Anti-sticking thermostat

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of anti-jamming thermostat, it is related to automobile thermostat technical field, including valve body, valve core rotationally arranged in valve body and the drive assembly of driving valve core rotation, valve core is provided with valve core rotating lever on output shaft, valve core rotating lever is provided with rotating lever gear, drive assembly includes the motor of being set on the outer wall of valve body, the worm that the output shaft coaxial transmission of motor is with, and the large gear that is engaged with worm transmission, large gear is provided with pinion with large gear coaxial transmission, pinion and rotating lever gear are meshed with each other and drive valve core rotating lever rotation, pinion and large gear can be detachably connected, after pinion and large gear are disconnected, pinion is still meshed with rotating lever gear, the utility model is connected by large gear and pinion, pinion and rotating lever gear always keep meshing, will not be positioned to valve core due to power cut-off and depart, provide stable initial reference for subsequent reset calibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive thermostat technology, and more particularly to a thermostat that prevents jamming. Background Technology

[0002] The thermostat is the core temperature control component in the engine cooling system. It is usually installed between the engine block outlet and the radiator inlet. Essentially, it is an intelligent flow control valve that can automatically adjust the circulation path and flow rate of the coolant in the cooling system according to the temperature of the engine coolant, thereby controlling the engine's operating temperature.

[0003] Currently, a Chinese utility model patent application published on October 18, 2022, with announcement number CN217603412U, provides a jamming elimination mechanism for an electronic thermostat. The mechanism includes a valve body, a valve core, a motor, a worm gear, and a gear transmission mechanism. The motor's output end is connected to the worm gear. The gear transmission mechanism includes a rotating gear and a double gear. The jamming elimination mechanism includes a valve core rotating rod, an adjusting screw, and an elastic reset mechanism. The valve core rotating rod is rotatably mounted on the valve body, with one end extending into the valve body and connected to the rotating gear, and the other end located outside the valve body. The adjusting screw is helically connected to the valve body, with one end extending into the valve body and the other end located outside the valve body. When the adjusting screw rotates in a predetermined direction, it pushes the double gear from its initial position to a disengaged position. In the initial position, the double gear meshes with the worm gear and the rotating gear; in the disengaged position, it disengages from the worm gear and the rotating gear. The elastic reset mechanism provides elastic reset force for the double gear, quickly eliminating jamming without disassembly and enabling high-precision reuse.

[0004] In the related technology, the jamming removal mechanism of the electronic thermostat needs to disengage the worm gear and rotary gear driven by the motor. This is done by disengaging the double gear from the worm gear and rotary gear. During the reset process, it is necessary to re-engage the double gear with the worm gear and rotary gear. However, when adjusting the valve core angle, the rotary gear rotates with the valve core angle. When it is necessary to re-engage the relationship, the phase of the rotary gear has changed unknownly, and the axial reset action of the double gear lacks a clear positioning reference. This may result in a situation where one end is engaged and the other end is misaligned.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a thermostat that prevents jamming to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides an anti-jamming thermostat. In order to improve the problem of jamming in related technologies, when entering the reset process after the jamming problem is resolved, the double gear is re-engaged with the worm gear and the rotating gear simultaneously to rebuild the power transmission link. Since the phase of the rotating gear has changed unknownly, the axial reset action of the double gear lacks a clear positioning reference, which may lead to the technical problem of one end meshing and the other end being misaligned.

[0007] This application provides an anti-jamming thermostat, including a valve body, a valve core rotatably disposed within the valve body, and a drive assembly for driving the valve core to rotate. A valve core rotating rod is disposed on the output shaft of the valve core, and a rotating gear is disposed on the valve core rotating rod. The drive assembly includes a motor disposed on the outer wall of the valve body, a worm gear coaxially driven with the output shaft of the motor, and a large gear meshing with the worm gear. A small gear coaxially driven with the large gear is disposed on the large gear. The small gear meshes with the rotating gear to drive the valve core rotating rod to rotate. The small gear is detachably connected to the large gear; even after the connection between the small gear and the large gear is severed, the small gear still meshes with the rotating gear.

