All-scene detachable intelligent drainage integrated module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a full-scene detachable intelligent drainage integrated module which comprises a shell, a controller, an upper electrode plate and a lower electrode plate are arranged in the shell, the upper electrode plate and the lower electrode plate are vertically arranged at intervals, and a PTC heating plate is connected between the upper electrode plate and the lower electrode plate. The upper electrode plate is downwards connected with a temperature control switch; the temperature control switch is downwards connected with a controller; the lower electrode plate is downwards connected with a conductive column which is downwards connected with a controller; the controller is upwards connected with a water level sensing probe and a thermistor for measuring temperature; the bottom wall of the shell is connected with a drainage electromagnetic valve in a sealed mode, a circuit of the drainage electromagnetic valve is connected with a plug-in unit, and the plug-in unit is upwards connected with the controller through a contact pin. The controller is downwards connected with a connector through the plug-in, and the connector is used for being connected with a vehicle-mounted ECU through a vehicle-mounted circuit. According to the utility model, the integration level is high, various electronic elements are integrated, the functions of all the elements are realized, the difficulty of inventory management is reduced, the assembly and maintenance efficiency and the product universality are improved, and a new technical route is provided for improving the comprehensive performance of an automobile fuel system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive fuel filter technology, and in particular to a drainage integrated module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry and the continuous advancement of technology, the efficiency, reliability, and ease of maintenance of automotive fuel systems, as well as the manufacturing cost of components, have become key concerns for both manufacturers and consumers.

[0003] Traditional fuel filters typically consist of separately assembled components such as a heater, water level sensor, temperature sensor, and drain solenoid valve. Each of these components performs a different function and requires separate wiring to connect to the vehicle's control system via its own connector.

[0004] However, this distributed layout has some limitations in practical applications, such as complex installation, high failure rate, large space occupation, difficulty in troubleshooting, and disadvantages to vehicle communication control. In addition, the distributed installation method requires additional wiring harnesses and connectors to connect to the vehicle, which increases the overall manufacturing cost of the fuel filter.

[0005] Existing fuel filters also face the following problems during the design process:

[0006] 1. Insufficient adaptability to different scenarios: The sensor components in traditional fuel systems lack coordination and cooperation in different working environments (such as extreme cold environments). This can lead to individual sensor components being damaged or unable to function properly in extreme environments (such as ambient temperatures as low as -40°C), which cannot ensure the stable operation of the fuel system.

[0007] 2. Inconvenient maintenance: Since the sensor components are assembled separately, when a component fails, maintenance personnel need to check and replace the damaged parts one by one, which increases maintenance costs and time.

[0008] 3. Low level of intelligent integration: Because the various sensor components are assembled separately, the fuel filter does not have the function of intelligent integration, that is, it is impossible to manage the data of all sensors and actuators in a unified manner, making it difficult for the vehicle management system to achieve efficient monitoring and automatic adjustment.

[0009] 4. Poor interchangeability: Sensor compatibility issues also pose a challenge for fuel filter manufacturers, as components supplied by different sensor suppliers are often not interchangeable. This not only affects production efficiency but also increases the complexity of fuel filter component inventory management and the supply chain. Utility Model Content

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems in the existing technology by providing a fully detachable intelligent drainage integrated module that integrates functions such as a temperature sensor, heater, thermostat, and drainage solenoid valve. This integrated module realizes multiple functions such as temperature sensing, heating and heating control, and drainage. Through integrated installation, disassembly, and maintenance, the difficulty of installation, disassembly, and maintenance is reduced, work efficiency is improved, and the difficulty of inventory management is significantly reduced. In low-temperature environments, the heater can prevent the functional modules in this invention from failing due to excessively low temperatures, ensuring the stable operation of the fuel system.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module of this utility model includes a housing, which is made of insulating material. The housing is provided with a connection structure for connecting to the bottom shell of the fuel filter. The housing is provided with a controller and upper and lower electrode plates spaced apart. A PTC heating element is connected between the upper and lower electrode plates.

[0012] The upper electrode is connected to a temperature control switch via a conductive connecting piece, and the temperature control switch is connected to a controller; the lower electrode is connected to a conductive post, and the conductive post is connected to the controller; the upper electrode is connected to the positive or negative terminal of the PTC heating element, and the lower electrode is connected to the negative or positive terminal of the PTC heating element.

[0013] The controller is connected to a water level sensing probe and a temperature sensor;

[0014] A drain solenoid valve is sealed to the bottom wall of the housing. The upper end of the drain solenoid valve extends to the bottom of the housing, and the lower end of the drain solenoid valve extends downward to the bottom of the housing. The drain solenoid valve is connected to a pin, which is connected to the controller.

