Pipe connection structure for automobile cooling system

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of pipe connection technology, and more particularly to a pipe connection structure for automotive cooling systems. It includes a connector for connecting two symmetrically distributed cooling pipes. The connector has a main flow channel connecting the two cooling pipes and a secondary flow channel communicating with the main flow channel. The connector is rotatably connected to a first rotary valve for blocking the main flow channel and a second rotary valve for blocking the secondary flow channel. A filter screen is installed in the through-hole of the first rotary valve. The first and second rotary valves are rotatably connected, and the first rotary valve is splined to a plug. When coolant leaks in the cooling system, the plug releases the limit on the first rotary valve, sealing the cooling pipe. Information is then fed back to the operator using an existing coolant level sensor, allowing the operator to be aware of the coolant leak. This eliminates the need for additional sensors to monitor coolant leaks, improving monitoring convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline connection technology, and more particularly to pipeline connection structures for automotive cooling systems. Background Technology

[0002] In the thermal management system of automobile engines and related components, the cooling system plays a crucial role. It effectively removes the heat generated by key components such as the engine through the circulation of coolant in a closed pipeline, ensuring that they operate at a suitable operating temperature. As a key component of this system, the cooling pipeline connection structure is mainly responsible for reliably connecting the various sections of cooling pipeline to form a complete and sealed circulation channel.

[0003] However, during long-term circulation, coolant inevitably carries and gradually accumulates impurities such as scale, metal shavings, and degraded sealing materials. Existing common connection structures usually only provide a simple connection channel and lack an effective impurity treatment mechanism, resulting in insufficient coolant flow, a significant decrease in heat exchange efficiency, and ultimately affecting the stable operation of the entire cooling system and posing an overheating risk to core components such as the engine.

[0004] Secondly, during vehicle operation, especially when traversing uneven road surfaces, the car body and its components continuously vibrate. This vibration is transmitted to the cooling system's pipes and connections, causing relative displacement or slight misalignment between the connections and the cooling pipes. Prolonged vibration load can loosen the fasteners of the connecting structures, disrupting their original pre-tightened seals and deteriorating the sealing performance at the joints. This leads to slow or sudden coolant leakage, which is often difficult for drivers and routine inspections to detect immediately. By the time a coolant leak is significant enough to trigger an alarm or be detected, it has usually already substantially impacted system operation, even causing irreversible component damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems that existing pipe connection structures cannot filter coolant and cannot provide timely feedback in case of coolant leakage, this invention provides a pipe connection structure for automotive cooling systems.

[0006] The technical implementation scheme of the present invention is as follows: a pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system, comprising a connector, wherein the connector is provided with a main flow channel for connecting two cooling pipes, the connector is provided with a secondary flow channel communicating with the main flow channel, the connector is rotatably connected to a first rotary valve for blocking the main flow channel and a second rotary valve for blocking the secondary flow channel, both the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve are provided with through holes for coolant flow, a filter screen is provided in the through hole of the first rotary valve, the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve are rotatably connected, a torsion spring is fixedly connected between the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve, the connector is provided with a power module for controlling the rotation of the second rotary valve, a plug is splined to the first rotary valve, the second rotary valve is provided with a limiting groove for the plug to be inserted, a first spring is fixedly connected between the plug and the first rotary valve, and a pull rope fixedly connected to the plug is provided inside the first rotary valve.

[0007] Preferably, the axis of the first rotary valve through hole is perpendicular to the axis of the second rotary valve through hole.

[0008] Preferably, the cooling pipe is provided with a sealing ring that is slidably connected to the connector. The connector, the symmetrically distributed cooling pipes, and the symmetrically distributed sealing rings cooperate to form symmetrically distributed liquid storage ring cavities. The sealing ring is fixedly connected to a connecting rod that is slidably connected to the connector. The end of the pull rope away from the second rotary valve is provided with a forked portion having two forked ends. The first rotary valve is provided with symmetrically distributed arc-shaped grooves for the pull rope forked portions to pass through. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the forked end adjacent to the pull rope forked portion.

[0009] Preferably, the inner diameter of the sealing ring is larger than the outer diameter of the cooling pipe, and the sealing ring is fixedly connected to a circular ring for fitting the cooling pipe, the circular ring being made of deformable rubber.

[0010] Preferably, the connector is fixed with symmetrically distributed intercepting rings, and the connector is threaded with symmetrically distributed extrusion sleeves. The extrusion sleeves and adjacent intercepting rings are used to extrude adjacent rings, and the extrusion sleeves are provided with vent holes.

