Condensate water discharge system, control method and related equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of engines, and provides a condensate water discharging system, a control method and related equipment. The original structure of the intercooler is utilized, the water retaining structure and the water collecting structure are arranged in the outlet end of the intercooler, collection of condensate water is achieved, and storage and discharge of the condensate water are achieved through the water storage tank and the electromagnetic valve. The system is high in integration level, the overall appearance structure size of the intercooler is not affected, and cabin arrangement is easy to achieve. And in combination with the matched control logic, condensate water gathered at the outlet end of the intercooler can be effectively discharged, normal combustion work of an engine at a higher EGR rate is supported, and lower oil consumption of the whole vehicle can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of engines, and in particular to a condensate discharge system, a control method for the condensate discharge system, an electronic device, an intercooler and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In order to improve the fuel economy of gasoline engines, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology can cool the exhaust gas at the exhaust end of the engine, mix it with fresh air at room temperature, cool it again through the intercooler, and then re-deliver it to the engine.

[0003] Exhaust gas generally contains a certain proportion of water vapor. When cooled by the intercooler, the water vapor may condense inside the intercooler to form condensed water. Driven by gravity and airflow, the condensed water may flow along the intercooler pipe to the inside of the engine cylinder, affecting the combustion of the engine and thus causing the stability of the engine operation. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art to at least a certain extent. To this end, the first purpose of the present invention is to provide a condensed water discharge system that can collect water vapor gathered at the outlet end of the intercooler and safely discharge it to the external environment to ensure the efficiency of engine exhaust gas recirculation, achieve lower vehicle fuel consumption, and improve the fuel economy of the vehicle.

[0005] A second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a condensate discharge system.

[0006] A third objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device.

[0007] A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide an intercooler.

[0008] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first embodiment of the present invention proposes a condensate discharge system, including: a water retaining structure, which is arranged at the outlet end of the intercooler and is used to block the condensate gathered at the outlet end; a water collecting structure, which is arranged at the bottom of the outlet end and is used to accumulate the condensate blocked by the water retaining structure; a first solenoid valve and a water storage tank, wherein the first solenoid valve is arranged between the water collecting structure and the water storage tank and is used to control the selective connection between the water collecting structure and the water storage tank and to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank; the water storage tank is used to store the condensate discharged by the water collecting structure; and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are used to control the condensed water in the water tank to be discharged from the water tank; the water level sensor is arranged in the water tank, and is used to detect the water level of the condensed water in the water tank, and generate water level data, and send the water level data to the control unit; the control unit is communicatively connected with the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the water level sensor, and the control unit is used to control the first solenoid valve and / or the second solenoid valve to operate according to the water level data so that the condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure can be discharged to the water tank or the condensed water in the water tank can be discharged from the water tank to the external environment.

[0010] In addition, the condensate discharge system according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water retaining structure is formed by an annular water retaining rib, and the outer circumferential surface of the annular water retaining rib is sealingly engaged with the inner circumferential surface of the outlet end of the intercooler.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a water outlet is provided at the lowest point of the water collection structure, and the water outlet is used to discharge the condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure to the water storage tank.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first solenoid valve is provided with a first sub-valve and a second sub-valve; the first sub-valve controls the selective connection between the water collection structure and the water storage tank, and the second sub-valve controls the selective connection between the water storage tank and the atmospheric environment.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second solenoid valve controls the selective communication between the water storage tank and the external environment.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is characterized in that when the first sub-valve is opened, the water collecting structure is connected to the water storage tank, and when the first sub-valve is closed, the water collecting structure is not connected to the water storage tank; when the second sub-valve is opened, the water storage tank is connected to the atmospheric environment, and when the second sub-valve is closed, the water storage tank is not connected to the atmospheric environment; when the second solenoid valve is opened, the water storage tank is connected to the external environment, and when the second solenoid valve is closed, the water storage tank is not connected to the external environment; when the second sub-valve and the second solenoid valve are opened, the first sub-valve is closed; when the first sub-valve is opened, the second sub-valve and the second solenoid valve are closed.

