Cooling module

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooling module that suppresses the circulation of foreign matter in a fluid flow path. A cooling module is provided with a manifold (1) to which a valve (3) for controlling the flow of a fluid (F) is attached and in which a fluid flow path (L) through which the fluid (F) flows is formed, and the manifold (1) is provided with a foreign matter storage section (11) which has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the fluid flow path and which stores a foreign matter (M) flowing through the fluid flow path. The foreign matter storage part 11 is connected to at least one of an inlet 3a through which the fluid F flows into the valve 3 and an outlet 3b through which the fluid F flows out of the valve 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling module. Background Art

[0002] Various technologies for thermal management of thermal management objects such as electric motors and batteries mounted on vehicles such as electric vehicles have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal management water-side integrated component that can reduce space occupancy, costs, etc., and reduce the risk of water leakage in the pipeline. The thermal management water-side integrated component disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a flow path plate that forms a plurality of fluid paths, and a plurality of thermal management components such as pumps mounted on the flow path plate and connected to the fluid paths. In addition, a plurality of pipeline external interfaces are formed on the flow path plate, which are connected to the temperature control loop of thermal management objects such as batteries. Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 218367467 Summary of the invention

[0004] In the thermal management water-side integrated assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, there is a concern that foreign matter contained in a component connected to the pipe external connection interface may flow in the fluid passage together with the fluid, causing the thermal management assembly to malfunction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cooling module that suppresses the flow of foreign matter in a fluid flow path.

[0006] In view of the above situation, the characteristic structure of the cooling module is that it has a manifold, the manifold is equipped with a valve for controlling the flow of fluid, and forms a fluid flow path for the flow of the fluid, the manifold has a foreign matter storage portion, the foreign matter storage portion has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the fluid flow path, and stores foreign matter flowing in the fluid flow path, and the foreign matter storage portion is connected to at least one of the inlet through which the fluid flows into the valve and the outlet through which the fluid flows out of the valve.

[0007] According to such a characteristic structure, since the manifold has a foreign matter storage part for storing foreign matter flowing in the fluid flow path, the flow of foreign matter in the fluid flow path can be suppressed. In addition, since the foreign matter storage part is connected to at least one of the inlet and outlet of the valve, the flow of foreign matter into the valve can also be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram showing a portion of a cooling circuit of a cooling system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The figure is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a cooling module according to an embodiment. Figure 3 For display Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the valve and adjacent structures is shown. Figure 4 To show and Figure 3 Cross-sectional views of the valve and its surrounding structures in different postures. Figure 5 For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line VV is shown. Figure 6 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cooling module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0010] [Cooling module] First, refer to Figure 1 , a cooling system A including a cooling module 100 will be described. Figure 1 A diagram showing a portion of a cooling circuit of cooling system A.

[0011] The cooling module 100 is mounted on an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an "electric vehicle") that runs on electricity. It should be noted that the electric vehicle is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), etc.

[0012] The cooling system A cools (temperature manages) a cooling target device (temperature management target device) not shown in the figure mounted on the electric vehicle. The cooling target device includes an inverter / motor that is a driving source that works by being supplied with electricity, a battery that stores electricity, etc. The electricity stored in the battery is supplied to the inverter / motor.

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system A includes a fluid flow path L through which a fluid F for cooling a cooling target device flows. The fluid F is a cooling fluid such as a long-life coolant (LLC). However, the fluid F is not limited to a cooling fluid such as a long-life coolant (LLC), and may also be an insulating oil such as a paraffin-based refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), or the like.

[0014] The cooling system A further includes a manifold 1, a pump 2, a valve 3, a heater core 4, an electric heater 5, and a water-cooled condenser 6. The manifold 1, the pump 2, the valve 3, the heater core 4, the electric heater 5, and the water-cooled condenser 6 are connected to a cooling target device through a fluid flow path L.

[0015] The pump 2 pumps the fluid F. The valve 3 controls the flow of the fluid F. The heater core 4 heats the air using the fluid F to increase the temperature in the vehicle cabin. The electric heater 5 heats the fluid F when the temperature of the fluid F is lower than a preset temperature. The water-cooled condenser 6 cools the fluid F when the temperature of the fluid F is higher than a preset temperature. The cooling target device is cooled by the flow of the fluid F in the fluid flow path L. Hereinafter, the direction in which the fluid F flows in the fluid flow path L is referred to as the "flow direction D".

