Valve-integrated reservoir tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve-integrated reservoir tank. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a valve-integrated reservoir tank having an improved flow path structure to prevent air trapped in a reservoir tank integrally formed with a valve from being improperly introduced into a coolant circulation path. More specifically, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a valve-integrated reservoir tank in which the reservoir tank has two discharge paths, and two consecutive flow paths among flow paths of a path setting valve formed with six or more valves are connected to the two discharge paths of the reservoir tank, respectively, so that a coolant flow path passing through the reservoir tank is configured in parallel, and thus the flow rate of a coolant passing through the reservoir tank can be effectively reduced.

Description

Valve-integrated reservoir tank

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve-integrated reservoir tank, and more particularly, to a valve-integrated reservoir tank having an improved flow path structure to prevent air trapped in the reservoir tank formed integrally with the valve from being improperly introduced into the cooling water circulation path.

[0002] Typically, in vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, the heat generated during engine operation is conducted to the cylinder head, piston, valves, etc. If the temperature of these parts becomes excessively high, the strength of the parts decreases due to thermal expansion or deterioration, shortening the engine life, and deteriorating combustion conditions, resulting in knocking or pre-ignition, which in turn reduces engine output. Furthermore, if the engine is not cooled properly, the oil film on the inner surface of the cylinder may break, reducing lubrication. In addition, engine oil may deteriorate, causing abnormal cylinder wear and even causing the piston to stick to the inner wall of the cylinder. Meanwhile, in the case of electric vehicles, which are increasingly being used, the drive system is a motor instead of an internal combustion engine (engine), and a battery is provided to supply power to the motor. Both the motor and battery generate considerable heat during the process of using electricity, which can damage the electrical circuits. Therefore, automobiles are typically equipped with a water-cooling system to cool the engine, motor, and battery. A water-cooled cooling system lowers the temperature of coolant by circulating it through the cylinder block and cylinder head using a water pump, and is equipped with a radiator, cooling fan, and water temperature controller to dissipate the coolant.

[0003] The most widely used vehicle reservoir tank these days is a pressurized reservoir tank, which is installed on the coolant circulation path formed by the coolant-using devices in the vehicle. The reservoir tank discharges some of the coolant into the reservoir tank when the pressure inside the coolant-using device rises excessively, or conversely, when the coolant inside the coolant-using device is insufficient, it supplies the coolant stored in the reservoir tank or coolant that has been additionally injected into the reservoir tank to the coolant-using device. In the case of a pressurized reservoir tank, coolant constantly flows while the vehicle is running, and this flow can be either low-velocity or high-velocity depending on the cooling level.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional reservoir tank and the coolant circulation path for each mode. In the case of electric vehicles, which are seeing increasing demand, the coolant is largely divided into two streams: one stream cools the battery (indicated as "BATT"), and the other stream cools the electrical components (indicated as "PE"). The coolant, which absorbs heat from the battery or electrical components and rises in temperature, passes through a radiator (indicated as "RAD"), where it is then released to the outside, thereby lowering its temperature. This cooled coolant is then supplied back to the battery or electrical components, completing the coolant circulation process.

[0005] In this way, the coolant may circulate through both the battery and the electrical components and be cooled in the radiator. However, depending on the operating mode, in some cases, the battery coolant may be cooled by a separate heat exchanger (a chiller, indicated as "CHLR"), and the coolant circulating through the radiator may be circulated only through the electrical components. The upper drawing of Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the coolant discharged from the radiator forms a circulation path sequentially passing through the battery and the electrical components and returning to the radiator. On the other hand, the lower drawing of Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the coolant discharged from the radiator forms a circulation path passing only through the electrical components and returning to the radiator, and the coolant passing through the battery forms a separate circulation path where it is cooled in the chiller and returns to the battery.

[0006] In order to cope with cases where the circulation path of the coolant must be formed differently depending on the operating mode, a path setting valve (50) that sets the path is provided on the coolant circulation path. Referring to Fig. 1, the path setting valve (50) has six flow ports and a connecting passage part that can connect each flow port in a specific relationship. As shown in Fig. 1, by appropriately rotating this connecting passage part, the coolant circulation path can be appropriately adjusted. Meanwhile, the reservoir tank (10) is provided at a location where the coolant discharged from the radiator begins to flow into various devices that use the coolant. The part where the coolant flows into the reservoir tank (10) is called an inlet passage (11), and the part where the coolant is discharged from the reservoir tank (10) is called a discharge passage (12).

