JP2013002321A - Oil quantity measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an oil quantity measuring apparatus capable of properly measuring the quantity of oil stored in an oil pan of a vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine, without reference to the presence or absence of inclination of an oil surface.SOLUTION: The oil quantity measuring apparatus includes: an acceleration sensor 11 which detects the inclination of the oil surface 3a in the oil pan 2; heat transfer members 22 and 27 which each have a predetermined temperature gradient and which are extended out in a direction of a bottom surface 2a of the oil pan 2 from at least temperature sensors 21 or 26 of a plurality of temperature sensors 21 and 26; and an ECU 10 into which a detection value of each of the temperature sensors 21 and 26 and a detection value of the acceleration sensor 11 are each input. The temperature sensors 21 and 26 are disposed in the oil pan 2 in such a manner as to have different distances from the inclination of the oil surface 3a, respectively. The ECU 10 measures the quantity of the oil in the oil pan 2 on the basis of the inclination of the oil surface 3a, which is detected by the acceleration sensor 11, and the height of the oil surface 3a, which is determined from a temperature detected by each of the temperature sensors 21 and 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to an oil amount measuring device that measures the amount of oil stored in an oil pan of an in-vehicle internal combustion engine.

Conventionally, as an oil amount measuring device for measuring the amount of oil stored in an oil pan of an in-vehicle internal combustion engine, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1.
The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is provided so as to be spaced apart in the vertical direction from a supply pump that draws up engine oil stored in the oil pan by extending vertically in an oil pan vertically below the cylinder block of the internal combustion engine. Two temperature sensors, for example, thermistors, and a detection circuit electrically connected to the thermistors are provided. Here, the detection circuit determines the level of the engine oil in the oil pan based on the high and low electric resistances of the two thermistors having different heights (levels) in the vertical direction and the small difference between the electric resistances. It is detected that the level is lower or higher than the level of the two thermistors.

JP 2010-25755 A

  Incidentally, the height of the oil surface stored in the oil pan of the internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle not only changes between when the internal combustion engine is stopped and when the internal combustion engine is operated, but also when the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated. Or, the surface changes so as to be inclined by the inclination or turning of the vehicle. In this regard, the device described in Patent Document 1 can detect a change in height at a certain part of the oil surface, but when the height changes due to the inclination of the oil surface, This cannot be detected properly.

  On the other hand, in such an in-vehicle internal combustion engine, there are not a few hydraulic devices that use engine oil as a drive source, such as a variable valve timing mechanism (VVT), and the influence of the operation of these hydraulic devices on the operation control of the internal combustion engine cannot be ignored. Therefore, even if the oil level is tilted due to vehicle acceleration / deceleration, vehicle tilt, turning, etc., maintain a suitable measurement of the oil amount so that the oil supply to these hydraulic equipment will not be interrupted Development of a device that can be used is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to appropriately measure the amount of oil stored in an oil pan of an in-vehicle internal combustion engine regardless of the presence or absence of an oil surface inclination. It is to provide an oil amount measuring device capable of performing the above.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 measures the amount of oil based on the fact that a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in the oil pan detect contact and separation of oil stored in the oil pan. An oil amount measuring device for detecting an inclination of an oil surface in the oil pan, and at least one temperature sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors, and the oil pan from the corresponding temperature sensor. A heat transfer member having a predetermined temperature gradient extending in the bottom direction of the plurality of temperature sensors, and a measurement unit to which the detection values of the plurality of temperature sensors and the detection values of the acceleration sensor are respectively input, and the plurality of temperatures Sensors are arranged in the oil pan so as to have different distances with respect to the inclination of the oil surface in the oil pan, and the measurement unit is detected by the acceleration sensor. The inclination of the oil level, based on the height of the oil surface is determined from the temperature detected by the respective temperature sensors, and summarized in that to measure the amount of oil within the oil pan.

  According to such a configuration, the measurement unit includes the heat transmitted through the heat transfer member extended from the temperature sensor, measures the oil surface height from the detection temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors, and detects the acceleration sensor. The inclination of the oil surface is detected based on the value. Based on the measured oil surface height and the detected oil surface inclination, the measuring unit not only determines the oil surface height when not inclined, but also the oil surface height when inclined. Appropriate judgment can be made. For example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is the temperature of the oil, it is detected that there is an oil surface at the position of the temperature sensor, while when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is the water temperature or the ambient temperature, It is detected that there is no oil level in position. Furthermore, although the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the temperature of the oil, it is understood that the heat transfer member is submerged in the oil when it is closer to the oil temperature than the water temperature or the ambient temperature. Furthermore, since the temperature detected by the temperature sensor increases in accordance with the distance from the heat transfer member to the temperature sensor, the distance from the temperature sensor can also be determined. For this reason, when the oil level is not inclined, this oil level measuring device determines whether the oil level is sufficient or insufficient based on the height of the oil level specified by the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. be able to. In addition, when the oil level is tilted, this oil level measuring device can determine whether the oil level is sufficient or not based on the height of the oil level specified by the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the tilt of the oil level. Sufficiency can be determined. This makes it possible to properly measure the amount of oil in the internal combustion engine even when the oil surface in the oil pan is tilted due to acceleration, deceleration, tilting, turning, etc., as in an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle. To be able to do.

