Expansion kettle with gas-liquid separation structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts, in particular to an expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure, which not only realizes efficient dynamic circulation and accurate gas-liquid separation of cooling liquid in a thermal management system and improves the pressure bearing capacity of a kettle body, but also realizes real-time accurate monitoring of the liquid level of the cooling liquid by means of a probe type liquid level sensor, so that the service life of the expansion kettle is prolonged. Stable and safe operation of the thermal management system is ensured; comprising an expansion tank; the system further comprises a circulation mechanism, a water storage mechanism and a liquid level sensor, the circulation mechanism is installed on the expansion water tank and conducts gas-liquid separation on the cooling liquid, the water storage mechanism is installed on the expansion water tank and stores the cooling liquid, and the liquid level sensor is installed on the expansion water tank and detects the liquid level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of automotive parts, and in particular to an expansion tank with a gas-liquid separation structure. Background Technology

[0002] In modern thermal management systems, whether it is the battery thermal management of new energy vehicles or the heat dissipation system of electronic devices, an efficient and stable cooling system is required to maintain the normal operating temperature of the equipment. As a key component of the cooling system, the expansion tank undertakes the important functions of accommodating the expansion of coolant, replenishing coolant, and separating gas in coolant.

[0003] Existing expansion tanks, such as the one disclosed in utility model patent application number 202321693518.9, mainly include a tank body containing coolant, a lid for sealing the tank body, a first vent pipe extending vertically inside the tank body, and a guide member surrounding the first vent pipe. The upper end of the first vent pipe is the outlet, and the guide member forms a flow surface for the coolant in the first vent pipe to flow from the outlet into the liquid surface inside the tank body. In use, when the coolant overflows from the top of the first vent pipe onto the upper wall of the guide sleeve, it flows along the upper wall of the guide sleeve into the tank body and mixes with the coolant inside the tank. During the flow along the upper wall of the guide sleeve, because the flow velocity is very low, the thickness of the coolant on the guide sleeve is very low. The gas in the coolant can float to the surface and separate from the coolant after traveling a very short distance under the action of gravity.

[0004] However, the existing expansion tank has low gas-liquid separation efficiency, resulting in residual gas in the coolant, forming gas resistance, which seriously affects the circulation efficiency of the coolant, reduces the heat exchange effect, makes it impossible to effectively control the equipment temperature, and causes large fluctuations in liquid level, which is not conducive to accurately grasping the coolant inventory and affects the stability and reliability of the thermal management system. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an expansion tank with a gas-liquid separation structure that not only realizes efficient dynamic circulation and precise gas-liquid separation of coolant in the thermal management system and improves the pressure bearing capacity of the tank, but also realizes real-time and precise monitoring of coolant level with the help of probe-type liquid level sensor, thus ensuring the stable and safe operation of the thermal management system.

[0006] This utility model discloses an expansion tank with a gas-liquid separation structure, comprising an expansion tank, a circulation mechanism, a water storage mechanism, and a liquid level sensor. The circulation mechanism is installed on the expansion tank to separate the coolant from the air, the water storage mechanism is installed on the expansion tank to store the coolant, and the liquid level sensor is installed on the expansion tank to detect the liquid level. The expansion tank is installed on a vehicle, and the coolant is stored in the water storage mechanism. The coolant circulates through the circulation mechanism, and air is separated from the coolant. The liquid level sensor detects the coolant level, facilitating timely replenishment of coolant.

[0007] Preferably, the expansion tank includes an upper body, a lower body, a "MAX" marking, a "MIN" marking, a filler neck, and a cap. The upper and lower bodies are tightly welded together using a hot plate welding process. The "MAX" marking is located on the upper body, and the "MIN" marking is located on the lower body. The upper body has a filler neck, and the cap is installed on the filler neck. The lower body is fixedly installed on the vehicle. The cap is opened, and coolant is added to the water storage mechanism through the filler neck. Then, the cap is tightened. The "MAX" and "MIN" markings facilitate the observation of the coolant level by the operator.

