JP7189838B2 - Engine unit with power generation function - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an engine unit with a power generation function that includes an engine and a generator that is driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a structure for cooling a generator connected to an engine with engine lubricating oil.

JP 2007-077882 A

However, the engine lubricating oil takes heat away from the heat-generating parts of the engine, so that the temperature is relatively high, and the cooling effect on the generator may be low. For example, when the power generation capacity of the generator is increased, the temperature of the generator increases during power generation, resulting in a decrease in power generation efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the power generation efficiency of a generator connected to an engine.

An engine unit with a power generation function according to one aspect of the present invention is an engine unit with a power generation function that includes an engine and a generator that generates power by being driven by rotational power of the engine, wherein a circulating fluid that lubricates the engine circulates. a generator cooling path through which circulation fluid for cooling the generator circulates; and at least one circulation pump that circulates oil in the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path, wherein the generator cooling path is The temperature of the flowing circulating fluid is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path.

According to the above configuration, the power generation efficiency of the generator can be increased by causing the circulating fluid, which has a lower temperature than the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path, to flow through the generator cooling path.

As an example, the configuration may further include an engine cooler that cools the circulating fluid in the engine lubricating path and a generator cooler that cools the circulating fluid in the generator cooling path.

According to the above configuration, since the generator cooler is provided separately from the engine cooler, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the lubricating fluid flowing toward the generator, so that the generator can be cooled appropriately. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the generator can be enhanced.

As an example, the at least one circulation pump may include an engine circulation pump provided in the engine lubrication path and a generator circulation pump provided in the generator cooling path.

According to the above configuration, the first oil pump and the second oil pump can be individually set to appropriate outputs, and the degree of freedom in setting the oil flow rate and pressure can be improved for engine lubrication and generator cooling, respectively.

As an example, the generator circulation pump may be configured to be driven by the rotational power of the engine.

According to the above configuration, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the oil pump is electrically driven.

As an example, the generator may be connected to one end of the crankshaft of the engine, and the generator circulation pump may be arranged near one end of the crankshaft.

According to the above configuration, the path between the generator and the generator circulation pump can be shortened by arranging the generator circulation pump on the same side as the generator.

As an example, the engine circulation pump and the generator circulation pump may be operated by a common driven shaft and arranged coaxially with the driven shaft.

According to the above configuration, the entire unit can be made compact.

As an example, the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path may be configured independently of each other.

According to the above configuration, the engine circulating fluid for lubricating the engine and the generator circulating fluid for cooling the generator can be made different. As a result, the generator can be effectively cooled regardless of the temperature of the engine circulating fluid, and the power generation efficiency of the generator can be further increased.

As an example, a tank may be further provided in which the circulating fluid sucked by the circulating pump is stored, and the tank may be configured to be shared by the engine lubricating path and the generator cooling path.

According to the configuration, the structure of the unit can be simplified.

An engine unit with a power generation function according to another aspect of the present invention is an engine unit with a power generation function that includes an engine and a generator that generates power by being driven by rotational power of the engine, wherein a circulating fluid that lubricates the engine circulates. a generator cooling path through which circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates; at least one circulation pump that circulates oil in the engine lubricating path and the generator cooling path; and circulating fluid in the generator cooling path. a section from the generator cooler to the generator in the generator cooling path is non-branching, and connects the generator cooler and the generator in series.

According to the above configuration, the circulating fluid directed from the generator cooler to the generator is guided to the generator without branching in the path. As a result, the circulating fluid flowing from the generator cooler to the generator can be prevented from taking heat from the engine, and the circulating fluid can be led to the generator at a lower temperature than the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path. In this way, the generator cooler functions as a generator-cooling-only cooler, so that it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the circulating fluid that flows toward the generator, so that the generator can be cooled appropriately. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the generator can be enhanced.

As an example, the configuration may further include an intake passage that supplies intake air to the engine, and a communication passage that connects the internal space of the generator to the intake passage.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure in the internal space of the generator due to an increase in temperature of the generator.

