A thermostat assembly and engine cooling system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a kind of thermostat assembly and engine cooling system, it is related to thermostat field.The thermostat assembly includes valve body and column valve core, valve body is provided with inner chamber, liquid inlet passage, large circulation liquid outlet passage and small circulation liquid outlet passage, and liquid inlet passage, large circulation liquid outlet passage and small circulation liquid outlet passage are all communicated with inner chamber;Column valve core is contained in inner chamber and can rotate along the cavity wall of inner chamber to realize centering, and column valve core is provided with communicating hole, and communicating hole can communicate liquid inlet passage with large circulation liquid outlet passage, or communicate liquid inlet passage with small circulation liquid outlet passage.The thermostat assembly dispenses with the centering structure of original column valve core bottom, utilizes column valve core and the cavity wall of inner chamber cooperation to realize the centering of column valve core, can reduce column valve core rotation torque, and makes the flow cross-sectional area of column valve core increase, is favorable to reduce the flow resistance of cooling liquid.The embodiment of the utility model also provides an engine cooling system, including thermostat assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermostats, and more specifically, to a thermostat assembly and an engine cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] When an engine is running, it generates a lot of heat, which needs to be dissipated and cooled in a timely manner. The cooling system is usually used to dissipate and cool the engine, and it delivers coolant to carry away the heat from the engine.

[0003] The thermostat assembly is a crucial component of the cooling system, responsible for switching between the engine's external large-loop cooling and internal small-loop cooling. Currently, thermostat assemblies typically feature a centering structure on the valve core. While this centering structure helps to keep the valve core in place, it also increases the torque during valve core rotation. Furthermore, it occupies part of the coolant flow channel, reducing the coolant's flow area and increasing coolant flow resistance. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a thermostat assembly and an engine cooling system that can solve the problems caused by the centering structure in existing thermostat assemblies.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows: An embodiment of this utility model provides a thermostat assembly, which includes: The valve body is provided with an inner chamber, an inlet channel, a large circulation outlet channel and a small circulation outlet channel, and the inlet channel, the large circulation outlet channel and the small circulation outlet channel are all connected to the inner chamber. The valve core is housed in an inner chamber and can rotate along the wall of the inner chamber to achieve centering. The valve core is provided with a connecting hole, which can connect the liquid inlet channel and the large circulation liquid outlet channel, or the connecting hole can connect the liquid inlet channel and the small circulation liquid outlet channel.

[0006] Optionally, the column valve core includes a cylindrical part and a connecting part. One end of the cylindrical part is open, and the other end of the cylindrical part is closed. The open end of the cylindrical part is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and the closed end of the cylindrical part is connected to the connecting part. The connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical part.

[0007] Optionally, the thermostat assembly also includes a sealing ring, which is fitted over the outside of the cylinder and seals the cylinder and the valve body.

[0008] Optionally, the sealing ring includes a raised portion and a ring body portion, the raised portion being circumferentially disposed on the outer wall of the ring body portion, and the raised portion sealingly engaging with the inner wall of the inner cavity.

[0009] Optionally, the diameter of the connecting hole is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the large circulation outlet channel and the small circulation outlet channel.

[0010] Optionally, the thermostat assembly also includes an actuator for driving the valve core to rotate.

[0011] Optionally, the valve body is connected to a connector, and the actuator is connected to the connector.

[0012] Optionally, a stop is provided on the cavity wall of the inner chamber, and the connector is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, with the stop engaging with the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0013] Optionally, the large circulation outlet channel is L-shaped, with the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the large circulation outlet channel being perpendicular to each other; and / or, the small circulation outlet channel is L-shaped, with the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the small circulation outlet channel being perpendicular to each other.

[0014] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an engine cooling system, including the thermostat assembly described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment: The thermostat assembly includes a valve body and a valve core. The valve body has an inner chamber, an inlet channel, a large circulation outlet channel, and a small circulation outlet channel, all of which communicate with the inner chamber. The valve core is housed within the inner chamber and can rotate along the chamber wall for centering. The valve core has a connecting hole that connects the inlet channel and the large circulation outlet channel, or vice versa. This embodiment of the thermostat assembly eliminates the need for a centering structure at the bottom of the valve core, utilizing the interaction between the valve core and the inner chamber wall for centering. This reduces the torque during valve core rotation and increases the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the valve core, thus reducing coolant flow resistance.