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional valve-integrated reservoir tank, in which the reservoir tank (10) and the route setting valve (50), which were illustrated separately in FIG. 1, are formed as an integrated unit. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the coolant from the reservoir tank (10) must flow into one of the several flow ports of the route setting valve (50). Considering this, the discharge path (12) of the reservoir tank (10) and one of the several flow ports of the route setting valve (50) may be in close contact. The valve-integrated reservoir tank illustrated in FIG. 2 was created with this very perspective in mind. This configuration in which the valve and the reservoir tank are integrated is disclosed in various documents, including Korean Patent Publication No. 2024-0029362 (“Cooling Medium Distribution Device”, March 5, 2024).

[0008] In the valve-integrated reservoir tank, the inlet path (11) of the reservoir tank (10) is connected to the radiator, while the outlet path (12) is formed in a form directly connected to the route setting valve (50). Referring to Fig. 1, all flow rates of coolant naturally pass through the reservoir tank (10). However, if the flow rate of coolant flowing inside the reservoir tank (10) is excessively large, i.e., if the flow rate is excessively high, there is a concern that the air inside the reservoir tank (50) may be swept out together with the coolant as it passes through the reservoir tank (50).

[0009] FIG. 3 is intended to explain the principle of bubble generation due to vortex generation at high flow rates. The upper drawing of FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the flow of coolant at low flow rates, where the coolant in the reservoir tank (10) forms a stable water surface. In this case, when coolant containing bubbles enters the reservoir tank (10) through the inlet (11), the bubbles in the coolant naturally rise due to the density difference in the coolant in the stable state and are discharged into the upper empty space of the reservoir tank (10). As the coolant passes through the reservoir tank (10), the bubbles are removed in this way, so that ultimately, coolant without bubbles can be discharged through the discharge channel (12). On the other hand, in the case of high flow rates, as shown in the lower drawing of FIG. 3, a vortex is generated in the coolant, and a large amount of bubbles are introduced into the coolant from the surface of the vortex. Ultimately, the discharged coolant may contain more bubbles, which is a problem. Coolant must begin by flowing through the reservoir tank (10) and then pass through various coolant-using devices, such as batteries and electrical components, to perform cooling. However, if air bubbles are contained in this coolant, cooling performance will naturally deteriorate.

[0010] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, in the case of a valve-integrated reservoir tank, it can be seen that a portion of the lower space of the reservoir tank (10) is formed narrow due to the space occupied by the path setting valve (50) (see the area indicated by hatching and S in FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the capacity of the reservoir tank (10) is a value determined in advance based on various known data. However, if the lower space of the reservoir tank (10) is to be formed narrow, the height of the reservoir tank (10) inevitably becomes higher. However, the reservoir tank (10) must be located at a higher level than all devices that use coolant, that is, it is installed at the uppermost position higher than most other devices in the engine room. Conversely, this means that the distance from the engine room ceiling is the closest. In other words, the height of the reservoir tank (10) cannot be increased beyond a certain limit due to the distance restriction from the engine room ceiling. On the other hand, if the height of the reservoir tank (10) is too small, a sufficient water level cannot be secured, and thus the vortex described in Fig. 3 can easily occur.

[0011] In summary, if the coolant flow rate in the reservoir tank was excessively high or the water level was insufficient, vortex formation resulted in a large amount of air bubbles being contained in the coolant discharged from the reservoir tank. Design improvements are urgently needed to address this issue.

[0012] [Prior Art Literature]

[0013] [Patent Document]

[0014] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 2024-0029362 ("Cooling Medium Distribution Device", March 5, 2024)