The engine unit with a power generation function mounted on a vehicle having an electric motor as a driving power source may be configured such that the generator generates electric power to be supplied to the electric motor.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the cruising range and output of the vehicle by improving the power generation efficiency.

As an example, at least one cooler may be configured with a fan for heat exchange.

A rotational axis of the fan may be arranged in parallel with the crankshaft of the engine and the driven shaft of the circulation pump.

According to the above configuration, the fan drive mechanism can be simply provided.

According to the configuration, heat exchange can be promoted by the fan, and the temperature of the circulating fluid passing through the generator cooling path can be easily lowered.

As an example, the configuration may further include a pump for compressing the lubricating liquid as a pressure source for the hydraulic actuator.

According to the above configuration, the hydraulic actuator can be driven by using the lubricating fluid as a pressure source, and the form of power extraction can be diversified.

The engine cooler and the generator cooler may be fixed to the engine.

According to the above configuration, not only the engine cooler but also the generator cooler are fixed to the engine, so that the overall size can be reduced.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electric power generation efficiency of the generator connected to the engine can be improved.

1 is a block diagram of a main system of a motorcycle according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the engine unit with power generation function shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the engine unit with a power generation function shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the side; FIG. 4 is a route diagram of lubrication and cooling of the engine unit with power generation function shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; FIG. 5 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of a first modified example; FIG. 5 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of a second modified example; It is drawing equivalent to FIG. 4 of a 3rd modification. It is drawing equivalent to FIG. 4 of a 4th modification.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main system of a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment. A motorcycle 1 includes an engine unit 10 with a power generation function. The engine unit 10 with power generation function includes an engine E and a generator G that is driven by the rotational power of the engine E to generate power. The engine E is a prime mover provided with an internal combustion engine, extracts energy from explosion of fuel as power, and outputs rotational driving force. The engine E is not limited to a reciprocating engine, and may be a rotary engine or the like. Although only one cylinder of the engine is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of cylinders is not limited to one and may be plural. Generator G is, for example, an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator), but may also be a generator motor.

AC power generated by the generator G is converted to DC power by the storage inverter 2 and stored in the battery 3 . The electric power stored in the battery 3 is converted into alternating current by the drive inverters 4 and 5, and operates the electric motors M1 and M2 which are driving sources. That is, the generator G generates electric power to be supplied to the electric motors M1 and M2. The rotational power of the electric motor M1 drives the front wheels 6, and the rotational power of the electric motor M2 drives the rear wheels . Alternatively, the electric motors M1 and M2 may drive the left and right wheels, respectively.

The rotation speed of the engine E is controlled based on the remaining amount of the battery 3 and the accelerator operation amount of the driver. Note that FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the same number of electric motors as the wheels are provided, but this is merely an example, and a common electric motor may drive a plurality of wheels. Further, the drive wheels may be driven by the electric motor among the plurality of wheels including the driven wheels and the drive wheels. In the case of a motorcycle, the front wheels may be driven wheels and only the rear wheels may be driven by an electric motor. The engine unit 10 with power generation function is not limited to being applied to the motorcycle 1, and may be applied to other vehicles such as four-wheeled vehicles. Alternatively, the battery 3 may be a capacitor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the engine unit 10 with power generation function shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the engine unit 10 with power generation function shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the engine E includes a cylinder 11 housing a piston 14, a crankshaft 12 connected to the piston 14, and a crankcase 13 housing the crankshaft 12. Prepare. An internal space of the crankcase 13 is called a crank chamber S. In this embodiment, a generator G is connected to one end (for example, left end) of the crankshaft 12 . Generator G is housed in crankcase 13 . The generator G has a rotor 21 , a stator 22 and a cover 23 . Note that the cover 23 may be part of the stator 22 .

