An integrated thermostat structure and cooling system

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated thermostat structure and cooling system. It includes a housing, within which are a first main channel and a second main channel. The first main channel has a water pump outlet at its inlet and a cylinder head / cylinder block inlet at its outlet. The second main channel has a cylinder head outlet at its inlet and a small circulation outlet at its outlet. The second main channel is connected to a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh sub-channels. A one-way valve is installed before the third sub-channel on the second main channel. A cylinder block thermostat is installed on the second sub-channel, and a cylinder head thermostat is installed on the seventh sub-channel. This invention integrates the cylinder block and cylinder head thermostats within the housing piping of the thermostat structure, ensuring temperature control of the cylinder block and cylinder head while also regulating the operating temperatures of the engine oil, heater, and EGR system, ensuring efficient operation of the cooling system and reducing overall vehicle emissions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of engine cooling technology, specifically relating to an integrated thermostat structure and cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] To adapt to increasingly stringent industry regulations in the future global market and enhance competitiveness, it is necessary to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Under this requirement, OEMs have developed high-efficiency powertrain electrification and integration solutions, and are promoting their design as a platform. The integrated thermostat, as a key component for regulating engine cooling circulation, needs to simultaneously control the temperature of the cylinder block, cylinder head, engine oil, heater, and EGR.

[0003] Existing integrated thermostats do not have separate cylinder block and cylinder head thermostats; instead, these thermostats are located separately in the cylinder block and cylinder head, resulting in low operating efficiency during temperature control. Furthermore, the heater return water pipes in the thermostat are directly connected to the cylinder head cooling pipes. Under the circulation of the cooling system, this causes the heater return water to mix with the low-temperature, low-pressure water flowing from the cylinder head, reducing heating efficiency. In hybrid vehicles, this results in a longer heating time during cold starts in winter or cold regions, leading to a poor driving experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology and provide an integrated thermostat structure and cooling system.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: an integrated thermostat structure, including a cover, wherein a first main channel and a second main channel are provided inside the cover, a water pump outlet is provided at the inlet end of the first main channel and a cylinder head / cylinder body inlet is provided at the outlet end, a first branch channel is connected to the first main channel, and a booster inlet is provided at the outlet end of the first branch channel.

[0006] The second main channel has a cylinder head outlet at the inlet and a small circulation outlet at the outlet. The second main channel is connected to the second branch channel, the third branch channel, the fourth branch channel, the fifth branch channel, the sixth branch channel, and the seventh branch channel.

[0007] The cylinder block water outlet is located at the inlet end of the second sub-channel, the heater return water outlet is located at the inlet end of the third sub-channel, the turbocharger water outlet is located at the inlet end of the fourth sub-channel, the expansion tank water inlet is located at the outlet end of the fifth sub-channel, the EGR cooler water inlet is located at the outlet end of the sixth sub-channel, and the engine water outlet is located at the outlet end of the seventh sub-channel.

[0008] A one-way valve is installed in front of the third channel on the second main channel, a cylinder block thermostat is installed on the second sub-channel, and a cylinder head thermostat is installed on the seventh sub-channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the one-way valve includes a valve, a spring, a sealing ring, and a valve seat disposed within the housing. The guide post at the top of the valve is clearance-fitted with the guide hole of the housing. The sealing ring is disposed on the outer ring surface of the valve. The bottom of the valve and the sealing ring are sealed to the inner side of the valve seat. The outer side of the valve seat is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. One end of the spring contacts the valve, and the other end contacts the housing. The surface of the guide post is provided with multiple clearance portions, which are arranged axially along the guide post and extend to the end of the guide post.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve includes a disc-shaped base and a cylindrical guide column. The guide column is disposed on the top of the base, and an annular portion is provided on the base around the guide column. One end of the spring contacts the top surface of the base outside the annular portion.

[0011] Furthermore, an annular groove is provided on the outer ring surface around the base, and the sealing ring is installed in the annular groove. The sealing ring and the outer ring surface below the annular groove are in sealing contact with the inner side of the valve seat.

[0012] Furthermore, there are 2 to 6 clearance sections, and multiple clearance sections are evenly arranged around the circumference of the guide column surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the clearance portion is the inwardly recessed part of the guide column surface.

[0014] Furthermore, a downward-opening cylinder is provided at the top of the inside of the cover, and the guide hole is formed inside the cylinder, with the other end of the spring sleeved on the surface of the cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, an O-ring is provided between the outer side of the valve seat and the cover.

