Lubricating system for hybrid power, control method for lubricating system, controller and vehicle

Abstract

A lubricating system for hybrid power, comprising a gearbox housing (11), an engine oil filter (12) and an engine oil pump (13). The gearbox housing (11) is used for accommodating a hybrid power train and is provided with an oil inlet (111) and an oil outlet (112); the engine oil filter (12) comprises a replaceable filter element, is arranged outside the gearbox housing (11), is communicated with the oil inlet (111) and the oil outlet (112) and is used for filtering debris in the engine oil; the engine oil pump (13) is arranged inside the gearbox housing (11), is communicated with the engine oil filter (12) by means of the oil outlet (112), so that the engine oil in the gearbox housing (11) enters the engine oil filter (12) through the oil inlet (111) and reaches the engine oil pump (13) from the oil outlet (112), the engine oil pump (13) raises the pressure of the engine oil to a certain level and then delivers the engine oil to the hybrid power train inside the gearbox housing (11) by means of a housing oil passage to cool and lubricate the hybrid power train; and a heat exchange loop (2) is arranged outside the gearbox housing (11) and is used for circulating a heat exchange medium, so as to use the heat exchange medium to perform heat exchange on the engine oil filter.

Description

Lubrication system for hybrid power, control method thereof, controller and vehicle

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on October 7, 2023, with application number 202311295806.3 and invention name “Lubrication system for hybrid power, control method thereof, controller and vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into the application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a lubrication system for hybrid power, a control method thereof, a controller, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Hybrid drive systems generate heat during operation. If this heat is not dissipated promptly, it will affect the motor's lifespan. Currently, more advanced oil-cooled motors are available, which use oil spraying for cooling and lubrication of the hybrid drive system. However, after long-term operation of the transmission, a large amount of iron filings will accumulate at the oil filter inlet. Furthermore, at extremely low temperatures, the oil flow resistance is high, preventing the shaft teeth from discharging the oil onto the gears, affecting the reliability of the transmission. Technical issues

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present application hope to provide a lubrication system for hybrid power, a control method thereof, a controller, and a vehicle, so as to improve the reliability of the vehicle's hybrid transmission. Technical Solutions

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a lubrication system for a hybrid vehicle, comprising:

[0007] a gearbox housing having an oil inlet and an oil outlet;

[0008] an oil filter, comprising a replaceable filter element, disposed outside the transmission housing, the oil filter being in communication with the oil inlet;

[0009] an oil pump disposed inside the transmission housing, the oil pump being in communication with the oil filter through the oil outlet, so that oil in the transmission housing enters the oil filter through the oil inlet and reaches the oil pump from the oil outlet, and the oil pump delivers the oil to the hybrid assembly in the transmission housing; and

[0010] The heat exchange circuit is arranged outside the transmission housing and is used for circulating a heat exchange medium so as to perform heat exchange on the oil filter by utilizing the heat exchange medium.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heat exchange circuit includes:

[0012] a liquid storage device for containing the heat exchange medium;

[0013] a heat exchange device, connected to the liquid storage device and located downstream of the liquid storage device, wherein the heat exchange device exchanges heat with the oil filter through the heat exchange medium;

[0014] a heat dissipation device, communicating with the heat exchange device and the liquid storage device, and located downstream of the heat exchange device; and

[0015] A pumping device is used to pump the heat exchange medium to circulate in the liquid storage device, the heat exchange device and the heat dissipation device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lubrication system further includes a heating device located between the liquid storage device and the heat exchange device, for heating the heat exchange medium.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lubrication system further includes a switching device located between the liquid storage device and the heat exchange device, for switching the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage device to the heat exchange device through the heating device or without passing through the heating device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat exchange medium includes water and ethylene glycol.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pumping device is located downstream of the heat dissipation device.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a lubrication system, including:

[0021] Get the oil temperature in the oil filter;

[0022] Based on the engine oil temperature, the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit is controlled.

