Degassing tank

Abstract

A degassing tank includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a cavity, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of support members. The cavity is defined between the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The cavity provides a path for fluid to flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Each of the plurality of support members includes a first section and a second section. The first segment extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The second section extends perpendicularly from the first section toward the bottom wall such that the support member is configured to direct fluid flowing within the cavity away from the top wall.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 945,288, filed on September 15, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to degassing tanks, and more particularly, to degassing tanks that are integrated with a cooling system to regulate engine temperature. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a degassing tank configured to degas a coolant fluid of an electric vehicle. The degassing tank includes a housing and a filter. The housing includes a first portion, a second portion, and a fluid flow path. The first portion has a first cavity, a plurality of first portion support members, and a partition that divides the first cavity into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The second portion has a second cavity and a plurality of second portion support members. The fluid flow path extends from the inlet chamber to the second cavity, and from the second cavity to the outlet chamber. The filter extends along an interface between the first portion and the second portion. The filter separates the second cavity from the inlet chamber so that the fluid flow path passes through the filter for the first time, and the filter separates the second cavity from the outlet chamber so that the fluid flow path passes through the filter for the second time. The first portion is coupled to the second portion so that the end of the first portion support member is coupled to the end of the second portion support member.

[0005] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a degassing tank configured to degas a coolant fluid of an electric vehicle. The degassing tank includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a cavity, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of support members. The first side wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall. The second side wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall and is opposite to the first side wall. The cavity is defined between the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The fluid inlet is positioned closer to the bottom wall than the distance from the top wall. The fluid inlet provides an inlet for the fluid to flow into the cavity. The fluid outlet is positioned closer to the bottom wall than the distance from the top wall. The fluid outlet provides an outlet for the fluid to flow out of the cavity, so that the cavity provides a path for the fluid to flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Each of the plurality of support members includes a first section and a second section. The first section extends from the first side wall to the second side wall. The second section extends vertically from the first section toward the bottom wall, so that the support member is configured to guide the fluid flowing in the cavity to leave from the top wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a right side perspective view of a degassing tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 2-2.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 3-3.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Left side perspective view of the degassing tank in FIG.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 5-5.

[0011] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another front perspective view of the degassing tank in FIG.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Front view of the degassing tank.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 9-9.

[0015] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 10-10.

[0016] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Another view of the cross-section in FIG.

[0017] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 Rear perspective view of the degassing tank in FIG.

[0018] Fig.13 yes Figure 6 Another rear perspective view of the degassing tank in FIG.

[0019] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank in FIG. 1 taken along line 14 - 14 .

[0020] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 15-15.

[0021] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Detailed view of a cross-section of the degassing tank.

[0022] Fig.17 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the degassing tank taken along line 17-17.

[0023] Fig.18 yes Fig. 9 Detailed cross-sectional views of the relative sections of the cross-sectional views in FIG.

[0024] Fig.19 It is used to manufacture Figure 6 Schematic representation of the method in the degassing tank.

[0025] Fig. 20 Is manufacturing Figure 6 Schematic representation of the first step in the degassing tank.

[0026] Fig.21 Is manufacturing Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the second step in the degassing tank.

[0027] Fig.22A is a perspective view of a support member of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 22B is a perspective view of a support member of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 22C is a perspective view of a support member of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.22D is a perspective view of a support member of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.23 is a perspective view of a portion of a degassing tank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be clear that the present invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements explained in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention can be implemented in the form of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0033] Figure 1 A degassing tank 10 is illustrated which is operable to provide coolant to the engine. Figures 1 to 5 As described above, the degassing tank 10 is generally known in the art. The degassing tank 10 includes an outer shell 14, an inlet pipe 18, an outlet pipe 22, a filter 26 ( Figure 2 ) and partition 30 ( Figure 2). The degassing tank 10 can be connected to an engine to degas the coolant flowing between the inlet pipe 18 and the outlet pipe 22. The engine can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The electric motor can, for example, provide power to an electric vehicle. The degassing tank 10 can also be used in conjunction with a battery pack to provide coolant to the battery pack. The degassing tank 10 can help prevent damage to the engine or battery by degassing the coolant flowing through the engine or battery.

