Coolant Source Bypass Patents (Class 123/41.09)
  • Patent number: 8020782
    Abstract: A transmission thermostat device includes a body having first and second input ports and first and second output ports. A first fluid path extends between the first input port and the first output port. A second fluid path extends between the second input port and the second output port. A bypass port is disposed between the first fluid path and the second fluid path. A temperature sensing mechanism is disposed within the housing. The temperature sensing mechanism element is operative in a first mode to close the bypass port and in a second mode to open the bypass port. The temperature sensing mechanism includes a bimetal element responsive to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: EDC Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: George Moser, Adam Ostapowicz
  • Publication number: 20110214629
    Abstract: A waste heat accumulator/distributor system for use in a vehicle. The system includes an engine coolant loop directing engine coolant through a power plant, a powertrain electronics coolant loop directing electronics coolant through a powertrain electronics system; and a transmission fluid loop directing transmission fluid through a transmission. The system includes a multi-fluid heat exchanger including an engine coolant inlet receiving the engine coolant from the engine coolant loop, an electronics coolant inlet receiving the electronics coolant from the powertrain electronic coolant loop, and a transmission fluid inlet receiving the transmission fluid from the transmission fluid loop; a first valve controllable to cause engine coolant to flow into the engine coolant inlet or to bypass the engine coolant inlet; and a second valve controllable to cause electronics coolant to flow into the electronics coolant inlet or to bypass the electronics coolant inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Benoit
  • Publication number: 20110197832
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a cooling jacket and a cylinder head having two cooling jackets. In one example, the internal combustion engine may be operated so as to reduce engine friction and emissions during cold engine starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Kai Sebastian Kuhlbach, Martin Lutz, Jan Mehring, Richard Fritsche
  • Publication number: 20110185991
    Abstract: A two stage cooled EGR system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine with an intake air charge air cooler. The first EGR cooler is a liquid-to-air cooler and the second, low temperature EGR cooler, is an air-to-air cooler combining with the gas flow downstream of the intake air cooler. The system bypasses EGR flow through the low temperature EGR cooler during certain engine conditions such as low engine coolant temperature and a check valve allows a limited portion of un-cooled, pressurized intake air to be passed through the low temperature EGR cooler for scavenging of any residual moisture and ultimate consumption by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Sheidler, Craig Lohmann
  • Patent number: 7984700
    Abstract: A control valve that forms part of a cooling circuit comprising a first branch which contains a radiator and a second branch that constitutes a bypass of a radiator, and its method of use, are described. When used in a motor vehicle combustion engine cooling circuit, the control valve has a third branch and has at least one unit heater for heating the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventors: Matthieu Chanfreau, Daniel Virey
  • Patent number: 7966978
    Abstract: A cooling control unit for a water-cooled multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having a cylinder deactivation mechanism for controlling the flow of coolant to prevent the internal combustion engine from being incompletely warmed up when the internal combustion engine returns to its operating condition with all of the cylinders being activated. A communicating passage communicates with a normally activated cylinder coolant jacket as a coolant passage formed for normally activated cylinders and a deactivation-programmed cylinder water jacket as a coolant passage formed for the deactivation-programmed cylinders to communicate with each other, and through which the coolant flows. A bypass passage diverges from the communicating passage and bypasses the deactivation-programmed cylinder coolant jacket. A diversion control valve is provided in a diversion section where the bypass passage diverges from the communication passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Takaaki Tsukui, Shinji Saito
  • Publication number: 20110107984
    Abstract: An engine that is equipped with a water pump, may include a pump housing that is mounted on one side of a cylinder block with an impeller rotatably mounted on a front side thereof to pump coolant, an inlet fitting that is mounted on the cylinder block at a predetermined distance from the pump housing such that the coolant flows through the inlet fitting, and a connecting body that integrally connects the pump housing with the inlet fitting to form one body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: CHANGHYUN CHO
  • Publication number: 20100326375
