Reservoir tank

Abstract

To enhance gas-liquid separation performance of a reservoir tank by suppressing flapping of a liquid level inside a tank body.SOLUTION: A reservoir tank 10 includes a tank body 11, an inflow pipe 15, and an outflow pipe 16. The tank body 11 has a first partition wall W1 and a second partition wall W2, and one first communication hole H1 is provided in the first partition wall W1, and one second communication hole H2 is provided in the second partition wall W2. The tank body 11 has a three-storied structure having a first chamber R1, a second chamber R2, and a third chamber R3. At least the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 are filled with cooling liquid. The inflow pipe 15 and the outflow pipe 16 are connected to the first chamber R1, and the cooling liquid from the inflow pipe 15 flows upward in a vertical direction toward the first partition wall W1, and then, flows horizontally to a direction along the first partition wall W1, and after that, flows toward the outflow pipe 16. The first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 are partially overlapped with each other when viewed along the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reservoir tank. In particular, it relates to a reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system.

Background Art

[0002] Liquid-cooled cooling systems are utilized for cooling internal combustion engines, electrical components, electronic substrates, etc. In a liquid-cooled cooling system, coolant is circulated to collect heat from the cooling target member, dissipate heat from the heat radiator, and cool the cooling target member. In a liquid-cooled cooling system, a coolant tank, that is, a reservoir tank, may be provided in the coolant path through which the coolant is circulated. The reservoir tank compensates for the decrease in coolant due to vaporization, etc., and absorbs the volume change due to the temperature change of the coolant. Further, when bubbles occur in the coolant, the cooling efficiency may decrease, so the reservoir tank may separate the bubbles in the coolant, that is, perform gas-liquid separation.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of arranging a rectangular baffle plate in a reservoir tank body in a windmill shape in a specific direction. According to the reservoir tank, it is disclosed that bubbles can be separated from the coolant without causing an increase in water flow resistance or complication of the structure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand to increase the flow rate of coolant passing through a reservoir tank, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the performance of cooling systems. However, it has been found that when the flow rate of coolant passing through a reservoir tank, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, increases, the force of the coolant flowing into the tank body causes the surface of the coolant to ripple and become turbulent, drawing in air inside the tank and generating bubbles, making it difficult to obtain the desired level of gas-liquid separation effect.

[0006] In particular, in recent years, as there has been an increasing demand for smaller reservoir tanks and increased coolant flow rates, the coolant inside the tank itself is more prone to turbulence. The objective of the present invention is to suppress fluctuations in the liquid level inside the reservoir tank body and to improve the gas-liquid separation performance of the reservoir tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors conducted further intensive studies and, as a result, discovered that the above problems could be solved by arranging the reservoir tank body in a three-story structure with three or more tank chambers arranged in a three-tiered fashion, with these tank chambers connected in series by connecting holes, while arranging the connecting holes so that they overlap each other when viewed vertically, and by connecting an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe to the bottommost tank chamber to generate a specific flow inside that tank chamber. Thus, the inventors completed the present invention.

