CN113530700B

CN113530700B - Coolant liner and engine cooling system

Info

Publication number: CN113530700B
Application number: CN202010285138.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 周细玲
Original assignee: Cummins Inc
Current assignee: Cummins Inc
Priority date: 2020-04-13
Filing date: 2020-04-13
Publication date: 2023-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-13
Also published as: EP4390105A3; EP3896271B1; CN113530700A; EP4390105A2; EP3896271A1

Abstract

The application relates to a bushing coolant flow routing feature. A coolant bushing includes a first flow surface that directs coolant fluid toward a cylinder and a transition region coupled to the first flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion having a first radius of curvature and a concave portion having a second radius of curvature. The female portion is coupled to the male portion at an inflection point. The second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid around the cylinder.

Description

Coolant liner and engine cooling system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for cooling engine systems.

Background

In an engine system, one or more cylinders of a cylinder block of an engine generate heat when combustion occurs. To avoid overheating, the cooling system circulates coolant fluid around each cylinder in a liner (liner) (e.g., coolant fluid jacket (coolant fluid jacket), water jacket, etc.). In one of various arrangements of the liner, the liner may surround each cylinder, allowing coolant fluid to flow around the cylinders from a coolant fluid source (e.g., a radiator). As the coolant fluid flows around the cylinders, heat from each cylinder is transferred to the coolant fluid, which flows back to the coolant fluid source to dissipate heat and complete the coolant fluid circuit. The shape of the liner can affect the efficiency of the coolant fluid and the flow characteristics of the coolant fluid.

Disclosure of Invention

In one set of embodiments, a coolant bushing includes a first flow surface that directs coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine and a transition region coupled to the first flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion (convex portion) having a first radius of curvature and a concave portion (convex portion) having a second radius of curvature. The female portion is coupled to the male portion at an inflection point (inflection point). The second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid around the cylinder.

In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature.

In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature.

In some implementations, the first radius of curvature is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between about 1.3 and about 2.5.

In some embodiments, the coolant jacket further comprises: a curved portion coupled to the second flow surface; and a base portion coupled to the curved portion.

In some embodiments, the height of the second flow surface extending between the base portion and the concave portion is between about 8mm and about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the distance between the first flow surface and the base portion is between about 12mm and about 13 mm.

In another set of embodiments, a coolant bushing includes a first flow surface to direct a coolant fluid toward a cylinder. The first flow surface defines a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface. The transition region is coupled to the first flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion having a first apex defining a second tangent line tangent to the convex portion at the first apex. The female portion is coupled to the male portion at an inflection point. The concave portion has a second vertex defining a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex. The second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid around the cylinder.

In another set of embodiments, a coolant bushing includes:

a first flow surface for directing coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine, the first flow surface defining a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface;

a transition region coupled to the first flow surface, the transition region comprising:

a male portion having a first vertex defining a second tangent line tangent to the male portion at the first vertex;

a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave portion having a second vertex defining a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex;

a first angle defined by the first tangent line and the second tangent line; and

a second angle defined by the second tangent line and the third tangent line; and

a second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid around the cylinder.

In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

In some embodiments, the second angle is greater than the first angle.

In some implementations, the first angle is substantially equal to the second angle.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the first angle to the second angle is between about 1.075 and about 2.0.

In yet another set of embodiments, a system includes an engine having at least one engine cylinder and a liner positioned about the at least one engine cylinder. The liner includes a first flow surface to direct coolant fluid toward at least one engine cylinder. The first flow surface defines a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface. The transition region is coupled to the first flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion having a first radius of curvature and a first apex. The first vertex defines a second tangent line tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex. The concave portion is coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point and includes a second radius of curvature and a second vertex. The second vertex defines a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex. The first angle is defined by a first tangent and a second tangent, and the second angle is defined by a second tangent and a third tangent. The second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid around the at least one engine cylinder.

In some embodiments, the convex portion extends from the first flow surface and curves downward relative to the first flow surface.

In some embodiments, the concave portion is curved upward relative to the first flow surface and is coupled to the second flow surface.

In some embodiments, the first flow surface is substantially horizontal.

In some embodiments, the second flow surface is substantially vertical.

