Infusion box

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid storage tank, comprising: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for delivering coolant into the tank body; and a outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body. The tank body has at least one chamber, and an outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber or at a position adjacent to the bottom surface. The outlet pipe is connected to the outlet, and a shield is provided on the upper side of the outlet such that it covers the outlet when viewed from above.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-191352, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 18, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid storage tank. Background Technology

[0004] A coolant reservoir is known to be installed in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system. This liquid-cooled cooling system is flexibly applied to the cooling of internal combustion engines, electrical components, and electronic circuit boards. In a liquid-cooled cooling system, heat is collected from the component being cooled and dissipated from the radiator by circulating the coolant, thereby cooling the component. In liquid-cooled cooling systems, a coolant tank, i.e., a reservoir, is sometimes installed in the coolant path used for coolant circulation. The reservoir is used to compensate for coolant loss due to vaporization, etc., and to absorb volume changes in the coolant due to temperature variations. Furthermore, if air bubbles are generated in the coolant, the cooling efficiency may sometimes decrease. Therefore, the reservoir is sometimes used to separate air bubbles in the coolant, i.e., gas-liquid separation is performed.

[0005] For example, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-248753, a rectangular baffle is arranged in a windmill-like manner in a specific orientation within the main body of the liquid reservoir. Patent Document 1 discloses that, according to this liquid reservoir, there is no increase in water flow resistance or structural complexity, and air bubbles can be separated from the coolant. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The coolant tank has: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for delivering coolant into the tank body; and a outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body. The tank body has at least one chamber, and an outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber or adjacent to the bottom surface. The outlet pipe is connected to the outlet, and a shield is provided on the upper side of the outlet such that it covers the outlet when viewed from above. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0009] Figure 3A as well as Figure 3BThis is a diagram showing the structure near the shield of the liquid storage tank in the first embodiment.

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

[0011] Figure 5A This is a top view showing the shape of a deformed example of the shielding object. Figure 5B It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the shape of a deformed example of a shielding body.

[0012] Figure 6A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the function of the liquid storage tank in the reference example. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the function of the liquid storage tank in the reference example. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-248753. However, it is known that if the flow rate of coolant through the reservoir is increased, the coolant flowing into the interior of the reservoir body is more likely to be entrained by air inside the reservoir, generating bubbles, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of gas-liquid separation.

[0015] One object of this disclosure is to prevent air or air bubbles from mixing into the coolant discharged from the reservoir.

[0016] The inventors conducted in-depth research and discovered that if vortices are generated inside the coolant tank, air will be drawn into the coolant outlet in a tornado-like manner. Furthermore, the inventors found that this phenomenon is one of the reasons why air mixes into the coolant.

[0017] The inventors conducted further in-depth research. As a result, they discovered that by installing a shield that covers the exhaust port of the chamber and positioning the shield at a predetermined distance from the exhaust port, it is possible to prevent air from being drawn into the exhaust port, thus completing the technology disclosed herein.

[0018] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a storage tank comprising: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe, for example for delivering coolant from a coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system into the tank body; and a outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body into the coolant path. The tank body has at least one chamber, and an outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber or adjacent to the bottom surface. The outlet pipe is connected to the outlet, and a shield is provided on the upper side of the outlet such that it covers the outlet when viewed from above.

[0019] In the first embodiment, preferably, the shield is positioned at a predetermined distance from the outlet. In this case, a peripheral wall extending in a generally vertical direction is provided between a portion of the periphery of the shield and a portion of the periphery of the outlet opposite to that portion of the shield. Furthermore, an opening (second embodiment) is provided between another portion of the periphery of the shield and another portion of the periphery of the outlet opposite to that portion of the shield.

[0020] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the peripheral wall is located on the center side of the chamber relative to the center of the shield when viewed from above (third embodiment).

[0021] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the chamber is provided with an inlet for coolant to flow in, and the peripheral wall is located on the inlet side relative to the center of the shield when viewed from above (fourth embodiment).