    Abstract: In a thermostat device, a high-temperature cooling water inlet that introduces high-temperature cooling water from a bypass path that has been heated by an engine and has bypassed a radiator is provided at a side position of the valve housing that is substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the temperature sensitive movable portion moves, and a heater path inlet that introduces cooling water from a heater path that has been supplied to a heater core is provided at a lower end portion of the valve housing. The high-temperature cooling water inlet is provided with a plurality of guide portions protruding from the right and left sides of the inlet along the lower face of a cut-off portion toward the temperature sensitive movable portion, and the high-temperature cooling water introduced from the high-temperature cooling water inlet by the guide portions is guided toward the temperature sensitive movable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taro Furukoshi, Takasuke Shikida
  • Publication number: 20100282191
    Abstract: A fail safe engine coolant thermostat coupled between an engine and a radiator. The thermostat includes a body having a bore extending between an inlet and an outlet. An actuator exposed to coolant fluid and capable of extended and retracted positions based on coolant temperature is diagnosed in the body. A valve plate is pivotally mounted in the body to open and close fluid flow through the fluid outlet of the body. A connecting member is coupled between the actuator and the valve plate to pivot the valve plate between fluid flow open and fluid flow close positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Darrel Sand
  • Patent number: 7823669
    Abstract: An electric motor radiator (34), a feeding mechanism (30), and a cooling oil circulation path (32) constitute a cooling mechanism that cools the electric motor (6) via an electric motor cooling oil that is a cooling medium. The electric motor radiator (34) forms a circulation path between the electric motor (6), and cooling of the electric motor (6) is performed via the electric motor cooling oil. A PCU radiator (44), a feeding mechanism (40) and a cooling water circulation path (42) constitute a cooling mechanism that cools a PCU (8) via a PCU cooling water that is a cooling medium. The PCU radiator (44) forms a circulation path between the PCU (8), and cooling of the PCU (8) is performed via the PCU cooling water. Further, the feeding mechanism (30, 40) operate by power received from a power storage portion (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Bandai, Tomonari Taguchi, Hideto Minekawa
  • Publication number: 20100263610
    Abstract: The invention relates to switchable waste gas exchangers which can are arranged and used, in particular, in exhaust gas recirculation lines in internal combustion engines, especially in motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jozsef MERCZ, Andras SZABO, Gyula TOTH
  • Publication number: 20100212612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle engine comprising at least one control valve (18) allowing a circulation according to at least one normal mode. The module also comprises a thermal safety device (30) for the circuit. The thermal safety device (30) is capable of allowing a circulation according to another mode called the short-circuit mode in the event of failure of the normal circulation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Frederic Vacca, Alain Farkh
  • Publication number: 20100206250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (1) in a motor vehicle with a cooling circuit in which at least one internal combustion engine (2), one pump (3) and one cooling device (4) are arranged, wherein a short circuit line (5) which bypasses the pump (3) is provided, which connects a pressure side to an intake side of the pump (3), a valve device (6) which can be switched between at least two positions is provided in the region of the short circuit line (5), in the first position the entire coolant flow flows through the short circuit line (5) and in the second position preferably the entire coolant flow flows through the internal combustion engine (2) and not through the short circuit line (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Günther Beez, Holger Conrad, Oliver Gebhardt, Rüdiger Knauss
  • Publication number: 20100175640
    Abstract: A thermal bypass valve for a heat exchanger circuit includes a valve housing forming a valve chamber including a bypass passage and ports for the flow of heat exchange fluid into and out of the valve chamber as well as a bypass port defined by a valve seat. Two axially aligned thermally sensitive actuators are mounted in the chamber, each with an actuator body and its own movable piston extendible from one end of the body. One of these pistons operably engages the actuatory body associated with the other piston. Each actuator body is normally movable in the chamber in response to extension of its piston. One of the actuators extends its piston at a higher temperature than the temperature required for the other actuator to extend its piston. A bypass valve member is mounted on one of the actuators and can be moved by either actuator from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: DANA CANADA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Owen Sheppard
  • Patent number: 7743740
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine system where the heat in the engine jacket coolant is discharged in a water cooled heat exchanger, an independent and automatic by-pass safety cooling system responsive solely and directly to engine jacket coolant temperatures to ensure that cooling of the engine will continue without reliance upon any other control system or personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Myron L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100154730
