Cooling system and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of cooling systems, and discloses a cooling system and a vehicle. The cooling system comprises an engine cooling subsystem and an external cooling subsystem. The engine cooling subsystem comprises an engine, a main radiator and a water pump. The outlet of the engine is connected to the inlet of the main radiator, the outlet of the main radiator is connected to the inlet of the water pump, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet of the engine. The external cooling subsystem comprises an external component and an external thermostat. The inlet of the external component is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the main radiator, the inlet of the external thermostat is connected to the outlet of the external component, the large-circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the main radiator, and the small-circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the water pump. The application can improve the compatibility of the cooling system and ensure the normal operation of the engine cooling subsystem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooling system technology, specifically to cooling systems and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Cooling systems are used to cool the engine. Some cooling systems can also use the engine's coolant to cool external components, but this has compatibility issues.

[0003] Specifically, in related technologies, if the cooling system needs to dissipate heat from external components (such as hydraulic retarders or hydraulic torque converters), it is necessary to select an engine with dedicated water intake and return ports. The engine's coolant is introduced into the external components for heat exchange and then returned to the engine. This results in limited engine selection. If there is no suitable model in the existing engine lineup, it will take a long time to redesign, develop, and certify an engine that meets the requirements, which is not conducive to the rapid updating and iteration of vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cooling system and vehicle to solve the problem of poor compatibility of cooling systems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a cooling system, including an engine cooling subsystem and an external cooling subsystem. The engine cooling subsystem includes an engine, a main radiator, and a water pump. The outlet of the engine is connected to the inlet of the main radiator, the outlet of the main radiator is connected to the inlet of the water pump, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet of the engine. The external cooling subsystem includes an external component and an external thermostat. The inlet of the external component is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the main radiator, and the inlet of the external thermostat is connected to the outlet of the external component. A large circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the main radiator, and a small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the water pump.

[0006] Beneficial effects: The main radiator is used for heat dissipation of the engine cooling subsystem. The external cooling subsystem is suitable for using the engine cooling subsystem to cool external components, achieving overall heat dissipation of the cooling system. By designing the way the external cooling subsystem connects to the engine cooling subsystem, it can be compatible with engines that do not have intake and return ports, improving the compatibility of the cooling system. The external thermostat enables the external cooling subsystem to have large and small circulation loops. In the large circulation loop, the coolant flowing from the engine outlet flows through the external components and the external thermostat before flowing into the main radiator, thus achieving efficient heat exchange and preventing the engine temperature from becoming too high. In the small circulation loop, the coolant flows through the external components and the external thermostat before flowing directly into the water pump, thus reducing heat exchange efficiency and preventing the engine temperature from becoming too low due to the large flow path of the external cooling subsystem, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the engine cooling subsystem.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the engine cooling subsystem further includes a built-in thermostat located between the engine and the main radiator. The inlet of the built-in thermostat is connected to the outlet of the engine, the large circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the main radiator, and the small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the water pump.

[0008] Beneficial effects: The built-in thermostat enables the engine cooling subsystem to have large and small circulation loops. In the large circulation loop, the coolant flowing out of the engine outlet flows into the main radiator for heat exchange before entering the water pump, and is then pumped back to the engine, thus ensuring normal engine heat exchange. In the small circulation loop, the coolant skips the main radiator and flows directly into the water pump, thus preventing the engine temperature from getting too low.

[0009] In one alternative implementation, the inlet of the external component is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the built-in thermostat.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By placing the inlet of the external component upstream of the built-in thermostat, it can be ensured that the engine cooling subsystem can provide suitable coolant to the external cooling subsystem under both large and small circulation cycles, thus meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the external component.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the external component includes a first operating condition and a second operating condition. In the first operating condition, the operating temperature of the external component is T1, and in the second operating condition, the operating temperature of the external component is T2, where T1 > T2. The built-in thermostat has a second opening temperature A, and the external thermostat has a first opening temperature B. In the first operating condition, B > A, and in the second operating condition, B < A.

