Engine air intake system, and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are an engine air intake system and a vehicle. The engine air intake system comprises main piping, a waste gas recirculation cooler, an intercooler, a valve set, two waste gas recirculation pipes, and two intercooler pipes. The main piping comprises a mixing pipe and a waste gas pipe, wherein the mixing pipe is configured to be communicated with an air inlet of an engine, and the waste gas pipe is configured to be communicated with a waste gas port of the engine. The two ends of each of the waste gas recirculation pipes are respectively communicated with the mixing pipe and the waste gas pipe. The waste gas recirculation cooler is disposed in any one of the waste gas recirculation pipes. One end of each of the intercooler pipes is communicated with the mixing pipe. The intercooler is disposed in any one of the intercooler pipes. The valve set comprises two first opening valves and two second opening valves, the two first opening valves are respectively disposed in the two waste gas recirculation pipes, and the two second opening valves are respectively disposed in the two intercooler pipes. The present solution can optimize engine performance, and can flexibly adjust strategies for fresh air intake and waste gas treatment according to different engine operating conditions and emission requirements.

Description

An engine intake system and a vehicle Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engine technology, and more specifically to an engine intake system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The main function of the cooler in an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system is to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing back from the exhaust system to the intake system. Because the EGR rate is low and the exhaust temperature is relatively low under natural conditions, if the same cooling strategy as under high-load conditions is used—that is, all exhaust gas in the EGR branch flows through the EGR cooler for cooling—the temperature of the exhaust gas exiting the EGR module may be abnormally low. To address this, patent CN219654795U discloses an EGR module, an exhaust gas recirculation system, and a vehicle, which includes a cooler, a bypass pipe, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve core. The valve body has an air inlet, and the valve core is located within the valve body and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the air inlet is connected to the cooler; in the second position, the air inlet is connected to the bypass pipe. This solution addresses the problem of over-cooling the exhaust gas at low EGR rates, preventing coking and subsequent cooler blockage and aging.

[0003] Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is low, if the pressurized air continues to be cooled by the intercooler, the intake air temperature may become too low, which can adversely affect engine performance. Excessively low intake air temperature increases the engine's compression ratio, potentially leading to engine knocking or ignition difficulties.

[0004] Therefore, under low-load conditions in cold environments, it is necessary to adjust the cooling strategies of both the EGR system and the intercooler system simultaneously. There is an urgent need for an engine intake system that can adjust both the EGR system and the intercooler system together to improve the engine's performance in low-temperature environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose an engine intake system that solves the technical problem of the need for an engine intake system that can be adjusted by both the EGR system and the intercooler system in order to improve the engine performance in low-temperature environments.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an engine intake system, comprising:

[0008] The main pipe includes a mixing pipe and an exhaust pipe, wherein the mixing pipe is used to connect to the air intake of the engine, and the exhaust pipe is used to connect to the exhaust port of the engine.

[0009] Two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipelines, with each end of the exhaust gas recirculation pipeline connected to the mixing pipe and the exhaust gas pipe, respectively;

[0010] An exhaust gas recirculation cooler is installed in any of the aforementioned exhaust gas recirculation pipelines;

[0011] Two sets of intercooling pipes, one end of each intercooling pipe being connected to the mixing pipe;

[0012] Intercooler, provided in any of the aforementioned intercooler piping; and

[0013] The valve assembly includes two sets of first opening valves and two sets of second opening valves. The two sets of first opening valves are respectively located in the two sets of the exhaust gas recirculation pipelines, and the two sets of second opening valves are respectively located in the two sets of the intercooler pipelines.

[0014] In some embodiments, one of the two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipelines is an exhaust gas main pipe and the other set is an exhaust gas branch pipe, and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler is located on the exhaust gas main pipe;

[0015] The engine intake system also includes a three-way butterfly valve, which includes a first butterfly valve and two second butterfly valves. The valve plate of the first butterfly valve and the valve plates of the two second butterfly valves are mounted on the same rotating shaft and are deflected in the same direction as the valve plate of the adjacent second butterfly valve on the rotating shaft, and have a phase angle with the valve plate of the other second butterfly valve. The first butterfly valve constitutes the first opening valve located in the exhaust gas branch pipe, and the two second butterfly valves constitute two second opening valves.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first opening valve located on the main exhaust gas pipe is situated at one end of the main exhaust gas pipe near the mixing pipe, and the exhaust gas branch pipe is connected to the main exhaust gas pipe, with its connection point between the first opening valve and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler located between the branch valve and the branch pipe.

