JP3893998B2 - Engine cooling system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an engine cooling apparatus that can improve the heating and warming-up performance of a vehicle such as an automobile equipped with a water-cooled engine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an engine cooling device for a vehicle such as an automobile equipped with a water-cooled engine (hereinafter referred to as an engine), in order to improve heating and warm-up performance, a heat accumulator having a heat insulating tank structure in which engine cooling water enters and exits is used. Is proposed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-272327.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling water flowing out from the engine 100 is supplied to the heater core 101 for heating and returned to the engine 100, and supplied to the radiator 103 or bypass path 104. Thus, a second cooling path 105 that returns to the engine 100 by bypassing the radiator 103, a cooling water that is returned via the first cooling path 102, and a cooling water that is returned via the second cooling path 105 are And a recirculation path 106 for guiding the merged cooling water to the engine 100, and the above-mentioned heat accumulator 107 is interposed upstream of the heater core 101 for heating in the first cooling path 102. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 108 denotes a thermostat that controls the flow of cooling water to the radiator 103 and the bypass 104 according to the cooling water temperature, and 109 is a water pump that is mechanically driven in conjunction with the water-cooled engine 100. It is.
[0004]
Accordingly, at the time of cold start or the like, the cooling water flowing out from the engine 100 is caused to flow in the second cooling path 105 to the bypass path 104 by the thermostat 108, and the cooling water temperature is lowered by heat exchange in the radiator 103. In the first cooling path 102, the cooling water is replaced with the cooling water stored in the heat accumulator 107 and supplied to the heating heater core 101. Since the high-temperature cooling water accumulated in the vessel 107 is supplied, the heating performance can be improved as early as possible and the warm-up is promoted.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional engine cooling apparatus as described above, when the cooling water in the heat accumulator 107 and the engine cooling water are exchanged at the time of cold start or the like, the circulation system of the engine cooling water is on the heater core 101 side and the thermostat 108 side. Therefore, it takes time to completely replace the cooling water in the heat accumulator 107, and the performance of the heat accumulator 107 cannot be fully demonstrated, and the heating performance and warm-up performance of the heat accumulator 107 are accelerated. It was still insufficient in terms of raising. Further, the cooling water in the heat accumulator 107 merges with the cooling water flowing through the second cooling path 102 (the thermostat 108 side or the bypass path 104 side) and circulates in the engine 100 from the recirculation path 106. That is, from the heat accumulator 107 The high-temperature cooling water that has been supplied and has flowed through the first cooling path 102 is lowered by the merge with the cooling water from the second cooling path 105 and circulated back to the engine 100, so that warm-up cannot be promoted promptly. There was a problem that. As a method for promptly promoting warm-up, a switching valve is provided in the second cooling path 105 (thermostat 108 side or bypass path 104 side), and this switching valve is closed when the cold start is started. Although the method of regulating the inflow of cooling water into the water can be considered, there are problems such as high cost and complicated control.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an engine cooling device that enables quick total replacement between the regenerator cooling water and the engine cooling water so that heating performance can be improved early and warm-up can be promoted promptly. It is in.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 provides a first cooling path for supplying cooling water flowing out from the engine to the heater core and returning it to the engine, and supplying the cooling water to the radiator. Or a second cooling path that bypasses the radiator and recirculates to the engine, cooling water recirculated via the first cooling path and recirculated via the second cooling path. A recirculation path that joins the cooling water and guides the merged cooling water to the engine; a heat accumulator that is interposed in the recirculation path and that can retain and accumulate the cooling water flowing out of the engine; and the engine A first blocking means for permitting or blocking the supply of the cooling water flowing out from the engine to the first cooling path, and permitting or supplying the cooling water flowing out from the engine to the second cooling path. Second shutting means for shutting off, switching means for switching the inflow state of the cooling water to the heat accumulator, control means for controlling operating states of the first shutting means, the second shutting means, and the switching means, And controlling the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means, and the switching means at the time of cold start or the like to enable total replacement of the regenerator coolant and engine coolant.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means is configured such that the cooling water flowing out from the engine is either one of the first cooling path and the second cooling path when the engine is cold-started. The switching means controls the operation of the first shut-off means and the second shut-off means so as to be supplied only to the engine, and the coolant flowing out from the engine and the coolant in the regenerator are switched. Thus, the same operation and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooling water in which the first blocking means and the second blocking means are recirculated through the first cooling path, and the cooling water recirculated through the second cooling path. Is provided at a portion where the two are merged and is configured integrally, so that the structure can be simplified (compact). It is preferable that the switching means is also constructed integrally.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means includes the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means, and the switching means according to at least one of an operating state of the heating device, an outside air temperature, and a cooling water temperature. Therefore, control according to various conditions is possible.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an engine cooling device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings by way of examples.