[0011] Preferably, the connector is provided with a discharge port that communicates with the main channel and is used to discharge impurities in the through hole of the first rotary valve. The first rotary valve is used to seal the discharge port. A fixing ring is fixedly connected in the through hole of the first rotary valve. The filter screen is slidably connected to the first rotary valve. A tension spring is fixedly connected between the filter screen and the fixing ring.

[0012] Preferably, the connector is provided with a rectangular cavity communicating with the main channel, the rectangular cavity is slidably connected to a push plate, the first rotary valve is used to seal the rectangular cavity, a second spring is fixed between the push plate and the connector, and the push plate is used to squeeze the filter screen.

[0013] Preferably, the flow area of ​​the secondary flow channel is equal to the flow area of ​​the main flow channel.

[0014] Preferably, the push plate is provided with symmetrically distributed arc-shaped surfaces, and the width of the push plate gradually increases from the side away from the second spring to the side closer to the second spring. The first rotary valve is used to squeeze the arc-shaped surfaces of the push plate.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic coefficient of the second spring is greater than that of the tension spring.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The present invention intercepts impurities carried in the coolant through a filter screen, which facilitates the operation of the cooling system. When the coolant leaks in the cooling system, the limit on the first rotary valve is released by the plug, so that the torque of the torsion spring is released and drives the first rotary valve to rotate and block the main flow channel. The cooling pipe is blocked and the existing coolant level sensor provides feedback to the operator, so that the operator knows that the coolant has leaked. This eliminates the need to set up additional sensors to monitor coolant leaks in the pipes, improving the convenience of monitoring. The second rotary valve is rotated periodically by the power module to clean the impurities intercepted by the filter screen, thereby reducing the amount of impurities accumulated in the through hole of the first rotary valve and ensuring the flow rate of coolant in the through hole of the first rotary valve. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of the 3D structure at point C;

[0021] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of the 3D structure at point A;

[0022] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of the 3D structure at point B;

[0023] Figure 7 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the ring, intercepting ring, and extrusion sleeve of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first rotary valve and the pull rope of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the filter screen and push plate of the present invention.

[0026] Wherein: 1-connector, 111-cooling pipe, 101-main flow channel, 102-secondary flow channel, 103-liquid storage ring cavity, 104-exhaust port, 105-rectangular cavity, 2-first rotary valve, 201-arc groove, 3-second rotary valve, 4-filter screen, 5-torsion spring, 6-plug, 61-pull rope, 7-first spring, 8-sealing ring, 9-connecting rod, 10-circular ring, 11-intercepting ring, 12-compression sleeve, 13-fixing ring, 14-tension spring, 15-push plate, 16-second spring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] The existing pipe connection structure used in automotive cooling systems mainly connects two cooling pipes. During the coolant circulation process, the coolant carries impurities. If not treated in time, these impurities will accumulate excessively, affecting the operation of the cooling system. Furthermore, the vibration of the connector 1 during vehicle operation can cause misalignment between the connector and the cooling pipe, resulting in poor sealing at the connection and coolant leakage. Although the cooling system pipes are inspected regularly, leaks cannot be detected immediately, thus affecting the operation of the cooling system.