[0016] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The cooling module 100 constituting a part of the cooling system A will be described. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the cooling module 100 . Figure 3 The cooling module 100 is formed integrally with one of the two valves 3 (observation Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the three-way valve on the right side of the valve and its surrounding structures.

[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling module 100 is constructed by integrating a manifold 1, a pump 2 and a valve 3. In the present embodiment, the cooling system A includes two pumps 2, and the two pumps 2 are respectively installed at the ends of the manifold 1 in the length direction. It should be noted that the two pumps 2 differ only in the installation position relative to the manifold 1, and the other structures are roughly the same. In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooling module 100 includes two valves 3, and the two valves 3 are installed on a valve housing 11s formed in the central part of the manifold 1 (housed so as to be rotatable). Each of the two valves 3 is a multi-way valve such as a three-way valve or a four-way valve, and a valve corresponding to the fluid flow path L through which the fluid F flows is used. It should be noted that in the following text, one of the two valves 3 (observation Figure 2 The following explanation will be made by taking valve 3 (the three-way valve on the right side) as an example.

[0018] [Manifold] The manifold 1 includes a first housing 1A and a second housing 1B. The manifold 1 is formed by joining the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B. The first housing 1A and the second housing 1B are made of resin and are joined by welding or the like.

[0019] The manifold 1 is box-shaped (approximately rectangular), and includes a fluid flow path L. The fluid flow path L is formed inside the manifold 1 by grooves, holes, etc. formed on at least one of the first shell 1A and the second shell 1B. In the manifold 1 of this embodiment, auxiliary equipment such as a pump 2 and a valve 3 are fixed to the first shell 1A, and the second shell 1B includes only the fluid flow path L not connected to the auxiliary equipment and the storage space 11U described later.

[0020] [Pump] like Figure 3 As shown, the pump 2 is an electric water pump. The pump 2 includes a motor 21 and an impeller 22. The motor 21 drives the impeller 22 to rotate when electric power is supplied.

[0021] The pump 2 includes a suction port 2a for sucking in the fluid F and a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the fluid F. The fluid F is sucked into the pump 2 through the suction port 2a and discharged to the outside of the pump 2 (fluid flow path L) through the discharge port due to the rotational force (centrifugal force) of the impeller 22.

[0022] [valve] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve 3 is a rotary valve. The valve 3 has a driving source 30, a rotating shaft 31 and a valve body 32. The driving source 30 is an actuator or the like, which generates power by being supplied with electricity. The rotating shaft 31 is transmitted with power from the driving source 30 and rotates around the axis AX. The valve body 32 rotates around the rotating shaft 31. Hereinafter, the direction along the axis AX of the rotating shaft 31 will be referred to as the "Z direction", the side of the Z direction on which the valve body 32 is arranged relative to the driving source 30 will be referred to as the "first axis side Z1", and the opposite side will be referred to as the "second axis side Z2". In the present embodiment, the cooling module 100 uses the first axis side Z1 as the "vertical lower side" and the second axis side Z2 as the "vertical upper side".

[0023] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the valve 3 controls the flow of the fluid F by rotating the valve body 32 together with the rotating shaft 31 . Figure 4 Is to show and Figure 3 Cross-sectional views of valve 3 and its surrounding structures in different postures. Figure 3 The posture of the valve 3 shown is referred to as the "first posture". Figure 4 The posture of the valve 3 shown is referred to as a “second posture”.

[0024] The valve 3 includes an inlet 3a through which the fluid F flows in and an outlet 3b through which the fluid F flows out. Figure 3 The first inlet 31a into which the valve 3 flows in the first posture shown in FIG. Figure 4The second inlet 32a into which the fluid F flows in when the valve 3 is in the second posture shown. In the valve 3 in the first posture and the second posture, the fluid F flows out of the valve 3 through the outflow port 3b.

[0025] In addition, the valve 3 further includes a sealing member S. The sealing member S is arranged outside the valve body 32 in the radial direction DR. The sealing member S suppresses leakage of the fluid F from the inlet 3a and the outlet 3b.

[0026] [Foreign matter storage department] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 6 , the structure of the manifold 1 is described in detail. Figure 5 For along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the VV line is shown in FIG. Figure 6 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI is shown.

[0027] like Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the manifold 1 includes a foreign matter storage portion 11 for storing foreign matter M such as molding sand, garbage, and dust. The foreign matter M is contained in, for example, the interior of the auxiliary equipment. In particular, molding sand is generated during the process of manufacturing the auxiliary equipment and sometimes remains in the interior of the auxiliary equipment. When the auxiliary equipment containing the foreign matter M is connected to the fluid flow path L and the fluid F is circulated in the interior of the auxiliary equipment, the foreign matter M will flow in the fluid flow path L. It should be noted that the auxiliary equipment includes reference Figure 1 The manifold 1 , the pump 2 , the valve 3 , the heater core 4 , the electric heater 5 , and the water-cooled condenser 6 are described.

