reservoir

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid storage tank having a tank body, an inlet pipe, a outlet pipe, and a coolant inlet disposed in the tank body. The tank body has a first chamber and a second chamber, and the inlet is configured to inject coolant into the second chamber. An upper limit mark and a lower limit mark are displayed on the tank body. The first chamber and the second chamber are interconnected via a lower connecting passage at a position lower than the lower limit mark. Furthermore, an upper connecting passage connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-189977, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to liquid storage tanks. Background Technology

[0004] Liquid cooling systems are flexibly applied to the cooling of internal combustion engines, electrical components, and electronic circuit boards. In a liquid cooling system, the component being cooled is cooled by circulating the coolant, collecting heat from it, and dissipating it through a radiator. In liquid cooling systems, a coolant container, or reservoir, is sometimes placed in the coolant path for circulation. The reservoir compensates for coolant loss due to vaporization and absorbs volume changes caused by temperature variations. Furthermore, if air bubbles are generated in the coolant, cooling efficiency can sometimes decrease. Therefore, the reservoir is sometimes used to separate air bubbles from the coolant, i.e., gas-liquid separation is performed.

[0005] For example, in the liquid storage tank disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863, the interior of the main body of the liquid storage tank is divided into multiple chambers by partition walls. Furthermore, these chambers are interconnected, and coolant flows sequentially within them. In addition, in this liquid storage tank, air holes are provided in the upper part of the partition walls to guide air bubbles and air accumulating at the top of the tank to a pressure-adjustable cap located at the tank inlet. This document discloses that, according to the liquid storage tank described above, even if the water level of the cooling water changes, it is possible to prevent air bubbles in the cooling water from being drawn into the cooling water outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The coolant reservoir includes: a main body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for supplying coolant into the main body; an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the main body; and an inlet for injecting coolant into the main body. The main body has a first chamber connected to the inlet pipe and a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The inlet is configured to inject coolant into the second chamber. An upper limit mark and a lower limit mark indicating an appropriate coolant level are displayed on the main body. The outlet pipe is connected to the second chamber at a position lower than the lower limit mark in the vertical direction. The first chamber and the second chamber are interconnected via a lower connecting passage that connects the portion of the first chamber below the lower limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the lower limit mark. Furthermore, the first chamber and the second chamber are interconnected via an upper connecting passage that connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the liquid storage tank in the first embodiment. Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the effect of water filling the liquid storage tank in the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the function of the liquid storage tank in the first embodiment during use.

[0010] Figure 4A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the liquid storage tank in the second embodiment. Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure around the upper connecting passage of the liquid storage tank in the third embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the function of the liquid storage tank in Reference Example 1.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the function of the liquid storage tank in Reference Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are presented for illustrative purposes and to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown schematically for the purpose of simplifying the drawings.

[0015] In a liquid storage tank having multiple compartments separated by partition walls, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863, in most cases, when assembling a liquid-cooled cooling system, coolant is injected into the tank through an inlet to fill the tank. However, due to the partition walls, air may remain in the upper part of the compartments without inlets, potentially leading to insufficient coolant filling.

[0016] As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863, when air holes are provided in the upper part of the partition wall, the air in the upper part of the tank can move, so that a sufficient amount of coolant can be filled into each compartment.

[0017] On the other hand, in recent years, in order to further improve the performance of cooling systems, there has been a demand to further increase the flow rate of coolant in the reservoir described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863. However, the following phenomenon has been observed: In the reservoir described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863, if the flow rate of coolant through the reservoir is increased, the coolant flowing into the reservoir body tends to surge and swirl like waves. As a result, air is entrained in the coolant, generating bubbles, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of gas-liquid separation.

[0018] In particular, in recent years, with the increasing demand for miniaturization of liquid storage tanks, the coolant inside the tank body is prone to malfunction.

[0019] The first objective of this disclosure is to provide a coolant reservoir that allows for easy filling of each compartment with a sufficient amount of coolant. Furthermore, a second objective of this disclosure is to suppress the generation of air bubbles inside the coolant reservoir.

[0020] The inventors conducted research to achieve the aforementioned objectives. As a result, they discovered the following fact: While providing air holes in the upper part of the partition wall, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-043863, achieves the first objective, the second objective is difficult to achieve. Specifically, as the coolant flow rate increases, the coolant flows from the upstream chamber through the air holes into the downstream chamber like a waterfall. Therefore, a large number of air bubbles are generated in the downstream chamber.

[0021] The inventors conducted further in-depth research, which resulted in the discovery of the following facts, thus completing the technology disclosed herein. That is, the upstream side chamber (first chamber) and the downstream side chamber (second chamber) are interconnected by a connecting passage (upper connecting passage), and the upper connecting passage connects to the first chamber at the upper side above the upper limit water level of the tank, and to the second chamber at the lower side below the upper limit water level of the tank, thereby achieving both the first and second objectives mentioned above.