[0015] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a valve-integrated reservoir tank with an improved flow path structure to prevent air trapped in a reservoir tank formed integrally with a valve from being illegally introduced into a coolant circulation path. More specifically, the reservoir tank is formed with two discharge paths, and two consecutive flow ports among the flow ports of a path setting valve formed with six or more valves are connected to two discharge paths of the reservoir tank, respectively, so that the coolant flow path passing through the reservoir tank is configured in parallel, thereby ultimately providing a valve-integrated reservoir tank capable of effectively reducing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the reservoir tank.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the valve-integrated reservoir tank (100) of the present invention comprises: a tank part (TNK) including a body part (110) for accommodating a heat exchange medium, an inlet passage (120) for introducing the heat exchange medium into the body part (110), and a discharge passage (130) for discharging the heat exchange medium from the body part (110); a housing (150) having a plurality of flow passages formed therein, and a valve part (VLV) including a flow passage changing part (160) provided inside the housing (150) and having a plurality of flow passages formed therethrough, the flow passage arrangement being changed by rotation to change the connection relationship between the plurality of flow passages on the housing (150); In a reservoir tank (100) formed as a valve integral type, including the tank part (TNK), the tank part (TNK) includes a connection path (140) formed in parallel with the discharge path (130) so that a heat exchange medium can be introduced or discharged, and a pair of distribution paths arranged in series among the plurality of distribution paths on the housing (150) are respectively connected to the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130), and distribution paths arranged in series on one side and the other side of the pair of distribution paths connected to the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130) are respectively connected to the first and second supply sources (210) (220), and the flow path change part (160) includes a three-way flow path, and the three-way flow path is configured to connect the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130) with one selected from the first supply source (210) or the second supply source (220). The layout can be adjusted to allow communication.

[0017] At this time, the reservoir tank (100) may be formed so that a portion of the heat exchange medium flow rate bypasses the body part (110) by the parallel arrangement of the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130), or the heat exchange medium flow rate branches off and each path length is formed differently, so that the heat exchange medium flow rate received and remaining in the body part (110) is reduced, thereby reducing the heat exchange medium flow rate passing through the body part (110).

[0018] As a first embodiment, the reservoir tank (100) may be formed so that the inlet passage (120) is connected to the connection passage (140), so that a portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), a portion of the connection passage (140), and the valve portion (VLV), and the remaining portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), the remaining portion of the connection passage (140), the body portion (110), the discharge passage (130), and the valve portion (VLV), so that only the remaining portion of the heat exchange medium passes through the body portion (110).

[0019] As a second embodiment, the reservoir tank (100) is formed so that the inlet passage (120) is connected to the body portion (110), so that a part of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), one side of the body portion (110), the connection passage (140), and the valve portion (VLV), and a remaining part of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), the other side of the body portion (110), the discharge passage (130), and the valve portion (VLV), so that the lengths between the path of a part of the heat exchange medium and the path of a remaining part of the heat exchange medium can be formed to be different.

[0020] At this time, the inflow path (120) may be formed at a location closer to the connection path (140) than to the discharge path (130).

[0021] Additionally, the inflow path (120) may be formed at a position lower than the lowest water level of the heat exchange medium in the body part (110).

[0022] Meanwhile, when the distribution port connected to the first supply source (210) is referred to as the first supply port (151), the distribution port connected to the connection path (140) is referred to as the first connection port (152), the distribution port connected to the discharge path (130) is referred to as the second connection port (153), and the distribution port connected to the second supply source (220) is referred to as the second supply port (154), the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), and the second connection port (153) may be arranged to communicate with each other, or the first connection port (152), the second connection port (153), and the second supply port (154) may be adjusted to communicate with each other.

[0023] In addition, the three-way path may be formed in a form in which a first path (161) is formed in a form of a plurality of straight lines connecting three points, but is formed in a form of a straight line connecting two points excluding the point at the middle position among the three points, and a second path (162) is formed in a form of a straight line connecting the point at the middle position and the first path (161).

[0024] In addition, the three-way flow path is arranged so that one end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the first supply port (151), the open end of the second flow path (162) is connected to the first connection port (152), and the other end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the second connection port (153), thereby connecting the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), and the second connection port (153), or one end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the first connection port (152), the open end of the second flow path (162) is connected to the second connection port (153), and the other end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the second supply port (154), thereby connecting the first connection port (152), The above second connection port (153) and the above second supply port (154) can be connected.

[0025] In addition, the housing (150) may further include at least two extra flow ports (155)(156) in addition to the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), the second connection port (153), and the second supply port (154).

[0026] In addition, the above-mentioned euro change section (160) may include at least one euro in addition to the three-way euro.

[0027] In addition, the first supply source (210) may be a cooling device for an electric vehicle's electrical components, and the second supply source (220) may be a cooling device for a battery of the electric vehicle.

[0028] Additionally, the heat exchange medium may be cooling water.

[0029] In addition, the coolant cools at least one selected from among the motor and battery of the electric vehicle, and the reservoir tank (100) is a pressurized reservoir tank provided on the coolant circulation path of the vehicle, so that the coolant can flow continuously.

