阅读说明：本技术 用于冷却系统的恒温器装置和包括所述恒温器装置的冷却系统 (Thermostat device for a cooling system and cooling system comprising said thermostat device ) 是由 Z·卡多斯 O·哈尔 于 2018-03-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于车辆中的冷却系统的恒温器装置(8)。恒温器装置(8)包括恒温器壳体(15),恒温器壳体(15)包围可移动地布置的阀体(16、20、34、44),阀体配置成根据其位置,将来自恒温器室(15a)的冷却剂分配到散热器旁通管线(9)和散热器(11)。恒温器装置(8)包括第一热膨胀元件(31),第一热膨胀元件响应于先导室(14a)中冷却剂的温度,提供阀体(16、20、34、44)的第一冲程,以及第二热膨胀元件(32),第二热膨胀元件响应于恒温器室(15a)中冷却剂的温度,提供阀体(16、20、34、44)的第二冲程,使得阀体(16、20、34、44)移动到由热膨胀元件(31、32)的冲程所限定的位置。先导室(14a)包括出口通道(14b),出口通道将冷却剂从先导室(14a)引导到恒温器室(15a)。(The invention relates to a thermostat arrangement (8) for a cooling system in a vehicle. The thermostat device (8) comprises a thermostat housing (15), the thermostat housing (15) enclosing a movably arranged valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) which is configured to distribute coolant from a thermostat chamber (15a) to a radiator bypass line (9) and a radiator (11) depending on its position. The thermostat arrangement (8) comprises a first thermal expansion element (31) providing a first stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) in response to the temperature of the coolant in the pilot chamber (14a), and a second thermal expansion element (32) providing a second stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) in response to the temperature of the coolant in the thermostat chamber (15a) such that the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) moves to a position defined by the stroke of the thermal expansion element (31, 32). The pilot chamber (14a) includes an outlet channel (14b) that guides the coolant from the pilot chamber (14a) to the thermostat chamber (15 a).)

1. Thermostat arrangement for a cooling system comprising at least one component (2, 6) cooled by a circulating coolant and a radiator (11) in which the coolant is cooled, wherein the thermostat arrangement (8) comprises: a pilot chamber (14a) configured to receive coolant from a first location of a cooling system; and a thermostat chamber (15a) configured to receive coolant from a second location of the cooling system; a first outlet (9') configured to direct coolant from the thermostat chamber (15a) around the radiator (11) via a bypass line (9); and a second outlet (10') configured to direct coolant from the thermostat chamber (15a) to the radiator (11); and a movably arranged valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) configured to distribute coolant in the thermostat chamber (15a) to the two outlets (9', 10') depending on its position, characterized in that the pilot chamber (14a) comprises an outlet channel (14b) configured to lead coolant from the pilot chamber (14a) to the thermostat chamber (15a), and in that the thermostat device (8) comprises: a first thermal expansion element (31) arranged in thermal contact with the coolant in the pilot chamber (14a) and providing a first stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) in response to the temperature of the coolant in the chamber (14a), and a second thermal expansion element (32) arranged in thermal contact with the coolant in the thermostat chamber (15a) and providing a second stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) in response to the temperature of the coolant in the thermostat chamber (15a), such that the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) moves to a position defined by the stroke from the thermal expansion element (31, 32).

2. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that each thermal expansion element (31, 32) comprises: a sensor member (31a, 32a) configured to sense a temperature of the coolant, and a stroke member (31d, 32d, 33) configured to provide the stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44).

3. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor member (31a) of one of the thermal expansion elements (31) is fixedly arranged in the thermostat arrangement (8), while the stroke member (31d) of the expansion element (31) is connected to the other thermal expansion element (32).

4. A thermostat arrangement as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the stroke member (31d) of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element (31) is connected to the stroke member (32d) of the movably arranged thermal expansion element (32), while the sensor member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element (32) is connected to the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44).

5. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the thermal expansion elements (31, 32) are provided with a common stroke member (31d, 32d, 33).

6. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the stroke member (31d) of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element (31) is connected to the sensor member (32a) of the movably arranged thermal expansion element (32) and that the stroke member (32d) of the movably arranged thermal expansion element (32) is connected to the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44).

7. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the stroke member (31d) of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element (31) is connected to the sensor member (32a) of the movably arranged thermal expansion element (32) via a connecting member (47).

8. Thermostat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal expansion elements (31, 32) each comprise: is enclosed by a capsule (31a, 32a) at a specific temperature (T)₁、T₂) A sensor member in the form of a body of material (31b, 32b) that changes phase, and a stroke member in the form of a piston (31d, 32d, 33) configured to provide the stroke of the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) when the body of material (31b, 32b) changes phase.

9. A thermostat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) is movably arranged between: -directing the entire coolant flow to a first end position of the radiator bypass line (9), -directing the entire coolant flow to a second end position of the radiator (11), -directing a part of the coolant flow to the radiator bypass line (9) and-directing the rest of the coolant flow to at least one intermediate position of the radiator (11).

10. A thermostat arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the thermostat arrangement (8) comprises a valve spring (18, 35, 42) which is configured to move the valve body (16, 20, 34, 44) towards the first end position.

11. A thermostat device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable valve body comprises: a first valve plate (16) configured to regulate the coolant flow to the radiator (11), and a second valve plate (20) configured to regulate the coolant flow to the radiator bypass line (9).

12. A thermostat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable valve body comprises a tubular sleeve (34, 44) having a peripheral wall (34a, 44a) configured to expose or cover the two outlets (9', 10') taking into account its position.

13. Cooling system, characterized in that it comprises a thermostat arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 1-12.

14. A cooling system according to claim 13, characterised in that the cooling system comprises an internal combustion engine (2) and a temporarily started object (6).

15. A cooling system according to claim 14, characterised in that the temporarily activated object is a hydraulic retarder (6) or a retarder cooler for a hydraulic retarder.

Background

The present invention relates to a thermostat arrangement for a cooling system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Heavy vehicles are often equipped with an auxiliary brake in the form of a hydraulic retarder. In a conventional hydraulic retarder, oil is used as a working medium. When the retarder is activated, the oil is heated up rapidly in the retarder. The oil leaving the retarder is cooled in the retarder cooler by a coolant circulating in the cooling system of the vehicle. In another type of hydraulic retarder, coolant is used as the working medium. In this case, the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system rises even more rapidly when the retarder is activated.

Conventional cooling systems include a thermostat that senses the temperature of the coolant in a location upstream of the radiator. When the temperature of the coolant is lower than the regulation temperature of the thermostat, the thermostat directs the coolant to the internal combustion engine without cooling in the radiator, and when the temperature of the coolant is higher than the regulation temperature, the thermostat directs the coolant to the radiator for cooling. The radiator is a component of the cooling system in which the temperature of the coolant can be changed rapidly. In a conventional cooling system, it takes a certain time until the cooled coolant from the radiator reaches the thermostat. Therefore, the cooling system has a low ability to react quickly to temperature changes of the coolant in the radiator. Slow feedback may result in a so-called "temperature cycle" in which the thermostat switches between an open position and a closed position over a relatively long period of time. As a result, the heat sink may be frequently exposed to large temperature changes, resulting in a shortened lifetime.

SE 532354 shows a cooling system with a thermostat that can sense the temperature of the coolant in the pilot circuit. The pilot circuit receives a small portion of the coolant flow from the inlet line to the internal combustion engine. In this case, the thermostat would sense the temperature of the coolant immediately after it is cooled in the radiator. Thus, when the coolant is subjected to rapid changes in temperature in the cooler, a fairly rapid feedback can be obtained. By means of such a pilot circuit, the problem of temperature cycling can be substantially avoided.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact thermostat arrangement having the ability to distribute coolant flow to the radiator and the radiator bypass line while including few components, taking into account the temperature of the coolant in both locations of the cooling system.

