Electric control thermostat and engine assembly
By designing an electronically controlled thermostat with gradually changing small and large circulation openings, combined with a position sensor and drive shaft, the problem of existing electronically controlled thermostats being unable to accurately control coolant flow has been solved, improving cold start performance and system stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronically controlled thermostats cannot effectively and accurately regulate the small circulation flow, resulting in large fluctuations in coolant flow during cold start-up and an inability to achieve both large circulation closure and minimal small circulation flow control.
An electronically controlled thermostat was designed, comprising a housing, a valve body, and a drive component. The valve body has a gradually changing small circulation opening and a large circulation opening. The flow direction of the coolant is controlled by rotating the valve body. Combined with a position sensor and a drive shaft, dynamic and precise control of the small circulation flow rate is achieved during the cold start phase.
It achieves precise control of coolant flow during the cold start phase, reduces flow fluctuations, improves cold start performance, and reduces warm-up time.
Smart Images
Figure CN224017308U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive thermal management technology, specifically relating to an electronically controlled thermostat and engine assembly. Background Technology
[0002] The thermostat is a crucial engine component, its function being to ensure the engine operates at its optimal condition by controlling the circulation of the engine coolant. Under the thermostat's regulation, the coolant circulation path primarily consists of a small loop and a large loop. The small loop refers to the coolant circulating within the engine itself, bypassing the radiator. When the engine starts, the coolant circulates in the engine's internal water channels, quickly raising the engine temperature. The key role of the small loop is to help the engine warm up rapidly during cold starts. The large loop refers to the coolant flowing through the radiator for cooling before returning to the engine. When the engine coolant reaches its ideal operating temperature (typically around 90°C), the thermostat opens the passage to the radiator, allowing coolant to flow out of the engine, be cooled by the radiator, and then flow back into the engine. This process ensures stable engine operation at high temperatures. A thermostat automatically adjusts the valve opening and closing based on the coolant temperature to control the coolant flow, achieving both large and small circulation. Simply put, a thermostat is a three-way valve that regulates the coolant flow direction based on water temperature: when the water temperature is low, the coolant flows downwards (small circulation), and when the water temperature is high, the coolant flows upwards (large circulation). Existing electronically controlled thermostats cannot effectively and precisely regulate the small circulation flow rate, resulting in significant flow and pressure fluctuations during initial operation; furthermore, they cannot achieve complete large circulation closure and extremely low small circulation flow control during cold starts.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an electronically controlled thermostat that can precisely control the flow of coolant. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronically controlled thermostat capable of precisely controlling coolant flow. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides an electronically controlled thermostat, characterized in that it comprises:
[0006] The housing has an interior cavity, a large circulation channel, and a small circulation channel, the large circulation channel and the small circulation channel being respectively connected to the cavity;
[0007] The valve body is rotatably disposed in the cavity. The valve body includes a first ball valve and a second ball valve that are connected to each other. The first ball valve is provided with a slit opening, and the second ball valve is provided with a large circulation opening and a small circulation opening. The small circulation opening is a gradually changing opening.
[0008] The cut opening is configured to selectively communicate with either the large circulation channel or the small circulation channel, wherein the large circulation opening is used to communicate with the large circulation channel and the small circulation opening is used to communicate with the small circulation channel.
[0009] The working principle of the electronically controlled thermostat in this technical solution is as follows: During the cold start phase, the valve body closes the large circulation channel, while the cross-sectional opening connects with the small circulation channel. The small circulation opening is partially connected to the small circulation channel, resulting in a relatively small coolant flow rate. As the water temperature rises below the thermostat's initial opening temperature, the valve body rotates, gradually increasing the small circulation opening until it is fully open, increasing the coolant flow rate in the small circulation channel. When the water temperature rises to the thermostat's initial opening temperature, the valve body rotates, gradually connecting the large circulation opening with the large circulation channel, while the cross-sectional opening connects with the large circulation channel, and the small circulation channel gradually closes, allowing engine coolant to flow through the large circulation channel. As the water temperature continues to rise to the thermostat's fully open temperature, the large circulation channel is fully open, and the small circulation channel closes. In summary, because the small circulation opening is a gradually changing opening, dynamic and precise control of the small circulation channel flow rate from a minimum to a maximum can be achieved during the cold start process, reducing coolant flow fluctuations, maximizing cold start performance, and minimizing warm-up time.
[0010] In addition, the electronically controlled thermostat of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:
[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the housing includes a first cover and a second cover connected to each other, the large circulation channel is disposed in the first cover, the small circulation channel is disposed in the second cover, and the cavity is disposed in the second cover.