The rotor 21 is connected to the crankshaft 12 so as to co-rotate therewith. The stator 22 is supported by the crankcase 13 and has a plurality of coils 22a arranged in the circumferential direction. The cover 23 is attached to the crankcase 13 and covers the rotor 21 and the stator 22 so that they are not exposed to the outside. The cover 23 has a buffer chamber 23a and a plurality of injection ports 23b. Oil (circulating fluid) supplied from a later-described generator cooler C2 is temporarily stored in the buffer chamber 23a. The plurality of injection ports 23b face the coil 22a and are arranged in the circumferential direction so as to inject the oil in the buffer chamber 23a toward the coil 22a. Thereby, the coil 22a of the generator G can be uniformly cooled.

A driven shaft 15 is connected to the crankshaft 12 via a power transmission mechanism 16 (eg, gear, belt, chain, etc.). That is, the driven shaft 15 rotates mechanically in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft 12 . The driven shaft 15 is arranged parallel to the crankshaft 12 . A power transmission mechanism 16 that transmits power from the crankshaft 12 to the driven shaft 15 is provided at the other end (for example, the right end) of the crankshaft 12 in this embodiment. In other words, the power transmission mechanism 16 is arranged at the end of the crankshaft 12 opposite the generator G. FIG.

A balancer shaft (not shown) arranged parallel to the crankshaft 12 is connected to the crankshaft 12 so as to transmit power. A weight provided on the balancer shaft rotates together with the balancer shaft to reduce engine vibration. The balancer shaft is arranged at a different position from the driven shaft 15 in a side view. In this embodiment, the driven shaft 15 is arranged below the crankshaft 12 . As a result, the pump driven by the driven shaft 15 can easily suck in the oil that has accumulated below due to its own weight. The balancer shaft is arranged on the side opposite to the driven shaft 15 with respect to the crankshaft 12 , more specifically, in front of the crankshaft 12 .

The driven shaft 15 is provided with a scavenging pump P0, an engine circulation pump P1, a generator circulation pump P2, and a water pump P3. These pumps P0 to P3 are driven by a common driven shaft 15 rotating. That is, each of the pumps P0-P3 is driven by the engine E's rotational power. In this embodiment, each of the pumps P0-P3 is formed coaxially with respect to the driven shaft 15. As shown in FIG. As the number of revolutions of the engine E changes, the number of revolutions of the pumps P0 to P3 also changes. Although the driven shaft 15 is common to the engine pumps P0, P1, P3 and the generator pump P2, they may be provided separately. Also, the pumps P0 to P3 do not have to be arranged coaxially.

The pumps P0 and P1 for the engine are arranged near the power transmission mechanism 16 that transmits power from the crankshaft 12 to the driven shaft 15 . On the other hand, the generator circulation pump P<b>2 is provided at the end remote from the power transmission mechanism 16 . In this manner, the power is transmitted to the generator circulation pump P2 provided near the generator G via the driven shaft 15 arranged parallel to the crankshaft 12, thereby extracting power from the crankshaft 12. The number of parts can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. Note that the rotational power of the driven shaft 15 may be transmitted to the driving wheels, and the engine power may be used as the running driving power. Further, the generator circulation pump P2 may be an electric pump.

The scavenging pump P<b>0 and the engine circulation pump P<b>1 are used for circulating oil in the engine lubrication path 31 . The generator circulation pump P<b>2 is used for circulating oil in the generator cooling path 32 . The water pump P3 is used to supply cooling water to a water cooling jacket (not shown) of the engine E. The generator circulation pump P2 is arranged near one end of the crankshaft 12 . That is, the generator circulation pump P2 is provided at the end of the driven shaft 15 on the side closer to the generator G. As shown in FIG. By arranging the generator circulation pump P2 on the same side as the generator G, the path between the generator G and the generator circulation pump P2 is shortened, resulting in an efficient layout.

