JP2008121434A - Vehicle cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively provide a vehicle cooling system for dispensing with air bleeding work by manual operation, and capable of bleeding air of a cooling water flow passage without largely changing a device constitution of the vehicle cooling system. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicle cooling system 1 has a thermostat 4 for distributing a flow rate of a flow rate of cooling water flowing in a second flow passage 12 from a radiator flow passage 13 and a flow rate of the cooling water flowing in the second flow passage 12 from a bypass flow passage 14, a water pump 5 arranged in the second flow passage 12, and a reservoir tank 10 connected to the uppermost part of the radiator flow passage 13 via a pressure regulating valve 9b, capable of storing the cooling water and capable of separating air, and has an air bleeding control means for restraining the flow rate of the cooling water flowing in the radiator flow passage 13 by controlling at least any one of the thermostat 4 and the water pump 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle cooling device.

  As a conventional technique, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an air vent valve (28 in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1) is provided at the uppermost portion of an oil cooler (21 in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1). There is known a vehicle cooling device that is configured to be able to vent the cooling water flow path by opening and closing the air venting valve.

  In the vehicle cooling device of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that a manual air venting operation is required. In order to solve this problem, a vehicle cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has been proposed. In the vehicle cooling device of Patent Document 2, the outlet of the reservoir (3 of FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2) is connected to the suction port of a water pump (2 of FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2) in which the air in the cooling water flow path is likely to stay. By doing so, the cooling water passage can be vented.

JP 2001-280137 A (see FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-16433 (refer to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5)

  However, in the vehicle cooling device of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to significantly change the device configuration of the conventional vehicle cooling device shown in FIG. Specifically, for example, when the apparatus configuration of FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2 is adopted, the water pump of FIG. 5 of Patent Document 2 needs to be relocated downstream of the engine and connected to the outlet of the reservoir. It was. Further, in the case of adopting the apparatus configuration of FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to add a water pump downstream of the engine and connect it to the outlet of the reservoir.

  For this reason, there is an advantage that manual air venting is not necessary, but there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases due to the change or expansion of the water pump and the connection with the outlet of the reservoir.

  An object of the present invention is to realize a low-cost vehicle cooling device that does not require a manual air bleeding operation and that can vent the cooling water passage without significantly changing the configuration of the vehicle cooling device. And

(First feature configuration)
The first characteristic configuration of the present invention includes an engine internal passage through which cooling water passes through the engine, first and second passages connected downstream and upstream of the engine internal passage, and the first passage. A radiator flow path connected to the upstream side of the second flow path from the downstream side of the radiator, and a bypass flow path provided around the first flow path and the second flow path, bypassing the radiator And comprising a cooling water flow path, a flow rate of cooling water flowing from the radiator flow path to the second flow path, and a flow rate of cooling water flowing from the bypass flow path to the second flow path A thermostat for distributing the flow rate, a water pump disposed in the second flow path, and a reservoir capable of storing cooling water and separating air connected to the uppermost portion of the radiator flow path via a pressure regulating valve; The vehicle cooling device equipped with Te,
An air vent control means is provided for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path by controlling at least one of the thermostat and the water pump.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, when the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path is suppressed, the flow rate of the cooling water passing through the radiator flow path becomes slower than when the flow rate of the cooling water is not suppressed. As a result, the air passing through the uppermost part of the radiator flow path without being guided to the reservoir by the momentum of the cooling water as in the case where the flow rate of the cooling water is not suppressed is reduced, and the air passing through the uppermost part of the radiator flow path is reduced. It becomes easy to guide to the reservoir through the pressure regulating valve connected to the uppermost part of the radiator flow path. The air guided to the reservoir is separated from the cooling water, and the cooling water is vented. In this way, the cooling water passage can be automatically vented by suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator passage by the air vent control means.
Therefore, it is possible to realize a vehicle cooling device that does not require manual air venting and that can vent the cooling water passage without significantly changing the device configuration of the vehicle cooling device at low cost.