[0015] The controller is connected to connectors, which are used to connect to the vehicle circuitry and then to the vehicle ECU.

[0016] The connection structure includes an external thread and an annular sealing groove on the outer surface of the housing sidewall. The annular sealing groove is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter.

[0017] The connection structure includes an annular sealing groove provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the housing. The annular sealing groove is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter.

[0018] The connection structure also includes a connecting platform extending radially from the bottom of the housing, with a vertical through hole on the connecting platform for connecting to the bottom shell of the fuel filter via connecting bolts.

[0019] The PTC heating element has three or more spaced apart between the upper electrode and the lower electrode;

[0020] The PTC heating element is circular. The upper electrode and the lower electrode are connected and positioned by positioning bolts. Each positioning bolt corresponds to a PTC heating element, and each positioning bolt passes through the corresponding circular PTC heating element.

[0021] The wiring between the drain solenoid valve and the connector is covered with a first wiring sleeve, and the wiring between the connector and the plug is covered with a second wiring sleeve.

[0022] This utility model has the following advantages:

[0023] This utility model has a high degree of integration, integrating a PTC heating element, a temperature control switch, a water level sensing probe (water level sensor), a temperature sensor, and a drain solenoid valve. It can automatically heat the fuel when the temperature is lower than the temperature set by the temperature control switch, monitor the water level and temperature, and open the drain solenoid valve to drain water according to the signal from the vehicle ECU when the water level is high.

[0024] This invention reduces the difficulty of inventory management, eliminating the need to separately purchase PTC heating elements, temperature control switches, water level sensors, temperature sensors, and drain solenoid valves. It also reduces assembly and maintenance difficulty, eliminating the need for separate wiring of each component; when repairs are required, the entire unit can be replaced, eliminating the need to individually check for damaged parts. The high degree of integration allows all functional components to communicate with the vehicle's ECU via a unified controller, facilitating unified management and monitoring of various data. The temperature control switch automatically activates the PTC heating element when the ambient temperature is below its activation temperature. Once the PTC heating element is operational, the temperature at the location of this invention rapidly rises, ensuring that the invention maintains a suitable temperature even in extremely cold environments. This prevents the failure or damage of one or more electrical components at low temperatures, significantly improving the invention's adaptability to various scenarios and ensuring consistently stable performance, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0025] This invention features a high degree of integration, with all key components (including heater, water level sensor, temperature sensor, and drain solenoid valve) integrated into a compact unit and centrally controlled by a single controller. This facilitates unified installation and disassembly. Compared to individual heaters, water level sensors, temperature sensors, and drain solenoid valves, which are fixed and connected separately through their own connectors and fittings, this invention significantly improves assembly speed and maintenance / replacement speed, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process, and enhances production flexibility and efficiency.

[0026] The upper and lower electrode plates not only conduct electricity, but also act as heat sinks to accelerate the dissipation of heat from the PTC heating element.

[0027] The PTC heating element has multiple heating elements (five evenly spaced in a circumferential direction in Example 1, and four in Example 2), which can improve the heating speed. The circuit conduit provides good protection for the electrical circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of Embodiment 1 after the shell has been removed.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 after the shell has been removed.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a top view of the structure of Embodiment 2.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Example 1 provides a structure for threaded assembly with a fuel filter, and Example 2 provides a structure for bolted connection with a fuel filter. Example 1

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module of this embodiment includes a housing 1. The housing 1 is made of insulating material (such as plastic, rubber, or ceramic). The housing 1 is provided with a connection structure for connecting to the bottom shell of the fuel filter. The housing 1 is provided with a controller 2 and an upper electrode plate 3 and a lower electrode plate 4 arranged at intervals. A PTC heating element is connected between the upper electrode plate 3 and the lower electrode plate 4. The upper electrode plate 3 and the lower electrode plate 4 not only conduct electricity but also act as heat sinks to accelerate the dissipation of PTC heating element heat.

[0036] The upper electrode 3 is connected downward to a temperature control switch 6 via a conductive connecting piece 5, and the temperature control switch 6 is connected downward to a controller 2; the lower electrode 4 is connected downward to a conductive post 7, and the conductive post 7 is connected downward to a controller 2; the upper electrode 3 is connected to the positive or negative terminal of the PTC heating element 8, and the lower electrode 4 is connected to the negative or positive terminal of the PTC heating element 8.

[0037] The heater consists of the upper electrode plate 3, the lower electrode plate 4, each PTC heating element, and the temperature control switch 6.

[0038] The controller 2 is connected to a water level sensing probe 9 (water level sensor) and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is preferably a temperature measuring thermistor 10.

