An engine with a de-icing device

Abstract

This utility model discloses an engine with a de-icing device, including a water system mounted on the engine for de-icing an orifice plate flow meter, an EGR valve intake pipe, and a mixer. The water system includes an orifice plate flow meter water jacket, an EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, a mixer water jacket, and several connecting pipes. The water intake end of the water system is connected to the engine's oil cooler. The water system is connected in series from bottom to top via several connecting pipes, consisting of the mixer water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the orifice plate flow meter water jacket. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket is connected back to the engine's water inlet pipe via connecting pipes to form a coolant circulation loop. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the mixer water jacket are integrated into the orifice plate flow meter, the EGR valve intake pipe, and the mixer, respectively. Coolant that has undergone heat exchange in the oil cooler is drawn out and circulated in the water system, transferring heat to the icing locations of the orifice plate flow meter, the EGR valve intake pipe, and the mixer for de-icing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of engine technology, and in particular to an engine with a de-icing device. Background Technology

[0002] Inevitably, water vapor condenses inside the orifice plate flow meter, EGR valve, and mixer on the engine. At room temperature, the water vapor in the orifice plate flow meter and EGR valve can be discharged through the drain hole of the EGR valve. After the water vapor in the mixer evaporates, it is input into the cylinder and carried out during exhaust. This mechanism can maintain the normal operation of the system when the ambient temperature is above freezing.

[0003] However, when the engine is in a low-temperature environment, the operating conditions of the aforementioned components change significantly. In extremely cold regions (such as the -35°C environment in Northeast my country), the physical characteristics and thermodynamic state of the engine intake system undergo fundamental changes. After the exhaust gas mixes with fresh air in the EGR valve, the temperature of the mixture may drop below freezing, causing water vapor to condense rapidly into ice crystals. Since the movement of the EGR valve core depends on a precise fit clearance, the accumulation of ice crystals can easily cause the valve core to jam, triggering a fault alarm in the electronic control system. As the mixing area for fuel gas and air, the inner wall temperature of the mixer may also be below freezing in low-temperature environments, causing condensate in the mixture to adhere and freeze, gradually forming an ice layer that blocks the flow channel. More seriously, the orifice plate flow meter, as a flow measurement element, will experience increased water vapor condensation due to its throttling structure at low temperatures, and the efficiency of existing drainage designs drops significantly at low temperatures, leading to ice accumulation and blockage of the measurement channel, thereby affecting the accuracy of the engine's fuel injection control. These icing phenomena can not only cause poor air intake and imbalance in the air-fuel mixture, but may also lead to serious malfunctions such as misfire, difficulty starting, or even complete engine shutdown, greatly limiting the application of gas engines in cold regions.

[0004] In existing technologies, conventional solutions to the aforementioned problems mainly rely on external heating or structural optimization, but these generally suffer from drawbacks such as high energy consumption, slow response, or insufficient reliability. For example, while electric heating can quickly defrost, it requires additional electrical energy and carries the risk of circuit aging; and while improving the mixer layout or adding antifreeze coatings can delay icing to some extent, they cannot fundamentally solve the problem of water vapor condensation in low-temperature environments. Therefore, how to efficiently utilize the engine's own thermal energy to achieve active anti-icing and defrosting of key components has become a crucial issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the field of gas engine technology.

[0005] The above background information is provided only to aid in understanding the concept and technical solution of this utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed on the filing date of this patent application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to propose an engine with a de-icing device to solve the technical problem of water vapor condensation in low-temperature environments in the prior art.

[0007] Therefore, this utility model proposes an engine with a de-icing device.

[0008] Preferably, the present invention may also have the following technical features:

[0009] An engine with a de-icing device includes a water system mounted on the engine for de-icing an orifice plate flow meter, an EGR valve intake pipe, and a mixer. The water system includes an orifice plate flow meter water jacket, an EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, a mixer water jacket, and several connecting pipes. The water intake end of the water system is connected to the engine's oil cooler. The water system is connected in series from bottom to top via several connecting pipes, consisting of the mixer water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the orifice plate flow meter water jacket. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket is connected back to the engine's water inlet pipe via the connecting pipes to form a coolant circulation loop. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the mixer water jacket are respectively integrated into the orifice plate flow meter, the EGR valve intake pipe, and the mixer.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, a third connecting pipe, and a fourth connecting pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the mixer is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet; the mixer water jacket is disposed between the first inlet and the first outlet, and a first cavity is provided inside the mixer water jacket, one end of the first cavity is connected to the first inlet and the other end is connected to the first outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the mixer; one end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the oil cooler and the other end is connected to the first inlet of the mixer.