[0022] The first embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage tank comprising: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from a coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system into the tank body; an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body into the coolant path; and an inlet for injecting coolant into the tank body. The tank body has a first chamber connected to the inlet pipe and a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The inlet is configured to inject coolant into the second chamber. An upper limit mark and a lower limit mark indicating an appropriate coolant level are displayed on the tank body. The outlet pipe is connected to the second chamber at a position lower in the vertical direction than the lower limit mark. The first chamber and the second chamber are interconnected via a lower connecting passage that connects a portion of the first chamber below the lower limit mark to a portion of the second chamber below the lower limit mark. Furthermore, the first chamber and the second chamber are interconnected via an upper connecting passage that connects a portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to a portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark.

[0023] Furthermore, the second embodiment of the liquid storage tank disclosed herein includes: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system into the tank body; an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body into the coolant path; and an inlet for injecting coolant into the tank body. The tank body has a first chamber connected to the inlet pipe, a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber, and a third chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The inlet is configured to inject coolant into the third chamber. The second chamber and the third chamber are in communication with each other, allowing coolant and air to flow between the second chamber and the third chamber. The tank body displays upper and lower limits indicating the appropriate coolant level. The drain pipe connects to the second or third chamber at a position lower than the lower limit mark in the vertical direction. The first and second chambers are interconnected via a lower connecting passage that connects the portion of the first chamber below the lower limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the lower limit mark. Furthermore, the first and second chambers are interconnected via an upper connecting passage that connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark.

[0024] In either the first or second embodiment, preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper connecting passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower connecting passage (third embodiment). Furthermore, in either the first or second embodiment, preferably, the first chamber is substantially filled with coolant through circulation of coolant in the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system (fourth embodiment). Furthermore, in either the first or second embodiment, preferably, the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a partition wall, the upper connecting passage communicates with the upper end of the first chamber, and extends along the partition wall in a generally vertical direction (fifth embodiment). The term "vertical" as used in this specification includes not only vertical in a strict sense but also generally vertical.

[0025] According to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid storage tank can be easily filled with a sufficient amount of coolant into each compartment and the generation of air bubbles inside the liquid storage tank can be suppressed.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the third or fourth method, the bubble generation inhibition effect is further improved.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the fifth method, the structure of the liquid storage tank can also be simplified.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking the reservoir in a liquid-cooled cooling system for an internal combustion engine in an automobile as an example. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and modifications may be made to the embodiments. The application of the liquid-cooled cooling system is not limited to internal combustion engines; it can be used to cool electrical components such as power cooling elements and inverters, as well as electrical components such as electronic circuit boards, or for other purposes.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the liquid storage tank 10 in the first embodiment. Figure 1A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the storage tank 10. Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank 10. Figure 1A The longitudinal section view is passed Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the YY line taken from a vertical plane. Figure 1A In the longitudinal section diagram, the upper side of the diagram represents the upper part in the vertical direction. Furthermore, Figure 1B The cross-sectional view is obtained by passing through Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of XX section cut by the horizontal plane of line XX.

[0030] The reservoir 10 is configured to have a hollow tank body 11 and an inlet pipe 15 and an outlet pipe 16 connected to the tank body 11. When using the reservoir 10, coolant L is stored in the tank body 11. Furthermore, at least a portion of the vertically upper part of the tank body 11 stores air. The reservoir 10, used in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, is configured and connected in the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system so that coolant flows from the coolant path into the hollow tank body 11 through the inlet pipe 15, and then flows out from the hollow tank body 11 into the coolant path through the outlet pipe 16.

[0031] While not strictly necessary, typically the storage tank 10 is formed by integrating a lower shell and an upper shell, which are respectively injection molded. The integration of the lower and upper shells creates a hollow tank body 11. The inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 can be integrally formed with the lower shell. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 can be integrally formed with the tank body 11 using a different manufacturing method than integral forming with the lower shell.

[0032] In addition, an inlet 17 is provided in the reservoir 10. When assembling the cooling system, coolant is injected into the reservoir body 11 through the inlet 17. When the cooling system is operating and the reservoir 10 is in use, a cover is installed on the inlet. To avoid excessive pressure inside the reservoir body 11, a pressure regulating valve is preferably provided on the cover.

[0033] The main body 11 has a first chamber 11a connected to an inlet pipe 15 and a second chamber 11b disposed downstream of the first chamber 11a. In this embodiment, the main body 11 is divided into the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b by a partition wall 12. As in other embodiments described later, the main body 11 may also have other chambers. In this embodiment, an inlet 17 is provided at the upper part of the main body 11 to inject coolant into the second chamber 11b.

