Integrated cooler and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated cooler and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of exhaust gas recirculation. The integrated cooler comprises a cooling assembly main body, a first cooling chamber and a second cooling chamber are arranged on the cooling assembly main body, an oil cooling pipeline is arranged in the first cooling chamber, a cooling liquid cooling pipeline is arranged in the first cooling chamber and the second cooling chamber, an output end of the first cooling chamber is communicated with an exhaust manifold of an engine through a first air outlet pipe, an output end of the second cooling chamber is communicated with a compressor end of a supercharger through a second air outlet pipe, an EGR exhaust pipe is communicated with the exhaust manifold of the engine at one end, and is used for guiding exhaust gas with heat; and the other end of the EGR exhaust pipe is selectively communicated with an input end of the first cooling chamber or an input end of the second cooling chamber. The application reduces the cost of the engine, guarantees the normal operation of the EGR system, and fully utilizes the exhaust gas heat under the cold start, especially the low-temperature cold start, so that the heat efficiency of the engine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of exhaust gas recirculation technology, and more particularly to an integrated cooler and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) introduces a portion of the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into the combustion chamber of that engine, such as one or more cylinders. EGR is used to reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides (hereinafter collectively referred to as NOx), such as nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Exhaust gas is essentially inert. Therefore, introducing a portion of the exhaust gas into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine dilutes the mixture of fuel and air to be burned, and thus lowers the peak combustion temperature and excess oxygen, reducing the amount of NOx produced by the engine.

[0003] Currently, the engine oil cooler, coolant cooler, and EGR cooler are set up separately and independently. This not only increases the cost and space occupied by the engine, but also means that the EGR system does not work in order to protect the turbocharger during cold starts, especially in low-temperature cold starts, so the heat of the exhaust gas in the exhaust manifold is not fully utilized.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an integrated cooler and vehicle to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated cooler and vehicle that not only reduces engine costs and ensures the normal operation of the EGR system, but also fully utilizes exhaust heat during cold starts, especially in low-temperature cold start conditions, thereby improving engine thermal efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is provided:

[0007] Integrated cooler, including:

[0008] The main body of the cooling assembly is provided with a first cooling chamber and a second cooling chamber. The oil cooling pipe is located in the first cooling chamber, and the coolant cooling pipe extends into the first cooling chamber and the second cooling chamber. The output end of the first cooling chamber is connected to the exhaust manifold of the engine through a first exhaust pipe; the output end of the second cooling chamber is connected to the compressor end of the turbocharger through a second exhaust pipe.

[0009] An EGR exhaust pipe is provided, one end of which is connected to the engine's exhaust manifold to introduce heated exhaust gas, and the other end of which is selectively connected to the input end of either the first cooling chamber or the second cooling chamber.

[0010] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, a three-way valve is also included. The three-way valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe, the first outlet is connected to the input end of the first cooling chamber, and the second outlet is connected to the input end of the second cooling chamber.

[0011] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, a control module is also included, which is electrically connected to the three-way valve and is used to control the opening and closing degree of the three-way valve.

[0012] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, an EGR exhaust control valve is provided on the first exhaust pipe. The EGR exhaust control valve is electrically connected to the control module. When the EGR exhaust pipe is connected to the first cooling chamber, the EGR exhaust control valve is in the open state.

[0013] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, a number of first cooling pipes are arranged in parallel and at intervals in the first cooling chamber. One end of each of the first cooling pipes is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe, and the other end of each of the first cooling pipes is connected to the exhaust manifold.

[0014] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, a number of second cooling pipes are arranged in parallel and at intervals in the second cooling chamber. One end of each of the second cooling pipes is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe, and the other end of each of the second cooling pipes is connected to the compressor end of the turbocharger.

[0015] As an optional integrated cooler, the engine's intake manifold is connected to the compressor end of the turbocharger, the engine's exhaust manifold is connected to the intake end of the turbocharger's turbine end, and the exhaust end of the turbocharger's turbine end is connected to the exhaust manifold.

[0016] As an alternative to the integrated cooler, a three-way catalytic converter is also included, which is mounted on the exhaust manifold.

[0017] As an optional solution for the integrated cooler, the outer wall of the first cooling chamber is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet, and the two ends of the oil cooling pipe are respectively connected to the oil inlet and the oil outlet;

[0018] The outer wall of the first cooling chamber is provided with a liquid inlet, and the outer wall of the second cooling chamber is provided with a liquid outlet. The two ends of the coolant cooling pipe are respectively connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet.