[0016] An integrated cooling system includes the integrated thermostat structure described above.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0018] This invention integrates the cylinder block thermostat and cylinder head thermostat into the housing piping of the thermostat structure, and also integrates the cooling piping for engine oil, heater, and EGR. This ensures temperature control of the cylinder block and cylinder head, while also regulating the operating temperature of engine oil, heater, and EGR in the system, ensuring efficient operation of the cooling system, high combustion efficiency of the engine, and reduced vehicle emissions.

[0019] This invention adds a pressure check valve structure before the cylinder head thermostat's small circulation enters the heater duct. The check valve structure can block the low-temperature, low-pressure water flow from the cylinder head, preventing the cylinder head's small circulation coolant from entering the heater return water and ensuring the owner's requirement for quick engine warm-up.

[0020] The present invention provides a clearance portion on the surface of the guide column of the one-way valve, which cooperates with the guide hole of the cover to not only provide good guidance and ensure that the valve does not skew during movement, but also effectively prevent the valve from getting stuck during movement. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the thermostat structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the other side of the thermostat structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the internal channels and corresponding interfaces of the thermostat structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the interface of the thermostat structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the one-way valve of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve in the one-way valve of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling system of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram, 1-Water pump outlet; 2-Cylinder head / block inlet; 3-Cylinder head outlet; 4-Cylinder block outlet; 5-EGR cooler inlet; 6-Heater return inlet; 7-Turbocharger inlet; 8-Turbocharger outlet; 9-Small circulation outlet; 10-Engine outlet; 11-Expansion tank inlet; 12-First main channel; 13-Second main channel; 14-First branch channel; 15-Second branch channel; 16-Third branch channel; 17-Fourth branch channel; 18-Fifth branch channel; 19-Sixth branch channel; 20-Seventh branch channel; 21-Cylinder block; 22-... - Cylinder head; 23- Expansion tank; 24- EGR cooler; 25- Heater; 26- Radiator; 27- Water pump; 28- Turbocharger; 29- Thermostat structure; 30- Cover; 30.1- Guide hole; 30.2- Cylinder; 31- Valve; 32- Spring; 33- Sealing ring; 34- Guide column; 34.1- Clearance; 34.2- End; 35- Base; 35.1- Annular part; 35.2- Annular groove; 35.3- Outer ring surface; 36- Valve seat; 37- O-ring; 38- Cylinder block thermostat; 39- Cylinder head thermostat; 40- Check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0030] like Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated thermostat structure, including a cover 30, wherein a first main channel 12 and a second main channel 13 are provided inside the cover 30. The first main channel 12 is provided with a water pump outlet 1 at the inlet end and a cylinder head / cylinder body inlet 2 at the outlet end. A first branch channel 14 is connected to the first main channel 12, and a booster inlet 7 is provided at the outlet end of the first branch channel 14.

[0031] The second main channel 13 has a cylinder head outlet 3 at the inlet and a small circulation outlet 9 at the outlet. The second main channel 13 is connected to the second sub-channel 15, the third sub-channel 16, the fourth sub-channel 17, the fifth sub-channel 18, the sixth sub-channel 19, and the seventh sub-channel 20. The main and sub-channels are not limited; they are just names used for convenience.

[0032] The cylinder block water outlet 4 is located at the inlet end of the second branch channel 15; the heater return water outlet 6 is located at the inlet end of the third branch channel 16; the turbocharger water outlet 8 is located at the inlet end of the fourth branch channel 17; the expansion tank inlet 11 is located at the outlet end of the fifth branch channel 18; the EGR cooler inlet 5 is located at the outlet end of the sixth branch channel 19; and the engine water outlet 10 is located at the outlet end of the seventh branch channel 20.

[0033] A one-way valve 40 is provided on the second main channel 13 before the third channel 16. That is, the one-way valve 40 is located before the junction of the heating pipe (i.e. the third channel 16) and the second main channel, defined by the direction of coolant flow (i.e. the direction of the arrow in the figure). A cylinder block thermostat 38 is provided on the second channel 15, and a cylinder head thermostat 39 is provided on the seventh channel 20. Both the cylinder block thermostat 38 and the cylinder head thermostat 39 are conventional structures.

[0034] This invention integrates the cylinder block thermostat 38 and the cylinder head thermostat 39 into the housing pipes of the thermostat structure 29, and also integrates the cooling pipes for engine oil, heater, and EGR. This ensures temperature control of the cylinder block and cylinder head, while also regulating the operating temperature of engine oil, heater, and EGR in the system, ensuring efficient operation of the cooling system, high combustion efficiency of the engine, and reduced vehicle emissions.