[0022] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the peripheral wall, when viewed from above, is located upstream of the vortex generated in the chamber relative to the center of the shield (fifth embodiment).

[0023] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, the liquid storage tank can prevent air inside the tank from forming a tornado and being discharged from the outlet along with the coolant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air or air bubbles from mixing into the coolant.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the second to fifth methods, it is possible to prevent air bubbles contained in the coolant flowing into the chamber from being directly discharged from the outlet. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent air or air bubbles from mixing into the coolant.

[0025] The following description uses the reservoir of a liquid-cooled cooling system for an internal combustion engine in an automobile as an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be implemented with modifications thereof. 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 elements and inverters, as well as electrical components such as electronic circuit boards, or for other purposes.

[0026] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The structure of the liquid storage tank 10 in the first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank 10. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank 10. Figure 1 The longitudinal section view is passed Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of XX section cut by the vertical plane of line XX. Furthermore, Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is obtained by passing through Figure 1 The YY cross-section diagram obtained by cutting the YY line horizontally.

[0027] The reservoir 10 is configured to have a hollow tank body 17 and an inlet pipe 15 and an outlet pipe 16 connected to the tank body 17. The reservoir 10 used in the coolant path of the liquid cooling system is configured and connected in the coolant path of the liquid cooling system so that coolant flows from the inlet pipe 15 into the hollow tank body 17 and flows out from the hollow tank body 17 through the outlet pipe 16.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In the longitudinal cross-sectional view, the upper side of the figure represents the upper side in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 are integrally formed to constitute the liquid storage tank 10. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 are integrally formed, thereby constituting a hollow tank body 17. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are integrally formed with the lower housing 11. Relatedly, the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are integrally formed with the tank body 17 by a different manufacturing method than the integral forming of the lower housing.

[0029] Coolant L is stored in the main body 17. Air is stored in the upper vertical direction of the main body 17. Although not necessary, an inlet 19 for injecting coolant can be provided in the main body 17. A cover C is appropriately provided for the inlet 19.

[0030] The main body 17 of the container has at least one compartment 17b. There may be one compartment or more than two compartments. In this embodiment, the main body 17 of the container has a compartment 17b and a front compartment 17a disposed upstream of the compartment 17b.

[0031] Although not strictly necessary, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 is connected to the front chamber 17a. Preferably, the inlet pipe 15 is connected to the tank body 17 at a position that is vertically lower than the liquid level S of the coolant L stored inside the tank body 17.

[0032] The discharge pipe 16 is connected to the discharge port 17c located in the chamber 17b. That is, the chamber 17b and the discharge pipe 16 are connected via the discharge port 17c. The discharge port 17c is located on the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b. The discharge port 17c can be located at a position in the chamber 17b adjacent to the bottom surface 17e.

[0033] Chamber 17b is separated from front chamber 17a by partition wall 13. A hole or slit is provided in partition wall 13. Chamber 17b and front chamber 17a communicate with each other via this hole or slit. This hole or slit serves as inlet 17d, allowing coolant to flow into chamber 17b.

[0034] As described above, in the reservoir 10 of this embodiment, coolant flows from the coolant path of the cooling system into the front chamber 17a via the inlet pipe 15. Then, the coolant flows from the front chamber 17a into the chamber 17b via the inlet 17d. Furthermore, the coolant returns from the chamber 17b to the coolant path of the cooling system via the outlet 17c and the outlet pipe 16.

[0035] A shielding body 14 is provided above the outlet 17c of the chamber 17b. The shielding body 14 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it is configured to cover the outlet 17c when viewed from above. Furthermore, it is preferable that, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the shield 14 is positioned vertically above the outlet 17c at a predetermined distance from the outlet 17c. As shown in other embodiments described later, the shield 14 may be disposed adjacent to the outlet 17c.

[0036] The shield 14 prevents coolant from flowing directly back and forth between the upper space of the chamber 17b and the outlet 17c in the vertical direction. The shield 14 is formed of a material that makes it difficult for gases and liquids to pass through, preferably a material that does not allow gases and liquids to pass through. Typically, the shield 14 is formed of the same material as the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 11.