    Abstract: A coolant flow control system includes a fluid cooling device, a coolant bypass circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to generate a control signal indicative of a desired flow of coolant through the coolant bypass circuit as a function of the projected rate of change in the cooling device temperature gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Chris J. Scolton, Douglas W. Koehler
  • Publication number: 20100146969
    Abstract: A vehicle or stationary power plant having an internal combustion engine as a drive source and having components adapted to be supplied with heat from a medium accommodated in a closed loop The turbine of the exhaust gas turbocharger provided for turbocharging the internal combustion engine acts as a heat source. A heat exchanger is disposed externally on the turbine housing and can be incorporated or switchable into the medium loop The medium can be conveyed directly or channeled through the interior of the heat exchanger, and the medium is adapted to be heated up in such interior utilizing at least thermal radiation energy from the hot turbine housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Erwin Stiermann
  • Publication number: 20100125401
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an air calculation module that determines, based on a plurality of first coolant temperatures sensed during a period of engine operation, a first cumulative mass of intake air combusted by the engine during the period that corresponds to an estimated amount of heat dissipated by a cooling system of the engine during the period, and that determines, based on the first cumulative mass, a second cumulative mass of intake air of the engine that is required to raise a temperature of the engine from an initial temperature at a start of the period to a target temperature. The control system further includes a control module that selectively adjusts one of a diagnostic condition and an operating condition of the engine based on the second cumulative mass. A related method for controlling an engine is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, John F. Van Gilder
  • Patent number: 7673592
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a radiator for radiating heat of a coolant heated by a fuel cell, and a first main pipe line and a second main pipe line which allow coolant to circulate between the fuel cell and the radiator. A thermostat is located midway through the second main pipe line and adapted to switch the circulation path for the coolant, and a bypass pipe line. The radiator includes a first tank connected to the first main pipe line, a second tank connected to the second main pipe line, and a cooling portion provided between the first tank and the second tank and adapted to perform heat exchange with the outside air. The thermostat is connected to the first tank by the bypass pipe line. The resulting configuration facilitates pipe line routing and increases the freedom of the layout of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yohei Makuta
  • Patent number: 7655098
    Abstract: A flush and fill process is used to ready a fuel cell cooling circuit for initial use. An external flushing system releasably connected to the cooling circuit circulates flushing coolant through the cooling circuit to remove contaminants from the wetted surfaces of the cooling circuit before the fuel cell is put into use. The flushing system includes a pump for circulating the flushing coolant through the cooling circuit, filters for removing contaminants from the coolant and a heater for elevating the temperature of the coolant. Following the flushing process to remove contaminants, the flushing system is disconnected from the cooling circuit and the cooling circuit is filled with fresh coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: George Shih, William Schwartz, Chendong Huang, Mukesh Kumar, Byung Kim, Sherry Mueller, Vijay Garg
  • Patent number: 7581517
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine system where the heat in the engine jacket coolant is discharged in a water cooled heat exchanger, an independent and automatic by-pass safety cooling system responsive solely and directly to engine jacket coolant temperatures to ensure that cooling of the engine will continue without reliance upon any other control system or personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Myron L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090205589
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, having a thermostatic operating element for arrangement in a distributing chamber as the drive element for a main valve element between an engine outlet and a connector to a coolant cooler, and for a bypass valve element designed as a valve slide arranged between the engine outlet and an engine inlet to serve as a pressure control valve. In addition to the valve slide (23, 23?) the bypass valve element (22, 22?) is provided with a valve disk (25, 25? arranged upstream of the valve slide (23, 23?) in the extension direction of the thermostatic operating element (12, 12?), and a component (26) is assigned to the valve disk (25, 25?), as a valve seat for the valve slide—(23, 23?) and a valve seat for the valve disk (25, 25?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Behr Thermot-tronik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Auweder, Eike Willers
  • Publication number: 20090194061