[0028] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the foreign matter storage portion 11 is formed between the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B by joining the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B. The foreign matter storage portion 11 is formed by a space formed across the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B. That is, the foreign matter storage portion 11 is a space extending along the Z direction (vertical direction). The foreign matter storage portion 11 is a space having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than the fluid flow path L (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 ) of the flow path cross-sectional area. It should be noted that the flow path cross-sectional area is a cross-sectional area when cut along a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the mainstream of the fluid F (circulation direction D).

[0029] As described above, the foreign matter storage portion 11 is a space having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid flow path L. In the present embodiment, since the specific gravity of the foreign matter M is greater than that of the fluid F, when the foreign matter M flows into the foreign matter storage portion 11 together with the fluid F flowing in the fluid flow path L, the foreign matter M is guided (sunk) toward the first axial side Z1 (vertically lower side) due to the specific gravity difference (its own weight).

[0030] In the foreign matter storage portion 11, the foreign matter M guided toward the first axial center side Z1 (vertically downward) stays in the foreign matter storage portion 11. Thus, the flow of the foreign matter M in the fluid flow path L can be suppressed.

[0031] The foreign matter storage portion 11 includes a flow portion 11R through which the main flow of the fluid F flows, and a settling portion 11T where the fluid F settles. A branch flow different from the main flow of the fluid F (fluid F having a flow rate lower than that of the flow portion 11R) may flow through the settling portion 11T.

[0032] The flow portion 11R is an inlet 3a of the valve 3 in the radial direction DR (a direction perpendicular to the Z direction) (see also Figure 6 ), the outlet 3b of the valve 3, and the lower end of the suction port 2a of the pump 2 and the space on the second axial center side Z2 (upper side in the vertical direction) of these lower ends. The circulation portion 11R includes a portion facing any one of the inlet 3a of the valve 3, the outlet 3b of the valve 3, and the suction port 2a of the pump 2.

[0033] The settling portion 11T is a space disposed on the first axial side Z1 (vertically lower side) relative to the flow portion 11R. That is, in the present embodiment, the settling portion 11T is adjacent to the inlet 3a of the valve 3 (see also Figure 6 ), the outlet port 3b of the valve 3 and the suction port 2a of the pump 2 are located on the first axial side Z1 (vertically lower side) compared to each other.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the settling portion 11T includes a storage space 11U. The storage space 11U is arranged on the first axis side Z1 (vertically lower side) relative to the valve 3. Specifically, the storage space 11U is a space located on the first axis side Z1 (vertically lower side) relative to the reference line SL along the lower end 3d of the valve 3. In the present embodiment, the storage space 11U is formed in the second housing 1B.

[0035] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the foreign matter storage section 11 has a first storage section 111, a second storage section 112, and a third storage section 113. The first storage section 111, the second storage section 112, and the third storage section 113 are arranged around the valve 3. In detail, the first storage section 111 is arranged adjacent to the first inlet 31a of the valve 3, the second storage section 112 is arranged adjacent to the outlet 3b of the valve 3, and the third storage section 113 is arranged adjacent to the second inlet 32a of the valve 3. It should be noted that the second storage section 112 is also arranged adjacent to the suction port 2a of the pump 2. That is, the second storage section 112 is arranged between the valve 3 and the pump 2.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the first storage portion 111 is disposed upstream in the flow direction D relative to the first inlet 31 a of the valve 3 in the first posture, and is connected (directly connected) to the first inlet 31 a. Figure 5 The flow section 11R of the first storage section 111 described above is connected to the first inlet 31a of the valve 3 in the first posture (opposed in the radial direction DR). Therefore, the fluid F flows through the flow section 11R of the first storage section 111 and flows into the valve 3 through the first inlet 31a. The foreign matter M that flows into the first storage section 111 together with the fluid F is guided to the storage space 11U of the first storage section 111 and stays in the storage space 11U.

[0037] The second storage unit 112 is relative to the first posture (refer to Figure 3 ) and the second posture (refer to Figure 4 ) is arranged downstream of the outlet 3b of the valve 3 in the flow direction D and is connected to the outlet 3b (directly connected). Figure 5 The flow portion 11R of the second storage portion 112 described above communicates with the outflow port 3 b of the valve 3 in the first posture and the second posture (opposed in the radial direction DR).