[0016] According to the condensed water discharge system of the embodiment of the present invention, a water retaining structure and a water collecting structure are arranged at the outlet end of the intercooler to collect the condensed water at the outlet end of the intercooler. At the same time, the overall external structural dimensions of the intercooler are not affected, and the cabin layout of the intercooler is easy to realize. In addition, the condensed water discharge system also utilizes a water storage tank and a solenoid valve to effectively store and discharge the condensed water, so that the engine can burn and operate normally at a higher EGR rate, which helps to achieve lower vehicle fuel consumption.

[0017] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention proposes a control method for a condensate discharge system, which is applied to the above-mentioned condensate discharge system. The control method for the condensate discharge system includes: obtaining water level data of condensate in a water storage tank, and determining whether the water level data exceeds a preset water level; in response to the water level data exceeding the preset water level, sending a first instruction to a first solenoid valve, and sending a second instruction to a second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is closed according to the first instruction to control the water collection structure to be disconnected from the water storage tank, and the second sub-valve is opened according to the first instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the atmosphere, so as to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank; and the second solenoid valve is opened according to the second instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the external environment, so that the condensate in the water storage tank is discharged from the water storage tank to the external environment.

[0018] In addition, the control method of the condensate discharge system according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the condensed water in the water tank is discharged from the water tank to the external environment, the method also includes: in response to the water level data not exceeding the preset water level, sending a third instruction to the first solenoid valve, sending a fourth instruction to the second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is opened according to the third instruction to control the water collection structure to be connected to the water tank, the second sub-valve is closed according to the third instruction to control the water tank to be disconnected from the atmospheric environment, and the second solenoid valve is closed according to the fourth instruction to control the water tank to be disconnected from the external environment.

[0020] According to a control method for a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the condensate in the water storage tank can be discharged timely and fully through the selective control of the solenoid valve, thereby improving the discharge efficiency of the condensate at the outlet end of the intercooler and avoiding the condensate flowing into the cylinder of the vehicle engine to cause poor combustion or other adverse effects on the cylinder, thereby ensuring the operating efficiency of the vehicle engine and reducing the vehicle's fuel consumption.

[0021] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a third aspect of the present invention proposes an electronic device, including a memory and a controller, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the controller implements the above-mentioned control method of the condensate discharge system when executing the computer program.

[0022] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides an intercooler, which includes the above-mentioned condensed water discharge system.

[0023] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned intercooler.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only for the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the condensate discharge system provided in the embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0028] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the condensate discharge system provided in the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view at point A.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a water retaining structure of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the water collection structure of the condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.10A working flow chart of a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.11 A flow chart of a control method for a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure markings: 10-water retaining structure; 20-water collecting structure; 201-water outlet; 202-first pipeline; 30-first solenoid valve; 301-first sub-valve; 302-second sub-valve; 303-first sub-pipeline; 304-second sub-pipeline; 305-third sub-pipeline; 40-water storage tank; 50-second solenoid valve; 501-second pipeline; 60-water level sensor; 100-intercooler; 110-fins; 120-outlet end; 1210-controller; 1220-memory; 1230-input / output interface; 1240-communication interface; 1250-bus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present invention should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present invention belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0041] As described in the background technology section, in order to improve the fuel economy of the vehicle, the exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR system) is widely used in the engine. When the EGR system is working, the collected engine exhaust gas is mixed with fresh air, and the mixed gas is further cooled through the intercooler before being delivered to the engine, wherein the ratio of the exhaust gas volume to the total gas after mixing is the EGR rate. In the process of cooling the mixed gas, the water vapor contained in the mixed gas may condense inside the intercooler to form condensed water when passing through the intercooler. The condensed water may flow into the engine cylinder from the outlet end of the intercooler under the action of gravity and airflow, affecting the combustion of the cylinder, and thus affecting the stability of the engine operation.