[0012] Preferably, the EGR valve inlet pipe is provided with a second water inlet and a second water return outlet; the water jacket of the EGR valve inlet pipe is disposed between the second water inlet and the second water return outlet, and a second cavity is provided inside the mixer water jacket, one end of the second cavity is connected to the second water inlet and the other end is connected to the second water return outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the EGR valve inlet pipe; one end of the second connecting pipe is connected to the first water outlet of the mixer and the other end is connected to the second water inlet of the EGR valve inlet pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the orifice plate flow meter is provided with a third inlet and a third return outlet. The water jacket of the orifice plate flow meter is disposed between the third inlet and the third return outlet. A third cavity is provided inside the water jacket of the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the third cavity is connected to the third inlet and the other end is connected to the third return outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the second outlet of the EGR valve air inlet pipe and the other end is connected to the third inlet of the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the fourth connecting pipe is connected to the third outlet of the orifice plate flow meter and the other end is connected to the main unit water inlet pipe.

[0014] Preferably, the water inlet pipe of the whole machine is connected to the water pump.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting pipe is a plastic pipe.

[0016] Preferably, the plastic tube can be made of either silicone or EPDM rubber.

[0017] Preferably, the device further includes several clips for securing the connecting pipe to the engine.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model compared with the prior art include:

[0019] 1. The engine of this application will draw out the coolant that has undergone heat exchange in the oil cooler and circulate it in the water system to transfer the engine heat to the orifice plate flow meter, EGR valve intake pipe and the icing position of the mixer for de-icing, so as to realize the recovery and utilization of engine heat without the need for additional energy-consuming components such as electric heating or independent heating modules.

[0020] 2. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket, EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and mixer water jacket of this application are integrated into the corresponding component body, instead of adopting an external water jacket design, which can significantly reduce the installation space occupied in the engine compartment and adapt to the layout of compact models; the water jacket is directly attached to the component body, the heat transfer path is shortened, the heat transfer efficiency is improved, and the heat of the coolant can be quickly transferred to the freezing position, avoiding the component jamming caused by the continuous accumulation of ice.

[0021] 3. The “series water jacket + circulation loop” of this application forms a continuous de-icing mechanism. When the coolant circulates in the water circuit, it can continuously provide heat to the three key components to prevent water vapor from condensing into ice. At the same time, the “bottom-up” series sequence can prioritize providing heat to the mixer (where the air-fuel mixture is prone to condensation) and the EGR valve intake pipe (where the temperature drops sharply after the exhaust gas mixes with the fresh air) which have a higher risk of freezing, and then supplement the heat to the orifice plate flow meter. This allows the coolant to transfer heat in a gradient, ensuring that the engine does not misfire or have difficulty starting when starting at low temperatures, and making the engine start success rate higher in low-temperature environments.

[0022] 4. The water system of this application forms a closed loop circulation through connecting pipes: "water intake from oil cooler → series water jacket → return through engine inlet pipe". It works in conjunction with the original engine cooling system. Taking water from the oil cooler avoids directly using the high-temperature coolant from the engine's main cooling circuit (the coolant temperature at the oil cooler outlet is 15-20°C lower than that of the cylinder block water jacket), preventing high-temperature damage to precision components such as the EGR valve core and orifice plate flow sensor. The coolant returning to the engine inlet pipe can re-participate in the engine cooling cycle without the need for an additional independent return water circuit, avoiding disruption of the pressure balance of the original engine cooling system and ensuring the overall operational stability of the engine. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mixer according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the mixer according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the EGR valve intake pipe according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the EGR valve intake pipe according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the orifice plate flow meter according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the orifice plate flow meter, a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Water inlet pipe for the whole machine; 2-Oil cooler; 3-First connecting pipe; 4-Mixer; 41-Mixer water jacket; 42-First water inlet; 43-First water return; 44-First cavity; 5-Second connecting pipe; 6-EGR valve air inlet pipe; 61-EGR valve air inlet pipe water jacket; 62-Second water inlet; 63-Second water return; 64-Second cavity; 7-Third connecting pipe; 8-Orifice plate flow meter; 81-Orifice plate flow meter water jacket; 82-Third water inlet; 83-Third water return; 84-Third cavity; 9-Fourth connecting pipe; 10-Snap fastener; 11-Water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope and application of the present invention.

[0032] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0033] An engine with a de-icing device, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, a water system is installed on the engine and is used for de-icing of the orifice plate flow meter 8, the EGR valve intake pipe 6, and the mixer 4. The water system includes an orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81, an EGR valve intake pipe water jacket 61, a mixer water jacket 41, and several connecting pipes. The water intake end of the water system is connected to the engine oil cooler 2. The water system is connected in series from bottom to top through several connecting pipes, including the mixer water jacket 41, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket 61, and the orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81 is connected back to the engine water inlet pipe 1 through the connecting pipes to form a coolant circulation loop. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket 61, and the mixer water jacket 41 are respectively integrated on the orifice plate flow meter 8, the EGR valve intake pipe 6, and the mixer 4.