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil module of a water-cooled internal combustion engine, comprising an oil filter, oil and water channels, a water pump and a thermostatic valve which opens various temperature-dependent water circuits. One water channel starts behind the thermostatic valve in the direction of flow and leads to the suction side of the water pump inside the oil module. The oil module has a housing to which at least one additional functional component is connected. The water channel extends along two sides of the housing which are oriented at an angle in relation to each other, both sides of said channel respectively opening on both sides on at least one sub-section of their length onto the surface of the housing and being closed, respectively by means of a cover to form a channel cross-section that is closed on all sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ardes
  • Publication number: 20090165735
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve in a cooling system in an internal combustion engine, with a common short-circuit element (21), comprising a section serving as a short circuit valve gate (26) and a short circuit valve disc (25), arranged upstream in the extending direction of the thermostatic working element (16), between which a common valve seat is provided, wherein an overpressure valve (32) opening into the mixing chamber (15) is provided in the common valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Behr Thermot-tronik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Auweder, Eike Willers
  • Publication number: 20090151658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coolant circulation circuit for an engine, which includes a first coolant line through which coolant heated in an engine and circulated in a radiator passes, a second coolant line through which coolant heated in the engine and circulated in additional elements passes, a bypass coolant line through which coolant heated in the engine passes, a coolant outlet where the coolant flows into the engine, a first chamber where the coolant having passed through the bypass coolant line flows in, a second chamber where the coolant having passed through the second coolant line flows in, a partition formed between the first chamber and the second chamber and a thermostat selectively blocking the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bong Sang LEE
  • Publication number: 20090151659
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling an internal combustion engine, where, during normal operation in a first controller mode, a charge air temperature controller is set as dominant for a map-controlled thermostatic valve for automatically controlling the charge air temperature (TLL), or, during normal operation in a second controller mode, a coolant temperature limit controller is set as dominant for the map-controlled thermostatic valve for automatically controlling the coolant temperature (TKM). If a charge air temperature sensor fails, the second controller mode is set with the coolant temperature limit controller dominant, and if a coolant temperature sensor fails, the first controller mode is set with the charge air temperature controller dominant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Armin Dolker
  • Publication number: 20090114170
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the charge air temperature of an internal combustion engine, in which a coolant flow upstream of a recooler is distributed as a function of the position of a characteristic diagram-type thermostat valve between a recooler coolant flow and a bypass coolant flow. The temperature of the charge air cooler coolant flow is determined downstream of the recooler by the reunited coolant flows, i.e., the recooler coolant flow and the bypass coolant flow. The charge air temperature is determined by the temperature of the charge air cooler coolant flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Armin Dolker
  • Publication number: 20090084331
    Abstract: A thermostat assembly for a combustion engine having at least one cylinder is disclosed. The assembly has a cylinder head configured to cap off the at least one cylinder, the cylinder head having a recess fluidly connected to a coolant passage of the combustion engine. The assembly also has a thermostat located completely within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: William L. Schell, Paul F. Olsen, Michael P. Harmon, Geary W. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 7493883
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) for a vehicle comprises a fuel injector (12) which supplies fuel to a combustion chamber formed in a piston (1), and an oil pan which stores engine oil below the piston (1). With regard to a phenomenon whereby the engine oil is diluted with the fuel injected by the fuel injector (12), a controller (90) determines whether or not the engine oil needs to be regenerated (S13). When the engine oil needs to be regenerated, the controller (90) switches a cooling water path in the engine (10) by controlling an electrically controlled thermostat (74), and raises the temperature of the engine oil over a predetermined time period (S15, S17). As a result of this temperature increase, the fuel in the engine oil is vaporized, thereby reducing the dilution ratio of the engine oil, and thus the engine oil is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080295811
    Abstract: A thermal management system for an engine is disclosed. The thermal management system may have a first heat exchanger situated to cool air directed into the engine, a pump configured to pressurize a fluid directed through the engine, and a second heat exchanger situated to transfer heat absorbed by the fluid to air directed into the engine. The thermal management system may also have a heater configured to provide supplemental heat to air directed into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dennis P. Holler, Travis S. Johnson, Matthew R. Hulen, Randall J. Anliker, Michael W. Edwards, Larry L. Spurgeon, Victor L. Sheldon, JR.