[0042] In the process of realizing the present invention, the applicant discovered that the greater the EGR rate, the higher the condensed water content. When the condensed water content flowing into the cylinder is high, it will not only cause poor combustion in the cylinder and misfire, but may also further damage the engine. If the condensed water content is reduced by directly reducing the EGR rate, the economy of the engine will also be reduced. Therefore, how to discharge the condensed water while ensuring a high EGR rate to ensure good fuel economy of the engine has become a problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a condensate discharge system is provided, referring to Figure 1-Figure 9 The condensed water discharge system includes: a water retaining structure 10, which is arranged at the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100 and is used to block the condensed water gathered at the outlet end 120; a water collecting structure 20, which is arranged at the bottom of the outlet end 120 and is used to accumulate the condensed water blocked by the water retaining structure 10; a first solenoid valve 30 and a water storage tank 40, which is arranged between the water collecting structure 20 and the water storage tank 40 and is used to control the selective communication between the water collecting structure 20 and the water storage tank 40 and to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank 40; the water storage tank 40 is used to store the condensed water discharged from the water collecting structure 20; a second solenoid valve 5 ... store the condensed water discharged from the water collecting structure 20; a second solenoid valve 50, which is arranged between the water collecting structure 20 and the water storage tank 40 and is used to store the condensed water discharged from the water collecting structure 20; a second solenoid valve 50, which is arranged between the water collecting structure 20 and the water storage The second solenoid valve 50 is used to control the condensed water in the water tank 40 to be discharged from the water tank 40; the water level sensor 60, the water level sensor 60 is arranged in the water tank 40, and is used to detect the water level of the condensed water in the water tank 40, and generate water level data, and send the water level data to the controller; the controller is communicated with the first solenoid valve 30, the second solenoid valve 50 and the water level sensor 60, and the controller is used to control the first solenoid valve 30 and / or the second solenoid valve 50 to operate according to the water level data so that the condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure 20 is discharged to the water tank 40 or the condensed water in the water tank 40 is discharged from the water tank 40 to the external environment.

[0045] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The fins 110 of the intercooler 100 serve as the main heat dissipation element. When the high-temperature and high-pressure mixed gas flows through the intercooler 100, the water vapor in the mixed gas will be cooled into liquid water (condensed water) on the surface of the fins 110. Under the influence of gravity and airflow, the condensed water will flow from the lower wall inside the intercooler 100 to the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100. At the same time, a small amount of condensed water will also flow from the side wall and upper wall inside the intercooler 100 to the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100.

[0046] In order to prevent the condensed water from flowing out from the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100 , a water retaining structure 10 is provided at the outlet end 120 , which can block the condensed water flowing toward the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100 .

[0047] It should be noted that, as shown in Reference 3, the water retaining structure 10 can be designed to be inclined, wherein the upper end of the water retaining structure 10 is closer to the fin 110 of the intercooler 100 than the lower end, so that the condensed water blocked by the upper wall and side wall inside the intercooler 100 can better flow to the lower end of the water retaining structure 10 under the action of gravity, thereby improving the collection efficiency of the condensed water.

[0048] refer to Figure 2-Figure 4 The water collecting structure 20 can be a partially recessed water collecting trough, which is arranged at the bottom of the outlet end 120 (i.e., the lower wall surface of the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100), and is located between the water retaining structure 10 and the fins 110 of the intercooler 100, so as to ensure that the condensed water blocked by the water retaining structure 10 will not flow back to the fins 110 of the intercooler 100, but will be accumulated by the water collecting structure 20. The water collecting structure 20 can also collect the condensed water flowing out of the fins 110 of the intercooler 100, so as to ensure that the condensed water in the intercooler 100 can be fully collected.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 The water collection structure 20 is connected to the water storage tank 40, and the water storage tank 40 can store the condensed water discharged from the water collection structure 20. The first solenoid valve 30 is arranged between the water storage tank 40 and the water collection structure 20, and is used to control the selective connection between the water collection structure 20 and the water storage tank 40. The first solenoid valve 30 can also control and adjust the pressure in the water storage tank 40 so that the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 can be discharged smoothly; the second solenoid valve 50 is arranged on the side of the water storage tank 40 away from the water collection structure 20, and is used to cooperate with the first solenoid valve 30 to open and control the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 to be discharged from the water storage tank 40.

[0050] refer to Figure 6-Figure 7A water level sensor 60 is also provided inside the water tank 40. The water level sensor 60 is located on one side of the water tank 40 in the axial direction close to the first solenoid valve 30. For example, the volume of the water tank 40 may be 300 ml, and the water level sensor 60 may be provided at three quarters of the volume of the water tank 40, so as to ensure that the water tank 40 can store as much condensed water as possible while retaining part of the cavity portion, so that the air originally stored in the water tank 40 can have enough space to be compressed. When the first solenoid valve 30 controls and adjusts the pressure in the water tank 40, the water in the water tank 40 can be discharged smoothly.

