Automatic liquid supplementing structure, automatic liquid supplementing method, engine and ship

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic liquid supplementing structure, an automatic liquid supplementing method, an engine and a ship. The automatic liquid supplementing structure comprises an expansion box, a liquid storage box, a valve and a control assembly. The control assembly comprises a floater and a transmission part; wherein the liquid storage tank, the valve and the expansion tank are connected in sequence; the floater can float along with the change of the liquid level of the cooling liquid in the expansion box; one end of the transmission part is connected with the floater, and the other end of the transmission part is connected with the valve; the transmission path of the automatic liquid supplementing structure is configured in the mode that the liquid level of the expansion box descends to drive the floater, the floater drives the valve to be opened through the transmission piece, the liquid storage box is communicated with the expansion box, and therefore cooling liquid flows to the expansion box from the liquid storage box through the valve under the action of gravity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an automatic fluid replenishment structure, an automatic fluid replenishment method, an engine and a ship. Background Art

[0002] Engines, such as marine diesel engines, are typically equipped with cooling systems to keep engine components operating within an appropriate temperature range. The expansion tank (also known as an expansion water tank) is a crucial component of the cooling system. It reserves space for coolant expansion, thereby compensating for changes in coolant volume in the system caused by thermal expansion and contraction. It also provides pressure stabilization and fluid replenishment. When the coolant in the system expands due to heat or the pressure becomes too high, excess coolant flows to the expansion tank to stabilize system pressure and prevent overflow. When the coolant in the system contracts due to cold or leaks, the coolant flows back from the expansion tank to other parts of the system to replenish pressure and fluid. The expansion tank needs to store an appropriate amount of coolant to ensure its ability to replenish fluid and pressure, thereby ensuring the system's normal operation.

[0003] However, in order to meet requirements such as compact structure, the expansion tank is usually arranged in a belt form that is tightly integrated with the engine body, resulting in limited layout space and a limited amount of liquid that can be accommodated; and in some cases, a larger coolant reserve is also required, which further increases the difficulty of layout; taking unmanned ships as an example, at present, it mainly relies on pre-filling the expansion tank of the unmanned ship with sufficient coolant, so the expansion tank needs to be large in size and difficult to arrange; when the coolant is insufficient, the unmanned ship is generally required to dock or manually replenish the coolant at other supply points, which requires a large amount of manpower and low efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, the inventors of the present application propose an automatic fluid replenishment structure, an automatic fluid replenishment method, an engine, a ship, etc., to solve at least one or a combination of the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an automatic liquid replenishment structure.

[0006] Another object of the present application is to provide an automatic fluid replenishment method.

[0007] Another object of the present application is to provide an engine.

[0008] Another object of the present application is to provide a vessel.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application, an automatic liquid replenishing structure includes: an expansion tank, a liquid storage tank, a valve and a control component; the control component includes a float and a transmission member; wherein the liquid storage tank, the valve and the expansion tank are connected in sequence; the float can float as the liquid level of the coolant inside the expansion tank changes; the transmission member is connected to the float at one end and to the valve at the other end; the transmission path of the automatic liquid replenishing structure is configured as follows: the liquid level of the expansion tank drops and drives the float, and the float drives the valve to open through the transmission member, so that the liquid storage tank and the expansion tank are connected, so that the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank through the valve to the expansion tank under the action of gravity.

[0010] The automatic liquid replenishment structure described above stores liquid through the liquid storage tank without retaining too much coolant in the expansion tank, which is beneficial to reducing the volume of the expansion tank and making the expansion tank easier to arrange; the liquid storage tank is more flexible than the expansion tank in terms of the choice of layout space, etc., making the overall automatic liquid replenishment structure easy to arrange; the float is used to float with the change of the liquid level in the expansion tank, and the power generated by the floating of the float is transmitted to the valve through the transmission member, so that automatic control of liquid replenishment can be achieved, without the need to manually monitor the liquid volume in the expansion tank or operate the valve, etc., thereby reducing labor; gravity is used to drive the coolant to flow from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank, so that automatic liquid replenishment can be achieved, without the need to use complex equipment such as a water pump, nor the need to manually operate the water pump, etc., and the valve and the control component can also be configured to work purely mechanically, with a simple structure, low cost, high reliability and safety.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, when the liquid level of the expansion tank is less than a first threshold value, the float is transmitted to the valve through the transmission member, so that the valve opens, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank through the valve to the expansion tank under the action of gravity; when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank, so that the liquid level of the expansion tank reaches a second threshold value, the valve closes, and the flow of coolant from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank is cut off by the valve; wherein, the first threshold value is greater than the minimum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank, and the second threshold value is less than the maximum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank.