FIG. 4 is a route diagram of lubrication and cooling of the engine unit 10 with power generation function shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the engine unit 10 with power generation function is provided with an engine lubrication path 31 through which oil for lubricating the engine E circulates, and a generator cooling path 32 through which oil for cooling the generator G circulates. ing.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, different lubrication paths 31 and 32 are provided for the generator and the engine. That is, pumps, tanks and coolers are provided independently of each other for the generator and for the engine. The engine lubrication path 31 includes an engine circulation pump P1, an engine tank T1, and an engine cooler C1. The generator lubrication path includes a generator circulation pump P2, a generator tank T2, and a generator cooler C2. Note that the engine cooler C1 and the generator cooler C2 are fixed to the engine E. As shown in FIG.

The engine lubrication path 31 is provided with a scavenging pump P0, an engine tank T1, an engine circulation pump P1, a filter F1, a regulator R1, and an engine cooler C1. The engine tank T1 is arranged adjacent to the crankcase 13 in the horizontal direction. For example, the engine tank T1 is provided on the rear side of the crankcase 13 . As a result, the tank does not need to be arranged below the crankcase 13, and the engine unit 10 with power generation function is made compact in the vertical direction. By providing the scavenging pump P0 in this way, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the layout of the tank T1.

The oil accumulated in the crank chamber S in the crankcase 13 is sucked by the scavenging pump P0 and led to the engine tank T1. If the engine tank T1 is arranged below the crank chamber S so that the oil in the crank chamber S gathers in the engine tank T1 under its own weight, the scavenging pump P0 may be omitted. As a result, the number of pumps can be reduced and the number of parts can be reduced.

The oil accumulated in the engine tank T1 is sucked by the engine circulation pump P1 and guided to the filter F1. When the hydraulic pressure in the circulation path on the upstream side of the filter F1 exceeds a predetermined value, it is returned to the engine tank 1 via the regulator R1. In other words, of the oil between the engine circulation pump P1 and the filter F1, the oil that does not pass through the filter F1 is returned to the engine tank T1 via the regulator R1. The oil purified by passing through the filter F1 is led to the engine cooler C1.

The engine cooler C1 is configured to exchange heat with cooling water for cooling the engine to cool the oil, but may be configured otherwise. The oil cooled by the engine cooler C1 is supplied to parts to be cooled (e.g., pistons, cylinder heads, etc.) or parts to be lubricated (e.g., gears, bearings, etc.) of the engine E, and drops by its own weight into the crank chamber S. accumulate in Further, similarly to the engine lubrication path 31, a generator regulator is provided for returning oil to the generator tank T2 when the fluid pressure in the circulation path on the upstream side of the generator cooler C2 exceeds a predetermined value. good too.

The generator cooling path 32 is provided with a generator tank T2, a generator circulation pump P2, and a generator cooler C2. The generator tank T2 is arranged horizontally adjacent to the engine tank T1. For example, the generator tank T2 is adjacent to the engine tank T1 in the axial direction of the driven shaft 15 . The generator tank T2 is disposed closer to the generator G and the generator circulation pump P2 than the engine tank T1. The generator tank T2 lubricates the coil 22a of the generator G and receives and stores oil that freely falls from the generator G.

The generator circulation pump P2 sucks the oil accumulated in the tank T2 and guides it to the generator cooler C2. The generator cooler C2 may be configured to be cooled by heat exchange with cooling water, or may be configured to be air-cooled. The generator cooler C2 may be provided with a fan for forced air cooling in order to improve cooling performance. The rotation axis of the fan may be arranged parallel to the crankshaft 12 and the driven shaft 15, in which case the rotational power of the crankshaft 12 may be transmitted to the fan.

The oil cooled by the generator cooler C2 is led to the generator G. Specifically, the oil cooled by the generator cooler C2 is guided to the buffer chamber 23a of the cover 23 of the generator G, and is jetted from a plurality of jetting ports 23b toward the coils 22a, thereby cooling the coils 22a. is cooled.