[0008] Preferably, the upper and lower bodies are made of transparent PP5 plastic. Transparent PP5 plastic has excellent temperature resistance, chemical stability and visibility, which can not only adapt to the working environment of the thermal management system, but also facilitate real-time observation of the coolant status inside the vessel, thus providing convenience for the maintenance and monitoring of the thermal management system.

[0009] Preferably, the kettle lid is equipped with a pressure relief valve; when the pressure inside the upper kettle exceeds a preset value due to factors such as temperature changes caused by the operation of the thermal management system and coolant expansion, the pressure relief valve automatically opens to quickly release the excess pressure.

[0010] Preferably, the circulation mechanism includes a reservoir inlet, an overflow outlet, a pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and a reservoir outlet. The reservoir inlet is installed on the lower reservoir body, the overflow outlet is installed on the reservoir inlet and communicates with the inside of the reservoir inlet, the pipe is installed in the lower reservoir body and communicates with the inside of the reservoir inlet, the pipe has a gas-liquid separator, and the reservoir outlet is installed on the lower reservoir body and communicates with the inside of the pipe. The reservoir inlet and outlet are connected to the vehicle's coolant circulation pipeline. Coolant containing air bubbles enters the pipe from the reservoir inlet. The air bubbles rise under buoyancy and enter the water storage mechanism through the gas-liquid separator, achieving preliminary gas-liquid separation. The separated coolant returns to the coolant circulation pipeline of the thermal management system through the reservoir outlet to participate in the circulation.

[0011] Preferably, the water storage mechanism includes multiple sets of baffles, a first cavity, a second cavity, and a third cavity. The multiple sets of baffles are installed inside the upper and lower flasks, dividing the interior of the flask into the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity. Each set of baffles has a water passage groove. By setting multiple sets of baffles, not only can the burst strength of the flask be significantly enhanced, allowing it to maintain structural stability under the high pressure environment generated by the thermal management system, but the division of the internal space into the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity can effectively suppress coolant level fluctuations and keep the liquid level stable. The first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity are connected by water passage grooves to ensure that the coolant can flow smoothly between the flasks.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid level sensor includes two parallel probes distributed along the height of the vessel. When the coolant submerges the probes, the coolant, being conductive, forms a conductive circuit with the probes, thereby determining the current coolant level. This allows for timely judgment on whether the coolant needs to be replenished, greatly improving the real-time performance and accuracy of liquid level monitoring and providing a more reliable basis for coolant replenishment and status monitoring in the thermal management system.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: the expansion tank is installed on the car, the coolant is stored in the water storage mechanism, the coolant is circulated through the circulation mechanism, and the air in the coolant is separated out by cold separation. The coolant level is detected by setting a liquid level sensor, which makes it convenient to replenish the coolant in time. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional axonometric structural schematic diagram of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram of the expansion tank of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional isometric structural diagram of the expansion tank and water storage mechanism of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of the circulation mechanism of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional isometric structural diagram of the circulation mechanism of this utility model.

[0019] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 01, Expansion tank; 11, Upper body; 12, Lower body; 13, “MAX” marking; 14, “MIN” marking; 15, Water inlet; 16, Kettle lid; 02, Circulation mechanism; 21, Kettle inlet; 22, Overflow outlet; 23, Pipe; 24, Gas-liquid separator; 25, Kettle outlet; 03, Water storage mechanism; 31, Baffle; 32, First chamber; 33, Second chamber; 34, Third chamber; 04, Liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of this utility model more thorough and complete. Example