In some embodiments, the second flow surface is coupled to a curved portion, and the curved portion is coupled to a base portion, the curved portion configured to direct the coolant fluid from the second flow surface to the base portion.

In some embodiments, the base portion is coupled to a bottom portion, the base portion configured to direct the coolant fluid to the bottom portion.

Drawings

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a portion of a coolant bushing, according to a particular embodiment.

Fig. 2A-2B illustrate side views of cross-sections of transition regions of the coolant liner of fig. 1, according to particular embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a velocity profile of a coolant fluid flowing through the coolant jacket of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment.

Detailed Description

Following is a more detailed description of various concepts and embodiments thereof directed to methods, devices, and systems for directing coolant fluid through a coolant fluid liner of an engine system. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below may be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview of the application

In an engine cooling system, a liner may surround various cylinders, allowing coolant fluid to flow around the cylinders from a cooling fluid source (e.g., a radiator). As the coolant fluid flows around the cylinders, heat from each cylinder is transferred to the coolant fluid, which flows back to the coolant fluid source to dissipate heat and complete the coolant fluid circuit. The shape of the liner can affect the efficiency of the coolant fluid and the flow characteristics of the coolant fluid. In some cases, the flow characteristics of the coolant fluid may change the shape of the liner via erosion.

Embodiments herein relate to cooling systems that efficiently channel coolant fluid in a coolant liner and reduce or eliminate instances of coolant fluid eroding the liner. Embodiments of the cooling systems described herein include a transition region having a concave portion, a convex portion, and an inflection point between the concave portion and the convex portion. The coolant fluid flows along a first flow surface that is substantially horizontal with respect to the top portion of the coolant liner before reaching the male portion. The coolant fluid then flows along the male portion and then along the female portion before reaching a second flow surface that is substantially vertical with respect to the top portion of the coolant liner.

Various embodiments of the systems described herein provide benefits that may be applied to engine cooling systems. The transition region provides coolant flow that may cool the cylinder block more effectively than an engine cooling system without such a transition region. In addition, the transition region may prevent erosion of the liner, thereby increasing the service life of the liner.

Coolant bushing flowpath configuration

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a portion of a coolant bushing 100, according to a particular embodiment. The coolant jacket 100 is configured to direct a coolant fluid (e.g., refrigerant, water, etc.) around one or more cylinders in the engine system to cool the one or more cylinders. The coolant fluid flows within the coolant liner 100 and does not directly contact one or more cylinders. Thus, the coolant jacket 100 is constructed of a material that is capable of transferring heat from one or more cylinders to the coolant fluid flowing through the coolant jacket. Examples of materials from which coolant jacket 100 may be constructed include, but are not limited to, aluminum, cast iron, or other materials having suitable heat transfer properties.

The coolant jacket 100 includes a top portion 110, a first wall portion 108 extending from the top portion 110, and a second wall portion 114 extending from the top portion 110. The first flow surface 102 is positioned opposite the top portion 110 and is generally horizontal (e.g., within a range of preferably fifteen degrees relative to the top portion 110). The top portion 110, the first wall portion 108, the second wall portion 114, and the first flow surface 102 define a coolant fluid flow path through which coolant fluid flows in the coolant liner 100. The transition region 104 is coupled to the first flow surface 102 and the second flow surface 106 and is configured to direct coolant fluid from the first flow surface 102 to the second flow surface 106. The second flow surface 106 is generally vertical (e.g., within a range of preferably fifteen degrees vertical relative to the top portion 110) and directs coolant fluid around the coolant liner 100 and to the bottom portion 112. The bottom portion 112 is configured to direct coolant fluid around cylinders of the engine. The transition region 104 is further described with reference to fig. 2A-2B.