[0039] A drain solenoid valve 11 is sealed to the bottom wall of housing 1 (a sealing ring is provided between the side wall of drain solenoid valve 11 and the bottom wall of housing 1). The upper end of drain solenoid valve 11 extends upward to the bottom of housing 1, and the lower end of drain solenoid valve 11 extends downward to the bottom of housing 1. Drain solenoid valve 11 is used to drain water accumulated in housing 1 and fuel filter. Multiple pins 13 are connected to the wiring of drain solenoid valve 11. Each pin 13 extends upward into housing 1 and is connected to controller 2. A connector 12 is provided between the wiring of drain solenoid valve 11 and the pins 13.

[0040] The controller 2 is connected to a connector 14 at the bottom. The connector 14 is used to connect to the vehicle circuit and then to the vehicle ECU. A pair of connectors 12 are provided between the controller 2 and the connector 14.

[0041] This utility model has a high degree of integration, integrating a PTC heating element 8, a temperature control switch 6, a water level sensing probe 9 (water level sensor), a temperature measuring thermistor 10, and a drain solenoid valve 11. It can realize functions such as automatically heating fuel when the temperature is lower than the set temperature of the temperature control switch 6, monitoring water level and temperature, and opening the drain solenoid valve 11 to drain water according to the signal of the vehicle ECU when the water level is high.

[0042] This invention reduces the difficulty of inventory management, eliminating the need to separately purchase PTC heating elements 8, temperature control switches 6, water level sensors, temperature sensors, and drain solenoid valves 11. It also reduces assembly and maintenance difficulty, eliminating the need for separate wiring of each component; when repairs are required, the entire invention can be replaced, eliminating the need to individually check for damaged parts. The high degree of integration allows all functional components to communicate with the vehicle's ECU via controller 2, facilitating unified management and monitoring of various data. The temperature control switch 6 automatically activates the PTC heating element 8 when the ambient temperature is below its activation temperature. Once the PTC heating element 8 is operational, the temperature at the location of this invention rapidly rises, ensuring that the invention maintains a suitable temperature even in extremely cold environments. This prevents the failure or damage of certain electrical components at low temperatures, significantly improving the invention's adaptability and ensuring stable performance, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of the vehicle's fuel system.

[0043] This invention features a high degree of integration, with all key components (including heater, water level sensor, temperature sensor, and drain solenoid valve 11) integrated into a compact unit and centrally controlled by a controller 2. The controller 2 communicates with the vehicle ECU via connectors, facilitating unified installation or disassembly. Compared to individual heaters, water level sensors, temperature sensors, drain solenoid valves 11, etc., which are fixed and connected separately via their respective connectors 14 and connecting parts, this invention significantly improves assembly speed and maintenance / replacement speed, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process, and enhances production flexibility and efficiency.

[0044] In summary, this utility model not only innovates the design concept of various electrical components in traditional fuel filters, but also provides a brand-new approach to improve the overall performance of modern automotive fuel systems.

[0045] The controller 2 is an integrated circuit board (PCB) or a microcontroller, which is a conventional technology and will not be described in detail. The PTC heating element 8 is disposed between the upper electrode 3 and the lower electrode 4 and is powered by the upper electrode 3 and the lower electrode 4.

[0046] The connection structure includes an external thread and an annular sealing groove 15 on the outer surface of the side wall of the housing 1. The annular sealing groove 15 is used to embed an annular sealing ring, which is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter. The external thread... Figure 1 Located above the annular sealing groove 15, it is a conventional technology similar to the annular sealing ring. The external thread and the annular sealing ring are not shown in the figure.

[0047] In this embodiment, both the upper electrode plate 3 and the lower electrode plate 4 are annular. Three or more PTC heating elements 8 are evenly spaced circumferentially between the upper electrode plate 3 and the lower electrode plate 4.

[0048] The PTC heating element 8 is circular. The upper electrode 3 and the lower electrode 4 are connected and positioned by positioning bolts 16. The positioning bolts 16 correspond one-to-one with the PTC heating elements 8, and each positioning bolt 16 passes through the corresponding circular PTC heating element 8.

[0049] The PTC heating element 8 has multiple elements (five are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction in Embodiment 1, and four are in Embodiment 2), which can improve the heating speed.

[0050] The wiring between the drain solenoid valve 11 and the connector 12 is covered with a first wiring sheath 17, and the wiring between the connector 12 and the connector 14 is covered with a second wiring sheath 18. The wiring sheaths provide good protection for the electrical wiring.

