Vehicle Cooling Water Distribution Device and Liquid Flow Detection Method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vehicle cooling water distribution device and a liquid flow detection method. The vehicle cooling water distribution device includes: a valve body; the valve body includes a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel; the liquid inlet channel includes a total liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid outlet and a flow detection device; the total liquid inlet, the flow detection device, the second liquid outlet and the first liquid outlet are arranged in sequence along a first direction; the liquid outlet channel includes a total liquid outlet, a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet, and the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet and the total liquid outlet are arranged in sequence along a second direction; the first direction is the liquid inlet direction of the liquid inlet channel, and the second direction is the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet channel. The vehicle cooling water distribution device of the present invention can cool the urea solution nozzle while heating the urea tank of the diesel vehicle, ensuring that the diesel vehicle can normally reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas in cold weather, and the engine water pump of the vehicle can adjust the flow rate of the cooling water according to the feedback of the flow detection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobiles, and more specifically, to a vehicle cooling water distribution device and a liquid flow detection method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in order to meet the emission standards, diesel vehicles all use urea solution to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. Since the urea solution will freeze below -11°C, it is necessary to heat the urea solution in a cold environment to ensure normal operation. At the same time, when the urea solution is sprayed into the catalytic converter, in order to prevent the nozzle from overheating, it is also necessary to cool the nozzle. Therefore, the whole vehicle needs to distribute the cooling water to the catalytic converter nozzle and the urea tank.

[0003] There are currently two cooling water distribution schemes:

[0004] Scheme 1: Direct pipeline connection, using a tee for branching.

[0005] In this scheme, water is first taken from the engine cooling system, then extends backward to the rear of the whole vehicle through the pipeline, and a tee joint is used for branching.

[0006] Scheme 2: Use a distribution module with solenoid valves for distribution.

[0007] In this scheme, water is first taken from the engine cooling system, and then the cooling water is distributed through the distribution module. The module is equipped with solenoid valves, which can close the water path leading to the urea tank in summer or when the ambient temperature is relatively high.

[0008] Disadvantages of the prior art:

[0009] 1) For Scheme 1:

[0010] Using a tee structure often leads to messy pipelines, poor design versatility, inability to control the flow rate, inability to achieve precise temperature control of the urea tank, and inability to achieve temperature protection for the engine.

[0011] 2) For Scheme 2:

[0012] Using a distribution module can improve design versatility. The solenoid valve can close or open the solenoid valve at a certain temperature point, which can improve the temperature control of the urea tank to a certain extent. However, since there is no flow feedback in this control, it is necessary to calibrate the engine in advance to determine whether the water flow rate meets the heating power requirements. In this way, relevant calibration work often needs to be carried out for different engines, which is often time-consuming and laborious.

[0013] Therefore, how to provide a vehicle cooling water distribution device that can monitor the cooling water flow rate and then adjust the cooling water distribution has become a technical problem urgently to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle cooling water distribution device and a liquid flow detection method capable of monitoring the cooling water flow rate and then adjusting the cooling water distribution.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle cooling water distribution device, including a valve body; the valve body includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel; the inlet channel includes a total inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet and a flow detection device; the total inlet, the flow detection device, the second outlet and the first outlet are arranged in sequence along a first direction; the outlet channel includes a total outlet, a first inlet and a second inlet, and the first inlet, the second inlet and the total outlet are arranged in sequence along a second direction; the first direction is the inlet direction of the inlet channel, and the second direction is the outlet direction of the outlet channel.

[0016] Optionally, the valve body includes a first installation channel and a second installation channel; the first installation channel and the second installation channel communicate from the outside of the valve body to the inlet channel;

[0017] The flow detection device includes: a first ultrasonic probe, a second ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic reflector; the first ultrasonic probe is installed in the first installation channel, and the second ultrasonic probe is installed in the second installation channel; the ultrasonic reflector is installed in the inlet channel; the included angle between the axis of the first ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflector is a first preset angle; the included angle between the axis of the second ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflector is a second preset angle; the first preset angle is equal to the second preset angle; the ultrasonic signal emitted by the first ultrasonic probe can be reflected by the ultrasonic reflector to the second ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic signal emitted by the second ultrasonic probe can be reflected by the reflector to the second ultrasonic probe.