This object is achieved by a thermostat arrangement as defined in claim 1. The thermostat device includes: a pilot chamber that receives a small flow of coolant from a first location of the cooling system, and a thermostat chamber that receives coolant from a second location of the cooling system. The valve body distributes coolant within the thermostat chamber to a radiator or a radiator bypass line. The thermostat arrangement comprises a first thermal expansion element arranged in the pilot chamber. The first thermal expansion element provides a first stroke of the valve body in response to a coolant temperature in the pilot chamber. The thermostat device comprises a second thermal expansion element arranged in the thermostat chamber. The second thermal expansion element provides a second stroke of the valve body in response to a temperature of the coolant in the thermostat chamber. In this case, the distribution of the coolant to the radiator and the radiator bypass line is determined by a common valve body which is controlled by the coolant temperature in two different positions of the cooling system. The temperature change of the coolant in the two positions in the cooling system can be quickly indicated and the position of the valve body can then be quickly adjusted accordingly. The use of two thermal expansion elements and a common valve body allows for a compact design comprising few components.

Furthermore, the coolant is guided from the pilot chamber to the thermostat chamber via an outlet channel. It should be noted that the coolant flow from the pilot chamber to the thermostat chamber is significantly smaller than the normal coolant flow to the thermostat chamber. In view of this fact, the coolant flow from the pilot chamber to the thermostat chamber does not substantially affect the coolant temperature in the thermostat chamber sensed by the second thermal expansion element. Preferably, the pilot chamber is arranged in the vicinity of the thermostat chamber. The wall elements may be arranged between said chambers. In this case, the pilot chamber outlet passage may be a through hole in said wall. In any case, the presence of the pilot chamber outlet channel which leads coolant to the thermostat chamber makes a separate return line for the pilot circuit unnecessary. Therefore, the contained parts of the thermostat device can be further reduced. However, a condition for guiding the coolant flow from the pilot chamber to the thermostat chamber is that the coolant received by the pilot chamber from the first location in the cooling system has a higher pressure than in the second location, where the ordinary coolant enters the thermostat chamber. The pilot circuit may receive coolant from a first location immediately downstream of a pump that is circulated through the cooling system.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each thermal expansion element comprises a sensor member configured to sense the temperature of the coolant and a stroke member configured to provide said stroke of the valve body. Such a thermal expansion element is capable of providing the stroke of the valve body according to the temperature of the coolant. The sensor member of one of the thermal expansion elements may be fixedly arranged in the thermostat arrangement and the stroke member of said fixed expansion element may be connected to a part of the other thermal expansion element. Such a fixed thermal expansion element can provide, together with the valve body, a stroke of the movably arranged thermal expansion element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the stroke member of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element is connected to the stroke member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element, and the sensor member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element is connected to the valve body. Since the stroke members of the thermal expansion elements are connected to each other, it is possible to activate in opposite directions. The sum of the strokes defines the position of the valve body. Alternatively, a common stroke member may be used for the two thermal expansion elements. This design further reduces the number of components used in the thermostat assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the stroke member of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element is connected to the sensor member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element, and the stroke member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element is connected to the valve body. In this case, the stroke members of the thermal expansion elements may be activated in the same direction. Also in this case, the sum of the strokes defines the position of the valve body. The stroke member of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element may be connected to the sensor member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element via a connecting member. Such a connecting member may provide a stable connection between the stroke member of the fixedly arranged thermal expansion element and the sensor member of the movably arranged thermal expansion element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each thermal expansion element comprises a sensor member in the form of a body of material that changes phase at a specific temperature surrounded by a capsule, and a stroke member in the form of a piston configured to provide said stroke of the valve body when said body of material changes phase. The individual thermal expansion elements may be of conventional design. Such a thermal expansion element is inexpensive and has a reliable function. The body of material may be a wax material having a suitable phase transition temperature.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve body is movably arranged between: the entire coolant flow is directed to a first end location of the radiator bypass line, the entire coolant flow is directed to a second end location of the radiator, a portion of the coolant flow is directed to the radiator bypass line, and the remainder of the coolant flow is directed to at least one intermediate location of the radiator. During operating conditions, the valve body may move to an intermediate position when one of the thermal expansion elements provides a stroke. During operating conditions, the valve body may move to the second end position when both thermal expansion elements provide a stroke. The strokes of the thermal expansion elements may have the same length or different lengths. The thermostat device may include a valve spring configured to move the valve body toward the first end position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the thermostat arrangement comprises a movable valve unit comprising two valve bodies in the form of a first valve plate configured to regulate the coolant flow to the radiator and a second valve plate configured to regulate the coolant flow to the radiator bypass line. In the first end position of the valve unit, the first valve plate may close the outlet to the radiator while the second valve plate exposes the outlet to the radiator bypass line. In the second end position of the valve unit, the first valve plate may expose the outlet to the radiator while the second valve plate closes the outlet to the radiator bypass line.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the thermostat device comprises a movable valve body in the form of a tubular sleeve having a peripheral wall configured to expose or cover the two outlets in view of its position. In this case, the outlets may be arranged at different heights in the side wall of the thermostat housing.