[0037] The shield 14 is configured to cover the outlet 17c when viewed from above. The shield 14 only needs to substantially cover the outlet 17c; it can be smaller or larger than the outlet 17c. Because the shield 14 can be easily integrally formed into the lower housing 11, it is preferable that the shield 14 is the same size as the outlet 17c, as in this embodiment. Typically, the shield 14 is configured as a plate that is approximately the same size as the outlet 17c when viewed from above. Furthermore, the shape of the shield 14 does not have to be plate-shaped; for example, it can be block-shaped or hollow.

[0038] The distance from the outlet 17c or the bottom surface 17e of the chamber to the upper shield 14 is preferably about 0.2 to 1.2 times the diameter of the outlet 17c. Preferably, the distance from the shield 14 to the outlet 17c is set such that the area of ​​the opening between the periphery of the shield 14 and the periphery of the outlet 17c is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 17c.

[0039] Although not mandatory, it is preferred. Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B As shown, in a portion of the periphery of the shield 14 ( Figure 3A The section indicated by arrow A (hereinafter appropriately referred to as section A) and a portion of the periphery of the outlet 17c opposite to said section A are provided with a peripheral wall 18 extending in a generally vertical direction. Furthermore, another portion of the periphery of the shield 14 ( Figure 3A An opening 191 is provided between the section indicated by arrow B (hereinafter appropriately referred to as section B) and another portion of the peripheral edge of the outlet 17c opposite to section B. The peripheral wall 18 is also formed of the same material as the shield 14. By providing this peripheral wall 18, coolant does not flow into the outlet 17c in section A where the peripheral wall 18 is provided. On the other hand, coolant flows into the outlet 17c from the portion of section B where the opening 191 is provided.

[0040] Preferably, the peripheral wall 18 is configured such that it blocks the periphery of the shield 14 and the periphery of the outlet 17c with a length of approximately 1 / 4 to 2 / 3 of the total circumference of the shield 14, more preferably approximately 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total circumference of the shield 14. The shield 14 can also be supported on the box body 17 by the peripheral wall 18. Furthermore, the shield 14 and / or the peripheral wall 18 can be integrally formed with the box body 17. Alternatively, the shield 14 and / or the peripheral wall 18 can be formed as separate components and installed on the box body 17. Preferably, the peripheral wall 18 is continuous in section A. However, the peripheral wall 18 can also be provided intermittently in section A.

[0041] Furthermore, although not mandatory, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located on the center O side of the chamber 17b relative to the center of the shielding body 14 when viewed from above (see [reference]). Figure 2 ).

[0042] Furthermore, although not mandatory, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that an inlet 17d for coolant to flow into is provided in the chamber 17b, and that the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located on the inlet 17d side relative to the center of the shield 14 when viewed from above (see [reference]). Figure 2 ).

[0043] Furthermore, although not mandatory, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located upstream of the center of the shield 14 in the vortex generated in the chamber 17b when viewed from above (see [reference]). Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B ).

[0044] As long as the tank body 17, shield 14, inlet pipe 15, and outlet pipe 16 of the liquid storage tank 10 can be constituted, there is no limitation on the specific dividing components used to achieve the above-described structure of the liquid storage tank 10 (how the liquid storage tank 10 is formed as an assembly of constituent components). In this embodiment, the above-described structure of the liquid storage tank 10 can be achieved by forming each of the lower shell 11 and the upper shell 12 obtained when dividing the liquid storage tank 10, and assembling the shell formed by the lower shell 11 and the upper shell 12. Relatedly, such a structure can be achieved by constructing individual components. For example, the above-described structure of the liquid storage tank 10 can be achieved by forming each constituent component in such a way that the tank body 17 is divided into two parts by a vertical plane and the shield is a separate component, and assembling each constituent component.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the material 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 material and reinforcing structure of the reservoir 10 are determined according to the type, temperature, and pressure of the coolant used. Furthermore, typically, components corresponding to the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 described above are injection molded, and these components are integrated using vibration welding or hot plate welding, thereby enabling the manufacture of the reservoir 10. In this case, it is preferable that the inlet pipe 15, the outlet pipe 16, the shield 14, the peripheral wall 18, and the inlet 19 are integrally formed with the lower housing 11 or the upper housing 12, respectively. Alternatively, it can be configured such that any one of the inlet pipe 15, outlet pipe 16, shield 14, peripheral wall 18, and injection port 19 is formed as a separate component and integrated with the lower housing 11 or the upper housing 12 through subsequent assembly.

