An automatic liquid supplementing structure, an automatic liquid supplementing method, an engine, and a ship

Abstract

The application provides an automatic liquid supplementing structure, an automatic liquid supplementing method, an engine and a ship. The automatic liquid supplementing structure comprises an expansion tank, a liquid storage tank, a valve and a control assembly. The control assembly comprises a float and a transmission member. The liquid storage tank, the valve and the expansion tank are sequentially connected. The float can float with the change of the liquid level of the cooling liquid in the expansion tank. One end of the transmission member is connected to the float, and the other end is connected to the valve. The transmission path of the automatic liquid supplementing structure is configured such that the liquid level of the expansion tank drives the float, the float drives the valve to open through the transmission member, the liquid storage tank and the expansion tank are communicated, and the cooling liquid flows from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank through the valve under the action of gravity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an automatic fluid replenishment structure, an automatic fluid replenishment method, an engine, and a ship. Background Technology

[0002] Engines, such as marine diesel engines, are typically equipped with cooling systems to keep engine components operating within appropriate temperature ranges. The expansion tank (also known as an expansion radiator) is a crucial component of the cooling system. It has space to accommodate the expansion of coolant, compensating for volume changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction. It also functions as a pressure regulator and coolant replenisher. When the coolant expands due to heat or becomes too pressurized, excess coolant flows to the expansion tank to stabilize system pressure and prevent overflow. When the coolant contracts due to cold or leaks, it 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 within the system, thus guaranteeing its normal operation.

[0003] However, in order to meet requirements such as compact structure, the expansion tank is usually arranged in a belt-like configuration that is tightly integrated with the engine block, which limits its placement space and the amount of liquid it can hold. Furthermore, in some cases, a large coolant storage capacity is required, which further increases the difficulty of placement. Taking unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as an example, currently, it mainly relies on pre-filling sufficient coolant into the expansion tank of the USV, which requires a large expansion tank volume and is difficult to place. When the coolant is insufficient, the USV generally needs to dock or be manually replenished at other refueling points, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.

[0004] In view of the above, the inventors of this application propose an automatic fluid replenishment structure, an automatic fluid replenishment method, an engine, and 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 fluid replenishment structure.

[0006] Another objective of this application is to provide an automated fluid replenishment method.

[0007] Another objective of this application is to provide an engine.

[0008] Another objective of this application is to provide a vessel.

[0009] An automatic coolant replenishment structure according to one aspect of this application includes: an expansion tank, a storage tank, a valve, and a control component; the control component includes a float and a transmission component; wherein the storage tank, the valve, and the expansion tank are connected sequentially; the float is capable of floating according to changes in the coolant level inside the expansion tank; one end of the transmission component is connected to the float, and the other end is connected to the valve; the transmission path of the automatic coolant replenishment structure is configured as follows: the drop in the coolant level of the expansion tank drives the float, and the float drives the valve to open through the transmission component, thereby connecting the storage tank and the expansion tank, so that the coolant flows from the storage tank to the expansion tank through the valve under the action of gravity.

[0010] The automatic liquid replenishment structure described above stores liquid in the storage tank, eliminating the need for excessive coolant in the expansion tank. This reduces the volume of the expansion tank, making it easier to arrange. Compared to the expansion tank, the storage tank offers greater flexibility in terms of space selection, further simplifying the overall layout of the automatic liquid replenishment structure. The float moves with the liquid level in the expansion tank, and the power generated by the float's movement is transmitted to the valve via the transmission component, enabling automatic liquid replenishment control without the need for manual monitoring of the expansion tank's liquid level or valve operation, thus reducing manual labor. The coolant is driven by gravity to flow from the storage tank to the expansion tank, achieving automatic replenishment without the need for complex equipment like water pumps or manual operation. Furthermore, the valves and control components can be configured for purely mechanical operation, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, and high reliability and safety.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, when the liquid level in the expansion tank is less than a first threshold, the float is driven to the valve via the transmission member, causing the valve to open, and the coolant flows from the storage tank to the expansion tank under gravity through the valve; when the coolant flows from the storage tank to the expansion tank, causing the liquid level in the expansion tank to reach a second threshold, the valve closes, and the flow of coolant from the storage tank to the expansion tank is stopped by the valve; wherein, the first threshold is greater than the minimum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank, and the second threshold is less than the maximum allowable liquid level of the expansion tank.