The initial object is also achieved by a cooling system comprising a thermostat arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 1-12. The cooling system may be used to cool the internal combustion engine and objects that are temporarily started. The object that is temporarily activated may be a hydraulic retarder or a retarder cooler for a hydraulic retarder. The hydraulic retarder may quickly increase the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system when activated.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a cooling system comprising a thermostat arrangement according to the invention,

figure 2 shows a thermostat arrangement system according to a first embodiment of the invention,

fig. 3 shows a thermostat device system according to a second embodiment of the invention, an

Fig. 4 shows a thermostat device system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cooling system, an internal combustion engine 2, in a schematically illustrated vehicle 1. The coolant is circulated in the cooling system by means of a coolant pump 3, which is arranged in the engine inlet line 4 and leads the coolant to the combustion engine 1. After the combustion engine 1 through which the coolant is directed, it is led via the engine outlet line 5 to another object, which may be activated intermittently in the form of a hydraulic retarder 6. Thus, the cooling system is used to cool another object (other than the internal combustion engine 1). In this case, the retarder 6 is a hydraulic retarder using coolant as a working medium. Alternatively, a working medium in the form of oil can be used in the hydraulic retarder. In this case, the coolant cools the working medium in the retarder cooler. From the retarder 6, the coolant is led via a retarder outlet line 7 to a thermostat device 8. Depending on the temperature of the coolant, the thermostat device 8 directs the coolant to a radiator bypass line 9 and/or to a radiator 11 via a radiator inlet line 10. The radiator bypass line 9 directs coolant back to the engine inlet line 4 and the coolant pump 3. The radiator 11 is disposed on the front portion of the vehicle 1. Other coolers, such as a charge air cooler, may be arranged in the front part of the radiator 11. The cooling fan 12 forces a flow of cooling air through the radiator 11 so that the coolant undergoes effective cooling. After the coolant has cooled in the radiator 11, it is led back to the engine inlet line 4 and the coolant pump 3 via a return line 13. The pilot circuit 14 leads the pilot flow from a position downstream of the pump 3 and upstream of the internal combustion engine 2 to the thermostat device 8.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the thermostat device 8. The thermostat device 8 comprises a pilot chamber 14a, which receives coolant via a pilot circuit 14. The thermostat device 8 comprises a thermostat housing 15 which comprises a thermostat chamber 15a which receives coolant from the retarder outlet line 7 via an inlet 7'. The first outlet 9 'leads coolant from the thermostat chamber 15a to the radiator bypass line 9, while the second outlet 10' leads coolant from the thermostat chamber 15a to the radiator 11 via the radiator inlet line 10. The thermostat device 8 comprises a first valve plate 16, which is movably arranged between a closed position and an open position with respect to a first valve seat 17. The first valve spring 18 is arranged between the first valve plate 16 and the fixed valve portion 19 in such a manner that the first valve plate 16 is moved against the first valve seat 17 by the valve spring 18.

