An expansion tank filler neck structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a filling port structure for an expansion tank. The filling port structure is fixed to the expansion tank and assembled with the lid. The filling port structure includes a filling port body, with a filling cavity in the upper part of the body and multiple float plugs along the center of the lower part of the body. Each float plug communicates with a float plug assembly cavity below, and the float plug assembly cavity communicates with a water outlet cavity below. Each water outlet cavity communicates with one of the multiple cavities within the expansion tank. A float is positioned below each float plug. The upper part of the float plug is interference-fitted with the float plug assembly cavity, and the lower part is located within the water outlet cavity. The float is placed inside the float plug. This invention utilizes the principle of buoyancy, allowing each cavity to close automatically after filling. Each cavity has a corresponding vent connected to the spout, enabling independent venting of each cavity. This invention reduces manufacturing costs while standardizing the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of thermal management technology for new energy vehicles, and specifically relates to an expansion tank filling port structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of pure electric new energy vehicles, thermal management integrated modules have become a mainstream configuration. Depending on the different thermal system architectures, the required expansion tank structure varies significantly. Traditional gasoline vehicles use a single-chamber structure, primarily for coolant overflow and compensation in the cooling circuit. New energy vehicles, with their added motors and batteries, require cooling circuits that differ from the air conditioning circuit under certain operating conditions, necessitating independent cooling circuits. Therefore, the expansion tank structure often features 2-3 chambers. This increase in chambers also increases the number of coolant filling ports, undoubtedly increasing product cost and reducing its versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology and provide an expansion tank filling port structure.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: an expansion tank filling port structure, wherein the filling port structure is fixed on the expansion tank and assembled with the lid, the filling port structure includes a filling port body, the upper outer wall of the filling port body is provided with threads, an external vent is opened below the threads, the upper part of the filling port body is provided with a filling cavity, the lower part of the filling port body is provided with multiple float plugs along the center, each float plug is connected to a float plug assembly cavity below, the float plug assembly cavity is connected to a water outlet cavity below, each water outlet cavity is connected to one of the multiple cavities in the expansion tank, a float is provided below each float plug, the upper part of the float plug is interference-fitted with the float plug assembly cavity, the lower part is located in the water outlet cavity, and the float is placed inside the float plug.

[0005] The thread is located on the outer periphery of the spout of the filling port structure. The thread structure is matched according to different types to facilitate standardization.

[0006] In a further preferred configuration, an overflow channel is provided between the plurality of float plugs, and the overflow channel is connected to each of the float plugs.

[0007] In a further preferred configuration, the overflow channel is positioned above the float plug.

[0008] In a further preferred structure, the outer wall of the middle part of the filling port body is provided with a stop sealing groove, and the outer wall above the stop sealing groove is also provided with an installation stop end face. The bottom of the filling port body is provided with an end face sealing groove, and the lower outer wall of the filling port body is provided with an installation buckle. When the filling port structure is pressed into the expansion tank, when the installation buckle contacts the expansion tank, the end face of the expansion tank compresses the end face sealing groove and cooperates with the inner bottom surface of the expansion tank, and the side of the expansion tank compresses the stop sealing groove. When the installation buckle is fully matched with the expansion tank, the upper surface of the expansion tank installation end face and the lower surface of the installation stop end face are in clearance fit.

[0009] In a further preferred configuration, a stop sealing ring is provided between the stop sealing groove and the side of the expansion tank. This is used for sealing the side in contact with the expansion tank.

[0010] In a further preferred configuration, an end-face sealing ring is provided between the end-face sealing groove and the end face of the expansion tank. This ring is used for end-face sealing to prevent leakage at the interface.

[0011] In a further preferred configuration, the float plug includes an upper float plug storage cavity and a lower float plug baffle. The float plug storage cavity is used to hold the float, and the float plug baffle is a multi-lobed plate structure with gaps between the multi-lobed plate structures. One end of each lobe-shaped plate structure is connected to the float plug storage cavity, and the other end is bent to the end.

[0012] In a further preferred structure, an internal vent is provided between multiple float plugs, and the internal vent is connected to the filling chamber and the water outlet chamber at the top and bottom, respectively.

[0013] This invention utilizes the principle of water buoyancy, allowing each chamber to close automatically after filling. Each chamber has its own vent connected to the spout, enabling independent venting for each chamber. This invention reduces manufacturing costs while standardizing the structure.

[0014] Based on the principle of buoyancy, this invention designs a unidirectional float-type refueling structure. This structure allows the refueling port to open for coolant replenishment in the event of a coolant shortage. Once replenishment is complete, the glass float uses buoyancy to seal the refueling port, stopping coolant refueling. Compared to traditional electronically controlled structures, this structure reduces control components, uses a single physical structure, and improves reliability.

[0015] This invention adopts a standardized modular assembly design, which can be matched with different expansion tank structures, reducing mold development costs.

