technology

[0002] Modern engines are equipped with oil coolers to cool their lubricating oil, preventing overheating that could reduce lubrication and shorten oil life. Larger engines have longer and larger oil circuits. During engine startup, the oil pump pumps lubricating oil into the circuit, which takes a considerable amount of time to gradually fill it. For a period after startup, mechanical parts near the ends of the oil circuit may be unlubricated, accelerating wear on these components.

[0003] Furthermore, large engines have relatively large oil coolers with large internal volumes. For reliability reasons, the oil cooler ports are usually positioned downwards on top of the engine. Therefore, when the engine stops running, all the lubricating oil inside the oil cooler flows out. When the engine is started again, the entire oil circuit is refilled. Each engine start-up and refilling process takes a considerable amount of time. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an oil cooler and an engine with an oil storage function, which can retain the oil in the oil circuit in the oil cooler after the engine is stopped, avoiding the need to refill the oil when the engine is restarted, saving the oil filling time, and ensuring that the mechanical parts in the entire oil circuit are always effectively lubricated.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an oil cooler with an oil storage function, comprising: Multiple heat exchange plates are stacked sequentially along a first direction, and flow channels are formed between adjacent heat exchange plates; the flow channels include a first flow channel and a second flow channel, which are alternately arranged in the first direction; the first flow channel is used for oil to pass through, and the second flow channel is used for heat exchange medium to pass through. Each heat exchange plate is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the first flow channel. The first inlet and the first outlet are respectively provided with flanges. The flange at the first inlet is used to prevent the fluid in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet, and the flange at the first outlet is used to prevent the fluid in the first flow channel from entering the first outlet.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the flange protrudes from the heat exchange plate along the first direction and has a gap with the heat exchange plate adjacent to it in the first direction; the flange is welded to or integrally formed with the heat exchange plate.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the first flow channel is provided with a flow-disrupting element, which includes at least one of fins and dot-wave protrusions.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the first flow channel is provided with a first fin, and the height of the flange is greater than or equal to the height of the first fin, and less than the distance between two adjacent first flow channels in the first direction.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the flange is an annular flange; the first flow channel is provided with a first fin, and the first fin is provided with a first oil port at both the first inlet and the first outlet; The outer diameter of the flange is smaller than the inner diameter of the first oil port.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the second flow channel is provided with a second fin, and the heat exchange plate connecting the second fin is a water channel core plate, wherein the water channel core plate is provided with a second oil port at the first inlet and the first outlet respectively. The outer diameter of the flange is smaller than the inner diameter of the second oil port.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the difference between half the inner diameter of the second oil port and half the outer diameter of the flange is a first distance, and the first distance is greater than or equal to the height of the first fin.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the flange and the surface of the heat exchange plate are arranged at an angle.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the included angle is greater than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, each of the heat exchange plates is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the second flow channel; The second flow channel is provided with a seal at the first inlet and the first outlet, and the first flow channel is provided with a seal at the second inlet and the second outlet, so as to achieve isolation between the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the seal is a barrier ring, or a blocking boss is integrally formed on the heat exchange plate, the blocking boss serving as the seal.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides an engine, including an oil cooler with an oil storage function as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0017] The oil cooler and engine with oil storage function provided in this embodiment of the utility model have the following advantages: In this oil cooler with oil storage function, flanges are respectively installed at the first inlet and the first outlet of the first flow channel. This prevents oil from flowing out of the first flow channel after the engine stops, thus retaining the oil within it. When the engine restarts, the entire oil circuit can be quickly filled with oil, shortening the filling time. Furthermore, it ensures that all mechanical components in the oil circuit are lubricated for a period of time immediately after engine startup, improving the reliability and effectiveness of lubrication.

[0018] The engine includes the aforementioned oil cooler with oil storage function. When the engine is restarted, the oil can quickly fill the entire oil circuit, shorten the oil filling time, improve lubrication efficiency and reliability, and help extend the engine's service life and improve the engine's reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the overall structure of an oil cooler with oil storage function provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point I; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the flow path and labeled leader lines of the medium fluid using colored lines; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point II; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the flow path and labeled leader lines of the medium fluid using colored lines; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the flange of an oil cooler with oil storage function provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the flange of the oil cooler with oil storage function provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Icons: 1-Oil cooler with oil storage function; 2-Oil channel core plate; 21-Flanged edge; 3-Water channel core plate; 4-First fin; 5-Second fin; 6-Seal; 7-Flange; 71-Oil inlet; 72-Oil outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In existing technologies, to shorten engine refill time and improve the efficiency of oil filling the oil circuit, some measures have been implemented by installing overflow pipes at both the inlet and outlet of the oil cooler. This allows some oil to remain in the oil cooler after the engine is stopped. However, installing overflow pipes increases the flow of lubricating oil within the oil cooler, leading to a higher oil pressure drop. To achieve the desired pressure drop, more channels are needed, resulting in increased weight and cost of the oil cooler. The overflow pipes themselves also contribute to the increased cost.