[0038] Furthermore, the second storage section 112 is arranged upstream in the flow direction D relative to the suction port 2a of the pump 2, and is connected to the suction port 2a (directly connected). That is, the flow section 11R of the second storage section 112 is also connected to the suction port 2a (opposite in the radial direction DR). Therefore, the fluid F flows from the valve 3 into the second storage section 112 through the outflow port 3b, flows through the flow section 11R of the second storage section 112, and is sucked into the pump 2 through the suction port 2a. The foreign matter M that flows into the second storage section 112 together with the fluid F is guided to the storage space 11U of the second storage section 112 and stays in the storage space 11U.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third storage portion 113 is disposed upstream in the flow direction D relative to the second inlet 32a of the valve 3 in the second posture, and is connected (directly connected) to the second inlet 32a. Figure 6 The flow section 11R of the third storage section 113 described above is connected to the second inlet 32a of the valve 3 in the second posture (opposed in the radial direction DR). Therefore, the fluid F flows through the flow section 11R of the third storage section 113 and flows into the valve 3 through the second inlet 32a. The foreign matter M that flows into the third storage section 113 together with the fluid F is guided to the storage space 11U of the third storage section 113 and stays in the storage space 11U.

[0040] As described above, the first storage section 111 and the third storage section 113 are arranged upstream of the flow direction D relative to the valve 3. Therefore, before the foreign matter M flows into the valve 3, it can be guided (collected) to the storage space 11U. Thus, the foreign matter M can be suppressed from flowing into the valve 3. In addition, the second storage section 112 is arranged downstream of the flow direction D relative to the valve 3. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress the foreign matter M guided to the storage space 11U of the second storage section 112 from flowing into the valve 3 along with the backflow of the fluid F or due to resistance to the flow of the fluid F. Since the foreign matter M can be suppressed from flowing into the valve 3, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the valve 3 caused by, for example, the presence of the foreign matter M between the sealing component S and the valve body 32. In addition, it is also possible to suppress damage to the valve body 32, the sealing component S, etc., and it is also possible to suppress the shortening of the service life of the valve 3.

[0041] In addition, the second storage portion 112 is arranged upstream of the flow direction D relative to the pump 2. Therefore, before the foreign matter M flows into the pump 2, it can be guided (collected) to the storage space 11U. As a result, the foreign matter M can be prevented from flowing into the pump 2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the pump 2 caused by, for example, the presence of the foreign matter M between the motor 21 and the impeller 22. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the motor 21, the impeller 22, etc. from being damaged, and it is also possible to prevent the service life of the pump 2 from being shortened.

[0042] In addition, as referenced Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As described above, the storage space 11U is arranged on the first axial side Z1 (vertically lower side) compared to the valve 3. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the foreign matter M guided to the storage space 11U from flowing out of the foreign matter storage portion 11 and flowing into the valve 3. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the storage space 11U is arranged on the first axial side Z1 (vertically lower side) compared to the lower end 2d of the pump 2. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress the foreign matter M guided to the storage space 11U from flowing out of the foreign matter storage portion 11 and flowing into the pump 2.

[0043] [Overview of the above embodiment] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the following structure is reviewed.

[0044] (1) The cooling module 100 includes a manifold 1 on which a valve 3 for controlling the flow of a fluid F is installed and a fluid flow path L for the fluid F to flow is formed. The manifold 1 includes a foreign matter storage portion 11 which has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the fluid flow path L and stores foreign matter M flowing in the fluid flow path L. The foreign matter storage portion 11 is connected to at least one of an inlet 3a through which the fluid F flows into the valve 3 and an outlet 3b through which the fluid F flows out of the valve 3.

[0045] According to this configuration, since the manifold 1 includes the foreign matter storage portion 11 for storing the foreign matter M flowing in the fluid flow path L, it is possible to suppress the flow of the foreign matter M in the fluid flow path L. Furthermore, since the foreign matter storage portion 11 is connected to at least one of the inlet 3a of the valve 3 and the outlet 3b of the valve 3, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter M from flowing into the valve 3.

[0046] (2) In the cooling module 100 of (1), the foreign matter storage portion 11 is preferably connected to the suction port 2 a for sucking the fluid F into the pump 2 for pumping the fluid F under pressure.

[0047] According to this configuration, the foreign matter reservoir 11 is connected to the suction port 2a of the pump 2. In other words, the foreign matter reservoir 11 is disposed upstream of the pump 2 in the flow direction D of the fluid F. Therefore, the foreign matter M can be prevented from flowing into the pump 2.

