Reserve tank

Abstract

A reserve tank according to the invention is a reserve tank that stores coolant for a vehicle and comprises: a gas-liquid separation unit in a substantially cylindrical column shape; an inlet provided in a side face of the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the coolant to flow into the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit; and an outlet provided in a bottom face of the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the coolant to flow out of the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit. A plurality of interior spaces is formed in the gas-liquid separation unit by providing a separation section within the gas-liquid separation unit to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet. A central position of the outlet is a position that differs from a central position of a vortex flow of the coolant generated in each of the interior spaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a reserve tank. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In a coolant circulation path for a vehicle's internal combustion engine, in addition to a radiator that cools the coolant heated by the engine, a reserve tank is provided for temporarily storing the coolant. When the flow rate of the coolant is increased to improve cooling performance, air bubbles generated in the circulation path sometimes flow into the reserve tank, and sometimes air bubbles are generated in the reserve tank. If these air bubbles are directly introduced into the circulation path, they lead to a reduction in cooling performance. Therefore, technologies that separate the coolant and air bubbles in reserve tanks have been developed to improve cooling performance.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application JP 2021-169815 A discloses a reserve tank capable of inhibiting the formation of air bubbles and removing air bubbles. In the reserve tank disclosed in JP 2021-169815 A, a protruding part is provided within a gas-liquid separation unit, which is shaped to extend along an axis from a bottom wall of the gas-liquid separation unit. In the reserve tank disclosed in JP 2021-169815 A, a vortex flow is generated within the gas-liquid separation unit to separate air bubbles by centrifugal force. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the above-described reserve tank disclosed in JP 2021-169815 A, the flow velocity increases from the inside to the outside of the swirling flow when the flow velocity is increased to improve cooling performance. Then, when a lower part of the swirling flow comes into contact with a front end portion of the protruding part, the swirling flow is disturbed, which may lead to the formation of air bubbles. To prevent this, it is effective to increase the capacity of the reserve tank and reduce the flow velocity, but the space in the vehicle is limited. Therefore, the reserve tank described in JP 2021-169815 A provides room for improving cooling performance.

[0005] This invention was made with these circumstances in mind and creates a reserve tank that can provide improved cooling performance.

[0006] A reserve tank according to this invention is a reserve tank that stores coolant of a vehicle and comprises: a gas-liquid separation unit in a substantially cylindrical column shape; an inlet arranged in a side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit for allowing the coolant to flow into the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit; and an outlet arranged in a bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit for allowing the coolant to flow out of the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit, wherein a plurality of internal spaces are formed in the gas-liquid separation unit by disposing a partition section within the gas-liquid separation unit to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet; and a center position of the outlet is a position deviated from a center position of a swirling flow of the coolant generated in each of the interior spaces.

[0007] In the reserve tank according to the invention, since the coolant is divided from the inlet, a swirling flow with a suitable flow velocity is generated, which allows air bubbles to be separated in the gas-liquid separation unit. Since the center position of the outlet deviates from the center position of the swirling flow, the separated air bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet, thus improving the cooling performance.

[0008] The separation section can be arranged to divide the coolant flowing out of the outlet. In this configuration, the separation section is arranged directly above the outlet, so that the center position of the outlet is at a position deviating from the center position of the swirling flow, which can prevent the separated air bubbles from flowing out of the outlet. Thus, the cooling performance can be improved.

[0009] The separation section can be arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing from the outlet. In this configuration, the outlet size is the same for each interior space of the gas-liquid separation unit, which can better prevent the separated air bubbles from escaping from the outlet. Thus, the cooling performance can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, the separation section can be arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing from the inlet, and the center position of the outlet can be the same position as the center of the gas-liquid separation unit. In this configuration, the coolant flows evenly from the inlet into each internal space of the gas-liquid separation unit, creating a swirling flow with an appropriate flow velocity, which allows the air bubbles in the gas-liquid separation unit to be separated. Since the size of the outlet is equal to each internal space of the gas-liquid separation unit, the separated air bubbles can be better prevented from flowing out of the outlet. This can improve the cooling performance.

[0011] A shield plate can be arranged between the inlet and outlet, protruding upward from the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit. This configuration can prevent the coolant that has flowed from the inlet into the gas-liquid separation unit from flowing directly out of the outlet. This can improve cooling performance.