[0021] This utility model discloses an expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure, comprising an expansion tank 01; it also includes a circulation mechanism 02, a water storage mechanism 03, and a liquid level sensor 04. The circulation mechanism 02 is installed on the expansion tank 01 and performs gas-liquid separation of the coolant; the water storage mechanism 03 is installed on the expansion tank 01 and stores the coolant; the liquid level sensor 04 is installed on the expansion tank 01 and detects the liquid level. The expansion tank 01 includes an upper body 11, a lower body 12, a "MAX" marking 13, a "MIN" marking 14, a water inlet 15, and a kettle lid 16. The upper body 11 and the lower body 12 are tightly welded together using a hot plate welding process. The "MAX" marking 13 is located on the upper body 11, and the "MIN" marking 14 is located on the lower body 12. The upper body 11 has a water inlet 15, and the kettle lid 16 is installed on the water inlet 15. The expansion tank 01 also includes an upper body 11 and a lower body 12. The body 12 is made of transparent PP5 plastic; it also includes a kettle lid 16 with a pressure relief valve; the circulation mechanism 02 includes a kettle inlet 21, an overflow outlet 22, a pipe 23, a gas-liquid separator 24, and a kettle outlet 25. The kettle inlet 21 is installed on the lower kettle body 12, the overflow outlet 22 is installed on the kettle inlet 21 and communicates with the inside of the kettle inlet 21, and the pipe 23 is installed inside the lower kettle body 12 and communicates with the inside of the kettle inlet 21. A gas-liquid separation port 24 is opened on the pipe 23, and the water outlet 25 of the kettle is installed on the lower kettle body 12 and communicates with the inside of the pipe 23; the water storage mechanism 03 includes multiple sets of partitions 31, a first cavity 32, a second cavity 33 and a third cavity 34. The multiple sets of partitions 31 are all installed in the kettle bodies of the upper kettle body 11 and the lower kettle body 12, dividing the inside of the kettle body into the first cavity 32, the second cavity 33 and the third cavity 34. Each set of partitions 31 has a water passage groove.During operation, firstly, the lower reservoir body 12 is fixedly installed on the vehicle. The reservoir cap 16 is opened, and coolant is added to the first chamber 32, second chamber 33, and third chamber 34 through the inlet 15. Then, the reservoir cap 16 is tightened. The multiple baffles 31 significantly enhance the reservoir's burst strength, ensuring structural stability even under the high pressure generated by the thermal management system. Furthermore, dividing the internal space into the first chamber 32, second chamber 33, and third chamber 34 effectively suppresses coolant level fluctuations, maintaining a stable level. The first chamber 32, second chamber 33, and third chamber 34 are connected by a water channel, ensuring smooth coolant flow between the chambers. The reservoir inlet 21 and outlet 25 are connected to the vehicle's coolant circulation system. Coolant containing air bubbles enters the pipe 23 from the reservoir inlet 21, and the air bubbles rise due to buoyancy. The coolant, after rising, enters the first chamber 32 through the gas-liquid separator 24, achieving initial gas-liquid separation. It then flows through a water channel into the second chamber 33, and then through another water channel into the third chamber 34, further promoting gas-liquid separation. The separated coolant returns to the coolant circulation system of the thermal management system through the "MIN" indicator 14 and the water outlet 25. The transparent PP5 plastic material possesses excellent temperature resistance, chemical stability, and visibility, adapting to the working environment of the thermal management system and facilitating real-time observation of the coolant level. The "MAX" and "MIN" indicators 13 and 14 allow staff to easily monitor the coolant level, providing convenience for the maintenance and monitoring of the thermal management system. When the pressure inside the upper tank 11 exceeds a preset value due to temperature changes or coolant expansion caused by the operation of the thermal management system, the pressure relief valve automatically opens, quickly releasing the excess pressure. Example