(Second feature configuration)
The second characteristic configuration of the present invention starts to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow passage after a set time has elapsed from the start of the engine, and completes the flow rate suppression after the set time has elapsed after the start of the flow rate suppression. Thus, the air bleeding control means is configured.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, it is possible to vent the cooling water flow path by suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path when it is easy to guide the air of the cooling water flow path to the reservoir. As a result, the air in the cooling water passage can be efficiently guided to the reservoir. Specifically, for example, when the flow rate suppression is started at the time when cooling water starts to flow into the radiator flow path and the flow rate suppression is completed after the set time has elapsed, the air accumulated at the top of the radiator flow path when the engine is stopped Can be efficiently guided to the reservoir through the pressure regulating valve without being diffused.

(Third feature configuration)
The third characteristic configuration of the present invention comprises a water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature of the first flow path,
When the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means reaches a set temperature, the air bleeding control means is configured to start suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, the temperature of the cooling water heated by the engine can be detected by the water temperature detecting means, and the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path when the temperature of the cooling water heated by the engine is an appropriate temperature. The flow rate suppression can be started and the air bleeding from the cooling water channel can be started. As a result, for example, when the temperature reaches the temperature at which the cooling water begins to flow into the radiator flow path, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be controlled so that the cooling water flows into the radiator flow path. The flow rate of cooling water can be suppressed at an appropriate time to start.

(Fourth feature configuration)
According to a fourth characteristic configuration of the present invention, the thermostat is configured with an electric thermostat that can be arbitrarily opened and closed, and the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path is suppressed by reducing the opening of the electric thermostat. It is in the point which comprises the said air bleeding control means.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be suppressed by arbitrarily opening and closing the electric thermostat. As a result, the timing for suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be arbitrarily adjusted by opening and closing the electric thermostat.

(Fifth feature configuration)
According to a fifth characteristic configuration of the present invention, the water pump is constituted by an electric water pump, and the discharge amount of the electric water pump is reduced, so that the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path is suppressed. It is in the point which comprises an air bleeding control means.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be suppressed by supplying electric power to the electric water pump and arbitrarily operating the electric water pump. As a result, for example, it can be configured to operate by reducing the discharge amount of the electric water pump at a time when the cooling water starts to flow into the radiator flow path, and the cooling water flows into the radiator flow path. The flow rate of the cooling water can be suppressed at an appropriate time to start.

(Sixth feature configuration)
According to a sixth feature of the present invention, the thermostat is constituted by an electric thermostat that can be arbitrarily opened and closed, the water pump is constituted by an electric water pump, the opening degree of the electric thermostat is reduced, and the discharge of the water pump The air removal control means is configured to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path by reducing the amount.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be suppressed by the air vent control means in cooperation with the electric thermostat and the electric water pump. As a result, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path can be accurately controlled as compared with the case where the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path is controlled by only one of the electric thermostat and the electric water pump. .
Therefore, the cooling water passage can be efficiently vented.

(Seventh feature configuration)
The seventh characteristic configuration of the present invention comprises restart determining means for determining restart in the engine warm-up state or restart after the set time has elapsed after the engine is stopped, and the engine is restarted by the restart determining means. If it is determined, the air bleeding control means is configured not to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path.

(Function and effect)
With the above configuration, when the restart determining means determines that the engine is restarted in a warm-up state or restarted after a predetermined time has elapsed after the engine is stopped, and it is determined that the engine has restarted, the radiator The flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the flow path is not suppressed. As a result, when the engine and the cooling water are already warm and there is a high need for cooling the engine, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path is suppressed, and the flow rate of the cooling water supplied to the engine is limited. Can be prevented.

  Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling water supplied to the engine is limited, and the engine can be prevented from overheating without being sufficiently cooled.

Hereinafter, a vehicle cooling device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a vehicle cooling device 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an air bleeding mode (air bleeding control means). FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the state of changes in the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 7 when the air bleeding mode is performed, the on / off state of the electric thermostat 4 and the discharge amount of the water pump 5.