[0019] The vehicle includes an engine and an integrated cooler as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein during engine cold start, the EGR exhaust pipe is connected to a first cooling chamber; and during engine warm-up, the EGR exhaust pipe is connected to a second cooling chamber.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] The integrated cooler provided by this invention integrates three functions—EGR cooling, coolant cooling, and oil cooling—within the main cooling assembly, making the engine structure more compact and reducing engine cost and space occupation. The EGR exhaust pipe is selectively connected to the input end of either the first or second cooling chamber. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the EGR exhaust pipe is connected to the input end of the second cooling chamber, where the coolant cooling pipe cools the high-temperature exhaust gas. The output end of the second cooling chamber is connected to the compressor end of the turbocharger via a second exhaust pipe, and then enters the engine's combustion chamber, ensuring the normal operation of the EGR system. During engine cold starts, especially at low temperatures, the EGR exhaust pipe is connected to the first cooling chamber, where the high-temperature exhaust gas can simultaneously transfer heat to the coolant in the coolant cooling pipe and the oil in the oil cooling pipe, rapidly raising the temperature of the coolant and oil, reducing frictional losses in engine components, fully utilizing exhaust heat, and improving engine thermal efficiency.

[0022] The vehicle provided by this invention has an EGR exhaust pipe connected to the first cooling chamber during engine cold start and an EGR exhaust pipe connected to the second cooling chamber during engine warm start. This not only reduces engine costs and ensures the normal operation of the EGR system, but also fully utilizes exhaust heat during cold start, especially in low-temperature cold start conditions, to improve engine thermal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated cooler in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Cooling assembly main body; 2. Second exhaust pipe; 3. Compressor end; 4. Turbine end; 5. Three-way catalytic converter; 6. EGR exhaust pipe; 7. EGR exhaust control valve; 8. Three-way valve; 9. Second exhaust branch pipe; 10. First exhaust branch pipe; 11. First exhaust pipe; 12. First cooling chamber; 13. Second cooling chamber; 14. First cooling pipe; 15. Second cooling pipe; 16. Exhaust main pipe; 17. Oil inlet; 18. Oil outlet; 19. Engine oil cooling pipe; 20. Liquid inlet; 21. Liquid outlet; 22. Coolant cooling pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] To not only reduce engine costs and ensure the normal operation of the EGR system, but also to fully utilize exhaust gas heat and improve engine thermal efficiency during cold starts, especially in low-temperature cold starts, this embodiment provides an integrated cooler and vehicle, which will be discussed in conjunction with the following. Figure 1 The specific content of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the integrated cooler includes a cooling assembly body 1 and an EGR exhaust pipe 6. The cooling assembly body 1 has a first cooling chamber 12 and a second cooling chamber 13. An oil cooling pipe 19 is disposed within the first cooling chamber 12, and a coolant cooling pipe 22 extends into both the first and second cooling chambers 12 and 13. The output end of the first cooling chamber 12 is connected to the engine's exhaust manifold 16 via a first exhaust pipe 11. The output end of the second cooling chamber 13 is connected to the turbocharger's compressor end 3 via a second exhaust pipe 2. One end of the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the engine's exhaust manifold 16 to introduce heated exhaust gas, and the other end of the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is selectively connected to either the input end of the first cooling chamber 12 or the input end of the second cooling chamber 13.

[0036] In summary, the integrated cooler provided by this invention integrates three functions—EGR cooling, coolant cooling, and oil cooling—within the main cooling assembly 1, making the engine structure more compact and reducing engine cost and space occupation. The EGR exhaust pipe 6 is selectively connected to the input end of the first cooling chamber 12 or the input end of the second cooling chamber 13. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the input end of the second cooling chamber 13, and the coolant cooling pipe 22 in the second cooling chamber 13 cools the high-temperature exhaust gas. The output end of the second cooling chamber 13 is connected to the compressor end 3 of the turbocharger through the second exhaust pipe 2, and then enters the combustion chamber of the engine, ensuring the normal operation of the EGR system. When the engine is cold-started, especially in low-temperature cold-start conditions, the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the first cooling chamber 12, and the high-temperature exhaust gas in the first cooling chamber 12 can simultaneously transfer heat to the coolant in the coolant cooling pipe 22 and the oil in the oil cooling pipe 19, rapidly raising the temperature of the coolant and oil, reducing frictional losses of various engine components, fully utilizing exhaust heat, and improving engine thermal efficiency.

[0037] Furthermore, the integrated cooler also includes a three-way valve 8, which has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe 6, the first outlet is connected to the input end of the first cooling chamber 12, and the second outlet is connected to the input end of the second cooling chamber 13. Specifically, the first outlet of the three-way valve 8 is connected to the first connected input end through a first exhaust branch pipe 10, and the second outlet of the three-way valve 8 is connected to the second connected input end through a second exhaust branch pipe 9. By controlling the three-way valve 8, the connection between the EGR exhaust pipe 6 and the first cooling chamber 12 and the second cooling chamber 13 can be changed.