[0008] The technical solution described above in this application embodiment has at least the following technical effects: When the valve core becomes stuck due to scale buildup, impurities, or seizing between the valve core and valve body, the rotating gear will also become stuck and unable to rotate, thereby causing the small gear to become stuck through meshing. At this time, after the large gear and small gear are disconnected, the worm gear driven by the motor can still drive the large gear to rotate freely, but the power cannot be transmitted to the small gear, thus completely cutting off the power link from the motor to the valve core and preventing the motor from continuously outputting torque due to overload, which could lead to secondary damage such as motor burnout, worm gear, and large gear tooth breakage. At the same time, the small gear and the rotating gear always remain meshed and will not disengage from the valve core due to the power cut-off, providing a stable initial reference for subsequent reset calibration.

[0009] In this embodiment, a limiting block is arranged in a ring around the central axis of the large gear near the small gear, and a limiting groove is formed at the position of the small gear corresponding to the limiting block. A moving part is provided on the small gear to drive the displacement of the small gear.

[0010] This technical solution achieves the switching of power connection and disconnection between the large and small gears through the engagement and disengagement of the limiting block and the limiting groove, in coordination with the axial displacement of the small gear. The limiting block on the large gear adopts a ring array design, which means that the limiting groove of the small gear can engage with the limiting block at multiple positions in the circumference. Unlike single keys or splines, it does not require precise alignment of a single phase. Engagement can be completed simply by axial movement of the small gear, which greatly reduces the alignment cost of the clutch action.

[0011] In this embodiment, the moving part includes a connecting nut passing through the central shaft of the small gear. A bearing is provided at the connection between the connecting nut and the small gear. A screw hole is provided at the position corresponding to the central shaft of the large gear and the connecting nut. The connecting nut drives the small gear to be fastened through the connecting nut and the screw hole. The large gear drives the small gear to rotate through the cooperation between the limiting block and the limiting groove.

[0012] This technical solution designs the moving part as a connecting nut that passes through the central shaft of the pinion, and achieves its function through the threaded engagement between the connecting nut and the threaded hole of the large gear, and the bearing between the connecting nut and the pinion. This is a precise mechanical realization of the detachable connection between the large and small gears and the power clutch requirements.

[0013] In this embodiment, a limiting ring is provided on the end of the connecting nut away from the pinion, and an abutment groove is provided inside the large gear at a position corresponding to the limiting ring, and the abutment groove communicates with the screw hole.

[0014] Through this technical solution, the structure sets a clear endpoint boundary for the axial displacement of the connecting nut by means of the physical cooperation between the limiting ring and the abutment groove.

[0015] In this embodiment, the motor is a servo motor.

[0016] Through this technical solution, the servo motor is essentially a motor whose speed, position, and torque can be precisely controlled by signals. Its core role in the thermostat is to convert the commands of the electronic control system into precise angle adjustment of the valve core, while providing real-time power feedback and control support for the anti-jamming mechanism.

[0017] In this embodiment, a square head is provided on the end of the valve core rotating rod away from the valve core, and a top groove is provided on the top end face of the square head.

[0018] Through this technical solution, the square head, as a common manual force transmission interface in the industrial field, has the core function of transmitting torque through an adapter tool: when the thermostat experiences valve core jamming or motor drive failure, the operator can fit the tool onto the square head and manually apply rotational force to directly drive the valve core rod to rotate, thereby unlocking the jammed valve or adjusting the valve core opening angle in an emergency. It is the main interface for manual intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the anti-jamming thermostat provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core and drive assembly provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 3A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core and drive assembly provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the driving component provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the small gear provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] The following are the labeling elements in the figure: 1. Valve body; 11. Valve core; 12. Valve core rotating rod; 2. Drive assembly; 21. Rotating rod gear; 22. Motor; 23. Worm gear; 24. Large gear; 25. Small gear; 26. Limiting block; 27. Limiting groove; 3. Moving part; 31. Connecting nut; 32. Bearing; 33. Screw hole; 34. Limiting ring; 4. Square head. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the related technology, the jamming removal mechanism of the electronic thermostat needs to disengage the worm gear and rotary gear driven by the motor. This is done by disengaging the double gear from the worm gear and rotary gear. During the reset process, it is necessary to re-engage the double gear with the worm gear and rotary gear. However, when adjusting the valve core angle, the rotary gear rotates with the valve core angle. When it is necessary to re-engage the relationship, the phase of the rotary gear has changed unknownly, and the axial reset action of the double gear lacks a clear positioning reference. This may result in a situation where one end is engaged and the other end is misaligned.

