Liquid cooling system reservoir tank
The reservoir tank design with a partitioned container and separator ensures thorough bubble separation, enhancing cooling efficiency by retaining coolant long enough to remove air bubbles, addressing the issue of insufficient separation in existing designs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIGERS POLYMER CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images
Figure 2026106614000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0005] , ,
[0001] This specification discloses a reservoir tank included in a liquid-cooled cooling device.
Background Art
[0002] Liquid-cooling devices are used for cooling internal combustion engines and the like. In a liquid-cooling device, a coolant circulates. This coolant collects heat from the internal combustion engine. The heat is released by a radiator or reused by an air conditioner, heating equipment, or the like. With this liquid-cooling device, excessive temperature rise of the internal combustion engine is suppressed.
[0003] A general liquid-cooling device has a reservoir tank. This reservoir tank absorbs the increase and decrease in the volume of the coolant depending on temperature changes. When the coolant becomes insufficient due to vaporization or the like, the coolant is replenished to the liquid-cooling device through the reservoir tank. The reservoir tank further separates bubbles mixed in the coolant from the coolant. The coolant from which the bubbles have been removed has excellent cooling efficiency. An example of the reservoir tank is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-080351. This reservoir tank has a container, an inflow pipe, and an outflow pipe.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] A reservoir tank having a pipe that combines an inflow path and an outflow path is known. This pipe can contribute to the compactness of the reservoir tank. In this reservoir tank, the outflow path is close to the inflow path. Therefore, the coolant flowing into the container from the inflow path can be immediately discharged from the outflow path. In this reservoir tank, coolant with insufficient bubble separation can be discharged into the circulation path.
[0006] The applicant's intention is to provide a reservoir tank in which bubbles can be sufficiently separated from the coolant, even though the inlet and outlet paths are in close proximity. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The reservoir tank of the liquid cooling system disclosed herein is (1) A container having an opening for the inflow of coolant and the discharge of the coolant, (2) A pipe comprising a cylinder and a separator that divides the cylinder into an inlet path and an outlet path, with one end of the separator being a pipe continuous with the container at the opening, and (3) A partition that is housed in the above container and divides this container, and is continuous with the above separator. It has. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] In this reservoir tank, the coolant remains in the container for an extended period. Air bubbles are thoroughly separated from this coolant. A liquid cooling system with this reservoir tank offers superior cooling performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a reservoir tank according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the reservoir tank from Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line V in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the reservoir tank from Figure 3 together with the coolant. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a reservoir tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a part of the reservoir tank of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a reservoir tank according to still another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the reservoir tank of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a reservoir tank according to still another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the reservoir tank of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a part of the reservoir tank of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a reservoir tank according to still another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a part of the reservoir tank of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
[0011] [First Embodiment] In FIGS. 1-5, a reservoir tank 2 of a liquid cooling device is shown. In these figures, arrow X represents the longitudinal direction of the reservoir tank 2, arrow Y represents the lateral direction of the reservoir tank 2, and arrow Z represents the height direction of the reservoir tank 2. This reservoir tank 2 has a container 4, a pipe 6, and a partition 8.
[0012] The container 4 has an upper case 10 and a lower case 12. The upper case 10 is fixed to the lower case 12 by means not shown. The upper case 10 is fixed to the lower case 12 in a liquid-tight state. The upper case 10 has a replenishment port 14. This replenishment port 14 can be closed with a cap (not shown). The lower case 12 has a bottom 16 and four side walls 18. The bottom 16 has an opening 20. As will be described in detail later, the coolant flows into the container 4 through the opening 20 and the coolant is discharged from the container 4 through this opening 20. Any one of the side walls 18 may have the opening 20. The container 4 may have a plurality of openings. The container 4 may have three or more cases. The container 4 may have a plurality of cases that are continuous in the vertical direction X. The container 4 may have a plurality of cases that are continuous in the horizontal direction Y.
[0013] In this embodiment, the material of the container 4 is a resin composition. Preferred base resins of this resin composition include thermoplastic resins such as polyamide and polypropylene. The container 4 may be reinforced with fibers (for example, glass fibers). The material of the container 4 may be metal.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the pipe 6 is continuous with the container 4 at the opening 20. The other end of the pipe 6 is connected to a circulation path (not shown) of the liquid cooling device. As shown in FIG. 5, the pipe 6 has a cylinder 22 and a separator 24. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder 22 is a circle. This cross-sectional shape may be non-circular. The separator 24 is plate-shaped. The separator 24 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 22. The separator 24 divides the cylinder 22 into an inflow path 26 and a discharge path 28. The separator 24 forms the boundary between the inflow path 26 and the discharge path 28.