The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure about 1st Embodiment which actualized the oil amount measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention. The graph which shows an example of the detected temperature of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between the position of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring device of the embodiment and the oil level of the engine oil, (a) the engine oil is moved to the left side of the oil pan, the oil level is The schematic diagram which shows the case where it inclines, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the case where engine oil approaches the right side of an oil pan and the oil surface inclines. It is a figure which shows the determination result of the oil quantity based on each temperature which each thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment detected as a table | surface, (a) is a determination result in case the oil level of engine oil is horizontal. The figure which shows, (b) is a figure which shows the determination result in case an engine oil approaches the one side of an oil pan and the oil surface inclines. The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure about 2nd Embodiment which actualized the oil amount measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention. The graph which shows an example of the detected temperature of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between the position of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring device of the embodiment and the oil surface of the engine oil, (a) the engine oil is close to the thermometer side and the oil surface is inclined. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a case where the oil level is inclined with the engine oil approaching the opposite side of the thermometer. It is a figure which shows the determination result of the oil quantity based on each temperature which each thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment detected as a table | surface, (a) is a determination result in case the oil level of engine oil is horizontal. The figure which shows, (b) the figure which shows the case where engine oil approaches the thermometer side and the oil surface inclines, (c) the figure which shows the case where engine oil approaches the opposite side of the thermometer and the oil surface inclines . The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure about 3rd Embodiment which actualized the oil amount measuring apparatus which concerns on this invention. The graph which shows an example of the detected temperature of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the relationship between the position of the thermometer of the oil amount measuring device of the embodiment and the oil surface of the engine oil, (a) the engine oil is close to the thermometer side and the oil surface is inclined. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a case where the oil level is inclined with the engine oil approaching the opposite side of the thermometer. It is a figure which shows the determination result of the oil quantity based on each temperature which each thermometer of the oil amount measuring apparatus of the embodiment detected as a table | surface, (a) is a determination result in case the oil level of engine oil is horizontal. The figure which shows, (b) the figure which shows the case where engine oil approaches the thermometer side and the oil surface inclines, (c) the figure which shows the case where engine oil approaches the opposite side of the thermometer and the oil surface inclines .

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an oil amount measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing an internal configuration of an oil pan of an internal combustion engine provided with an oil amount measuring device. This internal combustion engine is an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, that is, an in-vehicle internal combustion engine. As shown in FIG. 1, an oil pan 2 for storing engine oil 3 is provided vertically below a cylinder block 1 of the internal combustion engine. A first thermometer 20 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the left side inside the oil pan 2, and a second thermometer 25 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the right side. Thus, the first temperature detector 20 and the second temperature detector 25 are provided in the oil pan 2 as far as possible from each other. In the present embodiment, the oil pan 2 has a bottom surface 2a on the lower side in FIG. 1, and therefore, the oil of the engine oil 3 facing the cylinder block 1 on the bottom surface 2a side with respect to the vertical direction. The surface 3a side is the upper side. Further, in order to make the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction the horizontal direction, FIG. 1 shows the oil surface 3a in a horizontal state.

  Further, the internal combustion engine has an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 as a measuring unit capable of measuring whether the amount of engine oil 3 stored in the oil pan 2 is sufficient or insufficient. Is provided. The ECU 10 includes an acceleration sensor 11 that detects acceleration applied to the internal combustion engine, an engine rotational speed sensor 12 that detects the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, a water temperature sensor 13 that measures the temperature of cooling water in the internal combustion engine, and the first sensor. The thermometer 20 and the second thermometer 25 are electrically connected to each other.

  During operation of the internal combustion engine, the engine oil 3 is sucked up from an oil pan 2 stored by an oil pump (not shown) driven by an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, and is supplied to each internal combustion engine through an oil supply pipe and an oil supply passage (not shown). Supplied to the lubrication site and each hydraulic drive. Then, the engine oil 3 supplied to these lubrication parts and the hydraulic drive unit is recovered in the oil pan 2 through a recovery passage (not shown) formed in the cylinder block 1. For example, each hydraulic drive unit includes a variable valve mechanism that continuously changes valve characteristics of engine valves such as an intake valve and an exhaust valve, a so-called variable valve timing mechanism (VVT), a hydraulic tensioner that applies tension to a timing chain, and the like. It is.

  By the way, a part of the engine oil 3 supplied to the lubrication part of the internal combustion engine may be mixed with the fuel through a path such as a gap between the piston and the cylinder and burned. That is, a part of the engine oil supplied to the lubrication part of the internal combustion engine is not collected in the oil pan 2, and the amount of the engine oil 3 stored in the oil pan 2 is reduced, and the oil level tends to be lowered. As the oil level decreases in this way, the engine oil 3 cannot be normally circulated through the internal combustion engine, which may affect the operation control of the internal combustion engine.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate amount of engine oil 3 is stored in the oil pan 2, and an internal combustion engine in which the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3 is kept horizontal is such that the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3 is the engine surface. When the engine is stopped, the height is equal to or higher than the lowest level L1 when the engine is stopped. That is, the lowest level L1 at the time of stop indicates the lowest position of the appropriate amount of the engine oil 3 when the engine is stopped, and the lowest level L2 at the time of operation indicates the lowest position of the appropriate amount of the engine oil 3 at the time of engine operation.