Fig. 2A-2B illustrate side views of cross-sections of the transition region 104 of the coolant jacket 100 of fig. 1 (where an angular representation is shown in fig. 2A, but not shown in fig. 2B) according to particular embodiments. The transition region 104 includes a convex portion 202 coupled to the first flow surface 102 and extending from the first flow surface 102. The convex portion 202 extends from the first flow surface 102 in substantially the same direction as the first flow surface 102 before curving downward relative to the first flow surface 102. In other words, the convex portion curves away from the first flow surface 102. Female portion 204 is coupled to male portion 202 at inflection point 206. The concave portion 204 curves upward relative to the first flow surface 102. In other words, the concave portion 204 curves toward the first flow surface 102. The transition region 104 is similar to an "S" shape when viewed in the illustrated cross-section. The female portion 204 and the male portion 202 are configured to effectively direct coolant fluid from the first flow surface 102 to the second flow surface 106 and to prevent coolant fluid from damaging the second flow surface 106 via erosion. The shape of the transition region 104 prevents turbulence of the coolant fluid at the second flow surface 106 (which may cause erosion) by gradually changing the flow direction of the coolant fluid from substantially horizontal (e.g., along the first flow surface 102) to substantially vertical (e.g., along the second flow surface 106).

The male portion 202 is defined by a first radius of curvature and the female portion 204 is defined by a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature may also be greater than the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature is approximately equal to the second radius of curvature. In an exemplary embodiment, the first radius of curvature is about (e.g., within plus or minus one millimeter) nine millimeters (mm), and the second radius of curvature is about five millimeters.

The transition region 104 may also be defined by various angles related to a tangent associated with the transition region 104. For example, the transition region 104 further includes a first tangent line 208 tangential to the first flow surface 102 at an intersection between the first flow surface 102 and the convex portion 202. The second tangent line 210 is tangent to the male portion 202 at the apex of the male portion 202 (e.g., the point where the male portion 202 transitions from a positive slope to a negative slope), and the third tangent line 212 is tangent to the female portion 204 at the apex of the female portion 204 (e.g., the point where the female portion 204 transitions from a positive slope to a negative slope). The angle a is defined as the angle between the first tangent 208 and the second tangent 210. The angle b is defined as the angle between the second tangent 210 and the third tangent 212. The value of angle a decreases as the apex of male portion 202 moves toward first tangent 208 and increases as the apex of male portion 202 moves away from first tangent 208. The value of angle b increases as the apex of concave portion 204 moves away from first tangent 208, and the value of angle b decreases as the apex of concave portion 204 moves toward first tangent 208. In some embodiments, angle a is greater than angle b. Angle a may also be approximately equal (e.g., within plus or minus five degrees) to angle b. In some embodiments, angle a is less than angle b. In an exemplary embodiment, angle a is about fifty-three degrees and angle b is about thirty-five degrees.

The concave portion 204 is coupled to the second flow surface 106 to direct the coolant fluid toward the bottom portion 112. The second flow surface 106 is coupled to a curved portion 214 positioned opposite the concave portion 204. The curved portion 214 is configured to direct the coolant fluid flowing down the second flow surface 106 along the base portion 216 and toward the bottom portion 112.

The first flow surface 102 is positioned at a height H above the base portion 216. At the intersection of the concave portion 204 and the second flow surface 106, the transition region 104 reduces the height H to a smaller height H above the base portion 216. In some embodiments, the height H is typically between 12mm and 13mm, and the height H is between 9mm and 10 mm. The decrease in height from H to H caused by the transition region 104 provides for an efficient flow of coolant fluid. An effective flow is achieved by reducing turbulence in the coolant fluid flow, as compared to coolant bushings that do not include the transition region 104 (e.g., coolant fluid flowing in a bushing without the transition region 104 would encounter a second flow surface directly coupled to the first flow surface). The reduction in turbulence prevents the coolant fluid from damaging the second flow surface 106 as the coolant fluid flows around the transition between the concave portion 204 and the second flow surface 106. Reducing turbulence in the coolant fluid flow also provides for a more even distribution of coolant fluid around the coolant bushing as compared to coolant fluid having more turbulence (e.g., coolant fluid flowing through a coolant bushing that does not include the transition region 104).

Exemplary coolant fluid flow

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a velocity profile 300 of coolant fluid flowing through the coolant bushing 100 of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment. The velocity profile 300 indicates the velocity of the coolant fluid as it flows around the first and second cylinders in the coolant liner 100 (e.g., the line around the element in fig. 3 indicates flow and the darkness of the line indicates velocity, with the darker line generally indicating lower velocity). The speed profile 300 includes a first cylinder profile (cylinder profile) 302, a second cylinder profile 312, and a coolant inlet profile 322. The first cylinder distribution includes a first coolant outlet distribution 304, a second coolant outlet distribution 306, a first upper portion 308, and a first lower portion 310. The second cylinder distribution includes a third coolant outlet distribution 314, a fourth coolant outlet distribution 316, a second upper portion 318, and a second lower portion 320.