[0012] It can be understood that by configuring the first threshold to be greater than the minimum allowable liquid level and the second threshold to be less than the maximum allowable liquid level, in other words, liquid replenishment is performed before the liquid level drops to the minimum allowable liquid level and liquid replenishment is stopped before the liquid level rises back to the maximum allowable liquid level, ensuring that the liquid level in the expansion tank is not too low or too high, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the expansion tank in replenishing and pressurizing the system, preventing overflow, and ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the reservoir, the valve, and the control components are all configured as purely mechanical structures.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the automatic liquid replenishment structure, the valve includes a valve body, a valve cover, and a valve stem; wherein the valve body has a flow channel, one end of which is connected to the expansion tank, and the other end 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 component; the wall surface of the valve cover contacts the valve stem to define the direction of movement of the valve stem; the valve body is equipped with a valve seat, and the valve stem can be sealed to the valve seat to disconnect the flow channel of the valve body; when the liquid level in the expansion tank is less than the first threshold, the valve stem separates from the valve seat under the force of the transmission component, thereby opening the valve; when coolant flows from the liquid storage tank to the expansion tank, causing the liquid level in the expansion tank to reach the second threshold, the valve stem and the valve seat are sealed to close the valve.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the automatic fluid replenishment structure, the transmission component includes at least one pulley and a rope; the pulley is located above the expansion tank; the valve cover has 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 passes around the pulley.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the automatic liquid replenishment structure, the automatic liquid replenishment structure is configured such that: the expansion tank is provided with a liquid level display unit, the liquid level display unit is capable of displaying the liquid level at the first threshold, the second threshold, the minimum allowable liquid level, and the maximum allowable liquid level; and / or, the expansion tank is provided with a monitoring device, the monitoring device issuing an alarm signal 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.

[0017] According to another aspect of this application, an automated fluid replenishment method includes:

[0018] The automatic coolant replenishment structure described above automatically replenishes coolant to the expansion tank; and when the coolant level in the expansion tank is lower than a first threshold, the valve opens, allowing coolant to flow from the storage tank to the expansion tank under gravity; when the coolant level in the expansion tank reaches a second threshold, the valve closes, stopping the flow of coolant from the storage tank to the expansion tank; wherein,

[0019] The automatic fluid replenishment structure includes:

[0020] Determine the minimum and maximum allowable liquid levels in the expansion tank;

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

[0022] According to another aspect of this application, the cooling system of the engine includes the above-described automatic coolant replenishment structure to automatically replenish coolant to the expansion tank.

[0023] According to another aspect of this application, a vessel includes the engine described above.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the vessel, the vessel is an unmanned vessel. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and other features, properties, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which the same reference numerals always denote the same features. It should be noted that these drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection actually claimed by this application, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic fluid replenishment structure according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a valve according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion tank in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic liquid replenishment structure when liquid replenishment stops, according to one embodiment.

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

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of an automatic fluid replenishment method.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100. Automatic liquid replenishment structure; 110. Expansion tank; 111. Liquid level display unit; 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 component; 141. Float; 1420. Transmission component; 1421. Pulley; 1422. Rope; 150. Pipe fitting. Detailed Implementation

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

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

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

[0037] In the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "inner," "outer," or other directional terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed in a specific orientation, or be implemented in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In the following description, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a movable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the connection of two elements or parts, etc. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] It is understood that the automatic fluid replenishment structure, automatic fluid replenishment method, engine, etc. provided in this application,