  In addition, the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3 stored in the oil pan 2 is inevitably inclined due to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, inclination of the vehicle, turning, or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3 is inclined, it is determined whether or not an appropriate amount of the engine oil 3 is stored in the oil pan 2, that is, whether the oil amount is sufficient or not. An inclination determination level L3 used when determining whether or not it is sufficient is set.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the first oil temperature detector 20 and the second temperature detector 25 each store an engine oil 3 having an appropriate amount of oil in the oil pan 2, a part or all of them are engine parts. It is disposed at a position where it is immersed in the oil 3, that is, where it is immersed.

  The first thermometer 20 is capable of conducting heat to the first temperature sensor 21 having the temperature detection unit 21 a at the end on the bottom surface 2 a side of the oil pan 2 and the temperature detection unit 21 a of the first temperature sensor 21. The heat transfer member 22 is connected to the first temperature sensor 21 and extended in the direction (downward) from the first temperature sensor 21 toward the bottom surface 2 a of the oil pan 2. When the temperature detector 21a is immersed in the engine oil 3, the first temperature sensor 21 detects the temperature of the engine oil 3, that is, the oil temperature T1, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the first temperature sensor 21 detects a temperature lower than the oil temperature T1, for example, the temperature of the atmosphere in the oil pan 2 (atmosphere temperature T4) when the temperature detector 21a is not immersed in the engine oil 3. . In the present embodiment, when the internal combustion engine is operated and the level of the oil surface 3a is maintained, the first temperature sensor 21 is operated so that the temperature detection unit 21a is at the lowest level L2 during operation. Located in the pan 2. Thereby, the temperature detection unit 21a can detect whether or not the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is at an appropriate level at least during engine operation in which the oil surface 3a is maintained level.

  The heat transfer member 22 is made of a metal such as iron having a thermal conductivity higher than that of air, and is formed in a shape such as a plate shape that can ensure a wide outer surface area, and a tip portion 22 a of the first temperature sensor 21. It is arranged at the position of the judgment level L3 at the time of the tilt, which is a position below the temperature detection unit 21a. When the tip 22a side of the heat transfer member 22 comes into contact with the engine oil 3, the heat transfer member 22 transmits the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 to the first temperature sensor 21 according to its thermal conductivity. Further, the heat transfer member 22 radiates heat from the outer surface of the portion not in contact with the engine oil 3. That is, the heat transfer member 22 conducts the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 from the portion immersed in the engine oil 3 to the temperature detecting portion 21a of the first temperature sensor 21, and radiates heat from the portion not immersed in oil. . Since the heat dissipation amount accompanying this heat dissipation increases according to the distance from the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3, the temperature transmitted by the heat transfer member 22 decreases corresponding to the increased heat dissipation amount. That is, the temperature detection unit 21a of the first temperature sensor 21 to which the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 is transmitted via the heat transfer member 22 detects a transmission temperature that is lower than the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3. . As described above, the temperature of the portion of the heat transfer member 22 that is not immersed in oil is closer to the oil temperature T1 as it is closer to the engine oil 3, and lower as it is closer to the temperature detection unit 21a. It has a so-called temperature gradient that decreases with the distance from the surface 3a). Since the heat radiation amount is not so large, the temperature drop α is relatively small with respect to the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3. For this reason, when the heat transfer member 22 is immersed in oil, the detected temperature T1a (for example, T1-α) detected by the temperature detection unit 21a is significantly different from the water temperature T3 and the ambient temperature T4. The engine oil 3 is close to the oil temperature T1. From this, when the detected temperature T1a is a value close to the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3, it is determined that the heat transfer member 22 is submerged, and the detected temperature T1a is higher than the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3. When the value is close to T3 or the ambient temperature T4, it can be determined that the heat transfer member 22 is not immersed in oil.

  Since the second temperature detector 25 has the same structure as the first temperature detector 20 described above, a detailed description thereof is omitted for convenience of description. That is, the second temperature sensor 26 of the second temperature detector 25 and its temperature detection unit 26a correspond to the first temperature sensor 21 of the first temperature detector 20 and its temperature detection unit 21a, respectively. Further, the heat transfer member 27 of the second temperature detector 25 and the tip portion 27a thereof correspond to the heat transfer member 22 of the first temperature detector 20 and the tip portion 22a thereof, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the detected temperatures T1a and T1b detected by the first and second temperature sensors 21 and 26 and the position of the oil surface 3a. Since the detected temperatures T1a and T1b change in the same manner, the graphs are overlapped. Therefore, the detection temperature T1a will be described, and the description of the detection temperature T1b will be omitted.

