EP1035307A1 - Cooling control device of internal combustion engine - Google Patents
Cooling control device of internal combustion engine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1035307A1 EP1035307A1 EP99912118A EP99912118A EP1035307A1 EP 1035307 A1 EP1035307 A1 EP 1035307A1 EP 99912118 A EP99912118 A EP 99912118A EP 99912118 A EP99912118 A EP 99912118A EP 1035307 A1 EP1035307 A1 EP 1035307A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flow controlling
- valve
- controlling valve
- motor
- cooling water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
- F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
- F01P7/16—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid by thermostatic control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
- F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
- F01P2007/143—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid using restrictions
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
- F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
- F01P2007/146—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid using valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2023/00—Signal processing; Details thereof
- F01P2023/08—Microprocessor; Microcomputer
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2031/00—Fail safe
- F01P2031/32—Deblocking of damaged thermostat
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2031/00—Fail safe
- F01P2031/34—Limping home
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a cooling controller for an internal combustion engine for cooling, e.g., an automobile engine, and particularly to a fail safe means in a flow controller to control the flow of the cooling water heated up by the internal combustion engine to the radiator side.
- a water cooling cooler utilizing a radiator as a heat exchanger has been used as a rule in order to cool the engine.
- Such a type of cooler is configured so that a cooling water which has been heated up through a water jacket within the engine is circulated to the radiator side, and the cooling water, which is cooled by a heat radiation by means of the radiator, is again fed within the water jacket.
- Fig. 9 shows a basic configuration of the cooler.
- the water jacket 11 has an outlet 12 and an inlet 13 of the cooling water and is communicated with a radiator R by means of the cooling water channels 14a, 14b, and 15. Between the cooling water channel 14a and the cooling water channel 15, there is a bypass channel 16 which detours the radiator R. Between the cooling water channels 14a and 14b which are formed between the outlet 12 of the water jacket 11 and an inlet 17 of the radiator R, a flow controlling valve 19 is placed.
- a water temperature sensor 20 to detect the temperature of the water at the outlet of the engine E is placed. The information, from the water temperature sensor 20 is supplied to the controlling unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as "ECU").
- information such as the rotation number of the engine and the opening of the engine is also supplied to the ECU 21 to form a control signal to control the flow of the cooling water by means of the flow controlling valve 19.
- the opening and closing of the flow controlling valve 19 is controlled by such a configuration, making it possible to allow the cooling water to flow. This can control the flow of the cooling water to the side of the radiator R and, thus, can control the temperature of the cooling water within a constant range, whereby the engine E can be driven at an optimal temperature as a result.
- Fig. 10 shows an example of a butterfly valve 26 used in the flow controlling valve 19.
- the butterfly valve 26 having a circular flat shape is supported on the case 25 in such a manner that the butterfly valve 26 can be rotated by a valve shaft 27.
- a worm wheel 28a is equipped to one end of the valve shaft 27.
- a worm 28b, inserted into a drive shaft of a step motor 29 is configured so as to be engaged with the worm wheel 28a to make up a gear reduction mechanism with the worm wheel 28a and the worm 28b.
- a control signal resulting from the calculation of the ECU is supplied to the step motor 29.
- the step motor 29 which has received the signal rotates to control the opening and closing of the butterfly valve 26 via the reduction gear mechanism.
- the amount of the cooling water transferring from the side of the engine E to the side of the radiator R is controlled.
- the heat radiating efficiency is controlled.
- the cooling controller is configured so as to drive the engine E at an optimal temperature.
- the opening of the butterfly valve 26 cannot be controlled, when, for example, the ECU is in a trouble by an unexpected accident,.
- the ECU 21 has a problem particularly in the case of a small opening of the butterfly valve 26, the amount of the cooling water to be transferred to the side of the radiator R remains limited. In some cases, the engine E is overheated without being recognized by the driver, causing a mortal problem.
- the present invention has been made in light of the problems described above, and is aimed to provide a cooling controller which can prevent the problems, e.g., of the engine E overheating due to the trouble of the ECU 21 or the like as described above, and which can exhibit a fail safe function.
- a cooling controller for an internal combustion engine which has been made in order to attain the object described above includes a flow controlling valve, which is placed on a circulation channel for cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, and possesses:
- the electric circuit blocks the circuit for connecting the control unit and the motor and supplies a drive signal for opening the flow controlling valve to said motor, when any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected
- the cooling controller further possesses a second motor which drives the flow controlling valve, whereby the electric control circuit transfers a drive signal to the second motor to open the flow controlling valve in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
- the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, a thermo switch which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve can be opened by the resilient force of the return spring by blocking the circuit for connecting the control unit and the motor.
- the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve and a clutch mechanism which can control the connecting and disconnecting between the motor and the flow controlling valve by an electric signal, and a thermo switch which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring by releasing the clutch based on the actuation of the thermo switch.
- the cooling controller configured as described above having an electric control circuit which forcibly drives the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the flow controlling valve based on an electric signal, in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected, for example, by the function of an electrically controlled means such as a relay, the flow controlling valve is forcibly opened.
- the cooling controller can exhibit a fail safe mechanism without overheating the internal combustion engine.
- a cooling controller for an internal combustion engine includes a flow controlling valve, which is placed on a circulation channel of a cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, and possesses:
- the forcible driving mechanism is configured by a spring member, which control opening and closing of the flow controlling valve, provided by winding it on the valve shaft, and a pair of pin members communicated with both ends of the spring member respectively to hold the spring member
- the cooling controller is configured so that any one of the pins is formed from a heat-sensitive material which senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water in which case the pin is released from the communication to the spring member, and the flow controlling valve is opened by the return force accompanying the release of the communication of the pin member.
- the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element having a piston rod which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a cam member which converts the movement of the piston rod to a rotation, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened based on the rotation.
- the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve
- the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element having a piston rod which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor on a valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve according to the movement of the piston rod of the thermo element, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve
- the forcible driving mechanism possesses a heat actuating member formed from a shape memory alloy which changes its shape when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor on a valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve by the actuation of the heat actuating member, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- the flow controlling valve is opened, what is called mechanically, by means of the forcible driving mechanism, when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water in the flow controlling valve is sensed.
- the cooling controller can exhibit a fail safe mechanism without overheating the internal combustion engine.
- Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
- a first bevel gear 31 is placed on a valve shaft 27 of a flow controlling valve 19, a first bevel gear 31 is placed.
- a motor 29 embedding a reduction gear mechanism (not shown) is arranged on the side wall of a case 25, and a driving force reduced by means of the reduction gear mechanism is transmitted to a second bevel gear 32.
- the second bevel gear 32 is configured to be engaged with the first bevel gear 31 so that a butterfly valve 26 can control the degree of opening by the motor 29.
- an electric circuit which forcibly drives the butterfly valve 26 in the direction of opening the valve based on an electric signal when any abnormality of the engine E is detected.