[0034] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the outer shell 14 includes a first portion 34 and a second portion 38. Each of the first portion 34 and the second portion 38 forms three faces of a rectangular prism. More specifically, the first portion 34 includes a front face 34a, a side face 34b, and a bottom face 34c. The second portion 38 includes a rear face 38a, a side face 38b, and a top face 38c. The rear face 38a is positioned opposite the front face 34a on the rectangular prism. The side face 38b of the second portion 38 is positioned opposite the side face 34b of the first portion 34. The top face 38c is positioned opposite the bottom face 34c on the rectangular prism. The first portion 34 and the second portion 38 are coupled to define an internal cavity 42 between the first portion 34 and the second portion 38. The front face 34a of the first portion 34 includes an inlet pipe 18 and an outlet pipe 22. The second portion 38 includes a manual pouring tube 46 that extends through the top face 38c. Second portion 38 also includes flange 50 extending from rear face 38a and side face 38b of second portion 38 away from degassing tank 10. Flange 50 includes fastener receiving holes 54 that may receive fasteners to couple degassing tank 10 to an engine or vehicle.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the filter 26 is a perforated screen that includes a plurality of holes 56 extending through the filter 26. The holes 56 are operable to separate air (i.e., degas) from the coolant flowing through the filter 26. The filter 26 extends between the side 34b of the first portion 34 and the side 38b of the second portion 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 26 extends vertically between the side 34b of the first portion 34 and the side 38b of the second portion 38. The filter 26 also extends from the bottom surface 34c of the first portion 34 to the top surface 38c of the second portion 38, so that the filter 26 divides the internal cavity 42 into a front internal cavity 42a and a rear internal cavity 42b. In other embodiments, the filter 26 may extend in a direction that is not perpendicular to the side 34b of the first portion 34 and the side 38b of the second portion 38. For example, the filter 26 may extend at an acute angle relative to the side 34b of the first portion 34 and the side 38b of the second portion 38.

[0036] Steering Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 30 is a panel including two partition holes 58. The partition 30 extends between the front face 34a of the first portion 34 and the rear face 38a of the second portion 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 30 extends vertically between the front face 34a of the first portion 34 and the rear face 38a of the second portion 38. The partition 30 also extends from the bottom face 34c of the first portion 34 to the top face 38c of the second portion 38, such that the partition 30 further divides the front interior cavity 42a into an inlet chamber 62 and an outlet chamber 66, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The two baffle holes 58 are positioned on the portion of the baffle 30 that is located within the rear interior cavity 42b and allow fluid to flow therethrough. In other embodiments, the baffle 30 may extend in a direction that is not perpendicular to the front face 34a of the first portion 34 and the rear face 38a of the second portion 38. For example, the baffle 30 may extend at an acute angle relative to the front face 34a of the first portion 34 and the rear face 38a of the second portion 38.

[0037] Return to reference Figure 3 , the filter 26 further includes a plurality of filter tabs 70, and the spacer 30 further includes a plurality of spacer tabs 74. The filter tabs 70 may extend from the filter 26 through the side 34b of the first portion 34, through the bottom surface 34c of the first portion 34, through the side 38b of the second portion 38, and through the top surface 38c of the second portion 38. The filter tabs 70 are operable to secure the filter 26 to the degassing tank 10. The spacer tabs 74 may extend from the spacer 30 through the front face 34a of the first portion 34, through the bottom surface 34c of the first portion 34, through the rear face 38a of the second portion 38, and through the top surface 38c of the second portion 38.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 34 and the second portion 38 of the degassing tank 10 can be manufactured by any combination of metal forming processes, such as stamping, rolling, injection molding or other similar metal forming processes. Each face 34a-34c of the first portion 34 is formed independently of the other faces 34a-34c of the first portion 34. Then, the faces 34a-34c of the first portion 34 are joined together to construct the first portion 34. Each face 38a-38c of the second portion 38 is formed independently of the other faces 38a-38c of the second portion 38. Then, the faces 38a-38c of the second portion 38 are joined together to construct the second portion 38. Then, the filter 26 and the partition 30 are placed in the desired orientation described above, and the first portion 34 is joined to the second portion 38 to form the degassing tank 10.

[0039] Steering Figure 2 and Figure 5, in operation, the degassing tank 10 can be connected to the engine fluid. In addition, the flange 50 can receive the fastener in the fastener receiving hole 54 to fix the degassing tank 10 next to the engine. The user can fill the degassing tank 10 by manually pouring the tube 46. The partition 30 prevents the coolant from flowing directly from the inlet chamber 62 to the outlet chamber 66 without first flowing through the filter 26. When the engine or battery connected to the degassing tank 10 is in operation, the coolant is guided to flow from the inlet chamber 62 through the filter 26 to the rear internal cavity 42b, thereby degassing the coolant. The coolant then flows through the rear internal cavity 42b through the two partition holes 58. Once the fluid has passed through the partition 30, the fluid is guided to flow from the rear internal cavity 42b through the filter 26 to the outlet chamber 66, thereby degassing the coolant again. The coolant then flows out of the outlet pipe 22 and flows to the engine to more effectively cool the engine or battery connected to the degassing tank 10 fluid.

