JP7490315B2 - Reservoir Tank - Google Patents

Description

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

Liquid-cooled cooling systems are used to cool internal combustion engines, electrical elements, electronic boards, etc. In liquid-cooled cooling systems, the coolant is circulated to collect heat from the components to be cooled, and the heat is dissipated from a heat emitter to cool the components to be cooled. In liquid-cooled cooling systems, a tank for the coolant, i.e., a reservoir tank, may be provided in the coolant path through which the coolant is circulated. The reservoir tank compensates for losses due to evaporation of the coolant, etc., and absorbs changes in volume due to changes in the temperature of the coolant. In addition, since the formation of air bubbles in the coolant can reduce the cooling efficiency, the reservoir tank may be used to separate the air bubbles in the coolant, i.e., perform gas-liquid separation.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for arranging a rectangular baffle plate inside the reservoir tank body so that it forms a windmill shape in a specific direction. It is disclosed that this reservoir tank can separate air bubbles from the coolant without increasing water resistance or complicating the structure.

JP 2005-248753 A

In recent years, in order to improve the performance of cooling systems, there has been a demand to increase the flow rate of coolant passing through a reservoir tank such as that of Patent Document 1. However, it has been found that when the flow rate of coolant passing through a reservoir tank such as that of Patent Document 1 is increased, the coolant that flows into the tank body tends to ripple and become violent, entraining air inside the tank and generating air bubbles, making it difficult to achieve the expected level of gas-liquid separation effect.

In particular, in recent years, as the demand for smaller reservoir tanks has increased, the coolant inside the tank body has become more susceptible to spilling out of control.
An object of the present invention is to suppress fluctuations in the liquid level inside the tank body of a reservoir tank and to suppress the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank.

After extensive research, the inventor discovered that by making the flow of cooling liquid from the inlet pipe flow into the cooling liquid inside the tank body vertically below the liquid level of the cooling liquid, and by providing a columnar member inside the tank body and locating a portion of the columnar member on the extension of the central axis of the flow out of the inlet pipe, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body, and thus completed the present invention.

The present invention is a reservoir tank provided in a coolant path of a liquid-cooling cooling system, and includes a tank body for storing coolant, an inlet pipe for feeding coolant into the tank body, and an outlet pipe for discharging coolant from the tank body, the inlet pipe being connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level of the coolant stored inside the tank body, and a columnar member being erected inside the tank body, the columnar member having a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane of a D-shaped cross section, a triangle cross section, a circular cross section, a C-shaped cross section, a cross-shaped cross section, or a triangle cross section having a slit in the center. A reservoir tank comprising a columnar member, or a columnar member having a cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical, conical, or pyramidal shape, the columnar member extending in an approximately vertical direction when viewed along the central axis of the inflow pipe , the width of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis of the inflow pipe being between 0.5 and 3 times the diameter of the inflow pipe, a part of the columnar member being disposed on an extension of the central axis of the inflow pipe , and a jet of cooling liquid flowing from the inflow pipe into the tank body flows so as to collide with a part of the columnar member and then branches off in an approximately horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member (first invention).

In the first invention, preferably, the tank has a plurality of columnar members, and the plurality of columnar members are arranged so that the flow of the cooling liquid flowing from the inlet pipe into the tank body is diverted in a substantially horizontal direction by the first columnar member, and the diverted flow is further diverted in a substantially horizontal direction by the second columnar member (second invention). In addition, in the first invention, preferably, the position where the extension line of the central axis of the inlet pipe intersects with the columnar member is vertically below the liquid surface of the cooling liquid (third invention). Furthermore, in the third invention, preferably, the central axis of the inlet pipe extends substantially horizontally, and the columnar members extend substantially vertically (fourth invention).

In any one of the first to fourth inventions, preferably, the columnar member is disposed so as to connect the top and bottom surfaces of the tank body (Fifth invention). In any one of the first to fourth inventions, preferably, the columnar member has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is convex toward the upstream side of the coolant flow (Sixth invention) .