  • Patent number: 7406835
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a plurality of heat producing systems includes a heat exchanger having a plurality of cooling zones, each of which has a respective inlet and outlet for facilitating flow of a respective temperature control fluid therethrough. Each of the respective temperature control fluids facilitates temperature control of a respective heat producing system. A plurality of fans cool the temperature control fluids flowing through the heat exchanger, and a fan or fans are disposed proximate each zone of the heat exchanger to provide air flow substantially independently from the air flow over the other cooling zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: EMP Advanced Development, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Allen, Mark S. Bader, Robert D. Chalgren, Jr., Michael P. Lasecki, Michael W. Martin, Keith Brannstrom
  • Patent number: 7263954
    Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine 1 is disclosed in which an electronically controlled flow control valve 9 is used to control the flow of coolant exiting the engine 1. The electronically controlled flow control valve 9 is able to control the cooling of the engine 1 irrespective of the speed at which a pump 2 used to urge coolant to flow into the engine 1 is rotated by a drive belt 3 connected to an output 4 from the engine 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Piddock, Ian Pegg, Les Routledge
  • Patent number: 7172135
    Abstract: A thermostat independently controlling cooling water passages of two circuits, including a first valve body having first and second passages in constant communication. A third passage is selectively connected to those passages. Communication of the third passage is disconnected when the cooling water temperature is below a prescribed temperature, and the valve is opened when the cooling water temperature is equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature. A second valve body, having fourth and fifth passages selectively in communication, closes the valve to disconnect those passages when the cooling water temperature is below the prescribed temperature, and opens the valve by operating the first valve body to link the passages when the cooling water temperature is equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature. A tubular sleeve prevents first and second control chambers, respectively including the first and second valve bodies, from communicating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Masuko, Akira Mori, Toru Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 7073576
    Abstract: Circulation system for the coolant in an oil cooler (13) adapted to cool down the oil of the automatic transmission (2) of a motor vehicle in which the drain conduit (15) for the coolant from the oil cooler (13) of the transmission (2) is connected to said return conduit from the radiator, and that the exit mouth (16), of said drain conduit is inserted in the return conduit forming an angle A, said angle being more than 0° and less than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Peirasso
  • Patent number: 7011050
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electronically controlled thermostat provided in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine includes predicting a thermal radiation amount of a radiator when a water temperature of engine cooling water is stabilized at a second set temperature or at a first set temperature without detecting the water temperature not to cause temperature hunting, when the water temperature is controlled from a first set temperature to the second set temperature lower than the first set temperature or from the second set temperature to the first set temperature. The electronically controlled thermostat is controlled in accordance with the predicted thermal radiation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Suda, Mitsuhiro Sano, Daisuke Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6837192
    Abstract: An engine cooling system includes a flow control valve and an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the flow control valve. The flow control valve regulates the flow rate of coolant flowing through a radiator in a coolant circuit. The ECU feedback controls the opening size of the flow control valve such that the temperature of coolant at an engine outlet seeks a predetermined target value. During the feedback control, the ECU controls the flow control valve such that the opening size of the flow control valve remains above a predetermined lowest value. As a result, the flow control valve is prevented from falling in a small opening size range in which in which it is difficult to cause the engine outlet coolant temperature to seek the target value, and the engine outlet coolant temperature is favorably adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Shinpo, Isao Takagi, Shigetaka Yoshikawa, Hiromichi Murakami, Daisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6817321
    Abstract: A control to enable a further degree of enhancement in combustion efficiency in an automobile by effectively performing temperature control of cooling water in an automobile engine in accordance with various states of operation. Parameters from a variety of sensors that detect the state of an automobile engine are input into an engine control unit. Then, when the engine control unit determines from values of the accelerator opening and engine rotation speed, which serve as parameters indicating the operating state of the automobile, that the engine load is about to decrease, control is performed in the electronic control thermostat to maintain the cooling water temperature at a high temperature. Conversely, when it is determined that medium or high loads are due to increase, the control method is switched such that the electronic control thermostat is controlled by reading a target temperature corresponding to these parameter values from the engine control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Takei, Yuichi Murata
  • Patent number: 6799631
