Expansion water jug, cooling system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to expansion water kettle, cooling system and vehicle. The expansion water kettle includes: water supplement cavity, the water supplement cavity is suitable for storing the standby coolant in, working cavity, working cavity and water supplement cavity are spaced from each other, and the communicating passage and water supplement passage are established in working cavity, wherein, the communicating passage has the water inlet and water outlet opposite each other to allow coolant to flow from the water inlet to the water outlet, the contraction section that gradually reduces in diameter along the flow direction of coolant is established in the communicating passage, so that coolant is pressurized in the contraction section and expands and sprays from the outlet of contraction section, to generate negative pressure near the outlet, wherein, the water supplement passage has the first water supplement mouth with water supplement cavity intercommunication and the second water supplement mouth between the outlet and water outlet, so that standby coolant can unidirectionally flow to the communicating passage under the action of negative pressure. The utility model expansion water kettle can prevent the coolant in the communicating passage from flowing reversely into the water supplement cavity, and ensure the smooth operation of the cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to an expansion tank, a cooling system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The expansion tank is a critical component of a vehicle's cooling system. Its main function is to accommodate the expansion of coolant caused by temperature changes, while also providing a pressure balance and a passage for gas venting. Specifically, when the cooling system is operating, the coolant expands due to increased temperature, and excess coolant and gas enter the expansion tank. If the pressure inside the expansion tank becomes too high, the pressure valve on the tank will open to prevent excessive pressure from causing pipe rupture or seal damage. When the cooling system stops operating, the coolant volume contracts, creating a negative pressure within the system. At this time, the vacuum valve on the expansion tank opens, allowing outside air to enter and balance the system pressure. Simultaneously, the coolant in the expansion tank is replenished back into the system, ensuring the cooling system is always full of coolant and maintaining stable heat exchange efficiency.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an expansion tank in the prior art. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the prior art expansion tank 1 typically includes a water replenishment chamber 11 and a working chamber 12 spaced apart from each other. The working chamber 12 forms a water inlet 14 and a water outlet 15 spaced apart from each other to allow coolant in the cooling system to flow in from the water inlet 14 and out from the water outlet 15. A plurality of water replenishment ports 13 spaced apart from each other are provided between the water replenishment chamber 11 and the working chamber 12, so that coolant in the water replenishment chamber 11 can flow into the working chamber 12 in a timely manner to replenish the cooling system.

[0004] However, with the continuous development of new energy vehicles, the application of expansion tanks is becoming more and more widespread, and their size is also getting larger and larger. In order to improve the replenishment efficiency, the size of the inlet 13 is also getting larger and larger. When the vehicle is driving on bumpy roads, frequently accelerating or decelerating, or turning, the coolant in the working chamber will flow back into the replenishment chamber 11 through the inlet 13 under centrifugal force, resulting in a reduction in the total amount of coolant in the cooling system. This not only reduces the heat exchange efficiency, but also easily damages the cooling system.