[0012]
[Example]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an engine cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a control flow of a rotary valve, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a switching position of the rotary valve, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the cooling water flow when the rotary valve is switched to the B position.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, the engine cooling apparatus includes a first cooling path 3 in which cooling water flowing out from a water-cooled engine (hereinafter referred to as engine) 1 is supplied to a heater core 2 and returned to the engine 1, and a radiator. 4, or bypasses the radiator 4 by the bypass path 5 and returns to the engine 1, and returns to the engine 1 through the second cooling path 6 and the cooling water returned through the first cooling path 3 and the second cooling path 6. And a reflux path 7 that guides the merged cooling water to the engine 1.
[0014]
Then, strictly speaking, a heat insulating tank structure in which engine cooling water enters and exits the junction of the cooling water recirculated through the first cooling path 3 and the cooling water recirculated through the second cooling path 6 to the recirculation path 7. A heat accumulator 8 comprising: a first blocking means for permitting or blocking supply of cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 to the first cooling path 3 and a second cooling path 6 of cooling water flowing out from the engine 1. Is provided via a rotary valve 9 serving as a switching means for switching between a second shut-off means for permitting or shutting off the supply of the coolant and an inflow state of the cooling water to the heat accumulator 8.
[0015]
The rotary valve 9 is switched and controlled to, for example, five valve positions A, B, C, D, and E shown in FIG. 3 by an electronic control unit (ECU (control means)) 10 including a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits. Is done. Signals from a heater switch, an outside air temperature sensor, a cooling water temperature sensor, and the like (not shown) are input to the electronic control device 10, and the rotary valve 9 is switched and controlled based on these signals, for example, according to the control flow shown in FIG. It is like that. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a thermostat that controls the flow of cooling water to the radiator 4 and the bypass 5 according to the cooling water temperature, and reference numeral 12 denotes a water pump that is mechanically driven in conjunction with the engine 1.
[0016]
The five valve positions A, B, C, D, and E shown in FIG. 3 will be described. First, at the valve position A, the thermostat side (second cooling path 6 side) port 9a of the rotary valve 9 is the first valve. The outlet 8b of the heat accumulator 8 and the engine side (return path 7 side) port 9d of the rotary valve 9 communicate with each other via the second valve passage 9c. The cooling water flowing through the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the bypass path 5) and the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 are switched.
[0017]
Next, at the valve position B, the heater side (first cooling path side) port 9e of the rotary valve 9 communicates with the inlet 8a of the heat accumulator 8 via the first valve passage 9b and the outlet 8b of the heat accumulator 8. And the engine side port 9d of the rotary valve 9 communicate with each other via the second valve passage 9c, and the cooling water flowing through the first cooling path 3 and the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 are switched.
[0018]
Next, at the valve position C, the thermostat side port 9a of the rotary valve 9 communicates directly with the engine side port 9d of the rotary valve 9 via the first valve passage 9b, and the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the radiator). The cooling water flowing through 4) flows directly to the reflux path 7 without passing through the regenerator 8, and is not replaced with the cooling water in the regenerator 8.
[0019]
Next, at the valve position D, both the thermostat-side port 9a and the heater-side port 9e of the rotary valve 9 communicate directly with the engine-side port 9d of the rotary valve 9 via the first valve passage 9b. The cooling water flowing through the path 3 and the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the radiator 4) flows directly to the reflux path 7 without passing through the heat accumulator 8, and is replaced with the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8. Not done.
[0020]
Finally, at the valve position E, both the thermostat side port 9a and the heater side port 9e of the rotary valve 9 are completely disconnected from the engine side port 9d of the rotary valve 9, and the first cooling path 3 and the second The circulation of the cooling water flowing through the cooling path 6 is stopped. That is, the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 is kept warm in the state when the engine is stopped.