[0018] Optionally, the first preset angle is 45 degrees.

[0019] Optionally, the vehicle cooling water distribution device further includes a total inlet pipe, a first inlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, a total outlet pipe, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe respectively connected to the valve body; the total inlet pipe is communicated with the total inlet; the first inlet pipe is communicated with the first inlet; the second inlet pipe is communicated with the second inlet; the total outlet pipe is communicated with the total outlet; the first outlet pipe is communicated with the first outlet; the second outlet pipe is communicated with the second outlet.

[0020] Optionally, the diameter of the first outlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the second outlet pipe.

[0021] Optionally, the diameter of the first liquid inlet pipe is larger than that of the second liquid inlet pipe.

[0022] Optionally, the first liquid inlet pipe and the second liquid inlet pipe are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] Optionally, the first liquid outlet pipe and the second liquid outlet pipe are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] Optionally, the valve body further includes connecting counterbores. There are two connecting counterbores, and the two connecting counterbores are arranged in sequence in the first direction.

[0025] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a liquid flow rate detection method is provided. The flow rate detection is performed using the flow rate detection device of the vehicle cooling water distribution device according to any one of the first aspects of the present invention. The detection method includes: the first ultrasonic probe emits a first ultrasonic wave. After the first ultrasonic wave reaches the reflection surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector, it is reflected towards the second ultrasonic probe. The second ultrasonic probe receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T1 of the first ultrasonic wave from the first ultrasonic probe to the second ultrasonic probe; after the second ultrasonic probe receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector, the second ultrasonic probe emits a second ultrasonic wave. After the second ultrasonic wave reaches the reflection surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector, it is reflected to the first ultrasonic probe. The first ultrasonic probe receives the second ultrasonic wave and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T2 of the second ultrasonic wave from the second ultrasonic probe to the first ultrasonic probe; calculates the liquid flow velocity V in the liquid inlet channel according to the difference between the T1 and the T2; calculates the liquid flow rate in the liquid inlet channel according to the liquid flow velocity V and the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet channel.

[0026] According to the technical content disclosed by the present invention, the following beneficial effects are achieved:

[0027] 1) This solution can achieve the centralized distribution of the engine cooling water, while providing heating and insulation for the urea tank and cooling the post-processor nozzles, improving the design versatility.

[0028] 2) This solution designs a flow rate detection, which can achieve the detection of the cooling water flow rate. Through the cooperation of the water temperature detection, it can effectively control the water flow rate and the output power of the engine water pump, and can achieve a relatively accurate control of the urea tank temperature, preventing the urea tank from being too cold or too hot.

[0029] Through the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear. Description of the Drawings

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a vehicle cooling water distribution device provided according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a front view of a vehicle cooling water distribution device provided according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a top view of a vehicle cooling water distribution device provided according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 the sectional view at A-A in

[0035] Figure 5 It is Figure 3 the sectional view at C-C in

[0036] Figure 6 It is a matching diagram of the vehicle cooling water distribution device and the urea tank provided according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a circuit architecture diagram of the flow detection device.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals: 1-valve body, 2-inlet liquid channel, 3-outlet liquid channel, 201-total inlet, 202-first outlet, 203-second outlet, 4-flow detection device, 301-total outlet, 302-first inlet, 303-second inlet, 101-first installation channel, 102-second installation channel, 103-counterbore, 401-first ultrasonic probe, 402-second ultrasonic probe, 403-ultrasonic reflector, 5-total inlet pipe, 6-first inlet pipe, 7-second inlet pipe, 8-total outlet pipe, 9-first outlet pipe, 10-second outlet pipe, 11-urea tank, 1201-first connecting pipe, 1202-second connecting pipe, 1203-third connecting pipe, 1204-fourth connecting pipe. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] Now, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that: unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended as a limitation on the present invention or its application or use.

[0041] Known technologies, methods, and devices that are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be considered as part of the specification.

[0042] In all of the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0043] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, further discussion thereof is not required in subsequent figures.