[0012] It can be understood that by configuring the first threshold value to be greater than the minimum allowable liquid level and the second threshold value to be less than the maximum allowable liquid level, in other words, liquid replenishment is carried out before the liquid level drops to the minimum allowable liquid level, and liquid replenishment is stopped before the liquid level returns to the maximum allowable liquid level, thereby ensuring that the liquid level in the expansion tank is not too low or too high, thereby ensuring the effect of the expansion tank in replenishing liquid and replenishing pressure on the system, ensuring that overflow does not occur, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the fluid storage tank, the valve, and the control assembly are all configured as a purely mechanical structure.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the valve includes a valve body, a valve cover, and a valve stem; wherein the valve body is provided with a flow channel, one end of which is connected to the expansion tank and the other end of which is connected to the liquid storage tank; the valve cover is connected to the valve body, and the valve cover and the valve body define an installation space for the valve stem; the valve stem is located in the installation space and is connected to the transmission member; the wall surface of the valve cover contacts the valve stem to limit the movement direction of the valve stem; the valve body is provided with a valve seat, and the valve stem can be sealed and connected to the valve seat to disconnect the flow channel of the valve body; when the liquid level in the expansion tank is lower than the first threshold value, the valve stem is separated from the valve seat under the force of the transmission member, thereby opening the valve; when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank, so that the liquid level in the expansion tank reaches the second threshold value, the valve stem and the valve seat are sealed and connected, thereby closing the valve.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the transmission member includes at least one pulley and a rope; the pulley is located above the expansion tank; the valve cover is provided with a through hole; one end of the rope is connected to the float, and the other end passes through the through hole and is connected to the valve stem; the rope is passed around the pulley.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the automatic fluid replenishment structure is configured as follows: the expansion tank is provided with a liquid level display portion, and the liquid level display portion can display the liquid level at the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the minimum allowable liquid level and the maximum allowable liquid level; and / or the expansion tank is provided with a monitoring device, and when the liquid level in the expansion tank is less than or equal to the minimum allowable liquid level, and / or when the liquid level in the expansion tank is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable liquid level, the monitoring device sends an alarm signal.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present application, an automatic fluid replenishment method comprises:

[0018] The automatic liquid replenishing structure described above is used to automatically replenish the coolant to the expansion tank; and when the liquid level of the expansion tank is less than a first threshold, the valve opens, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank through the valve to the expansion tank under the action of gravity; when the liquid level of the expansion tank reaches a second threshold, the valve closes, and the flow of coolant from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank is cut off; wherein,

[0019] The automatic liquid replenishment structure is provided, comprising:

[0020] Determining a minimum allowable liquid level and a maximum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank;

[0021] The automatic liquid replenishment structure is configured so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value are both within the range from the minimum allowable liquid level to the maximum allowable liquid level.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present application, an engine has a cooling system comprising the automatic liquid replenishing structure described above, so as to automatically replenish coolant to the expansion tank.

[0023] A ship according to another aspect of the present application includes the engine described above.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the vessel, the vessel is an unmanned vessel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals always represent the same features. It should be noted that these drawings are only for illustration and are not drawn to scale. They should not be used to limit the actual scope of protection claimed in this application. Among them:

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the automatic liquid replenishment structure of one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a valve according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of an expansion tank according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the automatic fluid replenishment structure of one embodiment when fluid replenishment is stopped.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the automatic liquid replenishment structure during liquid replenishment according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the process of an automatic fluid replenishment method according to an embodiment.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 100. Automatic liquid replenishment structure; 110. Expansion tank; 111. Liquid level display; 112. Monitoring device; 113. Liquid inlet; 120. Liquid storage tank; 121. Liquid outlet; 130. Valve; 1310. Valve body; 1311. Valve seat; 1320. Valve cover; 1321. First hole; 1322. Second hole; 133. Valve stem; 134. First sealing structure; 135. Second sealing structure; 136. Third sealing structure; 140. Control assembly; 141. Float; 1420. Transmission member; 1421. Pulley; 1422. Rope; 150. Pipe fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that this specification is not intended to limit the present application to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present application is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternative forms, modifications, equivalent forms, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] This application uses specific terms to describe the embodiments of this application. For example, "one embodiment" and / or "an embodiment" refers to a feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mentioned twice or multiple times in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application may be appropriately combined.