[0015] In this embodiment, the cylinder 22 is molded integrally with the container 4. Therefore, the material of the cylinder 22 is the same as the material of the container 4. The cylinder 22, which is molded separately from the container 4, may also be joined to the container 4. Welding is an example of a means of joining. The material of the separator 24 may also be the same as the material of the container 4.
[0016] When the opening 20 is provided in the side wall 18, it is preferable from the viewpoint of bubble separation that the inflow path 26 is located vertically above the discharge path 28.
[0017] As is clear from Figure 2, the partition 8 is plate-shaped. The partition 8 is housed in the container 4. In this embodiment, the partition 8 extends along the longitudinal direction X. The partition 8 abuts against the bottom 16 of the container 4 and rises from this bottom 16. As is clear from Figure 3, the partition 8 is continuous with the separator 24. In this embodiment, the partition 8 is joined to the separator 24. The partition 8 may be molded integrally with the separator 24. The partition 8 divides the interior of the container 4. The partition 8 forms an upstream zone Z1 and a downstream zone Z2 in the container 4.
[0018] Figure 6 shows the coolant 30 along with the reservoir tank 2. In Figure 6, the container 4 holds a predetermined lower limit amount of coolant 30. If the amount of coolant 30 in container 4 falls below this predetermined lower limit, the coolant 30 needs to be replenished. This replenishment of coolant can be done through the replenishment port 14. In Figure 6, the top 31 of partition 8 is located below the coolant level 32 of the coolant 30. In other words, partition 8 is submerged in the coolant 30.
[0019] In this reservoir tank 2, the coolant 30 in the circulation path flows into the upstream zone Z1 of the container 4 through the inflow path 26. The direction of travel of the coolant 30 at this time is shown by arrow A1 in Figure 6. The coolant 30 flows over partition 8 as shown by arrow A2 and reaches the downstream zone Z2. The coolant 30 then flows in the direction shown by arrow A3 and is discharged from the discharge path 28 into the circulation path. Partition 8 prevents the coolant 30 that has flowed into the container 4 from being immediately guided to the discharge path 28.
[0020] In this reservoir tank 2, the coolant 30 remains in the container 4 for a long time due to the partition 8. Therefore, even if the coolant 30 contains air bubbles when it flows into the container 4 from the inflow path 26, the air bubbles are sufficiently separated from the coolant 30 by the time the coolant 30 reaches the discharge path 28. In a liquid cooling system with this reservoir tank 2, coolant 30 with few air bubbles circulates. This liquid cooling system has excellent cooling efficiency.
[0021] In Figure 3, the arrow Hp represents the height of partition 8. From the viewpoint of ensuring that the coolant 30 is sufficiently contained in container 4 and therefore that air bubbles are sufficiently separated, the height Hp is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 8 mm or more, and particularly preferably 10 mm or more. From the viewpoint of compactness of reservoir tank 2, this height Hp is preferably 50 mm or less.
[0022] In Figure 6, the arrow Hs represents the height of the liquid level 32 of the coolant 30, which is the assumed lower limit. The ratio P1 of the height Hp of the partition 8 to the height Hs of the liquid level 32 is preferably 20% or more and 80% or less. In a reservoir tank 2 where this ratio P1 is 20% or more, the coolant 30 is sufficiently contained in the container 4, and therefore air bubbles are sufficiently separated. From this viewpoint, this ratio P1 is more preferably 30% or more, and particularly preferably 35% or more. In a reservoir tank 2 where this ratio P1 is 80% or less, the splashing of the coolant 30 is suppressed, and therefore the mixing of air in the container 4 into the coolant 30 is suppressed. From this viewpoint, this ratio P1 is more preferably 70% or less, and particularly preferably 50% or less.
[0023] In Figure 4, arrow Lp represents the width (extending distance) of partition 8, and arrow Di represents the inner diameter of pipe 6. As is clear from Figure 4, the width Lp is greater than the inner diameter Di. In this reservoir tank 2, the coolant 30 is sufficiently contained in the container 4, and therefore the bubbles are sufficiently separated. From this viewpoint, the ratio P2 of width Lp to inner diameter Di is preferably 100% or more, more preferably 120% or more, and particularly preferably 130% or more. The upper limit of the range of width Lp is equal to the inner dimension Lc of container 4.