[0022] Based on this, in order to improve the problem of jamming in related technologies, when entering the reset process after the jamming problem is resolved, the double gear is re-engaged with the worm gear and the rotating gear simultaneously to rebuild the power transmission link. Since the phase of the rotating gear has changed unknownly, the axial reset action of the double gear lacks a clear positioning reference, which may lead to the technical problem of one end meshing and the other end being misaligned. The embodiments of this application provide the following solution.

[0023] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5This application provides an anti-jamming thermostat, which includes a valve body 1, a valve core 11 rotatably disposed within the valve body 1, and a drive assembly 2 for driving the valve core 11 to rotate. A valve core rotating rod 12 is disposed on the output shaft of the valve core 11, and a rotating rod gear 21 is disposed on the valve core rotating rod 12. The drive assembly 2 includes a motor 22 disposed on the outer wall of the valve body 1, a worm gear 23 coaxially driven with the output shaft of the motor 22, and a large gear 24 meshing with the worm gear 23. A small gear 25 coaxially driven with the large gear 24 is disposed on the large gear 24. The small gear 25 meshes with the rotating rod gear 21 to drive the valve core rotating rod 12 to rotate. The small gear 25 and the large gear 24 are detachably connected. After the small gear 25 and the large gear 24 are disconnected, the small gear 25 still meshes with the rotating rod gear 21.

[0024] The anti-jamming thermostat provided in this embodiment allows for the following protection: When the valve core 11 becomes jammed due to scale buildup, impurities, or seizing between the valve core 11 and the valve body 1, the rotating gear 21 will also become jammed and unable to rotate, subsequently causing the pinion 25 to jam through meshing. At this time, after the large gear 24 is disconnected from the pinion 25, the worm gear 23 driven by the motor 22 can still drive the large gear 24 to rotate freely, but power cannot be transmitted to the pinion 25. This completely cuts off the power link from the motor 22 to the valve core 11, preventing the motor 22 from continuously outputting torque due to overload, which could lead to secondary damage such as motor burnout, worm gear 23, and large gear 24 tooth breakage. Simultaneously, the pinion 25 and the rotating gear 21 remain meshed and will not disengage from the valve core 11 due to power cut-off, providing a stable initial reference for subsequent reset and calibration. In this way, there is no need to calibrate the tooth positions of the pinion 25 and the rotating gear 21. Only the connection structure of the large and small gears 25 needs to be aligned, which significantly reduces the difficulty of operation and almost eliminates meshing failures.

[0025] In this embodiment, a limiting block 26 is arranged in a ring around the central axis of the large gear 24 near the small gear 25. A limiting groove 27 is opened at the position of the small gear 25 corresponding to the limiting block 26. A moving part 3 is provided on the small gear 25 to drive the displacement of the small gear 25.

[0026] With this configuration, the engagement and disengagement of the limiting block 26 and the limiting groove 27, along with the axial displacement of the pinion 25, enable the switching of power connection and disconnection between the large and small gears 25. When the moving part 3 drives the pinion 25 to move axially toward the large gear 24, the annular array of limiting blocks 26 on the end face of the large gear 24 will precisely embed into the corresponding limiting groove 27 of the pinion 25. At this time, the sidewalls of the limiting block 26 and the limiting groove 27 form a rigid force transmission surface. When the large gear 24 rotates, its limiting block 26 will directly transmit torque to the pinion 25 by abutting against the inner wall of the limiting groove 27, thereby achieving coaxial synchronous transmission between the large gear 24 and the pinion 25. During this process, the engagement of the limiting block 26 and the limiting groove 27 replaces the traditional one-piece molding or fixed connection, while ensuring the rigidity and synchronization of the transmission. When the valve core 11 becomes stuck or needs to cut off the power, the moving part 3 drives the small gear 25 to move axially away from the large gear 24, so that the limiting block 26 is completely disengaged from the limiting groove 27. At this time, the rigid force transmission structure between the large gear 24 and the small gear 25 is lost: the large gear 24 can rotate freely under the drive of the worm gear 23, but cannot transmit torque to the small gear 25; while the small gear 25, because it is always meshed with the rotating gear 21, will remain stationary with the valve core 11, thereby achieving the decoupling of power between the driving end (large gear 24) and the actuating end (small gear 25). Meanwhile, the limiting block 26 on the large gear 24 adopts a ring array design, which means that the limiting groove 27 of the small gear 25 can be engaged with the limiting block 26 at multiple positions in the circumference. Unlike a single key or spline, it does not need to be precisely aligned with a single phase. The engagement can be completed simply by moving the small gear 25 axially, which greatly reduces the alignment cost of the clutch action.