The thermostat device 8 comprises a second valve plate 20, which is movably arranged between a closed position and an open position relative to a second valve seat 21. The second valve seat 21 is defined by the first outlet 9'. A second valve plate 20 is attached to the end of a rod element 22. The second valve spring 23 is disposed between the fixed valve portion 19 and the second valve plate 20. The first valve body 17, the second valve plate 20 and the elongated element 22 are comprised in a movably arranged valve unit 24 comprising the first valve plate 16 and the second valve plate 20. The first valve spring 18 tends to move the movable valve unit 24 to a first end position in which the first valve plate 16 closes the opening in the valve seat 17, thereby preventing coolant flow to the radiator 11 via the second outlet 10'. At the same time, the second valve plate 20 exposes an opening in the second valve seat 2, allowing coolant flow to the radiator bypass line 9 via the first outlet 9'.

The thermostat device 8 comprises a first thermal expansion element 31. The first thermostat expansion element 31 comprises a first sensor member in the form of a first capsule 31a which is fixedly arranged in thermal contact with the coolant in the pilot chamber 14 a. The first capsule 31a comprises a closed compartment occupied by a first body of material 31 b. A flexible membrane 31c is arranged between the first body of material 31b and an end of a first stroke member in the form of a first piston 3 d. The first material body 31b has a property of increasing in volume when it is melted and enters a liquid phase. The first body of material 31b is at a first temperature T₁And (4) phase transformation.

The thermostat device 8 comprises a second thermal expansion element 32. The second thermostat expansion element 32 comprises a second sensor member in the form of a second capsule 32a which is arranged in thermal contact with the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15 a. The capsule 32a of the second thermostat expansion element 32 is fixedly arranged on the first valve plate 16. Thus, the second thermostat expansion element 32 is part of the movable valve unit 24. The second capsule 32a includes a closed compartment occupied by a second body of material 32 b. A flexible membrane 32c is arranged between the second body of material 32b and an end of a second stroke member in the form of a second piston 32 d. The second material body 32b has a property of increasing in volume when it is melted and enters a liquid phase. The second body of material 32b is at a second temperature T₂And (4) phase transformation. A second capsule 32a is arranged in the thermostat chamber 8, which is in thermal contact with the coolant received from the reducer outlet line 7. In this case, the free ends of the pistons 31d, 32d of the first and second thermostat expansion elements 31, 32 are fixedly connected to one another.

The pilot chamber 14a comprises an outlet channel 14b in the form of an outlet line which leads coolant from the pilot chamber 14a to the thermostat chamber 15 a. It should be noted that the coolant flow from the pilot chamber 14a to the thermostat chamber 15a is significantly smaller than the ordinary coolant flow to the thermostat chamber 15 a. Thus, the coolant flow from the pilot chamber 14a does not substantially affect the coolant temperature in the thermostat chamber 15 a. The presence of said outlet channel 14b makes a separate return line in the pilot circuit 14 unnecessary.