[0051] The controller is communicatively connected with the first solenoid valve 30, the second solenoid valve 50 and the water level sensor 60. The water level sensor 60 can detect the water level of the condensed water stored in the water tank 40, and generate water level data to send to the controller. The controller further controls the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50 accordingly according to the water level data, so that the condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure 20 can be discharged to the water tank 40, or the water in the water tank 40 can be discharged to the external environment.

[0052] It should be noted that the solenoid valve consists of an electromagnetic coil and a valve body. The movement of the valve body is manipulated by controlling the on and off of the electromagnetic coil, thereby changing the fluid path. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated to attract the valve body to move, causing a through hole to open or close, thereby controlling the flow of the fluid.

[0053] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 The retaining structure is composed of an annular water retaining rib, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular water retaining rib is water-tightly connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100.

[0054] Specifically, Figure 8 As shown, the water retaining structure 10 at the outlet end 120 can be an annular water retaining rib, and the water retaining structure 10 is arranged at a position close to the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100, so as to ensure that the condensed water around the inner wall of the intercooler 100 can be blocked by the water retaining structure 10 when flowing to the outlet end 120. The water retaining rib structure can be designed as a trumpet shape (such as Figure 5 As shown), it can fit closely with the shape of the inner wall of the intercooler 100, thereby increasing the blocking and guiding effects on the condensed water, so that the condensed water can be fully blocked. At the same time, the trumpet shape can also reduce the obstruction to the airflow, so that the mixed gas cooled by the intercooler 100 can flow smoothly to the outlet end 120, thereby ensuring the combustion efficiency of the engine cylinder.

[0055] As an optional embodiment, refer to Fig. 9A water outlet 201 is provided at the lowest point of the water collecting structure 20 , and the water outlet 201 is used to discharge the condensed water accumulated in the water collecting structure 20 to the water storage tank 40 .

[0056] Specifically, the lowest point of the water collecting structure 20 is provided with a water outlet 201, which can discharge the condensed water accumulated in the water collecting structure 20 to the water storage tank 40. The specific position or orientation of the water outlet 201 on the water collecting structure 20 can be designed according to the position of the intercooler 100 in the vehicle. The cross section of the water collecting structure 20 can be a V-shaped structure, so that the condensed water can be better discharged into the water storage tank 40. In addition, the width of the water collecting structure 20 can be slightly wider than the water retaining structure 10, so that the condensed water blocked by the water retaining structure 10 can be better collected in the water collecting structure 20.

[0057] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 6 The first solenoid valve 30 is provided with a first sub-valve 301 and a second sub-valve 302; the first sub-valve 301 controls the water collection structure 20 to be selectively connected with the water storage tank 40, and the second sub-valve 302 controls the water storage tank 40 to be selectively connected with the atmospheric environment.

[0058] Specifically, the first solenoid valve 30 includes a first sub-valve 301 and a second sub-valve 302. The first sub-valve 301 controls the on-off of the first sub-pipeline 303, and the second sub-valve 302 controls the on-off of the second sub-pipeline 304. The first pipeline 202 is connected to the first sub-pipeline 303, the second sub-pipeline 304 is connected to the atmospheric environment, and the third sub-pipeline 305 is connected to the water storage tank 40.

[0059] It should be noted that the first solenoid valve 30 can be a dual-way single-outlet solenoid valve, which is a solenoid valve with two input paths and one output path. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the first solenoid valve 30 is not energized, the valve core is often on the side of the first sub-valve 301, at which time the first sub-pipeline 303 is connected to the third sub-pipeline 305, the second sub-pipeline 304 is disconnected from the third sub-pipeline 305, and the condensed water flows from the first sub-pipeline 303 through the internal channel of the first sub-valve 301 to the third sub-pipeline 305 to the water storage tank 40; when the first solenoid valve 30 is energized, the valve core will be attracted to the side of the second sub-valve 302, at which time the second sub-pipeline 304 is connected to the third sub-pipeline 305, the first sub-pipeline 303 is disconnected from the third sub-pipeline 305, and the atmosphere flows from the second sub-pipeline 304 through the internal channel of the first sub-valve 301 to the third sub-pipeline 305 to the water storage tank 40.