[0027] In this embodiment, the moving part 3 includes a connecting nut 31 that passes through the central shaft of the small gear 25. A bearing 32 is provided at the connection between the connecting nut 31 and the small gear 25. A screw hole 33 is provided at the position corresponding to the central shaft of the large gear 24 and the connecting nut 31. The connecting nut 31 drives the small gear 25 to be fastened through the connecting nut 31 and the screw hole 33. The large gear 24 drives the small gear 25 to rotate through the cooperation between the limiting block 26 and the limiting groove 27.

[0028] With this configuration, the moving part 3 is designed as a connecting nut 31 that passes through the central shaft of the small gear 25. The connecting nut 31 and the screw hole 33 of the large gear 24 are threaded together, and the bearing 32 between the connecting nut 31 and the small gear 25 achieves the function. This is a precise mechanical realization of the detachable connection of the large and small gears 25 and the power clutch requirements. When the connecting nut 31 is screwed into the large gear 24 along its own axis and engages with the threaded hole 33 of the large gear 24, it will push the small gear 25 to move axially synchronously through the bearing 32 until the limiting block 26 of the large gear 24 is fully embedded in the limiting groove 27 of the small gear 25. At this time, a rigid connection with thread preload is formed. The tight fit between the connecting nut 31 and the threaded hole 33 of the large gear 24 provides axial preload for the large and small gears 25, ensuring that the limiting block 26 and the side wall of the limiting groove 27 are tightly fitted without gaps or wobble; and the torque transmission of the limiting block 26 and the groove. When the large gear 24 rotates, the limiting block 26, by abutting against the inner wall of the limiting groove 27, rigidly transmits the torque transmitted by the motor 22 to the small gear 25, ultimately driving the rotating rod gear 21 and the valve core 11 to rotate. The combination of the two achieves a slip-free, high-rigidity power transmission from the large gear 24 to the small gear 25, ensuring the adjustment accuracy of the valve core 11.

[0029] In this embodiment, a limiting ring 34 is provided on the end of the connecting nut 31 away from the pinion 25, and an abutment groove is provided inside the large gear 24 at the position corresponding to the limiting ring 34, and the abutment groove is connected to the screw hole 33.

[0030] With this configuration, the structure, through the physical cooperation between the limiting ring 34 and the abutment groove, sets a clear endpoint boundary for the axial displacement of the connecting nut 31 as it screws in and out. When the connecting nut 31 is screwed into the large gear 24, pushing the small gear 25 to engage with the large gear 24 through the limiting block 26 and the limiting groove 27 to achieve power connection, the connecting nut 31 will move axially synchronously with the screwing action until the limiting ring 34 at its end is completely abutted against the bottom of the abutment groove inside the large gear 24. At this time, the abutment groove forms a rigid axial stop through the limiting ring 34, preventing the connecting nut 31 from continuing to screw in. This action directly limits the maximum axial movement distance of the small gear 25, ensuring that the limiting block 26 is just completely embedded in the limiting groove 27. It will not result in shallow meshing due to insufficient screwing in, nor will it cause the small gear 25 to be squeezed and deformed due to excessive screwing in, achieving precise control of power connection stopping when it is in place. When the connecting nut 31 is screwed out in the opposite direction to cut off the power, the limiting ring 34 will move axially away from the large gear 24 with the connecting nut 31 until the other side of the limiting ring 34 abuts against the edge of the opening end of the abutment groove. At this time, the abutment groove forms an axial stop again, limiting the maximum unscrewing distance of the connecting nut 31 to prevent the connecting nut 31 from completely coming out of the screw hole 33 of the large gear 24 due to excessive unscrewing, thereby preventing the small gear 25 from moving axially due to the loss of the constraint of the connecting nut 31, and ensuring that the small gear 25 always maintains stable meshing with the rotating gear 21.