[0034] It is understandable that the function of the oil cooler 2 is to regulate the engine oil temperature, ensuring that the oil is maintained at a suitable operating temperature to guarantee lubrication performance. During operation, the oil circulates within the engine, generating heat due to friction, causing its temperature to rise. The hot oil flows out of the engine oil passages and into the oil cooler 2. Simultaneously, the coolant flows through the coolant passages of the cooler. With the help of the heat exchange structure inside the oil cooler 2 (such as the radiator core), the heat from the oil is transferred to the coolant, allowing the oil to cool down and then flow back to the engine for lubrication. The engine described in this application will... The coolant that has undergone heat exchange in the oil cooler 2 is drawn out and circulated in the water system, transferring engine heat to the icing locations of the orifice plate flow meter 8, EGR valve intake pipe 6, and mixer 4 for de-icing. This achieves heat recovery and utilization from the engine, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming components such as electric heating or independent heating modules. Simultaneously, the "bottom-up series water jacket" design allows for gradient heat transfer from the coolant (the mixer water jacket 41 first absorbs high-temperature waste heat, and subsequent water jackets utilize the remaining heat sequentially), avoiding heat waste and improving de-icing efficiency. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81, EGR valve intake pipe water jacket 61, and mixer water jacket 41 are integrated into their respective component bodies, rather than using an external water jacket design. This significantly reduces the installation space occupied in the engine compartment and adapts to compact engine layouts. The water jackets are directly attached to the component bodies, shortening the heat transfer path and improving heat transfer efficiency. This allows for rapid transfer of coolant heat to the icing locations, preventing component jamming caused by continuous ice buildup. To address core issues such as EGR valve sticking, mixer 4 blockage, and orifice plate flow meter 8 failure in low-temperature environments (e.g., -35℃), this application establishes a continuous de-icing mechanism through a "series water jacket + circulation loop." As the coolant circulates in the water circuit, it continuously provides heat to the three key components, preventing water vapor from condensing into ice. Simultaneously, the "bottom-up" series sequence prioritizes providing heat to the mixer 4 (where the air-fuel mixture is prone to significant condensation) and the EGR valve intake pipe 6 (where the temperature drops sharply after the exhaust gas mixes with fresh air), which have a higher risk of icing, and then supplements the heat to the orifice plate flow meter 8. This ensures that the engine does not misfire or experience starting difficulties during low-temperature starts, resulting in a higher engine starting success rate in low-temperature environments. The water system forms a closed-loop circulation through connecting pipes: "water intake from oil cooler 2 → series water jacket → return through engine inlet pipe 1". It works in conjunction with the engine's original cooling system. Taking water from oil cooler 2 avoids directly using the high-temperature coolant from the engine's main cooling circuit (the coolant temperature at the outlet of oil cooler 2 is 15-20°C lower than that of the cylinder block water jacket), preventing high-temperature damage to precision components such as the EGR valve core and the orifice plate flow meter 8 sensor. The coolant returning to engine inlet pipe 1 can re-participate in the engine cooling cycle without the need for an additional independent return water circuit, avoiding disruption of the pressure balance of the engine's original cooling system and ensuring the overall stability of engine operation.

[0035] In some other examples of this embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe 3, a second connecting pipe 5, a third connecting pipe 7, and a fourth connecting pipe 9. Specifically, the connecting pipe is a plastic pipe, which can be made of either silicone or EPDM rubber. To ensure a secure installation, several clips 10 can be used to fix the connecting pipe to the engine. The connecting pipe is made of silicone or EPDM rubber, both of which have excellent low-temperature flexibility and can maintain good elasticity even at -35℃, avoiding the problems of low-temperature cracking and interface sealing failure of traditional plastics. At the same time, these materials have strong weather resistance and are not prone to swelling or aging even after long-term contact with engine oil and coolant, ensuring the sealing performance of the connecting pipe within the operating temperature range of -35℃ to 120℃ (covering the entire engine start-stop and operation process), and preventing coolant leakage that could lead to the interruption of the de-icing water flow. Both silicone and EPDM rubber are elastic materials with good shock absorption and buffering performance. The vibration generated during engine operation can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the connecting pipe itself, reducing the impact stress of vibration on the interface of mixer water jacket 41, EGR valve intake pipe water jacket 61, and orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81. Compared with rigid metal connecting pipes (which are prone to loosening of interfaces and cracking of welds due to vibration), this solution can reduce the probability of vibration fatigue failure of the connection parts, further ensuring the long-term circulation reliability of the de-icing water circuit.