[0008] The present invention relates to a reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, wherein the reservoir tank has a tank body for storing coolant, an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, and an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body to the coolant path, and the tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall extending substantially horizontally, and the internal space of the tank body is divided by the partition walls so as to have at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first and second chambers are separated by a first partition wall, with the second chamber located vertically above the first chamber; the second and third chambers are separated by a second partition wall, with the third chamber located vertically above the second chamber; at least the first and second chambers are filled with coolant; the first partition wall has one first connecting hole that connects the first and second chambers; the second partition wall has one second connecting hole that connects the second and third chambers; and the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to the first chamber. The inlet pipe is provided horizontally at the lower part of the side wall of the first chamber, and the outlet pipe is provided horizontally at the upper part of the side wall of the first chamber. Inside the first chamber, guide fins are provided extending horizontally from the side wall of the first chamber to partition the space between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, forming a C-shaped flow path within the first chamber. In the first chamber, the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall, then horizontally along the first partition wall, and then toward the outlet pipe. The first chamber is configured in such a way that, when viewed along the vertical direction, the first and second connecting holes are provided so that they partially overlap. This is a reservoir tank (first invention). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, wherein the reservoir tank has a tank body for storing coolant, an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, and an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body to the coolant path, the tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall extending substantially horizontally, and the internal space of the tank body is divided by the partition wall so as to have at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by the first partition wall and the second chamber is located vertically above the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are separated by the second partition wall and the third chamber is located vertically above the second chamber, and at least the first chamber and the second chamber are filled with coolant. The reservoir tank is configured such that the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition, then horizontally toward the first partition, and then toward the outlet pipe, and when viewed along the vertical direction, the first chamber is configured such that the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition, then horizontally toward the first partition, and then toward the outlet pipe, and when viewed along the vertical direction, the first and second communication holes are provided so that they partially overlap (Second Invention). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, wherein the reservoir tank has a tank body for storing coolant, an inlet pipe for supplying coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, and an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body to the coolant path, the tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall extending substantially horizontally, and the internal space of the tank body is divided by the partition wall so as to have at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by the first partition wall and the second chamber is located vertically above the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are separated by the second partition wall and the third chamber is located vertically above the second chamber, at least the first chamber and the second chamber are filled with coolant, and the first partition wall has a first connecting hole connecting the first chamber and the second chamber A reservoir tank is provided, with one opening in the second partition wall that connects the second and third chambers, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to the first chamber, the inlet pipe extending vertically from the lower surface of the first chamber, the outlet pipe extending vertically from the lower surface of the first chamber, guide fins provided inside the first chamber that partition the space between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe from the lower surface of the first chamber, forming an inverted U-shaped flow path in the first chamber, the first chamber is configured such that the coolant sent in from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall, then flows horizontally along the first partition wall, and then toward the outlet pipe, and the first and second openings are provided so that they partially overlap when viewed along the vertical direction (third invention).

[0009] First Invention or any of the third inventions Preferably, the second chamber is provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag portion that protrudes horizontally outward from the first chamber when viewed along the vertical direction ( 4 Invention). Also, the 4 In the invention, preferably, the third chamber is provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag portion that protrudes horizontally outward from the first chamber when viewed along the vertical direction ( 5 invention). [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The reservoir tank of the present invention (first invention) , second invention, third inventionAccording to [it], the agitation of the liquid level inside the tank body can be suppressed, and the gas-liquid separation performance of the reservoir tank can be enhanced.

[0011] Furthermore 、 No. 4 In the case of the invention or the 5 invention being made like this, fine bubbles can also be easily removed, and particularly the gas-liquid separation performance is enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the flow and the movement of bubbles inside the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic view showing the flow near the communication hole of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reservoir tank of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the first chamber, the inflow pipe, and the outflow pipe.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention will be described by taking as an example a reservoir tank provided in a liquid-cooled cooling system of an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The invention is not limited to the individual embodiments shown below, and it can also be implemented by changing the form. The application of the liquid-cooled cooling system is not limited to an internal combustion engine, and it may be an application for cooling electrical components such as power elements, inverters, and other electrical elements and electronic circuit boards, or other applications.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows in cross-section the structure of the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment. The central figure in FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the reservoir tank 10 cut by a plane parallel to the paper surface, and the figures around FIG. 1 each show a cross-sectional view of the reservoir tank 10 in the illustrated cut surface.

[0015] The reservoir tank 10 is configured by connecting an inflow pipe 15 and an outflow pipe 16 to a hollow tank body 11. When the reservoir tank is in use, the coolant L is stored in the tank body 11. Also, at the upper part of the tank body 11 in the vertical direction, at least a part of air is stored. In the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system, the reservoir tank 10 is arranged and connected in the coolant path such that the coolant flows into the hollow tank body 11 through the inflow pipe 15 from the coolant path and the coolant flows out of the hollow tank body 11 through the outflow pipe 16 into the coolant path.