- a coolant temperature gauge of a meter panel 33 placed on the driver ' s seat possesses a bridge circuit (not shown), having a drive coil for the coolant temperature gauge, a thermistor which detects the temperature of the cooling water, and the like included therein on one side, and the bridge circuit is configured so as to drive the indicator of the coolant temperature gauge to the high temperature side due to the unbalanced state of the bridge circuit accompanying the increase in the temperature of the cooling water.
- a level detector to detect electric information obtainable from one side of the bridge circuit e.g., a well-known threshold circuit
- the output terminal 34a of the level detector 34 is connected to a battery (+12V) via a relay 35 and, thus, has such a function that a current runs through a coil 35a positioned on the relay 35, a dipolar switching connect 35b is switched from the side of the ECU 21 to the side of the battery (+12V). Consequently, the motor 29 rotates by means of the voltage obtained from the battery and actuates so as to forcibly open the butterfly valve 26.
- the connect 35b of the relay 35 is again switched to the side of ECU 21. It is desirable to embed a bistable multi-vibrator in the level detector 34 so that when the level detector 34 once actuates, the actuation is continued by the self-hold function. At this time, while a current is kept on running through the motor 29 from the battery, it is desirable to place a timer connect, which actuates by means of a relay movement between the relay 35 and the motor 29 so as to block the current running through the motor 29 after a prescribed time elapses.
- Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
- a second motor 38 having a reduction gear mechanism embedded on the side wall of a case 25 is provided.
- a third bevel gear 39 which rotates by mean of the motor 38 is configured to be engaged with the first bevel gear 31.
- the level detector 34 sets the output terminal 35a thereof at a reference potential so as to actuate the relay 35.
- the relay 35 used herein is a double connect relay having a normally open connect which closes the connect when it actuates and a normally close connect which opens the connect when it actuates.
- the normally open connect 35b is connected between the battery and the second motor 38
- the normally close connect 35c is connected between the ECU 21 and the first motor 29. Due to the actuation of the relay 35, for example, due to an excessive increase in the temperature of the cooling water, the normally open connect 35b is closed, to thereby supply a current for opening the butterfly valve 26 to the second motor 38 from the battery via the normally open connect 35b.
- the butterfly valve 26 is forcibly opened to thereby suppress an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water, conducting a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E.
- the reduction gear mechanism since the first motor 29 forcibly rotates via the reduction gear mechanism embedded in the first motor 29, it is desirable for the reduction gear mechanism not to use a combination of worm gears, but to use a combination, for example, of flat gears.
- Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
- a return spring 41 which applies a resilient force to the butterfly valve 26 is further provided.
- a thermo switch 42 which makes a switching movement when it senses the temperature of the cooling water higher than a prescribed level is placed on the cooling water channel 14a.
- the thermo switch 42 includes, for example, a bimetal (not shown), and is configured so that the switch is off when the temperature of the cooling water exceeds a prescribed level.
- thermo switch 42 is configured so as to be intervened between the ECU 21 and the motor 29. Consequently, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature over the prescribed level, the thermo switch 42 is actuated to block the circuit for connecting the ECU 21 and the motor 29. For this reason, by means of the resilient force of the return spring 41, the butterfly valve 26 is forcibly opened.
- thermo switch 42 By placing the thermo switch 42 not only on the cooling water channel 14a near the butterfly valve 26 as shown in the figure, but also by directly placing the thermo switch(es) 42 on the elements to be detected such as around the outlet of the cooling water of the engine E, the cylinder block, and cylinder head, more secure (direct) actuation can be carried out.
- Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a clutch mechanism, which can control the connection and disconnection thereof by means of an electric signal, is further placed on the portion of a transmission mechanism from the motor 29 which is utilized for driving the butterfly valve 26 to the butterfly valve 26.
- Fig. 4(b) outlines an internal configuration of the portion represented by the symbol 29 in Fig. 4(a).
- a first clutch plate 29B1 making up the clutch mechanism 29B is provided on a drive shaft 29A1 of the motor 29A.
- the drive shaft 29A1 is formed into a polygonal shape.
- polygonal pore is formed on the first clutch plate 29BI so that the pore encircles the drive shaft 29A1.
- the first clutch plate 29B1 is connected to the drive shaft 29A1 in the direction of the rotation of the drive shaft 29A1 and is slidable in the direction of the axis of the drive shaft 29A1.
- a circular groove 29B2 is formed on the side of the circumference of the first clutch plate 29B1.
- the edge of an actuating element 29B4 of an electronic plunger 29B3 is inserted into the groove 29B2 in a detachable manner.
- a coil spring 29B5 is placed onto the plunger 29B3, and when the coil spring 29B5 is unfolded, in the case where no electricity to the plunger 29B3 is turned on, the first clutch plate 29B1 is taken into the side of the motor 29A as shown in the figure.
- a second clutch plate 29B6 is placed.
- the second clutch plate 29B6 is fixed onto a rotating shaft 29C1 at the input side making up the reduction gear mechanism 29C.
- the reduction gear mechanism 29C is configured with pinions and flat gears, and a first bevel gear 32 as shown in Fig. 4(a) is placed onto an output shaft 29B3 whose speed is reduced by the reduction mechanism 29C.
- thermo switch 42 is connected to the battery and the other end is connected to the plunger 29B3 and also connected to the relay 35.
- Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- a spring member 45 in the form of a coil is wound around the valve shaft 27. Both ends thereof are communicated with a pair of pin members 27a and 27b standing on the valve shaft 27, respectively.
- a communication pin 25a projecting toward the valve shaft 27 crossing one end 45a of the spring member 45 is placed on the case 25.
- the pin member 27a standing on the valve shaft 27 near the butterfly valve is made of a thermal fuse or a material which is melted at a temperature higher than the prescribed level. Consequently, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed level, the heat transmitted via the valve shaft 27 acts upon the pin member 27 to fuse and break the pin member 27a.
- Fig. 5(b) shows the state just mentioned.
- one end 45a of the spring member 45 comes into contact with the communication pin 25a projecting toward the valve shaft 25 due to the return force of the spring member 45.
- Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a thermo element possessing a piston rod which makes the rod move when it senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water, and a cam member which converts the movement of the piston rod to rotation are provided, whereby the butterfly valve is opened due to the rotation by means of the cam member.
- a drive blockage mechanism which suppresses the transmission of the driving force from motor to the butterfly valve accompanying the movement of the piston rod is further provided.
- valve shaft is configured with a valve shaft 27A connected to the butterfly valve 26 and a valve shaft 27B having a first bevel gear 31, which is driven by the motor 29 provided thereon.
- a thermo element 47 is positioned on the side of the valve shaft 27A connected to the butterfly valve 26 .
- thermo element 47 Into the thermo element 47, a heat expansion element such as wax W which expands when it senses the heat is incorporated.
- a piston rod 47 projecting toward the side of the valve shaft 27B which moves in the direction of the shaft due to the expansion of the wax W, i.e., having a first bevel gear 31 placed thereon is positioned on the thermo element 47.
- Fig. 6(b) shows the state where the piston rod 47a is projected due to the heat being sensed.
- Fig. 6(c) shows the shape of the thermo element 47 except for the piston rod and the shape of the end portion of the valve sheet at the side of the valve shaft 27B connected to the thermo element 47 in the state where they are spilt into right and left sides.