[0036] This application uses flowcharts to illustrate the operations performed according to the embodiments of this application. It is understood that, depending on the actual situation, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown in the diagrams, and other operations may be added to these processes, or one or more steps may be removed from these processes.

[0037] In the subsequent description, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "inside", "outside" or other orientation terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and / or implemented in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In the subsequent description, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense; for example: it can be a fixed connection or a movable connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; or it can be the connection between two elements or parts, etc. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] It can be understood that the automatic liquid filling structure, automatic liquid filling method, engine, etc. provided in this application,

[0039] It is suitable for ships and can also be applied to any other applicable occasions, such as engines of other vehicles or engineering machinery, etc. As long as it is an applicable occasion that requires automatic replenishment of coolant into the expansion tank of the cooling system, this application can be applied, but it is not limited to this.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 5The automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 shown is used to automatically provide coolant (cooling medium) to the expansion tank 110. The automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 includes: an expansion tank 110, a liquid storage tank 120, a valve 130, and a control component 140; wherein, the expansion tank 110 is provided with a liquid inlet 113; the liquid storage tank 120 is used to store spare coolant, and the liquid storage tank 120 is provided with a liquid outlet 121; in the height direction, the liquid storage tank 120 is roughly located above the expansion tank 110, and can also be configured as There is a height difference between the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 120 and the liquid level of the expansion tank 110. As long as the structure is such that the coolant in the liquid storage tank 120 accumulates gravitational potential energy, when the expansion tank 110 and the liquid storage tank 120 are connected, the coolant can automatically flow from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 under the action of gravity, and the present invention is not limited to this; the liquid outlet 121 of the liquid storage tank 120, the valve 130, and the liquid inlet 113 of the expansion tank 110 are sequentially connected, for example, by a pipe 150; the control component 1 40, including a float 141 and a transmission member 1420; the float 141 floats on the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 and can float as the liquid level of the coolant inside the expansion tank 110 changes; the transmission member 1420 is connected to the float 141 at one end and to the valve 130 at the other end; when the float 141 floats as the expansion tank 110 changes, the transmission member 1420 can transmit the power generated by the float 141 to the valve 130; the transmission path configuration of the automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 is: The lowering of the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 drives the float 141 to move downward, causing the transmission member 1420 to apply force to the valve 130, thereby opening the valve 130, thereby connecting the liquid storage tank 120 and the expansion tank 110, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank 120 through the valve 130 to the expansion tank 110 under the action of gravity; specifically, the capacity of the liquid storage tank 120 can be determined according to the demand for coolant of the cooling system, for example, according to a percentage of the circulating water volume in the cooling system, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] The above automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 stores liquid through the liquid storage tank 120, without having to keep too much coolant in the expansion tank 110, which is conducive to the compactness of the expansion tank 110 and easy layout; compared with the expansion tank 110, the liquid storage tank 120 is more flexible in terms of the choice of layout space, etc., making the overall layout of the automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 easy; the float 141 is used to float with the change of the liquid level of the expansion tank 110, and is transmitted to the valve 130 through the transmission member 1420, thereby controlling the on and off of the valve 130, and realizing automatic control. Liquid replenishment can be made without manually monitoring the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 and operating the valve 130, thereby reducing the amount of labor. By arranging the liquid storage tank 120 above the expansion tank 110, gravity is used to drive the coolant from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, thereby achieving automatic liquid replenishment without manual operation or complex equipment such as water pumps. In addition, the valve 130 and the control component 140 can also be configured to operate purely mechanically, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, high reliability and safety, and being particularly suitable for working conditions such as unmanned ships.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, in one or more embodiments, when the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 is less than the first threshold value L1, the float 141 is transmitted to the valve 130 through the transmission member 1420, so that the valve 130 opens, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank 120 through the valve 130 to the expansion tank 110 under the action of gravity; the first threshold value L1 is greater than the minimum allowable liquid level L of the expansion tank 110. min Moreover, when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, so that the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 reaches the second threshold value L2, the valve 130 is closed, and the flow of the coolant from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 is cut off by the valve 130; the second threshold value L2 is less than the maximum allowable liquid level L of the expansion tank 110. max .