[0023] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit based on the engine oil temperature specifically includes:

[0024] If the engine oil temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium is heated; if the engine oil temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium does not need to be heated;

[0025] If the heat exchange medium is being heated and the engine oil temperature is greater than a second preset temperature, the heating of the heat exchange medium is stopped, wherein the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first preset temperature is -40°C, and the second preset temperature is 20°C.

[0027] A third aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a controller comprising one or more processing modules, wherein the processing modules are configured to execute computer instructions stored in a storage module to perform any one of the control methods described above.

[0028] A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle comprising the lubrication system according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a controller according to any one of the above embodiments. Beneficial effects

[0030] The lubrication system provided in this embodiment of the application utilizes a replaceable oil filter located outside the transmission housing, facilitating filter replacement, minimizing the risk of iron filings clogging the oil filter, and improving motor reliability. Furthermore, a heat exchange circuit controls oil temperature within a reasonable range, further enhancing motor reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a lubrication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a lubrication system according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG3 is a flow chart of a control method for a lubrication system in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] Transmission housing 11; oil inlet 111; oil outlet 112; oil filter 12; oil pump 13; heat exchange circuit 2; liquid storage device 21; heat exchange device 22; heat dissipation device 23; pumping device 24; heating device 25; switching device 26. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "external," "internal," "downstream," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the term "some embodiments" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0039] At present, the oil pump and oil filter in hybrid powertrains are generally located in the transmission housing and have no heating device. As a result, after the transmission has been running for a long time, a lot of iron filings are found at the oil inlet of the oil filter, which easily clogs the oil filter. Moreover, under ultra-low temperature conditions, the oil flow resistance is large, and the shaft teeth cannot throw the oil onto the gears. This poses risks to the reliability and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) of the hybrid transmission.

[0040] In view of this, referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides a lubrication system for hybrid power, including a transmission housing 11 , an oil filter 12 , and an oil pump 13 .

[0041] The transmission housing 11 houses the hybrid powertrain and has an oil inlet 111 and an oil outlet 112. The oil filter 12, which includes a replaceable filter element, is located outside the transmission housing 11 and communicates with the oil inlet 111 and the oil outlet 112 to filter impurities from the engine oil. An oil pump 13 is located inside the transmission housing 11 and communicates with the oil filter 12 via the oil outlet 112. This allows the oil in the transmission housing 11 to enter the oil filter 12 through the oil inlet 111 and then reach the oil pump 13 from the oil outlet 112. The oil pump 13 raises the oil pressure to a certain level before delivering it through the housing oil passages to the hybrid powertrain within the transmission housing 11, cooling and lubricating the hybrid powertrain.

[0042] It is understandable that after long-term operation, the components of a transmission will interact with each other, and due to wear and tear, iron filings will be generated. These iron filings are carried by the engine oil and accumulate in the oil filter along the oil flow path, affecting the filter's filtering effect. Therefore, the oil filter is a consumable part and requires regular replacement. Compared to the oil filter built into the transmission housing in the prior art, the oil filter 12 provided in the embodiment of the present application is disposed externally to the transmission housing 11. When replacing the filter element, there is no need to disassemble the transmission housing 11, making it easier to replace the filter element, helping to avoid the risk of iron filings clogging the oil filter 12, thereby improving the reliability of the hybrid transmission.

[0043] The lubrication system provided in this embodiment also includes a heat exchange circuit 2, located outside the transmission housing 11. This circuit 2 circulates a heat exchange medium, which then exchanges heat with the oil filter 12. This heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the oil filter 12 ensures that the oil temperature remains within a preset range, ensuring optimal oil flow. This circuit not only cools the hybrid system but also provides adequate lubrication, further improving the reliability of the hybrid system.

[0044] The heat exchange medium is a liquid mixture comprising water and ethylene glycol. This mixture has a large specific heat capacity while maintaining good fluidity in ultra-low temperature environments, ensuring that the heat exchange medium can flow within the heat exchange circuit even in ultra-low temperature environments. The ratio of water to ethylene glycol in the heat exchange medium is not limited herein; in some embodiments, the ratio of water to ethylene glycol in the heat exchange medium can be 1:1.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 1 , the heat exchange circuit 2 includes a liquid storage device 21 , a heat exchange device 22 , a heat dissipation device 23 and a pumping device 24 .