[0016] Although not essential, typically, the reservoir tank 10 is configured by integrating a separately injection-molded front case and rear case. That is, taking the part on the back side of the paper surface in the center of FIG. 1 as the rear case and the part on the front side of the paper surface as the front case, the hollow tank body 11 is configured by integrating the front case and the rear case. The inflow pipe 15 and the outflow pipe 16 may be integrally formed with either the front case or the rear case, or the inflow pipe 15 and the outflow pipe 16 may be integrated with the tank body 11 by another configuration.

[0017] Also, although not essential, the reservoir tank 10 may be provided with an injection port 17. When the cooling system is assembled, the coolant is injected into the tank body 11 through the injection port 17. When the cooling system operates and the tank is in use, a cap is attached to the injection port. Preferably, the cap is provided with a pressure regulating valve so that the pressure inside the tank body does not become excessive.

[0018] The tank body 11 is divided into internal spaces by multiple partitions W1, W2, and W3, and the tank body has at least three tank chambers: a first chamber R1, a second chamber R2, and a third chamber R3. Although not essential, a fourth chamber R4 is also provided in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the inlet 17 is provided above the fourth chamber R4 of the tank body to inject coolant into the fourth chamber. Note that, as in other embodiments described later, the fourth chamber may be omitted, in which case the inlet 17 is preferably provided to inject coolant into the third chamber.

[0019] The tank body 11 has a first bulkhead W1 and a second bulkhead W2 that extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The first bulkhead W1 and the second bulkhead W2 may be flat, but they may also be curved or conical with a raised central section. The bulkheads may also be solid plates or hollow plates with weight-reducing cutouts. The first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 are separated by the first bulkhead W1, and the second chamber R2 is located vertically above the first chamber R1. The second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3 are separated by the second bulkhead W2, and the third chamber R3 is located vertically above the second chamber R2. In other words, in the tank body 11, the first chamber R1, the second chamber R2, and the third chamber R3 are stacked like a three-story building. Although not essential, in this embodiment, the third chamber R3 and the fourth chamber R4 are separated by a third partition wall W3, and the fourth chamber R4 is located vertically above the third chamber R3. In other words, in this embodiment, the first chamber R1 to the fourth chamber R4 are stacked in the tank body 11, so to speak, like a four-story building.

[0020] When the reservoir tank 10 is in use, coolant is injected into the tank body 11, and at least the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 are filled with coolant. In this embodiment, the third chamber R3 is also filled with coolant, and the coolant level LV is set in the fourth chamber R4. The coolant level LV may also be set in the third chamber R3.

[0021] The first partition wall W1 is provided with one first connecting hole H1 that connects the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2. Furthermore, the second partition wall W2 is provided with one second connecting hole H2 that connects the second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3. The shapes of the first connecting hole H1 and the second connecting hole H2 are not particularly limited, but may be circular or rectangular, for example. Since there is only one first connecting hole H1 and one second connecting hole H2, a closed annular flow path is not formed between the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2, nor is there a closed annular flow path between the second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3. Although not mandatory, in this embodiment, the third partition wall W3 is provided with one third communication hole H3 that connects the third chamber R3 and the fourth chamber R4. Multiple third communication holes H3 may be provided.

[0022] The inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are connected to the first chamber R1. That is, the coolant flows from the inlet pipe 15 into the first chamber R1 and flows out of the first chamber R1 through the outlet pipe 16 to the outside of the tank.

[0023] As described above, the tank body 11 has a structure in which the first chamber R1, the second chamber R2, and the third chamber R3 are stacked in a three-story arrangement, and these tank chambers are connected in series by the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2. The first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 are filled with coolant, and the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are connected to the first chamber R1, which corresponds to the first floor. Therefore, while the first chamber R1 also serves as the direct flow path in the coolant circuit of the cooling system, the second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3 are tank chambers that branch off from the first chamber R1 in a dead-end manner.