[0030] Additionally, the reservoir tank (100) may be placed at the highest height among the devices that use coolant in the electric vehicle.

[0031] According to the present invention, by improving the structure of the coolant flow path passing through the reservoir tank, there is a great effect of preventing air trapped in the reservoir tank, which is formed integrally with the valve, from being improperly introduced into the coolant circulation path. More specifically, according to the present invention, the reservoir tank is formed with two discharge passages, and two consecutive flow passages among the flow passages of the path setting valve formed with six or more valves are respectively connected to the two discharge passages of the reservoir tank, so that the coolant flow path passing through the reservoir tank is formed in parallel. By this configuration, the flow rate of the coolant passing through the reservoir tank can be effectively reduced, and also the capacity of the reservoir tank can be reduced, thereby ensuring a sufficient water level. Therefore, ultimately, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress the negative effects of vortexing caused by high flow rate and low water level and the resulting introduction of bubbles into the coolant.

[0032] Additionally, by reducing the capacity of the reservoir tank in this way, its height can also be reduced. Since the reservoir tank must be located at the highest point among the coolant-using devices, reducing its height significantly improves engine room space utilization.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a conventional reservoir tank and a coolant circulation path for each mode.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a conventional valve-integrated reservoir tank.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the principle of bubble generation due to vortex generation at high velocity.

[0036] Figure 4 is a first embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 is an operating mode of a first embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 is a second embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 is an operating mode of a second embodiment of the valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention.

[0040]

[0041] ** Explanation of symbols **

[0042] 100: Reservoir Tank

[0043] TNK: Tank Division

[0044] 110: Body 120: Inlet

[0045] 130: exhaust 140: connection

[0046] VLV: Valve section

[0047] 150: Housing

[0048] 151: First supply port 152: First connection port

[0049] 153: Second connection port 154: Second supply port

[0050] 155, 156: Spare distribution area

[0051] 160: Eurozone

[0052] 161: 1st Euro 162: 2nd Euro

[0053]

[0054] 210: First supplier 220: Second supplier

[0055] Hereinafter, a valve-integrated reservoir tank according to the present invention having the configuration described above will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056]

[0057] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a first embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment. The reservoir tank (100) of the present invention is basically formed as an integrated valve. Briefly describing the basic configuration, the reservoir tank (100) is composed of a tank portion (TNK) and a valve portion (VLV), which are combined with each other to form an integral body. The tank portion (TNK), like a general reservoir tank (10) as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a body portion (110) for accommodating a heat exchange medium, an inlet passage (120) for introducing the heat exchange medium into the body portion (110), and a discharge passage (130) for discharging the heat exchange medium from the body portion (110). In addition, the valve part (VLV) includes a housing (150) having a plurality of flow ports formed therein, similar to a general path setting valve (50) as illustrated in FIG. 2, and a flow path changing part (160) provided inside the housing (150) and having a plurality of flow paths formed therethrough, and changing the flow path arrangement by rotation to change the connection relationship between the plurality of flow ports on the housing (150).

[0058] To elaborate, the heat exchanger connected to the reservoir tank may be a radiator, and the heat exchange medium may be coolant. In addition, the coolant cools at least one selected from the motor and the battery of the electric vehicle, and the reservoir tank (100) may be a pressurized reservoir tank provided on the coolant circulation path of the vehicle, and the coolant may constantly flow. In addition, the first supply source (210) described below may be a cooling device for an electric component of the electric vehicle, and the second supply source (220) may be a cooling device for a battery of the electric vehicle.

[0059] At this time, in the case of a conventional valve-integrated reservoir tank, one discharge path discharged from the tank part is directly connected to the inlet path of the valve part, and thus, naturally, the entire amount of heat exchange medium passes through the tank part and the valve part sequentially. On the other hand, in the present invention, the tank part (TNK) is configured to further include a connection path (140) arranged in parallel with the discharge path (130) so that the heat exchange medium can be branched. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the connection path (140) is arranged in parallel with the discharge path (130), but the heat exchange medium is not necessarily discharged like the discharge path (130), and is formed so that the heat exchange medium can be introduced (first embodiment) or discharged (second embodiment) depending on the embodiment.