[0021]
Next, the control operation of the electronic control unit 10 when the engine 1 is started will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the start of the engine 1 is detected, it is determined in step P1 whether or not the start is a cold start based on a signal from a coolant temperature sensor or the like. If the determination is affirmative, whether or not the heater switch is turned on in step P2. Determine whether. On the other hand, if NO in step P1, the valve position of the rotary valve 9 is switched to C in step P3. That is, since the cooling water temperature is sufficiently high at the start of the temperature, the cooling water flowing through the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the radiator 4) and the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 are not replaced, and the first The cooling water flowing through the cooling path 3 is also cut off so that the air conditioner can exert its maximum performance.
[0022]
If step P2 is affirmative, that is, if the heater switch is ON and the heating device is operating, the valve position of the rotary valve 9 is switched to B in step P4. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 flows only in the first cooling path 3, and the cooling water flowing in the first cooling path 3 and the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 are switched. On the other hand, if no, the valve position of the rotary valve 9 is switched to A in step P5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 flows only in the second cooling path 6, and the cooling water flowing in the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the bypass path 5) and the inside of the heat accumulator 8. The cooling water is replaced.
[0023]
After Step P4 or Step P5, it is determined in Step P6 whether or not the total replacement of the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 has been completed. If not, the process returns to Step P2, and if yes, the process returns to Step P4 in Step P7. In the latter case, the valve position is switched to D, and after step P5, the valve position is switched to C. When the valve position is switched to C, it is as described above. When the valve position is switched to D, both the cooling water flowing through the first cooling path 3 and the second cooling path 6 (strictly, the radiator 4) are both. It is circulated without replacing the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8. Whether or not the total replacement of the cooling water in the regenerator 8 has been completed is determined by providing a cooling water temperature sensor in the regenerator 8 and completing the total replacement due to the temperature change of the cooling water in the regenerator 8. You may make it judge.
Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated.
[0024]
In this way, in the present embodiment, at the time of cold start or the like, the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 is circulated through only one of the first cooling path 3 and the second cooling path 6 and in the heat accumulator. Since the total replacement of the cooling water and the engine cooling water is performed, the heating performance can be improved early and warm-up can be promoted promptly. In addition, the capacity of the heat accumulator 8 can be reduced.
[0025]
Further, the engine 1 and the first shut-off means for permitting or blocking the supply of the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 to the first cooling path 3 at the junction of the first cooling path 3 and the second cooling path 6. A second shut-off means for permitting or shutting off the supply of the cooling water flowing out to the second cooling path 6 and a switching means for switching the inflow state of the cooling water to the heat accumulator 8 are integrated as a rotary valve 9 to integrate the heat accumulator 8. As a result, the structure can be simplified (compact).
[0026]
The operation state of the rotary valve 9 at the time of starting the engine 1 has been described so far. Next, the operation state of the rotary valve 9 at the time of normal traveling will be described.
[0027]
In the normal running state, the engine cooling water is in a high temperature state and it is not necessary to supply the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 to the engine 1 side, so the rotary valve 9 is controlled to the valve position C or the valve position D. That is, when the heater switch is in the ON state and the heating device is in operation, the valve position D is set, and the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 is supplied to the heater core 2 via the first cooling path 3 and the first. 2 is supplied to the radiator 4 via the cooling path 6. Further, when the heater switch is OFF and the heating device is not operating, the valve position C is set, and the cooling water flowing out from the engine 1 is supplied only to the radiator 4 via the second cooling path 6.
[0028]
Even during such normal running, when the cooling water temperature is high, in order to accumulate the high-temperature cooling water in the heat accumulator 8, the rotary valve 9 is set to the valve position A or the valve position B to supply the high-temperature cooling water. It flows into the heat accumulator 8. When high-temperature cooling water flows into the heat accumulator 8 in this way, the rotary valve 9 is switched to the valve position C or the valve position D again to shut off the inflow of cooling water into the heat accumulator 8. Replacing the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 is prohibited. As a result, the heat accumulator 8 accumulates the high-temperature cooling water while keeping it warm.