[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first cover is provided with a radiator interface, a first large circulation interface and a second large circulation interface. The first large circulation interface and the second large circulation interface are respectively connected to the radiator interface through the large circulation channel. The cut opening can be connected to the large circulation channel through the first large circulation interface and the large circulation channel. The large circulation opening can be connected to the large circulation channel through the second large circulation interface.
[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the second cover is provided with a first small circulation interface and a second small circulation interface, and the first small circulation interface and the second small circulation interface are respectively connected to the water pump through the small circulation channel.
[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the central axis of the large circulation opening and the central axis of the small circulation opening are set at a 90° angle, the first large circulation interface and the first small circulation interface are coaxially arranged, and the second large circulation interface and the second small circulation interface are coaxially arranged.
[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first ball valve is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to the interior of the first ball valve; the second cover is provided with an engine water outlet and a retarder water return outlet, which are respectively connected to the water inlet.
[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the electronically controlled thermostat includes a driving component and a driving shaft. The fixed end of the driving component is connected to the second cover, and the output end of the driving component is connected to the driving shaft. The driving shaft passes through the second ball valve, the first ball valve, and the water inlet in sequence, and is fixedly connected to the first ball valve. The driving component is used to drive the driving shaft to rotate.
[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the valve body further includes a support frame, which is located inside the water inlet. The outer periphery of the support frame is connected to the edge of the water inlet, and the drive shaft passes through the support frame and is fixedly connected to the support frame.
[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, a position sensor is provided on the drive shaft, and the position sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the drive shaft.
[0019] In a second aspect, an engine assembly is provided that includes the electronically controlled thermostat described in the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronically controlled thermostat according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0022] Figure 2 An exploded view schematically illustrates an electronically controlled thermostat according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a certain perspective.
[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another perspective.
[0025] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a certain perspective;
[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another perspective.
[0028] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows:
[0029] 100. Housing; 110. First cover; 111. Radiator inlet; 112. First large circulation inlet; 113. Second large circulation inlet; 120. Second cover; 121. First small circulation inlet; 122. Second small circulation inlet; 123. Cavity; 124. Engine outlet; 125. Retarder return outlet; 126. First small circulation outlet; 127. Second small circulation outlet;
[0030] 200. Valve body; 210. First ball valve; 211. Cut opening; 212. Inlet; 213. Support frame; 220. Second ball valve; 221. Large circulation opening; 222. Small circulation opening; 230. Connecting part; 231. Through hole; 232. Reinforcing part;
[0031] 310. Drive component; 320. Drive shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0033] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.
[0034] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.
[0035] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations.
[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronically controlled thermostat according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An exploded view of an electronically controlled thermostat according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the valve body 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a certain perspective. Figure 4A schematic diagram of the valve body 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another perspective. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model proposes an electronically controlled thermostat, including a housing 100 and a valve body 200. The housing 100 has a cavity 123, a large circulation channel, and a small circulation channel inside, which are respectively connected to the cavity 123. The valve body 200 is rotatably disposed in the cavity 123. The valve body 200 includes a first ball valve 210 and a second ball valve 220 that are connected to each other. The first ball valve 210 is provided with a slit opening 211, and the second ball valve 220 is provided with a large circulation opening 221 and a small circulation opening 222. The small circulation opening 222 is a gradually changing opening. The slit opening 211 is configured to selectively connect to the large circulation channel or the small circulation channel. The large circulation opening 221 is used to connect to the large circulation channel, and the small circulation opening 222 is used to connect to the small circulation channel.
[0037] The working principle of the electronically controlled thermostat in this technical solution is as follows: During the cold start phase, the valve body 200 closes the large circulation channel, while the cross-sectional opening 211 connects with the small circulation channel. The small circulation opening 222 is partially connected to the small circulation channel, resulting in a relatively small coolant flow rate. As the water temperature rises below the thermostat's initial opening temperature, the valve body 200 rotates, gradually increasing the small circulation opening 222 until it is fully open, increasing the coolant flow rate in the small circulation channel. When the water temperature rises to the thermostat's initial opening temperature, the valve body 200 rotates, gradually connecting the large circulation opening 221 with the large circulation channel, and the cross-sectional opening 211 connects with the large circulation channel, while the small circulation channel gradually closes, allowing engine coolant to flow through the large circulation channel. As the water temperature continues to rise to the thermostat's fully open temperature, the large circulation channel fully opens, and the small circulation channel closes. In summary, because the small circulation opening 222 is a gradually changing opening, it enables dynamic and precise control of the small circulation channel flow rate from a very small flow rate to a maximum flow rate during the cold start process, reducing coolant flow fluctuations, maximizing cold start performance, and minimizing warm-up time.