The present invention also provides a reservoir tank provided in a coolant path of a liquid-cooling cooling system, the reservoir tank having a tank body for storing coolant, an inlet pipe for feeding the coolant into the tank body, and an outlet pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank body, the inlet pipe being extended into the tank body and opening into the internal space of the tank body vertically below the liquid level of the coolant stored inside the tank body, and a columnar member being erected inside the tank body, the columnar member being a columnar member having a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane of a D-shaped cross section, a mountain-shaped cross section, a circular cross section, a C-shaped cross section, a cross-shaped cross section, or a mountain-shaped cross section having a slit in the center, or a columnar, rectangular cross section, elliptical cross section, or a rectangular cross section having a slit in the center. A reservoir tank comprising a cylindrical, conical, or pyramidal columnar member, the columnar member extending in an approximately vertical direction when viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe, a width of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe is between 0.5 and 3 times the diameter of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe, a part of the columnar member being disposed on an extension of the central axis of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe, and a jet of cooling liquid flowing into the tank body from the open portion of the inlet pipe flows to collide with a part of the columnar member and then branches off in an approximately horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member ( seventh invention ).

According to the reservoir tank of the present invention (first invention and seventh invention ), fluctuations in the liquid level inside the tank body are suppressed, and the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank can be suppressed.

Furthermore, when the second to fourth aspects of the invention are adopted, the effect of suppressing the liquid surface from becoming unstable and the effect of suppressing the generation of bubbles are further improved.
Furthermore, when the fifth aspect of the invention is adopted, vibration of the columnar member is suppressed, and noise generated from the reservoir tank is also suppressed.
Furthermore, when the sixth aspect of the invention is adopted, the effect of suppressing the liquid surface from becoming unstable and the effect of suppressing the generation of air bubbles are further improved.
Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention , the degree of freedom in arranging the inlet pipe of the reservoir tank is increased.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the operation of the reservoir tank of the first embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of a reservoir tank according to a first modified example. FIG. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a reservoir tank according to a second embodiment. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing modified shapes of the columnar members. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a reservoir tank according to a third embodiment. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the operation of the reservoir tank of the reference example. FIG. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a reservoir tank according to a fourth embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the invention, taking as an example a reservoir tank provided in a liquid-cooled cooling system for an internal combustion engine of an automobile, with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown below, and can be implemented by modifying its form. The use of the liquid-cooled cooling system is not limited to internal combustion engines, and it may be used to cool electrical components such as power elements and inverters, and electronic circuit boards, or for other purposes.

The structure of the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the reservoir tank 10, and Figure 2 shows a transverse section of the reservoir tank 10. The longitudinal section of Figure 1 is an X-X cross section taken on a vertical plane passing through line X-X in Figure 2. The transverse section of Figure 2 is a Y-Y cross section taken on a horizontal plane passing through line Y-Y in Figure 1.
The reservoir tank 10 is configured by connecting an inlet pipe 15 and a discharge pipe 16 to a hollow tank body 17. In the coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system, the reservoir tank 10 is disposed and connected in the coolant path so that the coolant flows from the inlet pipe 15 into the hollow tank body 17 and flows out from the hollow tank body 17 through the discharge pipe 16.

In the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, the upper side of the figure indicates the vertically upper side. In this embodiment, the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 are integrated to form the reservoir tank 10. The lower case 11 and the upper case 12 are integrated to form a hollow tank body 17. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are integrally molded with the lower case 11, but the inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 may be integrated with the tank body 17 by a different configuration.

The tank body 17 stores the cooling liquid L. Air is stored in the vertical upper portion of the tank body 17.
The inlet pipe 15 is connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body. With this configuration, the cooling liquid sent from the inlet pipe 15 flows directly into the cooling liquid stored in the tank (i.e., without passing through air).

Although not required, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe 15 is provided in a straight pipe shape outside the tank body 17. For example, as in the fourth embodiment described below, the inlet pipe may be extended to the inside of the tank body.

The discharge pipe 16 is also connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body. This configuration allows the cooling liquid to be efficiently discharged from the tank body 17 through the discharge pipe 16.

A columnar member 14 is erected inside the tank body 17. In this embodiment, one columnar member 14 is erected so as to extend in a substantially vertical direction. As in a modified example described below, there may be multiple columnar members. Also, as in another embodiment described below, the columnar member may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

When viewed along the central axis m of the inflow pipe 15, the columnar member 14 extends in an approximately vertical direction. The columnar member 14 does not need to extend strictly vertically; as long as it is inclined at an angle of about 30 degrees or less, it can be said to extend in an approximately vertical direction. If the inflow pipe is a curved or bent pipe, the central axis of the pipe near the connection between the inflow pipe and the tank body (the part where the coolant flows from the inflow pipe into the tank body) can be considered to be the central axis m of the inflow pipe.