[0024] [Second Embodiment] Figure 7 shows a reservoir tank 34 according to another embodiment. This reservoir tank 34 has a container 36, a pipe 38, and a partition 40. The configuration of the parts of this reservoir tank 34 other than the partition 40 is the same as that of the reservoir tank 2 shown in Figures 1-6. The pipe 38 has a cylinder 42 and a separator 44, similar to the pipe 6 shown in Figures 3 and 4.
[0025] Figure 8 shows a partition 40 and a separator 44. The partition 40 is continuous with the separator 44. The partition 40 may be molded integrally with the separator 44.
[0026] This partition 40 contributes to the prolonged retention of the coolant in the container 36. Therefore, this partition 40 can contribute to the separation of bubbles from the coolant.
[0027] In Figure 7, arrow Lp represents the width of partition 40, and arrow Di represents the inner diameter of pipe 38. As is clear from Figure 7, the width Lp is equal to the inner diameter Di. This reservoir tank 34 can be easily manufactured. In particular, if partition 40 is molded integrally with separator 44, the reservoir tank 34 can be manufactured very easily.
[0028] In Figure 8, the arrow Ls represents the width of the separator 44. In this embodiment, the width Lp of the partition 40 is equal to the width Ls of the separator 44. This reservoir tank 34 can be easily manufactured.
[0029] [Third Embodiment] Figure 9 shows a reservoir tank 46 according to yet another embodiment. This reservoir tank 46 has a container 48, a pipe 50, and a partition 52. The configuration of the parts of this reservoir tank 46 other than the partition 52 is the same as that of the reservoir tank 2 shown in Figures 1-6. The pipe 50 has a cylinder 54 and a separator 56, similar to the pipe 6 shown in Figures 3 and 4.
[0030] Figure 10 shows a partition 52 and a separator 56. The partition 52 is continuous with the separator 56. The partition 52 may be molded integrally with the separator 56.
[0031] This partition 52 contributes to the prolonged retention of the coolant in the container 48. Therefore, this partition 52 can contribute to the separation of bubbles from the coolant.
[0032] In Figure 9, arrow Lc represents the internal dimension of the container 48. In Figure 10, arrow Lp represents the width of the partition 52. As is clear from Figure 9, the width Lp is equal to the internal dimension Lc. Therefore, the widthwise end 58 of the partition 52 reaches the inner surface 60 of the container 48. In this embodiment, this end 58 abuts against the inner surface 60. In this reservoir tank 46, the coolant is sufficiently contained in the container 48, and therefore the bubbles are sufficiently separated. The partition 52 may be molded integrally with the container 48.
[0033] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 11 shows a reservoir tank 62 according to yet another embodiment. This reservoir tank 62 has a container 64, a pipe 66, a partition 68, and a protrusion 70 (obstacle). The configuration of this reservoir tank 62, excluding the protrusion 70, is the same as that of the reservoir tank 2 shown in Figure 1-6. The pipe 66 has a cylinder 72 and a separator 74, similar to the pipe 6 shown in Figures 3 and 4. The separator 74 divides the cylinder 72 into an inlet path 76 and an outlet path 78.
[0034] Figure 12 shows a partition 68, a separator 74, and a projection 70. The partition 68 is continuous with the separator 74. The partition 68 may be molded integrally with the separator 74. The projection 70 is continuous with the partition 68. The projection 70 may be molded integrally with the partition 68. In this embodiment, the projection 70 stands upright from the partition 68. As shown in Figure 11, the projection 70 protrudes from the partition 68 in the upstream zone Z1 and also protrudes from the partition 68 in the downstream zone Z21. The projection 70 has a first liquid receiving surface 80 in the upstream zone Z1 and a second liquid receiving surface 82 in the downstream zone Z2.
[0035] In this reservoir tank 62, the coolant in the circulation path flows into the upstream zone Z1 of the container 64 through the inflow path 76. The direction of the coolant's flow at this time is shown by arrow A1 in Figure 11. The coolant collides with the first liquid receiving surface 80. The coolant goes over the protrusion 70, as shown by arrow A2. The coolant goes over the partition 68, as shown by arrow A3, and reaches the downstream zone Z2. The coolant collides with the second liquid receiving surface 82. The coolant goes over the protrusion 70, as shown by arrow A4. The coolant then flows in the direction shown by arrow A5 and is discharged from the discharge path 78 into the circulation path.