[0012] This invention can provide a reserve tank that can deliver improved cooling performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view (xy-plane view) of a reserve tank according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a sectional view (xz-sectional view) of the reserve tank according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a sectional view (yz-sectional view) of the reserve tank according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 Top views (xy-plane views) of reserve tanks according to modified examples; Fig. 5 is a sectional view (yz-sectional view) of a reserve tank according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 6 is a sectional view (yz-sectional view) of a reserve tank according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In the following, this invention will be described by way of embodiments of the invention, but it is not intended to limit the invention recited in the claims to the following embodiments. Not all components to be described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problem. For clarity of description, the following text and drawings are abbreviated and simplified where necessary. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and overlapping descriptions are omitted where necessary. It should be understood that the right-handed xyz orthogonal coordinate system given in the drawings is for the convenience of describing the positional relationships between the component parts. Typically, a positive direction along a z-axis is a vertically upward direction, and an xy plane is a horizontal plane. First embodimentConfiguration of the reserve tank

[0015] First, a reserve tank according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a plan view (xy-plane view) of the reserve tank of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a sectional view (xz-sectional view) of the reserve tank of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a sectional view (yz-sectional view) of the reserve tank of the first embodiment.

[0016] An overview of a Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The reserve tank 10 is used for a cooling system installed in a vehicle. The cooling system cools parts of the vehicle that are cooling targets, such as an internal combustion engine and auxiliary units, by circulating coolant through the cooling targets. In the cooling system, the coolant supplied under pressure by a water pump is supplied to the cooling targets to cool the cooling targets. The coolant, which has reached a high temperature by flowing through the cooling targets, is cooled in a radiator and returns to the water pump to be supplied again under pressure by the water pump.

[0017] The reserve tank 10 is provided in such a cooling system at an intermediate position in a path through which the coolant circulates, for example, at a position upstream of the water pump. The reserve tank 10 stores the coolant for cooling the cooling targets of the vehicle. Fig. 1 to Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the hatching represents the coolant.

[0018] Each component of the reserve tank 10 is described below. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the reserve tank 10 includes a gas-liquid separation unit 11, an inlet 12, an outlet 13, and a separation section 14. Between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13, hoses (not shown), the radiator (not shown), the water pump (not shown), and the cooling targets (not shown) are connected to form a flow channel for the circulation of the coolant. Hereinafter, the flow channel (not shown) for the circulation of the coolant is referred to as the circulation flow channel.

[0019] The gas-liquid separation unit 11 is described. As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the gas-liquid separation unit 11 has a substantially cylindrical columnar shape. The gas-liquid separation unit 11 is a container for separating or separating air bubbles contained in the coolant supplied thereto while temporarily storing the coolant.

[0020] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the gas-liquid separation unit 11 has an elliptical shape as viewed in the xy plane. However, the gas-liquid separation unit 11 is not limited to this and may have any closed shape, such as a circular shape. Therefore, a substantially cylindrical column means a columnar body composed of two parallel flat surfaces having an approximately circular shape, including not only a perfectly circular shape but also an elliptical shape, an oval shape, etc., and a side surface connecting these two flat surfaces. An air bubble separation method in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 will be described later.

[0021] Inlet 12 is described. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the inlet 12 is arranged in the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the coolant to flow into the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the inlet 12 represents an opening located in the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit. An inlet port C12 is provided in the reserve tank 10, and a hose is connected to the inlet port C12. A portion of the coolant that does not flow through the radiator (not shown) flows through the inlet 12 into the gas-liquid separation unit 11.

[0022] Outlet 13 is described. As in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the outlet 13 is arranged in a bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit to allow the coolant to flow out of the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the outlet 13 represents an opening located in the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit. An outlet port C13 is provided in the reserve tank 10, and a hose is connected to the outlet port C13. When the water pump (not shown) is operating, the coolant stored in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 is supplied to the cooling targets via the outlet 13.

[0023] The separating section 14 is described. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the separation section 14 is arranged within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12. As shown in Fig. 1, the separation section 14 has a plane parallel to a y-axis and is arranged within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 from the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11 having the inlet 12 to the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11 on the other side.

[0024] More precisely, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the separating section 14 is arranged so that it evenly divides the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12. In the example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, two interior spaces S1, S2 are formed in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 by the separation section 14. The coolant volumes flowing into the interior space S1 and the interior space S2 are equal.

[0025] In the Fig. 1 to Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the separation section 14 is arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing from the outlet 13. Specifically, the separation section 14 is arranged directly above the outlet 13, and a center position of the outlet 13 is the same position as a center of the gas-liquid separation unit. Vortex flow

[0026] Next, vortex flows generated in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 described. In Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the vortex flows V1, V2 generated in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 are schematically represented by arrows. The vortex flows V1, V2 are generated when the flow rate of the coolant is increased to improve the cooling performance. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the flow velocity in each of the vortex flows V1, V2 increases from an inner side to an outer side of the vortex flow, so that the level of a liquid surface increases from the inner side of the vortex flow to an outer side of the vortex flow. In other words, each of the vortex flows V1, V2 has a shape that is deepened in a central part. Each of the vortex flows V1, V2 changes in the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 example, linear in the middle, but may instead have a mortar shape with a slight inclination.