[0017] In some embodiments, the engine intake system further includes a drive motor, the drive motor being drive-connected to the rotating shaft for driving the rotating shaft to rotate; and / or,

[0018] The seats of the first butterfly valve and the two second butterfly valves are integrally formed to form a butterfly valve seat. The butterfly valve seat is provided with a cooling channel that surrounds the passage of the first butterfly valve and the two second butterfly valves.

[0019] In some embodiments, the engine intake system further includes an intercooler input pipe, an air filter, and a turbocharger. The intercooler input pipe is connected to two sets of intercooler pipes respectively. The air filter and the compressor of the turbocharger are located in the intercooler input pipe and are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the intercooler pipe.

[0020] In some embodiments, the intercooling input pipe is connected to the inlet ends of two second opening valves respectively, one end of each intercooling pipe is connected to the outlet end of the corresponding second opening valve, and the other end is connected to the mixing pipe, with the intercooler located between the corresponding second opening valve and the mixing pipe; or,

[0021] The intercooling input pipe is connected to two intercooling pipes respectively, and the end of each intercooling pipe away from the intercooling input pipe is connected to the inlet end of the corresponding second opening valve. The mixing pipe is connected to the outlet end of the two second opening valves respectively, and the intercooler is located between the corresponding second opening valve and the intercooling input pipe.

[0022] In some embodiments, the engine intake system further includes a throttle valve disposed on the mixing pipe and located between its connection to the exhaust gas recirculation pipe and the connection to the intercooler pipe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the exhaust pipe is also connected to the turbine of the turbocharger.

[0024] In some embodiments, the engine intake system further includes a mixer disposed in the mixing pipe and located at one end of the mixing pipe near the engine.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a vehicle comprising an engine intake system as described in any of the above claims.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the engine intake system provided by this invention includes two sets of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipes and intercooler pipes. An EGR cooler is installed on one set of EGR pipes, and an intercooler is installed on the other set of intercooler pipes. The gas flow rate of each pipe is flexibly adjusted via an opening valve, thus integrating an EGR cooling circuit, an EGR bypass branch, an intercooler circuit, and an intercooler bypass branch. The EGR pipes circulate and adjust the exhaust gas ratio and temperature, while the intercooler pipes deliver and adjust the fresh air ratio and temperature, forming a gas-fuel mixture in the mixing pipe before it is delivered to the engine. This provides the following advantages: 1) Improved emission performance: By precisely controlling the exhaust gas mixing ratio and recirculation amount, NOx emissions are effectively reduced. 2) Optimized engine performance: While maintaining low emissions, the engine combustion process is optimized by adjusting the exhaust gas recirculation amount, improving fuel economy and power performance. During engine low load or cold start phases, when exhaust gas temperature is low, this solution can reduce the proportion of low-temperature gas by increasing the flow rate of the bypass branch, preventing the cooling medium from remaining inside the heat exchanger for extended periods, thereby reducing the risk of icing or freezing and protecting component safety. Furthermore, by adjusting the temperature of the air-fuel mixture, it indirectly affects the temperature and heat capacity of the mixture entering the cylinder, thus helping to optimize the combustion process and improve engine fuel economy and emissions performance. 3) Enhanced system flexibility: This technical solution allows for flexible adjustment of fresh air intake and exhaust gas treatment strategies according to different engine operating conditions and emission requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the engine intake system provided by the present invention (the intercooler is located upstream of the three-way butterfly valve);

[0028] Figure 2 is a partial flow diagram of the engine intake system in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the engine intake system provided by the present invention (the intercooler is located downstream of the three-way butterfly valve);

[0030] Figure 4 is a partial flow diagram of the engine intake system in Figure 3.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Mixing pipe; 2. Exhaust gas pipe; 3. Engine; 4. Exhaust gas recirculation pipe; 41. Main exhaust gas pipe; 42. Branch exhaust gas pipe; 43. ERG cooling circuit; 44. EGR cooling bypass branch; 5. Exhaust gas recirculation cooler; 6. Intercooler pipe; 61. Intercooler circuit; 62. Intercooler bypass branch; 7. Intercooler; 8. Three-way butterfly valve; 81. First opening valve; 82. Second opening valve; 83. First butterfly valve; 84. Second butterfly valve; 85. Shaft; 86. EGR valve; 9. Intercooler input pipe; 10. Air filter; 20. Turbocharger; 30. Throttle valve; 40. Mixer; 50. Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] To address the urgent need in existing technologies for an engine intake system that integrates an EGR system and an intercooler system to improve engine performance in low-temperature environments, this invention provides an engine intake system capable of flexibly adjusting the ratio of fresh air intake to exhaust gas, thereby optimizing engine performance.