[0034] Furthermore, an upper limit mark 18U and a lower limit mark 18L indicating the appropriate liquid level of the coolant L are displayed on the tank body 11. Coolant is injected in such a manner that the coolant level falls between the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L. While not strictly necessary, typically the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L are formed by embossing and displayed on the outer surface of the tank body 11. In this embodiment, the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L are displayed on the outer surface of the second chamber. The specific form of the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L provided on the tank body 11 is not particularly limited, as long as their shape allows for confirmation of the vertical relationship between the liquid level inside the tank body 11 and these marks.

[0035] The inlet pipe 15 is connected to the first chamber 11a. Although not strictly necessary, from the viewpoint of suppressing air entrapment and foaming in the first chamber 11a, it is preferable to connect the inlet pipe 15 to the first chamber 11a on the lower side in the vertical direction below the lower limit mark 18L. Furthermore, although not strictly necessary, from the same viewpoint, it is preferable to arrange the inlet pipe 15 in such a way that the flow of coolant from the inlet pipe 15 into the first chamber 11a collides with the partition wall 12 substantially perpendicularly.

[0036] The discharge pipe 16 is connected to the second chamber 11b on the lower side in the vertical direction below the lower limit mark 18L. According to the above structure, coolant containing almost no air bubbles or air can be easily discharged from the discharge pipe 16. Preferably, the discharge pipe 16 is connected near the lower surface of the second chamber 11b.

[0037] The first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are interconnected by an upper connecting passage 13 and a lower connecting passage 14. The upper connecting passage 13 is located on the upper side in the vertical direction compared to the lower connecting passage 14.

[0038] The first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are interconnected via a lower connecting passage 14. The lower connecting passage 14 connects the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b at a position within the coolant tank 10, submerged in the coolant. Specifically, the lower connecting passage 14 connects the first chamber and the second chamber at a portion lower than the lower limit mark 18L. In other words, the lower connecting passage 14 connects the portion of the first chamber 11a lower than the lower limit mark 18L to the portion of the second chamber 11b lower than the lower limit mark 18L. The path of the lower connecting passage (indicated by the center line m) can extend in a generally horizontal direction or be inclined. In this embodiment, the lower connecting passage 14 is provided near the bottom surface of the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b in the form of a through hole in the partition wall 12.

[0039] The first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are also interconnected via the upper connecting passage 13. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the diagram, the path of the upper connecting path 13 is represented by the center line n. The upper connecting path 13 connects the portion of the first chamber 11a above the upper limit mark 18U to the portion of the second chamber 11b below the upper limit mark 18U. That is, the upper connecting path 13 connects the positions of the first chamber 11a side and the second chamber 11b side that are separated in the vertical direction. The portion of the upper connecting path 13 connected to the first chamber 11a side is located at a higher position in the vertical direction than the portion of the upper connecting path 13 connected to the second chamber 11b side.

[0040] Although not strictly necessary, in this embodiment, the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are separated by a partition wall 12 extending in a generally vertical direction, and the upper connecting passage 13 communicates with the upper end of the first chamber 11a and extends along the partition wall 12 in a generally vertical direction. That is, a through hole 13h is provided in the partition wall 12 near the upper end of the first chamber 11a. Furthermore, on one side of the second chamber 11b, a rib 13r extends in a generally vertical direction to surround the through hole 13h. The rib 13r is connected to the wall and top surface of the housing body 11 and the partition wall 12. A pipe extending in a generally vertical direction is formed by the rib 13r, the wall surface of the housing body 11, and the partition wall 12. This pipe and the through hole 13h constitute the upper connecting passage 13. The through hole 13h is located above the upper limit mark 18U. The lower end of the pipe formed by the rib 13r is open in the portion below the upper limit mark 18U of the second chamber 11b.

[0041] While not strictly necessary, it is preferable that the portion of the upper connecting passage 13 on the first chamber 11a side communicates with the vicinity of the upper end face of the first chamber 11a. Furthermore, while not strictly necessary, it is preferable that the portion of the upper connecting passage 13 on the second chamber 11b side communicates with the portion of the second chamber 11b lower than the lower limit mark 18L. Additionally, the portion of the upper connecting passage 13 on the second chamber 11b side can communicate with the second chamber at substantially the same height as the upper limit mark 18U. In this case, as long as the height difference along the vertical direction between the upper limit mark 18U and the opening on the second chamber side of the upper connecting passage 13 is approximately 3 to 5 mm, they can be considered to be at substantially the same height, and it can be said that the portion of the upper connecting passage 13 on the second chamber 11b side below the upper limit mark 18U is open.