[0060] It should be noted that the second sub-pipeline 304 can also be connected to a pressurized environment, which can be a gas tank storing high-pressure gas, etc. At this time, the gas pressure in the pressurized environment needs to be greater than the gas pressure in the water tank 40, so that the condensed water in the water tank 40 can be pressed out of the water tank 40 under the action of the pressure difference.

[0061] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 6 The second solenoid valve 50 controls the water storage tank 40 to selectively communicate with the external environment.

[0062] The second solenoid valve 50 is used to control the on-off of the second pipeline 501 . The second pipeline 501 is connected to the external environment and is used to discharge the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 to the external environment.

[0063] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 6 When the first sub-valve 301 is opened, the water collection structure 20 is connected to the water storage tank 40, and when the first sub-valve 301 is closed, the water collection structure 20 is not connected to the water storage tank 40; when the second sub-valve 302 is opened, the water storage tank 40 is connected to the atmospheric environment, and when the second sub-valve 302 is closed, the water storage tank 40 is not connected to the atmospheric environment; when the second solenoid valve 50 is opened, the water storage tank 40 is connected to the external environment, and when the second solenoid valve 50 is closed, the water storage tank 40 is not connected to the external environment; when the second sub-valve 302 and the second solenoid valve 50 are opened, the first sub-valve 301 is closed; when the first sub-valve 301 is opened, the second sub-valve 302 and the second solenoid valve 50 are closed.

[0064] Specifically, when the first sub-valve 301 is in an open state, the second sub-valve 302 is in a closed state, and the second solenoid valve 50 is also in a closed state. The water tank 40 is now connected to the water collection structure 20, and the condensed water flows from the water collection structure 20 through the first pipe 202, enters the first sub-pipe 303, and then flows through the third sub-pipe 305 to the water tank 40; when the first sub-valve 301 is in a closed state, the second sub-valve 302 is in an open state, and the second solenoid valve 50 is also in an open state. The water tank 40 is now connected to the atmospheric environment, and the condensed water in the water tank 40 can flow from the water tank 40 through the second pipe 501 to the external environment under the action of atmospheric pressure.

[0065] It should be noted that the second solenoid valve 50 may be in a normally closed state and open when powered on.

[0066] It should be noted that the first sub-valve 301 of the first solenoid valve 30 cannot be opened at the same time as the second solenoid valve 50, that is, the condensed water cannot flow directly from the first sub-pipe 303 through the water storage tank 40 and then directly through the second pipe 501 to the external environment, so as to avoid the high-pressure gas flowing through the intercooler 100 from leaking into the external environment, thereby ensuring the stability of the vehicle operation and avoiding environmental pollution.

[0067] refer to Fig.10 , which is a working flow chart of the condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As an optional embodiment, when the EGR system is not operating, that is, the intercooler 100 is not operating, that is, no condensed water is generated, the condensed water discharge system is in a non-working state, the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50 are both not powered on, the first sub-valve 301 of the first solenoid valve 30 is in an open state, and the second solenoid valve 50 is in a closed state, so as to avoid the high-temperature and high-pressure mixed gas passing through the intercooler 100 from leaking from the condensed water discharge system to the external environment and polluting the external environment.

[0069] As an optional embodiment, when the EGR system is running, that is, the intercooler 100 starts to run, the intercooler 100 will produce condensed water, the condensed water discharge system is in a working state, the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50 remain de-energized, the first sub-valve 301 of the first solenoid valve 30 is in a long-term open state, and the second solenoid valve 50 is in a closed state. The water vapor in the high-temperature and high-pressure mixed gas passing through the intercooler 100 is cooled into condensed water under the action of the intercooler 100. The condensed water flows toward the water outlet of the intercooler 100 under the action of gravity or airflow impact, so that it can be blocked by the water retaining structure 10 of the condensed water discharge system and collected in the water collecting structure 20. The water in the water collecting structure 20 is discharged to the water storage tank 40 through the first pipe 202. The condensed water is collected by the water storage tank 40, and the water level of the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 is detected by the water level sensor 60. During the time when the water level sensor 60 does not detect that the water level of the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 reaches the preset water level, the second solenoid valve 50 remains closed, and the water storage tank 40 is not connected to the external environment. When the water level sensor 60 detects that the water level of the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 reaches the preset water level, the controller activates the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50. The second solenoid valve 50 sends the first instruction and the second instruction to power on the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50. At this time, the first sub-valve 301 in the first solenoid valve 30 is closed, and the second sub-valve 302 is opened. At the same time, the second solenoid valve 50 is opened for a preset time to connect the water storage tank 40 with the atmospheric environment and the external environment, and the condensed water in the water storage tank 40 can be fully discharged into the external environment. After the preset opening time is reached, the controller sends the third instruction and the fourth instruction to the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50 to power off the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 50. At this time, the first sub-valve 301 in the first solenoid valve 30 is opened, the second sub-valve 302 is closed, and at the same time, the second solenoid valve 50 is closed, so that the water storage tank 40 is not connected with the atmospheric environment and the external environment, and the water storage tank 40 continues to collect the condensed water discharged by the water collection structure 20.