[0060] In this way, in the present invention, by means of the parallel arrangement of the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130), a portion of the heat exchange medium flow rate bypasses the body part (110), or the heat exchange medium flow rate branches off to form different path lengths for each path (i.e., a portion of the flow rate is formed to have a relatively short path length). By doing so, the heat exchange medium flow rate received and remaining in the body part (110) is reduced, and as a result, the heat exchange medium flow rate passing through the body part (110) is reduced.

[0061]

[0062] As previously described with reference to FIG. 3, if the flow rate of the heat exchange medium passing through the reservoir tank is too fast, a vortex is generated within the reservoir tank, and this vortex causes bubbles to enter the heat exchange medium. There may be various methods to suppress the inflow of bubbles, but the present invention adopts a method of reducing the flow rate of the heat exchange medium passing through the reservoir tank, thereby reducing the flow rate. More specifically, the method is as follows. As previously described, when the heat exchanger connected to the reservoir tank is a radiator and the heat exchange medium is coolant, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the coolant from the radiator would conventionally enter the reservoir tank in its entirety and then be supplied to a necessary path through a path setting valve. However, in the present invention, the connection path (140) arranged in parallel with the discharge path (130) is provided, thereby reducing the flow rate of the coolant discharged through the discharge path (130), thereby reducing the flow rate as a result. By reducing the flow rate itself in this way, the generation of vortices is suppressed, and ultimately, the inflow of bubbles into the cooling water can be effectively suppressed.

[0063] In this way, in the present invention, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium itself passing through the reservoir tank (100) is reduced, thereby reducing the flow rate. When the flow rate at which the heat exchange medium is discharged is reduced, as described above, the generation of vortices within the body part (110) is suppressed, thereby naturally resolving the problem of additional bubbles being introduced. In addition, the reduction in the discharge flow rate means that the heat exchange medium is sufficiently maintained within the body part (110), and accordingly, the original function of the reservoir tank (100), that is, the function of removing bubbles by naturally rising and discharging them outside the heat exchange medium while appropriately retaining the heat exchange medium, can be sufficiently implemented. Of course, it goes without saying that all functions of a general reservoir tank, such as injecting more coolant through an inlet separately provided in the body part (110) when the coolant is insufficient, can also be smoothly implemented.

[0064] In addition, in the present invention, since the entire amount of heat exchange medium does not have to pass through the reservoir tank (100), the capacity of the reservoir tank (100) can be reduced. Meanwhile, it is well known that there is a positional constraint that the reservoir tank must be located at the highest point among the coolant-using devices. At this time, if the height of the reservoir tank (100) becomes too large, there is a risk of contact with the engine cover, so the height of the reservoir tank (100) is also limited. At this time, if the capacity of the reservoir tank (100) can be reduced as in the present invention, the height of the reservoir tank (100) can naturally be reduced. Considering the positional constraint that the reservoir tank must be located at the highest point among the coolant-using devices, it can be seen that such a reduction in the height of the reservoir tank has the effect of greatly improving the space utilization of the engine room.

[0065]

[0066] Hereinafter, the configuration of the tank unit (TNK) will be described in more detail through several embodiments. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the tank unit (TNK) includes the body unit (110), the inlet passage (120), the discharge passage (130), and the connection passage (140) arranged in parallel with the discharge passage (130). The connection between the tank unit (TNK) and the valve unit (VLV) is achieved by connecting a pair of continuously arranged distribution passages among the plurality of distribution passages on the housing (150) to the connection passage (140) and the discharge passage (130), respectively. Meanwhile, in the valve unit (VLV), the distribution passages arranged continuously on one side and the other side of the pair of distribution passages connected to the connection passage (140) and the discharge passage (130) are formed to be connected to the first and second supply sources (210) (220), respectively. At this time, the flow path change unit (160) includes a three-way flow path, and the three-way flow path is arranged so as to connect the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130) with one selected from the first supply source (210) or the second supply source (220). That is, by causing the heat exchange medium to branch and flow along the three-way flow path, it is possible to prevent the entire amount of the heat exchange medium from passing through the body part (110). At this time, as in the first embodiment, the inlet path (120) may be connected to the connection path (140), or as in the second embodiment, the inlet path (120) may be connected to the body part (110).

[0067] Fig. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention. In the first embodiment, as described above, the inlet passage (120) is formed to be connected to the connection passage (140). Fig. 5 illustrates an operating mode of the first embodiment of the valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention, wherein the upper drawing illustrates a mode in which a heat exchange medium is supplied to the first supply source (210), and the lower drawing illustrates a mode in which a heat exchange medium is supplied to the second supply source (220). In either case, only the flow path within the valve portion (VLV) is different, and the flow path within the tank portion (TNK) is formed in the same manner.