[0042] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper connecting path 13 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower connecting path 14. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting path does not necessarily have to be constant along its length. If a portion of the connecting path narrows, the cross-sectional area of ​​the narrowed portion can be considered as the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting path. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper connecting path 13 is 1 / 5 or less, more preferably 1 / 10 or less, of the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower connecting path 14.

[0043] While not strictly necessary, as with the reservoir 10 in this embodiment, it is preferable that the first chamber 11a is substantially filled with coolant by circulating the coolant in the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system. When the cooling system is operating and the coolant is circulating, the liquid level in the first chamber 11a rises as coolant flows into it. This rise in liquid level allows air remaining in the upper part of the first chamber 11a to be discharged to the second chamber 11b through the upper connecting passage 13. Thus, the first chamber 11a is substantially filled with coolant. By adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower connecting passage 14 according to the set flow rate of the coolant, and / or adjusting the size and / or height of the first chamber 11a, particularly the height of the top surface 111 of the first chamber 11a, it is possible to achieve the goal of substantially filling the first chamber 11a with coolant. Although not mandatory, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, to set the height of the top surface 111 of the first chamber 11a to be lower than the height of the top surface 112 of the second chamber 11b, so that the height difference between the top surface 111 of the first chamber 11a and the upper limit mark 18U is reduced.

[0044] As long as the tank body 11, first chamber 11a, second chamber 11b, partition wall 12, inflow pipe 15, discharge pipe 16, upper connecting passage 13, lower connecting passage 14, and inlet 17 of the liquid storage tank 10 are constituted, there is no particular limitation on the specific components into which the liquid storage tank 10 is divided (what kind of set of constituent parts the liquid storage tank 10 is). For example, the above-described structure of the liquid storage tank 10 can be achieved by dividing the liquid storage tank 10 into two shells, a lower shell and an upper shell, which are integrally formed together with the partition wall, and assembling them. Alternatively, the above-described structure can also be achieved by different component structures. For example, the above-described structure of the liquid storage tank 10 can be achieved by forming a structural component that divides the tank body 11 into two parts by a vertical plane and assembling them.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the materials constituting the reservoir 10 and the manufacturing method of the reservoir 10 are not particularly limited. The reservoir 10 can be manufactured using known materials and known manufacturing methods. Typically, the reservoir 10 is formed primarily of a thermoplastic resin such as polyamide resin. The materials and reinforcing structures of the reservoir 10 are determined according to the type, temperature, and pressure of the coolant used. Furthermore, typically, the reservoir 10 can be manufactured by injection molding components corresponding to the lower and upper shells described above, and by integrating these components together using vibration welding or hot plate welding. In this case, it is preferable that the inlet pipe 15, outlet pipe 16, inlet port 17, and partition wall 12 are integrally formed with the lower shell or the upper shell, respectively. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 15, outlet pipe 16, inlet port 17, and partition wall 12 can also be formed as different components and integrated with the lower shell or the upper shell through subsequent assembly.

[0046] The function and effects of the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above will be explained. In the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, it is easy to fill each compartment with a sufficient amount of coolant. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the generation of air bubbles inside the liquid storage tank 10.

[0047] First, we will explain the situation where it is easy to fill each compartment with a sufficient amount of coolant. Figure 6 This illustrates the function of the reservoir 9 when coolant is injected into the reservoir 9 without an upper connecting passage, which is used as a reference example 1. Figure 6The reservoir 9 of Reference Example 1 shown has the same structure as the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment, except that it lacks an upper connecting passage. When coolant is injected into the reservoir 9 of Reference Example 1 through the inlet 94, although a sufficient amount of coolant can be filled into the second chamber 91b, it is difficult to fill a sufficient amount of coolant into the first chamber 91a. That is, in the reservoir 9, the first chamber 91a is separated from the inlet 94 by the partition wall 95. Therefore, even if coolant is intended to flow into the first chamber 91a from the lower connecting passage, the air accumulated in the upper part of the first chamber 91a becomes an obstacle. As a result, it is difficult to fully fill the first chamber 91a with coolant.

[0048] On the other hand, in the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are connected by an upper connecting passage 13. Furthermore, the upper connecting passage 13 connects the portion of the first chamber 11a above the upper limit mark 18U with the portion of the second chamber 11b below the upper limit mark 18U (i.e., the portion at the same height as the upper limit mark or the portion lower than the upper limit mark). Through this structure, as... Figure 2 As shown, when cooling water is injected into the reservoir 10, the upper connecting passage 13 becomes a de facto exhaust path until the liquid level of the coolant in the second chamber 11b completely submerges the opening on the second chamber 11b side, allowing air in the upper part of the first chamber 11a to escape to the second chamber 11b side.