[0034] It should be noted that the engine intake system described in this invention is used in, but not limited to, vehicles, etc. For ease of explanation, this invention only uses the application of the engine intake system in vehicles, etc. as an example for explanation. The principle of the engine intake system applied to other types of equipment is essentially the same as that applied to vehicles, etc., and will not be described in detail here.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are schematic diagrams of the intake system of engine 3 in one embodiment of the present invention. The intake system of engine 3 includes a main pipe, an exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5, an intercooler 7, a valve group, two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipes 4, and two sets of intercooler pipes 6. The main pipe includes a mixing pipe 1 and an exhaust pipe 2. The mixing pipe 1 is used to connect to the intake port of engine 3, and the exhaust pipe 2 is used to connect to the exhaust port of engine 3. The two ends of each exhaust gas recirculation pipe 4 are respectively connected to the mixing pipe 1 and the exhaust pipe 2. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5 is provided in any exhaust gas recirculation pipe 4. One end of each intercooler pipe 6 is connected to the mixing pipe 1. The intercooler 7 is provided in any intercooler pipe 6. The valve group includes two sets of first opening valves 81 and two sets of second opening valves 82. The two sets of first opening valves 81 are respectively provided in the two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipes 4, and the two sets of second opening valves 82 are respectively provided in the two sets of intercooler pipes 6.

[0036] The intake system of the engine 3 provided by this invention includes two sets of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipes 4 and intercooler pipes 6. An EGR cooler 5 is installed on one set of EGR pipes 4, and an intercooler 7 is installed on one set of intercooler pipes 6. The gas flow rate of each pipe is flexibly adjusted via an opening valve, thus integrating an EGR cooling circuit 43, an EGR bypass branch 44, an intercooler circuit 61, and an intercooler bypass branch 62. The EGR pipes circulate and adjust the exhaust gas ratio and temperature, while the intercooler pipes deliver and adjust the fresh air ratio and temperature, forming a mixed gas in the mixing pipe 1, which is then transported to the engine 3. This provides the following beneficial effects: 1) Improved emission performance: By precisely controlling the exhaust gas mixing ratio and recirculation amount, NOx emissions are effectively reduced. 2) Optimized engine 3 performance: While maintaining low emissions, the combustion process of the engine 3 is optimized by adjusting the exhaust gas recirculation amount, improving fuel economy and power performance. During low-load or cold-start phases of engine 3, when the exhaust gas temperature is low, this solution can reduce the proportion of low-temperature gas by increasing the flow rate of the bypass branch, preventing the cooling medium from remaining inside the heat exchanger for extended periods, thereby reducing the risk of icing or freezing and protecting the safety of components. Furthermore, by adjusting the temperature of the air-fuel mixture, it indirectly affects the temperature and heat capacity of the mixture entering the cylinder, thus helping to optimize the combustion process and improve the fuel economy and emission performance of engine 3. 3) Enhanced system flexibility: This technical solution allows for flexible adjustment of the fresh air intake and exhaust gas treatment strategies according to different operating conditions and emission requirements of engine 3.

[0037] It should be noted that the above-mentioned EGR cooling circuit 43 refers to the exhaust gas recirculation pipe 4 equipped with the exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5, while the other exhaust gas recirculation pipe 4 is the EGR bypass branch 44; similarly, the intercooling circuit 61 refers to the intercooling pipe 6 equipped with the intercooler 7, while the other intercooling pipe 6 is the intercooling bypass circuit.