[0043] The first threshold value L1 mentioned here refers to the critical value of the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 when the control component 140 is able to open the valve 130. In other words, it is the liquid level when automatic liquid replenishment into the expansion tank 110 begins, also known as the liquid replenishment starting level; the second threshold value L2 refers to the liquid level that the expansion tank 110 can reach when the liquid replenishment process of the expansion tank 110 stops, also known as the liquid replenishment stop level; the minimum allowable liquid level L min Refers to the minimum value that the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 is allowed to reach in order to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system; the maximum allowable liquid level L max It refers to the maximum value of the liquid level allowed to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system; specifically, the minimum allowable liquid level L min The maximum allowable liquid level L can be determined to ensure that the expansion tank 110 can replenish the liquid and pressure of the coolant flow path of the system during operation, but is not limited to this. maxThe maximum allowable liquid level L can be determined with the goal of ensuring that the expansion tank 110 does not overflow. For example, max The liquid level is greater than or equal to the liquid level with a margin space reserved to accommodate the expansion of the coolant, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] It can be understood that the first threshold L1 is configured to be greater than the minimum allowable liquid level L min , the second threshold L2 is less than the maximum allowable liquid level L max , when the liquid level drops to the minimum allowable level L min Before the liquid level rises to the maximum allowable level L max The liquid replenishment is stopped before then, so as to avoid the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 being too low or too high, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0045] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the liquid storage tank 120, the valve 130 and the control component 140, as well as the flow channel connecting the liquid storage tank 120 and the expansion tank 110, are all configured as a purely mechanical structure, so that the automatic liquid replenishment from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 is carried out in a purely mechanical manner; in other words, the automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 does not rely on electrical appliances, such as electric water pumps, electronic controllers, etc., but relies on the principle of pure mechanical transmission to achieve automatic liquid replenishment from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110; the automatic liquid replenishment from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 here refers to a whole process from starting liquid replenishment to stopping liquid replenishment, in other words, liquid replenishment starts and stops automatically when it is overfilled; such a design makes the structure simple, the cost low, the safety and reliability high, and no manual operation is required.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, in one or more embodiments, the valve 130 is configured as a purely mechanical structure, which includes a valve body 1310, a valve cover 1320, and a valve stem 133; wherein the valve body 1310 is provided with a flow channel, one end of which is connected to the expansion tank 110, and the other end is connected to the liquid storage tank 120; the valve cover 1320 and the valve body 1310 are fixedly connected and form a static sealing structure to prevent the coolant from leaking from the connection position; the valve cover 1320 and the valve body 1310 define the installation space of the valve stem 133; the valve stem 133 is located in the installation space and is connected to the transmission member 1420; the wall of the valve cover 1320 contacts the valve stem 133 to limit the moving direction of the valve stem 133; the valve body 1310 is equipped with a valve seat 1311, and the valve stem 133 can be sealed and connected with the valve seat 1311, for example, the end of the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 are in close contact to form a matching first sealing structure 134, for example, a spherical sealing structure. When the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 are sealed and connected, the flow channel of the valve body 1310 is disconnected. When the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 drops to less than the first threshold value L1, the valve stem 133 is separated from the valve seat 1311 under the force of the transmission member 1420, and the flow channel of the valve body 1310 is circulated, that is, the valve 130 is opened, and the coolant begins to flow from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110. When the liquid level rises back to reach the second threshold value L2, the valve stem 133 moves and is sealed with the valve seat 1311 to disconnect the flow channel of the valve body 1310, so that the valve 130 is closed and the liquid replenishment stops.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the transmission member 1420 is configured as a purely mechanical structure, including at least one pulley 1421 and a rope 1422. The pulley 1421 is located above the expansion tank 110. The valve cover 1320 has a through hole for the rope 1422 to pass through. The rope 1422 has one end connected to the float 141 and the other end passing through the through hole and connected to the valve stem 133, and then passes around the pulley 1421 to change the direction of the force. The rope 1422 can also pass around multiple pulleys 1421, such as the two pulleys 1421 shown, so that both sides of the rope 1422 reach the corresponding positions above the float 141 and the valve stem 133. The at least one pulley 1421 is not limited to a fixed pulley and can also be a pulley assembly including a movable pulley, without limitation.