[0051] In use, this utility model is installed from bottom to top at the bottom shell of the fuel filter (in Embodiment 1, it is connected by a thread; in Embodiment 2, it is connected by connecting bolts). The water level sensor probe 9 and the PTC heating element 8 both extend upwards into the bottom of the fuel filter. The bottom end of the drain solenoid valve 11 is located below the bottom shell of the fuel filter, and the connector 14 is plugged into and connected to the connector 14 in the vehicle's electrical system. When different vehicle models have specific requirements for the dimensions of this utility model, the dimensions can be modified accordingly.

[0052] After installation, when the vehicle is powered on, if the temperature is lower than the operating temperature of the temperature control switch 6, the PTC heating element 8 will be automatically activated, thus turning on the heating function. This maintains good fuel flow and ensures that all electrical components in this invention operate at optimal temperatures, preventing them from failing or being damaged due to low temperatures. During use, the controller 2 continuously communicates with the vehicle's ECU via connector 14 and the vehicle's electrical circuitry, ensuring that the ECU always has access to the water level information detected by the water level sensor probe 9.

[0053] The manual drainage mode is as follows: when the driver detects that the water level is too high through the central control screen (connected to the vehicle ECU), the driver controls the drainage solenoid valve 11 to open through the control interface of the vehicle ECU, thereby draining the water; after the water level drops, the driver controls the drainage solenoid valve 11 to close through the control interface of the vehicle ECU.

[0054] The automatic drainage mode works as follows: when the water level is higher than the upper limit of drainage set in the vehicle ECU, the vehicle ECU controls the drainage solenoid valve 11 to open and automatically drain the water. When the water level is lower than the lower limit of drainage set in the vehicle ECU, the vehicle ECU controls the drainage solenoid valve 11 to close and stop drainage.

[0055] During vehicle operation, a thermistor 10 detects the temperature inside the fuel filter, ensuring the vehicle's ECU constantly monitors this temperature. The driver can also monitor the fuel filter temperature by selecting the corresponding menu on the central control screen, preventing undetected abnormalities. In summary, this invention is simple and convenient to use, effectively ensuring the long-term stable operation of the vehicle's fuel system. Example 2

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0057] The connection structure includes an annular sealing groove 15 disposed on the outer surface of the side wall of the housing 1. The annular sealing groove 15 is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter.

[0058] The connection structure also includes a connecting platform 19 extending radially from the bottom of the housing 1. The connecting platform 19 has a vertical through hole 20, which is used to connect to the bottom shell of the fuel filter by connecting bolts.

[0059] In this embodiment, both the upper electrode plate 3 and the lower electrode plate 4 are in the shape of a large arc ring (i.e., a large portion of a ring). Four PTC heating plates 8 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0060] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate and not limit the technical solutions of this utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Any modifications or partial substitutions that do not change the spatial position adjustment of the technical function and simple substitutions of the connection relationship should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fully detachable intelligent drainage integrated module, comprising a housing made of insulating material, and a connection structure on the housing for connecting to the bottom shell of a fuel filter, characterized in that: The housing is equipped with a controller and upper and lower electrode plates spaced apart vertically, with a PTC heating element connected between the upper and lower electrode plates. The upper electrode is connected to a temperature control switch via a conductive connecting piece, and the temperature control switch is connected to a controller; the lower electrode is connected to a conductive post, and the conductive post is connected to the controller; the upper electrode is connected to the positive or negative terminal of the PTC heating element, and the lower electrode is connected to the negative or positive terminal of the PTC heating element. The controller is connected to a water level sensing probe and a temperature sensor; A drain solenoid valve is sealed to the bottom wall of the housing. The upper end of the drain solenoid valve extends to the bottom of the housing, and the lower end of the drain solenoid valve extends downward to the bottom of the housing. The drain solenoid valve is connected to a pin, which is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to connectors, which are used to connect to the vehicle circuitry and then to the vehicle ECU.

2. The all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection structure includes an external thread and an annular sealing groove on the outer surface of the housing sidewall. The annular sealing groove is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter.

3. The all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection structure includes an annular sealing groove provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the housing. The annular sealing groove is used to embed an annular sealing ring, and the annular sealing ring is used to press and seal with the bottom shell of the fuel filter. The connection structure also includes a connecting platform extending radially from the bottom of the housing, with a vertical through hole on the connecting platform for connecting to the bottom shell of the fuel filter via connecting bolts.

4. The all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PTC heating element has three or more spaced apart between the upper electrode and the lower electrode; The PTC heating element is circular. The upper electrode and the lower electrode are connected and positioned by positioning bolts. Each positioning bolt corresponds to a PTC heating element, and each positioning bolt passes through the corresponding circular PTC heating element.

5. The all-scenario detachable intelligent drainage integrated module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wiring between the drain solenoid valve and the connector is covered with a first wiring sleeve, and the wiring between the connector and the plug is covered with a second wiring sleeve.

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