[0039] It is applicable to ships, but can also be applied to any other applicable occasions, such as engines of other vehicles or construction machinery. This application can be applied to any applicable occasion where it is necessary to automatically replenish coolant to the expansion tank of the cooling system, and is not limited thereto.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 5The automatic coolant replenishment structure 100 shown is used to automatically supply coolant (cooling medium) to the expansion tank 110. The automatic coolant replenishment structure 100 includes: an expansion tank 110, a reservoir 120, a valve 130, and a control assembly 140. The expansion tank 110 has an inlet 113; the reservoir 120 stores spare coolant and has an outlet 121. In the vertical direction, the reservoir 120 is generally located above the expansion tank 110, and can also be configured as follows: There is a height difference between the liquid levels in the reservoir 120 and the expansion tank 110. As long as the structure allows the coolant in the reservoir 120 to accumulate gravitational potential energy, and the expansion tank 110 and reservoir 120 are connected, the coolant can automatically flow from the reservoir 120 to the expansion tank 110 under gravity; this is not a limitation. The outlet 121 of the reservoir 120, the valve 130, and the inlet 113 of the expansion tank 110 are connected sequentially, for example, through a pipe 150. Control component 1 40, including a float 141 and a transmission component 1420; the float 141 floats on the liquid level of the expansion tank 110 and can float with the change of the liquid level of the coolant inside the expansion tank 110; the transmission component 1420 is connected to the float 141 at one end and to the valve 130 at the other end; when the float 141 floats with the change of the liquid level of the expansion tank 110, the transmission component 1420 can transmit the power generated by the float 141 to the valve 130; the transmission path of the automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 is configured as follows: expansion tank 110 142 ... The decrease in liquid level in expansion tank 110 causes float 141 to move downward, which in turn causes transmission component 1420 to apply force to valve 130, thereby opening valve 130 and connecting storage tank 120 and expansion tank 110. Coolant flows from storage tank 120 to expansion tank 110 under the action of gravity through valve 130. Specifically, the capacity of storage tank 120 can be determined according to the cooling system's demand for coolant, for example, it can be determined according to a percentage of the circulating water volume in the cooling system, but is not limited to this.

[0041] The automatic coolant replenishment structure 100 described above stores coolant in the reservoir 120, eliminating the need to maintain excessive coolant in the expansion tank 110. This facilitates the compact design of the expansion tank 110 and makes it easier to arrange. Compared to the expansion tank 110, the reservoir 120 offers greater flexibility in terms of space selection, making the overall arrangement of the automatic coolant replenishment structure 100 easier. The float 141 floats in response to changes in the coolant level in the expansion tank 110, and this movement is transmitted to the valve 130 via the transmission component 1420, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve 130 and achieving automatic control. The system eliminates the need for manual monitoring of the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 and operation of valve 130, reducing manual labor. By placing the storage tank 120 above the expansion tank 110, gravity drives the coolant to flow from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, enabling automatic replenishment without manual operation or the use of complex equipment such as water pumps. Furthermore, valve 130 and control components 140 can be configured for purely mechanical operation, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, high reliability and safety, making it particularly suitable for unmanned vessels and other similar applications.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, in one or more embodiments, when the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 is less than a first threshold L1, the float 141 is transmitted to the valve 130 via the transmission member 1420, causing the valve 130 to open, and the coolant flows from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 under the action of gravity; the first threshold L1 is greater than the minimum allowable liquid level L of the expansion tank 110. min Furthermore, when coolant flows from the reservoir 120 to the expansion tank 110, causing the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 to reach the second threshold L2, the valve 130 closes, and the flow of coolant from the reservoir 120 to the expansion tank 110 is stopped by the valve 130; the second threshold L2 is less than the maximum allowable liquid level L of the expansion tank 110. max .

[0043] The first threshold L1 mentioned here refers to the critical value of the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 that allows the control component 140 to open the valve 130; in other words, it is the liquid level at which automatic replenishment of the expansion tank 110 begins, also known as the replenishment start level. The second threshold L2 refers to the liquid level that the expansion tank 110 can reach when the replenishment process stops, also known as the replenishment stop level. The minimum allowable liquid level L... min This refers to the minimum allowable liquid level in the expansion tank 110 to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system; the maximum allowable liquid level L... max This refers to the maximum allowable liquid level to be reached in order 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 the expansion tank 110's ability to replenish and pressurize the system's coolant flow path during operation, but it is not limited to this; maxIt can be determined with the goal of ensuring that the expansion tank 110 does not overflow, for example, the maximum allowable liquid level L. max A liquid level greater than or equal to the allowance for coolant expansion, but not limited to this level.