[0024] The first chamber R1 is configured such that the following flow occurs within it. In Figure 2, the flow of the coolant is shown by white arrows. Note that in the central diagram of Figure 1 and in Figure 2, the vertical direction of the diagram is vertical. As shown in Figure 2, the coolant sent into the first chamber R1 from the inlet pipe 15 flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall W1, then flows horizontally along the first partition wall W1, and then flows toward the outlet pipe 16. The arrangement and orientation of the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16, the shape of the first partition wall W1, the arrangement and size of the first communication hole H1, and the arrangement, size, and shape of the fins F1 are determined to achieve this flow.

[0025] In this embodiment, the coolant flows into the first chamber R1 from the inlet pipe 15 in a substantially horizontal direction, then flows along the bottom surface of the first chamber, hits the side surface of the first chamber, and flows vertically upward. The vertically upward flow Q0 hits the first partition wall W1, which is the top surface of the first chamber, changes direction to flow horizontally along the first partition wall W1, and flows towards the outlet pipe 16. Because the vertically upward flow Q0 changes direction to flow horizontally along the first partition wall 11, a flow with a vortex component that rotates around an axis that is tilted on its side in a substantially horizontal direction (an axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2) is generated in the first chamber R1.

[0026] Within the first chamber R1, when the vertically upward flow Q0 changes direction horizontally, a portion of the flow Q1 flows into the second chamber R2 through the first connecting hole H1, while the remaining flow Q2 flows almost horizontally before heading towards the outflow pipe 16. The ratio of the flow Q1 flowing into the second chamber R2 to the flow Q2 heading towards the outflow pipe 16 is determined by the shape (slope, etc.) of the first partition wall W1, the size and arrangement of the first connecting hole H1, etc.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 are provided so that they partially overlap when viewed along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, it is preferable that more than half of the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 overlap when viewed along the vertical direction. That is, the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 are arranged so as to be aligned along the vertical direction. Alternatively, the first communication hole H1 may overlap with the second communication hole H2 so as to be included in the second communication hole H2 when viewed along the vertical direction, or conversely, the second communication hole H2 may overlap with the first communication hole H1 so as to be included in the first communication hole H1 when viewed along the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 may overlap with the same size and shape when viewed along the vertical direction.

[0028] Although not mandatory, preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the second communication hole H2 is provided so as to avoid the extension of the flow vector of the flow Q1 from the first chamber R1 to the second chamber R2 through the first communication hole H1 (shown by a dashed line). That is, preferably, the coolant flow inside the first chamber R1 is adjusted so that the coolant flow Q1 flowing from the first chamber R1 to the second chamber R2 does not go directly towards the second communication hole H2, and the second communication hole H2 is positioned accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, although not essential, preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the second chamber R2 is provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag portion R22 that extends horizontally outward from the first chamber R1 when viewed along the vertical direction. Because the bag portion R22 is cul-de-sac-like, the flow of the coolant inside the bag portion R22 becomes gentler. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferable that the length t of the bag portion R22 is greater than the width w of the bag portion R22, as this results in a gentler flow. Also, it is particularly preferable that the length t of the bag portion R22 is greater than the height h of the bag portion R22, as this results in a gentler flow.

[0030] Furthermore, although not essential, preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the third chamber R3 is provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag portion R33 that extends horizontally outward from the first chamber R1 when viewed along the vertical direction. Because the bag portion R33 is cul-de-sac-like, the flow of the coolant inside the bag portion R33 becomes gentler. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferable that the length t of the bag portion R33 is greater than the width w of the bag portion R33, as this results in a gentler flow. Also, it is particularly preferable that the length t of the bag portion R33 is greater than the height h of the bag portion R33, as this results in a gentler flow.

[0031] As long as the reservoir tank 10 can be constructed with the tank body 11, inlet pipe 15, outlet pipe 16, and the first chamber R1, second chamber R2, third chamber R3, first partition wall W1, second partition wall W2, first connecting hole H1, second connecting hole H2, etc., there are no particular limitations on how the structure is specifically divided into components. For example, as described above, the structure may be realized by creating injection-molded parts by dividing the tank body 11 into two parts, a front case and a rear case, with the partition walls etc. integrally molded, and then assembling these injection-molded parts, or by realizing such a structure with a different component configuration. For example, the tank body 11 may be divided horizontally in a box-like shape, each component may be formed, and then assembled by means of welding or other means to realize such a structure.