[0038] In one embodiment, one of the two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipelines 4 is an exhaust gas main pipe 41, and the other is an exhaust gas branch pipe 42. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5 is located on the exhaust gas main pipe 41. The engine 3 intake system also includes a three-way butterfly valve 8, which includes a first butterfly valve 83 and two second butterfly valves 84. The valve plate of the first butterfly valve 83 and the valve plates of the two second butterfly valves 84 are mounted on the same rotating shaft 85, and the valve plates of the adjacent second butterfly valves 84 are biased in the same direction on the rotating shaft 85, and there is a phase angle with the valve plate of the other second butterfly valve 84. In this embodiment, the first butterfly valve 83 constitutes a first opening valve 81 located in the exhaust gas branch pipe 42, and the two second butterfly valves 84 constitute two second opening valves 82.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first opening valve 81 on the EGR bypass branch 44 and the second opening valves 82 on the two sets of intercooler pipes 6 are integrated into a three-way butterfly valve 8, and the valve plates of the three passages are mounted on the same rotating shaft 85 to synchronously adjust the opening of the valve plates of the three passages. It should be understood that the aforementioned exhaust gas main pipe 41 constitutes the EGR cooling circuit 43, while the exhaust gas branch pipe 42 constitutes the EGR bypass branch 44. Thus, this solution allows part of the exhaust gas to be cooled by the EGR cooler before entering the mixing pipe 1, while the other part bypasses the EGR cooler through the EGR bypass branch 44 and is mixed downstream of the EGR cooler by the three-way butterfly valve 8, thereby precisely controlling the temperature and flow rate of the exhaust gas entering the mixing pipe 1. Similarly, this solution allows a portion of the fresh gas to be cooled by the intercooler 7 before entering the mixing pipe 1, while the other portion bypasses the intercooler 7 via the intercooler bypass branch 62 and is mixed downstream of the intercooler 7 through the three-way butterfly valve 8, thereby precisely controlling the temperature and flow rate of the gas entering the mixing pipe 1. Through the combined effect of these two methods, precise control of the overall intake air temperature and flow rate of the engine 3 is achieved.

[0040] It should be noted that, from an engineering application perspective, when the fluid temperature in one channel of the three-way butterfly valve 8 differs significantly from the fluid temperature in the other two channels, the gas flowing through the three channels of the three-way butterfly valve 8 should preferentially choose either a hot-hot-cold distribution or a cold-cold-hot distribution, ensuring that there is only one hot-cold interface.

[0041] Therefore, in one embodiment, the EGR cooler and intercooler 7 are arranged as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the first butterfly valve 83 and two second butterfly valves 84 are arranged sequentially. At this time, the two left butterfly valves (i.e., the first butterfly valve and the second butterfly valve located on the left) of the three-way butterfly valve 8 carry high-temperature gas, while the rightmost butterfly valve (i.e., the second butterfly valve located on the right) carries cooled gas, resulting in a hot-hot-cold distribution. There is only one hot-cold interface in the valve body, which is more reasonable.

[0042] It should be understood that if the intercooler 7 is placed on another intercooler pipe 6, the three-way butterfly valve 8 will have a hot, cold, and hot distribution, with two hot and cold interfaces. This will affect the thermal reliability of the valve body itself, and the heat transfer on both sides will have a significant impact on the cooled gas in the middle channel.

[0043] Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first butterfly valve 83 and two second butterfly valves 84 are arranged sequentially. Since the gas temperatures flowing through the first butterfly valve 83 and its adjacent second butterfly valve 84 are similar, the valve plates of the first butterfly valve 83 and its adjacent second butterfly valve 84 are aligned on the rotating shaft 85, and simultaneously set with a 90° phase difference from the other second butterfly valve 84. That is, when the first butterfly valve 83 and its adjacent second butterfly valve 84 are fully closed, the other second butterfly valve 84 is fully open. This ensures that the valve plates in the two high-temperature channels of the three-way butterfly valve 8 are aligned, and have a 90° phase difference with the valve plates in the low-temperature channel.

[0044] In another embodiment, the first butterfly valve 83 of the three-way butterfly valve 8 constitutes a first opening valve 81 (not shown in the corresponding figure) located on the exhaust gas main pipe 41. That is, in this embodiment, the EGR cooler is connected to the first butterfly valve 83 and is located upstream of the first butterfly valve 83. At the same time, the intercooler 7 is also located upstream of the three-way butterfly valve 8, and the second butterfly valve 84 connected to the intercooler 8 is located adjacent to the first butterfly valve 83, while another second butterfly valve 84 is located away from the first butterfly valve 83. At this time, the fluid flowing through the three channels of the three-way butterfly valve 8 is distributed in a cold, cold, and hot manner, and there is only one cold and hot interface.