[0038] Furthermore, the integrated cooler also includes a control module electrically connected to the three-way valve 8 for controlling the opening and closing of the three-way valve 8. Exemplarily, the control module can be, but is not limited to, a vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

[0039] Furthermore, an EGR exhaust control valve 7 is installed on the first exhaust pipe 11. The EGR exhaust control valve 7 is electrically connected to the control module. When the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the first cooling chamber 12, the EGR exhaust control valve 7 is in the open state. When the vehicle is cold-started, the EGR exhaust control valve 7 is opened, and the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the first cooling chamber 12 through the three-way valve 8, allowing the heated exhaust gas to heat the engine oil and coolant, improving engine efficiency. When the vehicle is warm-up, the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the second cooling chamber 13 through the three-way valve 8, and the EGR exhaust control valve 7 is closed to prevent exhaust gas from flowing into the first cooling chamber 12 through the first exhaust pipe 11.

[0040] Furthermore, a plurality of first cooling pipes 14 are arranged parallel to each other and at intervals within the first cooling chamber 12. One end of each of the first cooling pipes 14 is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe 6, and the other end of each of the first cooling pipes 14 is connected to the exhaust manifold 16. A plurality of second cooling pipes 15 are arranged parallel to each other and at intervals within the second cooling chamber 13. One end of each of the second cooling pipes 15 is connected to the EGR exhaust pipe 6, and the other end of each of the second cooling pipes 15 is connected to the compressor end 3 of the turbocharger. By adding first cooling pipes 14 in the first cooling chamber 12 and second cooling pipes 15 in the second cooling chamber 13, the exhaust gas distribution is made more uniform, ensuring uniform cooling of the pipes.

[0041] Specifically, during the assembly process, the engine's intake manifold is connected to the compressor end 3 of the turbocharger, the engine's exhaust manifold is connected to the intake end of the turbine end 4 of the turbocharger, and the exhaust end of the turbine end 4 of the turbocharger is connected to the exhaust manifold 16.

[0042] Furthermore, the integrated cooler also includes a three-way catalytic converter 5, which is mounted on the exhaust manifold 16. By adding the three-way catalytic converter 5, the exhaust gas in the exhaust manifold 16 is purified, reducing the amount of harmful substances entering the atmosphere.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first cooling chamber 12 is provided with an oil inlet 17 and an oil outlet 18, and the two ends of the oil cooling pipe 19 are connected to the oil inlet 17 and the oil outlet 18 respectively. The engine oil flows into the oil cooling pipe 19 for heating or cooling.

[0044] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first cooling chamber 12 is provided with a liquid inlet 20, and the outer wall of the second cooling chamber 13 is provided with a liquid outlet 21. The two ends of the coolant cooling pipe 22 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet 20 and the liquid outlet 21. In this embodiment, the coolant cooling pipe 22 extends in a serpentine bend.

[0045] Specifically, the cooling assembly body 1 is provided with a first cooling chamber 12 and a second cooling chamber 13. A first cooling pipe 14 and an oil cooling pipe 19 are arranged in the first cooling chamber 12, and a second cooling pipe 15 is arranged in the second cooling chamber 13. A portion of the coolant cooling pipe 22 is located in the first cooling chamber 12, and a portion of the coolant cooling pipe 22 is located in the second cooling chamber 13. In a warm-up state, the coolant cooling pipe 22 cools the oil cooling pipe 19 in the first cooling chamber 12, and also cools the exhaust gas in the second cooling pipe 15 in the second cooling chamber 13. In a cold-start state, the high-temperature exhaust gas from the first cooling pipe 14 in the first cooling chamber 12 simultaneously heats the coolant cooling pipe 22 and the oil cooling pipe 19 in the first cooling chamber 12.

[0046] For example, in this embodiment, the coolant can be, but is not limited to, water.

[0047] This embodiment also provides a vehicle, which includes an engine and the integrated cooler mentioned above. When the engine is cold-starting, the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the first cooling chamber 12; when the engine is hot, the EGR exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the second cooling chamber 13.

[0048] In summary, the integrated cooler can achieve oil cooling and EGR intake cooling under different operating conditions, as well as warm-up heating under special operating conditions.

[0049] When the engine enters the EGR exhaust gas recirculation mode, the exhaust gas recirculation path is as follows: exhaust gas is taken from the turbine end 4 of the turbocharger, enters the second cooling chamber 13 of the integrated cooler through the EGR exhaust gas pipe 6 and the three-way valve 8. After being cooled by the coolant, the exhaust gas enters the compressor of the turbocharger, is compressed, and then enters the intake manifold and combustion chamber to participate in combustion.