[0046] The function and effects of the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above will be explained. According to the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent air inside the tank chamber 17b from forming a tornado-like pattern and being discharged from the outlet 17c along with the coolant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air or air bubbles from mixing into the coolant.

[0047] Figure 6A as well as Figure 6BThese are longitudinal and cross-sectional views showing the flow of coolant in the reservoir 9 of Reference Example 1. The reservoir 9 of Reference Example 1 is identical in structure to the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment, except that it lacks the shielding body 14 and the peripheral wall 18.

[0048] exist Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B In the diagram, the blank arrow indicates the flow Q of the coolant flowing within the reservoir 9. In the reservoir 9 of Reference Example 1, the coolant flows violently from the inlet pipe 15 into the front chamber 9a of the main body. The coolant that has flowed into the front chamber 9a of the main body flows into the chamber 9b through the inlet 9d and flows out from the chamber 9b through the outlet pipe 16. Here, depending on the positional relationship of the inlet 9d relative to the chamber 9b, eddies are generated within the chamber 9b. Such eddies also facilitate gas-liquid separation within the chamber 9b. Therefore, designs that actively generate eddies within the chamber 9b are sometimes implemented.

[0049] Inside chamber 9b, air converges in a downward-facing cone shape at the center of the vortex. The inventors discovered that a portion of the central part of the vortex, corresponding to the apex of the cone-shaped air, extends elongated in the coolant in a tornado-like manner until it reaches the outlet 9c and the exhaust pipe 16. If the vortex within chamber 9b is strong, such a tornado-shaped air column is easily formed. If this phenomenon occurs, air is supplied from the tornado-shaped air column to the outlet 9c. Therefore, air is expelled along with the coolant, and air or air bubbles are mixed into the coolant.

[0050] Air and bubbles in the coolant reduce the coolant's circulation efficiency or its heat transfer efficiency, thus reducing the cooling performance of the cooling system.

[0051] In the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, a shielding body 14 is provided above the outlet 17c so as to cover the outlet 17c when viewed from above. By having the shielding body 14, such as... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, even if a vortex is generated within chamber 17b, and the air at the center of the vortex extends in the coolant in a tornado shape, the tornado-shaped air column can be prevented from reaching the outlet 17c and causing air to flow out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air or air bubbles from mixing into the coolant.

[0052] Furthermore, in the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment, the shielding body 14 is preferably positioned at a predetermined distance from the outlet 17c. Additionally, a peripheral wall 18 extending in a generally vertical direction is preferably provided between a portion of the peripheral edge of the shielding body 14 (section A) and a portion of the peripheral edge of the outlet 17c opposite section A. On the other hand, an opening 191 is provided between another portion of the peripheral edge of the shielding body 14 (section B) and another portion of the peripheral edge of the outlet 17c opposite section B. In this case, the coolant flowing within the chamber 17b can be selectively guided to the outlet 17c. Therefore, air bubbles contained in the coolant flowing into the chamber 17b can be prevented from being directly discharged from the outlet. This facilitates the separation of air bubbles from the coolant, thereby further suppressing the mixing of air or air bubbles into the coolant.

[0053] Furthermore, in the liquid storage tank 10 of the first embodiment, it is preferable that the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located on the center O side of the chamber 17b when viewed from above, relative to the center of the shield 14. In this case, it is possible to further suppress the mixing of air or air bubbles into the coolant. The reason is as follows. That is, if a vortex is generated in the chamber 17b, it is easy to generate the tornado-shaped air column at the center of the chamber 17b. Therefore, when the peripheral wall 18 is located on the center side of the chamber 17b, it is easy to prevent the tornado-shaped air column from reaching the outlet 17c.