[0048] Specifically, if Figure 4 、 Figure 5As shown, in one or more embodiments, the liquid storage tank 120 is located above the expansion tank 110 in the height direction; the liquid storage tank 120 and the valve 130 are connected by a pipe 150; the valve 130 is configured to include the above-mentioned valve body 1310, valve cover 1320, and valve stem 133, and the transmission member 1420 includes the above-mentioned multiple pulleys 1421 and rope 1422; wherein the valve cover 1320 is provided with a first hole 1321 and a second hole 1322; the first hole 1321 and the second hole 1322 both extend in the height direction, and the first hole 1321 is connected to the outside through the second hole 1322; for example Figure 2 As shown, the second hole 1322 is located on the upper side of the first hole 1321, and the valve seat 1311 is located on the lower side of the first hole 1321 in the extension direction of the first hole 1321; the valve stem 133 is movably arranged in the first hole 1321 and is tightly contacted by the wall of the first hole 1321, so that the valve stem 133 can only move along the extension direction of the first hole 1321; the lower end of the valve stem 133 is provided with a sealing portion, when the valve stem 133 moves downward, the sealing portion can be sealed and connected with the valve seat 1311 to form a first sealing structure 134, the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 are sealed and connected to make the valve 130 closed, and the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 are separated to make the valve 130 open; the first sealing structure 134 can be a spherical sealing structure, but is not limited to this; the valve cover 1320 and the valve body 1310 are fixedly connected and form a second sealing structure 135, the second sealing The sealing structure 135 adopts static sealing, the valve stem 133 and the wall of the first hole 1321 constitute the third sealing structure 136, and the third sealing structure 136 adopts dynamic sealing. The second sealing structure 135 and the third sealing structure 136 are used to prevent the coolant from leaking unexpectedly in the valve 130; the rope 1422 passes around the pulley 1421, and one end of it is connected to the float 141, and the other end passes through the second hole 1322 and is connected to the valve stem 133; such a design realizes that the liquid storage tank 120, the valve 130, the control component 140, etc. are purely mechanical structures, which are simple and reliable; when the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 drops, the float 141 moves downward accordingly, the rope 1422 is tightened and applies upward force to the float 141 and the valve stem 133 at both ends; at this time, the forces borne by the float 141 include: its own weight G1, the buoyancy F provided by the coolant in the expansion tank 110 浮 , and the rope 1422 provides its tension F1; the forces borne by the valve stem 133 include: its own gravity G2, the liquid pressure F formed by the combined action of the coolant on the upper and lower sides 压 The rope 1422 provides its tension F2, and the valve seat 1311 provides its support force F 座 ; Hydraulic pressure F 压The hydraulic pressure on the upper and lower sides of the sealing part of the valve stem 133 and the size of the working surface are limited; when the rope 1422 is tightened, the float 141 maintains its height under the traction of the rope 1422. As the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 continues to drop, the buoyancy F 浮 The tension F1 exerted by the rope 1422 on the float 141 increases, and the tension F2 exerted by the rope 1422 on the valve stem 133 increases synchronously. When the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 drops below the first threshold value L1, the tension F2 exerted by the rope 1422 on the valve stem 133 can overcome the downward force exerted on the valve stem 133, thereby driving the valve stem 133 to separate from the valve seat 1311, so that the valve 130 is opened, and the coolant begins to automatically flow out under the action of gravity. Liquid flows from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, and the valve stem 133 is moved by the coolant; when the valve stem 133 falls back to a sealed connection with the valve seat 1311, the valve 130 is closed, and the liquid replenishment automatically stops. At this time, the liquid level in the expansion tank rises to the second threshold value L2; It can be understood that by properly configuring the relevant physical parameters, the liquid level of the expansion tank at the start and stop of liquid replenishment can be adjusted, so that the first threshold value L1 and the second threshold value L2 are limited to the minimum allowable liquid level L min To the maximum allowable liquid level L max For example, appropriately selecting different masses of the float 141 and / or the valve stem 133 to adjust its gravity, or setting the size of the hydraulic action surface of the sealing portion of the valve stem 133 on the upper and lower sides to adjust the hydraulic pressure F 压 , or appropriately setting the height of the liquid storage tank 120 and / or the expansion tank 110 to limit the hydraulic pressure of the sealing portion of the valve stem 133 on the upper and lower sides, etc., is not limited to this.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the expansion tank 110 is provided with a liquid level display unit 111 for displaying the liquid level of the expansion tank 110; wherein the liquid level display unit 111 is configured to display the first threshold value L1, the second threshold value L2, the minimum allowable liquid level L min and the maximum allowable liquid level L max Specifically, the liquid level display unit 111 may be provided with a transparent window for observing the liquid level inside the expansion tank 110 from the outside; the first threshold value L1, the second threshold value L2, the minimum allowable liquid level L1 and the minimum allowable liquid level L2 may also be marked on the window. min and the maximum allowable liquid level L max The height of the expansion tank 110 is convenient for monitoring the amount of coolant in the expansion tank 110 to ensure the normal operation of the automatic liquid replenishing structure 100.