[0005] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address or mitigate, to some extent, the technical problem of coolant easily flowing back into the replenishment chamber in existing expansion tanks, this invention provides an expansion tank. The expansion tank includes: a replenishment chamber suitable for storing spare coolant; and a working chamber spaced apart from the replenishment chamber, wherein a connecting channel and a replenishment channel are provided within the working chamber; wherein the connecting channel has an inlet and an outlet opposite to each other, allowing coolant to flow from the inlet to the outlet; a contraction section with a gradually decreasing diameter along the flow direction of the coolant is provided within the connecting channel, causing the coolant to be pressurized within the contraction section and ejected expansively from the outlet of the contraction section, thereby generating a negative pressure near the outlet; wherein the replenishment channel has a first replenishment inlet connected to the replenishment chamber and a second replenishment inlet located between the outlet and the outlet, allowing the spare coolant to flow unidirectionally into the connecting channel under the negative pressure.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will understand that the expansion tank of this invention includes a water replenishment chamber and a working chamber. The water replenishment chamber stores spare coolant. The working chamber and the water replenishment chamber are spaced apart. A connecting channel and a water replenishment channel are provided within the working chamber. The connecting channel has an inlet and an outlet facing each other, allowing coolant to flow from the inlet to the outlet. A contraction section with a gradually decreasing diameter along the flow direction of the coolant is provided within the connecting channel. Thus, when the coolant flows within the contraction section, it is constrained and pressurized by the contraction section and extruded expansively from the outlet of the contraction section, thereby generating a negative pressure near the outlet. The water replenishment channel has a first water inlet and a second water inlet facing each other. The first water inlet is connected to the water replenishment chamber, while the second water inlet is located between the outlet and the outlet of the contraction section. With the above arrangement, when the coolant flows within the connecting channel, a negative pressure is created at the outlet of the contraction section, allowing the spare coolant in the water replenishment chamber to flow unidirectionally to the connecting channel under negative pressure, thus achieving replenishment. Furthermore, as the coolant flow rate increases, the negative pressure at the outlet of the contraction section increases accordingly, allowing more reserve coolant to automatically flow into the connecting channel to better meet cooling demands. Additionally, the negative pressure at the outlet of the contraction section prevents coolant in the connecting channel from flowing back into the water replenishment chamber, avoiding coolant loss from the cooling system and ensuring its smooth operation.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, a straight section is provided downstream of the contraction section within the connecting channel, and the second water inlet is located on this straight section. The straight section stabilizes the flow field. Furthermore, placing the second water inlet on the straight section allows for the creation of a significant negative pressure effect by utilizing the large pressure difference between the straight section and the contraction section.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, an expansion section is further provided downstream of the straight section within the connecting channel, wherein the diameter of the expansion section gradually increases along the flow direction of the coolant. The expansion section allows some kinetic energy to be converted back into pressure energy, reducing energy loss.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, a cover plate is provided at the top of the connecting channel, and an vent hole is formed on the cover plate between the inlet and the contraction section. The cover plate effectively seals the connecting channel. Furthermore, the vent hole on the cover plate between the inlet and the contraction section creates localized eddies in the coolant as it passes through the gradually decreasing diameter contraction section, enhancing the gas-liquid agitation. This allows the gas within the coolant to be fully discharged through the vent hole, preventing cavitation of the core components of the cooling system (such as the circulating pump).

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, the diameter of the water supply channel is in the range of 3mm-8mm, so that the water supply channel has a suitable diameter.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, multiple baffles spaced apart from each other are provided within the water replenishment chamber. The baffles not only prevent surges in the spare coolant within the water replenishment chamber and reduce noise, but also significantly enhance the structural strength of the expansion tank and extend its service life.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, a filling port is provided at the top of the water replenishment chamber, and a filling cap is provided on the filling port that can be opened and closed. The filling port facilitates the addition of spare coolant into the water replenishment chamber. The filling cap facilitates opening or closing the filling port.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the expansion tank described above, a hollow overflow pipe is also provided inside the water replenishment chamber. One end of the overflow pipe is close to the liquid filling port, and the other end of the overflow pipe is connected to the external environment. When there is too much spare coolant in the water replenishment chamber, the spare coolant can be discharged through the overflow pipe, preventing excessive pressure in the water replenishment chamber from causing damage.

[0015] To address or mitigate, to some extent, the technical problem of coolant easily flowing back into the replenishment chamber from the expansion tank in existing technologies, this invention provides a cooling system. The cooling system includes the expansion tank as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0016] To address or mitigate, to some extent, the technical problem of coolant easily flowing back into the replenishment chamber from the expansion tank in existing technologies, this invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the cooling system described above. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an expansion kettle in the prior art;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a second structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower shell of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model with the lower shell having the cover plate removed;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model with the cover plate removed from the lower shell.