  The detection temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 when the temperature detection unit 21a is immersed in oil (the position of the oil surface 3a is between L1 and L2), and the heat transfer member When a part of the oil 22 is submerged (the position of the oil surface 3a is between L2 and L3), the transmission temperature is a temperature slightly lower than the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3. For example, when only the tip 22a of the heat transfer member 22 is immersed in oil, if the temperature drop due to heat dissipation of the heat transfer member 22 at this time is α1, the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is the temperature T2 ( = T1-α1). Further, the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is from the temperature T2 to the ambient temperature T4, usually the ambient temperature T4 when the heat transfer member 22 is not immersed in oil (the position of the oil surface is between L3 and the bottom surface 2a). It is.

  In the present embodiment, the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 is higher than the cooling water temperature (water temperature T3) of the internal combustion engine, while the ambient temperature T4 in the oil pan 2 is lower than the water temperature T3. Temperature. That is, the relationship between the temperatures is oil temperature T1> temperature T2> water temperature T3> atmosphere temperature T4.

  The ECU 10 is a device that measures, that is, determines the amount of oil stored in the oil pan 2 based on the detected temperatures T1a and T1b obtained from the detection signals of the first temperature detector 20 and the second temperature detector 25. In particular, it includes a microcomputer. This microcomputer is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs numerical calculations and information processing by programs, a non-volatile memory (ROM) that stores programs and data necessary for various controls, and temporarily stores input data and calculation results. A volatile memory (DRAM) is provided. In the present embodiment, the ECU 10 stores in advance a program and parameters for determining the oil amount based on the detected temperatures T1a and T1b in a memory or the like. Then, the ECU 10 determines the amount of oil stored in the oil pan 2 based on execution of arithmetic processing based on the stored programs and parameters by the CPU.

  Further, the ECU 10 determines the inclination of the oil surface 3 a stored in the oil pan 2 based on the acceleration detection signal input from the acceleration sensor 11. That is, the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is maintained in a horizontal state when acceleration or deceleration is not detected due to the vehicle being stopped or traveling at a constant speed. Further, the ECU 10 detects acceleration in the direction of the second temperature sensor 25 or deceleration in the direction of the first temperature sensor 20 due to acceleration, deceleration, tilting, or turning of the vehicle. In this case, it is determined that the oil surface 3a is tilted so that the first thermometer 20 side (left side in FIG. 1) becomes higher. Further, the ECU 10 similarly detects acceleration in the direction of the first temperature sensor 20 and deceleration in the direction of the second temperature sensor 25 as the vehicle accelerates, decelerates, leans, or turns. When it is determined, the oil surface 3a is determined to be inclined such that the second temperature detector 25 side (right side in FIG. 1) is raised.

  Further, the ECU 10 determines whether the internal combustion engine is in a stopped state, an operating state, or an idling state based on the engine rotational speed detected from the rotational speed detection signal input from the engine rotational speed sensor 12. Judging. Further, the ECU 10 determines whether the internal combustion engine is in a warming-up state or a warming-up state based on a water temperature detection signal input from the water temperature sensor 13.

Next, an oil amount determination process performed by the ECU 10 will be described. This determination process is executed when the ECU 10 determines that the internal combustion engine has been warmed up.
First, an oil amount determination process when the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is maintained horizontal will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4A.

  When the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 are both “oil temperature T1”, the ECU 10 determines that the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. Based on this, it is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is sufficient. When both the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 are lower than the “oil temperature T1”, the ECU 10 determines that the position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation. Based on the fact, it is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is insufficient.

Subsequently, the determination process of the oil amount when the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is inclined will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (b).
At this time, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1”, the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is horizontal. The engine oil 3 is determined to be sufficient based on the fact that the position of the engine is at or above the lowest level L2 during operation. Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1> T1b ≧ temperature T2”, that is, the oil surface 3a is inclined. When in the state of the surface LL1, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Thus, the position of the determination time level L3 at the time of inclination where the tip 27a of the heat transfer member 27 is disposed is a position where the oil surface 3a is at a height equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is less than “temperature T2”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the state of the inclined surface LL2. In some cases, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is less than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal.

  Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1> T1a ≧ temperature T2” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is inclined. When in the state of the surface LR1, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1> T1a ≧ temperature T2” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1> T1b ≧ temperature T2”, the ECU 10 Determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is less than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1> T1a ≧ temperature T2” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1> T1b ≧ temperature T2”, the ECU 10 If it is horizontal, it is determined that the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation.

  Further, when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is less than “temperature T2” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the state of the inclined surface LR2. In some cases, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is less than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Also when the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is less than “temperature T2” and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “oil temperature T1> Tb1 ≧ temperature T2” or less than “temperature T2”. The ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the fact that the position of the oil surface 3a is less than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal.

(Function)
Thereby, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the first temperature sensor 21 or the second temperature sensor 26 is immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, the “oil temperature T1” of the engine oil 3. It is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the fact that it is detected. Similarly, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the oil amount measuring device indicates that the first temperature sensor 21 is not immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, the “oil temperature T1” of the engine oil 3 is not detected. Based on the above, it is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is insufficient. Note that the oil amount measuring device indicates that the detected temperatures T1a and T1b are not detecting the “oil temperature T1”, because the first temperature sensor 21 is not submerged in the engine oil 3, and thus the heat transfer members 22 and 27. On the other hand, the detected temperature T1a, T1b is detected when the oil surface 3a of the engine oil 3 is swung.