[0049] Therefore, in the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, the coolant in the first chamber 11a can be filled to a height close to the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L. Thus, a sufficient amount of coolant can be filled into each chamber. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of filling more coolant into the first chamber 11a when coolant is injected from the inlet 17, it is preferable that the upper connecting passage 13 connects to the second chamber 11b on the second chamber 11b side at a position closer to the upper limit mark 18U.

[0050] Next, the suppression effect on bubble generation inside the liquid storage tank 10 will be explained. Figure 7 In the example 2, the function of the reservoir 99 when the coolant is circulated in the reservoir 99 with known air holes 96 provided in the partition wall 95 is shown. Figure 7 The Reference Example 2 shown has the same structure as the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment, except that the upper part of the first chamber 91a and the upper part of the second chamber 91b are connected only through an air hole (through hole) 96. Figure 7 In the diagram, hollow arrows represent the flow of coolant.

[0051] In the reservoir 99 of Reference Example 2, coolant flows into the first chamber 91a through the inlet pipe 92 and is discharged through the outlet pipe 93 via the second chamber 91b. At this time, because the coolant flowing in from the inlet pipe 92 remains in the first chamber 91a, the water level in the first chamber rises. Therefore, coolant flows from the first chamber 91a toward the second chamber 91b not only through the lower connecting passage but also through the air hole 96. Consequently, the portion of coolant released from the air hole 96 into the second chamber 91b flows down towards the coolant surface accumulated in the second chamber 91b like a waterfall. Therefore, in the reservoir 99 of Reference Example 2, air is entrained into the coolant in the second chamber 91b, thus generating bubbles.

[0052] On the other hand, in the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, since the upper connecting passage 13 has the above-described structure, therefore... Figure 3 As shown, bubble generation is suppressed. Since the coolant flowing in from the inlet pipe 15 remains in the first chamber 11a, the water level in the first chamber 11a rises, and the coolant flows from the first chamber 11a toward the second chamber 11b not only from the lower connecting passage 14 but also from the upper connecting passage 13, similar to Reference Example 2. In the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment described above, the upper connecting passage 13 is connected to the portion below the upper limit mark 18U of the second chamber 11b. Therefore, the coolant flowing into the second chamber 11b from the upper connecting passage 13 essentially flows directly into the coolant stored in the second chamber 11b, making it difficult for air to be entrained in the reservoir 10. Thus, bubble generation in the second chamber 11b can be suppressed.

[0053] From the viewpoint of suppressing bubble generation within the reservoir 10, it is preferable that the upper connecting passage 13 opens towards the second chamber 11b at a lower position. While not strictly necessary, it is particularly preferable that the second chamber-side opening of the upper connecting passage 13 communicates with the portion of the second chamber 11b lower than the lower limit mark 18L. In this case, the fluid flow from the upper connecting passage 13 is better released into the coolant within the second chamber 11b. Therefore, air entrapment and bubble generation can be better suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper connecting passage 13 is smaller than that of the lower connecting passage 14, the amount of coolant passing through the upper connecting passage 13 is reduced. Therefore, the generation of bubbles in the second chamber 11b can be suppressed more effectively.

[0055] Furthermore, with the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b separated by the partition wall 12, and the upper connecting passage 13 communicating with the upper end of the first chamber 11a and extending along the partition wall 12 in a generally vertical direction, the coolant stored in the second chamber 11b is less likely to be disturbed by the flow of liquid from the upper connecting passage 13. Therefore, the generation of air bubbles in the second chamber 11b can be suppressed more effectively. In addition, such an upper connecting passage 13 is also advantageous in suppressing air residue in the first chamber and can be manufactured efficiently.

[0056] From the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of air bubbles within the coolant reservoir 10, it is preferable to substantially fill the first chamber 11a with coolant by circulating the coolant in the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system. The coolant flow from the inlet pipe 15 flows directly into the first chamber 11a. Therefore, the coolant tends to flow vigorously and complexly inside the first chamber 11a. However, if the first chamber 11a is substantially filled with coolant, it is possible to suppress the generation of air bubbles due to air entrainment within the first chamber 11a.

[0057] In the liquid storage tank 10 of the above embodiment, by utilizing the phenomenon that the coolant level in the first chamber 11a rises when coolant flows into the first chamber 11a, air inside the first chamber 11a can be discharged to the second chamber 11b side through the upper connecting passage 13. From the viewpoint of suppressing residual air in the first chamber 11a, it is preferable that the first chamber side opening of the upper connecting passage 13 is connected to the vicinity of the upper end of the first chamber 11a. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing residual air in the first chamber 11a, it is preferable that the height of the top surface 111 of the first chamber 11a is set lower than the height of the top surface 112 of the second chamber 11b. As a result, an appropriate amount of air can be stored in the second chamber 11b, and residual air in the first chamber 11a can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, when the opening on the second chamber 11b side of the upper connecting passage 13 is located below the lower limit mark 18L, air is expelled from the interior of the first chamber 11a by the flow of coolant. Therefore, even after the coolant flow stops, the first chamber 11a remains substantially filled with coolant, and even if the coolant flow resumes, the generation of air bubbles within the first chamber 11a can be suppressed. Thus, the generation of air bubbles can be suppressed particularly effectively.