[0050] When the engine enters cold start mode, the EGR exhaust gas recirculation enters the second cooling chamber 13 of the integrated cooler through the EGR exhaust gas pipe 6 and the three-way valve 8. The exhaust gas heats the coolant and engine oil, causing them to heat up quickly and reach their optimal operating temperature, thus reducing engine friction loss.

[0051] The engine oil circulates in the oil cooling chamber of the integrated cooler; the coolant cooling pipe 22 runs through the entire integrated cooler (i.e., through the partition wall between the first cooling chamber 12 and the second cooling chamber 13) to cool the engine oil and EGR exhaust gas respectively; the EGR exhaust gas enters the first cooling chamber 12 or the second cooling chamber 13 of the integrated cooler according to the operating conditions.

[0052] Both the three-way valve 8 and the EGR exhaust control valve 7 are controlled by the ECU for switching and opening. The ECU uses a control strategy based on the ambient temperature and engine operating conditions to control the switching. The control logic is that the ECU reads the ambient temperature, engine coolant temperature, and engine oil temperature from the intake air temperature sensor, coolant temperature sensor, and oil temperature sensor to determine different EGR exhaust gas recirculation and the opening degree of the three-way valve 8.

[0053] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated cooler characterized by, The application relates to a cooling assembly body (1) which comprises a first cooling chamber (12) and a second cooling chamber (13), an oil cooling pipeline (19) arranged in the first cooling chamber (12), a cooling liquid cooling pipeline (22) arranged in the first cooling chamber (12) and the second cooling chamber (13), and an output end of the first cooling chamber (12) communicated with an exhaust manifold (16) of an engine through a first air outlet pipe (11); an output end of the second cooling chamber (13) communicated with a compressor end (3) of a supercharger through a second air outlet pipe (2); an EGR exhaust pipe (6) communicated with the exhaust manifold (16) of the engine at one end and used for guiding hot exhaust gas, and selectively communicated with an input end of the first cooling chamber (12) or an input end of the second cooling chamber (13) at the other end; a plurality of first cooling pipelines (14) arranged in parallel and at intervals in the first cooling chamber (12), and one end of each of the first cooling pipelines (14) communicated with the EGR exhaust pipe (6) and the other end of each of the first cooling pipelines (14) communicated with the exhaust manifold (16); a plurality of second cooling pipelines (15) arranged in parallel and at intervals in the second cooling chamber (13), and one end of each of the second cooling pipelines (15) communicated with the EGR exhaust pipe (6) and the other end of each of the second cooling pipelines (15) communicated with the compressor end (3) of the supercharger. A three-way valve (8) is further arranged, the three-way valve (8) comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the inlet communicated with the EGR exhaust pipe (6), the first outlet communicated with the input end of the first cooling chamber (12), and the second outlet communicated with the input end of the second cooling chamber (13). A control module is further arranged, the control module electrically connected with the three-way valve (8) and used for controlling the opening and closing and the opening degree of the three-way valve (8). An EGR air outlet control valve (7) is arranged on the first air outlet pipe (11), the EGR air outlet control valve (7) electrically connected with the control module, and the EGR air outlet control valve (7) in an open state when the EGR exhaust pipe (6) is connected with the first cooling chamber (12). An air inlet manifold of the engine is communicated with the compressor end (3) of the supercharger, an air outlet manifold of the engine is communicated with an air inlet end of a turbine end (4) of the supercharger, and an air outlet end of the turbine end (4) of the supercharger is communicated with the exhaust manifold (16).

2. The integrated chiller of claim 1, wherein, A three-way catalyst (5) is further arranged on the exhaust manifold (16).

3. The integrated chiller of claim 2, wherein, An oil inlet (17) and an oil outlet (18) are arranged on an outer wall of the first cooling chamber (12), and two ends of the oil cooling pipeline (19) are respectively communicated with the oil inlet (17) and the oil outlet (18).

4. The integrated chiller of claim 3, wherein, ​ 5. The integrated cooler of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, ​ 6. The integrated chiller of claim 5, wherein, ​ 7. The integrated chiller of claim 1, wherein, ​ The outer wall of the first cooling chamber (12) is provided with an inlet (20), the outer wall of the second cooling chamber (13) is provided with an outlet (21), and the two ends of the cooling liquid cooling pipeline (22) are respectively communicated with the inlet (20) and the outlet (21).

8. Vehicle, characterized in that The integrated cooler as claimed in any one of claims 1-7 is used in an engine, and when the engine is in a cold start condition, the EGR exhaust pipe (6) is communicated with the first cooling chamber (12); when the engine is in a hot state, the EGR exhaust pipe (6) is communicated with the second cooling chamber (13).

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