During operation of the combustion engine 2, coolant is circulated through the cooling circuit by means of a coolant pump 3. The first capsule 31a is in thermal contact with the coolant flowing into the pilot chamber 14a, while the second capsule 32a is in thermal contact with the coolant entering the thermostat chamber 15 a. As a result, the thermostat device 8 is controlled by the temperature of the coolant in two locations of the cooling system: at a position downstream of the radiator 11 and downstream of the decelerator 6. During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature T above the first phase transition temperature₁A lower temperature and the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature T higher than the second phase transition temperature₂At lower temperatures, the first body of material 31b and the second body of material 32b are in the solid phase. Therefore, neither of the material bodies 31b, 32b is in the expanded state. Therefore, as shown in fig. 2, the movable valve unit 24 is held in the first end position. In the first end position, the first valve plate 16 is in a closed position relative to the first valve seat 17, while the second valve plate 20 is in a fully open position relative to the second valve seat 21. When the valve unit 24 is in this first end position, there is no cooling demand for the coolant, and the entire flow of coolant entering the thermostat chamber 15a from the retarder outlet line 7 is led to the radiator bypass line 9.

During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature below the second phase transition temperature T₂At a temperature of (1), the first body of material 31b is in the liquid phase and the second body of material 32b is in the solid phase. Thus, the first material body 31b is in an expanded state. During expansion of the first body of material 31b, it provides a stroke to the valve unit 24 via the flexible membrane 31c and the piston 31 d. Valve unit 24 moves downwardly from a first end position to an intermediate positionIn this intermediate position, the first valve plate 16 is in a partially open position with respect to the first valve seat 17, while the second valve plate 20 is in a partially open position with respect to the second valve seat 21. When the valve unit 24 is in this intermediate position, a part of the coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is led to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining part of the coolant flow is led to the radiator 11.

During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature below the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂At a temperature of (1), the first body of material 31b is in a solid phase and the second body of material 32b is in a liquid phase. Thus, the second body of material 32b is in an expanded state. During expansion of the second body of material, it provides a stroke to the valve unit 24 via the flexible membrane 32c and the piston 32 d. The valve unit 24 is moved downwards from the first end position into an intermediate position in which the first valve plate 16 is in a partially open position relative to the first valve seat 17 and the second valve plate 20 is in a partially open position relative to the second valve seat 21. When the valve unit 24 is in this intermediate position, a part of the coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is led to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining part of the coolant flow is led to the radiator 11.

During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂The first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in the liquid phase. Thus, the first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in an expanded state. The first thermal expansion element 31 provides a first stroke of the valve unit 24 from the first end position, while the second thermal expansion element 32 provides a second stroke of the valve unit 24. In this case, the valve unit 24 receives a movement from the first end position to the second end position. In the second end position, the first valve plate 16 is in a fully open position relative to the first valve seat 17, while the second valve plate 20 is in a closed position relative to the second valve seat 21. When the valve unit 24 is in this second end position, the entire coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is led to the radiator11。

In this case, the first and second thermostat elements 31, 32 provide strokes in opposite directions relative to each other via the pistons 31d, 32 d. Thus, the distance between the first and second capsules 31a, 32a will increase with the sum of the first and second strokes. Since the second capsule 32a is part of the valve unit 24, the valve unit 24 will move together with the valve bodies 16, 20 a corresponding distance from the first end position. The first thermostat element 31 ensures a fast feedback of the thermostat arrangement 8 when the coolant undergoes a fast temperature change in the radiator 11. The second thermostat element 32 ensures a fast feedback of the thermostat arrangement 8 when the coolant undergoes a fast temperature change in the radiator 6. The first body of material 31b may have a phase transition temperature of about 89 c and the second body of material 32b may have a phase transition temperature of about 96 c. The body of material may be a wax material having a suitable phase transition temperature.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the thermostat arrangement 8. In this case, the first thermal expansion element 31 and the second thermal expansion element 32 comprise a common piston 33. Furthermore, the thermostat device 8 comprises a valve body in the form of a tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve 34 includes a peripheral wall 34a defining an internal space 34b, a support portion 34c, a first opening 34d, and a second opening 34 e. The valve spring 35 is arranged between the support portion 34c and the fixed portion of the valve housing 15 in such a way that the valve spring 35 acts on the tubular sleeve 34 towards the first end position with a spring force, as shown in fig. 3. The tubular sleeve 34 and the second thermostat element 32 form a movable valve unit 36. The remaining components have the design and function as in the embodiment of fig. 2. The pilot chamber 14a therefore also comprises in this case an outlet channel 14b which leads coolant from the pilot chamber 14a to the thermostat chamber 15 a. In this case, the outlet channel 14b is a through hole in the wall separating the pilot chamber 14a and the thermostat chamber 15 a.