[Overall configuration of vehicle cooling system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle cooling device 1 includes an engine 2 as a heat source, a radiator 3 that cools cooling water, an electric thermostat 4 (thermostat) that distributes the flow of cooling water, and a variable capacity that circulates cooling water. An electric water pump 5 (electric water pump), a vehicle compartment heater 6 for heating the vehicle compartment, a water temperature sensor 7 (water temperature detection means) for detecting the water temperature downstream of the engine internal passage 2a, and the like are provided. . The radiator 3 includes a cooling fan (not shown), a radiator cap 9, a reservoir tank 10, and the like.

  In the engine 2, an engine internal flow path 2 a is formed, and the engine 2 can be cooled by circulating cooling water through the engine internal flow path 2 a. A downstream connection port 2b and an upstream connection port 2c are formed downstream and upstream of the engine internal flow path 2a, respectively.

  The radiator 3 is formed with an in-radiator flow path 3a (a part of the radiator flow path 13) for circulating the cooling water, and the cooling water can be cooled by circulating the cooling water in the in-radiator flow path 3a. An upper connection port 3b and a lower connection port 3c are formed upstream and downstream of the in-radiator flow path 3a.

  The downstream connection port 2 b of the engine 2 is connected to the upper connection port 3 b of the radiator 3 via the first flow path 11 and the radiator flow path 13. The lower connection port 3 c of the radiator 3 is connected to the electric thermostat 4 via the radiator flow path 13.

  The electric thermostat 4 is connected to the suction port of the water pump 5 via the second flow path 12, and the discharge port of the water pump 5 is connected to the upstream connection port 2 c of the engine 2 via the second flow path 12. It is connected.

  A bypass channel 14 that bypasses the radiator 3 is formed downstream of the first channel 11 (upstream of the radiator channel 13) and is connected to the electric thermostat 4.

  A heater flow path 15 that bypasses the engine 2 is formed in the second flow path 12 upstream of the suction port of the water pump 5. A vehicle interior heater 6 is connected to the heater flow path 15, and the vehicle interior can be heated by heat exchange using cooling water that circulates constantly.

  As described above, the vehicle cooling device 1 includes the engine internal flow path 2a, the radiator internal flow path 3a, the first and second flow paths 11 and 12, the radiator flow path 13, the bypass flow path 14, and the heater flow path 15. The cooling water flow path is configured.

  A water temperature sensor 7 (water temperature detecting means) is connected to the first flow path 11 near the downstream connection port 2b of the engine 2, and the temperature of the cooling water heated by the engine 2 downstream of the engine internal flow path 2a is measured. It can be measured.

  A reservoir channel 16 is formed at the top of the in-radiator channel 3 a and is connected to the reservoir 10 via a radiator cap 9 attached to the radiator 3.

  The reservoir flow path 16 is connected to the reservoir 10 from the uppermost part of the in-radiator flow path 3a through a pressure adjustment valve 9a attached to the radiator cap 9. The pressure of the cooling water circulating through the vehicle cooling device 1 can be kept constant by the pressure regulating valve 9a. When the pressure of the cooling water flow path increases due to an increase in the water temperature or driving of the water pump 5, the cooling water is added. When the pressure is reached), a part of the cooling water is guided from the cooling water flow path to the reservoir 10. Further, when the pressure of the radiator flow path 3a decreases due to a decrease in the water temperature or the water pump 5 being stopped (when the cooling water is in a negative pressure state), a part of the cooling water is guided from the reservoir 10 to the radiator internal flow path 3a. .

The electric thermostat 4 includes a thermo element 4a and a heater 4b. The thermo element 4a expands as the coolant temperature rises around the radiator 3 and flows in from the bypass flow path 14. When the temperature of the cooling water reaches a lower limit temperature T ₃ (for example, 80 ° C.) of a predetermined control temperature range for completing the warm-up operation, the cooling water that has passed through the radiator 3 enters the second flow path 12 via the radiator flow path 13. The flow rate of the cooling water guided to the second flow path 12 is increased as the temperature approaches the upper limit temperature T ₄ (for example, 90 ° C.) of the predetermined temperature range (see FIG. 3).