[0038] Further, see Figures 2 to 4 The small circulation opening 222 is a teardrop-shaped opening (the upper contour is roughly a broken line, and the lower contour is roughly an arc). During the cold start phase, the upper end of the small circulation opening 222 is connected to the small circulation channel. As the temperature rises, the small circulation opening 222 rotates upward, thereby gradually increasing the communication area with the small circulation channel. In other embodiments, the shape of the small circulation opening 222 can also be triangular, trapezoidal, or other shapes that allow for a gradual change in coolant flow, depending on the specific application requirements.
[0039] Optionally, the first ball valve 210 and the second ball valve 220 are connected by a connecting part 230, the connecting part 230 having a through hole 231 for coolant flow. Preferably, a reinforcing part 232 is provided at the through hole 231, the reinforcing part 232 including a plurality of radially connected reinforcing rods, the ends of which are connected to the inner wall of the connecting part 230, thereby increasing the structural strength and effectively extending the service life of the valve body 200.
[0040] Furthermore, the central axis of the large circulation opening 221 and the central axis of the small circulation opening 222 are set at a 90° angle, the first large circulation interface 112 and the first small circulation interface 121 are set coaxially, and the second large circulation interface 113 and the second small circulation interface 122 are set coaxially.
[0041] By adopting this structure, during the operation of the electronically controlled thermostat, the flow path of the coolant can be controlled by changing the rotation angle of the valve body 200, and the flow rate of the coolant to each channel can be precisely controlled, reducing energy fluctuations and ensuring stable system operation.
[0042] Further, see Figures 5 to 7 The housing 100 includes a first cover 110 and a second cover 120 that are connected to each other. A large circulation channel is provided in the first cover 110, a small circulation channel is provided in the second cover 120, and a cavity 123 is provided in the second cover 120.
[0043] By adopting this structural form, the flow direction of the coolant can be changed when the valve body 200 rotates. The rational layout of the housing 100 ensures structural compactness and allows for precise control of the flow rate in the channel. Optionally, the second cover 120 and the first cover 110 are connected by bolts, facilitating assembly and ensuring high structural reliability.
[0044] Further, see Figure 5 The first cover 110 is provided with a heat sink interface 111, a first large circulation interface 112 and a second large circulation interface 113. The first large circulation interface 112 and the second large circulation interface 113 are connected to the heat sink interface 111 through a large circulation channel, respectively. The cut opening 211 can be connected to the large circulation channel through the first large circulation interface 112, and the large circulation opening 221 can be connected to the large circulation channel through the second large circulation interface 113.
[0045] By connecting the first large circulation port 112 and the second large circulation port 113 to the large circulation channel, the coolant flow rate can be effectively increased, improving efficiency. The radiator port 111 is connected to the radiator. After the coolant enters the large circulation channel, it flows to the radiator through the radiator port 111, allowing the coolant to cool down quickly.
[0046] Further, see Figure 6and Figure 7 The second cover 120 is provided with a first small circulation interface 121 and a second small circulation interface 122, which are connected to the water pump through a small circulation channel, respectively.
[0047] Optionally, the bottom of the second cover 120 is provided with a first small circulation outlet 126 and a second small circulation outlet 127, which are respectively connected to the small circulation channel. The coolant inside the small circulation channel can flow to the water pump through the first small circulation outlet 126 and the second small circulation outlet 127, respectively, to achieve small circulation inside the engine.
[0048] Further, see Figure 4 and Figure 6 The first ball valve 210 is provided with a water inlet 212, which is connected to the interior of the first ball valve 210. The second cover 120 is provided with an engine water outlet 124 and a retarder water return outlet 125, which are connected to the water inlet 212 respectively.
[0049] See Figure 4 The inlet 212 is located on the outside of the first ball valve 210, and the flow direction of the coolant at the inlet 212 is along the length of the valve body 200. Coolant can flow into the interior of the first ball valve 210 through the inlet 212, and simultaneously flow into the interior of the second ball valve 220 through the through-hole 231. The engine outlet 124 on the second cover 120 is connected to the engine, and coolant inside the engine enters the second cover 120 through the engine outlet 124. The retarder return port 125 is connected to the hydraulic retarder, and coolant inside the hydraulic retarder enters the interior of the second cover 120 through the retarder return port 125.
[0050] Further, see also Figure 2 The electronically controlled thermostat includes a drive component 310 and a drive shaft 320. The fixed end of the drive component 310 is connected to the second cover 120, and the output end of the drive component 310 is connected to the drive shaft 320. The drive shaft 320 passes through the second ball valve 220, the first ball valve 210 and the inlet 212 in sequence, and is fixedly connected to the first ball valve 210. The drive component 310 is used to drive the drive shaft 320 to rotate.