[0046] The liquid storage device 21 is used to accommodate the heat exchange medium to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit 2. The heat exchange device 22 is located downstream of the liquid storage device 21 and is connected to the liquid storage device 21. It exchanges heat with the oil filter 12 through the heat exchange medium to ensure that the oil temperature is always within a preset range, so that the oil has better fluidity. The heat dissipation device 23 is connected to the heat exchange device 22 and the liquid storage device 21, and is located downstream of the heat exchange device 22. It discharges the heat exchanged from the oil filter 12 by the heat exchange medium in a timely manner. The pumping device 24 is located between the heat dissipation device 23 and the liquid storage device 21, and is used to pump the heat exchange medium so that the heat exchange medium circulates in the liquid storage device 21, the heat exchange device 22 and the heat dissipation device 23.

[0047] It is understood that the pumping device 24 can be disposed at any location within the heat exchange circuit 2. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2 , the pumping device 24 is disposed in the pipeline between the liquid storage device 21 and the heat exchange device 22. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the pumping device 24 is disposed in the pipeline between the heat sink 23 and the liquid storage device 21, downstream of the heat sink 23. After the heat exchange medium flows through the heat sink 23, the heat is dissipated, and the relatively low-temperature heat exchange medium then flows through the pumping device 24, which facilitates the stable operation of the pumping device 24.

[0048] It is understood that the connection between the heat exchange device 22 and the oil filter 12 can be abutment, share a contact surface, or other efficient heat exchange connection methods, which are not limited here. The cross-sectional shape and material of the pipe used to circulate the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit 2 are not limited here.

[0049] Furthermore, referring to the arrows in Figure 1 , the heat exchange medium's flow direction is indicated. The heat exchange medium, pressurized by pumping device 24, circulates within heat exchange circuit 2. Passing through heat exchange device 22, it removes heat from the oil in oil filter 12. The heat-carrying heat exchange medium then dissipates through heat sink 23, where it returns to reservoir 21 to participate in the next cooling cycle. This reciprocating flow of the heat exchange medium within heat exchange circuit 2 promptly removes heat from the oil in oil filter 12. The cooled oil not only lubricates the hybrid transmission but also cools the hybrid transmission, which continues to generate heat during normal operation, thereby improving the reliability of the hybrid transmission.

[0050] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIG. 1 , the lubrication system further includes a heating device 25 and a switching device 26 .

[0051] The heating device 25 is located between the liquid storage device 21 and the heat exchange device 22. It is used to heat the heat exchange medium in extremely low temperature environments. When the heated heat exchange medium passes through the heat exchange device 22, it transfers heat to the oil in the oil filter 12. The switching device 26 is located between the liquid storage device 21 and the heat exchange device 22. It is used to switch the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage device 21 to pass through the heating device 25 or not pass through the heating device 25 to the heat exchange device 22.

[0052] It is understandable that the fluidity of engine oil will deteriorate as its own temperature becomes lower. When the engine oil temperature is lower than the critical temperature of its own antifreeze performance, the engine oil viscosity is high and it is difficult to flow, which cannot meet the needs of fully lubricating the hybrid assembly and affects the reliability of the hybrid assembly.

[0053] In some embodiments, upon vehicle startup, the temperature of the oil in the oil filter 12 is automatically detected. When the oil temperature is equal to or less than a first preset temperature, a switching device 26 switches the heat exchange medium to flow through the heating device 25. This causes the heat exchange medium to be heated by the heating device 25 before flowing through the heat exchange device 22. The heat in the heat exchange medium is then transferred to the oil in the oil filter 12 by the heat exchange device 22, raising the oil temperature. The heat exchange medium then flows back to the liquid storage device 21 to participate in the next heating cycle. After several heating cycles, the oil temperature rises rapidly, reducing its viscosity. This fluidity ensures that the hybrid transmission is fully lubricated, reducing wear on the shaft gear bearings within the hybrid transmission in extremely low temperatures, and minimizing risks associated with gear meshing, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the hybrid transmission.