  The electric thermostat 4 is provided with a heater 4b for heating the thermo element 4a. The electric thermostat 4 can be opened and closed and the opening degree of the electric thermostat 4 can be artificially changed by energizing the heater 4b. It is configured. That is, it is possible to artificially open and close the electric thermostat 4 without reaching the above-described predetermined temperature range. Further, the flow rate of the cooling water guided to the second flow path 12 can be increased or decreased by artificially changing the opening of the electric thermostat 4 (adjusting the amount of power supplied to the heater 4b).

  The water pump 5 is electrically driven with a variable capacity, and the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is changed by changing the duty ratio of the amount of power supplied to a DC motor (not shown) that drives the water pump 5. it can.

  The heater 4b, the water pump 5 and the water temperature sensor 7 of the electric thermostat 4 are connected to the ECU, and are configured such that the electric thermostat 4 and the water pump 5 can be controlled by an air bleeding mode and restart determination means described later. .

[Air bleeding mode]
Based on FIG.2 and FIG.3, air bleeding mode is demonstrated. In this embodiment, the case where the engine 2 is started from a state in which the water temperature T _{0 at the} engine outlet is close to normal temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and the air bleeding mode is performed in the state where the warm-up operation is performed is taken as an example. explain.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water temperature T _W of the first flow path 11 is constantly monitored by the water temperature sensor 7 (step # 11), and the water temperature T _W measured by the water temperature sensor 7 is the temperature T ₁ (for example, 50 ° C.). It is determined whether or not this is the case (step # 12). If it is determined that the water temperature _TW is equal to or higher than T ₁ (step # 12, YES), an electric thermostat opening command is issued, electric power is supplied to the heater 4b, and the electric thermostat 4 is opened (step # 13). .

Although not shown, when the engine 2 is restarted, when the water temperature T _W measured by the water temperature sensor 7 has already exceeded T ₁ , that is, when the engine is restarted in a warm-up state in which the engine has already been warmed. Are configured with a restart determining means and an air bleeding mode so as not to perform air bleeding.

When an electric thermostat opening command is issued and a time t ₁ preset by the timer 1 has elapsed (step # 14), a water pump low flow rate operation command is issued (step # 15).

When the water pump low flow rate operation command is issued, power of a preset duty ratio is supplied to the DC motor of the water pump 5 to drive the water pump 5 so as to have a low discharge amount Q1. After the water pump 5 is driven at a low flow rate with the electric thermostat 4 opened (step # 16, NO), it is determined whether or not the water temperature T _W measured by the water temperature sensor 7 is equal to or higher than T ₂ (eg, 70 ° C.) ( Step # 16).

When the water temperature T _W is determined to be T ₂ or more (step # 16 · YES), it issues a water pump low flow release command, provides power duty ratio set in advance in the DC motor of the water pump 5 Then, the water pump 5 is driven so that the discharge amount gradually increases toward Q ₂ (step # 17). Next, an electric thermostat closing command is issued, the supply of electric power to the heater 4b is cut off, and the electric thermostat 4 is closed (step # 18).

Based on FIG. 3, the water temperature, the on / off state of the electric thermostat 4 and the change in the discharge amount of the water pump 5 when the air bleeding mode is performed will be described. Figure 3 (b) is a graph showing the temperature change of the first flow path 11 from the engine start, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the vertical axis represents temperature T _W. FIG. 3B is a graph showing the energization state of the electric thermostat 4 from the start of the engine. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates on / off of the electric thermostat 4. Further, FIG. 3C is a graph showing a change in the discharge amount of the water pump 5 from the start of the engine, where the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time and the vertical axis indicates the discharge amount Q of the water pump 5.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the water temperature T _W of the first flow path 11 measured by the water temperature sensor 7 gradually increases with the passage of time from the water temperature T ₀ (for example, 10 ° C.) at the time of starting the engine. .