[0016] The engine cooling system includes a thermostat assembly, which has all the functions of a thermostat assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the thermostat assembly provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the thermostat assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Icons: 1-Valve body; 10-Inner chamber; 101-Stop; 11-Inlet channel; 12-Large circulation outlet channel; 13-Small circulation outlet channel; 2-Column valve core; 20-Cylinder body; 201-Connecting hole; 21-Connecting part; 3-Sealing ring; 30-Protruding strip; 31-Ring body; 4-Actuator; 5-Connector; 50-Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0026] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0028] The engine cooling system dissipates some of the heat generated by the engine in a timely manner, ensuring that the engine operates at its optimal temperature. The thermostat assembly is an important component of the engine cooling system, responsible for switching between the external large-loop cooling system and the internal small-loop cooling system.

[0029] Currently, the thermostat assembly includes a valve body and a valve core mounted on the valve body. The valve core has a centering structure, which serves to center the valve core. However, the centering structure increases the torque when the valve core rotates, increasing the rotational force and reducing operational flexibility. Furthermore, the centering structure also occupies part of the coolant flow channel, reducing the coolant flow cross-sectional area and increasing the coolant flow resistance.

[0030] In view of the above reasons, the present invention provides a thermostat assembly and an engine cooling system that can solve the above problems, and will be described in detail below.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The thermostat assembly includes a valve body 1 and a column valve core 2. The valve body 1 is provided with an inner chamber 10, an inlet channel 11, a large circulation outlet channel 12, and a small circulation outlet channel 13. The inlet channel 11, the large circulation outlet channel 12, and the small circulation outlet channel 13 are all connected to the inner chamber 10. The column valve core 2 is housed in the inner chamber 10 and can rotate along the wall of the inner chamber 10 to achieve centering. The column valve core 2 is provided with a connecting hole 201, which can connect the inlet channel 11 and the large circulation outlet channel 12, or the connecting hole 201 can connect the inlet channel 11 and the small circulation outlet channel 13. The thermostat assembly of this utility model removes the centering structure at the bottom of the original valve core 2, and at the same time makes the valve core 2 rotate with the inner cavity 10 wall to achieve centering of the valve core 2. Removing the centering structure can reduce the torque when rotating the valve core 2, making the operation more flexible. Secondly, removing the centering structure increases the flow cross-sectional area inside the valve core 2, which helps to reduce the flow resistance of the coolant and make the cooling response faster.

[0032] Specifically, the valve body 1 has an internal chamber 10. A liquid inlet channel 11 is provided on one side of the internal chamber 10, communicating with the internal chamber 10. A large circulation outlet channel 12 and a small circulation outlet channel 13 are provided on the other side of the internal chamber 10, both communicating with the internal chamber 10. When coolant is injected into the liquid inlet channel 11, the coolant can enter the large circulation outlet channel 12 or the small circulation outlet channel 13 through the internal chamber 10, achieving external large circulation cooling or internal small circulation cooling of the engine. Optionally, the valve body 1 can be integrally cast or formed by stamping or planing.

[0033] The column valve core 2 includes a cylindrical body 20 and a connecting part 21. The cylindrical body 20 is a cylindrical body with a hollow interior. One end of the cylindrical body 20 is open, and the other end is closed. The open end of the cylindrical body 20 is connected to the liquid inlet channel 11, and the closed end of the cylindrical body 20 is connected to the connecting part 21. A connecting hole 201 is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical body 20. The cylindrical part 20 is connected to the inner wall of the valve body 10 and can rotate, thereby achieving centering by cooperating with the cylindrical part 20 and the valve body 1. When the column valve core 2 is rotated, the connecting hole 201 can be aligned with the large circulation outlet channel 12. At this time, the connecting hole 201 can connect the large circulation outlet channel 12 and the inlet channel 11. The coolant enters the large circulation outlet channel 12 from the inlet channel 11 through the inside of the column valve core 2 and the connecting hole 201. When the column valve core 2 is rotated again, the connecting hole 201 can be aligned with the small circulation outlet channel 13. At this time, the connecting hole 201 can connect the small circulation outlet channel 13 and the inlet channel 11. The coolant enters the small circulation outlet channel 13 from the inlet channel 11 through the inside of the column valve core 2 and the connecting hole 201.