- the thermo element 47 is unified with the other end of the valve shaft 27A, which is connected to the butterfly valve 26.
- a groove 47b is formed in the axis direction.
- a cylinder portion 27B1 is provided on the other end of the valve shaft 27B having the first bevel gear 31 provided thereon.
- a communication pin 27B2 which projects toward the inner circumference and which is inserted into the groove 47b is planted onto the cylinder portion 27B1.
- valve shalt 27B is connected in the rotating direction and is slidable in the axis direction.
- a positioning pin 25b is planted facing to the cylinder portion 27B1.
- the valve shaft 27B is assembled in such a manner that the positioning pin 25b is inserted into a concave portion 274B4 formed into the cylinder portion 27B1.
- the concave portion 27B4 is formed so that the side of the first bevel gear 31 of the cylinder portion 27B1 has an angle of approximately 90° to the circumference direction.
- the side of the butterfly valve 26 is formed so that the positioning pin 25b can be inserted with a slight clearance.
- the concave portion 27B4 is formed into a shape like a triangle.
- the portion corresponding to one side of the triangle is a cam face 27B3.
- a push spring 48 is placed on the valve shaft 27B.
- the push spring 48 applies a resilient force to the valve shaft 27B to the side of the valve shaft 27A.
- the piston rod 47a in the thermo element 47 never projects as shown in Fig. 6(a).
- the valve shaft 27B is pushed toward the side of the butterfly valve 26 by the function of the push spring 48.
- the positioning pin 25b planted on the case 25 is relatively positioned at one portion of the concave portion 27B4 formed on the cylinder portion 27B1 having an angle of 90° to the circumference direction.
- the butterfly valve 26 can be opened and closed at an angle of approximately 90° by driving the motor 29. This secures the normal temperature control.
- the positioning pin 25b planted on the case 25 relatively moves along the cam face 27B3 formed on the concave portion 27B4 of the cylinder portion 27B1 and, thus, the valve shaft 27B is regulated within a prescribed angle.
- the butterfly valve 26 is locked in the open state.
- the first bevel gear 31 provided o the valve shaft 27B releases its engagement relation with the second bevel gear whereby the drive blockage mechanism is actuated to prevent the transmission of the driving force of the motor 29 to the butterfly valve 26.
- Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a member for blocking the driving force of the motor 29 which controls opening and closing the butterfly valve 26 according to the movement of the piston rod 47a of the thermo element is provided on the valve shaft, and that when the connection of the member is released, the butterfly valve is opened by the return spring.
- a retainer 51 is positioned on the thermo element 47 in such a manner that the retainer 51 surrounds the piston rod 47a embedded in the thermo element 47.
- a coil spring 52 is placed between the retainer 51 and the valve shaft 27B, and the coil spring 52 draws the retainer 51 up to the side of the thermo element 47.
- a pair of rods 51a are unified with the retainer 51, and the pair of the rods 51a are configured to be slidable along the shaft pore positioned in the valve shaft 27B.
- communication pores 27A1 are perforated on the end face of the valve shaft 27a opposite the pair of rods 51a.
- Fig. 7(a) which shows the state where the cooling water has a temperature within the prescribed level
- the piston rod 47a on the thermo element 47 is in an embedded state. Consequently, the retainer 51 is also pushed by the spring 52, and the pair of the rods 51a making up the connecting member are communicated with the communication pores 27A1 formed in the valve shaft 27A.
- valve shafts 27A and 27B rotate together with each other via the pair of rods 51a making up the connecting member. Consequently, in this state, the butterfly valve 26 can be opened and closed according to the drive of the motor 29, ensuring the control of the cooling water at a normal temperature.
- thermo element when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed level, the thermo element is heated by transmitting the heat via the valve shaft 37A. Since the thermo element includes the wax W as the heat expansion element as described above, the piston rod 47a is projected to come into the state as shown in Fig. 7(b). To be specific, the retainer 51 and the pair of rods 51 a unified therewith cause the spring to shrink and they move toward the side of valve shaft 27B.
- Fig. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a heat actuating member using a heat sensitive element which changes its shape when it senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water, such as a shape memory alloy or a bimetal shaped, for example, into a coil spring is utilized, the cooling controller is configured so that the driving force of the motor is blocked on the valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve due to the actuation of the heat actuating member, and the butterfly valve is opened by the return spring.
- a heat actuating member using a heat sensitive element which changes its shape when it senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water such as a shape memory alloy or a bimetal shaped, for example, into a coil spring
- the cooling controller is configured so that the driving force of the motor is blocked on the valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve due to the actuation of the heat actuating member, and the butterfly valve is opened by the return spring.
- the left half portion of the valve shaft 27 is formed into a prism 27d.
- the first bevel gear 31 is slidable on the prism 27d and can be connected in the rotating direction.
- a coil spring 56 is positioned around the shaft, and the first bevel gear 31 is configured to be always engaged with the second bevel gear 32.
- the heat actuating member 55 is positioned around the shaft.
- the heat actuating member 55 made from the shape memory alloy is heated by transmitting the heat through the valve shaft 27.
- the heat actuating element 55 moves the first bevel gear 31 as shown in the ideal line of Fig. 8. Due to this function, the engagement of the first bevel gear 31 with the second bevel gear 32 positioned on the side of the motor is released. Consequently, the butterfly valve 26 is opened due to the function of the return spring to conduct a fail safe function which prevent the engine E from being overheated.
- the cooling controller of the present invention has been configured so that the butterfly valve is forcibly opened based on the electric detection of an abnormal state or an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water.
- the present invention is not restricted to the butterfly valve, and that similar functions and effects can be obtained even when any other flow controlling valve which can control the flow of the cooling water by means of the rotation of the valve shaft is applied.
- the cooling controller of the present invention having a configuration which has, in addition to the usual drive circuits, the flow controlling valve which is forcibly opened by detecting an electric abnormal state, even if the motor which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve cannot be driven, e.g., due to the trouble in the ECU, the problem such as overheating of the internal combustion engine can be prevented and, thus, a secure fail safe function can be exhibited.
- the forcible drive mechanism is unified with the flow controlling valve, similarly even if the motor which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve cannot be driven, e.g., due to the trouble in the ECU, a secure fail safe function can be exhibited, and a flow controlling valve having a light weight and good wearability can be provided.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Temperature-Responsive Valves (AREA)
- Safety Valves (AREA)
- Control Of Throttle Valves Provided In The Intake System Or In The Exhaust System (AREA)
- Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)
- Lift Valve (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a cooling controller for an internal combustion engine for cooling, e.g., an automobile engine, and particularly to a fail safe means in a flow controller to control the flow of the cooling water heated up by the internal combustion engine to the radiator side.
- In an internal combustion engine (hereinafter abbreviated as "engine") to be used in an automobile or the like, a water cooling cooler utilizing a radiator as a heat exchanger has been used as a rule in order to cool the engine. Such a type of cooler is configured so that a cooling water which has been heated up through a water jacket within the engine is circulated to the radiator side, and the cooling water, which is cooled by a heat radiation by means of the radiator, is again fed within the water jacket.