[0040] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of a degassing tank 110 is shown. The degassing tank 110 includes a first portion 114, a second portion 118, a manual pouring tube 122, an inlet pipe 126, an outlet pipe 130, a filter 134 ( Fig. 9 ) and partition 138 ( Fig.10 ). Each of the first part 114 and the second part 118 is formed of plastic. More specifically, each of the first part 114 and the second part 118 is made of plastic by injection molding. The first part 114 is coupled to the second part 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 114 and the second part 118 are coupled together by hot plate welding, which will be described in detail below. In other embodiments, the first part 114 and the second part 118 may be coupled together by the following manufacturing processes, such as but not limited to bonding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, solvent welding, etc. Through this coupling process, the second part 118 is fixed to the first part 114. The degassing tank 110 can be connected to the engine to degas the coolant flowing between the inlet pipe 126 and the outlet pipe 130. The inlet pipe 126 may also be referred to as a fluid inlet. The outlet pipe 130 may also be referred to as a fluid outlet. Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 can be operated at a ratio of Figure 1 The degassing tank 10 more effectively removes air from the coolant, which will be described in detail below.

[0041] Continue to refer Figure 6 and Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, each of the manual pour tube 122, the inlet tube 126, and the outlet tube 130 are integrally formed with the first portion 114 of the degassing tank 110. In other embodiments, any combination of the manual pour tube 122, the inlet tube 126, and the outlet tube 130 may be formed as a separate component from the first portion 114. Figure 8 As shown, the inlet pipe 126 and the outlet pipe 130 are positioned closer to the bottom wall 139 of the degassing tank 110 than to the top wall 141 of the degassing tank 110. The manual pouring pipe 122 extends from the top wall 141 of the degassing tank 110. The bottom wall 139 can be considered as a first surface, and the top wall 141 can be considered as a second surface. The degassing tank 110 also includes a first side 142 and a second side 146. The first side 142 and the second side 146 extend between the top wall 141 and the bottom wall 139 of the degassing tank 110. The inlet pipe 126 is closer to the first side 142 than to the second side 146. The outlet pipe 130 is positioned closer to the second side 146 than to the first side 142, so that the outlet pipe 130 is positioned between the inlet pipe 126 and the second side 146 of the degassing tank 110. The manual pour tube 122 is positioned closer to the second side 146 than to the first side 142 such that the manual pour tube 122 is positioned between the inlet tube 126 and the second side 146 .

[0042] refer to Fig.10 The first portion 114 of the degassing tank 110 includes a first sidewall 150 and a first outer periphery 154 defining a first portion joint plane A1. The first sidewall 150 is spaced apart from the first outer periphery 154 to define a first interior cavity 158 therein. Fig. 9 The first internal cavity 158 is generally shown Fig.10 ), i.e., the first cross-section. The first cross-section is generally rectangular and includes an abutment edge 162. The area of ​​the first cross-section is much smaller than the area of ​​the first outer peripheral edge 154 of the first portion 114. In other words, the first portion 114 includes a plate 164 extending from the top wall 141, so that the area of ​​the first cross-section and the area of ​​the first outer peripheral edge 154 are not equal. The abutment edge 162 extends from the generally rectangular portion of the first cross-section in a direction toward the manual pouring tube 122. The abutment edge 162 causes the first cross-section to be generally shaped like the letter "L" placed on its side, i.e., shaped like an "L".

[0043] Return to reference Fig.10 , the first portion 114 of the degassing tank 110 also includes a plurality of first portion support members 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion support members 166 extend from the first side wall 150 of the first portion 114 to the first portion joint plane A1. The first portion support members 166 have a substantially horizontal rectangular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, as in Fig. 9 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion 114 includes six first portion support members 166. The six first portion support members 166 are evenly distributed between the first side 142 and the second side 146 of the degassing tank 110. Specifically, the six first portion support members 166 are distributed in a grid consisting of two rows and three columns.