[0016] This invention realizes a multi-cavity expansion tank with a shared filling spout, which reduces the number of assembly parts and lowers assembly development costs.

[0017] The present invention provides a simple float plug and float structure that are easy to form, and achieves unidirectional conduction and sealing functions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the filling port on the thermal management integrated module;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the filling port of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the filling port structure;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view of the filling port structure;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the float plug structure.

[0023] In the diagram, 01-filling port structure (0100-filling port body, 0101-thread, 0102-external vent, 0103-internal vent, 0104-installation buckle, 0105-installation stop face, 0106-overflow groove, 0107-end face sealing groove, 0108-float plug, 0109-float plug assembly cavity, 0110-outlet cavity, 0111-stop sealing groove, 0112-filling cavity), 02-float, 03-float plug (0301-float plug baffle, 0302-float plug storage cavity), 04-end face sealing ring, 05-stop sealing ring, 06-expansion tank (0601-installation end face), 07-pot lid. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments to facilitate a clear understanding of the present invention, but these descriptions do not constitute a limitation on the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the filling port structure 01 of the present invention is fixed on the expansion tank 06 and assembled with the lid 07. The filling port structure 01 includes a filling port body 0100. The upper outer wall of the filling port body 0100 is provided with a thread 0101. An external vent 0102 is opened below the thread 0101. The upper part of the filling port body 0100 is provided with a filling cavity 0112. The lower part of the filling port body 0100 is provided with a plurality of float plugs 0108 along the center. Each float plug... The lower part of 0108 is connected to the float plug assembly cavity 0109, and the lower part of the float plug assembly cavity 0109 is connected to the water outlet cavity 0110. Each water outlet cavity 0110 is connected to one of the multiple cavities in the expansion tank 06. A float 02 is set below each float plug 0108. The upper part of the float plug 03 is interference-fitted with the float plug assembly cavity 0109, and the lower part is located in the water outlet cavity 0110. The float 02 is placed in the float plug 03.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, an overflow channel 0106 is provided between multiple float plugs 0108. The overflow channel 0106 is connected to each float plug 0108 and is set higher than the float plug 0108.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall of the middle part of the filling port body 0100 is provided with a stop sealing groove 0111, and the outer wall above the stop sealing groove 0111 is also provided with an installation stop end face 0105. The bottom of the filling port body 0100 is provided with an end face sealing groove 0107, and the lower outer wall of the filling port body 0100 is provided with an installation buckle 0104. When the filling port structure 01 is pressed into the expansion tank 06, when the installation buckle 0104 contacts the expansion tank 06, the end face of the expansion tank 06 compresses the end face sealing groove 0107 and the inner bottom surface of the expansion tank 06, and the side of the expansion tank 06 compresses the stop sealing groove 0111. When the installation buckle 0104 is fully matched with the expansion tank 06, the upper surface of the expansion tank installation end face 0601 on the expansion tank 06 and the lower surface of the installation stop end face 0105 are in clearance fit.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a stop sealing ring 05 is provided between the stop sealing groove 0111 and the side of the expansion tank 06. An end face sealing ring 04 is provided between the end face sealing groove 0107 and the end face of the expansion tank 06.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the float plug 03 includes an upper float plug storage cavity 0302 and a lower float plug baffle 0301. The float plug storage cavity 0302 is used to hold the float 02. The float plug baffle 0301 is a plate structure with multiple petal-shaped structures. There are gaps between the multiple petal-shaped plate structures. One end of the petal-shaped plate structure is connected to the float plug storage cavity 0302, and the other end is bent to the end and connected.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, an internal vent 0103 is provided between multiple float plugs 0108, and the internal vent 0103 is connected to the filling chamber 0112 and the water outlet chamber 0110 at the top and bottom, respectively.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the filling port body 0100 of the filling port structure 01 is made of plastic material, preferably PA66+GF30 material, and is made using injection molding process. Figure 3 The matching thread 0101 of the kettle lid shown can be matched according to different interfaces, and the filling port body 0100 can also be adjusted according to the change of thread size, which can be standardized for production. The external vent 0102 can discharge the gas accumulated in the filling cavity 0112 to the outside of the expansion tank 06. If the docking kettle lid 07 has a venting function, the external vent 0102 can be omitted.

[0032] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the assembly positions of the filling port structure 01 and the expansion tank 06 exist in the following areas. The first is located in... Figure 3 The stop sealing groove 0111 shown is the second one located at the end face sealing groove 0107, and the third one located at the mounting buckle 0104. When the filling port structure 01 is pressed into the expansion tank 06, when the mounting buckle 0104 contacts the expansion tank 06, the end face compresses the end face sealing groove 0107, and the side compresses the stop sealing groove 0111. When the mounting buckle 0104 is fully matched with the expansion tank 06, a certain gap is maintained between the upper surface of the expansion tank mounting end face 0601 and the lower surface of the mounting stop end face 0105. This gap is controlled within 0.5 to ensure the sealing reliability of the two end faces.