[0031] In this embodiment, motor 22 is a servo motor 22.

[0032] With this configuration, the servo motor 22 is essentially a motor whose speed, position, and torque can be precisely controlled via signals. Its core role in the thermostat is to translate the commands from the electronic control system into precise angle adjustments for the valve core 11, while simultaneously providing real-time power feedback and control support for the anti-jamming mechanism. Furthermore, using the servo motor 22 as the drive source for the anti-jamming thermostat is a key design feature that integrates precise control, intelligent protection, and efficient response into the thermostat system. It not only solves the pain points of traditional motor 22 drives—low adjustment accuracy, slow jamming response, and lack of overload protection—but also, through deep collaboration with the electronic control system, supports the refined execution of the anti-jamming mechanism and the expansion of intelligent functions. Ultimately, it achieves precise, intelligent, and reliable engine cooling, making it an ideal drive solution for high-end, high-performance engine thermostats.

[0033] In this embodiment, a square head 4 is provided on the end of the valve core rotating rod 12 away from the valve core 11, and a top groove is provided on the top end face of the square head 4.

[0034] With this configuration, the square head 4 serves as a common manual force transmission interface in the industrial field. Its core function is to transmit torque through the adapter tool: when the thermostat experiences problems such as valve core 11 jamming or motor 22 drive failure, the operator can attach the tool to the square head 4 and manually apply rotational force to directly drive the valve core rod 12 to rotate, thereby unlocking the jammed valve core or adjusting the opening and closing angle of the valve core 11 in an emergency. It is the main interface for manual intervention.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A thermostat with anti-jamming capability, comprising a valve body (1), a valve core (11) rotatably disposed within the valve body (1), and a drive assembly (2) for driving the valve core (11) to rotate, characterized in that: The valve core (11) has a valve core rotating rod (12) on its output shaft. The valve core rotating rod (12) has a rotating gear (21). The drive assembly (2) includes a motor (22) on the outer wall of the valve body (1), a worm gear (23) that is coaxially driven with the output shaft of the motor (22), and a large gear (24) that meshes with the worm gear (23). The large gear (24) has a small gear (25) that is coaxially driven with the large gear (24). The small gear (25) meshes with the rotating gear (21) to drive the valve core rotating rod (12) to rotate. The small gear (25) is detachably connected to the large gear (24). After the small gear (25) is disconnected from the large gear (24), the small gear (25) still meshes with the rotating gear (21).

2. The anti-jamming thermostat according to claim 1, characterized in that: On one end of the large gear (24) near the small gear (25), a limiting block (26) is arranged in a ring around its central axis. A limiting groove (27) is opened at the position corresponding to the limiting block (26) on the small gear (25). A moving part (3) is provided on the small gear (25) to drive the displacement of the small gear (25).

3. The anti-jamming thermostat according to claim 2, characterized in that: The moving part (3) includes a connecting nut (31) passing through the central shaft of the small gear (25). A bearing (32) is provided at the connection between the connecting nut (31) and the small gear (25). A screw hole (33) is provided at the position corresponding to the central shaft of the large gear (24) and the connecting nut (31). The connecting nut (31) drives the small gear (25) to be fastened through the connecting nut (31) and the screw hole (33). The large gear (24) drives the small gear (25) to rotate through the cooperation between the limiting block (26) and the limiting groove (27).

4. The anti-jamming thermostat according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limiting ring (34) is provided on the end of the connecting nut (31) away from the pinion (25). An abutment groove is provided inside the large gear (24) at the position corresponding to the limiting ring (34). The abutment groove is connected to the screw hole (33).

5. A thermostat for preventing jamming according to claim 4, characterized in that: The motor (22) is a servo motor (22).

6. A thermostat for preventing jamming according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that: The valve core rotating rod (12) is provided with a square head (4) at one end away from the valve core (11), and the top end face of the square head (4) is provided with a top slot.

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