As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the water temperature T _W from engine start gradually reaches the elevated T ₁ (e.g., 50 ° C.), an electric thermostat 4 is opened. When the water temperature further rises and reaches T ₂ (for example, 70 ° C.), the electric thermostat 4 is closed and the air bleeding mode ends. Note that when the water temperature further rises and reaches a water temperature T ₃ (for example, 80 ° C.) at which the warm-up operation is completed, the electric thermostat 4 is mechanically opened and a large amount of cooling water cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is cooled. Is supplied to the engine 2.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the water pump 5 enters a warm-up operation for a while after the engine is started and is driven with a small amount of discharge. Water temperature T _W by the warm-up operation of the engine 2 reaches the elevated T ₁ (e.g., 50 ° C.), after a lapse of time set t ₁ in the timer 1, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is suppressed to Q _1.

The discharge amount Q ₁ is set to such a flow rate that the air accumulated in the uppermost part of the radiator flow path 13 or the air flowing through the cooling water flow path can be easily led to the reservoir 10 via the pressure adjustment valve 9a. . Further, by changing the discharge amount to Q ₁ water pump 5 in the air bleeding mode, the characteristics of the engine 2, the characteristics of the water pump 5, an appropriate discharge amount can be realized in accordance with the difference in the configuration of the cooling water flow path. In FIG. 3 (c), an example of holding the discharge amount Q ₁ to a constant flow rate, changing the discharge quantity Q ₁ within a predetermined time (put the intensity in the discharge amount Q ₁₎ by, Air can be vented more efficiently.

When the water temperature further rises and reaches T ₂ (for example, 70 ° C.), when the electric thermostat 4 is closed, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is increased almost simultaneously, and the air bleeding mode is terminated. Then, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 gradually increases toward Q ₂ , and the cooling water cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is supplied to the engine 2. When the water temperature further rises and reaches a water temperature T ₃ (for example, 80 ° C.) at which the warm-up operation is completed, the electric thermostat 4 is mechanically opened, and a large amount of cooling cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is performed. Water is supplied to the engine 2.

[Another embodiment]
(1)
Time in the above embodiment, an example embodying the bleeding mode based on the water temperature T _W detected by the water temperature sensor 7, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, set in advance from engine start The air bleed mode may be configured to start air bleed after elapse and complete air bleed after a preset time has elapsed after the start of air bleed. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that matters other than those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are the same as those in the above embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the air bleeding mode in this other embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 7 when the air bleeding mode in this other embodiment is implemented, on / off of the electric thermostat 4 and water. 6 is a time chart showing the state of change in the discharge amount of the pump 5; In this embodiment, the case where the engine 2 is started from a state where the water temperature of the first flow path 11 is close to normal temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and the air bleeding mode is performed in the state where the warm-up operation is performed is an example. I will explain to you.

As shown in FIG. 4, which is constantly monitored for the start conditions of the engine 2 (step # 21), it is determined whether the ignition switch S _I is turned ON (step # 22). If the ignition switch S _I is judged to have been turned ON (step # 22 · YES), the timer 2 is activated (step # 23).

When the time t ₂ preset by the timer 2 elapses, an electric thermostat opening command is issued, electric power is supplied to the heater 4b, and the electric thermostat 4 is opened (step # 24). Next, after elapse of a time t ₃ set in advance by the timer 3 (step # 25), a water pump low flow rate operation command is issued, power of a preset duty ratio is supplied to the DC motor of the water pump 5, and the water be driven so that the pump 5 to a low discharge rate Q ₁ (step # 26). When the water pump 5 is driven at a low flow rate with the electric thermostat 4 opened, the timer 4 is activated (step # 27).