- Fig. 9 shows a basic configuration of the cooler. Within the engine E is placed the well-known water jacket 11. The water jacket 11 has an
outlet 12 and aninlet 13 of the cooling water and is communicated with a radiator R by means of thecooling water channels cooling water channel 15, there is abypass channel 16 which detours the radiator R. Between thecooling water channels 14a and 14b which are formed between theoutlet 12 of the water jacket 11 and aninlet 17 of the radiator R, aflow controlling valve 19 is placed. Around theoutlet 12 of the water jacket 11, awater temperature sensor 20 to detect the temperature of the water at the outlet of the engine E is placed. The information, from thewater temperature sensor 20 is supplied to the controlling unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as "ECU"). - In addition to the information of the temperature of the cooling water, information such as the rotation number of the engine and the opening of the engine is also supplied to the
ECU 21 to form a control signal to control the flow of the cooling water by means of theflow controlling valve 19. - The opening and closing of the
flow controlling valve 19 is controlled by such a configuration, making it possible to allow the cooling water to flow. This can control the flow of the cooling water to the side of the radiator R and, thus, can control the temperature of the cooling water within a constant range, whereby the engine E can be driven at an optimal temperature as a result. - Fig. 10 shows an example of a
butterfly valve 26 used in theflow controlling valve 19. To be specific, within acase 25 which is connected between thecooling water channels 14a and 14b, thebutterfly valve 26 having a circular flat shape is supported on thecase 25 in such a manner that thebutterfly valve 26 can be rotated by avalve shaft 27. To one end of thevalve shaft 27, for example, a worm wheel 28a is equipped. Aworm 28b, inserted into a drive shaft of astep motor 29 is configured so as to be engaged with the worm wheel 28a to make up a gear reduction mechanism with the worm wheel 28a and theworm 28b. A control signal resulting from the calculation of the ECU is supplied to thestep motor 29. Thestep motor 29 which has received the signal rotates to control the opening and closing of thebutterfly valve 26 via the reduction gear mechanism. As a result the amount of the cooling water transferring from the side of the engine E to the side of the radiator R is controlled. In other words, the heat radiating efficiency is controlled. By such control, the cooling controller is configured so as to drive the engine E at an optimal temperature. - However, in the cooling controller as described above, since the
step motor 29 which controls the opening of thebutterfly valve 26 is driven by the control signal from theECU 21, the opening of thebutterfly valve 26 cannot be controlled, when, for example, the ECU is in a trouble by an unexpected accident,. - If a problem occurs at the time when the
butterfly valve 26 is largely opened, the cooling water is sometime excessively cooled. In this case, although there are problems associated with the fuel efficiency of the engine E and the exhaust gas, the problem of the engine E being directly damaged does not occur. - However, if the ECU 21 has a problem particularly in the case of a small opening of the
butterfly valve 26, the amount of the cooling water to be transferred to the side of the radiator R remains limited. In some cases, the engine E is overheated without being recognized by the driver, causing a mortal problem. - The present invention has been made in light of the problems described above, and is aimed to provide a cooling controller which can prevent the problems, e.g., of the engine E overheating due to the trouble of the
ECU 21 or the like as described above, and which can exhibit a fail safe function. - A cooling controller for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention which has been made in order to attain the object described above includes a flow controlling valve, which is placed on a circulation channel for cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, and possesses:
- a control unit which transfers a signal for driving a motor depending on the drive state of the internal combustion engine,
- a motor which is driven by the signal for driving the motor from the control unit,
- a flow controlling valve whose degree of opening is controlled by the driving force of the motor, and
- an electric control circuit which forcibly drives the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the flow controlling valve based on an electric signal in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
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- In a preferred embodiment of the cooling controller, the electric circuit blocks the circuit for connecting the control unit and the motor and supplies a drive signal for opening the flow controlling valve to said motor, when any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected
- In another preferred embodiment of the cooling controller, the cooling controller further possesses a second motor which drives the flow controlling valve, whereby the electric control circuit transfers a drive signal to the second motor to open the flow controlling valve in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
- In another preferred embodiment of the cooling controller, the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, a thermo switch which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve can be opened by the resilient force of the return spring by blocking the circuit for connecting the control unit and the motor. In another preferred embodiment of the cooling controller, the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve and a clutch mechanism which can control the connecting and disconnecting between the motor and the flow controlling valve by an electric signal, and a thermo switch which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring by releasing the clutch based on the actuation of the thermo switch.
- In the cooling controller configured as described above having an electric control circuit which forcibly drives the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the flow controlling valve based on an electric signal, in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected, for example, by the function of an electrically controlled means such as a relay, the flow controlling valve is forcibly opened.
- Consequently, because of increasing the radiating efficiency by increasing the amount of the cooling water entering into the heat exchanger, the cooling controller can exhibit a fail safe mechanism without overheating the internal combustion engine.
- Furthermore, a cooling controller for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes a flow controlling valve, which is placed on a circulation channel of a cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, and possesses:
- a control unit which transfers a signal for driving a motor depending on the drive state of the internal combustion engine,
- a motor which is driven by the signal for driving the motor from the control unit,
- a flow controlling valve whose degree of opening is controlled by the driving force of the motor, and
- a forcible driving mechanism which is placed within the flow controlling valve and which applies the resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed.
-
- In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the forcible driving mechanism is configured by a spring member, which control opening and closing of the flow controlling valve, provided by winding it on the valve shaft, and a pair of pin members communicated with both ends of the spring member respectively to hold the spring member, and the cooling controller is configured so that any one of the pins is formed from a heat-sensitive material which senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water in which case the pin is released from the communication to the spring member, and the flow controlling valve is opened by the return force accompanying the release of the communication of the pin member.
- In another preferred embodiment of this aspect, the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element having a piston rod which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a cam member which converts the movement of the piston rod to a rotation, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened based on the rotation.
- It is further desirable to possess a power blockage mechanism to prevent the transmission of the driving force of the motor to the flow controlling valve according to the movement of the piston rod of the thermo element.
- In a still another preferred embodiment of this aspect, the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, and the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element having a piston rod which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor on a valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve according to the movement of the piston rod of the thermo element, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- In a still further preferred embodiment of this aspect, the cooling controller further possesses a return spring which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, and the forcible driving mechanism possesses a heat actuating member formed from a shape memory alloy which changes its shape when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor on a valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve by the actuation of the heat actuating member, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- In the cooling controller configured as described above, when any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected, the flow controlling valve is opened, what is called mechanically, by means of the forcible driving mechanism, when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water in the flow controlling valve is sensed.
- Consequently, because of increasing the radiating efficiency by increasing the amount of the cooling water entering into the heat exchanger, the cooling controller can exhibit a fail safe mechanism without overheating the internal combustion engine.