[0033] like Figure 1-3As shown, when a cavity in the expansion tank 06 is low on coolant, coolant enters the float plug 0108 through the filling port structure 01 from the filling cavity 0112. At this time, the float 02 is located below the float plug 0108, and the coolant can enter the cavity of the expansion tank 06 through the internal space of the float plug 03. This is a top-to-bottom flow path. Once the cavity in the expansion tank 06 is full of coolant, the coolant will fill the entire outlet cavity 0110, the float plug assembly cavity 0109, and the float plug 03. According to the principle of buoyancy, the coolant will push the float 02 up to the float plug 0108, sealing the float plug 0108. At this point, the coolant filling of this flow path is complete. If the expansion tank 06 has multiple chambers for filling, after one chamber is filled first, as coolant continues to be added, the coolant will cover the float plug 0108 until it exceeds the overflow channel 0106 and flows into the unfilled flow channel until the filling is complete.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, because there is gas in the expansion tank 06, it needs to be vented. Therefore, an internal vent 0103 is added to each individual circuit to ensure smooth venting. The internal vent 0103 is connected to the water outlet 0110 to prevent the gas in the flow channel from being unable to escape when the channel is full of liquid.

[0035] like Figure 2 The float 02 shown above is made of hollow glass, preferably borosilicate glass, with a wall thickness between 20% and 30% of its diameter. The outer diameter of float 02 is 30% higher than the diameter of the float plug 0108, which is the optimal ratio.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the float plug 03 is made of metal material, preferably 304 stainless steel, which can ensure the reliability of the structure. At the same time, the plate structure is easy to form, and the rigidity and strength after forming are stronger than those of aluminum alloy.

[0037] The contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An expansion tank filling port structure, wherein the filling port structure (01) is fixed on the expansion tank (06) and assembled with the lid (07), characterized in that: The filling port structure (01) includes a filling port body (0100). The upper outer wall of the filling port body (0100) is provided with threads (0101). An external vent (0102) is opened below the threads (0101). A filling cavity (0112) is provided in the upper part of the filling port body (0100). Multiple float plugs (0108) are provided along the center of the lower part of the filling port body (0100). Each float plug (0108) is connected to a float plug assembly cavity (0109). The float plug assembly cavity (0109) is connected to a water outlet cavity (0110). Each water outlet cavity (0110) is connected to one of the multiple cavities in the expansion tank (06). A float (02) is provided below each float plug (0108). The upper part of the cover (03) is press-fitted with the float plug assembly cavity (0109), and the lower part is located in the water outlet cavity (0110). The float (02) is placed in the float plug (03). An overflow groove (0106) is provided between the multiple float plugs (0108), and the overflow groove (0106) is connected to each of the float plugs (0108). The float plug (03) includes an upper float plug storage cavity (0302) and a lower float plug baffle (0301). The float plug storage cavity (0302) is used to place the float (02). The float plug baffle (0301) is a plate structure with multiple petal-shaped structures. There is a gap between the multiple petal-shaped plate structures. One end of the petal-shaped plate structure is connected to the float plug storage cavity (0302), and the other end is bent to the end.

2. The expansion tank filling port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow trough (0106) is positioned above the float plug (0108).

3. The expansion tank filling port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the middle part of the filling port body (0100) is provided with a stop sealing groove (0111), and the outer wall above the stop sealing groove (0111) is also provided with a mounting stop end face (0105). The bottom of the filling port body (0100) is provided with an end face sealing groove (0107), and the lower outer wall of the filling port body (0100) is provided with a mounting buckle (0104). When the filling port structure (01) is pressed into the expansion tank (06), the mounting buckle (0105) is activated. 104) When in contact with the expansion tank (06), the end face compression end face sealing groove (0107) of the expansion tank (06) is in sync with the inner bottom surface of the expansion tank (06), and the side face compression stop sealing groove (0111) of the expansion tank (06) is in sync. When the mounting buckle (0104) is fully matched with the expansion tank (06), the upper surface of the expansion tank mounting end face (0601) on the expansion tank (06) is in clearance sync with the lower surface of the mounting stop end face (0105).

4. The expansion tank filling port structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A stop sealing ring (05) is provided between the stop sealing groove (0111) and the side of the expansion tank (06).

5. The expansion tank filling port structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: An end face sealing ring (04) is provided between the end face sealing groove (0107) and the end face of the expansion tank (06).

6. The expansion tank filling port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An internal vent (0103) is provided between multiple float plugs (0108), and the internal vent (0103) is connected to the filling chamber (0112) and the water outlet chamber (0110) at the top and bottom, respectively.

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