[0036] In this reservoir tank 62, the protrusion 70 changes the direction of the coolant flow. Due to this protrusion 70, the coolant remains in the container 64 for a long time. Therefore, even if the coolant contains air bubbles when it flows into the container 64 from the inflow path 76, the air bubbles are sufficiently separated from the coolant by the time the coolant reaches the discharge path 78. In a liquid cooling system with this reservoir tank 62, a coolant with few air bubbles circulates. This liquid cooling system has excellent cooling efficiency. The reservoir tank 62 may have obstacles other than the protrusion 70. These obstacles affect the direction of the coolant flow.
[0037] Figure 13 shows a magnified view of a portion of the reservoir tank 62. Figure 13 also shows a partition 68, a projection 70, and a separator 74. In Figure 13, arrow W represents the width of the projection 70. From the viewpoint of bubble separation, the ratio P3 of the width W to the inner diameter Di (see Figure 11) of the pipe 66 is preferably 30% or more, preferably 40% or more, and preferably 45% or more. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the reservoir tank 62, this ratio is preferably 50%.
[0038] The protrusion 70 may be present only in the upstream zone Z1. The protrusion 70 may be present only in the downstream zone Z2. The partition 68 may be molded integrally with the container 64.
[0039] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 14-16 shows a reservoir tank 84 according to yet another embodiment. This reservoir tank 84 has a container 86, a pipe 88, and a partition 90. The container 86 has an upper case 92 and a lower case 94. The lower case 94 has an opening 96. Except for the location of the opening 96, the configuration of this container 86 is the same as that of container 4 shown in Figure 1-6. One end of the pipe 88 is continuous with the container 86 at the opening 96. The pipe 88 has a cylinder 98 and a separator 100. As shown in Figure 16, the separator 100 divides the cylinder 98 into an inlet path 102 and an outlet path 104. The configuration of this pipe 88 is the same as that of pipe 6 shown in Figure 1-6.
[0040] Figure 15 shows a partition 90 and a separator 100. The partition 90 is continuous with the separator 100. The partition 90 may be molded integrally with the separator 100. In this embodiment, the partition 90 has an upper part 90a and a lower part 90b. The upper part 90a is formed integrally with the upper case 92, and the lower part 90b is formed integrally with the separator 100 and the lower case 94. The upper part 90a is joined to the lower part 90b. The upper part 90a may be molded integrally with the lower part 90b.
[0041] As is clear from Figure 14, the top 106 of partition 90 is above the liquid level 108. In this embodiment, the top 106 abuts against the inner surface of container 86. One end 110a of partition 90 abuts against the inner surface of container 86. The other end 110b of partition 90 does not reach the inner surface of container 86.
[0042] In this reservoir tank 84, the coolant from the circulation path flows into the container 86 through the inflow path 102. The direction of the coolant's flow at this time is indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 16. The coolant passes through the gap between the other end 110b and the container 86, as indicated by arrow A2. The coolant then flows in the direction indicated by arrow A3 and is discharged from the discharge path 104 into the circulation path. Since the top 106 is above the liquid level 108 (see Figure 14), the coolant does not flow over the partition 90. The partition 90 prevents the coolant that has flowed into the container 86 from being immediately directed to the discharge path 104.
[0043] In this reservoir tank 84, the coolant remains in the container 86 for a long time due to the partition 90. Therefore, even if the coolant contains air bubbles when it flows into the container 86 from the inflow path 102, the air bubbles are sufficiently separated from the coolant by the time the coolant reaches the discharge path 104. In a liquid cooling system with this reservoir tank 84, a coolant with few air bubbles circulates. This liquid cooling system has excellent cooling efficiency.
[0044] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items discloses a preferred embodiment.
[0045] [Item 1] (1) A container having an opening for the inflow of coolant and the discharge of the coolant, (2) A pipe comprising a cylinder and a separator that divides the cylinder into an inlet path and an outlet path, with one end of the separator being a pipe continuous with the container at the opening, and (3) A partition that is housed in the above container and divides this container, and is continuous with the above separator. A reservoir tank for a liquid cooling system, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].