[0054] The heat exchange medium continuously heats the oil in the oil filter 12. When the oil temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, the switching device 26 switches to the state in which the heat exchange medium does not pass through the heating device 25. The heat exchange medium does not pass through the heating device 25 but flows directly through the heat exchange device 22. The heat of the oil in the oil filter 12 is exchanged through the heat exchange device 22. The heat-carrying heat exchange medium dissipates the heat when passing through the heat dissipation device 23. The cooled heat exchange medium returns to the liquid storage device 21. The heating cycle is switched to the cooling cycle, and the oil temperature is controlled within a preset range, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the hybrid transmission.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the first preset temperature corresponds to the temperature of the oil in oil filter 12 immediately after the vehicle is started, and the second preset temperature corresponds to the temperature of the oil in oil filter 12 after the heating device 25 has been operating for a period of time. The second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature. Both the first and second preset temperatures are related to the physical properties of the oil and are not limited herein. In some embodiments, the first preset temperature may be -40°C and the second preset temperature may be 20°C.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the vehicle is started and the oil temperature in the oil filter 12 is greater than a first preset temperature, the switching device 26 will not switch the heat exchange medium to pass through the heating device 25. At this time, the fluidity of the oil can meet the requirements of fully lubricating the hybrid assembly. After the hybrid transmission works normally for a period of time, the temperature rises, and the heat exchange circuit 2 plays a role in cooling the hybrid transmission.

[0057] Referring to FIG3 , a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a lubrication system, which can be applied to the lubrication system of any of the above embodiments. The control method includes:

[0058] Step S1, obtaining the oil temperature in the oil filter;

[0059] Step S2: Controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit based on the engine oil temperature.

[0060] The lubrication system control method provided in the embodiments of the present application controls the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit according to the oil temperature, thereby keeping the oil temperature within a preset range. In other words, by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, the oil temperature is kept within the preset range, ensuring efficient and normal operation of the hybrid transmission and improving its reliability.

[0061] The control method of the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0062] Step S1, obtaining the temperature of the oil in the oil filter.

[0063] In this step, for example, the temperature of the oil in the oil filter is obtained when the vehicle is started, or the temperature of the oil in the oil filter is obtained after the vehicle has been running for a period of time.

[0064] Step S2: Controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit based on the engine oil temperature.

[0065] In this step, according to the obtained oil temperature, the switching device switches the heat exchange medium to pass through the heating device or not, thereby controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium and thus controlling the oil temperature within a reasonable range.

[0066] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit based on the oil temperature specifically includes:

[0067] Step S21 , when the vehicle is started, if the engine oil temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium is heated; if the engine oil temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium does not need to be heated.

[0068] Step S22: After the vehicle is running, if the heat exchange medium is being heated and the engine oil temperature is greater than a second preset temperature, the heating of the heat exchange medium is stopped.

[0069] Specifically, when the vehicle is started, the engine oil temperature is denoted as A, and the first preset temperature is denoted as B. When A ≤ B, the switching device switches the heat exchange medium to pass through the heating device, causing the heat exchange medium to be heated by the heating device. The heated heat exchange medium then transfers heat to the engine oil through the heat exchange device, thereby raising the engine oil temperature. When A > B, the switching device switches the heat exchange medium to not pass through the heating device. It can be understood that by using the difference between the engine oil temperature at vehicle startup and the first preset temperature as a judgment condition, the switching device switches the heat exchange medium to pass through the heating device or not, thereby controlling the engine oil temperature within the preset range. This allows the hybrid transmission to maintain normal operation under more operating conditions and improves the reliability of the hybrid transmission.

[0070] In some embodiments, if the engine oil temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium is heated. When the heat exchange medium is continuously heated until the engine oil temperature exceeds a second preset temperature, heating of the heat exchange medium is stopped. The second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature. Specifically, the engine oil temperature after heating for a period of time is denoted as A1, and the second preset temperature is denoted as C. When the heating device continues to heat the heat exchange medium, causing the engine oil temperature to continuously increase until A1 exceeds C, the switching device switches the heat exchange medium from passing through the heating device, thereby changing the heat exchange medium's operating nature to lower the engine oil temperature.