[0044] Embodiment of a vehicle cooling water distribution device:

[0045] In this embodiment, the first direction is the liquid inlet direction in the liquid inlet channel 2, the second direction is the liquid outlet direction in the liquid outlet channel 3, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0046] See Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a vehicle cooling water distribution device, comprising a valve body 1, a first ultrasonic probe 401, a second ultrasonic probe 402, an ultrasonic reflector 403, a total liquid inlet pipe 5, a first liquid inlet pipe 6, a second liquid inlet pipe 7, a total liquid outlet pipe 8, a first liquid outlet pipe 9, and a second liquid outlet pipe 10.

[0047] The valve body 1 includes a liquid inlet channel 2 and a liquid outlet channel 3, a first installation channel 101, a second installation 102 channel, and a connecting counterbore 103. Among them, the liquid inlet channel 2 and the liquid outlet channel 3 are located inside the valve body 1, and the liquid inlet channel 2 and the liquid outlet channel 3 are arranged in parallel and do not communicate with each other. The liquid inlet channel 2 includes a total liquid inlet 201, a first liquid outlet 202, and a second liquid outlet 203. The total liquid inlet 201, the second liquid outlet 203, and the first liquid outlet 202 are arranged in sequence along the first direction; the first installation channel 101 is provided on the valve body 1 body, and the first installation channel 101 communicates with the liquid inlet channel 2 and the outside of the valve body 1. The second installation channel 102 communicates with the liquid inlet channel 2 and the outside of the valve body 1. The liquid outlet channel 3 includes a total liquid outlet 301, a first liquid inlet 302, and a second liquid inlet 303. The first liquid inlet 302, the second liquid inlet 303, and the total liquid outlet 301 are arranged in sequence along the second direction. Two connecting counterbores 103 are located on the upper surface of the valve body 1 for fixedly connecting the valve body 1, and the two connecting counterbores 103 are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

[0048] See Figure 2 and Figure 4, the flow detection device 4 of this embodiment includes a first ultrasonic probe 401, a second ultrasonic probe 402, and an ultrasonic reflector 403; the first ultrasonic probe 401 is installed in the first installation channel 101, and the second ultrasonic probe 402 is installed in the second installation channel 102; the ultrasonic reflector is installed in the liquid inlet channel 2; along the first direction, the axis of the first ultrasonic probe 401 is set at a 45-degree angle with the ultrasonic reflector 403, and along the second direction, the axis of the second ultrasonic probe 402 is set at a 45-degree angle with the ultrasonic reflector 403. The total liquid inlet 201, the second installation 102 channel, the first installation channel 101, and the second liquid outlet 203 are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

[0049] See Figures 3 to 5 , the total liquid inlet pipe 5 and the first liquid outlet pipe 9 have the same diameter, and the diameter of the total liquid inlet pipe 5 is greater than that of the second liquid outlet pipe 10; the first liquid inlet pipe 6 and the total liquid outlet pipe 8 have the same diameter, and the diameter of the first liquid inlet pipe 6 is greater than that of the second liquid inlet pipe 7. The total liquid inlet pipe 5 is communicated with the total liquid inlet 201; the first liquid inlet pipe 6 is communicated with the first liquid inlet 302; the second liquid inlet pipe 7 is communicated with the second liquid inlet 303; the total liquid outlet pipe 8 is communicated with the total liquid outlet 301; the first liquid outlet pipe 9 is communicated with the first liquid outlet 202; the second liquid outlet pipe 10 is communicated with the second liquid outlet 203. The first liquid inlet pipe 6 and the second liquid inlet pipe 7 are perpendicular to each other. The first liquid outlet pipe 9 and the second liquid outlet pipe 10 are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] See Figure 6 , in the working state, the extended ends of the third connecting pipe 1203 are respectively connected to the first liquid inlet pipe 6 and the coolant outlet end of the urea tank 11, the extended ends of the fourth connecting pipe 1204 are respectively connected to the first liquid outlet pipe 9 and the coolant inlet end of the urea tank 11, the extended ends of the first connecting pipe 1201 are respectively connected to the second liquid outlet pipe 10 and the coolant inlet end of the catalytic converter nozzle, and the extended ends of the second connecting pipe 1202 are respectively connected to the second liquid inlet pipe 7 and the coolant outlet end of the catalytic converter nozzle. The total liquid inlet pipe 5 is connected to the outlet of the engine water pump, and the total liquid outlet pipe 8 is connected to the inlet of the engine water pump. The coolant pumped out by the engine water pump is distributed by the valve body 1 and then respectively transported to the urea tank 11 and the catalytic converter nozzle for cooling or heating. The coolant respectively transported to the urea tank 11 and the catalytic converter nozzle flows back to the liquid outlet channel 3 through the first liquid inlet pipe 6 and the second liquid inlet pipe 7 and enters the engine water pump through the total liquid outlet pipe 8.