[0070] From the above description, it can be seen that the condensed water discharge system provided by the present invention collects the condensed water at the outlet end of the intercooler 100 by arranging a water retaining structure 10 and a water collecting structure 20 at the outlet end 120 of the intercooler 100, while not affecting the overall external structural dimensions of the intercooler 100, and is easy to arrange the intercooler 100 in the engine compartment. In addition, the condensed water discharge system also utilizes a water storage tank 40 and a solenoid valve to effectively store and discharge the condensed water, thereby preventing the condensed water from flowing into the cylinder of the vehicle engine and causing adverse effects on the combustion of the cylinder, thereby enabling the engine to burn normally at a higher EGR rate, which helps to achieve lower vehicle fuel consumption.

[0071] Based on the same inventive concept, corresponding to the condensate discharge system provided in any of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides a control method for a condensate discharge system.

[0072] refer to Fig.11 , which is a flow chart of a control method for a condensate discharge system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, a control method of a condensate discharge system is applied to the condensate discharge system, comprising:

[0074] S1101, obtaining water level data of condensed water in a water storage tank, and determining whether the water level data exceeds a preset water level.

[0075] Specifically, after obtaining the water level data of the condensed water in the water storage tank transmitted by the water level sensor, the control unit determines whether the water level data exceeds a preset water level.

[0076] S1102, in response to the water level data exceeding the preset water level, sends a first instruction to the first solenoid valve, and sends a second instruction to the second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is closed according to the first instruction to control the water collection structure to be disconnected from the water storage tank, and the second sub-valve is opened according to the first instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the atmosphere to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank; and the second solenoid valve is opened according to the second instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the external environment, so that the condensed water in the water storage tank is discharged from the water storage tank to the external environment.

[0077] Specifically, when the water level data exceeds the preset water level, a first instruction is sent to the first solenoid valve, and a second instruction is sent to the second solenoid valve, wherein the first instruction and the second instruction can be power-on instructions. At this time, the first sub-valve is closed, the second sub-valve is opened, and the second solenoid valve is opened, so that the water storage tank is not connected to the water collection structure, and the water storage tank is connected to the atmospheric environment. Under the action of atmospheric pressure, the condensed water in the water storage tank can be smoothly discharged to the external environment along the second pipeline.

[0078] It should be noted that the first instruction and the second instruction also include controlling the opening time of the second sub-valve and the second solenoid valve. The opening time can be set according to the volume of the water storage tank and the drainage speed. In the control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the opening time can be 30s, which can ensure that the water in the water storage tank can be completely discharged to the external environment within the opening time, thereby effectively improving the work efficiency provided by the condensed water discharge.

[0079] As an optional embodiment, after the condensed water in the water tank is discharged from the water tank to the external environment, the method also includes: in response to the water level data not exceeding the preset water level, sending a third instruction to the first solenoid valve, sending a fourth instruction to the second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is opened according to the third instruction to control the water collection structure to be connected to the water tank, the second sub-valve is closed according to the third instruction to control the water tank to be disconnected from the atmospheric environment, and the second solenoid valve is closed according to the fourth instruction to control the water tank to be disconnected from the external environment.

[0080] Specifically, after the condensed water in the water tank is discharged to the external environment, the control system sends a third instruction to the first solenoid valve and a fourth instruction to the fourth solenoid valve. The third instruction and the fourth instruction can be power-off instructions. At this time, the first sub-valve is opened, the second sub-valve is closed, and the second solenoid valve is closed, so that the water tank is connected to the water collecting structure, and the water tank is not connected to the atmospheric environment and the external environment, ensuring that the water discharged from the water collecting structure into the water tank will not be directly discharged into the external environment, so as to avoid the high-pressure gas flowing through the intercooler from leaking into the external environment, thereby ensuring the stability of vehicle operation.