[0029] To overcome at least one of the defects in the prior art, this embodiment proposes an oil cooler with an oil storage function, which can save costs, meet the predetermined pressure drop requirements, and does not increase the overall size of the oil cooler.

[0030] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0031] Please combine Figures 1 to 5 This utility model provides an oil cooler 1 with an oil storage function, which can be applied to an engine. The oil cooler 1 includes multiple heat exchange plates stacked sequentially along a first direction, with flow channels formed between adjacent heat exchange plates; the multiple heat exchange plates can be connected by direct welding or indirect welding. The flow channels include a first flow channel and a second flow channel, which are alternately arranged in the first direction. The first flow channel is for oil to pass through, and the second flow channel is for heat exchange medium to pass through. Each heat exchange plate has a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the first flow channel. A flange 21 is provided at both the first inlet and the first outlet. The flange 21 at the first inlet prevents fluid in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet, and the flange 21 at the first outlet prevents fluid in the first flow channel from entering the first outlet. Thus, after the engine stops, the flange 21 can prevent oil in the first flow channel from flowing out, i.e., the flange 21 can retain the oil in the first flow channel inside the oil cooler. When the engine restarts, the oil can quickly fill the entire oil circuit, shortening the filling time. Furthermore, it ensures that all mechanical components in the oil circuit are lubricated for a period of time after the engine starts, improving the reliability and effectiveness of lubrication, which helps extend the engine's service life and improve its reliability.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first flow channel is used for lubricating oil, and the second flow channel is used for heat exchange media such as coolant or water. The lubricating oil cools and lubricates various engine components. After entering the oil cooler, the lubricating oil exchanges heat with the coolant to lower its temperature. This helps improve the lubrication effect and extend the service life of the lubricating oil.

[0033] It should be noted that, Figure 3and Figure 5 In the diagram, the red line represents the flow direction of the oil in the first flow channel, and the blue line is the lead line for the component number.

[0034] Optionally, the flange 21 protrudes from the heat exchange plate along the first direction and has a gap with the heat exchange plate adjacent to it in the first direction, so that the fluid in the first flow channel can cross the flange 21 to enter the first outlet, or the fluid in the first inlet can cross the flange 21 to enter the first flow channel. The flange 21 is welded to the heat exchange plate or integrally formed. In this embodiment, the flange 21 and the heat exchange plate are integrally formed by stamping. Of course, in some other embodiments, the flange can also adopt an additional annular separator, which is welded to the heat exchange plate, and has similar technical effects.

[0035] Optionally, a flow-turbing element is provided within the first flow channel to increase fluid turbulence and heat exchange area. The structure of the flow-turbing element is not limited; it can be a finned structure or a dotted wave protrusion structure, etc. If the flow-turbing element is a finned structure, the fins and heat exchange plate are welded or integrally formed. If the flow-turbing element is a dotted wave protrusion structure, the dotted wave protrusion structure and heat exchange plate are welded or integrally formed. Alternatively, both a finned structure and a dotted wave protrusion structure can be provided within the first flow channel; no specific limitations are imposed here.

[0036] Each heat exchange plate has four through holes, two of which communicate with the first flow channel, serving as the first inlet and first outlet of the first flow channel. The remaining two communicate with the second flow channel, serving as the second inlet and second outlet of the second flow channel. Optionally, all first inlets, all first outlets, all second inlets, and all second outlets are coaxially arranged. This improves fluid flow efficiency and reduces pressure drop. In this embodiment, each of the stacked heat exchange plates has an annular flange 21 at both the first inlet and the first outlet to ensure that the oil in each layer of the first flow channel can be stored in the oil cooler after the engine is stopped. Of course, each heat exchange plate may optionally have an annular flange 21 at the second inlet and the second outlet; this is not specifically limited here.