When the preset time t ₄ of the timer 4 elapses, a water pump low flow rate release command is issued (step # 28), power of a preset duty ratio is supplied to the DC motor of the water pump 5, and the water pump 5 The discharge rate increases. Next, an electric thermostat closing command is issued, the supply of electric power to the heater 4b is interrupted to close the electric thermostat 4 (step # 29), and the air bleeding mode is ended.

Based on FIG. 5, the state of the change of the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 7, the on / off of the electric thermostat 4 and the discharge amount of the water pump 5 when the air bleeding mode is performed will be described. Figure 5 (b) is a graph showing the temperature change of the first flow path 11 from the engine start, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the vertical axis represents temperature T _W. FIG. 5B is a graph showing the energization state of the electric thermostat 4 from the start of the engine, where the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time and the vertical axis indicates on / off of the electric thermostat 4. Further, FIG. 5C is a graph showing a change in the discharge amount of the water pump 5 from the start of the engine, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the discharge amount Q of the water pump 5.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the time t ₂ has elapsed since the engine start, the electric thermostat 4 is opened. When the times t ₃ and t ₄ further elapse, the electric thermostat 4 is closed and the air bleeding mode ends. Note that when the electric thermostat 4 reaches a temperature at which the electric thermostat 4 opens mechanically after a further time, the electric thermostat 4 is opened again, and the cooling water cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is supplied to the engine 2.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the water pump 5 enters a warm-up operation for a while after the engine is started and is driven with a small amount of discharge. When the time t ₃ has elapsed from opening of the electric thermostat 4, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is reduced to Q _1. When the time t ₄ further elapses, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 increases substantially simultaneously with the closing of the electric thermostat 4, and the air bleeding mode ends. Then, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 gradually increases toward Q ₂ , and a large amount of cooling water cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is supplied to the engine 2.

The time (t _{2 to} t ₄ ) of the timer 2, the timer 3 and the timer 4 is set with respect to the time t ₅ when the warm-up operation is completed. It is set to a time that can be carried out. Time t ₂ of the timer 2, the temperature of the warm-up operation to some extent performed by cooling water of the engine 2 is set to a time reaching the elevated liable temperature opens electric thermostat 4. Further, the time t _{4 of the} timer 4 is set to a time during which air can be sufficiently removed.

The time t ₅ from the engine start to the warm-up operation is completed in which different by a change in the vehicle environment, as can be performed reliably bleeding mode until warm-up operation completion, the warm-up operation completion of each vehicle environment The time (t _{2 to} t ₄ ) of the timers 2, 3 and ₄ is set by grasping the time characteristics. Note that, by setting the times (t _{2 to} t ₄ ) of the timers 2, 3, and 4 to different times according to changes in the vehicle environment or the like, air can be vented at an appropriate time from the start of the engine.

  Although not shown, when the engine 2 is restarted after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has not elapsed since the engine 2 was stopped, that is, when the engine is already warmed. When restarting, the restart determining means and the air bleeding mode are configured so as not to perform air bleeding.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the example in which the air venting mode is implemented by turning on / off the electric thermostat 4 and limiting the discharge amount of the water pump 5 has been shown. However, as shown in FIG. The air bleeding mode may be configured to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path 13 by controlling only the amount.

Based on FIG. 6, the state of the change of the water temperature of the 1st flow path 11 and the discharge amount of the water pump 5 at the time of implementing the air bleeding mode in this another embodiment is demonstrated. 6 (b) is a graph showing the temperature change of the first flow path 11 from the engine start, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the vertical axis represents temperature T _W. FIG. 6B is a graph showing a change in the discharge amount of the water pump 5 from the start of the engine, where the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time and the vertical axis indicates the discharge amount Q of the water pump 5.