[0030] Piping connection structure for automotive cooling systems, such as Figures 1-8As shown, the device includes a connector 1 for connecting two symmetrically distributed cooling pipes 111. The connector 1 has a main flow channel 101 connecting the two cooling pipes 111 and a secondary flow channel 102 communicating with the main flow channel 101. The secondary flow channel 102 is located below the main flow channel 101. The connector 1 is rotatably connected to a first rotary valve 2 for blocking the main flow channel 101 and a second rotary valve 3 for blocking the secondary flow channel 102. Both the first rotary valve 2 and the second rotary valve 3 have through holes for coolant flow. The diameter of the through holes of the first rotary valve 2 and the second rotary valve 3 is equal to the diameter of the main flow channel 101. A coolant is disposed within the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. Filter screen 4, in this embodiment, is considered to be fixedly connected to the first rotary valve 2. During the process of coolant passing through the through-hole of the first rotary valve 2, filter screen 4 intercepts impurities in the coolant, thereby ensuring the operation of the cooling system. The first rotary valve 2 and the second rotary valve 3 are rotatably connected, and a torsion spring 5 is fixedly connected between the first rotary valve 2 and the second rotary valve 3. Connector 1 is equipped with a power module for controlling the rotation of the second rotary valve 3. The power module is a motor (not shown in the figure) installed on the lower side of connector 1. The output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to the lower end of the second rotary valve 3 (when the motor stops working, external force cannot rotate the motor's output shaft, and the second rotary valve 3 cannot be rotated). The through-hole of the first rotary valve 2... The axis is perpendicular to the axis of the through hole of the second rotary valve 3. When the first rotary valve 2 connects the main flow channel 101, the second rotary valve 3 blocks the secondary flow channel 102. The spline of the lower side of the first rotary valve 2 is connected to the plug 6. The upper side of the second rotary valve 3 is provided with a limiting groove for the plug 6 to be inserted. In the initial state, the plug 6 is inserted into the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3, and the first rotary valve 2 cannot rotate relative to the second rotary valve 3. The torsion spring 5 is in a charged state. The first spring 7 is fixed between the plug 6 and the first rotary valve 2. The first spring 7 is located outside the plug 6. The first rotary valve 2 is provided with a pull rope 61 fixed to the plug 6. The cooling pipes 111 are symmetrically distributed on the left and right and closely connected to the connector 1. In this embodiment, the two sealing rings 8 are slidably connected to the adjacent cooling pipe 111. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 8 is equal to the outer diameter of the cooling pipe 111. The connector 1, the two cooling pipes 111 and the two sealing rings 8 cooperate to form two symmetrically distributed liquid storage ring cavities 103. The sealing ring 8 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod 9 which is slidably connected to the connector 1. The upper end of the pull rope 61 is provided with a forked part with two forked ends. The first rotary valve 2 is provided with arc-shaped grooves 201 that are centrally symmetrically distributed and used for the forked parts of the pull rope 61 to pass through, so as to ensure that the forked parts of the pull rope 61 will not be pulled during the rotation of the first rotary valve 2. The connecting rod 9 is fixedly connected to the forked end adjacent to the forked part of the pull rope 61.

[0031] When this connection structure is needed to connect the two cooling pipes 111, the operator will connect the two cooling pipes 111 according to... Figure 1The installation method shown is installed on both sides of the connector 1. After the cooling pipe 111 is installed, the cooling system starts to operate. During the process of the coolant flowing through the connector 1, the coolant flows from left to right. In the initial state, the through hole of the first rotary valve 2 connects the main flow channel 101, and the second rotary valve 3 blocks the secondary flow channel 102. The lower end of the plug 6 is inserted into the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3. The torsion spring 5 is in a charged state. During the process of the coolant moving to the right, the coolant enters from the left side of the main flow channel 101 and flows to the right through the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. During the process of the coolant passing through the through hole of the first rotary valve 2, the filter screen 4 intercepts impurities in the coolant, thereby ensuring the operation of the cooling system.

[0032] When a leak occurs at the connection between connector 1 and cooling pipe 111, taking the right-side cooling pipe 111 as an example, the coolant in the pipe enters the reservoir ring cavity 103 through the threaded connection between the cooling pipe 111 and connector 1. The coolant entering the reservoir ring cavity 103 pushes the sealing ring 8 to move to the right. The sealing ring 8 drives the connecting rod 9 to move to the right. The left end of the connecting rod 9 is pulled by the pull rope 61, causing the plug 6 to move upward. The first spring 7 is compressed. When the plug 6 moves out of the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3, the limiting of the second rotary valve 3 is released. Since the power module is connected to the second rotary valve 3, the second rotary valve 3 will not rotate under external force. The torque release of the torsion spring 5 causes the first rotary valve 2 to rotate counterclockwise (top view direction). The first rotary valve 2 causes the pull rope 61 to rotate counterclockwise. The forked part of the pull rope 61 slides in the two arc grooves 201. When the first rotary valve 2 rotates 90°, the first rotary valve 2 opens the main channel. When 101 is blocked, the coolant cannot flow through the main flow channel 101 and the secondary flow channel 102. At this time, the operator can determine the blockage by observing the coolant level alarm (yellow water tank icon) on the vehicle. Generally, when the cooling system is blocked, the coolant level will drop, indicating a coolant leak. Subsequently, the operator repairs the coolant leak. When the right connecting rod 9 pulls the forked part of the pull rope 61, it will not affect the left connecting rod 9 pulling the forked part of the pull rope 61. As long as there is a leak on one side of the connector 1, the plug 6 will be moved out of the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3. When a leak occurs at the connection between the connector 1 and the cooling pipe 111, this pipe connection structure blocks the cooling pipe and uses the existing coolant level sensor to provide feedback to the operator, allowing the operator to know that a coolant leak has occurred. This eliminates the need to set up additional sensors to monitor coolant leaks in the pipes, improving the convenience of monitoring.