[0054] Furthermore, particularly in the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment, it is preferable to provide an inlet 17d for coolant to flow into the chamber 17b, and the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located on the inlet 17d side relative to the center of the shield 14 when viewed from above. In this case, it is possible to further suppress the mixing of air or air bubbles into the coolant. The reason is as follows. That is, even if air bubbles are mixed into the coolant flowing into the chamber 17b from the inlet 17d, the peripheral wall 18 prevents the coolant or air bubbles from being directly sucked into the outlet 17c. Therefore, air bubbles are easily separated from the coolant in the chamber 17b.

[0055] Furthermore, particularly in the reservoir 10 of the first embodiment, it is preferable that the section A with the peripheral wall 18 is located upstream of the vortex generated in the chamber 17b when viewed from above, relative to the center of the shield 14. In this case, it is possible to further suppress the mixing of air or air bubbles into the coolant. The reason is as follows. That is, even if air bubbles are mixed into the coolant flowing in a vortex-like manner within the chamber 17b, the peripheral wall 18 prevents the coolant or air bubbles from being directly drawn into the outlet 17c. Therefore, air bubbles are easily separated from the coolant in the chamber 17b.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B Other examples of ways to represent a liquid storage tank with a shield. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B These are a top view and a cross-sectional view of the perimeter of the shield 14. In this embodiment, the shield 14 is supported on the bottom surface 17e by three columnar support members 14S. Thus, the shield 14 can also be configured without peripheral walls. In order to use the shield 14 to suppress tornado-like air from reaching the exhaust port 17c and the exhaust pipe 16, the shield 14 can simply be configured to cover the exhaust port 17c from above.

[0058] like Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown in the embodiment and the shielding body 14 of the first embodiment, the shielding body 14 has the same size as or slightly smaller than the outlet 17c, so that the shielding body 14 can be easily integrally formed with the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b, the discharge pipe 16, the peripheral wall 18, and the support member 14S by injection molding, which is therefore preferred.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a discharge port 17c is provided on the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b. Relatedly, the discharge port 17c can also be located at a position adjacent to the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b (for example, on the side of the chamber 17b). In this case, the discharge port 17c can be opened in a generally horizontal direction, and the discharge pipe 16 can extend in a generally horizontal direction. In this case, it is sufficient to position the shield 14 above the upper edge of the discharge port 17c, preferably adjacent to the upper edge of the discharge port 17c, so as to cover the discharge port 17c when viewed from above.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b is a generally horizontal planar shape. Relatedly, the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b can be other shapes. For example, the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b can also be inclined. Furthermore, the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b can also be a curved surface or a spherical curved surface. Additionally, the bottom surface 17e of the chamber 17b can be a tray-shaped bottom surface with its periphery warped.

[0061] In the liquid storage tank 10 of the above embodiment, the tank body 17 and the tank chamber 17b are rectangular parallelepipeds. However, the shapes of the tank body 17 and the tank chamber 17b of the liquid storage tank 10 are not limited to rectangular parallelepipeds. For example, the shape of the tank chamber 17b can be spherical. The shape of the tank chamber 17b is not particularly limited and can be other shapes such as cylindrical, elliptical, or elliptical.

[0062] Furthermore, in the description of the above embodiment, the front chamber 17a and the chamber 17b are divided by a partition wall 13. Relatedly, the separation of the two chambers by the partition wall 13 is not mandatory. For example, the storage tank 10 may also be configured such that the front chamber 17a and the chamber 17b are independently provided in the tank body 17, and the front chamber 17a and the chamber 17b are connected by a tubular inlet.