[0027] In the vortex flows V1, V2, air bubbles contained in the coolant are centrifugally separated or separated. The air bubbles contained in the coolant are, for example, air bubbles contained in the coolant supplied from the outlet 13 without being centrifugally separated or separated in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 and directly returned to the inlet 12. As another example, the air bubbles contained in the coolant are air bubbles generated in the circulation path.

[0028] The centrifugal separation or separation of air bubbles A in the vortex flows V1, V2 is described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Even if the flow rate of the coolant is increased to improve the cooling performance, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the coolant is evenly distributed from the inlet 12 because the separation section 14 is provided in the gas-liquid separation unit 11. Accordingly, the coolant flows evenly into the internal spaces S1, S2. Thus, the coolant flows along the wall surfaces of the separation section 14 into the internal spaces S1, S2, generating the swirling flows V1, V2 at a suitable flow velocity.

[0029] Since the vortex flows V1, V2, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, are formed in the interior spaces S1, S2, the coolant in the interior spaces S1, S2 flows under centrifugal force to the outer sides of the vortex flows V1, V2, i.e., to the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. Meanwhile, the air bubbles A contained in the coolant, which are lighter than the coolant, gather near the centers of the vortex flows V1, V2 of the coolant. By reaching the liquid surfaces WS1, WS2 of the coolant, the air bubbles A gather in an upper space of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. Through this process, the air bubbles contained in the coolant can be separated.

[0030] In other words, while the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the reserve tank has increased, since the coolant flows into the interior spaces after being divided by the partition section 14, an appropriate flow rate can be ensured, and the air bubbles can be separated or separated without changing the capacity of the reserve tank. In other words, in the reserve tank 10, compared to a reserve tank without the partition section 14, the flow rate for each interior space can be reduced, thus allowing the air bubbles to be separated.

[0031] If the separation section 14 is not provided in the reserve tank, separating the air bubbles in the coolant requires an increase in the tank capacity and a reduction in the flow rate. On the other hand, the provision of the separation section 14 in the reserve tank 10 of the first embodiment enables a reduction in the capacity of the reserve tank compared to the case where the separation section 14 is not provided. This makes the reserve tank inexpensive, lightweight, and has excellent installation space efficiency.

[0032] Here, attention is drawn to the center position of the outlet 13 and the center positions of the vortex flows V1, V2. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the separation section 14 is arranged directly above the outlet 13 to evenly divide the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet 13. Therefore, the center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviated from the center positions of the swirling flows V1, V2 of the refrigerant generated in the internal spaces S1, S2. Thus, the size of the outlet 13 is the same with respect to each of the internal spaces S1, S2 of the gas-liquid separation unit, preventing the separated air bubbles from flowing out of the outlet 13 evenly without causing unevenness between the internal spaces S1, S2. This can improve the cooling performance.

[0033] When the flow rate of the coolant is increased to further improve the cooling performance, the difference between the flow velocity on the outside and the flow velocity on the inside of each of the vortex flows V1, V2 becomes larger. In such a case, the levels of the liquid surfaces WS1, WS2 of the coolant become lower compared to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 lower, and the gradient of each liquid surface from the inside of the vortex flow to the outside of the vortex flow becomes steeper. Even if the levels of the liquid surfaces WS1, WS2 become lower, the separated air bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet 13 because the center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviating from the center positions of the coolant vortex flows V1, V2 generated in the interior spaces S1, S2.

[0034] Thus, the cooling performance can be further improved by disposing the separation section 14 within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 and setting the center position of the outlet 13 at a position different from the center positions of the swirling flows V1, V2 of the coolant generated in the interior spaces S1, S2.

[0035] Here, the separation portion 14 may be provided with a connection port (not shown). The connection port (not shown) is a hole for adjusting the coolant amounts or the levels of the liquid surfaces in the internal spaces S1, S2, or the proportion of the upper space in the gas-liquid separation unit 11. Thus, fluctuations in the liquid surfaces in the internal spaces S1, S2 of the reserve tank are similar to those in a reserve tank without the separation portion 14. When the vehicle is starting or stopped, the flow rate is low, but the liquid surface of the coolant stored in the reserve tank 10 is prone to fluctuations due to movements in the front-backward and left-right directions.In such a case, if the outlet 13 is provided near the side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11, the air bubbles contained in the refrigerant may flow out of the outlet 13 due to the influence of the fluctuations of the liquid surface.