[0044] like Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown, the second portion 118 includes a second sidewall 170 and a second outer periphery 174, which defines a second portion joint plane A2. When the degassing tank 110 is assembled, the first portion joint plane A1 and the second portion joint plane A2 define a center plane along the interface between the first portion 114 and the second portion 118. The second sidewall 170 is spaced apart from the second outer periphery 174, thereby defining a second internal cavity 178 therein. The second outer periphery 174 is spaced apart from the second inner cavity 178. Figure 7 The first outer periphery 154 in the drawings is substantially the same, so that the second outer periphery 174 can be aligned to cooperate with the first outer periphery 154. The second internal cavity 178 has a generally rectangular cross-section, i.e., the second cross-section, and does not include the abutting edge 162. Therefore, the shape of the second cross-section is different from the first cross-section. In other words, the first cross-section of the first internal cavity 158 cut along the center plane has a first shape, and the second cross-section of the second internal cavity 174 cut along the center plane has a second shape, which is different from the first shape. The area of ​​the second cross-section is substantially similar to the area of ​​the second outer periphery 174. Therefore, the area of ​​the second cross-section is greater than the area of ​​the cross-section of the first internal cavity 158. Specifically, the second portion 118 does not include Fig. 9 Such a plate as plate 164 in the figure.

[0045] As in Fig.14 and Fig.15 As best shown in , the second portion 118 of the degassing tank 110 also includes a plurality of second portion support members 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion support members 182 extend from the second side wall 170 of the second portion 118 to the second portion joining plane A2. The second portion support members 182 have a generally "T" shaped cross section. In other words, the second portion support member 182 has a first section 182a and a second section 182b, wherein the first section 182a and the second section 182b form a generally "T" shaped cross section. In the illustrated embodiment, when the degassing tank 110 is in an upright position, the first section 182a is generally horizontal and the second section 182b is generally vertical. The first section 182a and the second section 182b are generally vertical. Fig. 9 The cross-section of the first portion support member 166 in FIG. 1 is substantially similar so that the second portion support member 182 can be aligned to align with the first portion support member 166 ( Fig. 9). The second segment 182b extends vertically from the first segment 182a in a direction toward the bottom wall 139 of the degassing tank 110. In other words, the second segment 182b extends vertically from the first segment 182a in a direction away from the top wall 141 of the degassing tank 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second segment 182b extends vertically from the first segment 182a. In other embodiments, the second segment 182b may extend at an angle relative to the first segment 182a. In other embodiments, the second segment 182b may be bent away from the first segment 182a.

[0046] As in Fig.15 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the second portion 118 includes eight second portion support members 182. The eight second portion support members 182 are distributed between the first side 142 and the second side 146 of the degassing tank 110. Specifically, the eight second portion support members 182 are distributed in a grid consisting of three rows and three columns. The row closest to the top wall 141 of the degassing tank 110 includes only two second portion support members 182. In other embodiments, the second portion support members 182 may be distributed in other configurations.

[0047] As in Fig.11 and Fig.15 As shown in , the first portion 114 of the degassing tank 110 further includes a plurality of first peripheral supports 186, and the second portion 118 of the degassing tank 110 further includes a plurality of second peripheral supports 190. Each of the first peripheral supports 186 and the second peripheral supports 190 protrudes from the bottom wall 139 of the degassing tank 110. The first peripheral supports 186 extend from the first outer periphery 154 to the first side wall 150 along the first portion 114. The second peripheral supports 190 extend from the second outer periphery 174 to the second side wall 170 along the second portion 118. In the illustrated embodiment, as the first peripheral supports 186 extend from the first outer periphery 154 to the first side wall 150, the height of at least one of the first peripheral supports 186 increases. That is, the first peripheral supports 186 may be inclined. In the illustrated embodiment, as the second peripheral supports 190 extend from the second outer periphery 174 to the second side wall 170, the height of at least one of the second peripheral supports 190 increases. That is, the second peripheral support 190 may be inclined.

[0048] Return to reference Fig. 9 , the filter 134 is a perforated screen that includes a plurality of holes 194 extending through the filter 134. The holes 194 separate air from the coolant flowing through the filter 134. Fig.16, the filter 134 extends along the interface between the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 of the degassing tank 110. The filter 134 has substantially the same cross-section as the first interior cavity 158 of the first portion 114, so that the filter 134 is positioned in a position recessed from the first portion coupling plane A1 within the first interior cavity 158. When the first portion 114 is coupled to the second portion 118, the filter 134 extends between the first side 142 and the second side 146 of the degassing tank 110, thereby providing a partition between the first interior cavity 158 and the second interior cavity 178.