[0081] From the above description, it can be seen that the control method of the condensate discharge system provided by the present invention, through the selective control of the solenoid valve, can enable the condensate in the water storage tank to be fully discharged, thereby improving the discharge efficiency of the condensate at the outlet end of the intercooler, and avoiding the condensate flowing into the cylinder of the vehicle engine to cause poor combustion or other adverse effects on the cylinder, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the vehicle engine and helping to reduce the fuel consumption of the entire vehicle.

[0082] It should be noted that the method of the embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a single device, such as a computer or a server. The method of this embodiment can also be applied in a distributed scenario and completed by multiple devices cooperating with each other. In the case of such a distributed scenario, one of the multiple devices can only perform one or more steps in the method of the embodiment of the present invention, and the multiple devices will interact with each other to complete the described method.

[0083] It should be noted that some embodiments of the present invention are described above. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recorded in the claims can be performed in an order different from that in the above embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or continuous order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0084] Based on the same inventive concept, corresponding to the method described in any of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a controller, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the controller, wherein the controller implements the method described in any of the above embodiments when executing the program.

[0085] Fig.12 A more specific schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in this embodiment is shown, and the device may include: a controller 1210, a memory 1220, an input / output interface 1230, a communication interface 1240, and a bus 1250. The controller 1210, the memory 1220, the input / output interface 1230, and the communication interface 1240 are connected to each other through the bus 1250 in the device.

[0086] The controller 1210 can be implemented using a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits to execute relevant programs to implement the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this specification.

[0087] The memory 1220 can be implemented in the form of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), static storage device, dynamic storage device, etc. The memory 1220 can store an operating system and other application programs. When the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this specification are implemented by software or firmware, the relevant program codes are stored in the memory 1220 and called and executed by the controller 1210.

[0088] The input / output interface 1230 is used to connect the input / output module to realize information input and output. The input / output module can be configured in the device as a component (not shown in the figure), or it can be externally connected to the device to provide corresponding functions. The input device may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, various sensors, etc., and the output device may include a display, a speaker, a vibrator, an indicator light, etc.

[0089] The communication interface 1240 is used to connect a communication module (not shown) to realize communication interaction between the device and other devices. The communication module can realize communication through a wired mode (such as USB, network cable, etc.) or a wireless mode (such as mobile network, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0090] The bus 1250 includes a path that transmits information between the various components of the device (eg, the controller 1210 , the memory 1220 , the input / output interface 1230 , and the communication interface 1240 ).

[0091] It should be noted that, although the above device only shows the controller 1210, the memory 1220, the input / output interface 1230, the communication interface 1240 and the bus 1250, in the specific implementation process, the device may also include other components necessary for normal operation. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the above device may also only include the components necessary for implementing the embodiments of the present specification, and does not necessarily include all the components shown in the figure.

[0092] The electronic device of the above embodiment is used to implement the corresponding method in any of the above embodiments, and has the beneficial effects of the corresponding method embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0093] Based on the same inventive concept, corresponding to the condensate discharge system described in any of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides an intercooler, which includes the above condensate discharge system and has corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0094] Based on the same inventive concept, corresponding to the condensate discharge system described in any of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides a vehicle, which includes the above intercooler system and has corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] In addition, although the operations of the method of the present invention are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the operations must be performed in this specific order, or that all the operations shown must be performed to achieve the desired results. On the contrary, the steps depicted in the flow chart can be performed in a different order. Additionally or alternatively, some steps can be omitted, multiple steps can be combined into one step, and / or one step can be decomposed into multiple steps.