[0046] [Item 2] The reservoir tank described in item 1, wherein when the container has been filled with the assumed lower limit amount of coolant, the top of the partition is located below the liquid level of the coolant.
[0047] [Item 3] A reservoir tank as described in item 1, wherein when the container has been filled with the assumed lower limit amount of coolant, the top of the partition is positioned above the liquid level of the coolant.
[0048] [Item 4] A reservoir tank according to any one of items 1 to 3, which is housed in the above-mentioned container and further comprises an obstacle that affects the direction of the flow of the coolant in the above-mentioned container.
[0049] [Item 5] The reservoir tank described in item 4, in which the above-mentioned obstacles stand upright from the above-mentioned partition.
[0050] [Item 6] A reservoir tank according to any of items 1 to 5, wherein the widthwise end of the partition reaches the inner surface of the container.
[0051] [Item 7] A reservoir tank as described in any of items 1 to 5, wherein the width of the partition is equal to the inner diameter of the pipe.
[0052] [Item 8] (A) Circulation pathway for coolant circulation and (B) Reservoir tank connected to the above circulation path It is equipped with this reservoir tank (B), (B1) A container having an opening for the inflow and discharge of the above-mentioned coolant, (B2) It has a cylinder and a separator that divides the cylinder into an inlet path and an outlet path, and one end of the separator is a pipe that is continuous with the container at the opening. and (B3) A partition housed in the above container and dividing this container, which is continuous with the above separator. A liquid cooling device having the following features. [Industrial applicability]
[0053] The liquid cooling system described above is suitable for cooling various internal combustion engines. This liquid cooling system is also suitable for cooling electric pumps, compressors, batteries, electronic components, electronic circuit boards, etc. [Explanation of symbols]
[0054] 2. Reservoir Tank 4...container 6...pipes 8...Partition 10... Upper case 12...Bottom case 14... Supply port 16...Bottom 18. Sidewall 20...Aperture 22...tube 24... Separator 26. Inflow Route 28. Discharge routes 30...Cooling liquid 32...liquid level 34. Reservoir Tank 36...container 38...pipe 40 partitions 42...tube 44... Separator 46. Reservoir Tank 48...container 50... pipes 52...Partition 54...tube 56... Separator 58... End of partition 60...Inner surface of the container 62... Reservoir Tank 64...container 66...pipe 68...Partition 70...protrusion 72...tube 74... Separator 76. Inflow Route 78. Emission Route 80...First liquid receiving surface 82...Second liquid receiving surface 84. Reservoir Tank 86...container 88... Pipe 90...partition 90a... Upper part 90b...Lower part 92... Upper case 94...Lower case 96...Aperture 98...tube 100... Separator 102...Inflow Route 104... Discharge route 106...Top 108...liquid level 110a... End of partition 110b... End of partition Z1... Upstream Zone Z2... Downstream Zone
Claims
1. (1) A container having an opening for the inflow of coolant and the discharge of the coolant, (2) The pipe has a cylinder and a separator that divides the cylinder into an inlet path and an outlet path, and one end of the pipe is continuous with the container at the opening, and (3) A partition that is housed in the above container and divides the container, and is continuous with the above separator. A reservoir tank for a liquid cooling system, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].
2. The reservoir tank according to claim 1, wherein when the container has been filled with a predetermined lower limit of coolant, the top of the partition is positioned below the liquid level of the coolant.
3. The reservoir tank according to claim 1, wherein when the container has been filled with a predetermined lower limit of coolant, the top of the partition is positioned above the liquid level of the coolant.
4. The reservoir tank according to claim 1, further comprising an obstacle housed in the above-mentioned container and having an effect on the direction of the flow of the coolant in the above-mentioned container.
5. The reservoir tank according to claim 4, wherein the above-mentioned obstacles stand upright from the above-mentioned partition.
6. The reservoir tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the widthwise end of the partition reaches the inner surface of the container.
7. The reservoir tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the partition is equal to the inner diameter of the pipe.
8. (A) Circulation pathway for coolant circulation and (B) Reservoir tank connected to the above circulation path It is equipped with this reservoir tank (B), (B1) A container having an opening for the inflow and discharge of the above-mentioned coolant, (B2) It has a cylinder and a separator that divides the cylinder into an inlet path and an outlet path, and one end of it is a pipe that is continuous with the container at the opening, and (B3) A partition housed in the above container and dividing this container, which is continuous with the above separator. A liquid cooling device having the following features.