[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 Liquid replenishment was performed earlier, and the liquid level rose to the maximum allowable level L. max Stop adding liquid beforehand to prevent the liquid level in expansion tank 110 from being too low or too high, thus 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, valve 130, control component 140, and flow channel connecting the liquid storage tank 120 and expansion tank 110 are all configured as purely mechanical structures, so that the automatic replenishment of liquid from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 is performed in a purely mechanical manner. In other words, the automatic replenishment structure 100 does not rely on electrical appliances, such as electric water pumps or electronic controllers, but relies on the principle of pure mechanical transmission to realize the automatic replenishment of liquid from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110. Here, the automatic replenishment of liquid from the liquid storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 refers to a whole process from the start of replenishment to the stop of replenishment. In other words, the replenishment starts and stops automatically when the liquid is overcharged. This design makes the structure simple, low in cost, safe and reliable, and requires no manual operation.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, in one or more embodiments, valve 130 is configured as a purely mechanical structure, including valve body 1310, valve cover 1320, and valve stem 133; wherein, valve body 1310 has a flow channel, one end of which is connected to expansion tank 110 and the other end of which is connected to liquid storage tank 120; valve cover 1320 and valve body 1310 are fixedly connected and form a static seal structure to prevent coolant leakage from the connection position; valve cover 1320 and valve body 1310 define the installation space of valve stem 133; valve stem 133 is located in the installation space and connected to the transmission component 1420; the wall surface of the valve cover 1320 contacts the valve stem 133 to define the direction of movement of the valve stem 133; the valve body 1310 is equipped with a valve seat 1311, and the valve stem 133 can be sealed to 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 mating first sealing structure 134, such as a spherical sealing structure, and the flow path of the valve body 1310 is disconnected when the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 are sealed together. When the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 drops below the first threshold L1, the valve stem 133 separates from the valve seat 1311 under the force of the transmission component 1420, and the flow channel of the valve body 1310 is opened, that is, the valve 130 is opened, and the coolant begins to flow from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110. When the liquid level rises back to the second threshold L2, the valve stem 133 moves and seals with the valve seat 1311 to disconnect the flow channel of the valve body 1310, thereby closing the valve 130 and stopping the liquid replenishment.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the transmission component 1420 is configured as a purely mechanical structure, comprising 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; 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, and passes around the pulley 1421 to change the direction of force application; the rope 1422 may also pass around multiple pulleys 1421, such as the two pulleys 1421 shown in the figure, so that both sides of the rope 1422 reach the corresponding upper positions of the float 141 and the valve stem 133, respectively. The at least one pulley 1421 is not limited to a fixed pulley, but may also be a pulley assembly including a movable pulley, and is not limited thereto.