[0032] Furthermore, the materials constituting the reservoir tank 10 in the above embodiment and the method of manufacturing the reservoir tank 10 are not particularly limited, and the reservoir tank 10 can be manufactured using known materials and known manufacturing methods. Typically, the reservoir tank 10 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyamide resin. The material and reinforcing structure of the reservoir tank are determined according to the type, temperature, and pressure of the coolant used. Also, typically, the reservoir tank 10 can be manufactured by forming the components corresponding to the front case and rear case by injection molding, and then integrating these components by vibration welding or hot plate welding. In that case, it is preferable that the inlet pipe 15, outlet pipe 16, inlet 17, and partition wall 12 are integrally molded to the lower case or upper case, respectively, but they may be made as separate components and assembled later to form an integrated structure.

[0033] The operation and effects of the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment described above will now be explained. In the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, fluctuations in the liquid level inside the tank body can be suppressed and the gas-liquid separation performance of the reservoir tank can be improved.

[0034] In conventional reservoir tanks, such as those shown in Patent Document 1, if small bubbles form in the coolant, these bubbles flow out of the reservoir tank along with the coolant, making it difficult to remove them. This is the first problem with the gas-liquid separation performance in the conventional technology.

[0035] Furthermore, in conventional reservoir tanks, an increase in the flow rate of the coolant passing through the tank leads to increased flow within the tank, resulting in violent turbulence of the liquid surface. This turbulence draws in air, creating new bubbles. This is the second challenge in conventional gas-liquid separation performance. In recent years, there has been a trend towards increasing coolant flow rates, making the resolution of this second challenge particularly crucial.

[0036] In the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, if the coolant contains relatively large bubbles, the large bubbles are guided from the first chamber R1 through the second chamber R2 to the third chamber R3 via the first and second connecting holes H1 and H2. In the reservoir tank 10, the first and second connecting holes H1 and H2 are arranged so that they partially overlap when viewed along the vertical direction, that is, the first and second connecting holes H1 and H2 are aligned along the vertical direction, so the large bubbles are quickly guided from the first chamber R1 to the third chamber R3 and efficiently separated from the coolant. When the large bubbles are removed, the splitting of the large bubbles into smaller bubbles in the coolant is suppressed, and the gas-liquid separation performance is improved.

[0037] Furthermore, in the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, the first chamber R1, the second chamber R2, and the third chamber R3 have a so-called three-story structure, and the first partition wall and the second partition wall each have only one communication hole. Therefore, even if the flow rate of the coolant increases, the flow inside the second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3 and the turbulence of the liquid surface are reduced, which enhances the gas-liquid separation effect of relatively fine bubbles and prevents the liquid surface from becoming turbulent and drawing in air, thereby generating new bubbles. The mechanism will be explained below.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, if tank chambers RL and RH are arranged vertically, separated by a partition wall W, and the partition wall W has only one connecting hole H, and the side of the upper tank chamber RH is a dead end, then the flow near the connecting hole H will be as follows: When coolant flows upward from the lower tank chamber RL through the connecting hole H at QX, the upper tank chamber RH is a dead end, so coolant needs to flow downward from the upper tank chamber RH (flow QY). Therefore, the upward flow QX and the downward flow QY passing through the connecting hole H are paired, and the vertical components of the flow are of the same magnitude but in opposite directions.

[0039] When pairs of opposing flows QX and QY occur in the communication hole H, a large resistance is created between these flows. This resistance increases rapidly as the flow strength increases. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when there is a flow Q1 toward the second chamber R2 through the communication hole H1 and a flow Q2 toward the outlet pipe 16, as the flow velocity increases, the ratio of the magnitudes of flow Q1 and flow Q2 decreases. In other words, as the flow rate of the coolant increases, it becomes more difficult for the coolant to move toward the second chamber R2, and more coolant moves toward the outlet pipe 16.