[0068] In the first embodiment, since the inlet passage (120) is connected to the connection passage (140), a portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), a portion of the connection passage (140), and the valve portion (VLV) (a path indicated in light color in FIG. 5), and the remaining portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), the remaining portion of the connection passage (140), the body portion (110), the discharge passage (130), and the valve portion (VLV) (a path indicated in dark color in FIG. 5). In this case, a portion of the heat exchange medium does not pass through the body portion (110) at all but bypasses it, and only the remaining portion of the heat exchange medium passes through the body portion (110). Accordingly, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium passing through the body portion (110) is reduced.

[0069] Fig. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention. In the second embodiment, as described above, the inlet passage (120) is formed to be connected to the body portion (110). Fig. 7 illustrates an operating mode of the second embodiment of the valve-integrated reservoir tank of the present invention, wherein the upper drawing illustrates a mode in which the heat exchange medium is supplied to the first supply source (210), and the lower drawing illustrates a mode in which the heat exchange medium is supplied to the second supply source (220). As in the first embodiment, in either case, only the flow path within the valve portion (VLV) is different, and the flow path in the tank portion (TNK) is formed in the same manner.

[0070] In the second embodiment, since the inlet passage (120) is connected to the body part (110), a part of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), one side of the body part (110), the connection passage (140), and the valve part (VLV) (a path indicated in light color in FIG. 7), and the remaining part of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage (120), the other side of the body part (110), the discharge passage (130), and the valve part (VLV) (a path indicated in dark color in FIG. 5). In this case, the lengths between the paths of a part of the heat exchange medium and the paths of the remaining part of the heat exchange medium are formed differently. Unlike the conventional case where the entire amount of the heat exchange medium proceeds through the same path because there is a single discharge location, in the second embodiment, since there are two discharge locations arranged in parallel, the paths of the heat exchange medium are divided into two. In particular, the inlet passage (120) is arranged to be biased toward either the connection passage (140) or the discharge passage (130), so that the lengths between the paths are formed differently. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, the inlet passage (120) is formed at a position closer to the connection passage (140) than to the discharge passage (130), so that the length of the path discharged through the connection passage (140) is shorter than the length of the path discharged through the discharge passage (130), but of course, the opposite configuration may be used. In either case, the path of the heat exchange medium is divided into two, with one side being shorter than the other. When a portion of the heat exchange medium within the body (110) flows through the short path and the other portion flows through the long path, the amount of the heat exchange medium itself that fills the body (110) is reduced. That is, in this case as well, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium passing through the body part (110) is reduced, as in the first embodiment.

[0071] Meanwhile, in the case of the first embodiment, since the inlet passage (120) is provided in the connection passage (140), there is absolutely no possibility of air being filled around the inlet passage (120). On the other hand, in the case of the second embodiment, if the inlet passage (120) is provided too high, air may be filled around the inlet passage (120), which may hinder the natural flow of the heat exchange medium into the body part (110). In addition, since the heat exchange medium falls from the inlet passage (120), acting as a kind of waterfall, there is also a risk of bubbles being generated near the location where the heat exchange medium falls. In order to avoid this problem, the inlet passage (120) is preferably formed at a location lower than the lowest level of the heat exchange medium in the body part (110).

[0072]

[0073] Below, the configuration of the above valve unit (VLV) is described in more detail.

[0074] As described above, the valve unit (VLV) includes a housing (150) having a plurality of flow ports formed therein, and a flow path changing unit (160) provided inside the housing (150) and having a plurality of flow paths penetrating therethrough, and changing the flow path arrangement by rotation to change the connection relationship between the plurality of flow ports on the housing (150). In addition, as described above, the flow path changing unit (160) includes a three-way flow path, and the three-way flow path is arranged so as to communicate the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130) with one selected from the first supply source (210) and the second supply source (220). That is, the three-way flow path serves to collect all of the heat exchange medium flowing through the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130) and supply it to one selected from the first supply source (210) and the second supply source (220).