[0024] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0025] 1. Existing expansion tank; 11. Existing water supply chamber; 12. Existing working chamber; 13. Existing water inlet; 14. Existing water inlet; 15. Existing water outlet;

[0026] 100. Expansion tank; 110. Upper shell; 111. Filling port; 112. Filling cap; 120. Lower shell; 121. Water supply chamber; 1211. Baffle plate; 1212. Overflow pipe; 122. Divider plate; 123. Working chamber; 1231. Connecting channel; 12311. Inlet; 12312. Outlet; 12313. Contraction section; 123131. Outlet; 12314. Straight section; 12314. Expansion section; 1232. Cover plate; 12321. Vent hole; 1233. Water supply channel; 12331. First water supply port; 12332. Second water supply port; 124. Inlet pipe; 125. Outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] To address or mitigate the technical problem of coolant easily flowing back into the replenishment chamber in existing expansion tanks, this invention provides an expansion tank 100. The expansion tank 100 includes: a replenishment chamber 121, suitable for storing spare coolant; and a working chamber 123, spaced apart from the replenishment chamber 121. The working chamber 123 has a connecting channel 1231 and a replenishment channel 1233. The connecting channel 1231 has an inlet 12311 and an outlet 12312 facing each other, allowing coolant to flow from the inlet 12311 to the outlet 12312. A straight channel along the coolant flow direction is provided within the connecting channel 1231. The gradually decreasing diameter of the contraction section 12313 pressurizes the coolant within the contraction section 12313 and causes it to expand and spray out from the outlet 123131 of the contraction section 12313, thereby generating a negative pressure near the outlet 123131. The water supply channel 1233 has a first water supply port 12331 connected to the water supply chamber 121 and a second water supply port 12332 located between the outlet 123131 and the water outlet 12312, so that the standby coolant can flow unidirectionally to the connecting channel 1231 under the action of negative pressure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a second structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one or more embodiments, the expansion kettle 100 of this invention includes an upper shell 110 and a lower shell 120 opposite to each other for ease of processing. The upper shell 110 and lower shell 120 can be respectively manufactured from suitable resin materials (e.g., polypropylene) using an injection molding process to give them good mechanical strength to withstand the working pressure and temperature changes of the cooling system. The upper shell 110 and lower shell 120 can be fixed together by welding, screwing, bonding, or other suitable methods. Alternatively, the expansion kettle 100 can also be manufactured using other suitable methods, such as using 3D printing technology to form a one-piece kettle body.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a filling port 111 is provided on the top of the upper housing 110 to add spare coolant to the expansion tank 100. In one or more embodiments, a filling cap 112 is also provided on the filling port 111 to facilitate opening or closing the filling port 111. The filling cap 112 and the filling port 111 can be connected by screwing, snap-fitting, or other suitable means. In one or more embodiments, a pressure valve (not shown in the figure) is also built into the filling cap 112 so that when the pressure inside the expansion tank 100 exceeds a set value (e.g., 1.0 bar - 1.5 bar), the pressure valve can open to release excess pressure to the external environment and prevent overpressure.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower shell of an embodiment of the expansion kettle of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the expansion tank of this utility model with the lower shell having the cover plate removed. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a water replenishment chamber 121 and a working chamber 123 spaced apart from each other are provided on the lower housing 120. Based on Figure 4As shown, the water replenishment chamber 121 is located on the front side of the lower housing 120, while the working chamber 123 is located on the rear side of the lower housing 120. The water replenishment chamber 121 is used to store spare coolant. In the assembled state, the water replenishment chamber 121 is located below the filler port 111, allowing spare coolant to easily flow into the water replenishment chamber 121 through the filler port 111. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart baffles 1211 are provided within the water replenishment chamber 121. The baffles 1211 not only prevent surging of the spare coolant within the water replenishment chamber 121 and reduce noise, but also significantly enhance the structural strength of the entire expansion tank 100 and extend its service life. In one or more embodiments, a hollow overflow pipe 1212 is also provided within the water replenishment chamber 121. One end of the overflow pipe 1212 is close to the filler port 111, and the other end of the overflow pipe 1212 is connected to the external environment. The overflow pipe 1212 is designed to allow the spare coolant to be discharged through the overflow pipe 1212 when there is too much spare coolant in the water replenishment chamber 121, thus preventing the water replenishment chamber 121 from being damaged due to excessive pressure.