[0037] Please combine Figure 6 Optionally, a first fin 4 is provided in the first flow channel. The first fin 4 is welded to the heat exchange plate. In this embodiment, the first fin 4 is an oil channel fin, and the heat exchange plate with the first fin 4 is an oil channel core plate 2. A second fin 5 is provided in the second flow channel. In this embodiment, the second fin 5 is a water channel fin, and the heat exchange plate with the second fin 5 is a water channel core plate 3. The oil channel core plate 2 and the water channel core plate 3 are stacked alternately to form the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are not interconnected to prevent the fluid in the first flow channel from mixing with the fluid in the second flow channel.

[0038] Optionally, the height h of the flange 21 is greater than or equal to the height h1 of the first fin 4, and less than the distance between two adjacent first flow channels in the first direction. It should be noted that if the height of the flange 21 is less than the height of the first fin 4, the oil in the first flow channel cannot be completely retained within it. Therefore, to retain as much oil as possible in the first flow channel, the height h of the flange 21 should not be less than the height h1 of the first fin 4. Furthermore, the height h of the flange 21 should not be too high; a certain space needs to be reserved between the flange 21 and its adjacent upper-layer oil passage core plate 2, allowing oil to enter or exit the first flow channel during engine operation, forming an oil circulation circuit.

[0039] Optionally, the flange 21 is an annular flange. This prevents oil leakage from the first flow channel after the engine stops. When h ≥ h1, all the lubricating oil in the first flow channel will remain in the oil cooler after the engine stops. The first fin 4 has a first oil port at both the first inlet and the first outlet. It can be understood that the outer diameter φd of the flange 21 is smaller than the inner diameter φd2 of the first oil port. This creates a gap W1 along the second direction between the flange 21 and the hole wall of the first oil port of the first fin 4, facilitating the flow of oil into or out of the first flow channel. Here, the second direction is parallel to the plate surface direction of the heat exchange plate and perpendicular to the first direction.

[0040] Optionally, a second fin 5 is provided in the second flow channel. In this embodiment, the second fin 5 is a fin in the water channel, i.e., a water channel fin. The heat exchange plate with the water channel fin is a water channel core plate 3. The water channel core plate 3 and the oil channel core plate 2 are stacked alternately. The water channel core plate 3 is provided with a second oil port at both the first inlet and the first outlet. The outer diameter φd of the flange 21 is smaller than the inner diameter φd1 of the second oil port of the water channel core plate 3.

[0041] Optionally, the difference between half the inner diameter of the second oil port of the water channel core plate 3 and half the outer diameter of the flange 21 is the first distance W, and the first distance W is greater than or equal to the height h of the first fin 4. This setting is beneficial for oil passage. It should be noted that if the first distance W is less than the height h of the first fin 4, the channel area at that location will be reduced, resulting in an increase in pressure drop. In this embodiment, the inner diameter φd2 of the first oil port of the first fin 4 can be close to the inner diameter φd1 of the second oil port of the water channel core plate 3. The diameters of the first and second oil ports should not be too large, otherwise it will affect the overall strength of the oil cooler.

[0042] Please combine Figure 7 Optionally, the flange 21 and the heat exchange plate are set at an angle. That is, the angle between the annular flange 21 and the second direction is θ. Optionally, the angle θ is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. This setting increases the channel width W (i.e., the first distance) between the flange 21 and the second oil port of the water channel core plate 3, thereby increasing the channel area and reducing the oil pressure drop of the oil cooler.

[0043] Optionally, each heat exchange plate is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the second flow channel; the heat exchange plate with the first fins 4 is an oil channel core plate 2, and the oil channel core plate 2 is provided with a seal 6 at the second inlet and the second outlet. The second flow channel is provided with a seal 6 at both the first inlet and the first outlet, and the first flow channel is provided with a seal 6 at both the second inlet and the second outlet, so as to achieve isolation between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. In short, the oil channel core plate 2 is provided with a water inlet at the second inlet and the second outlet, and the water inlet is provided with a seal 6. The water channel core plate 3 is provided with a second oil outlet at both the first inlet and the first outlet, and the second oil outlet is provided with a seal 6.

[0044] Optionally, the seal 6 can be a barrier ring, such as a sealing ring, to isolate and prevent the fluids in the first and second flow channels from mixing. Alternatively, a blocking boss can be integrally formed on each heat exchange plate, serving as the seal 6 and achieving a similar technical effect.