As described above, the generator cooler C2 dedicated to cooling the generator G is provided separately from the engine cooler C1, so that the temperature rise of the oil directed to the generator G is suppressed, and the generator G can be cooled appropriately. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the generator G can be enhanced. Further, the engine lubricating path 31 and the generator cooling path 32 are designed so that the temperature of the oil flowing from the generator cooler C2 to the generator G is lower than the temperature of the oil flowing from the engine cooler C1 to the engine E. is configured to cool the

Specifically, the engine lubrication path 31 and the generator cooling path 32 are independent of each other. As a result, the oil for lubricating the engine E and the oil for cooling the generator G are not shared with each other, and the temperature of the oil in the generator cooling path 32 is prevented from rising due to the heat of the engine E. Therefore, the generator G can be effectively cooled regardless of the temperature of the engine lubricating oil, and the power generation efficiency of the generator G is improved.

Further, since the generator cooler C2 is provided independently, the coolers C1 and C2 can be provided so as to satisfy the cooling performance required for the engine E and the cooling performance required for the generator G, respectively. Therefore, the engine E and the generator G can be effectively cooled. For example, the performance of the oil cooler used may be different for the engine and for the generator. For example, in order to improve the power generation efficiency of the generator G, the cooling performance for the generator may be set to be higher than the cooling performance for the engine.

Similarly, since the generator pump P2 is provided independently, the oil coolers P1 and P2 can be provided so as to satisfy the cooling performance required for the engine E and the cooling performance required for the generator G, respectively. can. Therefore, the engine E and the generator G can be effectively cooled. For example, the performance (or drive speed) of the generator pump P2 may be different from the performance (or drive speed) of the engine pump P1. For example, since the engine E has more target parts to which the oil is applied, the performance of the discharge amount and discharge pressure of the generator pump P2 is set to be lower than that of the engine pump P1, and the driving force of the pump is reduced. It may be suppressed to improve efficiency.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the generator pump P2 increases as the engine speed increases. Therefore, even if the amount of power generated by the generator G increases as the engine speed increases and the temperature rises, it is easy to maintain the cooling performance. Further, in this embodiment, the generator cooling path 32 is arranged near the end of the crankshaft 12 of the engine E, and is arranged at a position relatively distant from the combustion chamber of the engine E. As shown in FIG. As a result, the temperature rise of the oil supplied to the generator G can be further suppressed.

A breather chamber B is connected to the engine tank T1 via a gas communication passage 43 (crank chamber S). The breather chamber B is connected to an intake box 40 (intake passage) that stores intake air to be supplied to the engine E via a gas communication passage 41 . That is, the breather chamber B sends the air in the tank T1 to the intake box 40 together with the blow-by gas in order to release the increased pressure in the engine tank T1. Gas-liquid separation is promoted by the breather chamber B, so that the liquid component contained in the blow-by gas is removed and the gas component is led to the intake box. The gas communication path 43 and the gas communication path 41 are formed independently of each other. By forming the gas communication paths 41 and 43 independently, the gas in the crank chamber S can be prevented from flowing back into the generator G. FIG. Further, in order to prevent hot air from reaching the generator G from the crank chamber S, a partition may be formed between the crank chamber S and the generator G to prevent the flow of gas.

The generator G is connected to the intake box 40 via the gas communication passage 42 . The gas communication passage 42 communicates the internal space of the generator G with the internal space of the intake box 40 . This releases the internal pressure of the generator G toward the intake box 40 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure in the internal space of the generator G from rising as the temperature of the generator G rises. The gas communication passage 42 connecting the generator G and the intake box 40 may also be provided with a breather chamber for gas-liquid separation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the oil inside the generator G from being included in the intake air. Although the gas communication path 41 and the gas communication path 43 are independent of each other, they may be partly shared.