  The oil amount measuring device is based on the relationship between the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 when the oil surface 3a is inclined (LL1, LL2, LR1, LR2). Then, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined. That is, the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 is “oil temperature T1”, the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 is “temperature T2” or higher, or the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21. Is “temperature T2” or more, and it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 being “oil temperature T1”. On the other hand, when both the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 and the detected temperature T1b of the second temperature sensor 26 are lower than the “oil temperature T1”, or the detected temperature T1a of the first temperature sensor 21 and the second temperature sensor. When at least one of the detected temperatures T1b of 26 is less than “temperature T2,” it is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is insufficient.

As described above, according to the oil amount measuring apparatus of the present embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) The ECU 10 includes heat transmitted through the heat transfer members 22 and 27 extending from the first and second temperature sensors 21 and 26, respectively, and is detected by the first and second temperature sensors 21 and 26. The height of the oil surface 3a is measured from T1a and T1b, and the inclination of the oil surface 3a is detected based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 11. Then, based on the measured height of the oil surface 3a and the detected inclination of the oil surface 3a, the ECU 10 is inclined not only at the height of the oil surface 3a when the oil surface 3a is not inclined. The height of the oil surface 3a can also be determined. For example, when the detected temperatures T1a and T1b of the first or second temperature sensors 21 and 26 are the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3, it is detected that the oil surface 3a is present at the position of the temperature sensor. When the temperatures T1a and T1b are the water temperature T3 and the ambient temperature T4, it is detected that there is no oil surface 3a at the position of the temperature sensor. Furthermore, when the detected temperatures T1a, T1b of the first or second temperature sensors 21, 26 are lower than the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3, but closer to the oil temperature T1 than the water temperature T3 or the ambient temperature T4, the heat transfer member 22 27 are immersed in the engine oil 3. Furthermore, the detected temperatures T1a and T1b of the first and second temperature sensors 21 and 26 are such that the difference from the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 increases according to the distance from the heat transfer members 22 and 27 to the temperature sensor. Therefore, the distance from the temperature sensor can also be determined. For this reason, this oil amount measuring device is based on the height of the oil surface 3a specified by the detected temperatures T1a and T1b of the first or second temperature sensors 21 and 26 when the oil surface 3a is not inclined. It is possible to determine whether the oil amount is sufficient or insufficient. Further, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface is inclined, the height of the oil surface 3a specified by the detected temperatures T1a and T1b of the first or second temperature sensors 21 and 26 and the oil surface 3a are inclined. It is possible to determine whether the amount of oil is sufficient or insufficient based on Accordingly, even when the oil surface 3a in the oil pan 2 is inclined due to acceleration, deceleration, inclination, turning, etc., as in an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, for example, the oil amount of the internal combustion engine is set appropriately. Will be able to measure.

  (2) Since the first temperature detector 20 and the second temperature detector 25 are provided in the oil pan 2 as far as possible from each other, the inclination of the oil surface 3a caused by acceleration, deceleration, and turning In addition, the inclination of the oil surface 3a caused by the inclination of the oil pan 2 itself can be detected with higher accuracy.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the oil amount measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The oil amount measurement device of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second temperature detector 25 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the fourth temperature detector 35, which is the same as that of the second temperature detector 25. For the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the oil pan 2, a third thermometer 30 and a fourth thermometer 35 are provided at positions adjacent to the third thermometer 30. The third thermometer 30 has the same configuration as the first thermometer 20 of the first embodiment, and is connected to the third temperature sensor 31 and the third temperature sensor 31 so as to be able to conduct heat. A heat transfer member 32 is provided. And the 3rd temperature sensor 31 has the temperature detection part 31a in the front-end | tip part, and the heat-transfer member 32 has the front-end | tip part 32a from the 3rd temperature sensor 31 to the bottom face 2a of the oil pan 2, ie, the downward direction. And the 3rd temperature detector 30 is arrange | positioned in the oil pan 2, and while the temperature detection part 31a of the 3rd temperature sensor 31 is arrange | positioned in the position of the lowest level L1 at the time of a stop, The tip 32a is disposed at the position of the lowest level L2 during operation.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the detected temperature T2a detected by the third thermometer 30 becomes the oil temperature T1 when the oil level 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L1 when stopped. Further, the detected temperature T2a detected by the third temperature detector 30 is less than the lowest level L1 at the time of stoppage and is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 at the time of operation due to heat radiation of the heat transfer member 32 from the oil temperature T1. This is a lowered temperature, and the oil temperature T1> T2a ≧ temperature T2. Further, the detected temperature T2a detected by the third thermometer 30 is obtained by subtracting the lowering temperature α1 that is the lowest due to heat dissipation of the heat transfer member 32 from the oil temperature T1 when the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation. The temperature is lower than the temperature T2 (temperature T2> T2a ≧ atmosphere temperature T4).