[0075] The configuration of each part of the valve unit (VLV) so that such a flow can be formed is described in detail as follows. First, in the housing (150), the distribution port connected to the first supply source (210) is referred to as the first supply port (151), the distribution port connected to the connection path (140) is referred to as the first connection port (152), the distribution port connected to the discharge path (130) is referred to as the second connection port (153), and the distribution port connected to the second supply source (220) is referred to as the second supply port (154). At this time, the three-way flow path can be arranged to connect the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), and the second connection port (153). The upper drawings of FIGS. 4 and 5, and the upper drawings of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate this case, and in this case, the heat exchange medium is supplied to the first supply source (210). Alternatively, the three-way path may be arranged to connect the first connection port (152), the second connection port (153), and the second supply port (154). The lower drawings of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 illustrate this case, and in this case, the heat exchange medium is supplied to the second supply source (220). In any case, two of the three ends of the three-way path are necessarily connected to the connection path (140) and the discharge path (130), and the remaining one is formed to be connected to one selected from the first supply source (210) or the second supply source (220).

[0076] The above three-way flow path may be of any shape as long as it can circulate the heat exchange medium in three directions, but a better path can be designed to allow the heat exchange medium to flow naturally and smoothly. The paths shown in the drawings are just such paths, and a detailed explanation thereof is as follows. The above three-way flow path may be formed in a form in which a first flow path (161) is formed in the form of a plurality of straight lines connecting three points as shown, and is formed in the form of a straight line connecting two of the three points excluding the point at the middle position, and a second flow path (162) is formed in the form of a straight line connecting the point at the middle position and the first flow path (161) are combined. At this time, as shown in the upper drawings of FIGS. 4 and 5, and the upper drawings of FIGS. 6 and 7, one end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the first supply port (151), the open end of the second flow path (162) is connected to the first connection port (152), and the other end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the second connection port (153), thereby connecting the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), and the second connection port (153). Or, as in the lower drawing of FIG. 5 and the lower drawing of FIG. 7, one end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the first connection port (152), the open end of the second flow path (162) is connected to the second connection port (153), and the other end of the first flow path (161) is connected to the second supply port (154), thereby connecting the first connection port (152), the second connection port (153), and the second supply port (154). By forming the valve unit (VLV) with this configuration, the entire amount of the heat exchange medium passing through or bypassing the tank unit (TNK) can be collected and smoothly supplied to the first supply source (210) or the second supply source (220).

[0077] Meanwhile, only the configuration in which the valve unit (VLV) supplies the heat exchange medium to one of the first and second supply sources (210)(220) is illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7. However, the valve unit (VLV) may also play a role in changing the connection relationship between other cooling water circulation paths including the first and second supply sources (210)(220), like the path setting valve (50) of FIG. 1. To this end, the housing (150) may further include at least two extra flow ports (155)(156) in addition to the first supply port (151), the first connection port (152), the second connection port (153), and the second supply port (154). That is, in addition to the two distribution ports that must be connected to the connection (140) and the discharge port (130), and the two distribution ports that must be connected to the first and second supply sources (210)(220), there must be at least two more distribution ports for receiving the heat exchange medium that has returned after passing through the first and second supply sources (210)(220). Meanwhile, as in FIG. 1, in addition to simply receiving the returned heat exchange medium, a choice may be needed as to where to send the received heat exchange medium, and for this purpose, more distribution ports may be required. In addition, when these extra distribution ports (155)(156) are further provided, the flow path changer (160) must be formed to include at least one more flow path in addition to the three-way flow path so that communication between them can be achieved. However, this is a part that can vary depending on the system path design, and since the present invention discusses a technology for improving the configuration of that part limited to [a path for selectively supplying heat exchange medium from a reservoir tank to multiple supply sources], the extra distribution ports and flow paths are omitted from drawings 4 to 7.

[0078]

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of application is diverse. It goes without saying that anyone with ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims.

[0080] According to the present invention, by improving the structure of the coolant flow path passing through the reservoir tank, there is a significant effect of preventing air trapped in the reservoir tank, which is formed integrally with the valve, from being improperly introduced into the coolant circulation path. Furthermore, this improved structure allows for a reduction in the capacity of the reservoir tank, thereby reducing its height. Furthermore, the reduction in the height of the reservoir tank has the effect of significantly improving the usability of engine room space.