[0040] Therefore, in the reservoir tank 10, since there is only one communication hole each in the first and second partition walls, even if the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first chamber R1 increases, the increase in the coolant flowing into the second and third chambers is suppressed. As a result, compared to the first chamber R1 where the coolant flows vigorously, the flow of the coolant within the tank becomes calmer and slower in the second chamber R2, and especially in the third chamber R3, promoting the gas-liquid separation of fine bubbles contained in the coolant. In other words, the gas-liquid separation effect is enhanced even for relatively fine bubbles.

[0041] Furthermore, the flow of the coolant in the third chamber R3 becomes particularly calm and slow, effectively suppressing fluctuations in the coolant surface. In this embodiment, since the liquid level LV is located in the fourth chamber, fluctuations in the liquid surface are particularly suppressed. This effectively prevents air from being drawn into the coolant due to surface turbulence, which can generate new bubbles.

[0042] As described above, the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment effectively removes both relatively large and relatively small bubbles, suppresses fluctuations in the liquid level inside the tank body, and improves the gas-liquid separation performance of the reservoir tank.

[0043] Although not essential, from the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing fluctuations in the liquid surface, it is preferable that the second communication hole H2 be provided so as to avoid the extension of the flow vector of the flow Q1 that flows from the first chamber R1 to the second chamber R2 through the first communication hole H1. This is because, when done in this way, the flow from the second chamber R2 to the third chamber R3 through the second communication hole H2 can be reduced, and the flow of the coolant in the third and fourth chambers can be made calmer and slower.

[0044] Although not essential, from the viewpoint of further improving the gas-liquid separation performance for fine bubbles, it is preferable that the second chamber R2 be provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag section R22 that extends horizontally outward from the first chamber R1 when viewed along the vertical direction. Since the flow in the cul-de-sac-like bag section R22 is particularly gentle within the second chamber R2, relatively fine bubbles are effectively separated from the coolant by gravity in the bag section R22.

[0045] Furthermore, although not essential, from the viewpoint of further improving the gas-liquid separation performance for fine bubbles, it is preferable that the third chamber R3 be provided with a cul-de-sac-like bag section R33 that extends horizontally outward from the first chamber R1 when viewed along the vertical direction. Since the flow in the cul-de-sac-like bag section R33 is particularly gentle within the third chamber R3, relatively fine bubbles are effectively separated from the coolant by gravity in the bag section R33.

[0046] In order to further enhance the gas-liquid separation effect in the bag portions R22 and R33 of the second chamber R2 and the third chamber R3, it is preferable that the length t of the bag portion is greater than either the height h or the width w, that is, that the bag portion is elongated in the direction in which it is a dead end, and it is particularly preferable that the length t is at least twice the height h or the width w.

[0047] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented with various modifications. Other embodiments of the invention will be described below, but in the following description, the focus will be on the parts that differ from the embodiments described above, and parts that are similar will be described with the same number and their detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented by combining or substituting parts of each other.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the center and right-hand views of Figure 1. The reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment differs from the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the inlet pipe 15, the internal structure of the first chamber R1, the fact that the second and third chambers do not have bag sections, the absence of a fourth chamber and the fact that the liquid level LV is located in the third chamber, etc., but the other configurations are generally the same as those of the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0049] In the reservoir tank 20 of this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 is provided so as to extend vertically from the lower surface of the first chamber R1, creating an upward vertical flow within the first chamber. Although the first chamber R1 of the reservoir tank 20 of this embodiment does not have fins F1, in combination with the arrangement of the outlet pipe 16, the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe 15 flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall W1 within the first chamber R1, then flows horizontally along the first partition wall W1, and then flows toward the outlet pipe 16.

[0050] The reservoir tank 20 does not have a fourth chamber or bag sections (R22, R33), but it has the same effects as the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment in that large bubbles are quickly discharged from the first chamber R1 to the third chamber R3, the coolant flow in the second chamber R2 and the third chamber becomes gentler, promoting gas-liquid separation of fine bubbles, and surface turbulence and waves are suppressed, preventing air from being drawn in and creating new bubbles.