-
- Fig. 1 is a configuration figure showing a first embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a configuration figure similarly showing a second embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a configuration figure similarly showing a third embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a configuration figure similarly showing a forth embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is a configuration figure similarly showing a fifth embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a configuration figure similarly showing a sixth embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 7 is a configuration figure similarly showing a seventh embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 8 is a configuration figure similarly showing an eighth embodiment of the cooling controller according to the present invention; Fig. 9 is a configuration figure showing one example of the arrangement of circulation channels for a cooling water of the internal combustion engine and the flow controlling valve; and Fig. 10 is a configuration figure showing one example of the prior butterfly valve and the driving mechanism thereof
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- An embodiment of the cooling controller for the internal combustion engine according to the present invention will now be described by referring to the drawings. An arrangement of a control unit (ECU) 21 making up the cooling controller is the same as that of the prior art described in the section of the background of the art. Also the parts corresponding to those described in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 above utilize the same symbols and the description thereof is omitted.
- Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. On a
valve shaft 27 of aflow controlling valve 19, afirst bevel gear 31 is placed. Amotor 29 embedding a reduction gear mechanism (not shown) is arranged on the side wall of acase 25, and a driving force reduced by means of the reduction gear mechanism is transmitted to asecond bevel gear 32. - As shown in the figure, the
second bevel gear 32 is configured to be engaged with thefirst bevel gear 31 so that abutterfly valve 26 can control the degree of opening by themotor 29. - On the other hand, an electric circuit, which forcibly drives the
butterfly valve 26 in the direction of opening the valve based on an electric signal when any abnormality of the engine E is detected is provided. To be specific, a coolant temperature gauge of ameter panel 33 placed on the driver's seat possesses a bridge circuit (not shown), having a drive coil for the coolant temperature gauge, a thermistor which detects the temperature of the cooling water, and the like included therein on one side, and the bridge circuit is configured so as to drive the indicator of the coolant temperature gauge to the high temperature side due to the unbalanced state of the bridge circuit accompanying the increase in the temperature of the cooling water. - To be specific, it is possible to electrically extract information concerning the temperature of the cooling water from one side of the bridge circuit. In the case where the indicator reaches a red zone, it can be tentatively considered to generate a trouble in the
ECU 21. - At this time, a level detector to detect electric information obtainable from one side of the bridge circuit (e.g., a well-known threshold circuit) 34 is connected to the
meter panel 33. Thelevel detector 34 switches theoutput terminal 34a to the reference potential (ground = body of the automobile) at a value more than threshold value (or less than threshold value). - The
output terminal 34a of thelevel detector 34 is connected to a battery (+12V) via arelay 35 and, thus, has such a function that a current runs through acoil 35a positioned on therelay 35, adipolar switching connect 35b is switched from the side of theECU 21 to the side of the battery (+12V). Consequently, themotor 29 rotates by means of the voltage obtained from the battery and actuates so as to forcibly open thebutterfly valve 26. - This suppresses an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water to conduct a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E.
- In the configuration described above, when the temperature of the cooling water is again decreased, the
connect 35b of therelay 35 is again switched to the side ofECU 21. It is desirable to embed a bistable multi-vibrator in thelevel detector 34 so that when thelevel detector 34 once actuates, the actuation is continued by the self-hold function. At this time, while a current is kept on running through themotor 29 from the battery, it is desirable to place a timer connect, which actuates by means of a relay movement between therelay 35 and themotor 29 so as to block the current running through themotor 29 after a prescribed time elapses. - Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a
second motor 38 having a reduction gear mechanism embedded on the side wall of acase 25 is provided. Athird bevel gear 39 which rotates by mean of themotor 38 is configured to be engaged with thefirst bevel gear 31. - When any abnormality of the engine, such as an excessive increase in the temperature of the cooling water, is detected, the
level detector 34 sets theoutput terminal 35a thereof at a reference potential so as to actuate therelay 35. - The
relay 35 used herein is a double connect relay having a normally open connect which closes the connect when it actuates and a normally close connect which opens the connect when it actuates. To be specific, as shown in Fig. 2, the normallyopen connect 35b is connected between the battery and thesecond motor 38, and the normallyclose connect 35c is connected between theECU 21 and thefirst motor 29. Due to the actuation of therelay 35, for example, due to an excessive increase in the temperature of the cooling water, the normallyopen connect 35b is closed, to thereby supply a current for opening thebutterfly valve 26 to thesecond motor 38 from the battery via the normallyopen connect 35b. - At the same time, the motor drive signal from the
ECU 21 to thefirst motor 29 is blocked. - Consequently, due to the driving force of the
second motor 38 which competes with the driving force of thefirst motor 29, thebutterfly valve 26 is forcibly opened to thereby suppress an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water, conducting a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E. - In this case, since the
first motor 29 forcibly rotates via the reduction gear mechanism embedded in thefirst motor 29, it is desirable for the reduction gear mechanism not to use a combination of worm gears, but to use a combination, for example, of flat gears. - Also, in the case of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, while a current is kept running through the
second motor 38 from the battery by means of the actuation of therelay 35 in the direction of opening the valve, it is desirable to place a timer connect, which actuates by means of the actuation of therelay 35, between the normallyopen connect 35b and themotor 38, so as to block the current running through themotor 38 after a prescribed time elapses. - Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a
return spring 41 which applies a resilient force to thebutterfly valve 26 is further provided. Athermo switch 42 which makes a switching movement when it senses the temperature of the cooling water higher than a prescribed level is placed on the cooling water channel 14a. Thethermo switch 42 includes, for example, a bimetal (not shown), and is configured so that the switch is off when the temperature of the cooling water exceeds a prescribed level. - The
thermo switch 42 is configured so as to be intervened between theECU 21 and themotor 29. Consequently, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature over the prescribed level, thethermo switch 42 is actuated to block the circuit for connecting theECU 21 and themotor 29. For this reason, by means of the resilient force of thereturn spring 41, thebutterfly valve 26 is forcibly opened. - This suppresses an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water to conduct a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E.