[0063] Furthermore, the reservoir can have one or more chambers. The reservoir can have three or more chambers. Additionally, the reservoir can have a gas-liquid separation structure. This structure can be one where coolant flows through multiple chambers in a labyrinthine pattern while air bubbles are separated, or it can be a structure that utilizes centrifugal force for gas-liquid separation. For example, a structure that achieves gas-liquid separation by creating vortices inside the chambers can be considered as the latter.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discharge pipe 16 is directly connected to the discharge port 17c of the chamber 17b. Relatedly, the discharge pipe 16 does not necessarily have to be directly connected to the discharge port 17c. For example, it can be configured such that another chamber or passage is provided between the discharge port 17c and the discharge pipe 16, and the two are connected via this other chamber or passage.

[0065] Furthermore, the inflow pipe 15 can extend into the interior of the box body 17. For example, the inflow pipe can be configured to include an external pipe (15) disposed on the outside of the box body 17 and an internal pipe (extension) disposed on the inside of the box body 17. The external pipe and the internal pipe are connected to each other to form a pipeline. In addition, the internal pipe can share a portion of the wall surface with the box body 17.

[0066] By utilizing the extended portion of the inflow pipe, i.e., the internal pipe, the flow of coolant flowing in from the inflow pipe can be directed in a preferred direction (e.g., downward in the vertical direction). Furthermore, by extending the inflow pipe into the interior of the housing body 17, the configuration freedom of the inflow pipe (15) located on the outside of the housing body 17 can be increased. Therefore, the internal pipe can have a pipe section extending in a generally vertical direction.

[0067] The coolant reservoir according to the embodiments of this disclosure may also have other configurations. For example, a removable cover C may be provided on the coolant reservoir. Coolant can be filled into the reservoir or coolant path after such cover C is removed. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve may be provided on the cover C. Additionally, as needed, support strips or bosses used for mounting the coolant reservoir to the vehicle body or the like may be integrated with the coolant reservoir. Furthermore, depending on the required pressure resistance of the coolant reservoir, reinforcing structures such as ribs may be provided on the coolant reservoir.

[0068] The liquid storage tank disclosed herein can be used in the coolant path of a cooling system. Because the liquid storage tank disclosed herein can suppress the generation of air bubbles in the coolant, it has high industrial applicability.

[0069] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may be a first liquid storage tank and a second liquid storage tank.

[0070] The first liquid storage tank is disposed in the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system and has: a tank body for storing coolant; an inlet pipe for delivering coolant from the coolant path into the tank body; and a outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body into the coolant path. The tank body has at least one chamber, and an outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber or at a position adjacent to the bottom surface. The outlet pipe is connected to the outlet, and a shield is disposed on the upper side of the outlet such that it covers the outlet when viewed from above.

[0071] The second reservoir is configured such that, in the first reservoir, the shield is positioned at a predetermined distance from the outlet, and a predetermined interval between the periphery of the shield and the periphery of the outlet is closed by a peripheral wall extending in a generally vertical direction; on the other hand, on the opposite side of the interval, the periphery of the shield and the periphery of the outlet are open.

[0072] 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; as well as A drain pipe is used to drain coolant from the main body of the tank. The main body of the box has at least one compartment. A drain outlet is provided on the bottom surface of the chamber. The discharge pipe is connected to the discharge port. A shield is provided above the outlet so as to cover the outlet when viewed from above. The shield is positioned at a predetermined distance from the outlet. A peripheral wall extending vertically is provided at the periphery of the outlet, covering a predetermined interval; conversely, no peripheral wall is provided at the periphery of the outlet on the opposite side of the interval. Between the periphery of the shield and the periphery of the outlet, the defined interval is enclosed by a peripheral wall extending in the vertical direction. Coolant flowing within the chamber between the periphery of the shield and the periphery of the outlet does not flow into the outlet. On the other hand, on the opposite side of the interval, an opening is formed between the periphery of the shield and the periphery of the outlet without the peripheral wall, and the coolant flowing in the chamber flows into the outlet through the opening.

2. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the peripheral wall is located on the side of the center of the chamber relative to the center of the shield.

3. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chamber is equipped with an inlet for coolant to flow in. The peripheral wall is located on the inlet side relative to the center of the shield when viewed from above.

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