[0051] The present invention measures the coolant flow in the liquid inlet channel 2 through the flow detection device 4 to monitor the cooling water flow, and then feeds it back to the engine controller (ECU) for processing. The ECU comprehensively detects the ambient temperature and the cooling water temperature and outputs to control the engine water pump, increasing the water pump speed when it is necessary to increase the heating power, and decreasing the water pump speed when it is necessary to reduce the water flow.

[0052] Embodiment of the liquid flow detection method:

[0053] For the liquid flow detection method, the flow detection is performed using the flow detection device of the embodiment of the vehicle cooling water distribution device of the present invention. The detection method includes: the first ultrasonic probe 401 emits the first ultrasonic wave. After the first ultrasonic wave reaches the reflecting surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector 403, it is reflected towards the second ultrasonic probe 402. The second ultrasonic probe 402 receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector 403 and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T1 of the first ultrasonic wave from the first ultrasonic probe 401 to the second ultrasonic probe 402. After the second ultrasonic probe 402 receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector, the second ultrasonic probe 402 emits the second ultrasonic wave. After the second ultrasonic wave reaches the reflecting surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector 403, it is reflected to the first ultrasonic probe 401. The first ultrasonic probe 401 receives the second ultrasonic wave and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T2 of the second ultrasonic wave from the second ultrasonic probe 402 to the first ultrasonic probe 401. Calculate the liquid flow velocity V in the liquid inlet channel according to the difference between T1 and T2. Calculate the liquid flow rate in the liquid inlet channel according to the liquid flow velocity V and the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet channel.

[0054] The measurement principle of this embodiment is the time difference method: the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the fluid along the fluid direction is faster than that against the fluid direction. According to the time difference between the ultrasonic waves emitted from the first ultrasonic probe 401 and the second ultrasonic probe 402 and the time when the signals are received, the fluid velocity can be calculated, and thus the fluid flow rate can be indirectly calculated. The ultrasonic drive and time difference calculation are carried out as Figure 7The circuit architecture shown. Specifically, this flow detection circuit architecture includes an ultrasonic drive chip, a timer chip, a microprocessor, an ultrasonic probe, a transistor oscillator, and a reference resistor. The ultrasonic drive chip has two ultrasonic transmission interfaces TX1 and TX2, and also two ultrasonic reception interfaces RX1 and RX2. The ultrasonic drive chip is connected to the upper microprocessor through enable, reset, error status, and serial communication. The ultrasonic drive chip is connected to the timer chip through start, stop, and trigger. The timer chip is used to receive the measurement start and measurement stop signals from the ultrasonic drive chip, and trigger the measurement through the trigger interface. The timer chip uploads the measured time difference to the microprocessor through the serial data communication line. The transistor oscillator is used to generate a clock pulse reference to provide clock synchronization for the serial communication between the ultrasonic drive chip, the timer chip, and the microprocessor. The specific measurement process is as follows: The microprocessor unit issues an enable signal, selects the ultrasonic drive chip, and initializes and programs the ultrasonic chip through the serial communication interface. The initialization programming sets the ultrasonic excitation frequency of the ultrasonic drive chip to be consistent with the natural frequency of the ultrasonic probe. Then the microprocessor selects the timer chip through the enable terminal. The timer chip issues a trigger pulse signal, and the ultrasonic starts to run the measurement process according to the mode programmed by the microprocessor. First, TX1 transmits an ultrasonic signal to excite the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves, and at the same time sends a start signal to the timer chip. RX1 receives the signal and sends a stop signal. The timer chip calculates the time difference and sends an interrupt request to the microprocessor. When the microprocessor has idle time, it issues an enable signal, and the timer transmits the time difference data to the microprocessor through the serial data communication interface. The microprocessor calculates the flow rate according to the pre-compiled program and transmits the flow rate data to the engine controller through the CAN bus. After the engine controller obtains the data, it comprehensively considers the engine water temperature and the ambient temperature, adjusts the engine water pump speed and output power, thereby regulating the water flow rate.