[0012] Beneficial effects: Under the first operating condition, the external components have relatively low heat dissipation requirements. By setting B > A, the coolant temperature when the external cooling subsystem enters the large circulation can be increased. Under the second operating condition, the external components have relatively high heat dissipation requirements. By setting B < A, the coolant temperature when the external cooling subsystem enters the large circulation can be reduced, thereby meeting the diverse heat dissipation requirements of the external components and improving the applicability of the cooling system.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the external cooling subsystem further includes an auxiliary radiator disposed on the path of the main circulation loop of the external cooling subsystem.

[0014] Beneficial effects: By adding an auxiliary radiator, the heat exchange capacity of the cooling system can be improved, meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the engine and external components when operating under high loads simultaneously.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the auxiliary radiator is located between the external thermostat and the main radiator, the large circulation outlet of the external thermostat is connected to the inlet of the auxiliary radiator, and the outlet of the auxiliary radiator is connected to the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the main radiator.

[0016] Beneficial effects: By placing the auxiliary radiator between the external thermostat and the main radiator, the coolant will not pass through the auxiliary radiator when the external cooling subsystem is in a small circulation, which effectively reduces the heat exchange efficiency and avoids the engine temperature from being too low due to the large flow of the external cooling subsystem.

[0017] In one alternative implementation, the external cooling subsystem further includes a throttle valve disposed on the path of the small circulation loop of the external cooling subsystem.

[0018] Beneficial effects: When the external components are not working, the external cooling subsystem switches to a small circulation mode and uses a throttle valve to regulate the flow rate through the external cooling subsystem, which helps to keep more coolant in the engine cooling subsystem and meet the engine's heat dissipation needs.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the throttle valve is located between the external thermostat and the water pump, with the inlet of the throttle valve connected to the small circulation outlet of the external thermostat, and the outlet of the throttle valve connected to the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the water pump.

[0020] Beneficial effects: By placing the throttle valve between the external thermostat and the water pump, the coolant will not pass through the throttle valve when the external cooling subsystem is in the large circulation phase. This is beneficial for the control of the throttle valve and also helps to reduce the flow resistance during the large circulation phase.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, the external thermostat includes a mechanical thermostat, an electronic thermostat, or a three-way solenoid valve.

[0022] Beneficial effects: External thermostats can be selected from mechanical thermostats or electronic thermostats with built-in temperature feedback control capabilities, or three-way solenoid valves that are controlled by receiving external signals, to meet the design requirements of different scenarios.

[0023] Secondly, this application also provides a vehicle including the cooling system provided in this application.

[0024] Beneficial effects: The vehicle includes the cooling system provided in this application, and therefore has the beneficial effects brought about by the cooling system, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The illustrated cooling system embodiment is a schematic diagram when applied to a vehicle.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 101. Engine; 102. Main radiator; 103. Water pump; 104. Built-in thermostat; 201. External component; 202. External thermostat; 203. Auxiliary radiator; 301. Expansion tank; 401. First pipe; 402. Second pipe; 403. Third pipe; 404. Fourth pipe; 405. Fifth pipe; 406. Sixth pipe; 407. Seventh pipe; 408. T-joint. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] 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 "comprising" as used herein may also mean including the plural forms. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section 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. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In related technologies, when cooling components such as hydraulic retarders or hydraulic torque converters that are external to the engine, there are requirements for the engine model. The engine needs to be equipped with water inlet and outlet. If there is no suitable model in the existing engine lineup, it will take a long time to redesign, develop and certify an engine that meets the requirements, which is not conducive to the rapid updating and iteration of vehicles.