[0045] It should be noted that in the embodiment where the three-way butterfly valve 8 is used to transport cold, hot and cold fluids as described above, the valve plates of the first butterfly valve 83 and its adjacent second butterfly valve 84 are still deflected in the same direction on the rotating shaft 85, and are also 90° out of phase with the other second butterfly valve 84.

[0046] In one embodiment, a first opening valve 81 is located at one end of the exhaust gas main pipe 41 near the mixing pipe 1, and an exhaust gas branch pipe 42 is connected to the exhaust gas main pipe 41, with the connection point between the branch pipe 42 and the exhaust gas main pipe 41 located between the first opening valve 81 and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first opening valve 81 on the exhaust gas main pipe 41 is defined as the EGR valve 86. Before passing through the EGR valve 86, part of the exhaust gas is cooled by the EGR cooler, while the other part bypasses the EGR cooler (exhaust gas recirculation cooler 5) through the EGR bypass branch 44 and mixes downstream of the EGR cooler through the three-way butterfly valve 8 to precisely control the temperature and flow rate of the exhaust gas entering the mixing pipe 1. The connection between the outlet end of the exhaust gas branch pipe 42 and the exhaust gas main pipe 41 is located between the EGR valve 86 and the EGR cooler.

[0048] In one embodiment, the engine 3 intake system further includes a drive motor, which is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft 85 to drive the rotating shaft 85 to rotate; the seats of the first butterfly valve 83 and the two second butterfly valves 84 are integrally arranged to form a butterfly valve seat, and the butterfly valve seat is provided with a cooling channel that surrounds the passage of the first butterfly valve 83 and the two second butterfly valves 84.

[0049] In this embodiment, the three-way butterfly valve 8 includes a butterfly valve seat, a rotating shaft 85, three valve plates, a drive motor, and a cooling water jacket disposed within the butterfly valve seat. The butterfly valve seat has three independent airflow channels inside, each channel corresponding to one valve plate. The valve plates are connected to the drive motor via the rotating shaft 85 to achieve synchronous control.

[0050] It should be noted that combining the above-mentioned opening valves into a three-way butterfly valve 8 in this solution has the following advantages: 1) Single drive shaft control: Using a single drive shaft to simultaneously control the opening and closing of three valve plates, driven by a single motor, simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and improves reliability. 2) Cooling channel design: The butterfly valve seat is equipped with a cooling water jacket, which, through circulating cooling water, cools the high-temperature gas flowing through the valve body or insulates the low-temperature gas, expanding the valve's application range. 3) Flexible opening adjustment: Through precise control of the drive motor, the opening degree of all valve plates can be adjusted arbitrarily from fully closed to fully open, including a half-open state, to meet the gas flow requirements under different operating conditions. 4) Variable channel diameter: Depending on the actual usage, different channel diameters can be selected to optimize gas flow resistance and improve throttling efficiency.

[0051] In one embodiment, the engine 3 intake system further includes an intercooler input pipe 9, an air filter 10, and a turbocharger 20. The intercooler input pipe 9 is connected to two sets of intercooler pipes 6 respectively. The compressors of the air filter 10 and the turbocharger 20 are located in the intercooler input pipe 9 and are arranged sequentially in the direction away from the intercooler pipe.

[0052] In this embodiment, the fresh air pressurized by the turbocharger 20 is divided into two paths at a specific location: one path enters the intercooler circuit 61, and the other path passes through the intercooler bypass branch 62. The pressurized gas entering the intercooler 7 exchanges heat with the external environment through the cooling channel, resulting in a significant temperature reduction. The cooled and uncooled pressurized gas mix at the outlet of the three-way butterfly valve 8. The opening of the butterfly valve is adjusted according to the engine 3 operating conditions and ambient temperature to optimize the mixing ratio. In this way, the pressurized mixture and the exhaust mixture, after temperature regulation by the three-way butterfly valve 8, enter the mixing pipe 1 respectively, and finally enter the cylinder for combustion and power generation.