  The fourth temperature sensor 35 includes a fourth temperature sensor 36 having a configuration similar to that of the first temperature sensor 21 of the first embodiment, and the fourth temperature sensor 36 includes a temperature detection unit 36a at the tip. Have. The heat transfer member 22 is connected to the first temperature sensor 21, but the heat transfer member is not connected to the fourth temperature sensor 36 of the present embodiment. And the 4th temperature sensor 35 is arrange | positioned in the oil pan 2 so that the temperature detection part 36a of the 4th temperature sensor 36 may be arrange | positioned in the position of the judgment level L3 at the time of inclination.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the detected temperature T2b detected by the fourth thermometer 35 becomes the oil temperature T1 when the oil surface 3a is at or above the determination time level L3 when tilting. On the other hand, the detected temperature T2b detected by the fourth temperature detector 35 is a temperature lower than the oil temperature T1, for example, the ambient temperature T4, when the oil surface 3a is lower than the judgment level L3 when tilting.

  Next, an oil amount determination process performed by the ECU 10 performed based on the detected temperatures T2a and T2b of the third temperature detector 30 and the fourth temperature detector 35 will be described. This determination process is executed when the ECU 10 determines that the warm-up has been completed.

First, the determination process of the oil amount when the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is maintained horizontal will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8A.
When the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is “oil temperature T1” or “oil temperature T1> T2a ≧ temperature T2”, the oil surface The position 3a is at the position of the lowest level L1, L11, or the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the position of the oil surface 3a being a height equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. When the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is less than “temperature T2”, the position of the oil surface 3a is the lowest level L2 during operation. It will be lower than the position. That is, the ECU 10 determines that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the position of the oil surface 3a being less than the lowest level L2 during operation.

  The oil amount determination process when the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is tilted so that the third temperature sensor 31 side becomes higher will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) and 8 (b). To do.

  At this time, when the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the inclined surface LL1. If the oil level is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is less than “oil temperature T1,” that is, “oil temperature T1> T2a ≧ temperature T2” and the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1”. In other words, when the oil surface 3a is in the state of the inclined surface LL2, if it is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is below the lowest level L2 during operation. At this time, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient. Similarly, the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is less than “oil temperature T1,” that is, “T2a <temperature T2”, and the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1” or lower. In this case, if it is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient.

  In addition, referring to FIGS. 7B and 8C, the ECU 10 determines the oil amount when the oil surface 3a is inclined so that the opposite side of the third temperature sensor 31 is higher. I will explain.

  At this time, when the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is less than “temperature T2” and the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the state of the inclined surface LR1. If the oil level is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 is lower than “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 is lower than “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the inclined surface LR2. If the oil level is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is below the lowest level L2 during operation, and the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient.

(Function)
Thereby, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the first temperature sensor 21 or the heat transfer member 32 is immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3, Alternatively, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on detecting the temperature T2 or higher. Similarly, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the oil amount measuring device is based on the fact that the first temperature sensor 21 is not immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, detects that the temperature is less than T2. It is determined that the amount of oil is insufficient. That is, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined regardless of the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36.

  Further, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is inclined (LL1, LL2) so that the third temperature sensor 31 side becomes higher, the third temperature sensor 31 is immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, the engine Based on whether or not the oil temperature T1 of the oil 3 is detected, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined. That is, based on the detection temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 detecting the oil temperature T1, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31 does not detect the oil temperature T1, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient. That is, also in this case, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined regardless of the detection temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36.

  On the other hand, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is inclined (LR1, LR2) so that the opposite side of the third temperature sensor 31 is higher, the fourth temperature sensor 36 is immersed in the engine oil 3. That is, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined based on whether or not the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3 is detected. That is, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the detection temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 detecting the oil temperature T1. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T2b of the fourth temperature sensor 36 does not detect the oil temperature T1, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient. That is, in this case, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined regardless of the detected temperature T2a of the third temperature sensor 31.

As described above, according to the oil amount measuring apparatus of the present embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) described in the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(3) Since the third temperature detector 30 and the fourth temperature detector 35 are installed in a position close to the inside of the oil pan 2, the oil amount measuring device includes the third temperature detector 30 and the fourth temperature detector 35. The structure can be facilitated such that the support can be shared in the arrangement.