Further, the internal space of the generator G may be communicated with the breather chamber B to share the gas communication passage 41 . For example, a gas communication path may be formed between the inside of the generator G and the inside of the crankcase 13 . As a result, the hot air expanded in the internal space of the generator G is guided to the crankcase 13 through the gas communication passage, thereby preventing the internal pressure of the generator G from rising. In this case, the hot air expanded inside the generator G is led to the intake box 40 through the breather chamber B together with the blow-by gas filling the crank chamber S. For example, the gas communication passage may be provided with a check valve so that hot air flows from the generator G to the crankcase 13 .

FIG. 5 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first modified example. In addition, in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 5 , in the engine unit 110 with power generation function of the first modified example, the engine/generator tank T1 is configured to be shared by the engine lubricating path 31 and the generator cooling path 132 . This simplifies the structure of the engine unit 110 with power generation function. In the generator cooling path 132, the generator circulation pump P2 sucks the oil accumulated in the engine/generator tank T1 and leads it to the generator cooler C2. The oil cooled by the generator cooler C2 is led to the generator G. The oil that has cooled the generator G is led to the engine/generator tank T1. By sharing the tank T1 in this way, the shape of the tank chamber can be simplified, and the total amount of circulating oil can be suppressed, which facilitates weight reduction.

Since the oil that has lubricated the engine E returns to the engine generator tank T1, the oil in the engine generator tank T1 can become hot. Since it is cooled by the generator cooler C2, the generator G is appropriately cooled. The cooling performance of the generator cooler C2 is preferably set such that the temperature of the oil flowing from the generator cooler C2 to the generator G is lower than the temperature of the oil flowing from the engine cooler C1 to the engine E.

In FIG. 5, two routes are provided for sucking oil from the engine/generator tank T1, one for the engine and the other for the generator. may For example, the oil introduced from the regulator R1 to the tank T1 may be supplied to the generator cooler C2 by the generator pump P2. In addition, the oil collected in the crank chamber S, the oil sucked out by the scavenge pump P0, and the part of the oil returned from the generator G to the tank T1, which is guided to the tank T1, is removed by the generator circulation pump P2. You may guide|induce to the cooler C2. For example, by guiding the oil pressurized by the regulator R1 or the scavenge pump P0 to the generator cooler C2 by the generator circulation pump P2, the capacity required of the generator circulation pump P2 can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of the second modified example. In addition, in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations that are common to the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 6 , in the engine unit 210 with power generation function of the second modification, the tank T1 and the circulation pump P1 are configured to be shared by the engine lubrication path 31 and the generator cooling path 232 . That is, the generator cooling path 232 shares part of the engine lubrication path 31 . This simplifies the structure of the engine unit 110 with power generation function. The generator cooling path 232 branches from a portion of the engine lubrication path 31 between the filter F1 and the engine cooler C1.

The flow of the oil that has flowed out of the filter F1 is divided into a flow toward the engine cooler C1 in the engine lubrication path 31 and a flow toward the generator cooler C2 in the generator cooling path 232 . The oil cooled by the generator cooler C2 is led to the generator G. The oil that has cooled the generator G is led to the tank T1. By sharing the pump P1 in addition to the tank T1 in this way, the number of parts can be reduced, and the structure can be easily simplified and reduced in weight.

Since the oil that has lubricated the engine E returns to the tank T1, the temperature of the oil in the tank T1 may become high. is properly cooled. The cooling performance of the generator cooler C2 is preferably set such that the temperature of the oil flowing from the generator cooler C2 to the generator G is lower than the temperature of the oil flowing from the engine cooler C1 to the engine E.

In FIG. 6, the flow path downstream of the filter F1 is branched into two systems, one for the engine and one for the generator. The flow path is not limited to this and may be set by branching from another portion. For example, the flow path downstream of the engine cooler C1 may be branched to separate the engine and the generator. As a result, the generator cooler C2 cools the cooled oil that has passed through the engine cooler C1, thereby reducing the capacity required of the generator cooler C2.