[0050] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3As shown, in one or more embodiments, the automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 is configured with a monitoring device 112; when the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 is less than or equal to the minimum allowable liquid level L min When, and / or, the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable liquid level L max When the liquid level exceeds 100, the monitoring device 112 sends an alarm signal; the monitoring device 112 may include a liquid level sensor and an alarm connected to each other. The liquid level sensor is provided in the expansion tank 110 and is used to measure the liquid level of the expansion tank 110; the liquid level sensor measures the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 and transmits a signal to the alarm, which processes the signal to send an alarm signal to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, according to another aspect of the present application, an automatic fluid replenishment method includes:

[0052] S1. The above automatic liquid filling structure 100 is used to automatically fill the expansion tank 110 with liquid. When the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 is less than a first threshold value L1, the float 141 is transmitted to the valve 130 via the transmission member 1420, so that the valve 130 opens, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 through the valve 130 under the action of gravity. Moreover, when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, so that the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 reaches a second threshold value L2, the valve 130 closes, and the flow of coolant from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 is cut off by the valve 130. The method of providing the automatic liquid filling structure 100 specifically includes:

[0053] S11, determine the minimum allowable liquid level L of the expansion tank 110 min , Maximum allowable liquid level L max Specifically, the minimum allowable liquid level L min , Maximum allowable liquid level L max It can be determined according to the above design goals;

[0054] S12, configure the automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 so that the first threshold value L1 and the second threshold value L2 are both within the range of the minimum allowable liquid level L min To the maximum allowable liquid level L max specifically, the first threshold L1 and the second threshold L2 can also be determined as a percentage of the system volume.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present application, an engine, such as a marine diesel engine, has a cooling system comprising the above automatic liquid replenishing structure 100 to achieve automatic liquid replenishment to the expansion tank 110 .

[0056] According to another aspect of the present application, a vessel includes the engine described above. In one or more embodiments, the vessel is an unmanned vessel; an unmanned vessel herein refers to a device capable of sailing on the water without requiring a person on board to directly operate the vessel; for example, a remotely controlled or autonomously operated vessel.

[0057] In summary, the advanced technical effects of this application include but are not limited to at least one of the following:

[0058] Liquid is stored in a liquid storage tank without the need to retain excessive coolant in the expansion tank, which helps to reduce the volume of the expansion tank and makes the expansion tank easier to arrange. Compared with the expansion tank, the liquid storage tank is more flexible in the choice of layout space, etc., making the overall automatic liquid replenishment structure easy to arrange. The float is used to float with the change of the liquid level in the expansion tank, and the power generated by the floating float is transmitted to the valve through the transmission part, which can realize automatic control of liquid replenishment. There is no need to manually monitor the liquid volume in the expansion tank or operate the valve, etc., thus reducing the amount of manpower. The coolant is driven by gravity to flow from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank, which can realize automatic liquid replenishment. There is no need to use complex equipment such as water pumps, nor is there any need to manually operate the water pumps, etc., and the valves and control components can also be configured to work purely mechanically, with a simple structure, low cost, high reliability and safety.