(4) The structure of the oil amount measuring device is simplified because no heat transfer member is connected to the fourth temperature detector 35. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor and parts cost for mounting.
(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the oil amount measurement device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The oil amount measuring device of the present embodiment has a configuration in which one fifth temperature detector 40 having two temperature sensors is provided, and thus the first temperature detector 20 and the second temperature measurement of the first embodiment. Although the configuration is different from the configuration including the device 25, the other configurations are the same. Therefore, for the convenience of description, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The fifth temperature sensor 40 has a configuration in which two temperature sensors are provided in the first temperature sensor 20 of the first embodiment while changing the height in the vertical direction, and a fifth temperature sensor 41 and a sixth temperature sensor are provided. 42 and one heat transfer member 43 connected to the fifth and sixth temperature sensors 41 and 42 so as to be able to conduct heat. That is, in the fifth thermometer 40, the fifth temperature sensor 41, the sixth temperature sensor 42, and the heat transfer member 43 are integrated. The fifth temperature sensor 41 has a temperature detector 41 a at the tip, the sixth temperature sensor 42 has a temperature detector 42 a at the tip, and the heat transfer member 43 is connected to the fifth and sixth temperature sensors 41, 42. The oil pan 2 has a front end portion 43a in the direction of the bottom surface 2a, that is, on the lower side. The fifth and sixth temperature sensors 41 and 42 are both composed of the same temperature sensor, and the fifth temperature sensor 41 is disposed at the position where the temperature detection unit 41a is at the lowest level L1 when stopped, and the sixth temperature sensor The temperature detector 42 a is disposed at a position (level L 21) between the temperature detector 41 a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 and the tip 43 a of the heat transfer member 43.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the detected temperature T3a detected by the fifth temperature sensor 41 becomes the oil temperature T1 when the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L1 when stopped. Further, the detected temperature T3a detected by the fifth temperature sensor 41 is a temperature lowered from the oil temperature T1 by the heat radiation of the heat transfer member 43 when the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the judgment level L3 at the time of inclination, that is, the oil temperature T1> The temperature is in the range of T3a ≧ temperature T2. Further, the detected temperature T3a detected by the fifth temperature sensor 41 is lower than the temperature T2 (temperature T2> T3a ≧ atmosphere temperature T4) when the oil surface 3a is less than the judgment level L3 when tilting.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the detected temperature T3b detected by the sixth temperature sensor 42 is the oil temperature T1 when the oil surface 3a is higher than the level L21. On the other hand, the detected temperature T3b detected by the sixth temperature sensor 42 is such that when the height of the oil surface 3a is less than the level L21, the oil temperature T1> T3b ≧ temperature T13 and the height of the oil surface 3a is inclined. When the level is lower than the determination level L3, the temperature is lower than the temperature T2, for example, the ambient temperature T4.

  Next, an oil amount determination process performed by the ECU 10 performed based on the detected temperatures T3a and T3b detected by the fifth and sixth temperature sensors 41 and 42, respectively, will be described. This determination process is executed when the ECU 10 determines that the warm-up has been completed.

  First, an oil amount determination process when the ECU 10 determines that the oil surface 3a is maintained horizontal will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12A. At this time, when the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is “oil temperature T1” or “oil temperature T1> T3a ≧ temperature T11”. The position of the oil surface 3a is at the lowest level L1 when stopped or at the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the position of the oil surface 3a being a height equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. When the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1” or “oil temperature T1> T3b ≧ temperature T13” and the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is less than “temperature T11”, The position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation. That is, the ECU 10 determines that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient based on the position of the oil surface 3a being less than the lowest level L2 during operation.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 11 (a) and 12 (b), the ECU 10 determines the oil amount when the oil surface 3a is inclined so that the fifth temperature sensor 41 side becomes higher. explain.

  At this time, when the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is “oil temperature T1” and the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the inclined surface LL1. If the oil level is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is equal to or higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. Therefore, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is “oil temperature T1> T3a ≧ temperature T11” and the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1”, that is, the oil surface 3a is inclined. When in the state of the surface LL2, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient because the position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation if it is horizontal. Further, the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is “temperature T11> T3a ≧ temperature T2” or “temperature T2> T3a”, and the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1” or higher. When the temperature is lower, if it is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is less than the lowest level L2 during operation, so the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient.

  In addition, referring to FIGS. 11B and 12C, the ECU 10 determines the oil amount when the oil surface 3a is inclined so that the opposite side of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is higher. I will explain.

  The detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is “temperature T1 ≧ T3a ≧ temperature T2”, and the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is “oil temperature T1” or “oil temperature T1> T3a ≧ temperature T13”. In other words, that is, when the oil surface 3a is at a height higher than the inclined surface LR1, if it is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a becomes a position higher than the lowest level L2 during operation. At this time, the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is lower than “temperature T2” and the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 is lower than “temperature T13”, that is, the oil surface 3a is in the state of the inclined surface LR2. If it is horizontal, the position of the oil surface 3a is lower than the lowest level L2 during operation, so the ECU 10 determines that the engine oil 3 is insufficient.

(Function)
Thereby, in the oil amount measuring apparatus, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the fifth temperature sensor 41 detects the oil temperature T11 or more, and the sixth temperature sensor 42 is immersed in the engine oil 3. That is, based on detecting the oil temperature T1 of the engine oil 3, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is not inclined, the fifth temperature sensor 41 detects that the temperature is less than T11, or the sixth temperature sensor 42 detects that the temperature is less than “oil temperature T1”. Therefore, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient.

  Further, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is inclined so that the fifth temperature sensor 41 side becomes higher, the fifth temperature sensor 41 is immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, the oil temperature of the engine oil 3 The oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined based on whether or not T1 is detected. That is, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is sufficient based on the detection temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 detecting “oil temperature T1”. On the other hand, when the detected temperature T3a of the third temperature sensor 31 does not detect the “oil temperature T1”, it is determined that the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is insufficient. That is, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined regardless of the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42.