[0049] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.11 , the filter 134 also includes a plurality of internal slots 198 and a plurality of peripheral slots 202. The cross-section of each of the plurality of internal slots 198 is substantially similar to the cross-section of the first partial support member 166. Therefore, each first partial support member 166 extends from the first side wall 150 through a corresponding internal slot in the internal slots 198 to the first partial coupling plane A1. The cross-section of each of the plurality of peripheral slots 202 is substantially similar to the cross-section of the first peripheral support member 186. Therefore, each first peripheral support member 186 extends through a corresponding peripheral slot in the plurality of peripheral slots 202. The filter 134 can therefore be fixed in place within the degassing tank 110 by the first partial support member 166 and the first peripheral support member 186.

[0050] like Fig.11 and Fig.17 As shown, the partition 138 is disposed in the first internal cavity 158. Specifically, the partition 138 extends from the first sidewall 150 to the filter 134. The partition 138 is positioned between the inlet tube 126 and the outlet tube 130 so that the partition 138 divides the first internal cavity 158 into an inlet chamber 206 and an outlet chamber 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 138 extends perpendicular to the filter 134. In other embodiments, the partition 138 may extend at different angles relative to the filter 134. The partition 138 is operable to prevent the coolant flowing into the inlet chamber 206 of the degassing tank 110 from flowing directly to the outlet chamber 210 without first flowing through the filter 134. Therefore, the partition 138 guides the coolant from the inlet chamber 206 to the second internal cavity 178.

[0051] like Fig.18 As shown, the degassing tank 110 also includes a full liquid level line 214 and an air discharge port 218b. The degassing tank 110 also includes another air discharge port 218a, which is as shown in FIG. Fig.13 . The full level line 214 represents a level at which adding more coolant reduces the flow efficiency of the coolant. In other words, the flow through the outlet pipe 130 may become turbulent. Fig.13 , the air vents 218a, 218b allow air that has been removed from the coolant to escape from the degassing tank 110. The first air vent 218a extends from the manual pour tube 122. The second air vent 218b extends from the second side 146 of the degassing tank 110. More specifically, the second air vent 218b is integrally formed with the second portion 118 of the degassing tank 110 and is positioned above the full level line 214. Therefore, both the first air vent 218a and the second air vent 218b are positioned above the full level line 214. In certain embodiments, the degassing tank 110 may include more air vents.

[0052] Return to reference Fig.11 and Fig.17 In operation, the degassing tank 110 can be fluidly connected to the engine or fluidly connected to the battery. The user can fill the degassing tank 110 through the manual pouring tube 122 to supply coolant into the degassing tank 110. Once poured through the manual pouring tube 122, the coolant directly enters the outlet chamber 210 and flows out of the degassing tank 110 through the outlet pipe 130. The coolant can then flow to the engine to cool the engine, and then eventually return to the degassing tank 110. The coolant flowing out of the engine enters the degassing tank 110, and more specifically, enters the inlet chamber 206 through the inlet pipe 126. The partition 138 prevents the coolant from flowing directly from the inlet chamber 206 to the outlet chamber 210. Instead, the coolant is guided to flow along the first fluid flow path P1. The first fluid flow path P1 guides the coolant to flow from the inlet chamber 206 to the second internal cavity 178 by flowing through the filter 134, thereby degassing the coolant. The air removed from the coolant rises above the coolant level in the degassing tank 110. The air can then be discharged through the first air discharge port 218a or the second air discharge port 218b ( Fig.18 ) escapes from the degassing tank 110. When the coolant begins to flow through the second internal cavity 178, the geometry of the second portion support member 182 reduces the amount of coolant sprayed over the full level line 214. More specifically, the intersection between the first section 182a and the second section 182b of the second portion support member 182 guides the coolant in a direction toward the bottom wall 139 of the degassing tank 110, thereby reducing the entrapment of air into the coolant due to the turbulence of the coolant around the second portion support member 182. The coolant is then guided to flow along the second fluid flow path P2. The second fluid flow path P2 guides the coolant to flow from the second internal cavity 178 to the outlet chamber 210 through the filter 134, thereby degassing the coolant again. Once the coolant reaches the outlet chamber 210, the coolant flows out of the outlet pipe 130 back to the engine to cool the engine.