[0059] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made to implement it. Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. In the following description, the focus is on the parts that differ from the embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and detailed descriptions of them are omitted. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented by combining parts of each other or by replacing parts of each other.

[0060] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The structure of the liquid storage tank 20 in the second embodiment is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding longitudinal and cross-sectional views are shown. In the liquid storage tank 20 of the second embodiment, the structure of the inflow pipe, the structure of the upper connecting passage 23, and the presence of the third chamber 11c differ from those of the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment. Other structures of the liquid storage tank 20 of the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0061] In addition to the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b, the main body of the liquid storage tank 20 also has a third chamber 11c located downstream of the first chamber 11a. The third chamber 11c only needs to be located downstream of the first chamber 11a; it does not necessarily have to be located downstream of the second chamber 11b. The second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c are separated by a partition wall 22.

[0062] In the reservoir 20 of this embodiment, the inlet 17 is configured to inject coolant into the third chamber 11c. Furthermore, the second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c are interconnected in a manner that allows coolant and air to freely flow between them. In this embodiment, an air hole 22a is provided in the upper part of the reservoir 20 to connect the second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c. Furthermore, a connecting passage 24 is provided in the coolant in the lower part of the reservoir 20 to connect the second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c. Alternatively, a slit-shaped connecting passage extending vertically, serving as both the air hole 22a and the connecting passage 24, may be provided between the second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c.

[0063] Through the air vent 22a and the connecting passage 24, the coolant levels in the second chamber 11b and the third chamber 11c are substantially the same when coolant is injected into the reservoir 20 and when the cooling system is not operating. Therefore, the upper limit mark 18U and the lower limit mark 18L can be set in either the second chamber 11b or the third chamber 11c in the tank body.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge pipe 16 is connected to the third chamber 11c at a position lower in the vertical direction than the lower limit mark 18L. The discharge pipe 16 may also be connected to the second chamber 11b. Additionally, when the discharge pipe 16 is connected to the third chamber 11c, which is located downstream of the second chamber 11b, the liquid level in the second chamber 11b can be raised by the momentum of the coolant flowing into the second chamber 11b. Therefore, the second chamber-side opening of the upper connecting passage 23 can be effectively connected to the second chamber 11b in the coolant. Consequently, the generation of air bubbles in the second chamber 11b can be better suppressed.

[0065] As described above, even when the main body of the liquid storage tank 20 has a third chamber 11c, as long as a specific upper connecting passage 23 is provided between the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b, it is the same as the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment, which can easily fill each chamber with a sufficient amount of coolant and suppress the generation of air bubbles inside the liquid storage tank 20.

[0066] Furthermore, in the liquid storage tank 20 of this embodiment, the specific structure of the upper connecting passage 23 between the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b differs from that of the liquid storage tank 10 described above. In the liquid storage tank 20, the upper connecting passage 23 is constructed by installing a rubber connecting passage member formed into a curved tubular shape into a through hole provided in the upper part of the partition wall 12. Even with this structure, the upper connecting passage 23 can perform the same function as the upper connecting passage 23 of the liquid storage tank 10 described above. Moreover, with this structure of the upper connecting passage 23, even liquid storage tanks with complex internal structures can be manufactured efficiently.

[0067] Furthermore, in the reservoir 20 of this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 is substantially extended into the interior of the first chamber 11a via the rib 25 to form a conduit. To prevent coolant flowing from the inlet pipe 15 from directly flowing into the upper connecting passage 23 (the conduit of the connecting passage member) and the lower connecting passage 14, it is preferable to adjust the arrangement and orientation of the inlet pipe 15, and to guide the coolant flowing from the inlet pipe 15 into the first chamber 11a via the conduit of the rib 25. When the inlet pipe 15 is extended by providing the rib 25, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir 20, it is preferable that the extended conduit is arranged to extend in a substantially vertical direction.

[0068] Furthermore, as with the liquid storage tank 20 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the partition wall 12, partition wall 22, lower connecting passage 14, and connecting passage 24 are arranged such that, when viewed from above ( Figure 4B The flow of coolant from the inlet pipe 15 toward the outlet pipe 16 is significantly tortuous in an S-shape. Similarly, as with the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment, the partition wall 12 and the lower connecting passage 14 are preferably configured such that, when viewed from above, the flow of coolant from the inlet pipe 15 toward the outlet pipe 16 via the lower connecting passage 14 is significantly tortuous in a U-shape.