[0053] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The intercooler input pipe 9 is connected to the inlet end of two second opening valves 82 respectively. One end of each intercooler pipe is connected to the outlet end of the corresponding second opening valve 82, and the other end is connected to the mixing pipe 1. The intercooler 7 is located between the corresponding second opening valve 82 and the mixing pipe 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, the intercooler 7 is located downstream of the three-way butterfly valve 8. That is, the fresh air pressurized by the booster 20 is directly diverted through the three-way butterfly valve 8 to the intercooler circuit 61 and the intercooler bypass branch 62, and then mixed into the mixing pipe 1.

[0055] It should be noted that in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the intercooler 7 is located downstream of the three-way butterfly valve 8, the fluids flowing through the two second butterfly valves 84 are both hot fluids. Simultaneously, since the EGR bypass branch 44 connects to the first butterfly valve 83 and no EGR cooler is installed on it, the gas flowing through the first butterfly valve 83 is also a hot fluid. At this time, the fluids in the three channels of the three-way butterfly valve 8 are distributed in a hot-hot-hot pattern, avoiding adverse effects caused by different fluid temperatures in adjacent channels.

[0056] In another embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The intercooling input pipe 9 is connected to two intercooling pipes 6 respectively. The end of each intercooling pipe 6 away from the intercooling input pipe 9 is connected to the inlet end of the corresponding second opening valve 82. The mixing pipe 1 is connected to the outlet end of the two second opening valves 82 respectively. The intercooler 7 is located between the corresponding second opening valve 82 and the intercooling input pipe 9.

[0057] In this embodiment, the intercooler 7 is positioned upstream of the three-way butterfly valve 8. Fresh air, pressurized by the booster 20, is directly supplied from the intercooler input pipe 9 to the intercooler circuit 61 and the intercooler bypass branch 62, and then via the three-way butterfly valve 8 to the mixing pipe 1. This allows for flexible adjustment of the positions of the three-way butterfly valve 8 and the intercooler 7 according to actual conditions, improving assembly flexibility.

[0058] In one embodiment, the engine 3 intake system further includes a throttle valve 30, which is disposed on the mixing pipe 1 and located between its connection with the exhaust gas recirculation pipe 4 and the connection with the intercooler pipe 6.

[0059] In this embodiment, by allowing part of the pressurized gas to be cooled by the intercooler 7 before passing through the throttle valve 30, while the other part bypasses the intercooler 7 through the intercooler bypass branch 62 and is mixed downstream of the intercooler 7 by the three-way butterfly valve 8, the temperature and flow rate of the pressurized gas entering the intake manifold can be precisely controlled.

[0060] In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe 2 is also connected to the turbine of the turbocharger 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, a portion of the exhaust gas is also transported to the booster 20 through a branch of the exhaust pipe 2 to provide power to the booster 20, thereby realizing the recycling of the exhaust gas and improving the energy recovery rate.

[0062] In one embodiment, the engine 3 intake system further includes a mixer 40, which is disposed in the mixing pipe 1 and located at one end of the mixing pipe 1 near the engine 3.

[0063] In this embodiment, the exhaust gas mixed by the two sets of EGR pipes and the fresh air mixed by the two sets of intercooling pipes 6 flow in the mixing pipe 1 to the mixer 40. After being mixed by the mixer 40, the exhaust gas and fresh air are fully mixed before entering the engine 3, thereby improving combustion efficiency.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a vehicle comprising an engine 3 intake system as described in any of the above claims. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the engine 3 intake system of the vehicle can be referred to the embodiments of the engine 3 intake system described above, and will not be repeated here. Since the engine 3 intake system described above is used in the vehicle of the present invention, the embodiments of the vehicle of the present invention include all the technical solutions of all embodiments of the engine 3 intake system described above, and the achieved technical effects are also completely the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] To better understand the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4:

[0066] This plan consists of the following parts:

[0067] 1) EGR cooler: responsible for cooling part of the exhaust gas discharged from engine 3, reducing its temperature to reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

[0068] 2) EGR bypass branch 44: Provides a passage for uncooled exhaust gas, allowing it to bypass the EGR cooler.

[0069] 3) Intercooler 7: Responsible for cooling the high-temperature and high-pressure gas after the turbocharger 20, reducing its density, and increasing the intake air volume of engine 3.

[0070] 4) Intercooler bypass branch 62: Provides a passage for uncooled pressurized gas, allowing it to bypass the intercooler 7.