[0034] It should be noted that the connecting hole 201 will not simultaneously connect the inlet channel 11 to the large circulation outlet channel 12 and the small circulation outlet channel 13; it can only connect one or neither. Therefore, the large circulation outlet channel 12 and the small circulation outlet channel 13 can be respectively set in different positions on the valve body 1. For example, the inlet end of the large circulation outlet channel 12 is set horizontally on the wall of the inner chamber 10, and the inlet end of the small circulation outlet channel 13 is set vertically on the wall of the inner chamber 10. The axis of the end face of the inlet end of the large circulation outlet channel 12 is perpendicular to the axis of the end face of the inlet end of the small circulation outlet channel 13. In this way, the valve core 2 can only switch from the large circulation outlet channel 12 to the small circulation outlet channel 13 when it rotates 90°, which will not easily lead to the simultaneous connection of the large circulation outlet channel 12 and the small circulation outlet channel 13.

[0035] Optionally, the large circulation outlet channel 12 can be L-shaped, with the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the large circulation outlet channel 12 perpendicular to each other. This makes the structure more compact, reduces space occupation, and facilitates the connection of pipes and the arrangement of pipe routes. Similarly, the small circulation outlet channel 13 can also be L-shaped, with the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the small circulation outlet channel 13 perpendicular to each other.

[0036] To reduce the risk of coolant leakage, the diameter of the connecting hole 201 can be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the large circulation outlet channel 12. Similarly, the diameter of the connecting hole 201 can be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the small circulation outlet channel 13.

[0037] A protrusion is provided between the inner chamber 10 of the valve body 1 and the inlet channel 11. This protrusion allows one end of the opening of the cylindrical part 20 of the valve core 2 to abut against it, thereby limiting the position of the valve core 2. A connector 5 is provided at the other end opposite the opening of the cylindrical part 20 of the valve core 2. The connector 5 is bolted to the valve body 1. The connector 5 has a clamping part that limits the valve core 2 and prevents the valve core 2 from moving in the axial direction. The connector 5 serves to both limit the valve core 2 and not hinder its rotation. To ensure the reliability of the connection, the connector 5 is also provided with a retaining groove 50, and a stop 101 is provided on the cavity wall of the inner chamber 10. The stop 101 is engaged with the retaining groove 50.

[0038] The connecting part 21 of the valve core 2 can be a connecting shaft, which passes through the connector 5 and connects to the actuator 4. The actuator 4 can drive the valve core 2 to rotate, thereby connecting the connecting hole 201 with the large circulation outlet channel 12 or the small circulation outlet channel 13. Optionally, the actuator 4 can be a stepper motor, which is bolted to the connector 5.

[0039] refer to Figure 1In order to ensure the sealing between the valve core 2 and the valve body 1, a sealing ring 3 is provided on the outside of the cylindrical part 20 of the valve core 2 to achieve the sealing between the cylindrical part 20 and the valve body 1. The sealing ring 3 here needs to cooperate with the rotation of the valve core 2, so a wear-resistant dynamic sealing ring 3 needs to be selected.