[0035] This invention adds a pressure check valve structure before the small circulation of the cylinder head thermostat enters the heater duct. The opening and closing of the check valve is controlled by the water pressure in the small circulation of the cylinder head. Under low temperature and low pressure conditions, the valve is closed to ensure that the engine can warm up quickly and operate efficiently at the appropriate temperature, while preventing low temperature water from entering the heater and causing insufficient heating. Under high temperature and high pressure conditions, the valve opens, and high temperature water flows to the heater, ensuring the comfort of the driver and passengers, while also cooling the engine and achieving the goal of efficient energy utilization.

[0036] To facilitate the assembly and assembly of the thermostat structure, each channel can be designed as a modular structure and then assembled into a whole using self-tapping screws, realizing a multi-pipeline design scheme that not only meets the installation requirements of multiple pipelines and boundaries, but also ensures the product strength requirements, thus realizing the vision of the OEM cooling system.

[0037] In the above scheme, the one-way valve 40 includes a valve 31, a spring 32, a sealing ring 33, and a valve seat 36 disposed within the housing 30. The guide post 34 at the top of the valve 31 is clearance-fitted with the guide hole 30.1 of the housing 30. The sealing ring 22 is disposed on the outer ring surface of the valve 31. The bottom of the valve 31 and the sealing ring 33 are sealed with the inner side of the valve seat 36. The outer side of the valve seat 36 is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the housing 30. One end of the spring 32 contacts the valve 31, and the other end contacts the housing 30. The guide post 34 has multiple clearance portions 34.1 on its surface. The clearance portions 34.1 are arranged axially along the guide post and extend to the end 34.2 of the guide post. In the second main pipeline, following the flow pattern of the coolant, the side of the valve away from the spring (i.e., the valve seat end) is arranged upstream of the coolant, and the side of the valve in contact with the spring is arranged downstream of the coolant, thereby preventing low-temperature water from entering the warm air under low temperature and low pressure conditions.

[0038] The present invention features a high-precision design for the coaxiality and diameter of the guide column and guide hole to prevent valve eccentricity; the guide overlap is 9mm to reduce valve eccentricity displacement; at the same time, a minimum hardness sealing ring is used to increase the deformation of the sealing ring, compensate for the eccentricity, and reduce the risk of leakage; the clearance designed on the guide column can prevent valve jamming and prevent the valve from affecting its movement flexibility during operation due to the inability of internal coolant to be discharged.

[0039] In the above scheme, the valve 31 includes a disc-shaped base 35 and a cylindrical guide column 34. The guide column 34 is disposed on the top of the base 35. An annular portion 35.1 is provided on the base 35 around the guide column. One end of the spring 32 contacts the top surface of the base 35 outside the annular portion 35.1. An annular groove 35.2 is provided on the outer annular surface 35.3 around the base 35. The sealing ring 33 is installed in the annular groove 35.2. The sealing ring 33 and the outer annular surface 35.4 below the annular groove are in sealing contact with the inner side of the valve seat 36.

[0040] In the above scheme, there are 2-6 clearance portions 34.1, preferably 3 or 4, and the clearance portions 34.1 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the guide column surface. The clearance portion 34.1 is the inwardly recessed part of the guide column surface.

[0041] In the above scheme, a downward-opening cylinder 30.2 is provided at the top inside the cover 30, and the guide hole 30.1 is formed inside the cylinder 30.2. The other end of the spring 32 is sleeved on the surface of the cylinder and contacts the inner top wall of the cover.

[0042] In the above scheme, an O-ring 37 is provided between the outer side of the valve seat 36 and the cover, which further enhances the sealing performance of the one-way valve.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the present invention also provides an integrated cooling system, including a cylinder block 21, a cylinder head 22, an expansion tank 23, an EGR cooler 24, a heater 25, a radiator 26, a water pump 27, a turbocharger 28, and an integrated thermostat structure 29 as described above. The connection relationship between each device and each interface on the thermostat structure 29 is as follows: the coolant flowing out of the water pump 27 enters the first main channel 12 through the water pump outlet 1 and then enters the turbocharger 28 through the turbocharger inlet 7 for cooling. At the same time, it enters the cylinder block 21 and the cylinder head 22 through the cylinder head and cylinder block inlet 2 to cool the cylinder block 21 and the cylinder head 22; the coolant after cooling the turbocharger 28 flows into the second main channel 1 through the turbocharger outlet 8. 3. The coolant then flows back to the water pump 27 through the small circulation outlet 9 to form a circulation; the coolant in the cylinder block 21 and cylinder head 22 enters the heater and then flows back to the water pump 27 through the heater return outlet 6 and the small circulation outlet 9; the coolant in the cylinder head 22 enters the second main channel 13 through the cylinder head outlet 3, and the coolant in the cylinder block 21 enters the second main channel 13 through the cylinder block outlet 4 and the cylinder block thermostat 38; part of the coolant in the second main channel 13 enters the expansion tank 23 and the EGR cooler 24 through the expansion tank inlet 11 and the EGR cooler inlet 5 respectively, and the other part flows into the radiator 26 through the cylinder head thermostat 39 and the engine outlet 10 and flows back to the water pump 27 through the small circulation outlet 9.