[0071] 5) Three-way butterfly valve 8: Installed downstream or upstream of the EGR cooler and intercooler 7, it is divided into two chambers. One chamber regulates the mixing ratio of cooled and uncooled exhaust gas, while the other chamber regulates the mixing ratio of cooled and uncooled boosted gas. The opening degree of the butterfly valve determines the mixing ratio of hot and cold gases. Features of the three-way butterfly valve 8 include: a valve body made of corrosion-resistant and high-temperature-resistant materials to withstand the high-temperature and high-pressure environment of exhaust and boosted gases. The valve plate, as a control element, changes the opening degree of the passage by rotation, thereby regulating the exhaust gas flow rate. The valve plate edges are usually specially treated to reduce fluid resistance and improve sealing performance. A sealing ring or gasket is provided between the valve plate and the butterfly valve seat to ensure effective prevention of exhaust gas leakage when closed. The actuator of the butterfly valve (such as electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive) receives signals from the engine control unit 50 (ECU) 50 to precisely control the rotation angle of the valve plate, achieving precise regulation of the exhaust gas flow rate.

[0072] The workflow is as follows:

[0073] 1) Exhaust gas diversion: The exhaust gas discharged from engine 3 is divided into two paths at a specific location. One path enters the EGR cooler, and the other path goes through the EGR bypass branch 44.

[0074] 2) Pressurized gas splitting: The gas after being pressurized by the supercharger 20 is split into two paths at a specific location. One path enters the intercooler 7, and the other path passes through the intercooler bypass branch 62.

[0075] 3) Exhaust gas cooling: The exhaust gas entering the EGR cooler exchanges heat with the coolant through the cooling pipes, and the temperature is significantly reduced.

[0076] 4) Cooling of pressurized gas: The pressurized gas entering the intercooler 7 exchanges heat with the external environment through the cooling channel, and the temperature is significantly reduced.

[0077] 5) Mixing of hot and cold exhaust gases: Cooled and uncooled exhaust gases are mixed at the outlet of the three-way butterfly valve 8 downstream of the EGR cooler. The opening of the first butterfly valve 83 is adjusted according to the engine operating conditions and emission requirements to optimize the mixing ratio.

[0078] 6) Mixing of Cooled and Uncooled Boost Gases: Cooled and uncooled boost gases mix at the outlet of the three-way butterfly valve 8. The opening of the second butterfly valve 84 is adjusted according to the engine 3 operating conditions and ambient temperature to optimize the mixing ratio.

[0079] 7) Exhaust Gas Recirculation: The mixed exhaust gas enters the mixing pipe 1 through the EGR valve 86, mixes with fresh air, and then re-enters the combustion chamber of the engine 3. The opening of the EGR valve 86 is adjusted in real time by the engine 3 control unit 50 (ECU) according to parameters such as engine speed, load, and temperature to control the amount of exhaust gas recirculation.

[0080] 8) Engine 3 intake: After the temperature is regulated by the three-way butterfly valve 8, the pressurized air-fuel mixture and the exhaust air-fuel mixture enter the mixing pipe 1 after the flow is regulated by the throttle valve 30 and the EGR valve 86, and finally enter the cylinder of engine 3 for combustion and power.

[0081] This invention patent features a high degree of integration. The design using a three-way butterfly valve 8 is often more compact and can be more easily integrated with other system components (such as the EGR cooler, EGR valve 86, intercooler 7, etc.), thereby significantly reducing the length and complexity of bypass piping. This not only helps save valuable engine compartment space but also reduces the difficulty and cost of piping layout. This high degree of integration not only reduces system complexity but also improves the overall system reliability and maintainability. By tightly integrating the three-way butterfly valve 8 with the EGR cooler and intercooler 7 circuits, a fully functional and compact integrated module can be formed. This modular design simplifies the installation process and improves the overall performance and reliability of the system. It also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement work because the entire module can be disassembled and reassembled as a whole.