[0032] Some related technologies equip external components with independent cooling circuits, but this leads to increased pipeline complexity and a significant increase in vehicle weight and cost.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 2 This describes an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of this application, a cooling system is provided, including an engine cooling subsystem and an external cooling subsystem. The engine cooling subsystem includes an engine 101, a main radiator 102, and a water pump 103. The outlet of the engine 101 is connected to the inlet of the main radiator 102, the outlet of the main radiator 102 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 103, and the outlet of the water pump 103 is connected to the inlet of the engine 101. The external cooling subsystem includes an external component 201 and an external thermostat 202. The inlet of the external component 201 is connected to the outlet of the engine 101 and the inlet of the main radiator 102, the inlet of the external thermostat 202 is connected to the outlet of the external component 201, the large circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the engine 101 and the inlet of the main radiator 102, and the small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator 102 and the inlet of the water pump 103.

[0035] It is understandable that a thermostat is a three-way structure with one inlet and two outlets that can switch the opening state according to the temperature. The thermostat has a large circulation outlet and a small circulation outlet. When the actual temperature is higher than the opening temperature, the fluid flows out from the large circulation outlet, and when the actual temperature is lower than the opening temperature, the fluid flows out from the small circulation outlet.

[0036] The cooling system of this application has a main radiator 102 for heat dissipation of the engine cooling subsystem, and an external cooling subsystem adapted to use the engine cooling subsystem to cool external components 201, thereby achieving overall heat dissipation of the cooling system. By designing the way the external cooling subsystem is connected to the engine cooling subsystem, the external cooling subsystem can be compatible with the engine 101 which does not have a water intake and return port, thus improving the compatibility of the cooling system.

[0037] Specifically, in this application, the outlet can be either a water intake or a water outlet, and the number of outlets can be one or more. The inlet can be either a water inlet, and the number of inlets can be one or more. The water outlet of engine 101 is connected to the inlet of main radiator 102 via a pipe. The inlet of external component 201 can be connected to the water intake via a pipe, or it can be connected to the water outlet of engine 101 and the inlet of main radiator 102 via a pipe and a T-junction structure, thus being compatible with engines 101 that have and do not have dedicated water intakes. The large circulation outlet and small circulation outlet of external thermostat 202 are not directly connected to the inlet of engine 101, thus being compatible with engines 101 that have and do not have dedicated return outlets.

[0038] The added external cooling subsystem will divert some of the coolant, increasing the coolant flow. If the coolant from the external cooling subsystem always passes through the main radiator 102, the engine 101 will remain at a low temperature during low-speed, low-torque operation in winter. This could further lead to a series of problems such as poor heating effect in the cab or cylinder scoring in the engine 101.

[0039] Therefore, this application provides an external thermostat 202 to enable the external cooling subsystem to have both a large and a small circulation loop. In the large circulation loop, the coolant flowing out of the engine 101 flows through the external component 201 and the external thermostat 202 before flowing into the main radiator 102, thus achieving efficient heat exchange and preventing the engine 101 from overheating. In the small circulation loop, the coolant flows through the external component 201 and the external thermostat 202 before flowing directly into the water pump 103, thereby reducing heat exchange efficiency and preventing the engine 101 from becoming too cold due to the large flow path of the external cooling subsystem, thus ensuring the normal operation of the engine cooling subsystem.

[0040] It is understood that the external component 201 may be a hydraulic retarder, a hydraulic torque converter, or other components that require cooling, and this application does not limit this.

[0041] In some embodiments, the external thermostat 202 can be a mechanical thermostat (a paraffin-based thermostat), an electronic thermostat (a thermostat based on a built-in temperature sensor), or a three-way solenoid valve. That is, the external thermostat 202 can be a mechanical thermostat or an electronic thermostat with built-in temperature feedback control capability, or a three-way solenoid valve that is controlled by receiving external signals, to meet the design requirements of different scenarios.

[0042] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engine cooling subsystem further includes a built-in thermostat 104, which is located between the engine 101 and the main radiator 102. The inlet of the built-in thermostat 104 is connected to the outlet of the engine 101, the large circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the main radiator 102, and the small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator 102 and the inlet of the water pump 103.