- By placing the
thermo switch 42 not only on the cooling water channel 14a near thebutterfly valve 26 as shown in the figure, but also by directly placing the thermo switch(es) 42 on the elements to be detected such as around the outlet of the cooling water of the engine E, the cylinder block, and cylinder head, more secure (direct) actuation can be carried out. - Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a clutch mechanism, which can control the connection and disconnection thereof by means of an electric signal, is further placed on the portion of a transmission mechanism from the
motor 29 which is utilized for driving thebutterfly valve 26 to thebutterfly valve 26. - To be specific, Fig. 4(b) outlines an internal configuration of the portion represented by the
symbol 29 in Fig. 4(a). As shown in Fig. 4(b), on a drive shaft 29A1 of themotor 29A, a first clutch plate 29B1 making up the clutch mechanism 29B is provided. The drive shaft 29A1 is formed into a polygonal shape. On the other hand, polygonal pore is formed on the first clutch plate 29BI so that the pore encircles the drive shaft 29A1. In such a manner, the first clutch plate 29B1 is connected to the drive shaft 29A1 in the direction of the rotation of the drive shaft 29A1 and is slidable in the direction of the axis of the drive shaft 29A1. - On the side of the circumference of the first clutch plate 29B1, a circular groove 29B2 is formed. The edge of an actuating element 29B4 of an electronic plunger 29B3 is inserted into the groove 29B2 in a detachable manner. A coil spring 29B5 is placed onto the plunger 29B3, and when the coil spring 29B5 is unfolded, in the case where no electricity to the plunger 29B3 is turned on, the first clutch plate 29B1 is taken into the side of the
motor 29A as shown in the figure. - Opposite to the first clutch plate 29B1, a second clutch plate 29B6 is placed. The second clutch plate 29B6 is fixed onto a rotating shaft 29C1 at the input side making up the
reduction gear mechanism 29C. - The
reduction gear mechanism 29C is configured with pinions and flat gears, and afirst bevel gear 32 as shown in Fig. 4(a) is placed onto an output shaft 29B3 whose speed is reduced by thereduction mechanism 29C. - On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4(a), one end of the
thermo switch 42 is connected to the battery and the other end is connected to the plunger 29B3 and also connected to therelay 35. - Consequently, in the configuration as shown in Fig. 4, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed temperature so that the
thermo switch 42 actuates, the electricity to therelay 35 is blocked, theconnect 35b is opened to block the control signal from theECU 21 to themotor 29A. At the same time, since the electricity to the electronic plunger 29B3 is blocked due to the actuation of thethermo switch 42, the clutch mechanism 29B is opened. - For this reason, due to the resilient force of the
return spring 41, thebutterfly valve 26 is forcibly opened. This suppresses an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water to conduct a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E. - Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a
spring member 45 in the form of a coil is wound around thevalve shaft 27. Both ends thereof are communicated with a pair ofpin members 27a and 27b standing on thevalve shaft 27, respectively. A communication pin 25a projecting toward thevalve shaft 27 crossing one end 45a of thespring member 45 is placed on thecase 25. - Here, the pin member 27a standing on the
valve shaft 27 near the butterfly valve is made of a thermal fuse or a material which is melted at a temperature higher than the prescribed level. Consequently, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed level, the heat transmitted via thevalve shaft 27 acts upon thepin member 27 to fuse and break the pin member 27a. - Fig. 5(b) shows the state just mentioned. By fusing and breaking the pin member 27a, represented by the symbol (x), one end 45a of the
spring member 45 comes into contact with the communication pin 25a projecting toward thevalve shaft 25 due to the return force of thespring member 45. - This makes the
pin member 27b placed far from thebutterfly valve 26, undergo the counteraction due to the return force of thespring member 45 to thereby cause thevalve shaft 27 to rotate in the direction of opening thebutterfly valve 26. At this time, themotor 29 is also forced to rotate viagears - Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a thermo element possessing a piston rod which makes the rod move when it senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water, and a cam member which converts the movement of the piston rod to rotation are provided, whereby the butterfly valve is opened due to the rotation by means of the cam member.
- In this embodiment a drive blockage mechanism, which suppresses the transmission of the driving force from motor to the butterfly valve accompanying the movement of the piston rod is further provided.
- In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the valve shaft is configured with a
valve shaft 27A connected to thebutterfly valve 26 and avalve shaft 27B having afirst bevel gear 31, which is driven by themotor 29 provided thereon. On the side of thevalve shaft 27A connected to thebutterfly valve 26, athermo element 47 is positioned. - Into the
thermo element 47, a heat expansion element such as wax W which expands when it senses the heat is incorporated. Apiston rod 47 projecting toward the side of thevalve shaft 27B which moves in the direction of the shaft due to the expansion of the wax W, i.e., having afirst bevel gear 31 placed thereon is positioned on thethermo element 47. Fig. 6(b) shows the state where the piston rod 47a is projected due to the heat being sensed. - Fig. 6(c) shows the shape of the
thermo element 47 except for the piston rod and the shape of the end portion of the valve sheet at the side of thevalve shaft 27B connected to thethermo element 47 in the state where they are spilt into right and left sides. As shown in Fig. 6(c), thethermo element 47 is unified with the other end of thevalve shaft 27A, which is connected to thebutterfly valve 26. On a part of the side of the circumference of thethermo element 47, agroove 47b is formed in the axis direction. On the other hand, on the other end of thevalve shaft 27B having thefirst bevel gear 31 provided thereon, a cylinder portion 27B1 is provided. On the side of thethermo element 47, a communication pin 27B2 which projects toward the inner circumference and which is inserted into thegroove 47b is planted onto the cylinder portion 27B1. - Consequently, in the state shown in Fig. 6(a) or Fig. 6(b), due to the function of the
groove 47b and the communication pin 27B2 inserted therein, the valve shalt 27B is connected in the rotating direction and is slidable in the axis direction. - On the other hand, on the side of the
case 25 opposite to the cylinder portion 27B1, apositioning pin 25b is planted facing to the cylinder portion 27B1. Thevalve shaft 27B is assembled in such a manner that thepositioning pin 25b is inserted into a concave portion 274B4 formed into the cylinder portion 27B1. - The concave portion 27B4 is formed so that the side of the
first bevel gear 31 of the cylinder portion 27B1 has an angle of approximately 90° to the circumference direction. The side of thebutterfly valve 26 is formed so that thepositioning pin 25b can be inserted with a slight clearance. To be specific, when viewed from the direction making a right angle to the outer circumference of the cylinder portion 27B1, the concave portion 27B4 is formed into a shape like a triangle. The portion corresponding to one side of the triangle is a cam face 27B3. - At the end side, a
push spring 48 is placed on thevalve shaft 27B. Thepush spring 48 applies a resilient force to thevalve shaft 27B to the side of thevalve shaft 27A. - In the configuration described above, when the cooling water has a temperature within the prescribed range, the piston rod 47a in the
thermo element 47 never projects as shown in Fig. 6(a). To be specific, thevalve shaft 27B is pushed toward the side of thebutterfly valve 26 by the function of thepush spring 48. In this state, thepositioning pin 25b planted on thecase 25 is relatively positioned at one portion of the concave portion 27B4 formed on the cylinder portion 27B1 having an angle of 90° to the circumference direction. - For this reason, in this state, the
butterfly valve 26 can be opened and closed at an angle of approximately 90° by driving themotor 29. This secures the normal temperature control. - On the other hand, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature over the prescribed level, the heat is transmitted to the
valve shaft 27A to heat thethermo element 47. Into the thermo element, the wax W is incorporated and, thus, the piston rod 47a is projected to have a state as shown in Fig. 6(b). To be specific, thevalve shaft 27B is pushed by the piston rod 47a to go backward. - In this state, the
positioning pin 25b planted on thecase 25 relatively moves along the cam face 27B3 formed on the concave portion 27B4 of the cylinder portion 27B1 and, thus, thevalve shaft 27B is regulated within a prescribed angle. To be specific, thebutterfly valve 26 is locked in the open state. - At this time, according to the
valve shaft 27B going backward, thefirst bevel gear 31 provided o thevalve shaft 27B releases its engagement relation with the second bevel gear whereby the drive blockage mechanism is actuated to prevent the transmission of the driving force of themotor 29 to thebutterfly valve 26. This suppresses an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water to conduct a fail safe function which prevents the overheating of the engine E. - Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a member for blocking the driving force of the
motor 29 which controls opening and closing thebutterfly valve 26 according to the movement of the piston rod 47a of the thermo element is provided on the valve shaft, and that when the connection of the member is released, the butterfly valve is opened by the return spring. - To be specific, in Fig. 7, a
retainer 51 is positioned on thethermo element 47 in such a manner that theretainer 51 surrounds the piston rod 47a embedded in thethermo element 47. Acoil spring 52 is placed between theretainer 51 and thevalve shaft 27B, and thecoil spring 52 draws theretainer 51 up to the side of thethermo element 47. A pair of rods 51a are unified with theretainer 51, and the pair of the rods 51a are configured to be slidable along the shaft pore positioned in thevalve shaft 27B. - On the other hand, communication pores 27A1 are perforated on the end face of the valve shaft 27a opposite the pair of rods 51a.