Claims

1. A reservoir tank formed as an integral valve, comprising: a body part that accommodates a heat exchange medium, an inlet passage for introducing the heat exchange medium into the body part, and a discharge passage for discharging the heat exchange medium from the body part; a housing having a plurality of flow passages formed therein, and a valve part including a flow passage changing part that is provided inside the housing and has a plurality of flow passages formed therethrough and changes the flow passage arrangement by rotation to change the connection relationship between the plurality of flow passages on the housing; The above tank section includes a connecting passage arranged in parallel with the discharge passage to enable the introduction or discharge of a heat exchange medium. Among the plurality of distribution ports on the housing, a pair of distribution ports arranged in series are respectively connected to the connection path and the discharge path, Distribution ports arranged in series on one side and the other side of the pair of distribution ports connected to the above connection and the above discharge port are connected to the first and second supply sources, respectively. A reservoir tank characterized in that the above-mentioned euro change section includes a three-way passage, and the three-way passage is arranged so as to connect the connection and the discharge passage with one selected from the first supply source or the second supply source.

2. In paragraph 1, the reservoir tank, By the parallel arrangement of the above connection and the above discharge, A portion of the heat exchange medium flow bypasses the body portion, or As the heat exchange medium flow rate branches and each path length is formed differently, A reservoir tank characterized in that it is formed so that the flow rate of the heat exchange medium that is received and remains in the body portion is reduced, thereby reducing the flow rate of the heat exchange medium passing through the body portion.

3. In the second paragraph, the reservoir tank, The above inlet is formed to be connected to the above connecting passage, A portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage, a portion of the connecting passage, and the valve section, By sequentially passing the remaining part of the heat exchange medium through the inlet, the remaining part of the connection, the body, the discharge, and the valve, A reservoir tank characterized in that only a portion of the remaining heat exchange medium passes through the body portion.

4. In the second paragraph, the reservoir tank, The above inlet passage is formed to be connected to the body part, A portion of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet passage, one side of the body, the connection passage, and the valve section, As the remaining part of the heat exchange medium sequentially passes through the inlet, the other side of the body, the outlet, and the valve, A reservoir tank characterized in that the lengths between the path of a portion of the heat exchange medium and the path of the remaining portion of the heat exchange medium are formed differently.

5. In paragraph 4, the inflow path is A reservoir tank characterized in that it is formed at a location closer to the connection path than the discharge path.

6. In paragraph 4, the inflow path is A reservoir tank characterized in that it is formed at a position lower than the lowest water level of the heat exchange medium within the above body.

7. In the first paragraph, the three-way flow path is The distribution channel connected to the above first supplier is called the first supply channel, The distribution port connected to the above connection is called the first connection port, The distribution port connected to the above discharge route is called the second connection port, When the distribution channel connected to the above second supplier is called the second supply channel, arranged to connect the first supply port, the first connection port, and the second connection port, or A reservoir tank characterized in that it is arranged so as to connect the first connection port, the second connection port, and the second supply port.

8. In paragraph 7, the three-way flow path is It is formed by multiple straight lines connecting three points, The first euro is formed by a straight line connecting two points, excluding the point in the middle of the three points. A reservoir tank characterized in that the second flow path is formed in a combined form, and the second flow path is formed in a straight line shape connecting the point at the above-mentioned middle position and the first flow path.

9. In paragraph 8, the three-way flow path is One end of the first euro is connected to the first supply port, The open end of the above second euro is connected to the above first connector, By placing the other end of the first euro in communication with the second connection port, the first supply port, the first connection port, and the second connection port are connected, or One end of the first euro is connected to the first connector, The open end of the second euro is connected to the second connector, A reservoir tank characterized in that the other end of the first euro is arranged to be in communication with the second supply port, thereby connecting the first connection port, the second connection port, and the second supply port.

10. In the 7th paragraph, the housing, A reservoir tank characterized in that it further includes at least two extra flow ports in addition to the first supply port, the first connection port, the second connection port, and the second supply port.

11. In paragraph 10, the euro change part, A reservoir tank characterized in that it further includes at least one flow path in addition to the three-way flow path.

12. In paragraph 1, The above first supplier is a cooling device for electric vehicle electrical components, A reservoir tank characterized in that the second supply source is a battery cooling device of an electric vehicle.

13. In paragraph 1, A reservoir tank characterized in that the heat exchange medium is coolant.

14. In paragraph 13, The coolant cools at least one of the electric vehicle's motor and battery. The above reservoir tank is a pressurized reservoir tank provided on the coolant circulation path of the vehicle, and is characterized in that the coolant flows constantly.

15. In paragraph 14, A reservoir tank characterized in that the reservoir tank is positioned at the highest height among devices that use coolant within the electric vehicle.

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