[0043] At this point, the engine 101, water pump 103, and built-in thermostat 104 can be collectively referred to as the engine assembly. The built-in thermostat 104 enables the engine cooling subsystem to have a large circulation and a small circulation. In the large circulation, the coolant flowing out of the outlet of the engine 101 flows into the main radiator 102 for heat exchange and then enters the water pump 103. The water pump 103 then returns the coolant to the engine 101, thus enabling the engine 101 to exchange heat normally. In the small circulation, the coolant skips the main radiator 102 and flows directly into the water pump 103, thereby preventing the engine 101 from getting too cold.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments, the inlet of the external component 201 is connected to the outlet of the engine 101 and the inlet of the built-in thermostat 104. By placing the inlet of the external component 201 upstream of the built-in thermostat 104, it can be ensured that the engine cooling subsystem can provide suitable coolant to the external cooling subsystem under both large and small circulation cycles, thus meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the external component 201.

[0045] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the external component 201 includes a first operating condition and a second operating condition. In the first operating condition, the operating temperature of the external component 201 is T1, and in the second operating condition, the operating temperature of the external component 201 is T2, where T1 > T2. The built-in thermostat 104 has a second opening temperature A, and the external thermostat 202 has a first opening temperature B. In the first operating condition, B > A, and in the second operating condition, B < A.

[0046] The first and second operating conditions can be different operating conditions of the same external component 201, or they can be operating conditions of different external components 201. In the first operating condition, the external component 201 has relatively low heat dissipation requirements. By setting B > A, the coolant temperature when the external cooling subsystem enters the large circulation can be increased. In the second operating condition, the external component 201 has relatively high heat dissipation requirements. By setting B < A, the coolant temperature when the external cooling subsystem enters the large circulation can be reduced, thereby meeting the diverse heat dissipation requirements of the external component 201 and improving the applicability of the cooling system.

[0047] Optionally, in some embodiments, the external cooling subsystem further includes an auxiliary radiator 203, which is disposed on the path of the main circulation of the external cooling subsystem. By adding the auxiliary radiator 203, the heat exchange capacity of the cooling system can be improved, meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the engine 101 and the external component 201 operating at high loads simultaneously.

[0048] For example, refer to Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary radiator 203 is located between the external thermostat 202 and the main radiator 102. The large circulation outlet of the external thermostat 202 is connected to the inlet of the auxiliary radiator 203, and the outlet of the auxiliary radiator 203 is connected to the outlet of the engine 101 and the inlet of the main radiator 102.

[0049] By placing the auxiliary radiator 203 between the external thermostat 202 and the main radiator 102, the coolant will not pass through the auxiliary radiator 203 when the external cooling subsystem is in a small circulation state, which effectively reduces the heat exchange efficiency and avoids the engine 101 temperature from being too low due to the large flow path of the external cooling subsystem.

[0050] Optionally, in some embodiments, the external cooling subsystem may further include a throttle valve (not shown) disposed on the path of the small circulation loop of the external cooling subsystem. When the external component 201 is not in operation, the external cooling subsystem switches to the small circulation loop, and the flow rate through the external cooling subsystem is regulated by the throttle valve, which helps to retain more coolant in the engine cooling subsystem to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the engine 101.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, a throttle valve is located between the external thermostat 202 and the water pump 103, with the inlet of the throttle valve connected to the small circulation outlet of the external thermostat 202 and the outlet of the throttle valve connected to the outlet of the main radiator 102 and the inlet of the water pump 103.

[0052] By placing the throttle valve between the external thermostat 202 and the water pump 103, the coolant will not pass through the throttle valve when the external cooling subsystem is in the large circulation phase. This is beneficial for the control of the throttle valve and also helps to reduce the flow resistance during the large circulation phase.