[0033] When it is necessary to reset the state of the first rotary valve 2 and the second rotary valve 3, the operator rotates the first rotary valve 2 clockwise before installing the cooling pipe 111. The torsion spring 5 stores force. When the first rotary valve 2 rotates 90° clockwise relative to the second rotary valve 3, the insert 6 aligns with the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3. The elastic force of the first spring 7 is released, causing the insert 6 to move downward and insert into the limiting groove of the second rotary valve 3.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Based on Example 1, the automotive cooling system uses a piping connection structure, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner diameter of the sealing ring 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the cooling pipe 111. The sealing ring 8 is fixedly connected to a circular ring 10 for fitting the cooling pipe 111. The circular ring 10 is made of deformable rubber. The connector 1 is fixedly connected to two intercepting rings 11 that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. The intercepting ring 11 has six circumferentially distributed protrusions on the side near the connector 1. The connector 1 is threadedly connected to two compression sleeves 12 that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. The compression sleeves 12 and the adjacent intercepting rings 11 are used to compress the adjacent circular rings 10. The circular rings 10 deform under pressure and fit into the cooling pipe 111, increasing the sealing between the two. The compression sleeves 12 are provided with vent holes to ensure that the sealing ring 8 can move freely.

[0036] After the cooling pipe 111 is installed on the connector 1, the operator rotates the two extrusion sleeves 12. Taking the right extrusion sleeve 12 as an example, the extrusion sleeve 12 moves to the left to extrude the ring 10. The left side of the ring 10 is blocked by the interception ring 11 and deforms. The inner side of the ring 10 deforms and fits against the outer wall of the cooling pipe 111, increasing the sealing between the two. When the coolant content in the liquid storage ring cavity 103 increases, the sealing ring 8 moves to the right, causing the outer side of the ring 10 to deform and move to the right synchronously.

[0037] Example 3

[0038] Based on Example 2, the automotive cooling system uses a piping connection structure, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the front side of the connector 1 is provided with a discharge port 104 that communicates with the main channel 101 and is used to discharge impurities from the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. The first rotary valve 2 is used to seal the discharge port 104. A fixing ring 13 is fixedly connected inside the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. The fixing ring 13 is located on the right side of the filter screen 4. The filter screen 4 is slidably connected to the first rotary valve 2. A tension spring 14 is fixedly connected between the filter screen 4 and the fixing ring 13. The rear side of the connector 1 is provided with a rectangular cavity 105 that communicates with the main channel 101. The first rotary valve 2 is used to seal the rectangular cavity 105. A push plate 15 is slidably connected to the rectangular cavity 105. A second spring 16 is fixed between the rear side and the connecting piece 1. In the initial state, the second spring 16 is in a compressed state. The push plate 15 is used to squeeze the filter screen 4. The flow area of ​​the secondary flow channel 102 is equal to the flow area of ​​the main flow channel 101. When the front side of the push plate 15 enters the through hole of the first rotary valve 2 and contacts the filter screen 4, the push plate 15 pushes the filter screen 4 forward. The push plate 15 is provided with two arc-shaped surfaces that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. The width of the push plate 15 gradually increases from front to back. The first rotary valve 2 is used to squeeze the arc-shaped surface of the push plate 15. The elastic coefficient of the second spring 16 is greater than the elastic coefficient of the tension spring 14.

[0039] In Example 1, the filter screen 4 intercepts impurities on its left side within the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. The impurities intercepted by the filter screen 4 are cleaned by periodically rotating the second rotary valve 3 via a power module. The specific operation is as follows: Initially, the second spring 16 is compressed, and the front side of the push plate 15 contacts the rear side of the first rotary valve 2. When it is necessary to clean the impurities within the through hole of the first rotary valve 2, the operator drives the second rotary valve 3 counterclockwise via the power module. The second rotary valve 3, through the insert 6, drives the first rotary valve 2 counterclockwise. When the through hole of the first rotary valve 2 aligns with the push plate 15, the spring force of the second spring 16 is released, causing the push plate 15 to move forward. The push plate 15 gradually inserts into the through hole of the first rotary valve 2. When the front side of the push plate 15 contacts the filter screen 4, it pushes the filter screen 4 closer to the discharge port 104. The filter screen 4 gradually pushes the impurities on its front side towards the discharge port 104, stretching the spring 14. When the first rotary valve 2 rotates 90°, the state is as follows: Figure 9As shown, impurities remaining in the through hole of the first rotary valve 2 are pushed to the discharge port 104 by the filter screen 4. In this state, the coolant in the cooling pipe 111 flows through the secondary flow channel 102, thus not affecting the operation of the cooling system. Subsequently, the operator drives the second rotary valve 3 to rotate clockwise through the power module. When the first rotary valve 2 rotates clockwise, it squeezes the left arc surface of the push plate 15 and pushes the push plate 15 to move backward. The second spring 16 is compressed, and at the same time, the tension of the tension spring 14 is released, causing the filter screen 4 to move backward. When the front side of the push plate 15 is no longer inserted into the through hole of the first rotary valve 2, the front side of the push plate 15 gradually contacts the rear side of the first rotary valve 2. When the first rotary valve 2 connects the main flow channel 101, the second rotary valve 3 blocks the secondary flow channel 102, and the operator stops the power module.