[0051] Understandably, the drive shaft 320 is arranged along the length of the valve body 200. Optionally, the drive shaft 320 passes through the valve body 200 and extends along the central axis of the valve body 200. The rotation of the drive shaft 320 drives the valve body 200 to rotate. The position of the valve body 200 can be precisely controlled by the drive component 310 and the drive shaft 320, thereby precisely controlling the flow direction and flow rate of the coolant.
[0052] Furthermore, the valve body 200 also includes a support frame 213, which is located inside the inlet 212. The outer periphery of the support frame 213 is connected to the edge of the inlet 212, and the drive shaft 320 passes through the support frame 213 and is fixedly connected to the support frame 213.
[0053] Understandably, on the one hand, the support frame 213 is used to stably connect with the drive shaft 320 to ensure that the valve body 200 can rotate stably; on the other hand, the support frame 213 can enhance the structural strength of the valve body 200 and prevent the valve body 200 from deforming after long-term use.
[0054] Furthermore, a position sensor is provided on the drive shaft 320, which is used to detect the rotation angle of the drive shaft 320.
[0055] Optionally, the position sensor and the control unit are electrically connected, which can send the position information of the drive shaft 320 to the control unit in real time. The control unit then controls the drive shaft 320 to rotate to a preset position based on the position information of the drive shaft 320 and the coolant temperature, that is, controls the on / off state of the control interface and channel.
[0056] Furthermore, this technical solution also provides an engine assembly including the aforementioned electronically controlled thermostat.
[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An electronically controlled thermostat, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) has a cavity (123), a large circulation channel and a small circulation channel inside, and the large circulation channel and the small circulation channel are respectively connected to the cavity (123); A valve body (200) is rotatably disposed in the cavity (123). The valve body (200) includes a first ball valve (210) and a second ball valve (220) that are connected to each other. The first ball valve (210) is provided with a slit opening (211), and the second ball valve (220) is provided with a large circulation opening (221) and a small circulation opening (222). The small circulation opening (222) is a gradient opening. The cut opening (211) is configured to selectively communicate with the large circulation channel or the small circulation channel, the large circulation opening (221) is used to communicate with the large circulation channel, and the small circulation opening (222) is used to communicate with the small circulation channel.
2. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (100) includes a first cover (110) and a second cover (120) connected to each other. The large circulation channel is disposed in the first cover (110), the small circulation channel is disposed in the second cover (120), and the cavity (123) is disposed in the second cover (120).
3. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cover (110) is provided with a heat sink interface (111), a first large circulation interface (112) and a second large circulation interface (113). The first large circulation interface (112) and the second large circulation interface (113) are connected to the heat sink interface (111) through the large circulation channel, respectively. The cut opening (211) can be connected to the large circulation channel through the first large circulation interface (112), and the large circulation opening (221) can be connected to the large circulation channel through the second large circulation interface (113).
4. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cover (120) is provided with a first small circulation port (121) and a second small circulation port (122), and the first small circulation port (121) and the second small circulation port (122) are respectively connected to the water pump through the small circulation channel.
5. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central axis of the large circulation opening (221) and the central axis of the small circulation opening (222) are set at a 90° angle. The first large circulation interface (112) and the first small circulation interface (121) are set coaxially, and the second large circulation interface (113) and the second small circulation interface (122) are set coaxially.
6. The electronically controlled thermostat according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The first ball valve (210) is provided with a water inlet (212), which is connected to the interior of the first ball valve (210). The second cover (120) is provided with an engine water outlet (124) and a retarder water return outlet (125), which are connected to the water inlet (212) respectively.
7. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electronically controlled thermostat includes a drive component (310) and a drive shaft (320). The fixed end of the drive component (310) is connected to the second cover (120), and the output end of the drive component (310) is connected to the drive shaft (320). The drive shaft (320) passes through the second ball valve (220), the first ball valve (210), and the water inlet (212) in sequence, and is fixedly connected to the first ball valve (210). The drive component (310) is used to drive the drive shaft (320) to rotate.
8. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve body (200) also includes a support frame (213), which is located inside the inlet (212). The outer periphery of the support frame (213) is connected to the edge of the inlet (212). The drive shaft (320) passes through the support frame (213) and is fixedly connected to the support frame (213).
9. The electronically controlled thermostat according to claim 7, characterized in that, A position sensor is provided on the drive shaft (320), and the position sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the drive shaft (320).
10. An engine assembly, characterized in that, Including the electronically controlled thermostat as described in any one of claims 1-9.