[0082] Furthermore, the three-way butterfly valve 8 offers superior flow regulation performance, enabling more precise control of the mixing ratio of hot and cold gases in different chambers and the amount of waste gas recirculation. Its simple structure, high reliability, and reduced cost are advantages: the design of controlling three valve plates with a single shaft 85 significantly simplifies the structure compared to traditional multi-valve independent control methods, improving system reliability and stability while reducing manufacturing costs. It has a wide range of applications: the integrated cooling function allows the valve to handle both high-temperature and low-temperature gases simultaneously, broadening its application range. It also offers low gas flow resistance: by adjusting the channel diameter and valve plate opening, precise control of gas flow resistance can be achieved, improving throttling efficiency.

[0083] Optimizing engine performance and reducing emissions is crucial. The exhaust gas in the EGR system is hot and may contain corrosive substances; therefore, the three-way butterfly valve is typically made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term stable operation.

[0084] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An engine air intake system characterized by, include: The main pipe includes a mixing pipe and an exhaust pipe, wherein the mixing pipe is used to connect to the air intake of the engine, and the exhaust pipe is used to connect to the exhaust port of the engine. Two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipelines, with each end of the exhaust gas recirculation pipeline connected to the mixing pipe and the exhaust gas pipe, respectively; An exhaust gas recirculation cooler is installed in any of the aforementioned exhaust gas recirculation pipelines; Two sets of intercooling pipes, one end of each intercooling pipe being connected to the mixing pipe; Intercooler, provided in any of the aforementioned intercooler piping; and The valve assembly includes two sets of first opening valves and two sets of second opening valves. The two sets of first opening valves are respectively located in the two sets of the exhaust gas recirculation pipelines, and the two sets of second opening valves are respectively located in the two sets of the intercooler pipelines.

2. The engine air intake system of claim 1, wherein, One of the two sets of exhaust gas recirculation pipelines is an exhaust gas main pipe, and the other set is an exhaust gas branch pipe. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler is located on the exhaust gas main pipe. The engine intake system also includes a three-way butterfly valve, which includes a first butterfly valve and two second butterfly valves. The valve plate of the first butterfly valve and the valve plates of the two second butterfly valves are mounted on the same rotating shaft and are deflected in the same direction as the valve plate of the adjacent second butterfly valve on the rotating shaft, and have a phase angle with the valve plate of the other second butterfly valve. The first butterfly valve constitutes the first opening valve located in the exhaust gas branch pipe, and the two second butterfly valves constitute two second opening valves.

3. The engine air intake system of claim 2, wherein, The first opening valve, located on the main exhaust gas pipe, is situated at one end of the main exhaust gas pipe near the mixing pipe. The exhaust gas branch pipe is connected to the main exhaust gas pipe, and its connection point with the main exhaust gas pipe is located between the first opening valve and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler.

4. The engine air intake system of claim 2, wherein, The engine intake system further includes a drive motor, which is drively connected to the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft to rotate; and / or, The seats of the first butterfly valve and the two second butterfly valves are integrally formed to form a butterfly valve seat. The butterfly valve seat is provided with a cooling channel that surrounds the passage of the first butterfly valve and the two second butterfly valves.

5. The engine air intake system of claim 1, wherein, The engine intake system also includes an intercooler input pipe, an air filter, and a turbocharger. The intercooler input pipe is connected to two sets of intercooler pipes. The air filter and the compressor of the turbocharger are located in the intercooler input pipe and are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the intercooler pipe.

6. The engine air intake system of claim 5, wherein, The intercooling input pipe is connected to the inlet ends of two second-opening valves respectively. One end of each intercooling pipe is connected to the outlet end of the corresponding second-opening valve, and the other end is connected to the mixing pipe. The intercooler is located between the corresponding second-opening valve and the mixing pipe; or, The intercooling input pipe is connected to two intercooling pipes respectively, and the end of each intercooling pipe away from the intercooling input pipe is connected to the inlet end of the corresponding second opening valve. The mixing pipe is connected to the outlet end of the two second opening valves respectively, and the intercooler is located between the corresponding second opening valve and the intercooling input pipe.

7. The engine air intake system of claim 6, wherein, The engine intake system also includes a throttle valve, which is located on the mixing pipe and between its connection to the exhaust gas recirculation pipe and the connection to the intercooler pipe.

8. The engine air intake system of claim 5, wherein, The exhaust pipe is also connected to the turbine of the turbocharger.

9. The engine air intake system of claim 1, wherein, The engine intake system further comprises a mixer, which is arranged in the mixing pipe and located at one end of the mixing pipe close to the engine.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: An engine intake system comprising the engine intake system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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