[0029]
Next, when the engine 1 is stopped, the rotary valve 9 is controlled to the valve position D. As a result, the circulation of the cooling water is stopped, and the outflow of the cooling water in the heat accumulator 8 is surely prevented, and the heat accumulator 8 accumulates the hot cooling water while keeping it warm.
[0030]
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cooling water flowing out from the engine is supplied to the heating heater core and returned to the engine, and the cooling water is supplied to the radiator. And a second cooling path that bypasses the radiator and recirculates to the engine. A cooling water that recirculates through the first cooling path and a cooling water that recirculates through the second cooling path. And a recirculation path that guides the merged cooling water to the engine, a heat accumulator that is interposed in the recirculation path and that can retain and accumulate the cooling water that flows out of the engine, and the outflow from the engine A first blocking means for permitting or blocking supply of the cooling water to the first cooling path, and permitting or blocking supply of the cooling water flowing out from the engine to the second cooling path. Second shutoff means, switching means for switching the inflow state of the cooling water to the heat accumulator, and control means for controlling operating states of the first shutoff means, the second shutoff means, and the switching means. Since the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means and the switching means are controlled at the time of cold start or the like to enable total replacement of the cooling water in the regenerator and the engine cooling water, the heating performance can be improved early. At the same time, warm-up can be promoted promptly. In addition, the capacity of the heat accumulator can be reduced.
[0032]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means is configured to determine whether the cooling water flowing out from the engine flows between the first cooling path and the second cooling path when the engine is cold-started. The first shut-off means and the second shut-off means are controlled to be supplied to only one side, and the switching is performed so that the cooling water flowing out from the engine and the cooling water in the heat accumulator are switched. Since the operation of the means is controlled, the same operation and effect as the invention according to claim 1 can be obtained.
[0033]
According to the invention of claim 3, the first shut-off means and the second shut-off means are cooling water recirculated through the first cooling path and cooling water recirculated through the second cooling path. Is provided at a portion where the two are joined together, and is configured integrally, so that the structure can be simplified (compact).
[0034]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means includes the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means, and the switching means according to at least one of the operating state of the heating device, the outside air temperature, and the cooling water temperature. Therefore, control according to various conditions becomes possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an engine cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is also a control flow of the rotary valve.
FIG. 3 is also an explanatory diagram of a switching position of the rotary valve.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a cooling water flow when the rotary valve is switched to position A.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a cooling water flow when the rotary valve is switched to a position B.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional engine cooling device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water-cooled engine 2 Heating heater core 3 1st cooling path 4 Radiator 5 Bypass path 6 2nd cooling path 7 Recirculation path 8 Heat accumulator 9 Rotary valve 10 Electronic controller 11 Thermostat 12 Water pump

Claims (4)

A first cooling path for supplying cooling water flowing out from the engine to the heater core and returning it to the engine, and a second cooling for supplying the cooling water to the radiator or bypassing the radiator and returning to the engine An engine cooling device having a path,
A cooling path that is recirculated through the first cooling path and a cooling water that is recirculated through the second cooling path merge, and a recirculation path that guides the merged cooling water to the engine;
A heat accumulator that is interposed in the reflux path and that can retain and accumulate cooling water flowing out from the engine;
First blocking means for permitting or blocking supply of the cooling water flowing out from the engine to the first cooling path;
Second blocking means for permitting or blocking supply of the cooling water flowing out from the engine to the second cooling path;
Switching means for switching the inflow state of the cooling water to the heat accumulator;
Control means for controlling operating states of the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means and the switching means;
An engine cooling device comprising: The control means is configured to supply the cooling water flowing out from the engine to only one of the first cooling path and the second cooling path when the engine is cold started. The operation of the switching means is controlled such that the shut-off means and the second shut-off means are controlled and the cooling water flowing out from the engine and the cooling water in the heat accumulator are switched. Item 1. The engine cooling apparatus according to Item 1. The first shut-off means and the second shut-off means are provided at a portion where the cooling water recirculated through the first cooling path and the cooling water recirculated through the second cooling path merge. The engine cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the engine cooling device is configured as follows. The control means controls the operating states of the first shut-off means, the second shut-off means, and the switching means according to at least one of an operating state of the heating device, an outside air temperature, and a cooling water temperature. The engine cooling device according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

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