[0045] The working principle of the oil cooler 1 with oil storage function is roughly as follows: When the lubricating oil enters the oil cooler from the oil inlet 71 of the flange 7, it flows upward along the main channel formed by multiple first inlets. After the lubricating oil passes the flange 21 on the oil channel core plate 2 of each layer, it will flow in the opposite direction to the flow in the main channel and enter the first fin 4 of the first flow channel. It flows along the first fin 4 until it reaches the oil outlet 72 side of the oil cooler.

[0046] On the oil outlet 72 side of the oil cooler, after passing through the first fin 4, the lubricating oil goes upward along the direction of the flange 21 of the oil channel core plate 2, crosses the flange 21 and enters the main channel formed by multiple first outlets, and then flows out of the oil cooler from the oil outlet 72 of the flange 7.

[0047] This utility model embodiment provides an engine, including an oil cooler 1 with an oil storage function as described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The oil cooler cools the lubricating oil, ensuring that the lubricating oil operates within a suitable temperature range. After the engine stops, the flange 21 can retain the lubricating oil in the first flow channel in the oil cooler, thereby improving the oil filling efficiency and shortening the oil filling time when the engine restarts.

[0048] In summary, the oil cooler 1 with oil storage function and the engine provided in this embodiment of the present invention have the following beneficial effects, including: In this oil cooler 1 with oil storage function, flanges 21 are respectively provided at the first inlet and the first outlet of the first flow channel. This allows the flanges 21 to prevent oil from flowing out of the first flow channel after the engine stops, thus retaining the oil within it. When the engine restarts, the entire oil circuit can be quickly filled with oil, shortening the filling time. Furthermore, it ensures that all mechanical components in the oil circuit are lubricated for a period of time immediately after engine startup, improving the reliability and effectiveness of lubrication. Through the design of the height and diameter of the flanges 21, the oil storage function is achieved, the overall pressure drop of the oil cooler is optimized, the use of overflow pipes is reduced, and product costs are lowered.

[0049] The engine includes the aforementioned oil cooler 1 with oil storage function. When the engine is restarted, the oil can quickly fill the entire oil circuit, shorten the oil filling time, improve lubrication efficiency and reliability, and help extend the engine's service life and improve the engine's reliability.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An oil cooler with oil storage function, characterized by comprising: include: Multiple heat exchange plates are stacked sequentially along a first direction, and flow channels are formed between adjacent heat exchange plates; the flow channels include a first flow channel and a second flow channel, which are alternately arranged in the first direction; the first flow channel is used for oil to pass through, and the second flow channel is used for heat exchange medium to pass through. Each heat exchange plate is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the first flow channel. The first inlet and the first outlet are respectively provided with flanges (21). The flanges (21) at the first inlet are used to prevent the fluid in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet, and the flanges (21) at the first outlet are used to prevent the fluid in the first flow channel from entering the first outlet.

2. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 1, characterized by The flange (21) protrudes from the heat exchange plate along the first direction and has a gap with the heat exchange plate adjacent to it in the first direction; the flange (21) is welded to the heat exchange plate or integrally formed.

3. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel is provided with a flow-disrupting element, which includes at least one of fins and dot wave protrusions.

4. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel is provided with a first fin (4), and the height of the flange (21) is greater than or equal to the height of the first fin (4) and less than the distance between two adjacent first flow channels in the first direction.

5. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flange (21) is an annular flange; the first flow channel is provided with a first fin (4), and the first fin (4) is provided with a first oil port at the first inlet and the first outlet respectively; The outer diameter of the flange (21) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first oil port.

6. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second flow channel is provided with a second fin (5), and the heat exchange plate connected to the second fin (5) is a water channel core plate (3). The water channel core plate (3) is provided with a second oil port at the first inlet and the first outlet respectively. The outer diameter of the flange (21) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second oil port.

7. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The difference between half the inner diameter of the second oil port and half the outer diameter of the flange (21) is the first distance, and the first distance is greater than or equal to the height of the first fin (4).

8. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange (21) and the surface of the heat exchange plate are set at an angle, and the angle is greater than or equal to 90 degrees.

9. The oil cooler with oil storage function according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Each of the heat exchange plates is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the second flow channel; The second flow channel is provided with a seal (6) at the first inlet and the first outlet, and the first flow channel is provided with a seal (6) at the second inlet and the second outlet, so as to achieve isolation between the first flow channel and the second flow channel; The sealing element (6) is a barrier ring, or a blocking boss is integrally formed on the heat exchange plate, and the blocking boss serves as the sealing element (6).

10. An engine, characterized in that, Including an oil cooler with an oil storage function as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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