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, in one or more embodiments, the storage tank 120 is positioned above the expansion tank 110 in the height direction; the storage tank 120 and the valve 130 are connected by a pipe 150; the valve 130 is configured to include the valve body 1310, valve cover 1320, and valve stem 133, and the transmission component 1420 includes the plurality of pulleys 1421 and ropes 1422; wherein, the valve cover 1320 is provided with a first hole 1321 and a second hole 1322; both the first hole 1321 and the second hole 1322 extend in the height direction, and the first hole 1321 communicates with the outside through the second hole 1322; for example Figure 2 As shown, the second hole 1322 is located above the first hole 1321, and the valve seat 1311 is located below the first hole 1321 in the extending direction of the first hole 1321. The valve stem 133 is movably disposed in the first hole 1321 and is in close contact with the wall of the first hole 1321, so that the valve stem 133 can only move along the extending direction of the first hole 1321. A sealing part is provided at the lower end of the valve stem 133. When the valve stem 133 moves downward, the sealing part can seal with the valve seat 1311 to form a first sealing structure 134. The sealing connection between the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 causes the valve 130 to close, and the separation of the valve stem 133 and the valve seat 1311 causes the valve 130 to open. The first sealing structure 134 can be a spherical sealing structure, but is not limited thereto. The valve cover 1320 and the valve body 1310 are fixedly connected to form a second sealing structure 135. The sealing structure 135 adopts a static seal, and the valve stem 133 and the wall of the first hole 1321 form a third sealing structure 136, which adopts a dynamic seal. The second sealing structure 135 and the third sealing structure 136 are used to prevent undesirable leakage of coolant 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. This design realizes that the liquid storage tank 120, valve 130, 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, and the rope 1422 is tensioned and applies upward force to the float 141 and valve stem 133 at both ends respectively. At this time, the force on the float 141 includes: its own weight G1 and the buoyancy F provided by the coolant in the expansion tank 110. 浮 The force borne by the valve stem 133 includes its own weight G2 and the hydraulic pressure F generated by the combined action of the coolant on the upper and lower sides. 压 Rope 1422 provides its tension F2, and 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 tensioned, the float 141 maintains its height under the traction of the rope 1422, and as the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 continues to drop, the buoyancy F on the float 141 increases. 浮 As the liquid level decreases, the tension F1 exerted by rope 1422 on float 141 increases, and the tension F2 exerted by rope 1422 on valve stem 133 increases synchronously. When the liquid level in expansion tank 110 drops below the first threshold L1, the tension F2 exerted by rope 1422 on valve stem 133 can overcome the downward resultant force on valve stem 133, thereby driving valve stem 133 to separate from valve seat 1311, causing valve 130 to open, and coolant begins to automatically flow from under gravity. The coolant flows from the reservoir 120 to the expansion tank 110, and the valve stem 133 moves due to the coolant. When the valve stem 133 falls back to its sealed position with the valve seat 1311, the valve 130 closes, and the replenishment automatically stops. At this time, the liquid level in the expansion tank rises to the second threshold L2. It can be understood that by appropriately configuring the relevant physical parameters, the liquid level in the expansion tank at the start and stop of replenishment can be adjusted, thereby limiting the first threshold L1 and the second threshold L2 to the minimum allowable liquid level L. min To the maximum allowable liquid level L max Within a certain range; for example, appropriately selecting floats 141 and / or valve stems 133 of different masses to adjust their weight, or setting the size of the hydraulic action surface of the sealing portion of valve stem 133 on the upper and lower sides to adjust the hydraulic pressure F. 压 Alternatively, the height of the reservoir 120 and / or expansion tank 110 may be appropriately set to limit the hydraulic pressure of the valve stem 133's sealing portion on the upper and lower sides, etc., without limitation.