[0053] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling system further includes an expansion tank 301, which is connected to the outlet of the main radiator 102 and the inlet of the water pump 103, for compensating for changes in coolant volume caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

[0054] Secondly, this application also provides a vehicle including the cooling system provided in this application.

[0055] The vehicle includes the cooling system provided in this application, and therefore has the beneficial effects of the cooling system, which will not be elaborated here.

[0056] Figure 2 This illustrates a piping connection method when a cooling system is used in a vehicle. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 101 has a water intake, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle's transmission assembly includes a torque converter (i.e., external component 201). The outlet of the torque converter's heat exchanger (i.e., the outlet of external component 201) is connected to the inlet of the external thermostat 202 via a first pipe 401. The water inlet of the engine 101 is connected to the inlet of the torque converter's heat exchanger via a second pipe 402. The water outlet of the engine 101 is connected to one of the inlets of the main radiator 102 via a third pipe 403. The outlet of the auxiliary radiator 203 is connected to another inlet of the main radiator 102 via the fourth pipe 404. The outlet of the main radiator 102 is connected to the inlet of the engine 101 via the sixth pipe 406. The small circulation outlet of the external thermostat 202 is connected to the sixth pipe 406 via the fifth pipe 405 and the tee connector 408. The large circulation outlet of the external thermostat 202 is connected to the inlet of the auxiliary radiator 203 via the seventh pipe 407.

[0057] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system, characterized in that, include: An engine cooling subsystem includes an engine (101), a main radiator (102), and a water pump (103). The outlet of the engine (101) is connected to the inlet of the main radiator (102), the outlet of the main radiator (102) is connected to the inlet of the water pump (103), and the outlet of the water pump (103) is connected to the inlet of the engine (101). The external cooling subsystem includes an external component (201) and an external thermostat (202). The inlet of the external component (201) is connected to the outlet of the engine (101) and the inlet of the main radiator (102). The inlet of the external thermostat (202) is connected to the outlet of the external component (201). The large circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the engine (101) and the inlet of the main radiator (102). The small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator (102) and the inlet of the water pump (103).

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine cooling subsystem also includes a built-in thermostat (104), which is located between the engine (101) and the main radiator (102). The inlet of the built-in thermostat (104) is connected to the outlet of the engine (101), the large circulation outlet is connected to the inlet of the main radiator (102), and the small circulation outlet is connected to the outlet of the main radiator (102) and the inlet of the water pump (103).

3. The cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet of the external component (201) is connected to the outlet of the engine (101) and the inlet of the built-in thermostat (104).

4. The cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The external component (201) includes a first working condition and a second working condition. In the first working condition, the working temperature of the external component (201) is T1, and in the second working condition, the working temperature of the external component (201) is T2, where T1 > T2. The built-in thermostat (104) has a second opening temperature A, and the external thermostat (202) has a first opening temperature B. Under the first operating condition, B > A, and under the second operating condition, B < A.

5. The cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external cooling subsystem also includes an auxiliary radiator (203), which is located on the path of the large circulation loop of the external cooling subsystem.

6. The cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary radiator (203) is located between the external thermostat (202) and the main radiator (102). The large circulation outlet of the external thermostat (202) is connected to the inlet of the auxiliary radiator (203), and the outlet of the auxiliary radiator (203) is connected to the outlet of the engine (101) and the inlet of the main radiator (102).

7. The cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external cooling subsystem also includes a throttle valve, which is located on the path of the small circulation loop of the external cooling subsystem.

8. The cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The throttle valve is located between the external thermostat (202) and the water pump (103). The inlet of the throttle valve is connected to the small circulation outlet of the external thermostat (202), and the outlet of the throttle valve is connected to the outlet of the main radiator (102) and the inlet of the water pump (103).

9. The cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external thermostat (202) includes a mechanical thermostat, an electronic thermostat, or a three-way solenoid valve.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The cooling system includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images