[0036] On the other hand, if the outlet 13 is provided at the center position of the gas-liquid separation unit 11, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the air bubbles contained in the coolant are less likely to be affected by the fluctuations of the liquid surface and can therefore be prevented from flowing out of the outlet 13. In other words, the separated air bubbles in the reserve tank 10 can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet 13 not only when the flow rate of the coolant increases, but also when the flow rate of the coolant is low. Modified examples

[0037] So far, the example of the reserve tank has been described in which the partition section 14 is arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12, and further the partition section 14 is arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing out from the outlet. However, the reserve tank is not limited to this, and reserve tanks according to the following modified examples may be used. The reserve tanks according to the modified examples are described with reference to Fig. 4 described. Fig. Figure 4 shows plan views (xy-plane views) of the reserve tanks according to the modified examples. For the reserve tanks 20, 30, 40 according to the Fig. 4, the separation section 14 is arranged within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12.

[0038] The reserve tank 20 is filled according to the Fig. 4 shown modified example. In the Fig. 4, the position of the outlet 13 and the position of the separating section 14 differ from that shown in Fig. 1. In addition, in the reserve tank 20, compared to the reserve tank 10, an interior space S3 and an interior space S4 are different in size due to the difference in the position of the partition section 14. The other components are the same as in the Fig. 1 shown reserve tank 10, and therefore a description is omitted.

[0039] As in Fig. 4, the separating section 14 is arranged in the reserve tank 20 within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 of the reserve tank 20, the internal spaces S3, S4 are formed by the separation section 14. The separation section 14 can adjust the ratio of the internal space S3 inside the gas-liquid separation unit 11 and the ratio of the internal space S4 inside the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to any desired ratio and should at least be arranged to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12.

[0040] In the Fig. In the reserve tank 20 shown in Figure 4, the coolant flows from the inlet 12 into the interior spaces S3, S4 by dividing it, even if the coolant flow rate is increased to improve cooling performance. Therefore, swirling flows V3, V4 are generated in the interior spaces S3, S4, ensuring an appropriate flow velocity. Thus, even if the coolant flows into the interior spaces unevenly divided, an appropriate flow velocity can be ensured, and air bubbles can be separated without changing the capacity of the reserve tank.

[0041] In the Fig. 4 shown reserve tank 20 is compared to the reserve tank 10 of Fig. 1, the separation section 14 is not arranged directly above the outlet 13. However, the center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviated from the center positions of the swirling flows V3, V4 of the coolant generated in the interior spaces S3, S4. Therefore, even if the separation section 14 is not arranged to divide the coolant flowing out of the outlet 13, the separated air bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet 13 if the center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviated from the center positions of the swirling flows V3, V4. Therefore, the cooling performance can be improved.

[0042] Here, as in the Fig. 4, the separation section 14 may be arranged within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12, and the separation section 14 may be arranged to divide the coolant flowing out from the outlet 13. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, internal spaces S5, S6 are formed in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 of the reserve tank 30 by the partition section 14. The partition section 14 can adjust the ratio of the internal space S5 inside the gas-liquid separation unit 11 and the ratio of the internal space S6 inside the gas-liquid separation unit 11 to any desired ratio. At a minimum, the partition section 14 should be arranged to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12 and the coolant flowing out from the outlet 13.

[0043] If in the Fig. When the flow rate of the coolant is increased in the reserve tank 30 shown in FIG. 4 to improve the cooling performance, swirling flows V5, V6 are generated in the interior spaces S5, S6. The center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviating from the center positions of the swirling flows V5, V6 of the coolant generated in the interior spaces S5, S6.

[0044] With such a configuration of the reserve tank 30, a suitable flow velocity can also be ensured for each of the internal spaces S5, S6, and air bubbles can be separated without changing the capacity of the reserve tank. Since the center position of the outlet 13 is a position deviating from the center positions of the swirling flows V5, V6 of the coolant generated in the internal spaces S5, S6, the separated air bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet 13, thus improving the cooling performance.

[0045] It goes without saying that the separation section 14 can be arranged within the gas-liquid separation unit 11 in order to separate the coolant flowing in from the inlet 12 as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The separating section 14 may be arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing out of the outlet 13.

[0046] In the reserve tank 40, internal spaces S7, S8 are formed in the gas-liquid separation unit 11 by the separation section 14. In the reserve tank 40, vortex flows V7, V8 are generated in the internal spaces S7, S8. In the reserve tank 40, a configuration for separating air bubbles and a configuration for preventing the separated air bubbles from flowing out of the outlet 13 are the same as in the reserve tanks 20, 30, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. While the configurations shown in Fig. 4 have a separating section 14, more than one separating section 14 can be provided.