[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 a first threshold L1, a second threshold L2, and a minimum allowable liquid level L. min and 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 L1, the second threshold L2, and the minimum allowable liquid level L can also be marked on the window. min and maximum allowable liquid level L max The height of the expansion tank 110 facilitates monitoring of the coolant level and ensures the normal operation of the automatic coolant replenishment structure 100.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, in one or more embodiments, the automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 is equipped 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 At that time, and / or, when the liquid level in expansion tank 110 is greater than or equal to the maximum permissible liquid level L. max When the monitoring device 112 issues 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 installed in the expansion tank 110 and is used to measure the liquid level in the expansion tank 110. The liquid level sensor measures the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 and sends a signal to the alarm. The alarm processes the signal to issue an alarm signal to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system.

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

[0052] S1. The above-described automatic replenishment structure 100 is used to automatically replenish coolant to the expansion tank 110. When the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 is less than the first threshold L1, the float 141 is driven to the valve 130 via the transmission component 1420, causing the valve 130 to open. Coolant flows from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 under gravity through the valve 130. Furthermore, when the coolant flows from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110, causing the liquid level in the expansion tank 110 to reach the second threshold L2, the valve 130 closes, and the flow of coolant from the storage tank 120 to the expansion tank 110 is stopped by the valve 130. The method of providing the automatic replenishment structure 100 specifically includes:

[0053] S11. Determine the minimum allowable liquid level L of expansion tank 110. min Maximum allowable liquid level L max Specifically, the minimum allowable liquid level L min Maximum allowable liquid level L max This can be determined based on the above design objectives;

[0054] S12. Configure an automatic liquid replenishment structure 100 so that both the first threshold L1 and the second threshold L2 are at the minimum allowable liquid level L. min To the maximum allowable liquid level L max Within the range; 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 this application, an engine, such as a marine diesel engine, has a cooling system including the above-mentioned automatic fluid replenishment structure 100 to achieve automatic fluid replenishment to the expansion tank 110.

[0056] According to another aspect of this application, a vessel includes the engine described above. In one or more embodiments, the vessel is an unmanned surface vessel (USV); an USV refers to a device capable of navigating on water without the need for direct human intervention; 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] Coolant is stored in a reservoir, eliminating the need for excessive coolant in the expansion tank. This reduces the size of the expansion tank and makes it easier to arrange. Compared to the expansion tank, the reservoir offers greater flexibility in terms of space selection, facilitating the overall layout of the automatic coolant replenishment structure. A float moves with the expansion tank's level, and the power generated by the float's movement is transmitted to the valve via a transmission mechanism, enabling automatic coolant replenishment control without the need for manual monitoring of the expansion tank's level or valve operation, thus reducing labor requirements. Furthermore, the use of gravity to drive the coolant flow from the reservoir to the expansion tank achieves automatic replenishment, eliminating the need for complex equipment such as water pumps or manual operation. The valves and control components can also be configured for purely mechanical operation, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, and high reliability and safety.

[0059] While this application discloses preferred embodiments as described above, it is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Any changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic fluid replenishment 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 component (1420); wherein, The liquid storage tank (120), the valve (130), and the expansion tank (110) are connected in sequence; the float (141) can float according to the change of the liquid level of the coolant inside the expansion tank (110); the transmission component (1420) is connected to the float (141) at one end and to the valve (130) at the other end. The transmission path of the automatic liquid replenishment 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 component (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) to the expansion tank (110) through the valve (130) under the action of gravity. 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 channel, 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 the installation space of the valve stem (133); the valve stem (133) is located in the installation space and is connected to the transmission component (1420); the wall surface of the valve cover (1320) contacts the valve stem (133) to define the direction of movement of the valve stem (133); the valve body (1310) is provided with a valve seat (1311), and the valve stem (133) can be sealed to the valve seat (1311) to disconnect the flow channel of the valve body (1310); The transmission component (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).

2. The automatic liquid replenishment structure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the liquid level in the expansion tank (110) is less than the first threshold, the float (141) is transmitted to the valve (130) through the transmission component (1420), causing the valve (130) to open, and the coolant flows from the storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) under the action of gravity; when the coolant flows from the storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110), causing the liquid level in the expansion tank (110) to reach the second threshold, the valve (130) closes, and the flow of coolant from the storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110) is stopped 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 replenishment 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 replenishment structure (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the liquid level in the expansion tank (110) is less than the first threshold, the valve stem (133) separates from the valve seat (1311) under the force of the transmission component (1420), thereby opening the valve (130); when the coolant flows from the storage tank (120) to the expansion tank (110), causing the liquid level in the expansion tank (110) to reach the second threshold, the valve stem (133) and the valve seat (1311) are sealed together, thereby closing the valve (130).

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

6. An automated fluid replenishment method, characterized in that, include: The expansion tank (110) is automatically replenished with coolant using the automatic replenishment structure (100) as described in any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. An engine, characterized in that, The engine cooling system includes an automatic coolant replenishment structure (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 to automatically replenish coolant to the expansion tank (110).

8. A ship, characterized in that, Including the engine as described in claim 7.

9. The ship according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vessel in question is unmanned.

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