[0051] The specific configuration of the first chamber and the orientation and arrangement of the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16 can be changed as long as the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe 15 flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall W1, then horizontally along the first partition wall W1, and then toward the outlet pipe 16 within the first chamber R1. Figure 5 shows examples of changes to the first chamber R1 and the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16. Note that in Figure 5, only the first chamber R1 and the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16 portions of the tank body 11 are shown in cross-sectional view.

[0052] In the modified example shown in Figure 5(a), both the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are provided vertically on the lower surface of the first chamber R1. Inside the first chamber R1, a fin F2 is provided from the lower surface, acting as a partition between the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16. With this structure, the coolant flows in an inverted U-shape, as indicated by the white arrow.

[0053] The modified example in Figure 5(b) has the same configuration as the second embodiment in Figure 4, and the coolant flows in an inverted L-shape as indicated by the white arrow. Note that, as in this modified example, the cross-sectional shape of the first chamber may be trapezoidal.

[0054] In the modified example shown in Figure 5(c), the inlet pipe 15 is provided horizontally (in the left-right direction of the paper) at the lower part of the side wall of the first chamber, and the outlet pipe 16 is provided horizontally (in the depth direction of the paper) at the upper part of the side wall of the first chamber. Inside the first chamber R1, guide fins F3 are provided extending horizontally from the side wall, partitioning the space between the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16. Due to this structure, the coolant flows in a C-shape, as indicated by the white arrow.

[0055] In any of the modifications shown in Figures 5(a) to (c), the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe 15 flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall W1, then flows horizontally along the first partition wall W1, and subsequently flows toward the outlet pipe 16. A portion of the flow goes toward the second chamber R2 through the first communication hole H1, while the remaining flow goes toward the outlet pipe 16, producing the same effects as described above. To realize such flow within the first chamber, it is preferable to provide guide plates, ribs, fins, deflection plates, grooves, etc., in the first chamber R1 to disperse / concentrate, deflect, and straighten the flow that flows in from the inlet pipe 15.

[0056] In the reservoir tanks 10 and 20 of the embodiments described above, the tank body 11 was rectangular or plate-shaped, but the shape of the reservoir tank body is not limited to rectangular or plate-shaped. For example, the tank body may be spherical, cylindrical, elliptical, ellipsoidal, prismatic, pyramidal, or other shapes.

[0057] Furthermore, in the description of the above embodiment, an embodiment was described in which the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2 provided in the partition wall are holes made in a plate, but the shape of these communication holes can also be changed. For example, the reservoir tank may be configured to have a short cylindrical communication hole, such that a short tube is provided along the circumference of the hole. Also, as in the above embodiment, the communication hole may be provided so that the periphery of the hole is surrounded by the partition wall, but a gap or notch may be provided between the periphery of the partition wall and the wall of the tank, and that portion may be used as the communication hole.

[0058] Furthermore, the reservoir tank may have other tank chambers. As long as the configuration is maintained such that the first, second, and third chambers are connected in series, following the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16, and the path from the first chamber leads to a dead end, other tank chambers may be connected to any of the first, second, and third chambers, and the same effects as in the above embodiment will be achieved.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the reservoir tank has its first and second chambers filled with coolant when the tank is in use, but it does not need to be constantly filled. It is sufficient for the first and second chambers to be filled when gas-liquid separation is required. That is, it is sufficient for the first and second chambers to be filled with coolant when the temperature of the coolant rises, air bubbles are introduced into the coolant, and the volume of coolant in the coolant circuit increases. For example, when the coolant has cooled sufficiently and contains almost no air bubbles, the liquid level may have dropped to the second chamber.