[0048] (3) In the cooling module 100 of (1) or (2), the manifold 1 includes the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B joined to the first housing 1A, and the foreign matter storage portion 11 is preferably formed between the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B.

[0049] According to this configuration, the foreign matter storage portion 11 is formed between the first housing 1A and the second housing 1B, which are separate components. Therefore, the foreign matter storage portion 11 can be provided in a simple manner.

[0050] (4) In the cooling module 100 of (3), the foreign matter storage portion 11 preferably includes a storage space 11U located vertically below the valve 3 .

[0051] According to this configuration, since the foreign matter storage portion 11 includes the storage space 11U located vertically below the valve 3 , it is possible to more reliably suppress the foreign matter M from flowing into the valve 3 .

[0052] [Other embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the cooling module will be described.

[0053] (a) As long as no contradiction occurs, the structure disclosed in each of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with the structure disclosed in other embodiments. With regard to other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are only examples in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made within the scope of not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0054] (b) The foreign matter storage portion 11 may be disposed at a position other than around the valve 3 so as to efficiently collect the foreign matter M flowing in the fluid flow path L.

[0055] (c) In the above embodiment, the foreign matter storage part 11 includes the first storage part 111, the second storage part 112, and the third storage part 113, the first storage part 111 and the third storage part 113 are connected to the inlet 3a of the valve 3, and the second storage part 112 is connected to the outlet 3b of the valve 3. However, the foreign matter storage part 11 may be a structure connected to at least one of the inlet 3a and the outlet 3b of the valve 3. That is, the foreign matter storage part 11 may include, for example, only at least one of the first storage part 111 and the third storage part 113 connected to the inlet 3a, or only the second storage part 112 connected to the outlet 3b.

[0056] (d) In the above embodiment, the second storage section 112 is connected to the suction port 2a of the pump 2, but the second storage section 112 may not be connected to the suction port 2a of the pump 2. Alternatively, the second storage section 112 may be connected to the discharge port of the pump 2.

[0057] (e) In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first storage section 111 and the third storage section 113 are directly connected to the inlet 3a of the valve 3, and the second storage section 112 is directly connected to the outlet 3b of the valve 3 and the suction port 2a of the pump 2. It should be noted that "direct connection" refers to a structure in which a connection is made without providing a spacer. Specifically, it refers to a structure in which the first storage section 111 and the first inlet 31a of the valve 3 are connected without providing a spacer between them. The same is true for the third storage section 113 and the second inlet 32a of the valve 3, the second storage section 112 and the outlet 3b, and the second storage section 112 and the suction port 2a of the pump 2. However, for example, a fluid flow path L may exist between at least one of the first storage section 111 and the third storage section 113 and the inlet 3a of the valve 3. Similarly, for example, a fluid flow path L may exist between the second storage portion 112 and at least one of the outlet port 3 b of the valve 3 and the suction port 2 a of the pump 2 .

[0058] (f) In the foreign matter storage unit 11, the storage space 11U may be omitted.

[0059] (g) The cooling system A includes devices other than the manifold 1, the pump 2, the valve 3, the heater core 4, the electric heater 5, and the water-cooled condenser 6 (for example, a radiator, a cooler, a DC-DC converter (DC-to-DC converter), a charger, etc.), which can also be connected to the fluid flow path L. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The technology involved in the present invention can be applied to a cooling module. Explanation of symbols

[0061] 1: manifold, 1A: first housing, 1B: second housing, 2: pump, 2a: suction port, 3: valve, 3a: inlet, 3b: outlet, 11: foreign matter storage unit, 11U: storage space, 100: cooling module, F: fluid, L: fluid flow path, M: foreign matter.

Claims

1. A cooling module, wherein: The cooling module includes a manifold, the manifold is equipped with a valve for controlling the flow of a fluid, and forms a fluid flow path for the fluid to flow. The manifold includes a foreign matter storage portion having a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the fluid flow path and storing foreign matter flowing in the fluid flow path. The foreign matter storage portion is connected to at least one of an inlet through which the fluid flows into the valve and an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the valve.

2. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein: The foreign matter storage portion is connected to a suction port for sucking the fluid into a pump that pressure-feeds the fluid.

3. The cooling module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The manifold includes a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing. The foreign matter storage portion is formed between the first housing and the second housing.

4. The cooling module according to claim 3, wherein: The foreign matter storage portion includes a storage space located vertically below the valve.

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