[0036] In some examples of this embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the mixer 4 is provided with a first inlet 42 and a first return outlet 43; the mixer water jacket 41 is disposed between the first inlet 42 and the first return outlet 43, and a first cavity 44 is provided inside the mixer water jacket 41. One end of the first cavity 44 is connected to the first inlet 42 and the other end is connected to the first return outlet 43, forming a coolant flow path through the mixer 4; one end of the first connecting pipe 3 is connected to the oil cooler 2 and the other end is connected to the first inlet 42 of the mixer 4.

[0037] In other examples of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the EGR valve inlet pipe 6 is provided with a second water inlet 62 and a second water return port 63; the EGR valve inlet pipe water jacket 61 is provided between the second water inlet 62 and the second water return port 63, and a second cavity 64 is provided inside the EGR valve inlet pipe water jacket 61. One end of the second cavity 64 is connected to the second water inlet 62, and the other end is connected to the second water return port 63, forming a coolant flow path through the EGR valve inlet pipe 6; one end of the second connecting pipe 5 is connected to the first water return port 43 of the mixer 4, and the other end is connected to the second water inlet 62 of the EGR valve inlet pipe 6.

[0038] In other examples of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the orifice plate flow meter 8 is provided with a third inlet 82 and a third return inlet 83. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81 is disposed between the third inlet 82 and the third return inlet 83. A third cavity 84 is provided inside the orifice plate flow meter water jacket 81. One end of the third cavity 84 is connected to the third inlet 82, and the other end is connected to the third return inlet 83, forming a coolant flow path through the orifice plate flow meter 8. One end of the third connecting pipe 7 is connected to the second return inlet 63 of the EGR valve air inlet pipe 6, and the other end is connected to the third inlet 82 of the orifice plate flow meter 8. One end of the fourth connecting pipe 9 is connected to the third return inlet 83 of the orifice plate flow meter 8, and the other end is connected to the whole machine water inlet pipe 1. Specifically, the whole machine water inlet pipe 1 is connected to the water pump 11.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations are possible with respect to the above description, and the embodiments and figures are merely for describing one or more specific implementations.

[0040] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations to the doctrine of the present invention without departing from the central concept of the present invention described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but may include all embodiments and equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An engine with a de-icing device, characterized in that: The system includes a water circuit installed on the engine for de-icing the orifice plate flow meter, EGR valve intake pipe, and mixer. The water circuit system comprises an orifice plate flow meter water jacket, an EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, a mixer water jacket, and several connecting pipes. The water intake end of the water circuit system is connected to the engine's oil cooler. The water circuit system connects the mixer water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the orifice plate flow meter water jacket in series from bottom to top via the connecting pipes. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket is connected back to the engine's water inlet pipe via the connecting pipes to form a coolant circulation loop. The orifice plate flow meter water jacket, the EGR valve intake pipe water jacket, and the mixer water jacket are respectively integrated into the orifice plate flow meter, the EGR valve intake pipe, and the mixer.

2. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, a third connecting pipe, and a fourth connecting pipe.

3. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mixer is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet; the mixer water jacket is disposed between the first inlet and the first outlet, and a first cavity is provided inside the mixer water jacket. One end of the first cavity is connected to the first inlet and the other end is connected to the first outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the mixer; one end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the oil cooler and the other end is connected to the first inlet of the mixer.

4. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The EGR valve inlet pipe is provided with a second water inlet and a second water return outlet; the water jacket of the EGR valve inlet pipe is disposed between the second water inlet and the second water return outlet, and a second cavity is provided inside the mixer water jacket. One end of the second cavity is connected to the second water inlet, and the other end is connected to the second water return outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the EGR valve inlet pipe; one end of the second connecting pipe is connected to the first water outlet of the mixer, and the other end is connected to the second water inlet of the EGR valve inlet pipe.

5. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The orifice plate flow meter is provided with a third inlet and a third return outlet. The water jacket of the orifice plate flow meter is disposed between the third inlet and the third return outlet. A third cavity is provided inside the water jacket of the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the third cavity is connected to the third inlet and the other end is connected to the third return outlet, forming a coolant flow path through the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the second outlet of the EGR valve air inlet pipe and the other end is connected to the third inlet of the orifice plate flow meter. One end of the fourth connecting pipe is connected to the third outlet of the orifice plate flow meter and the other end is connected to the main unit water inlet pipe.

6. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet pipe of the whole machine is connected to the water pump.

7. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipe is a plastic pipe.

8. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plastic tube can be made of either silicone or EPDM rubber.

9. The engine with a de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes several clips, which are used to fix the connecting pipe to the engine.

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