[0034] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one or more embodiments, a partition plate 122 extending generally in a left-right direction is provided on the lower housing 120 to divide the lower housing 120 into a water replenishment chamber 121 and a working chamber 123 spaced apart from each other. It should be noted that the position of the partition plate 122 can be adjusted according to actual needs to meet the volume distribution requirements of the water replenishment chamber 121 and the working chamber 123. Additionally, the top of the partition plate 122 can be spaced a predetermined distance from the upper housing 110, allowing air communication between the water replenishment chamber 121 and the working chamber 123. Alternatively, the top of the partition plate 122 abuts against the upper housing 110, and spaced-apart through holes (not shown in the figure) are formed in the upper part of the partition plate 122 to achieve air communication between the working chamber 123 and the water replenishment chamber 121.

[0035] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one or more embodiments, the working chamber 123 includes a communication channel 1231 and a water supply channel 1233. Based on Figure 4 As shown, the connecting channel 1231 extends generally in a left-right direction. The connecting channel 1231 has an inlet 12311 and an outlet 12312 facing each other. The inlet 12311 is located on the left side of the connecting channel 1231, while the outlet 12312 is located on the right side of the connecting channel 1231. See also... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, a water inlet pipe 124 communicating with a water inlet 12311 is provided at the bottom of the lower housing 120. See also Figure 4 and Figure 5In one or more embodiments, a water outlet pipe 125 connected to the water outlet 12312 is also provided on the right side of the lower housing 120. The arrangement of the water inlet pipe 124 and the water outlet pipe 125 facilitates connection with other pipes of the cooling system, so that the coolant in the cooling system can easily flow in from the water inlet 12311 and flow out from the water outlet 12312.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of the expansion tank of this utility model with the lower shell having the cover removed. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a flow path (based on) is provided within the connecting channel 1231 along the direction of coolant flow. Figure 5 As shown in the orientation (i.e., from left to right), the diameter of the contraction section 12313 gradually decreases. When the coolant flows through the contraction section 12313, the coolant is constrained and pressurized by the contraction section 12313, and is expelled from the outlet 123131 of the contraction section 12313 in an expanding manner to generate a negative pressure near the outlet 123131.

[0037] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, a straight section 12314 located downstream of the contraction section 12313 is further provided within the connecting channel 1231. Based on Figure 5 As shown, the straight section 12314 extends roughly in the left-right direction. The diameter of the straight section 12314 is the same as the diameter of the outlet 123131 of the contraction section 12313. The arrangement of the straight section 12314 can stabilize the flow field and reduce turbulence.

[0038] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, an expansion section 12314 is further provided within the connecting channel 1231, located downstream of the straight section 12314. The diameter of the expansion section 12314 is along the flow direction of the coolant (based on...). Figure 5 The direction shown (from left to right) gradually increases. The setting of expansion segments 12314 can convert some kinetic energy back into pressure energy, reducing energy loss.