[0053] Figures 6 to 18 The degassing tank 110 includes several degassing structures that allow the fluid flowing through the degassing tank 110 to be degassed. Specifically, the positioning of the filter 134 allows the coolant flowing through the degassing tank 110 to undergo at least two degassings. In addition, the second portion support member 182 is used to prevent air that has been removed from the coolant and then re-enter the coolant. Specifically, the second portion support member 182 guides the coolant away from the top wall 141 of the degassing tank 110, where the air is located before it is removed from the degassing tank 110 through the air discharge ports 218a, 218b. Therefore, Figures 6 to 18 The degassing tank 110 can be operated at a rate of Figures 1 to 5 The degassing tank 110 more effectively degases the coolant and increases the service life of an engine or battery associated with the degassing tank 110 .

[0054] Fig.19 A method for producing Figures 6 to 18 The method 400 of the degassing tank 110. Although the method 400 is described in conjunction with certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or need to be performed in the order presented.

[0055] At step 410, additionally refer to Fig. 20 , the method 400 includes providing a first portion 114 and a second portion 118 of the degassing tank 110, the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 being separated by a space 504. The first portion 114 and the second portion 118 may be disposed on movable members 508 that allow movement in a single direction (ie, a single degree of freedom).

[0056] At step 420, additional reference is made to Fig.11 Method 400 includes positioning filter 134 within first interior cavity 158 of first portion 114 such that first portion support member 166 and first peripheral support 186 extend at least partially through filter 134. Filter 134 is positioned within first interior cavity 158 partially recessed from first portion joint plane A1.

[0057] At step 430, additionally refer to Fig.21 , method 400 is described using hot plate welding. In some embodiments, method 400 may not include hot plate welding. In such embodiments, first portion 114 and second portion 118 may be joined together by a manufacturing process such as, but not limited to, bonding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, solvent welding, etc. When used, the hot plate welding method includes: once filter 134 has been positioned within first interior cavity 158 ( Fig.11), a hot plate 512 is disposed in the space 504 between the first portion 114 and the second portion 118. The hot plate 512 can be disposed in the space 504 at a temperature range of 220 to 932 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., 104 to 500 degrees Celsius). The hot plate 512 can be held in the space 504 between the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 by a clamp 516 or other similar tool.

[0058] At step 440, continue to refer to Fig.19 and Fig.21 The method 400 includes pressing the first portion 114 to the first side 512a of the hot plate 512 and pressing the second portion 118 to the second side 512b of the hot plate 512 to partially melt the first portion 114 along the first portion joining plane A1 and melt the second portion 118 along the second portion joining plane A2. The movable member 508 can be moved to engage the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 with the hot plate 512. Fig.14 and Fig.21 When the first portion 114 is engaged with the first side 512a of the hot plate 512, the first outer periphery 154, the first portion support member 166, and the first periphery support 186 begin to melt. When the second portion 118 is engaged with the second side 512b of the hot plate 512, the second outer periphery 174, the second portion support member 182, and the second periphery support 190 begin to melt.

[0059] At step 450, return to reference Fig.19 and Fig.21 , the method 400 includes removing the hot plate 512 from the space 504 between the first portion 114 and the second portion 118. The hot plate 512 is removed from the space 504 once the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 have been sufficiently melted.

[0060] At step 460, the method 400 includes pressing the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 together to couple the first portion support member 166 to the second portion support member 182, to couple the first outer perimeter 154 to the second outer perimeter 174, and to couple the first perimeter support 186 to the second perimeter support 190. Once the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 have been pressed together, the molten end of the first portion 114 and the molten end of the second portion 118 are cooled together, thereby coupling the first portion 114 and the second portion 118 to form the degassing tank 110.

[0061] Fig.22A A portion of another embodiment of a degassing tank 610 is shown. Fig.22A Degassing tank 610 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 is basically similar. Therefore, only the degassing tank 110 is described here. Fig.22ADegassing tank 610 with Figure 6 The difference between the degassing tank 110. Fig.22A The second support member 614 of the degassing tank 610 is shown. The second support member 614 is wing-shaped and extends horizontally. The second support member 614 does not include a vertical portion. Fig.15 The wing-shaped second support member 182 and the wing-shaped second support member 614 can also guide the coolant away from the top wall of the degassing tank 610 to prevent air from re-entering the coolant. Fig.22A Only one second portion support member 614 is shown in FIG. 6 , but the degassing tank 610 includes eight wing-shaped second portion support members 614. Fig.22A The first portion support member is not shown in FIG. 6 , but the degassing tank 610 includes eight wing-shaped first portion support members, which are coupled to the second portion support member 614 .