- In Fig. 7(a), which shows the state where the cooling water has a temperature within the prescribed level, the piston rod 47a on the
thermo element 47 is in an embedded state. Consequently, theretainer 51 is also pushed by thespring 52, and the pair of the rods 51a making up the connecting member are communicated with the communication pores 27A1 formed in thevalve shaft 27A. - Accordingly, in this state, the
valve shafts butterfly valve 26 can be opened and closed according to the drive of themotor 29, ensuring the control of the cooling water at a normal temperature. - On the other hand, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed level, the thermo element is heated by transmitting the heat via the valve shaft 37A. Since the thermo element includes the wax W as the heat expansion element as described above, the piston rod 47a is projected to come into the state as shown in Fig. 7(b). To be specific, the
retainer 51 and the pair of rods 51 a unified therewith cause the spring to shrink and they move toward the side ofvalve shaft 27B. - For this reason, the communication between the pair of rods 51a and the communication pores 27A1 formed in the
valve shaft 27A is broken and they are disconnected. Consequently, thebutterfly valve 26 is opened due to the function of thereturn spring 26, and a fail safe function to prevent the engine E from overheating is carried out. - Fig. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in the fact that a heat actuating member using a heat sensitive element which changes its shape when it senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water, such as a shape memory alloy or a bimetal shaped, for example, into a coil spring is utilized, the cooling controller is configured so that the driving force of the motor is blocked on the valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve due to the actuation of the heat actuating member, and the butterfly valve is opened by the return spring.
- To be specific, as shown in Fig. 8, the left half portion of the
valve shaft 27 is formed into aprism 27d. Thefirst bevel gear 31 is slidable on theprism 27d and can be connected in the rotating direction. Between an approximately middle portion of thevalve shaft 27 and thefirst bevel gear 31, acoil spring 56 is positioned around the shaft, and thefirst bevel gear 31 is configured to be always engaged with thesecond bevel gear 32. - On the other hand, between the
first bevel gear 31 and the end portion of thevalve shaft 27, theheat actuating member 55 is positioned around the shaft. - In such a configuration, when the cooling water is heated up to a temperature higher than the prescribed temperature, the
heat actuating member 55 made from the shape memory alloy is heated by transmitting the heat through thevalve shaft 27. This expands theheat actuating element 55, which is in the direction of the shaft to push thefirst bevel gear 31 against thecoil spring 56. To be specific, theheat actuating element 55 moves thefirst bevel gear 31 as shown in the ideal line of Fig. 8. Due to this function, the engagement of thefirst bevel gear 31 with thesecond bevel gear 32 positioned on the side of the motor is released. Consequently, thebutterfly valve 26 is opened due to the function of the return spring to conduct a fail safe function which prevent the engine E from being overheated. - In this case, if a
heat actuating element 55 made from a bimetal is used in place of theheat actuating element 55 made from the shape memory alloy, a similar function and a similar effect may be obtained. - In the embodiments described above, the cooling controller of the present invention has been configured so that the butterfly valve is forcibly opened based on the electric detection of an abnormal state or an abnormal increase in the temperature of the cooling water. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not restricted to the butterfly valve, and that similar functions and effects can be obtained even when any other flow controlling valve which can control the flow of the cooling water by means of the rotation of the valve shaft is applied.
- Also, while the present invention has been described on the basis of the embodiments applied to the automobile engine, the present invention is not restricted to such specific embodiments, and similar functions and effects may be obtained by applying the present invention to any other internal combustion engine.
- As is clear from the description described above, according to the cooling controller of the present invention having a configuration which has, in addition to the usual drive circuits, the flow controlling valve which is forcibly opened by detecting an electric abnormal state, even if the motor which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve cannot be driven, e.g., due to the trouble in the ECU, the problem such as overheating of the internal combustion engine can be prevented and, thus, a secure fail safe function can be exhibited.
- Furthermore, since the forcible drive mechanism is unified with the flow controlling valve, similarly even if the motor which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve cannot be driven, e.g., due to the trouble in the ECU, a secure fail safe function can be exhibited, and a flow controlling valve having a light weight and good wearability can be provided.
Claims (12)
- A cooling controller for an internal combustion engine (E) including a flow controlling valve (19), which is placed on a circulation channel for cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger (R) and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, characterized in that it further possesses:a control unit (21) which transfers a signal for driving a motor (29) depending on the drive state of the internal combustion engine,a motor (29) which is driven by the signal for driving the motor from the control unit,a flow controlling valve (17) whose degree of opening is controlled by the driving force of the motor, andan electric control circuit (35, 35a, 35b, 35c) which forcibly drives the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the flow controlling valve based on an electric signal in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said electric circuit (35, 35a, 35b, 35c) blocks the circuit for connecting the control unit (21) and the motor (29) and supplies a drive signal for opening the flow controlling valve (17) to said motor, when any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 1, which further possesses a second motor (38) which drives the flow controlling valve (17), and wherein the electric control circuit (35, 35a, 35b, 35c) transfers a drive signal to the second motor to open the flow controlling valve in the case where any abnormality of the internal combustion engine is detected.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 1, which further possesses a return spring (41) which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, and a thermo switch (42) which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve (17) can be opened by the resilient force of the return spring by blocking the circuit (35, 35a, 35b, 35c) for connecting the control unit (21) and the motor (29).
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 1, which further possesses a return spring (41) which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve and a clutch mechanism (29B) which can control the connecting and disconnecting between the motor (29) and the flow controlling valve (17) by an electric signal, and a thermo switch (42) which senses the temperature of the cooling water and switches according to the prescribed level is used in the electric control, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring by releasing the clutch based on the actuation of the thermo switch.