[0096] It should be understood that the various parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0097] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present invention belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the embodiments of the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0098] Although the spirit and principle of the present invention have been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed specific embodiments, and the division of various aspects does not mean that the features in these aspects cannot be combined to benefit, and this division is only for the convenience of expression. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the attached claims. The scope of the attached claims conforms to the broadest interpretation, thereby including all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A condensate discharge system, characterized in that: include: A water retaining structure (10), the water retaining structure (10) being arranged at an outlet end (120) of the intercooler (100) and being used to retain condensed water gathered at the outlet end (120); a water collecting structure (20), the water collecting structure (20) being arranged at the bottom of the outlet end (120) and being used for accumulating condensed water blocked by the water retaining structure (10); a first solenoid valve (30) and a water storage tank (40), wherein the first solenoid valve (30) is arranged between the water collection structure (20) and the water storage tank (40) and is used to control the selective communication between the water collection structure (20) and the water storage tank (40) and to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank (40); the water storage tank (40) is used to store condensed water discharged from the water collection structure (20); a second solenoid valve (50), the second solenoid valve (50) being used to control the condensed water in the water storage tank (40) to be discharged from the water storage tank (40); A water level sensor (60), the water level sensor (60) being arranged in the water storage tank (40) and used for detecting the water level of condensed water in the water storage tank (40), generating water level data, and sending the water level data to a controller; A controller is communicatively connected with the first solenoid valve (30), the second solenoid valve (50) and the water level sensor (60), and the controller is used to control the operation of the first solenoid valve (30) and / or the second solenoid valve (50) according to the water level data so that the condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure (20) is discharged to the water storage tank (40) or the condensed water in the water storage tank (40) is discharged from the water storage tank (40) to the external environment.

2. The condensate discharge system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water retaining structure (10) is composed of an annular water retaining rib, the outer peripheral surface of which is sealingly engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet end (120) of the intercooler (100).

3. The condensate discharge system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water outlet (201) is provided at the lowest point of the water collection structure (20), and the water outlet (201) is used to discharge condensed water accumulated in the water collection structure (20) to the water storage tank (40).

4. The condensate discharge system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first solenoid valve (30) is provided with a first sub-valve (301) and a second sub-valve (302); the first sub-valve (301) controls the water collection structure (20) to be selectively connected to the water storage tank (40), and the second sub-valve (302) controls the water storage tank (40) to be selectively connected to the atmospheric environment.

5. The condensate discharge system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second solenoid valve (50) controls the water storage tank (40) to selectively communicate with the external environment.

6. The condensate discharge system according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that: When the first sub-valve (301) is opened, the water collection structure (20) is connected to the water storage tank (40), and when the first sub-valve (301) is closed, the water collection structure (20) is not connected to the water storage tank (40); when the second sub-valve (302) is opened, the water storage tank (40) is connected to the atmospheric environment, and when the second sub-valve (302) is closed, the water storage tank (40) is not connected to the atmospheric environment; when the second solenoid valve (50) is opened, the water storage tank (40) is connected to the external environment, and when the second solenoid valve (50) is closed, the water storage tank (40) is not connected to the external environment; When the second sub-valve (302) and the second solenoid valve (50) are opened, the first sub-valve (301) is closed; when the first sub-valve (301) is opened, the second sub-valve (302) and the second solenoid valve (50) are closed.

7. A method for controlling a condensate discharge system, characterized in that: The condensate discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprises: Acquire water level data of condensed water in the water storage tank, and determine whether the water level data exceeds a preset water level; In response to the water level data exceeding the preset water level, a first instruction is sent to the first solenoid valve, and a second instruction is sent to the second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is closed according to the first instruction to control the water collection structure to be disconnected from the water storage tank, and the second sub-valve is opened according to the first instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the atmosphere to adjust the pressure in the water storage tank; and the second solenoid valve is opened according to the second instruction to control the water storage tank to be connected to the external environment, so that the condensed water in the water storage tank is discharged from the water storage tank to the external environment.

8. The control method of the condensate discharge system according to claim 7, characterized in that: After the condensed water in the water storage tank is discharged from the water storage tank to the external environment, the method further includes: In response to the water level data not exceeding the preset water level, a third instruction is sent to the first solenoid valve, and a fourth instruction is sent to the second solenoid valve, so that the first sub-valve is opened according to the third instruction to control the water collection structure to be connected with the water storage tank, the second sub-valve is closed according to the third instruction to control the water storage tank to be disconnected from the atmospheric environment, and the second solenoid valve is closed according to the fourth instruction to control the water storage tank to be disconnected from the external environment.

9. An electronic device, comprising a memory and a controller, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that: When the controller executes the computer program, the control method of the condensate discharge system according to any one of claims 7 to 8 is implemented.

10. An intercooler, characterized in that: It comprises a condensate discharge system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the intercooler as claimed in claim 9.

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