[0071] It is understood that the first preset temperature is a reference value for the temperature of the oil in the oil filter immediately after the vehicle is started, and the second preset temperature is a reference value for the temperature of the oil in the oil filter after the heating device has been operating for a period of time. The second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature. Both the first and second preset temperatures are related to the physical properties of the oil and are not limited herein. In some embodiments, the first preset temperature may be -40°C and the second preset temperature may be 20°C.

[0072] A third aspect of the present invention provides a controller comprising one or more processing modules configured to execute computer instructions stored in a storage module to perform any of the control methods described herein. The controller may be the lubrication system of the aforementioned embodiment. Specifically, the control system may be a portable notebook or an electronic control unit (ECU), also known as an onboard controller, a trip computer, or an onboard computer.

[0073] In some embodiments, the present application provides a computer system comprising: a programmable circuit; and software encoded on at least one computer-readable medium, the software being used to program the programmable circuit to implement any one of the control methods of the present application. The controller described above is equipped with the computer system.

[0074] In some embodiments, embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform all steps of any control method described herein. The computer-readable medium may be one or more. The controller described above is configured with the computer-readable medium.

[0075] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a vehicle is provided, comprising the lubrication system of any one of the above embodiments; and / or, the controller of any one of the above embodiments.

[0076] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A lubrication system for a hybrid power, wherein: The lubrication system comprises: a gearbox housing having an oil inlet and an oil outlet; An oil filter, comprising a replaceable filter element, disposed outside the gearbox housing, the oil filter being in communication with the oil inlet; an oil pump disposed inside the transmission housing, the oil pump being connected to the oil filter through the oil outlet, so that the oil in the transmission housing enters the oil filter through the oil inlet and reaches the oil pump from the oil outlet, and the oil pump delivers the oil to the hybrid assembly in the transmission housing; and The heat exchange circuit is arranged outside the gearbox housing and is used for circulating a heat exchange medium so as to utilize the heat exchange medium to perform heat exchange on the oil filter.

2. The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchange circuit comprises: A liquid storage device, used for containing the heat exchange medium; a heat exchange device, which is in communication with the liquid storage device and is located downstream of the liquid storage device, and the heat exchange device performs heat exchange with the oil filter through the heat exchange medium; a heat dissipation device, connected to the heat exchange device and the liquid storage device, and located downstream of the heat exchange device; and A pumping device is used to pump the heat exchange medium to circulate in the liquid storage device, the heat exchange device and the heat dissipation device.

3. The lubrication system according to claim 2, wherein: The lubrication system further comprises a heating device, which is located between the liquid storage device and the heat exchange device and is used for heating the heat exchange medium.

4. The lubrication system according to claim 3, wherein: The lubrication system further includes a switching device, which is located between the liquid storage device and the heat exchange device and is used to switch the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage device to the heat exchange device via the heating device or without passing through the heating device.

5. The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchange medium includes water and ethylene glycol.

6. The lubrication system according to claim 2, wherein: The pumping device is located downstream of the heat dissipation device.

7. A method for controlling a lubrication system, wherein: The control method of the lubrication system comprises: Get the oil temperature in the oil filter; Based on the engine oil temperature, the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit is controlled.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein: The step of controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange circuit based on the oil temperature specifically includes: If the engine oil temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium is heated; if the engine oil temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the heat exchange medium does not need to be heated; If the heat exchange medium is being heated and the engine oil temperature is greater than a second preset temperature, the heating of the heat exchange medium is stopped, wherein the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein: The first preset temperature is -40°C, and the second preset temperature is 20°C.

10. A controller, wherein: The controller comprises one or more processing modules, and the processing modules are configured to execute computer instructions stored in the storage module to perform the control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A vehicle, wherein: The vehicle comprises the lubrication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and / or, the controller according to claim 10.

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