[0069] exist Figure 5 The liquid storage tank 30 of the third embodiment is shown in the figure. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the area near the upper connecting passage, viewed from an angle above the second chamber. Figure 5 The side facing the partition wall 12 is the first chamber, and the side in front is the second chamber. The liquid storage tank 30 of the third embodiment differs in shape from the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment in the shape of the upper connecting passage portion.

[0070] In the third embodiment, the upper connecting passage of the liquid storage tank 30 is located near the upper end of the first chamber, and is formed by a through hole 31h provided in the partition wall 12, and a pipe formed by the partition wall 12, the wall surface of the liquid storage tank 30, and the rib 31r. In this respect, the upper connecting passage of the liquid storage tank 30 is the same as the upper connecting passage 13 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the rib 31r can be a rib with a cylindrical surface, as in this embodiment.

[0071] The cut 31k can also be provided in the portion where the upper connecting passage connects to the second chamber side, as in this embodiment. That is, in the portion where the upper connecting passage connects to the second chamber side, the upper connecting passage connects to the second chamber at a higher position through the cut 31k in the rib 31r. The portion of the rib 31r other than the cut 31k extends to the lower end (end edge) 31b. Preferably, the cut 31k is provided at a position adjacent to the partition wall 12.

[0072] The cutout 31k functions as a venting channel for air when injecting coolant into the reservoir 30. By setting the upper edge of the cutout 31k at the same height as the upper limit mark 18U, coolant can also be filled into the first chamber to the upper limit level.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cooling system is operating and the coolant is circulating, the coolant flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber through the through-hole 31h flows along the uncut portion of the rib 31r (the portion opposite to the through-hole 31h and the partition wall 12), and flows into the coolant stored in the second chamber through the lower end 31b of the rib. Therefore, by setting the lower end 31b of the rib at a position lower than the liquid level of the coolant stored in the second chamber, it is possible to better suppress the formation of air bubbles caused by air entrainment in the coolant flowing into the second chamber from the upper connecting passage. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is particularly preferable that the lower end 31b of the rib is formed at a position lower than the lower limit mark 18L.

[0074] As described above, by providing a cut at the location where the upper connecting passage connects to the second chamber side, it is possible to achieve both adequate filling of each chamber with coolant and suppression of bubble generation in the second chamber at a higher level.

[0075] In the liquid storage tanks 10, 20, and 30 described above, the main body 11 is rectangular. However, the shape of the main body of the liquid storage tanks 10, 20, and 30 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the main body can be spherical. The shape of the main body is not particularly limited, and it can also be other shapes such as cylindrical, elliptical, or elliptical.

[0076] Furthermore, in the description of the above embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a partition wall. However, it is not necessary for the two chambers to be separated by a partition wall. For example, the liquid storage tank may also be configured such that the first chamber and the second chamber are independently provided in the tank body, and the first chamber and the second chamber are connected by a tubular upper connecting passage and / or lower connecting passage.

[0077] Furthermore, the reservoir may have other chambers. Additionally, the chambers of the reservoir, particularly the second and subsequent chambers, may have gas-liquid separation structures. These gas-liquid separation structures can be structures where coolant flows through multiple chambers in a labyrinthine pattern while bubbles are separated, or they can be structures that utilize centrifugal force for gas-liquid separation. For example, a structure that implements gas-liquid separation by creating vortices inside the chambers can be cited as an example of the latter.

[0078] In the above embodiment, each of the main body of the casing is provided with one inlet pipe 15 and one outlet pipe 16. Relatedly, depending on the structure of the cooling system, multiple inlet pipes and outlet pipes can be provided. Even when multiple inlet pipes and outlet pipes are provided, it is not necessary for all inlet pipes and outlet pipes to have the structure described in the above embodiment. It is sufficient for only a portion of the inlet pipes and outlet pipes to have the structure described in the above embodiment.

[0079] The liquid storage tank of the present disclosure embodiment can also have other structures. For example, a pressure relief valve can be provided in the tank body. In addition, as needed, a support strip or boss member for mounting the liquid storage tank to a vehicle body or the like can be integrated with the liquid storage tank. Furthermore, depending on the required pressure resistance of the liquid storage tank, reinforcing structures such as ribs can be provided in the liquid storage tank.

[0080] The liquid reservoir of this disclosure can be used in the coolant path of a cooling system. Because the liquid reservoir of this disclosure can suppress the generation of bubbles in the coolant, it has high industrial applicability.

[0081] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank in the embodiments of this disclosure may be a first liquid storage tank and a second liquid storage tank as described below.