[0040] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments do not limit the present invention in any way, and all technical solutions obtained by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure for an automotive cooling system, characterized by: The device includes a connector (1) having a main flow channel (101) for connecting two cooling pipes (111) and a secondary flow channel (102) connected to the main flow channel (101). The connector (1) is rotatably connected to a first rotary valve (2) for blocking the main flow channel (101) and a second rotary valve (3) for blocking the secondary flow channel (102). Both the first rotary valve (2) and the second rotary valve (3) have through holes for coolant flow. A filter screen (4) is provided in the through hole of the first rotary valve (2). The first rotary valve (2) is rotatably connected to the second rotary valve (3). A torsion spring (5) is fixed between the first rotary valve (2) and the second rotary valve (3). The connector (1) is provided with a power module for controlling the rotation of the second rotary valve (3). The first rotary valve (2) is splined with a plug (6). The second rotary valve (3) is provided with a limiting groove for the plug (6) to be inserted. A first spring (7) is fixed between the plug (6) and the first rotary valve (2). A pull rope (61) fixed to the plug (6) is provided inside the first rotary valve (2). The axis of the through hole of the first rotary valve (2) is perpendicular to the axis of the through hole of the second rotary valve (3); The cooling pipe (111) is provided with a sealing ring (8) that is slidably connected to the connector (1). The connector (1), the symmetrically distributed cooling pipe (111) and the symmetrically distributed sealing ring (8) cooperate to form a symmetrically distributed liquid storage ring cavity (103). The sealing ring (8) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod (9) that is slidably connected to the connector (1). The end of the pull rope (61) away from the second rotary valve (3) is provided with a bifurcation with two bifurcation ends. The first rotary valve (2) is provided with symmetrically distributed arc grooves (201) for the bifurcation of the pull rope (61) to pass through. The connecting rod (9) is fixedly connected to the bifurcation end adjacent to the bifurcation of the pull rope (61). The inner diameter of the sealing ring (8) is larger than the outer diameter of the cooling pipe (111). The sealing ring (8) is fixed with a circular ring (10) for fitting the cooling pipe (111). The circular ring (10) is made of deformable rubber. The connector (1) is fixed with symmetrically distributed intercepting rings (11), and the connector (1) is threaded with symmetrically distributed extrusion sleeves (12). The extrusion sleeves (12) and the adjacent intercepting rings (11) are used to extrude the adjacent rings (10). The extrusion sleeves (12) are provided with exhaust holes.

2. The pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector (1) is provided with a discharge port (104) that communicates with the main channel (101) and is used to discharge impurities in the through hole of the first rotary valve (2). The first rotary valve (2) is used to seal the discharge port (104). A fixing ring (13) is fixedly connected in the through hole of the first rotary valve (2). The filter screen (4) is slidably connected to the first rotary valve (2). A tension spring (14) is fixedly connected between the filter screen (4) and the fixing ring (13).

3. The pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector (1) is provided with a rectangular cavity (105) communicating with the main channel (101). The rectangular cavity (105) is slidably connected to a push plate (15). The first rotary valve (2) is used to seal the rectangular cavity (105). A second spring (16) is fixed between the push plate (15) and the connector (1). The push plate (15) is used to squeeze the filter screen (4).

4. The pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow area of ​​the secondary flow channel (102) is equal to the flow area of ​​the main flow channel (101).

5. The pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The push plate (15) is provided with symmetrically distributed arc-shaped surfaces. The width of the push plate (15) gradually increases from the side away from the second spring (16) to the side closer to the second spring (16). The first rotary valve (2) is used to squeeze the arc-shaped surfaces of the push plate (15).

6. The pipeline connection structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic coefficient of the second spring (16) is greater than that of the tension spring (14).

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