- A cooling controller for an internal combustion engine (E) including a flow controlling valve (19), which is placed on a circulation channel of a cooling water between the internal combustion engine and a heat exchanger (R) and which controls the flow of the cooling water depending on the degree of the opening of the valve, characterized in that it further possesses:a control unit (21) which transfers a signal for driving a motor (29) depending on the drive state of the internal combustion engine,a motor (29) which is driven by the signal for driving the motor from the control unit,a flow controlling valve (17) whose degree of opening is controlled by the driving force of the motor, anda forcible driving mechanism which is placed within the flow controlling valve and which applies the resilient force to the flow controlling valve in the direction of opening the valve, when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the forcible driving mechanism is configured by a spring member (45), which control opening and closing of the flow controlling valve (17), provided by winding it on the valve shaft (27), and a pair of pin members (27a, 27b) communicated with both ends of the spring member respectively to hold the spring member, and the cooling controller is configured so that any one of the pins is formed from a heat-sensitive material which senses an abnormal temperature of the cooling water in which case the pin is released from the communication to the spring member, and the flow controlling valve is opened by the return force accompanying the release of the communication of the pin member.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element (47) having a piston rod (47a) which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a cam member (27B4) which converts the movement of the piston rod to a rotation, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened based on the rotation.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 6, which further possess a power blockage mechanism to prevent the transmission of the driving force of the motor to the flow controlling valve according to the movement of the piston rod of the thermo element (47).
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 6, which further possesses a return spring (41) which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve (17) in the direction of opening the valve, and wherein the forcible driving mechanism possesses a thermo element (47) having a piston rod (47a) which moves when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor (29) on a valve shaft (27) which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve (26) according to the movement of the piston rod of the thermo element, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 6, which further possesses a return spring (41) which applies a resilient force to the flow controlling valve (26) in the direction of opening the valve, and wherein the forcible driving mechanism possesses a heat actuating member (55) formed from a shape memory alloy which changes its shape when an abnormal temperature of the cooling water is sensed, and a connecting member for blocking the driving force of the motor (29) on a valve shaft which controls opening and closing the flow controlling valve (26) by the actuation of the heat actuating member, whereby the flow controlling valve is opened by the resilient force of the return spring through the blockage of the connecting member.
- The cooling controller as claimed in Claim 1 or 6, wherein said flow controlling valve is a butterfly valve (26).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP11153898 | 1998-04-07 | ||
JP10111538A JPH11294163A (en) | 1998-04-07 | 1998-04-07 | Cooling control device for internal combustion engine |
PCT/JP1999/001814 WO1999051863A1 (en) | 1998-04-07 | 1999-04-06 | Cooling control device of internal combustion engine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1035307A1 true EP1035307A1 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
EP1035307A4 EP1035307A4 (en) | 2007-06-13 |
Family
ID=14563909
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99912118A Withdrawn EP1035307A4 (en) | 1998-04-07 | 1999-04-06 | Cooling control device of internal combustion engine |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1035307A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11294163A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20010013250A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1263582A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2289018A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW417006B (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999051863A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2844931A1 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2004-03-26 | Siemens Ag | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A ROTATING ELEMENT |
CN101302958B (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2011-02-09 | 日产自动车株式会社 | Cooling device of internal combustion engine |
EP2487346A1 (en) * | 2009-10-05 | 2012-08-15 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Cooling device for vehicle |
WO2013174587A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Magna Powertrain Ag & Co Kg | Valve |
DE102014204485B3 (en) * | 2014-03-11 | 2015-02-12 | Magna Powertrain Ag & Co. Kg | Valve with fail-safe mechanism |
EP3279534A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-07 | Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG | Control knob with energy accumulator moved at the same time |
EP3186537A4 (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2018-04-18 | A. Raymond et Cie. | Fluid control valve utilizing shape memory alloy driving spring |
EP3636323A1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-15 | Siemens Schweiz AG | Blocking device for a fire damper, blocking device system and method for blocking a drive device |
EP4146966B1 (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2024-03-27 | AUMA Riester GmbH & Co. KG | Fail-safe drive and actuating drive with a fail-safe drive |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN101283170B (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2010-08-18 | 通用电气公司 | Integrated engine control and cooling system for diesel engines |
TWI396634B (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2013-05-21 | Kwang Yang Motor Co | Vehicle cooling system |
WO2011037287A1 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | 한국산업기술대학교산학협력단 | Fail safety actuator |
WO2014207055A1 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2014-12-31 | Magna Powertrain Ag & Co Kg | Valve with fail-safe mechanism |
KR101567434B1 (en) * | 2014-07-31 | 2015-11-12 | 인지컨트롤스 주식회사 | Fail safety coolant control valve |
JP6265195B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2018-01-24 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Control device for internal combustion engine |
CN106015704B (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-06-19 | 中煤科工集团西安研究院有限公司 | A kind of engine electromagnet shut-off valve |
CN109176399A (en) * | 2018-11-14 | 2019-01-11 | 国网上海市电力公司 | A kind of 9E combustion engine movable vane piece safety plug installation tool and its installation method |
CN110094255A (en) * | 2019-05-28 | 2019-08-06 | 曲阜天博汽车零部件制造有限公司 | A kind of engine system, thermosistor and thermosistor error prevention device |
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- 1999-04-06 CA CA002289018A patent/CA2289018A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-04-06 KR KR19997011241A patent/KR20010013250A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-04-06 WO PCT/JP1999/001814 patent/WO1999051863A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-04-06 EP EP99912118A patent/EP1035307A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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EP0485254A1 (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 1992-05-13 | Vernet | Wax expansion powered thermostat with a safety device |
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Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2844931A1 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2004-03-26 | Siemens Ag | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A ROTATING ELEMENT |
CN101302958B (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2011-02-09 | 日产自动车株式会社 | Cooling device of internal combustion engine |
EP2487346A1 (en) * | 2009-10-05 | 2012-08-15 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Cooling device for vehicle |
EP2487346A4 (en) * | 2009-10-05 | 2014-01-01 | Toyota Motor Co Ltd | Cooling device for vehicle |
WO2013174587A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Magna Powertrain Ag & Co Kg | Valve |
DE102014204485B3 (en) * | 2014-03-11 | 2015-02-12 | Magna Powertrain Ag & Co. Kg | Valve with fail-safe mechanism |
EP3186537A4 (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2018-04-18 | A. Raymond et Cie. | Fluid control valve utilizing shape memory alloy driving spring |
EP3279534A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-07 | Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG | Control knob with energy accumulator moved at the same time |
DE102016114492A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-08 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Knob with mitbewegbarem energy storage |
US10570804B2 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2020-02-25 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Rotary regulator with concomitantly movable force store |
EP3636323A1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-15 | Siemens Schweiz AG | Blocking device for a fire damper, blocking device system and method for blocking a drive device |
WO2020074220A1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-16 | Siemens Schweiz Ag | Blocking device for a fire damper, blocking device system, and method for blocking a drive direction |
US11957943B2 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2024-04-16 | Siemens Schweiz Ag | Blocking apparatus for a fire damper, blocking apparatus system and method for blocking a drive direction |
EP4146966B1 (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2024-03-27 | AUMA Riester GmbH & Co. KG | Fail-safe drive and actuating drive with a fail-safe drive |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH11294163A (en) | 1999-10-26 |
CA2289018A1 (en) | 1999-10-14 |
KR20010013250A (en) | 2001-02-26 |
EP1035307A4 (en) | 2007-06-13 |
CN1263582A (en) | 2000-08-16 |
WO1999051863A1 (en) | 1999-10-14 |
TW417006B (en) | 2001-01-01 |
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