During operation of the combustion engine 2, coolant is circulated through the cooling circuit by means of a coolant pump 3. A first capsule 31a is fixedly arranged in thermal contact with the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a, and a second capsule 32 is arranged in thermal contact with the coolant entering the thermostat chamber 15a via the inlet 7. During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature below the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature below the second phase transition temperature T₂The first material body 31b and the second material body 32b are in a solid phase at the temperature of (1). Therefore, neither of the material bodies 31b, 32b is in the expanded state. The tubular sleeve 34 is held in the first end position in which the peripheral wall 34a of the tubular sleeve 34 completely exposes the first outlet 9 'while it closes the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 34 is in this first end position, the entire coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 from the retarder outlet line 7 is led to the radiator bypass line 9.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature below the second phase transition temperature T₂At a temperature of (1), the first volume of material 31a is in the liquid phase and the second volume of material 32a is in the solid phase. Thus, the first material body 31a is in an expanded state. During expansion of the first body of material, it provides a first stroke to the tubular sleeve 34 via the flexible membrane 31c and the shaft 31 d. The expansion of the first body 31c moves the tubular sleeve 34 to a first intermediate position in which the peripheral wall 34a of the tubular sleeve 34 partially exposes the first outlet 9 'and the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 34 is in this first intermediate position, a portion of the coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is directed to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining portion of the coolant flow is directed to the radiator 11.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature below the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂At a temperature of (1), the first body of material 31b is in a solid phase and the second body of material 32b is in a liquid phase. Thus, the second body of material 32b is in an expanded state. During expansion of the second body of material 32b, it provides a second stroke to the tubular sleeve 34 via the flexible membrane 32c and the piston 32 d. Expansion of the second body 32b moves the tubular sleeve 34 to a second intermediate position in which the first valve plate 16 is in a partially open position with respect to the first valve seat 17 and the second valve plate 20 is in a partially open position with respect to the second valve seat 21In position. When the valve unit 24 is in this second intermediate position, a part of the coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is led to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining part of the coolant flow is led to the radiator 11.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂The first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in the liquid phase. Thus, the first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in an expanded state. During expansion of the first and second bodies 31b, 32b, they provide a stroke to the tubular sleeve 34 via the pistons 31d, 32d, respectively. The expansion of the first and second bodies 31b, 32b moves the tubular sleeve 34 to the second end position in which the peripheral wall 34a closes the first outlet 9 'whilst it fully exposes the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 34 is in this second end position, the entire flow of coolant entering the thermostat device 8 is directed to the radiator 11.

Fig. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the thermostat device 8. The thermostat device 8 comprises a first thermostat element 31 provided with a first capsule 31a fixedly arranged in the chamber 14c of the pilot circuit. The first thermostat element 31 comprises a first piston 31d connected to the second capsule 32a of the second thermostat element 32 via a connecting member 47. Such a connecting member 47 provides a stable connection between the first piston 31d and the second capsule 32 a. The second thermostat element 32 comprises a second piston 32d fixedly connected to the spring holder 41. The valve spring 42 is arranged between the spring holder 41 and a fixed part 43 in the valve housing 15.