[0044] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Contents not described in detail in this specification belong to prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An integrated thermostat structure, characterized in that: Includes a cover (30), the cover is provided with a first main channel (12) and a second main channel (13), the first main channel (12) is provided with a water pump outlet (1) at the inlet end and a cylinder head cylinder inlet (2) at the outlet end, the first main channel (12) is connected to a first sub-channel (14), and the first sub-channel (14) is provided with a booster inlet (7) at the outlet end; The second main channel (13) has a cylinder head outlet (3) at the inlet end and a small circulation outlet (9) at the outlet end. The second main channel (13) is connected to the second sub-channel (15), the third sub-channel (16), the fourth sub-channel (17), the fifth sub-channel (18), the sixth sub-channel (19), and the seventh sub-channel (20). The second sub-channel (15) has a cylinder outlet (4) at its inlet end, the third sub-channel (16) has a heater return water inlet (6) at its inlet end, the fourth sub-channel (17) has a turbocharger outlet (8) at its inlet end, the fifth sub-channel (18) has an expansion tank inlet (11) at its outlet end, the sixth sub-channel (19) has an EGR cooler inlet (5) at its outlet end, and the seventh sub-channel (20) has an engine outlet (10) at its outlet end. A one-way valve (40) is provided on the second main channel (13) before the third channel, a cylinder block thermostat (38) is provided on the second sub-channel (15), and a cylinder head thermostat (39) is provided on the seventh sub-channel (20). The check valve (40) is located after the second sub-channel (15), fifth sub-channel (18), sixth sub-channel (19), and seventh sub-channel (20) on the second main channel (13). The check valve (40) is a pressure check valve. The opening and closing of the check valve (40) is controlled according to the small circulating water pressure of the cylinder head. In the low temperature and low pressure state, the check valve (40) is closed, and in the high temperature and high pressure state, the check valve (40) is open.

2. The integrated thermosiphon structure of claim 1, wherein: The one-way valve (40) includes a valve (31), a spring (32), a sealing ring (33), and a valve seat (36) disposed in the housing. The guide post (34) at the top of the valve (31) is clearance-fitted with the guide hole of the housing. The sealing ring (33) is disposed on the outer ring surface of the valve. The bottom of the valve (31) and the sealing ring (33) are sealed to the inner side of the valve seat (36). The outer side of the valve seat (36) is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. One end of the spring (32) is in contact with the valve and the other end is in contact with the housing. The surface of the guide post (34) is provided with a plurality of clearance portions (34.1). The clearance portions (34.1) are arranged along the axial direction of the guide post and extend to the end of the guide post.

3. The integrated thermosiphon structure of claim 2, wherein: The valve (31) includes a disc-shaped base (35) and a cylindrical guide column (34). The guide column (34) is located on the top of the base (35). An annular portion (35.1) is provided on the base (35) around the guide column. One end of the spring (32) contacts the top surface of the base (35) outside the annular portion.

4. The integrated thermosiphon structure of claim 3, wherein: The base (35) has an annular groove (35.2) on its outer ring surface. The sealing ring (33) is installed in the annular groove (35.2). The sealing ring (33) and the outer ring surface below the annular groove (35.2) are in sealing contact with the inner side of the valve seat (36).

5. The integrated thermosiphon structure of claim 2, wherein: The clearance section (34.1) is provided in 2-6 parts, and multiple clearance sections are evenly arranged around the circumference of the guide column surface.

6. The integrated thermostat structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The recessed part (34.1) is the part of the guide column surface that is recessed inward.

7. The integrated thermostat structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the cover (30) is provided with a downward-opening cylinder (30.2), and the guide hole (30.1) is formed inside the cylinder (30.2). The other end of the spring (32) is sleeved on the surface of the cylinder.

8. The integrated thermosiphon structure of claim 2, wherein: An O-ring (37) is provided between the outer side of the valve seat (36) and the cover.

9. An integrated cooling system characterized by: Includes the integrated thermostat structure as described in claim 1.

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