[0060] The reservoir tank of the present invention may have other configurations. For example, a pressure relief valve may be provided in the tank body. The reservoir tank may also have integrated stays or boss members for attachment to a vehicle body or the like, as needed. Furthermore, depending on the pressure resistance required of the reservoir tank, the reservoir tank may be provided with reinforcing structures such as ribs. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The above-mentioned reservoir tank can be used in the coolant path of a cooling system, can remove air bubbles from the coolant, and has high industrial value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10 Reservoir Tanks 11 Tank body R1 Room 1 R2 2nd room R3 Room 3 W1 1st bulkhead W2 2nd bulkhead H1 1st communication passage H2 2nd communication passage 15 Inflow pipe 16 Outflow pipe 17 Inlet LV coolant level

Claims

1. A reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, The reservoir tank is The tank body for storing the coolant, An inlet pipe that sends coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, An outlet pipe that discharges coolant from the tank body into the coolant path and It has, The tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall that extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The internal space of the tank body is divided by partitions so that it has at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first and second rooms are separated by a first partition, and the second room is located vertically above the first room. The second and third rooms are separated by a second partition, and the third room is located vertically above the second room. At least the first and second chambers are filled with coolant. The first partition wall is provided with one first connecting hole that connects the first chamber and the second chamber. The second partition wall has one second connecting hole that connects the second and third chambers. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to the first chamber. The inlet pipe is installed horizontally at the lower part of the side wall of the first chamber. The aforementioned outflow pipe is installed horizontally on the upper part of the side wall of the first chamber. Inside the first chamber, guide fins are provided extending horizontally from the side wall of the first chamber, separating the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, thereby forming a C-shaped flow path within the first chamber. In the first chamber, the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall, then horizontally along the first partition wall, and then toward the outlet pipe. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first and second connecting holes are arranged so that they partially overlap. Reservoir tank.

2. A reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, The reservoir tank is The tank body for storing the coolant, An inlet pipe that sends coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, An outlet pipe that discharges coolant from the tank body into the coolant path and It has, The tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall that extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The internal space of the tank body is divided by partitions so that it has at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first and second rooms are separated by a first partition, and the second room is located vertically above the first room. The second and third rooms are separated by a second partition, and the third room is located vertically above the second room. At least the first and second chambers are filled with coolant. The first partition wall is provided with one first connecting hole that connects the first chamber and the second chamber. The second partition wall has one second connecting hole that connects the second and third chambers. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to the first chamber. The inlet pipe is provided so as to extend vertically on the lower surface of the first chamber. The aforementioned outflow pipe is installed horizontally on the upper part of the side wall of the first chamber. In the first chamber, the cooling liquid supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall, then horizontally along the first partition wall, and then flows in an inverted L-shape toward the outlet pipe. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first and second connecting holes are arranged so that they partially overlap. Reservoir tank.

3. A reservoir tank provided in the coolant path of a liquid-cooled cooling system, The reservoir tank is The tank body for storing the coolant, An inlet pipe that sends coolant from the coolant path to the tank body, An outlet pipe that discharges coolant from the tank body into the coolant path and It has, The tank body has a first partition wall and a second partition wall that extend in a substantially horizontal direction. The internal space of the tank body is divided by partitions so that it has at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first and second rooms are separated by a first partition, and the second room is located vertically above the first room. The second and third rooms are separated by a second partition, and the third room is located vertically above the second room. At least the first and second chambers are filled with coolant. The first partition wall is provided with one first connecting hole that connects the first chamber and the second chamber. The second partition wall has one second connecting hole that connects the second and third chambers. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to the first chamber. The inlet pipe is provided so as to extend vertically on the lower surface of the first chamber. The outflow pipe is provided so as to extend vertically on the lower surface of the first chamber. Inside the first chamber, guide fins are provided from the bottom surface of the first chamber to partition the space between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, forming an inverted U-shaped flow path within the first chamber. In the first chamber, the coolant supplied from the inlet pipe flows vertically upward toward the first partition wall, then horizontally along the first partition wall, and then toward the outlet pipe. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first and second connecting holes are arranged so that they partially overlap. Reservoir tank.

4. The second chamber has a cul-de-sac-like section that, when viewed vertically, protrudes horizontally outward compared to the first chamber. A reservoir tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The third chamber has a cul-de-sac-like section that, when viewed vertically, protrudes horizontally outward from the first chamber. The reservoir tank according to claim 4.

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