    Abstract: A U flow radiator 10 with a header tank 12 split into inlet and outlet sides I and O by a lengthwise divider wall 18 has a coolant inlet consisting of a cylindrical pipe 22. A hollow cylindrical barrel 24 co extensive and coaxial with pipe 22 and extending across divider wall 18, with cut outs 26 and 28 opening respectively into both sides I and O. A thin walled, hollow cylindrical sleeve 30 turns within barrel 24 with windows 36 and 38 that alternately block or open the cut outs 26 and 28, or open both partially. A rotary actuator 40 turns sleeve 30 within barrel 24. Coolant can be selectively routed all to the tank outlet side O, by passing the radiator 10 for quick warm up. After warm up, coolant can be routed to I or O in desired proportions to increase or decrease cooling capacity. With high engine cooling demand, all coolant is routed to the inlet side I and all coolant passes through radiator 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A Acre
  • Patent number: 6796375
    Abstract: A coolant circuit (10) includes at least one heat source (12), a radiator (14), and a bypass line (22), which connects a radiator inlet (18) to a radiator return (20) and whose junction (24) has a control valve (26) disposed on it, whose throttle body (58) can be electrically triggered as a function of operating parameters and environmental parameters by means of at least one control unit (40, 42) and divides the coolant flow between the radiator inlet (18) and the bypass line (22). According to a characteristic curve of the control valve (26), the control unit (40, 42) determines a set-point value (50) for the position of the throttle body (58), which sets a ratio of the radiator volume flow to the total coolant flow at the control valve (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Williges
  • Publication number: 20040169090
    Abstract: A vehicle cooling device for radiating the heat using a refrigerant includes a main valve for controlling a flow distribution of the refrigerant distributed to a radiator and to at least one of conduits among conduits where the refrigerant flows bypassing the radiator in accordance with a valve opening degree, a thermo element for varying the valve opening degree in accordance with the temperature of the refrigerant, the thermo element including a temperature sensing portion, a water pump for circulating the refrigerant via the main valve, the water pump including an inlet, a radiator conduit provided downstream of the radiator, the inlet of the water pump and the radiator conduit arranged being opposite to each other along an operational direction of the main valve, and the temperature sensing portion of the thermo element positioned at the inlet side of the water pump relative to the main valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NIPPON THERMOSTAT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Kawasaki, Toshitaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020189557
    Abstract: The invention is based on a coolant circuit (10) with at least one heat source (12), a radiator (14), and a bypass line (22), which connects a radiator inlet (18) to a radiator return (20) and whose junction (24) has a control valve (26) disposed in it, whose throttle body (58) can be electrically triggered as a function of operating parameters and environmental parameters by means of at least one control unit (40, 42) and divides the coolant flow between the radiator inlet (18) and the bypass line (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Williges
  • Patent number: 6385968
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for a discharge system for combustion gases from a motor-driven vehicle which gives the vehicle a low IR signature. According to the invention, the gas outflow channel (28), at least in an area of the channel adjacent to the discharge aperture (32), has a boundary wall (34) which is perforated right up to the open discharge aperture (32) and surrounded by a cooling air channel (38). The arrangement is such that cooling air can sweep over the inner side as well as the outer side of the perforated wall (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Hagglunds Vehicle AB
    Inventors: Tore Gustafsson, Alfons Falk, Orjan Olsson
  • Patent number: 6289854
    Abstract: A circulation pump for pumping a fluid, for example for heat interchange, by way of a rotating impeller is included in a circulation system that includes a first feeder liner from a heat source to a cooling device, a return line from the cooling device to the pump and a valve for shunting the outflow from the heat source via a bypass line back to the pump. The bypass line is connected to the pump in such a way that a flow essentially from this line produces and/or increases a pre-rotation of the inflow to the impeller, which pre-rotation results in a reduction of the power required by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Jan Christian Holmström, Sassan Etemad, Arne Andersson
  • Patent number: 6267087
    Abstract: A water pump is provided on one lower side of a crankcase and connected to a water jacket on the rear surface of the cylinder block through a water hose. The outlet section of the water jacket is connected to the thermostat case near this connecting section. The thermostat valve is a bottom bypass type thermostat valve, directly attached to the rear surface of the cylinder head. The bypass hose is connected to the water pump and passes along the side of a starter motor and passes between the starter motor and a speed sensor. The arrangement of the bypass hose in a bottom bypass type thermostat valve effectively utilizes space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsunori Takahashi, Eiko Shiozaki, Tohru Ohshita
  • Patent number: 6196167
    Abstract: A cooling system for a turbo-charged internal combustion engine utilizing a unified flow control valve capable of changing the mode of operation of the system in response to a varying heat demand. The unified flow control valve may be a solenoid operated slider valve having a cylinder with connections to the engine water jacket outlet, the intercooler inlet, the radiator inlet and outlet, and the water tank, and a piston having rows of openings which when aligned with the cylinder connections provide flow paths corresponding to various modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Marsh, Peter Loring Valentine
  • Patent number: 6182617
    Abstract: Apparatus for improving the operation of a water-cooled internal combustion engine system which may include at least an internal combustion water-cooled engine, a radiator with interconnecting supply and return passageways, a water circulating pump means and means to regulate the temperature of the water; said apparatus enabling selectably controlling the cooling water temperature regulation, said improved operation including at least improved fuel economy, increased power output and/or increased heat output of a vehicle's interior heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Bigcharles