[0047] Thus, in the reserve tanks according to the modified examples, since the coolant is divided from the inlet, swirling flows with an appropriate flow velocity are generated, which can separate air bubbles in the gas-liquid separation unit. Furthermore, in the reserve tanks according to the modified examples, since the center position of the outlet deviates from the center positions of the swirling flows, the separated air bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the outlet, thus improving the cooling performance. Second embodimentShielding plate

[0048] A reserve tank of a second embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 5 described. Fig. 5 is a sectional view (yz sectional view) of the reserve tank of the second embodiment. In a reserve tank 50 of the second embodiment 2, the configurations of the gas-liquid separation unit 11, the inlet 12, the outlet 13, and the separation section 14 are the same as those of the reserve tank 10 of the first embodiment and will therefore not be described. A shield plate 51 will be described here.

[0049] The shielding plate 51 is arranged between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. The shielding plate 51 is described with reference to Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0050] The shielding plate 51 is arranged on the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11 so that it crosses a straight line connecting a predetermined position in the inlet 12 and a predetermined position in the outlet 13. The predetermined position in the inlet 12 is an arbitrary position in the inlet 12 and corresponds to the Fig. 5 shown example of a position P1. The predetermined position in the outlet 13 is any position in the outlet 13 and corresponds in the Fig. 5 shown example of a position P2. As in Fig. 5, a straight line connecting the position P1 and the position P2 is a straight line L1, and the shield plate 51 is provided on the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11 so as to cross the straight line L1.

[0051] With the shielding plate 51 thus provided, the coolant that has flowed from the inlet 12 into the gas-liquid separation unit can be prevented from directly flowing out of the outlet 13. In other words, even if the coolant from the inlet 12 contains air bubbles, the shielding plate 51 causes the coolant to flow from the inlet 12 into the gas-liquid separation unit 11, so that the air bubbles can be separated by the swirling flows V1, V2. Then, the coolant with the separated air bubbles flows out of the outlet 13.

[0052] Thus, in the reserve tank 50, air bubbles can be prevented from being absorbed into the coolant flowing from the outlet 13 toward the circulation path and the cooling targets, so that the cooling performance can be improved. Shape of the shielding plate

[0053] The shape of the shielding plate 51 is not limited to the Fig. 5 and can take any shape that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. The angle at which the shielding plate 51 protrudes upward can be arbitrary. While in the example shown in Fig. 5, one shielding plate 51 is present, several shielding plates 51 can also be provided.

[0054] Another example of the shape of the shielding plate is given in relation to Fig. 6 shown. Fig. Fig. 6 is a sectional view (yz-sectional view) of a reserve tank of the second embodiment. In a Fig. 6, the shape of the shielding plate 51 is different from that shown in Fig. 5, while the other components are the same and their description is therefore omitted.

[0055] As in Fig. 6, a shielding plate 52 is arranged between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11. More specifically, the shielding plate 52, as shown in Fig. 6, a shielding plate portion 52a and a shielding plate portion 52b. The shielding plate portion 52a is parallel to the z-axis, and the shielding plate portion 52b is parallel to the y-axis. Thus, the shielding plate 52 is disposed on the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 11 between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 to cover part of an edge portion of the outlet 13.

[0056] Since the shielding plate 52 also has such a shape, air bubbles in the reserve tank 60 can be prevented from being absorbed into the coolant flowing from the outlet 13 toward the circulation path and the cooling targets, so that the cooling performance can be improved.

[0057] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified within such a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021 - 169 815 A [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Reserve tank storing coolant of a vehicle, comprising: a gas-liquid separation unit in a substantially cylindrical column shape; an inlet arranged in a side surface of the gas-liquid separation unit for allowing the coolant to flow into the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit; and an outlet disposed in a bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit for allowing the coolant to flow out from the interior of the gas-liquid separation unit, wherein: a plurality of internal spaces are formed in the gas-liquid separation unit by disposing a partition section within the gas-liquid separation unit to divide the coolant flowing in from the inlet; and a center position of the outlet is a position deviated from a center position of a swirling flow of the coolant generated in each of the interior spaces. [2] A reserve tank according to claim 1, wherein the partition portion is arranged to divide the coolant flowing out of the outlet. [3] A reserve tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition portion is arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing from the outlet. [4] Reserve tank according to claim 3, wherein: the separating section is arranged to evenly divide the coolant flowing from the inlet; and the center position of the outlet is the same position as a center of the gas-liquid separation unit. [5] A reserve tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shielding plate projecting upward from the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation unit is disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

Images