[0040] For example, in this embodiment, the sealing ring 3 includes a raised strip 30 and a ring body 31. The raised strip 30 is arranged along the outer circumference of the ring body 31 and dynamically seals against the wall of the inner cavity 10. The raised strip 30 reduces the friction between the sealing ring 3 and the valve body 1, which is beneficial for the rotation of the valve core 2, and also ensures the seal between the valve core 2 and the valve body 1. Of course, the ring body 31 needs to be sealed with the cylinder body 20. At least two sealing rings 3 are included, and the two sealing rings 3 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the connecting hole 201 to achieve a seal and prevent coolant leakage. Of course, the sealing ring 3 can also be replaced with an integral sealing sleeve. The sealing sleeve is fitted over the outside of the cylinder body 20. The sealing sleeve also has a hole that is aligned and connected with the connecting hole 201, thus ensuring both sealing and centering.

[0041] Optionally, the number of raised ribs 30 can be two or more, and the multiple raised ribs 30 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart in the ring body 31. Providing multiple raised ribs 30 can increase the sealing performance and prevent coolant leakage.

[0042] The thermostat assembly of this utility model eliminates the centering structure on the valve core 2. By utilizing the sealed rotational cooperation between the cylindrical part 20 of the valve core 2 and the inner cavity wall 10, the torque of the valve core 2 during rotation can be reduced, and the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the valve core 2 can be increased, which is beneficial to reducing the flow resistance of the coolant.

[0043] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an engine cooling system, including the aforementioned thermostat assembly, a water pump, multiple pipes, and a water tank. One end of one pipe is connected to the inlet channel 11, and the other end is connected to the water tank. The water pump is located in the middle of the pipe, thereby pumping coolant to the engine. Another pipe connects the large circulation outlet channel 12 to the engine's large circulation inlet for large circulation cooling of the engine. A third pipe connects the small circulation outlet channel 13 to the engine's small circulation inlet for small circulation cooling of the engine.

[0044] The engine cooling system also includes several components, which will not be described in detail here as this embodiment does not improve upon them.

[0045] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope 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 protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermostat assembly, characterized in that, include: The valve body (1) is provided with an inner chamber (10), an inlet channel (11), a large circulation outlet channel (12) and a small circulation outlet channel (13), and the inlet channel (11), the large circulation outlet channel (12) and the small circulation outlet channel (13) are all connected to the inner chamber (10); A column valve core (2) is housed in the inner chamber (10) and can rotate along the wall of the inner chamber (10) to achieve centering. The column valve core (2) is provided with a connecting hole (201). The connecting hole (201) can connect the liquid inlet channel (11) and the large circulation liquid outlet channel (12), or the connecting hole (201) can connect the liquid inlet channel (11) and the small circulation liquid outlet channel (13).

2. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column valve core (2) includes a cylindrical part (20) and a connecting part (21). One end of the cylindrical part (20) is open and the other end of the cylindrical part (20) is closed. The open end of the cylindrical part (20) is connected to the liquid inlet channel (11), and the closed end of the cylindrical part (20) is connected to the connecting part (21). The connecting hole (201) is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical part (20).

3. The thermostat assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermostat assembly also includes a sealing ring (3), which is sleeved on the outside of the cylindrical part (20) and seals the cylindrical part (20) and the valve body (1).

4. The thermostat assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing ring (3) includes a protruding part (30) and a ring body part (31). The protruding part (30) is circumferentially disposed on the outer wall of the ring body part (31), and the protruding part (30) is sealed to the inner wall of the inner cavity (10).

5. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the connecting hole (201) is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the large circulation outlet channel (12) and the small circulation outlet channel (13).

6. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermostat assembly also includes an actuator (4) for driving the column valve core (2) to rotate.

7. The thermostat assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The valve body (1) is connected to a connector (5), and the actuator (4) is connected to the connector (5).

8. The thermostat assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner cavity (10) is also provided with a stop (101) on the cavity wall, and the connector (5) is provided with a snap groove (50), and the stop (101) is snapped into the snap groove (50).

9. The thermostat assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The large circulation outlet channel (12) is L-shaped, and the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the large circulation outlet channel (12) are perpendicular to each other; and / or, the small circulation outlet channel (13) is L-shaped, and the axes of the inlet end face and the outlet end face of the small circulation outlet channel (13) are perpendicular to each other.

10. An engine cooling system, characterized in that, Includes the thermostat assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images