FIG. 7 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of the third modification. In addition, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations that are common to the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, in the engine unit 310 with power generation function of the third modification, the tank T1, the circulation pump P1, and the filter F1 are configured to be shared by the engine lubrication path 31 and the generator cooling path 332. there is The generator cooling path 332 branches off from a portion between the engine cooler C1 and the engine E in the engine lubrication path 31 . The flow of the oil that has flowed out from the engine cooler C1 is divided into a flow toward the engine E and a flow toward the generator cooler C2 in the generator cooling path 332 .

The oil cooled by the generator cooler C2 is led to the generator G. That is, the oil supplied to the generator G is serially cooled by both the engine cooler C1 and the generator cooler C2. Therefore, the temperature of the oil flowing from the generator cooler C2 to the generator G becomes lower than the temperature of the oil flowing from the engine cooler C1 to the engine E. Therefore, sufficiently cooled oil is supplied to the generator G, and the power generation efficiency of the generator can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of the fourth modification. In addition, in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the engine unit 410 with power generation function of the fourth modification includes a hydraulic actuator HA. Specifically, oil is sucked from the tank T1 by the hydraulic pump P4 driven by the engine E, and the oil is discharged from the hydraulic pump P4 to apply pressure oil to the hydraulic actuator HA via the oil control valve CV. be. The hydraulic pump P4 compresses oil as a hydraulic source for the hydraulic actuator HA. A flow path between the hydraulic pump P4 and the oil control valve CV communicates with a return flow path 444 directed to the tank T1, and the return flow path 444 is provided with a relief valve RV. A generator cooling path 432 branches off from a portion of the return flow path 444 downstream of the relief valve RV. The generator cooling path 432 is connected to the generator G via the generator cooler C2.

According to this configuration, the oil discharged from the hydraulic pump P4 as the hydraulic source and released from the relief valve RV flows through the generator cooler C2 and the generator G. As shown in FIG. Since the hydraulic actuator HA requires pressure and does not require flow, most of the oil discharged from the hydraulic pump P4 is returned to the tank T1, so that the generator G can be cooled using this oil. Moreover, since the hydraulic pump P4 also serves as a pump for cooling the generator, an increase in the number of pumps can be prevented.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modified examples, and its configuration can be changed, added, or deleted. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an engine unit with a power generation function is applied to a motorcycle has been presented, but it may be applied to vehicles other than motorcycles. In addition to parallel hybrid vehicles that use engine power as driving force, series hybrid vehicles that use engine power only for power generation may also be used. In addition to being used for driving power of a vehicle, the unit of the present invention includes an engine, a generator, an inverter for power storage, an inverter for driving, and a battery, and is a general-purpose power generator for supplying electric power to electric devices other than vehicles. may be used as In this case, the generator, inverter and battery are arranged in close proximity to the engine to form an integrated unit.

For example, the engine unit with power generation function may be applied to other devices (for example, robots, etc.) that require power. When a robot arm or the like is hydraulically driven by a hydraulic actuator, the power generation unit may be provided with a pump for using the lubricating liquid as a pressure source, as described above. As a result, it is possible to diversify the power extraction modes and to drive the actuator with appropriate power.

Further, in this embodiment, the generator is connected to one end of the crankshaft, but other configurations may be used as long as the rotational power of the crankshaft is transmitted to the generator. For example, the rotational power of the crankshaft may be transmitted to the generator by a power transmission mechanism such as gears and chains. Thus, the present invention also includes the case where the generator is arranged at a position distant from the end of the crankshaft. The configuration may be such that the engine cooler C1 or the generator cooler C2 is not provided. The circulating fluid used for lubrication or cooling is not limited to oil, and other fluids may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described above, and the present invention also includes other configurations in which the temperature of the oil flowing through the generator cooling passage is lower than the temperature of the oil flowing through the engine lubricating passage. For example, the present invention also includes a configuration in which the flow path is branched before passing through a lubrication target portion or a high-temperature portion of the engine, and the oil is guided to the generator. For example, an oil passage that branches immediately after the pump and communicates with the generator may be provided outside the crankcase. This allows relatively cool oil to be led to the generator without taking heat from the crankcase. Also, the oil passage communicating from the pump to the generator may be formed avoiding the crankcase or the high temperature portion of the cylinder.