Generally, coolant fluid flows through the coolant inlet and into the coolant jacket 100. The coolant fluid flows around the coolant jacket 100 to cool the cylinders and out one of the outlets associated with the cylinders. In coolant liners that do not include a transition zone 104 as described, the coolant fluid does not flow completely around the lower portion of the cylinder, leaving a "dead zone" where the cylinder may not be effectively cooled by the coolant fluid. Such "dead zones" are typically found at locations corresponding to the first lower portion 310 and the second lower portion 320. In contrast, and as shown in fig. 3, the first and second lower portions 310, 320 illustrate the coolant fluid flowing around the first and second lower portions 310, 320. Thus, the transition region 104 facilitates circulation of coolant fluid around the entire coolant jacket 100 to eliminate "dead zones".

IV. Construction of exemplary embodiments

Although this description contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

As utilized herein, the terms "generally," "about," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of such features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to indicate insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the application described in the appended claims.

The terms "coupled," "attached," and similar terms as used herein mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, by the two components being attached to one another or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

It is noted that the configuration and arrangement of the system shown in the various exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and not limiting. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, as defined by the appended claims. When the language "portion" is used, the item may include a portion of the item and/or the entire item, unless specified to the contrary.

Furthermore, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense) such that when used, for example, to join a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, a connective such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y or Z" is understood in the context as commonly used for expressions, terms, etc. may be: x is a group; y; z; x and Y; x and Z; y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y and Z). Thus, such a linker is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present unless otherwise indicated.

Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present applications.

Claims

1. A coolant bushing, comprising:

a first flow surface for directing coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine;

a convex portion having a first radius of curvature; and

a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave portion having a second radius of curvature; and

a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid around the cylinder, the second flow surface being substantially vertical relative to the top portion.

2. The coolant bushing of claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature.

3. The coolant bushing of claim 1, wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature.

4. The coolant bushing of claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature is substantially equal to the second radius of curvature.

5. The coolant bushing according to claim 2, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 1.3 and 2.5.

6. The coolant jacket of any of claims 1-5, further comprising:

a curved portion coupled to the second flow surface; and

a base portion coupled to the curved portion.

7. The coolant bushing according to claim 6, wherein a height of the second flow surface extending between the base portion and the concave portion is between 8mm and 10 mm.

8. The coolant bushing of claim 7, wherein a distance between the first flow surface and the base portion is between 12mm and 13 mm.

9. A coolant bushing, comprising:

10. The coolant bushing of claim 9, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle.

11. The coolant bushing of claim 9, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

12. The coolant bushing of claim 9, wherein the first angle is substantially equal to the second angle.

13. The coolant bushing of claim 10, wherein a ratio of the first angle to the second angle is between 1.075 and 2.0.

14. An engine cooling system for an engine including at least one engine cylinder, the engine cooling system comprising:

a liner positioned about the at least one engine cylinder, the liner comprising:

a first flow surface for directing coolant fluid toward the at least one engine cylinder, the first flow surface defining a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface;

a convex portion having a first radius of curvature and a first vertex defining a second tangent line tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex; and

a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave portion having a second radius of curvature and a second vertex defining a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex;

a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid around the at least one engine cylinder, the second flow surface being substantially vertical relative to a top portion of the liner.

15. The engine cooling system of claim 14, wherein the convex portion extends from the first flow surface and curves downward relative to the first flow surface.

16. The engine cooling system of claim 15, wherein the concave portion is curved upward relative to the first flow surface and is coupled to the second flow surface.

17. The engine cooling system of any of claims 14-16, wherein the first flow surface is substantially horizontal.

18. The engine cooling system of any of claims 14-16, wherein the second flow surface is coupled to a curved portion and the curved portion is coupled to a base portion, the curved portion configured to direct the coolant fluid from the second flow surface to the base portion.

19. The engine cooling system of claim 18, wherein the base portion is coupled to a bottom portion, the base portion configured to direct the coolant fluid to the bottom portion.