[0055] In summary, 1) This solution can achieve the centralized distribution of engine cold water and improve the design versatility;

[0056] 2) This solution designs flow detection, can detect the cooling water flow rate, and through the cooperation of water temperature detection, can effectively control the water flow rate and the output power of the engine water pump, and can achieve relatively accurate temperature control of the urea tank to prevent the urea tank from being too cold or too hot.

[0057] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for illustration and not for limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments can be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle cooling water distribution device, characterized in that, Comprising: Valve body; The valve body includes a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel; The liquid inlet channel includes a total liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid outlet, and a flow detection device; The total liquid inlet, the flow detection device, the second liquid outlet, and the first liquid outlet are arranged in sequence along a first direction; The liquid outlet channel includes a total liquid outlet, a first liquid inlet, and a second liquid inlet, and the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the total liquid outlet are arranged in sequence along a second direction; The first direction is the liquid inlet direction of the liquid inlet channel, and the second direction is the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet channel; The valve body includes: A first installation channel and a second installation channel; the first installation channel and the second installation channel communicate from the outside of the valve body to the liquid inlet channel; The flow detection device includes: a first ultrasonic probe, a second ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic reflector; The first ultrasonic probe is installed in the first installation channel, and the second ultrasonic probe is installed in the second installation channel; the ultrasonic reflector is installed in the liquid inlet channel; The included angle between the axis of the first ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflector is a first preset angle; the included angle between the axis of the second ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflector is a second preset angle; the first preset angle is equal to the second preset angle; The ultrasonic signal emitted by the first ultrasonic probe can be reflected by the ultrasonic reflector to the second ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic signal emitted by the second ultrasonic probe can be reflected by the ultrasonic reflector to the second ultrasonic probe.

2. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset angle is 45 degrees.

3. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The vehicle cooling water distribution device further includes a total liquid inlet pipe, a first liquid inlet pipe, a second liquid inlet pipe, a total liquid outlet pipe, a first liquid outlet pipe, and a second liquid outlet pipe respectively connected to the valve body; the total liquid inlet pipe is communicated with the total liquid inlet; the first liquid inlet pipe is communicated with the first liquid inlet; the second liquid inlet pipe is communicated with the second liquid inlet; the total liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the total liquid outlet; the first liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the first liquid outlet; the second liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the second liquid outlet.

4. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the first liquid outlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the second liquid outlet pipe.

5. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the first liquid inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the second liquid inlet pipe.

6. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first liquid inlet pipe and the second liquid inlet pipe are perpendicular to each other.

7. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first liquid outlet pipe and the second liquid outlet pipe are perpendicular to each other.

8. The vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve body further includes connecting counterbores, and there are two connecting counterbores, and the two connecting counterbores are arranged in sequence in the first direction.

9. A method for detecting liquid flow rate, characterized in that, Using the flow detection device of the vehicle cooling water distribution device according to claim 1 for flow detection, the detection method includes: The first ultrasonic probe emits a first ultrasonic wave. After the first ultrasonic wave reaches the reflecting surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector, it is reflected towards the second ultrasonic probe. The second ultrasonic probe receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T1 of the first ultrasonic wave from the first ultrasonic probe to the second ultrasonic probe; after the second ultrasonic probe receives the first ultrasonic wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflector, the second ultrasonic probe emits a second ultrasonic wave. After the second ultrasonic wave reaches the reflecting surface of the ultrasonic wave reflector, it is reflected to the first ultrasonic probe. The first ultrasonic probe receives the second ultrasonic wave and feeds it back to the relevant circuit. The relevant circuit obtains the time T2 of the second ultrasonic wave from the second ultrasonic probe to the first ultrasonic probe; the liquid flow velocity V in the liquid inlet channel is calculated according to the difference between the T1 and the T2; the liquid flow rate in the liquid inlet channel is calculated according to the liquid flow velocity V and the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet channel.

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