[0039] like Figures 4-6As shown, in one or more embodiments, the water replenishment channel 1233 has a first water replenishment port 12331 connected to the water replenishment chamber 121 and a second water replenishment port 12332 located between the outlet 123131 and the outlet 12312 of the contraction section 12313. With the above arrangement, on the one hand, the spare coolant in the water replenishment chamber 121 can flow smoothly to the connecting channel 1231 under negative pressure, ensuring replenishment efficiency; on the other hand, when the flow rate of the coolant in the connecting channel 1231 increases (for example, when cooling demand increases, the output power of the cooling system increases accordingly, resulting in increased coolant loss), the negative pressure formed at the outlet 123131 of the contraction section 12313 increases accordingly, allowing more spare coolant to automatically flow to the connecting channel 1231 to better meet cooling demands. Furthermore, due to the negative pressure at the outlet 123131 of the contraction section 12313, the coolant in the connecting channel 1231 is difficult to flow back into the water supply chamber 121 through the water supply channel 1233, thus preventing the loss of coolant in the cooling system and ensuring the smooth operation of the cooling system. Based on Figure 4 As shown, the water supply channel 1233 extends generally in the front-to-back direction. The first water inlet 12331 is located on the partition plate 122. In one or more embodiments, the second water inlet 12332 is located on the straight section 12314, so as to utilize the large pressure difference between the straight section 12314 and the contraction section 12313 to create a significant negative pressure effect and ensure water supply efficiency. Alternatively, the second water inlet 12332 may also be located on the expansion section 12314 or other suitable positions. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the water supply channel 1233 is in the range of 3mm-8mm. For example, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm. With the above configuration, the water supply channel 1233 can have a moderate diameter, which not only ensures water supply efficiency but also better prevents the coolant in the connecting channel 1231 from flowing back into the water supply chamber 121.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a cover plate 1232 is provided on the top of the connecting channel 1231. The cover plate 1232 can effectively seal the connecting channel 1231 and prevent coolant leakage. In addition, an exhaust port 12321 is also provided on the cover plate 1232 between the inlet 12311 and the contraction section 12313. It should be noted that the number, shape and size of the exhaust ports can be adjusted according to actual needs. With the above arrangement, when the coolant flows in the flow channel, due to the obstruction of the gradually decreasing diameter contraction section 12313, the coolant forms a local vortex near the contraction section 12313, which enhances the degree of gas-liquid agitation, thereby allowing the gas in the coolant to be fully discharged through the exhaust port, avoiding cavitation of the core components (such as the circulating pump) in the cooling system.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the present invention also provides a cooling system (not shown in the figures) that includes the expansion tank 100 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the present invention also provides a vehicle (not shown in the figures) that includes the cooling system described in the above embodiments.

[0043] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An expansion kettle (100), characterized in that, The expansion tank (100) includes: A water supply chamber (121) is provided, wherein the water supply chamber (121) is adapted to store spare coolant; The working chamber (123) is spaced apart from the water replenishment chamber (121). A connecting channel (1231) and a water replenishment channel (1233) are provided in the working chamber (123). The connecting channel (1231) has an inlet (12311) and an outlet (12312) opposite to each other to allow coolant to flow from the inlet (12311) to the outlet (12312); a converging section (12313) with a gradually decreasing diameter along the flow direction of the coolant is provided in the connecting channel (1231), such that the coolant is pressurized in the converging section (12313) and ejected in an expanding manner from the outlet (123131) of the converging section (12313) to generate a negative pressure near the outlet (123131); The water replenishment channel (1233) has a first water replenishment port (12331) connected to the water replenishment chamber (121) and a second water replenishment port (12332) located between the outlet (123131) and the water outlet (12312), so that the spare coolant can flow unidirectionally to the connecting channel (1231) under the negative pressure.

2. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A straight section (12314) is provided in the connecting channel (1231) downstream of the contraction section (12313), and the second water inlet (12332) is opened on the straight section (12314).

3. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, An expansion section (12315) is also provided in the connecting channel (1231) downstream of the straight section (12314), wherein the diameter of the expansion section (12315) gradually increases along the flow direction of the coolant.

4. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cover plate (1232) is provided on the top of the connecting channel (1231), and an exhaust hole (12321) is provided on the cover plate (1232) between the water inlet (12311) and the contraction section (12313).

5. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the water supply channel (1233) ranges from 3mm to 8mm.

6. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple baffles (1211) spaced apart from each other are provided in the water replenishment chamber (121).

7. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid filling port (111) is provided at the top of the water replenishment chamber (121), and a filling cap (112) is provided on the liquid filling port (111) for opening and closing the liquid filling port (111).

8. The expansion kettle (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A hollow overflow pipe (1212) is also provided in the water replenishment chamber (121). One end of the overflow pipe (1212) is close to the liquid filling port (111), and the other end of the overflow pipe (1212) is connected to the external environment.

9. A cooling system, characterized in that, The cooling system includes an expansion tank (100) according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the cooling system according to claim 9.

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