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this utility model discloses an expansion tank with a gas-liquid separation structure, based on embodiment 1. The liquid level sensor 04 includes two parallel probes distributed along the height of the tank body. During operation, firstly, the lower tank body 12 is fixedly installed on the vehicle. The tank cap 16 is opened, and coolant is added to the first chamber 32, the second chamber 33, and the third chamber 34 through the water inlet 15. Then, the tank cap 16 is tightened. By setting multiple sets of baffles 31, the burst strength of the tank is significantly enhanced, allowing it to maintain its pressure resistance even under the high-pressure environment generated by the thermal management system. The structure is stable, and the internal space is divided into a first chamber 32, a second chamber 33, and a third chamber 34, which can effectively suppress coolant level fluctuations and keep the level stable. The first chamber 32, the second chamber 33, and the third chamber 34 are connected by a water channel to ensure smooth flow of coolant between the chambers. The reservoir inlet 21 and the reservoir outlet 25 are connected to the vehicle's coolant circulation pipeline. Coolant containing air bubbles enters the pipeline 23 from the reservoir inlet 21. The air bubbles rise under the action of buoyancy and enter the first chamber 32 through the gas-liquid separator 24. The system achieves initial gas-liquid separation, then enters the second chamber 33 through a water channel, and then the third chamber 34 through another water channel, further promoting gas-liquid separation. The separated coolant returns to the coolant circulation pipeline of the thermal management system through the "MIN" indicator 14 and the water outlet 25. The transparent PP5 plastic material has excellent temperature resistance, chemical stability, and visibility, which can adapt to the working environment of the thermal management system and facilitates real-time observation of the coolant status in the tank. The "MAX" indicator 13 and "MIN" indicator 14 make it convenient for staff to observe the coolant level, providing convenience for the maintenance and monitoring of the thermal management system. When the coolant submerges the probe, due to the conductivity of the coolant, it will form a conductive circuit with the probe, thereby determining the current coolant level. This allows for timely judgment on whether the coolant needs to be replenished, greatly improving the real-time performance and accuracy of level monitoring, and providing a more reliable basis for coolant replenishment and status monitoring of the thermal management system. When the pressure in the upper tank 11 exceeds the preset value due to temperature changes and coolant expansion caused by the operation of the thermal management system, the pressure relief valve automatically opens to quickly release the excess pressure.

[0023] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure, comprising an expansion tank (01); characterized in that, It also includes a circulation mechanism (02), a water storage mechanism (03), and a liquid level sensor (04). The circulation mechanism (02) is installed on the expansion tank (01) and performs gas-liquid separation of the coolant. The water storage mechanism (03) is installed on the expansion tank (01) and stores the coolant. The liquid level sensor (04) is installed on the expansion tank (01) and detects the liquid level. The expansion tank (01) includes an upper body (11), a lower body (12), a "MAX" logo (13), a "MIN" logo (14), a water inlet (15), and a kettle lid (16). The upper body (11) and the lower body (12) are tightly welded together by a hot plate welding process. The "MAX" logo (13) is set on the upper body (11), and the "MIN" logo (14) is set on the lower body (12). The upper body (11) has a water inlet (15), and the kettle lid (16) is installed on the water inlet (15).

2. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an upper body (11) and a lower body (12) made of transparent PP5 plastic.

3. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure relief valve on the kettle lid (16).

4. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The circulation mechanism (02) includes a kettle inlet (21), an overflow port (22), a pipe (23), a gas-liquid separator (24), and a kettle outlet (25). The kettle inlet (21) is installed on the lower kettle body (12), the overflow port (22) is installed on the kettle inlet (21) and communicates with the inside of the kettle inlet (21), the pipe (23) is installed inside the lower kettle body (12) and communicates with the inside of the kettle inlet (21), the pipe (23) has a gas-liquid separator (24), and the kettle outlet (25) is installed on the lower kettle body (12) and communicates with the inside of the pipe (23).

5. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage mechanism (03) includes multiple sets of partitions (31), a first cavity (32), a second cavity (33) and a third cavity (34). The multiple sets of partitions (31) are installed inside the upper pot body (11) and the lower pot body (12), dividing the inside of the pot body into the first cavity (32), the second cavity (33) and the third cavity (34). Each set of partitions (31) has a water passage groove.

6. An expansion kettle with a gas-liquid separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor (04) includes two parallel probes that are distributed along the height of the vessel.

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