The thermostat device 8 comprises a valve body in the form of a tubular sleeve 44. The tubular sleeve 44 includes a peripheral wall 44a defining an inner space 44b, a support portion 44c, a first opening 44d, and a second opening 44 e. The tubular sleeve 44 is connected to the piston 32d of the second thermal element 32 via a support portion 44 c. The second thermal element 32, the spring holder 41, the valve spring 42 and the tubular sleeve 44 are comprised in a movable valve unit 45. The bracket 46 supports the first thermostat element 31 on the fixed portion 43. The pilot chamber 14a comprises an outlet channel 14b in the form of a through hole, which leads coolant from the pilot chamber 14a to the thermostatic chamber 15 a.

During operation of the combustion engine 2, coolant is circulated through the cooling circuit by means of a coolant pump 3. The first capsule 31a is fixedly arranged in thermal contact with the coolant flowing through the pilot circuit 14, while the second capsule 32 is arranged on the tubular sleeve 44 in thermal contact with the coolant entering the valve housing 15 via the inlet 7'. During operating conditions when the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature below the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature below the second phase transition temperature T₂The first material body 31b and the second material body 32b are in a solid phase at the temperature of (1). Therefore, neither of the material bodies 31b, 32b is in the expanded state. The tubular sleeve 34 is kept in the first end position in which the peripheral wall 44a of the tubular sleeve 44 completely exposes the first outlet 9 'while it closes the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 44 is in this first end position, the entire coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 from the retarder outlet line 7 is led to the radiator bypass line 9.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature below the second phase transition temperature T₂At a temperature of (1), the first material body 31a is in a liquid phase and the second material body 32a is in a solid phase. Thus, the first material body 31a is in an expanded state. During expansion of the first body of material, it provides, via the flexible membrane 31c and the shaft 31d, a first stroke towards the tubular sleeve 44 via the second thermal element 32. Expansion of the first body 31c moves the tubular sleeve 44 to a first intermediate position in which the peripheral wall 44a of the tubular sleeve 44 partially exposes the first outlet 9 'and the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 44 is in this first intermediate position, a portion of the coolant flow entering the thermostat device 8 is directed to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining portion of the coolant flow is directed to the radiator 11.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature below the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂At a temperature at which the first material body 31b is in a solid phaseAnd the second body of material 32b is in the liquid phase. Thus, the second body of material 32b is in an expanded state. During expansion of the second body of material 32b, it provides a second stroke to the tubular sleeve 44 via the flexible membrane 32c and the piston 32 d. Expansion of the second body 32b moves the tubular sleeve 44 to a second intermediate position in which the first valve plate 16 is in a partially open position relative to the first valve seat 17 and the second valve plate 20 is in a partially open position relative to the second valve seat 21. When the valve unit 24 is in this second intermediate position, a part of the coolant flow entering the thermostat 8 is led to the radiator bypass line 9, while the remaining part of the coolant flow is led to the radiator 11.

When the coolant in the pilot chamber 14a has a temperature above the first phase transition temperature T₁And the coolant in the thermostat chamber 15a has a temperature higher than the second phase-change temperature T₂The first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in the liquid phase. Thus, the first and second bodies of material 31b, 32b are in an expanded state. During expansion of the first and second bodies 31b, 32b, they provide a stroke to the tubular sleeve 44 via the pistons 31d, 32d, respectively. Expansion of the first and second bodies 31b, 32b moves the tubular sleeve 44 to the second end position in which the peripheral wall 44a closes the first outlet 9 'whilst fully exposing the second outlet 10'. When the tubular sleeve 44 is in this second end position, the entire flow of coolant entering the thermostat device 8 is directed to the radiator 11.

In this case, the first and second thermostat elements 31, 32 provide a stroke in the same direction. Thus, the distance between the first capsule 31a and the second capsule 32a may increase with the first stroke, and the distance between the second capsule 32a and the tubular sleeve 44 may increase with the second stroke. The above-described arrangement of the first and second thermostat elements causes the stroke of the tubular sleeve 44 to reach a position defined by the sum of the strokes provided by the individual thermostat elements 31, 32.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been described in the drawings: which may vary freely within the scope of the patent claims.