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the water temperature T _W of the first flow path 11 detected by the water temperature sensor 7 gradually increases with the passage of time from the water temperature T ₀ (for example, 10 ° C.) at the time of starting the engine. To go. Therefore, by observing the water temperature T _W, an electric thermostat 4 can predict the time to mechanically open and close.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the water pump 5 enters the warm-up operation from the engine start and is driven with a small discharge amount. When the time t5 which is preset from the engine start has elapsed, the discharge amount of the water pump is suppressed Q _1. Furthermore, when a preset time t ₆ has elapsed, the discharge rate of the water pump 5 increases, and the air bleeding mode ends. Then, the discharge amount of the water pump 5 gradually increases toward Q ₂ , and a large amount of cooling water cooled through the radiator flow path 13 is supplied to the engine 2.

The time t ₅ in FIG. 6 (b) is set with respect to the time for which the electric thermostat 4 is predicted to be mechanically opened, and the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is limited almost simultaneously when the electric thermostat 4 is mechanically opened. Thus, the air can be vented. In addition, air bleeding can be performed at an appropriate time by configuring the air bleeding mode so as to change the times t ₅ and t ₆ depending on the vehicle environment or the like.

  In this way, by configuring the air bleeding mode by controlling only the discharge amount of the water pump 5, the number of objects to be controlled is reduced, so that the configuration of the vehicle cooling device 1 can be simplified and manufactured. Cost reduction can be achieved.

(3)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the air vent mode is implemented by turning on and off the electric thermostat 4 and limiting the discharge amount of the water pump 5 or by limiting only the discharge amount of the water pump 5 is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the air bleeding mode may be configured so as to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path 13 by adjusting the opening of the electric thermostat 4.

  As described above, the electric thermostat 4 is configured so that the opening degree can be artificially changed by energizing the heater 4b. Therefore, the opening degree of the electric thermostat 4 can be artificially changed by adjusting the amount of power supplied to the heater 4b. Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path 13 is limited by suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water passing through the electric thermostat 4 from the radiator flow path 13 by the throttling effect by changing the opening of the electric thermostat 4. can do.

Based on FIG. 7, the water temperature of the 1st flow path 11 at the time of implementing the air bleeding mode in this another embodiment, and the on / off state of the electric thermostat 4 are demonstrated. Figure 7 (b) is a graph showing the temperature change of the first flow path 11 from the engine start, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, the vertical axis represents temperature T _W. FIG. 7B is a graph showing the energization state of the electric thermostat 4 from the start of the engine. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates on / off of the electric thermostat 4.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the water temperature T _W of the first flow path 11 measured by the temperature sensor 7 is gradually increased from the temperature T ₀ (for example 10 ° C.) to elapse and wake time at the start of the engine To go. Therefore, by observing the water temperature T _W, an electric thermostat 4 can predict the time to mechanically open and close.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the time t ₇ which is set in advance from the engine start has elapsed, it entered the air bleeding mode described above, by supplying the small amount of power to the heater 4b electric thermostat 4, electric thermostat 4 is opened a little. Further, when a preset time t ₈ elapses, the electric thermostat 4 is closed and the air bleeding mode is terminated.

Figure 7 (b) t ₇ and t ₈ in is electric thermostat 4 is set for the time which is expected to open and close, before the electric thermostat 4 opens mechanically artificially in a state of focused opening The electric thermostat 4 is opened to enable air bleeding. In addition, air bleeding can be performed at an appropriate time by configuring the air bleeding mode so as to change t ₇ and t ₈ depending on the vehicle environment or the like.

  Thus, since the number of objects to be controlled is reduced by configuring the air bleeding mode by adjusting only the opening degree of the electric thermostat 4, the configuration of the vehicle cooling device 1 can be simplified and manufactured. Cost reduction can be achieved.

(4)
In the above embodiment, the example of the air bleed mode configured to start the air bleed by the water temperature and complete the air bleed by the water temperature, and start the air bleed by the time and complete the air bleed by the time. Although an example in which the air bleeding mode is configured is shown, the air bleeding mode may be configured by a combination of time and temperature as follows.