A part of the columnar member 14 is disposed on the extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15. With this configuration, the jet of cooling liquid that flows from the inlet pipe 15 into the tank body 17 flows so as to collide with a part of the columnar member, and then branches off in an approximately horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member 14 (Figure 3).

Although not required, in this embodiment, the columnar member 14 is hollow and has a cross section (horizontal section) that is approximately D-shaped. The columnar member 14 is provided so that the surface that curves in an arc faces the inlet pipe 15. As described below, the columnar member 14 may have other shapes.

Although not essential, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the position where the extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 intersects with the columnar member 14 is vertically lower than the coolant liquid level S. The position where the extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 intersects with the columnar member 14 may be at substantially the same height in the vertical direction as the coolant liquid level S. More preferably, the position where the extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 intersects with the columnar member 14 is vertically lower than the position where the inlet pipe 15 is connected to the tank body 17.

In addition, although not essential, it is preferable that, as in this embodiment, the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 extends substantially horizontally and the columnar member 14 extends substantially vertically.

In addition, although not essential, it is preferable that the columnar member 14 is arranged to connect the top and bottom surfaces of the tank body, as in this embodiment. It is particularly preferable that the columnar member is divided and formed on the lower case side and the upper case side, as in this embodiment, and that these divided columnar members are joined (preferably welded) to each other.

In addition, although not essential, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member 14 in a horizontal plane be convex toward the upstream side of the cooling liquid flow, as in this embodiment.

Although not essential, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the width D2 of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 is 0.5 to 3 times the diameter d1 of the inlet pipe (the inner diameter on the side that opens to the inside of the tank), i.e., 0.5*d1≦D2≦3*d1. In particular, it is preferable that 1*d1≦D2≦1.5*d1. In this embodiment, D2=1.3*d1. If 0.5*d1≦D2, the flow division effect of the columnar member is easily exerted. Also, if D2≦3*d1, the flow can be prevented from colliding with the columnar member and moving vertically upward, and the suppression of the coolant liquid level movement is more effective.

As long as the tank body 17, columnar member 14, inlet pipe 15, and outlet pipe 16 of the reservoir tank 10 can be configured, there is no particular limit to the specific members that are divided to realize such a structure. In this embodiment, the tank body 17 is divided into two, the lower case 11 and the upper case 12, and assembled to realize such a structure, but such a structure may also be realized by forming components that are such that the tank body 17 is divided into two vertically, and then assembling these to realize such a structure.

The material constituting the reservoir tank 10 of the above embodiment and the manufacturing method of the reservoir tank 10 are not particularly limited, and the reservoir tank 10 can be manufactured by 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, pressure, etc. of the coolant used. Typically, the reservoir tank 10 can be manufactured by forming the members corresponding to the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 by injection molding, and integrating these members by vibration welding, hot plate welding, etc. In this case, it is preferable that the inlet pipe 15, the outlet pipe 16, and the hollow member 14 are integrally molded with the lower case 11 or the upper case 12, respectively, but they may be separate members and later assembled to be integrated.

The action and effect of the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment will be described. The reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment can suppress the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body and suppress the generation of air bubbles.

Figure 9 shows the flow of coolant inside the tank body of a reservoir tank without a columnar member as a reference example. The reference example in Figure 9 has the same configuration as the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment, except that it does not have a columnar member 14.

In the reservoir tank 99 of the reference example, when the coolant flows in forcefully from the inlet pipe (flow Q of the coolant flowing in is shown by the white arrow), the coolant that flows into the tank body continues to travel straight ahead and hits the tank wall opposite the inlet pipe violently, causing the coolant to spread and flow upwards. This flow causes the surface of the coolant inside the tank body to ripple violently. This violent ripple causes air to get caught in the coolant, generating air bubbles.

Air bubbles in the coolant reduce the circulation efficiency of the coolant and the efficiency of heat transport by the coolant, leading to a decrease in the cooling performance of the cooling system.