[0059] Although the present application is disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the present application. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent variations, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present application without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present application shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic liquid replenishing structure (100), characterized in that: include: An expansion tank (110), a liquid storage tank (120), a valve (130) and a control assembly (140); the control assembly (140) includes a float (141) and a transmission member (1420); wherein, The liquid storage tank (120), the valve (130), and the expansion tank (110) are connected in sequence; the float (141) can float as the level of the coolant inside the expansion tank (110) changes; the transmission member (1420) has one end connected to the float (141) and the other end connected to the valve (130); The transmission path of the automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) is configured as follows: the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) drops, driving the float, and the float (141) drives the valve (130) to open through the transmission member (1420), so that the liquid storage tank (120) and the expansion tank (110) are connected, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank (120) through the valve (130) to the expansion tank (110) under the action of gravity.

2. The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) is less than a first threshold, the float (141) is transmitted to the valve (130) through the transmission member (1420), so that the valve (130) is opened, and the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) through the valve (130) under the action of gravity; when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110), so that the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) reaches a second threshold, the valve (130) is closed, and the flow of the coolant from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) is cut off by the valve (130); wherein the first threshold is greater than the minimum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank (110), and the second threshold is less than the maximum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank (110).

3. The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid storage tank (120), the valve (130) and the control component (140) are all configured as purely mechanical structures.

4. The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve (130) includes a valve body (1310), a valve cover (1320), and a valve stem (133); wherein, The valve body (1310) is provided with a flow passage, one end of which is connected to the expansion tank (110) and the other end of which is connected to the liquid storage tank (120); the valve cover (1320) is connected to the valve body (1310), and the valve cover (1320) and the valve body (1310) define an installation space for the valve stem (133); the valve stem (133) is located in the installation space and is connected to the transmission member (1420); the wall surface of the valve cover (1320) contacts the valve stem (133) to define the moving direction of the valve stem (133); the valve body (1310) is provided with a valve seat (1311), and the valve stem (133) can be sealed and connected to the valve seat (1311) to disconnect the flow passage of the valve body (1310); When the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) is less than the first threshold value, the valve stem (133) is separated from the valve seat (1311) under the force of the transmission member (1420), so that the valve (130) is opened; when the coolant flows from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110), so that the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) reaches the second threshold value, the valve stem (133) and the valve seat (1311) are sealed and connected, so that the valve (130) is closed.

5. The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transmission member (1420) includes at least one pulley (1421) and a rope (1422); the pulley (1421) is located above the expansion tank (110); the valve cover (1320) is provided with a through hole; one end of the rope (1422) is connected to the float (141), and the other end passes through the through hole and is connected to the valve stem (133); the rope (1422) passes around the pulley (1421).

6. The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The automatic liquid replenishment structure (100) is configured as follows: The expansion tank (110) is provided with a liquid level display unit (111), and the liquid level display unit (111) is capable of displaying the liquid level at the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the minimum allowable liquid level, and the maximum allowable liquid level; and / or, The expansion tank (110) is provided with a monitoring device (112), and when the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) is less than or equal to the minimum allowable liquid level, and / or when the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable liquid level, the monitoring device (112) issues an alarm signal.

7. An automatic fluid replenishment method, characterized in that: include: The automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used to automatically replenish the cooling liquid to the expansion tank (110); and when the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) is less than a first threshold value, the valve (130) is opened, and the cooling liquid flows from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) through the valve (130) under the action of gravity; when the liquid level of the expansion tank (110) reaches a second threshold value, the valve (130) is closed, and the flow of the cooling liquid from the liquid storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) is cut off; wherein, The automatic liquid replenishment structure (100) is provided, comprising: Determining the minimum allowable liquid level and the maximum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank (110); The automatic liquid replenishment structure (100) is configured so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value are both within the range from the minimum allowable liquid level to the maximum allowable liquid level.

8. An engine, characterized in that: The cooling system of the engine comprises the automatic liquid replenishing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, so as to automatically replenish the coolant into the expansion tank (110).

9. A ship, characterized in that: Comprising the engine of claim 8.

10. The ship according to claim 9, characterized in that The vessel is an unmanned vessel.

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