For example, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 7 reaches a temperature T ₁ (for example, 50 ° C.), the air bleeding is started, and the air bleeding mode is configured so that the air bleeding is completed after the set time has elapsed after the air bleeding starts. May be. In addition, air bleeding is started after a preset time has elapsed from the start of the engine, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 7 reaches a preset water temperature T ₂ (for example, 70 ° C.), the air bleeding mode is completed. It may be configured.

(5)
The temperature (T _{0 to} T ₄ ), time (t _{1 to} t ₈ ), and discharge amount (Q ₁ , Q ₂ ) of the water pump shown in the above embodiment are shown as examples and have different values. May be.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the air bleeding mode is performed using the electric water pump 5 has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to the electric water pump 5 but a mechanical water pump (not shown). The same applies to.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the air vent mode is performed using the electric thermostat 4 has been described. However, the thermostat 4 is not limited to the electric thermostat 4 provided with the heater 4b and the like and can be opened and closed artificially. The same applies to the case of (not shown). Further, instead of the thermostat, the vehicle cooling device 1 may be configured to distribute the flow rate mechanically or electrically using a flow rate adjusting valve or the like (not shown). Further, although the example in which the pressure regulating valve 9a is mounted on the radiator cap 9 has been shown, it may be disposed at a different position, for example, may be mounted on the reservoir 10.

The block diagram which shows the outline of the whole structure of a vehicle cooling device Air bleeding mode flowchart Time chart showing one embodiment of air bleeding mode Flow chart of air bleeding mode in another embodiment Time chart showing an example of the air bleeding mode in another embodiment Time chart showing an example of the air bleeding mode in another embodiment Time chart showing an example of the air bleeding mode in another embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle cooling device 2 Engine 3 Radiator 4 Electric thermostat (thermostat)
5 Water pump (electric water pump)
7 Water temperature sensor (water temperature detection means)
9a Pressure adjusting valve 10 Reservoir 11 First flow path 12 Second flow path 13 Radiator flow path 14 Bypass flow path T ₁ temperature

Claims (7)

An engine internal passage through which cooling water passes through the engine, first and second passages connected to the downstream and upstream of the engine internal passage, and the first through the radiator from the downstream of the first passage. A radiator flow path connected upstream of the two flow paths, and a bypass flow path that bypasses the radiator and is provided across the first flow path and the second flow path. And a thermostat that distributes the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the radiator flow channel into the second flow channel and the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the bypass flow channel into the second flow channel, A vehicle cooling apparatus comprising: a water pump disposed in two flow paths; and a reservoir capable of storing cooling water and separating air connected to an uppermost portion of the radiator flow path via a pressure regulating valve. ,
The vehicle cooling device provided with the air vent control means which controls the flow volume of the cooling water which flows in into the said radiator flow path by controlling at least any one of the said thermostat and the said water pump.   The air bleeding control means starts to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path after the set time has elapsed from the start of the engine, and completes the flow rate control after the set time has elapsed after the start of the flow rate suppression. The vehicle cooling device according to claim 1, comprising: Water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature of the first flow path;
2. The vehicle cooling according to claim 1, wherein the air vent control unit is configured to start suppressing the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection unit reaches a set temperature. apparatus.   The thermostat is configured by an electric thermostat that can be opened and closed arbitrarily, and the air vent control means is configured to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path by restricting the opening of the electric thermostat. The vehicle cooling device according to claim 2 or 3.   The water pump is constituted by an electric water pump, and the air vent control means is constituted so as to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the radiator flow path by reducing the discharge amount of the electric water pump. The vehicle cooling device according to claim 3.   The radiator is configured by an electric thermostat that can be arbitrarily opened and closed, the water pump is configured by an electric water pump, the opening of the electric thermostat is reduced, and the discharge amount of the water pump is reduced, thereby reducing the radiator. The vehicle cooling device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the air bleeding control means is configured to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the flow path.   A restart determining means for determining restart in the engine warm-up state or restart after the set time has elapsed after the engine is stopped; and when the engine is restarted by the restart determining means, the radiator The vehicle cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air bleeding control means is configured so as not to suppress the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the flow path.

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