  On the other hand, in the oil amount measuring device, when the oil surface 3a is inclined so that the opposite side of the fifth temperature sensor 41 is higher, the heat transfer member 43 is immersed in the engine oil 3, that is, “ The oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined based on whether or not the oil temperature T1 ”or a temperature lower than the“ oil temperature 1 ”by the amount of heat radiated from the heat transfer member 43 is detected. That is, the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 detects a temperature equal to or higher than “temperature T2”, or the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 detects a temperature equal to or higher than “temperature T13”. Based on the above, it is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is sufficient. On the other hand, the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41 detects a temperature equal to or higher than “temperature T2”, or the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 detects a temperature lower than “oil temperature T13”. It is determined that the amount of engine oil 3 is insufficient. That is, the oil amount of the engine oil 3 is determined based on at least one of the detected temperature T3b of the sixth temperature sensor 42 and the detected temperature T3a of the fifth temperature sensor 41.

As described above, according to the oil amount measuring apparatus of the present embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) described in the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(5) Since the fifth temperature sensor 41 and the sixth temperature sensor 42 are provided in one fifth temperature sensor 40, the oil amount measuring device is arranged in the fifth temperature sensor 40 according to the arrangement of the fifth temperature sensor 40. And since the 6th temperature sensor 42 comes to be arrange | positioned, the structure comes to become easy.

  (6) The structure of the oil amount measuring device is simplified by integrating the fifth temperature sensor 41 and the sixth temperature sensor 42. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor and parts cost for mounting.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, each said embodiment can also be implemented in the following aspects, for example.
In the first embodiment, the case where the oil surface 3a is tilted is illustrated, but the direction in which the oil surface tilts is the same as the direction in which the two detection units can detect different heights, and the acceleration sensor Any direction may be used as long as acceleration in the direction can be detected. That is, this oil amount measuring device can adjust the direction in which the oil amount can be determined even from an inclined oil surface to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the left-right direction, the direction in which they are combined, and the like. Thereby, the applicability of the oil amount measuring device in the vehicle can be improved.

  In the second and third embodiments, the case where the oil surface 3a is tilted is illustrated, but the direction in which the oil surface is tilted may be any direction as long as it is the direction of acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. That is, the direction in which the oil surface is tilted may be a direction in which the third, fourth, and fifth temperature detectors 30, 35, and 40 can detect a change in oil height when the acceleration sensor detects acceleration. That is, this oil amount measuring device can adjust the direction in which the oil amount can be determined even from an inclined oil surface to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the left-right direction, the direction in which they are combined, and the like. Thereby, the applicability of the oil amount measuring device in the vehicle can be improved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the oil amount measuring device is exemplified for the case where the oil amount determination process is not performed during warm-up. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the oil amount measuring device and the oil amount determination process during warm-up are illustrated. May be performed. Even in this case, since it is known that the engine is warming up, the oil amount may be determined in consideration of the warming up. This also improves the degree of design freedom and applicability of the oil amount measuring device.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the heat transfer member 22 is a metal such as iron is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heat transfer member may be a nonmetal such as a carbon nanotube or a ceramic. This also improves the degree of design freedom and applicability of the oil amount measuring device.

  L1: lowest level when stopped, L2: lowest level during operation, L3: judgment level when tilting, T1 ... oil temperature, T2 ... temperature, T3 ... water temperature, T4 ... atmospheric temperature, LL1 ... slope, LL2 ... slope, LR1 ... Inclined surface, LR2 ... Inclined surface, 1 ... Cylinder block, 2 ... Oil pan, 2a ... Bottom surface, 3 ... Engine oil, 3a ... Oil surface, 10 ... ECU (electronic control unit), 11 ... Acceleration sensor, 12 ... Engine Rotational speed sensor, 13 ... Water temperature sensor, 20 ... First temperature detector, 21 ... First temperature sensor, 21a ... Temperature detector, 22 ... Heat transfer member, 22a ... Tip, 25 ... Second temperature detector, 26 2nd temperature sensor, 26a ... Temperature detection part, 27 ... Heat transfer member, 27a ... Tip part, 30 ... 3rd thermometer, 31 ... 3rd temperature sensor, 31a ... Temperature detection part, 32 ... Heat transfer member, 32a ... tip, 35 ... fourth temperature measurement , 36 ... fourth temperature sensor, 36a ... temperature detector, 40 ... fifth temperature detector, 41 ... fifth temperature sensor, 41a ... temperature detector, 42 ... sixth temperature sensor, 42a ... temperature detector, 43 ... Heat transfer member, 43a ... tip.

Claims (1)

An oil amount measuring device that measures an oil amount based on detecting contact and separation of oil stored in an oil pan by a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in the oil pan,
An acceleration sensor that detects the inclination of the oil surface in the oil pan, and a predetermined sensor that is provided in at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors and extends from the corresponding temperature sensor toward the bottom of the oil pan. A heat transfer member having a temperature gradient of, and a measurement unit to which the detection values of the plurality of temperature sensors and the detection values of the acceleration sensor are respectively input,
The plurality of temperature sensors are arranged in the oil pan so as to be different from each other with respect to the inclination of the oil surface in the oil pan,
The measurement unit measures the amount of oil in the oil pan based on the inclination of the oil surface detected by the acceleration sensor and the height of the oil surface determined from the temperature detected by each temperature sensor. An oil amount measuring device characterized by that.

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