[0062] Fig. 22B A portion of another embodiment of a degassing tank 650 is shown. Fig. 22B Degassing tank 650 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 is basically similar. Therefore, only the degassing tank 110 is described here. Fig. 22B Degassing tank 650 with Figure 6 The difference between the degassing tank 110. Fig. 22B The second support member 654 of the degassing tank 650 is shown. The second support member 654 is oval and extends vertically. The second support member 654 does not include a horizontal extension. Fig.15 The second portion support member 182 and the elliptical second portion support member 654 can also guide the coolant away from the top wall of the degassing tank 650 to prevent air from re-entering the coolant. Fig. 22B Only one second section support member 654 is shown, but the degassing tank 650 includes eight oval second section support members 654. Fig. 22B The first portion support member is not shown in FIG. 6 , but the degassing tank 650 includes eight elliptical first portion support members, which are coupled to the second portion support member 654 .

[0063] Fig. 22C A portion of another embodiment of a degassing tank 710 is shown. Fig. 22C Degassing tank 710 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 is basically similar. Therefore, only the degassing tank 110 is described here. Fig. 22C Degassing tank 710 with Figure 6 The difference between the degassing tank 110. Fig. 22CThe second support member 714 of the degassing tank 710 is shown. The second support member 714 is circular. Fig.15 The circular second portion support member 714 can also guide the coolant away from the top wall of the degassing tank 710 to prevent air from re-entering the degassing tank 710. Fig. 22C Only one second section support member 714 is shown, but the degassing tank 710 includes eight circular second section support members 714. Fig. 22C The first portion support member is not shown in FIG. 7 , but the degassing tank 710 includes eight circular first portion support members, which are coupled to the second portion support member 714 .

[0064] Fig.22D A portion of another embodiment of a degassing tank 750 is shown. Fig.22D Degassing tank 750 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 is basically similar. Therefore, only the degassing tank 110 is described here. Fig.22D Degassing tank 750 with Figure 6 The difference between the degassing tank 110. Fig.22D The second support member 754 of the degassing tank 750 is shown. The second support member 754 is oval and extends horizontally. The second support member 754 does not include a vertical extension. Fig.15 The elliptical second support member 754 can also guide the coolant away from the top wall of the degassing tank 750 to prevent air from re-entering the coolant. Fig.22D Only one second section support member 754 is shown, but the degassing tank 750 includes eight circular second section support members 754. Fig.22D The first portion support member is not shown in FIG. 7 , but the degassing tank 750 includes eight elliptical first portion support members, which are coupled to the second portion support member 754 .

[0065] Although not specifically shown herein, Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 may include Fig.15 and FIG. 22A to FIG. 22D For example, if the hypothetical degassing tank includes 10 support members, two of the support members are as shown in FIG. Fig.15 The second part of the support member 182 shown in FIG. 1 ; two of these support members are as shown in FIG. Fig.22A The second part of the support member 614 shown in FIG; two of these support members are as shown Fig. 22B The second part of the support member 654 shown in FIG; two of these support members are as shown Fig. 22C The second part of the support member 714 shown in FIG; two of these support members are as shown Fig.22D 754. This hypothetical example is not limiting, as other numbers of support members and other combinations of support members are also contemplated.

[0066] Fig.23 A portion of another embodiment of a degassing tank 810 is shown. Fig.23 Degassing tank 810 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 is basically similar. Therefore, only the degassing tank 110 is described here. Fig.23 Degassing tank 810 with Figure 6 The degassing tank 810 includes a perforated partition 814 that passes through a second interior cavity defined by a second portion of the degassing tank 810. Fig.23 The second inner cavity and the second portion are not shown, but the second inner cavity and the second portion are respectively Fig.17 The second internal cavity 178 of the degassing tank 810 is substantially similar to the second portion 118. Figure 6 The degassing tank 110 has substantially the same coolant flow path. Therefore, as the coolant flows along the coolant flow path, the coolant flows through the perforated partition 814, thereby providing an additional device for degassing the coolant, so that the degassing tank 810 has three degassing devices along the coolant flow path.

