Arrangement and procedure for pressurizing a cooling system to cool an internal combustion engine in a vehicle

Abstract

An arrangement and procedure for pressurizing a cooling system that cools an internal combustion engine (2) in a vehicle (1). The cooling system includes a coolant pump (3) for circulating the coolant in the cooling system, an expansion tank (12) allowing the coolant in the cooling system to expand, and a pressure relief valve (15) that releases air when a specific pressure is reached in the cooling system. A compressed air-entraining device (17-21) allows compressed air to be supplied to the cooling system by supplying a continuous air flow to the cooling system while the internal combustion engine (2) is operational, and to supplying an air flow of a size at least equal to the estimated leakage from the cooling system.

Description

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement and procedure for pressurizing a cooling system to cool an internal combustion engine in a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claims 1 and 11.

[0002] The coolant circulating in a cooling system for cooling an internal combustion engine generally has an operating temperature of some 80-100° C. When cold-started, the coolant in the internal combustion engine is at a considerably lower temperature. However, the coolant occupies a greater volume in the cooling system when warm than when cold. In order to allow the volume of the coolant to change in an operational state, the cooling system includes an expansion tank. The expansion tank is made up of an enclosed space containing air and coolant. The expansion tank is fitted with a filler cap and a pressure relief valve which limits the pressure in the latter as well as a non-return valve which prevents underpressure occurring in the tank....

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle 1 operated by a supercharged internal combustion engine 2. The vehicle 1 can advantageously be a heavy vehicle. The internal combustion engine 2 can be a diesel engine. The internal combustion engine 2 is cooled by the coolant circulating in a cooling system. A coolant pump 3 circulates the coolant in the cooling system and through the internal combustion engine 2. After cooling the internal combustion engine 2, the coolant is conveyed along a line 4 to a thermostat 5 in the cooling system. Before the coolant reaches normal operating temperature, the thermostat 5 is set to convey the coolant, via a line 6, to the coolant pump 3, which is laid out in a line 7. Since the thermostat 5 conveys the coolant to the coolant pump 3, the coolant is circulated in the cooling system without cooling off. As soon as the coolant reaches a temperature exceeding a predetermined operating temperature, the thermostat 5 conveys the coolant, via a...

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement and procedure for pressurizing a cooling system to cool an internal combustion engine in a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claims 1 and 11.

[0002] The coolant circulating in a cooling system for cooling an internal combustion engine generally has an operating temperature of some 80-100° C. When cold-started, the coolant in the internal combustion engine is at a considerably lower temperature. However, the coolant occupies a greater volume in the cooling system when warm than when cold. In order to allow the volume of the coolant to change in an operational state, the cooling system includes an expansion tank. The expansion tank is made up of an enclosed space containing air and coolant. The expansion tank is fitted with a filler cap and a pressure relief valve which limits the pressure in the latter as well as a non-return valve which prevents underpressure occurring in the tank....

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle 1 operated by a supercharged internal combustion engine 2. The vehicle 1 can advantageously be a heavy vehicle. The internal combustion engine 2 can be a diesel engine. The internal combustion engine 2 is cooled by the coolant circulating in a cooling system. A coolant pump 3 circulates the coolant in the cooling system and through the internal combustion engine 2. After cooling the internal combustion engine 2, the coolant is conveyed along a line 4 to a thermostat 5 in the cooling system. Before the coolant reaches normal operating temperature, the thermostat 5 is set to convey the coolant, via a line 6, to the coolant pump 3, which is laid out in a line 7. Since the thermostat 5 conveys the coolant to the coolant pump 3, the coolant is circulated in the cooling system without cooling off. As soon as the coolant reaches a temperature exceeding a predetermined operating temperature, the thermostat 5 conveys the coolant, via a...

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