In the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment described above, the inlet pipe 15 is connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid, and a columnar member is erected inside the tank body, and when viewed along the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15, the columnar member 14 extends in an approximately vertical direction, with a portion of the columnar member 14 positioned on an extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15. This prevents the liquid level inside the tank body from fluctuating, and prevents air bubbles from forming inside the reservoir tank.

That is, in the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment, the flow Q of the cooling liquid flowing in from the inlet pipe 15 flows directly into the cooling liquid stored in the tank body, and the flow from the cooling pipe 15 flows as if it is hitting the columnar member 14, and as shown in FIG. 3, it is divided into two flows in a substantially horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member 14. This division of the flow weakens the strong momentum of the cooling liquid flowing in from the inlet pipe 15, as it is dispersed by the columnar member 14. As a result, the weakened flow of the cooling liquid L hits the wall surface of the tank body, and the liquid surface S is prevented from being violently rippling as in the reference example of FIG. 9. Therefore, in the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment, the liquid surface fluctuation inside the tank body is suppressed, and the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank can be suppressed (FIG. 4).

From the viewpoint of suppressing the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body and suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank, it is preferable that the reservoir tank 19 has multiple columnar members 14a, 14b, 14b, as in the reservoir tank 19 of the first modified example shown in FIG. 5, and the multiple columnar members are arranged so that the flow of the cooling liquid flowing from the inlet pipe 15 into the tank body 17 is divided into two in the approximately horizontal direction by the first columnar member 14a, and the divided flow is further divided into two in the approximately horizontal direction by the second columnar member 14b. The number of columnar members may be two, three, or four or more. The division of the flow by the columnar members may be divided into two, or may be divided into three or more.

With a configuration like the reservoir tank 19 of the first modified example, the coolant flow is more diffused and diverted, resulting in a gentler flow, which further enhances the effect of suppressing the liquid level from becoming unstable inside the tank body and the effect of suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank. In addition, when multiple columnar members are provided, it is preferable to arrange the multiple columnar members in the direction of the flow of the coolant from the inlet pipe 15, like a row of bowling pins.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further suppressing the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body and suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank, it is preferable that the position where the extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe 15 intersects with the columnar member 14 is vertically below the coolant liquid level S. In this way, the coolant flowing in from the inlet pipe 15 is prevented from spurting out forcefully upward from the coolant liquid level, and the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body is further suppressed.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further suppressing the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body and suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank, it is preferable that the central axis m of the inflow pipe 15 extends approximately horizontally and the columnar member 14 extends approximately vertically. With this configuration, the flow of the cooling liquid flowing in from the inflow pipe 15 is reliably diverted in an approximately horizontal direction by the columnar member 14, making it less likely to flow in the vertical direction, more reliably suppressing the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body.

Furthermore, as in the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment, when the columnar member 14 is arranged to connect the top and bottom surfaces of the tank body 17, the vibration of the columnar member 14 is suppressed, and the generation of noise from the reservoir tank is also suppressed. Since the coolant hits the columnar member 14 in the form of a jet, if the columnar member is erected in a cantilevered manner, the columnar member is likely to vibrate, and there is a risk of noise being generated from the reservoir tank. If the columnar member 14 is arranged in a double-supported beam manner so as to connect the top and bottom surfaces of the tank body 17, the rigidity of the portion where the coolant flow hits the columnar member is increased, the vibration of the columnar member 14 is suppressed, and the generation of abnormal noise from the reservoir tank is suppressed.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. Other embodiments of the invention are described below, but in the following description, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and similar parts will be given the same numbers and will not be described in detail. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented by combining parts with each other, or by replacing parts.

Figure 6 shows the reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 1 of the first embodiment. The reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment differs from the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment in the direction of the inlet pipe 25 and the shape of the columnar member 24, but the other configurations are similar to the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment, the inlet pipe 25 is inclined vertically downward as it moves from the outside to the inside of the tank body 27. By inclining the inlet pipe 25 slightly downward, it may be possible to further suppress the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body. Note that, in this embodiment, the discharge pipe 26 is also installed vertically downward from the bottom of the tank, but the position and direction of the discharge pipe can be changed.

In addition, in the reservoir tank 20 of the second embodiment, the columnar member 24 is a columnar member 24 with a mountain-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 7(a). Even with such a columnar member 24, as in the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the liquid level inside the tank body and suppress the generation of air bubbles inside the reservoir tank.