[0067] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, various variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention. Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A degassing tank for degassing a coolant fluid of an electric vehicle, the degassing tank comprising: A housing, the housing comprising: a first portion, the first portion having a first cavity, a plurality of first portion support members, and a partition, the partition dividing the first cavity into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, a second portion having a second cavity and a plurality of second portion support members, a fluid flow path extending from the inlet chamber to the second cavity and from the second cavity to the outlet chamber; and a filter extending along an interface between the first portion and the second portion; in: (i) the filter separates the second cavity from the inlet chamber so that the fluid flow path passes through the filter for the first time, and (ii) the filter separates the second cavity from the outlet chamber so that the fluid flow path passes through the filter a second time; and Wherein, the first portion is coupled to the second portion such that an end of the first portion support member is coupled to an end of the second portion support member.

2. The degassing tank according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion support member or the second portion support member extends through the filter.

3. The degassing tank according to claim 1, wherein: A cross-section of one of the first and second partial support members includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment extending perpendicularly from the first segment.

4. The degassing tank according to claim 3, wherein: In use, the second section extends vertically from the first section in a direction towards the bottom of the housing.

5. The degassing tank according to claim 4, wherein: The first section and the second section form a T-shaped cross section.

6. The degassing tank according to claim 3, wherein: Only one of the first segment and the second segment extends through the filter.

7. The degassing tank according to claim 1, wherein: The first part and the second part are made of plastic and formed by injection molding, and wherein the first part is joined to the second part by hot plate welding.

8. The degassing tank according to claim 1, wherein: The filter is a perforated screen including a plurality of holes that degas the fluid as it flows through the plurality of holes.

9. The degassing tank of claim 8, further comprising an air vent in at least one of the outlet chamber and the second portion, the air vent for removing air removed from the fluid as the holes degas the fluid flowing through the holes.

10. The degassing tank according to claim 1, wherein: An interface between the first portion and the second portion defines a center plane of the degassing tank, wherein a first cross-section of the first cavity taken along the center plane has a first shape, and wherein a second cross-section of the second cavity taken along the center plane has a second shape, the second shape being different from the first shape.

11. The degassing tank according to claim 10, wherein: The filter is positioned in the first portion, and a cross-sectional shape of the filter is substantially the same as the first shape of the first cross-section of the first cavity.

12. The degassing tank according to claim 10, wherein: The area of ​​the second shape is greater than the area of ​​the first shape.

13. A method of forming the degassing tank according to claim 1, the method comprising: providing the first portion and the second portion and defining a space between the first portion and the second portion, positioning the filter within the first portion such that the first portion support member extends through the filter, After the filter has been positioned within the first portion, a hot plate is arranged in the space between the first portion and the second portion, pressing the first portion to a first side of the hot plate and pressing the second portion to a second side of the hot plate to at least partially melt the first portion along a first portion joining plane and at least partially melt the second portion along a second portion joining plane, removing the hot plate from the space between the first portion and the second portion, and The first portion and the second portion are pressed together, thereby coupling the first portion support member to the second portion support member and coupling the outer periphery of the first portion to the outer periphery of the second portion.

14. A degassing tank configured for degassing a coolant fluid of an electric vehicle, the degassing tank comprising: top wall; bottom wall; a first side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a second side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall and opposite to the first side wall; a cavity defined between the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall; a fluid inlet positioned closer to the bottom wall than to the top wall, the fluid inlet providing an inlet for fluid to flow into the cavity; a fluid outlet positioned closer to the bottom wall than to the top wall, the fluid outlet providing a way for fluid to flow out of the cavity such that the cavity provides a path for fluid to flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; as well as A plurality of support members, each support member comprising: a first section extending from the first side wall to the second side wall; A second section extends perpendicularly from the first section toward the bottom wall such that the support member is configured to direct fluid flowing within the cavity away from the top wall.

15. The degassing tank according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of support members include a first portion support member and a second portion support member, wherein the first portion support member extends from the first side wall to a center plane of the degassing tank, and wherein the second portion support member extends from the second side wall to the center plane of the degassing tank to contact the first portion support member.

16. The degassing tank of claim 15, further comprising a filter positioned within the cavity, the filter extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and wherein: Only one of the first and second portion support members extends through the filter to the central plane.

17. The degassing drum of claim 14, further comprising a filter positioned within the cavity, the filter extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and wherein only one of the first segment and the second segment extends through the filter.

18. The degassing tank according to claim 14, wherein: The first section and the second section have T-shaped cross sections.

19. The degassing tank according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of support members are distributed on a grid comprising at least three rows and at least three columns.

20. The degassing tank according to claim 14, wherein: The fluid inlet is a first fluid inlet and the degassing tank further includes a second fluid inlet extending through the top wall.

Images