1 Motorcycles (vehicles)
Reference Signs List 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 engine unit with power generation function 12 crankshaft 15 driven shaft 31 engine lubrication path 32, 132, 232, 332, 432 generator cooling path 40 intake box (intake passage)
42 Communication passage C1 Cooler for engine C2 Cooler for generator E Engine G Generator M1, M2 Electric motor P1 Circulation pump for engine P2 Circulation pump for generator P4 Hydraulic pump T1, T2 Tank

Claims (15)

An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump for circulating circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
an engine cooler that cools the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubrication path;
a generator cooler that cools the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path ;
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path. 2. The engine unit with power generation function according to claim 1 , wherein said generator cooler is of an air-cooling type that cools by exchanging heat with air . 3. The engine with power generation function according to claim 1, wherein said at least one circulation pump includes an engine circulation pump provided in said engine lubrication path and a generator circulation pump provided in said generator cooling path. unit. 4. The engine unit with power generation function according to claim 3, wherein said generator circulation pump is driven by rotational power of said engine. An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump that circulates circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
The temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubrication path,
The at least one circulation pump includes an engine circulation pump provided in the engine lubrication path and a generator circulation pump provided in the generator cooling path,
The generator circulation pump is driven by the rotational power of the engine,
The generator is connected to one end of a crankshaft of the engine,
The generator circulation pump is an engine unit with a power generation function, which is disposed near one end of the crankshaft. An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump that circulates circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
The temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubrication path,
The at least one circulation pump includes an engine circulation pump provided in the engine lubrication path and a generator circulation pump provided in the generator cooling path,
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein the engine circulation pump and the generator circulation pump are operated by a common driven shaft and arranged coaxially with the driven shaft. 7. The engine unit with power generation function according to claim 3, wherein said engine lubricating path and said generator cooling path are independent of each other. further comprising a tank in which the circulating fluid sucked by the circulating pump is stored;
7. The engine unit with power generation function according to claim 1, wherein said tank is configured to be shared by said engine lubricating path and said generator cooling path. An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump for circulating oil through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
an engine cooler that cools the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubrication path;
a generator cooler that cools the circulating fluid in the generator cooling path;
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein a section from the generator cooler to the generator in the generator cooling path is non-branched, and the generator cooler and the generator are connected in series. An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump for circulating circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
an intake passage that supplies intake air to the engine;
a communication passage that communicates the internal space of the generator with the intake passage ,
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path . An engine unit with a power generation function mounted in a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a driving power source,
The engine unit with a power generation function according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said generator generates electric power to be supplied to said electric motor. The generator cooling path branches from a portion of the engine lubrication path between the engine cooler and the engine,
3. The engine unit with a power generation function according to claim 2 , wherein a flow of oil flowing out from said engine cooler is divided into a flow toward said engine and a flow toward said generator cooler . An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump that circulates circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
The temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubrication path,
said at least one cooler comprising a fan for heat exchange;
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein the rotation axis of the fan is arranged parallel to the crankshaft of the engine and the driven shaft of the circulation pump. An engine unit with a power generation function, comprising: an engine; and a generator driven by rotational power of the engine to generate power,
an engine lubrication path through which a circulation fluid that lubricates the engine circulates;
a generator cooling path through which a circulating fluid for cooling the generator circulates;
at least one circulation pump for circulating circulation fluid through the engine lubrication path and the generator cooling path;
a pump that compresses the lubricating liquid as a hydraulic pressure source for the hydraulic actuator ,
An engine unit with a power generation function, wherein the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the generator cooling path is set lower than the temperature of the circulating fluid flowing through the engine lubricating path . 2. The engine unit with power generation function according to claim 1 , wherein said engine cooler and said generator cooler are fixed to said engine.

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