[0082] The first reservoir is a reservoir installed in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, comprising: a reservoir body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path into the reservoir body; an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the reservoir body into the coolant path; and an inlet for injecting coolant into the reservoir body. The reservoir body has a first chamber connected to the inlet pipe and a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The inlet is configured to inject coolant into the second chamber. An upper limit mark and a lower limit mark indicating an appropriate coolant level are displayed on the reservoir body. The outlet pipe is connected to the second chamber at a position lower than the lower limit mark in the vertical direction. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected by a lower connecting passage, the portion of which connects the first chamber and the second chamber below the lower limit mark. Furthermore, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected by an upper connecting passage, the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark connecting the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark.

[0083] The second reservoir is a reservoir located in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system. It comprises: a main body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system into the main body; an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the main body into the coolant path; and an inlet for injecting coolant into the main body. The main body has a first chamber connected to the inlet pipe, a second chamber located downstream of the first chamber, and a third chamber located downstream of the first chamber. The inlet is configured to inject coolant into the third chamber. The second and third chambers are in communication to allow the coolant to flow into the third chamber. Coolant and air can flow between the second and third chambers. The main body of the tank displays upper and lower limits indicating the appropriate coolant level. The drain pipe connects to the second or third chamber at a position lower than the lower limit mark in the vertical direction. The first and second chambers are connected by a lower connecting passage, which connects the first and second chambers at a portion lower than the lower limit mark. Furthermore, the first and second chambers are connected by an upper connecting passage, which connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark.

[0084] The detailed description has been given for illustrative and explanatory purposes. Many variations and modifications are possible in accordance with the teachings above. The detailed description is not without omissions or intended to limit the subject matter described herein. Although the subject matter has been described in words with particular structural features and / or methodological processes, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or processes described. Rather, the specific features and processes described are illustrated as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid storage tank, characterized in that, have: The main body of the tank stores coolant; An inlet pipe is used to deliver coolant into the tank body; A drain pipe is used to drain coolant from the tank body; as well as The inlet is used to inject coolant into the tank body. The main body of the box has a first chamber connected to the inflow pipe and a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a partition wall. The injection port is configured to inject coolant into the second chamber. The tank body displays upper and lower limit markings indicating the appropriate coolant level. The discharge pipe is connected to the second chamber at a position lower in the vertical direction than the lower limit mark. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected to each other via a lower connecting passage. The lower connecting passage connects the portion of the first chamber that is lower than the lower limit mark to the portion of the second chamber that is lower than the lower limit mark. The lower connecting passage is a first through hole provided in the partition wall. and then, The first chamber and the second chamber are connected to each other via an upper connecting passage. The upper connecting passage connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark, and... A second through hole is provided at the upper end of the partition wall. On one side of the second chamber, a rib is provided that extends vertically in a manner surrounding the second through hole. The ribs are connected to the walls, top surface, and partition walls of the main body of the box. The ribs, the walls of the main body of the box, and the partition walls form a pipeline extending in the vertical direction. The upper connecting route is composed of the pipeline and the second through hole.

2. A liquid storage tank, characterized in that, have: The main body of the tank stores coolant; An inlet pipe is used to deliver coolant into the tank body; A drain pipe is used to drain coolant from the tank body; as well as The inlet is used to inject coolant into the tank body. The main body of the box has a first chamber connected to the inflow pipe, a second chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber, and a third chamber disposed downstream of the first chamber. The injection port is configured to inject coolant into the third chamber. The second chamber is in communication with the third chamber so that coolant and air can flow between the second chamber and the third chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a partition wall. The tank body displays upper and lower limit markings indicating the appropriate coolant level. The discharge pipe is connected to the second chamber or the third chamber at a position lower in the vertical direction than the lower limit mark. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected to each other via a lower connecting passage. The lower connecting passage connects the portion of the first chamber that is lower than the lower limit mark to the portion of the second chamber that is lower than the lower limit mark. The lower connecting passage is a first through hole provided in the partition wall. and then, The first chamber and the second chamber are connected to each other via an upper connecting passage. The upper connecting passage connects the portion of the first chamber above the upper limit mark to the portion of the second chamber below the upper limit mark, and... A second through hole is provided at the upper end of the partition wall. On one side of the second chamber, a rib is provided that extends vertically in a manner surrounding the second through hole. The ribs are connected to the walls, top surface, and partition walls of the main body of the box. The ribs, the walls of the main body of the box, and the partition walls form a pipeline extending in the vertical direction. The upper connecting route is composed of the pipeline and the second through hole.

3. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the upper connecting path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower connecting path.

4. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first chamber is substantially filled with the coolant as it circulates in the coolant path of the liquid cooling system.

5. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One side of the second chamber of the upper connecting passage is connected to the second chamber at a portion of the main body of the box that is lower than the lower limit mark. The upper connecting passage is connected to the upper end of the first chamber and extends vertically along the partition wall.

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