7 shows an example of a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane of another embodiment of the columnar member, in which the white arrow indicates the flow direction of the cooling liquid from the inlet pipe.
The columnar member may be a columnar member 24 having a mountain-shaped cross section (L-shaped cross section) as shown in Fig. 7(a). Also, the columnar member may be a columnar member 24b having a circular cross section (hollow cylindrical cross section) as shown in Fig. 7(b). Also, the columnar member may be a solid member, for example, a columnar member having a solid cylindrical cross section. Also, the columnar member may be a rectangular columnar member, an elliptical columnar member, a conical member, or a pyramidal member.

The columnar member may be a columnar member 24c with a C-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 7(c). The columnar member may be a columnar member 24d with a cross-shaped cross section (cross section with a stepped upstream side) as shown in FIG. 7(d). The columnar member may be a columnar member 24e with a flat cross section facing the flow as shown in FIG. 7(e). The columnar member may be a columnar member 24f with a mountain-shaped cross section with a slit in the center as shown in FIG. 7(f).

As shown in Figures 2, 5, 7(a), (b), (c), and (d), it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member in the horizontal plane is convex toward the upstream side of the coolant flow. If the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member in the horizontal plane is convex toward the upstream side of the coolant flow, the jet of coolant from the inlet can be effectively diverted and diffused in the horizontal direction, and the jet of coolant from the inlet is prevented from colliding with the columnar member and splashing vertically upward, which is an excellent effect in preventing the coolant surface from becoming unstable.

In addition, from the viewpoint of dividing the flow more smoothly and suppressing the breakup of bubbles, it is more preferable that the columnar member has a shape in which the corners of the part facing the flow of the cooling liquid are rounded, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (c). For example, it is preferable that the corners of the most upstream part of the columnar member and both side ends of the columnar member (the upper end and the lower end in Figure 7) are rounded. If these parts are rounded, even if the jet of cooling liquid hits the columnar member and the flow is divided, the generation of vortexes around the columnar member is suppressed, and the vortexes that cause the bubbles in the cooling liquid to break up into small pieces and become difficult to separate are suppressed.

As shown in Figures 2, 5, 7(a), (c) and (f), the columnar member preferably has a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane such that the width on the upstream side of the coolant flow (the width of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe) is smaller than the width on the downstream side of the coolant flow, and it is particularly preferable for the columnar member to have a cross-sectional shape such that the width of the columnar member increases toward the downstream side. With such a cross-sectional shape, the columnar member's effect of dividing and diffusing the coolant becomes more pronounced, and the effect of suppressing the movement of the coolant surface is enhanced.

The cross-sectional shape of the columnar member in the horizontal plane may have a surface that faces substantially perpendicular to the jet of cooling liquid from the inlet, as shown in Figures 7(c), (d), and (e). However, since such a surface can cause the jet to splash vertically upward and ruffle the surface of the cooling liquid, it is preferable to make the width of such a surface as narrow as possible.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7(f), if a columnar member 24f has a slit in the center, the jet of cooling liquid from the inlet can be diverted and diffused in three directions, and the effect of diverting and diffusing the cooling liquid by the columnar member becomes more pronounced, and the effect of suppressing the movement of the cooling liquid surface is enhanced. The size of the slit is adjusted to be thin enough to appropriately weaken the jet passing through the slit.

Figure 8 shows the reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 1 of the first embodiment. The reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment differs from the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment in the shape of the tank body 37, the shape and arrangement of the columnar member 24c, and the position of the discharge pipe 36, but the other configurations are similar to the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tank body 17 is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, but in the reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment, the tank body 37 is spherical. The shape of the tank body is not particularly limited, and may be other shapes such as a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or an ellipsoid.

In the reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment, the columnar member 24c has a C-shaped (arc-shaped) cross section as shown in FIG. 7(c), and is arranged so that the cross section is convex toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant. In this embodiment, the columnar member 24c is erected in a cantilever shape.

Similar to the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment, the columnar member 24c extends in a substantially vertical direction when viewed along the central axis m of the inlet pipe 35, so that the jet of cooling liquid from the inlet is essentially diverted and diffused in a substantially horizontal direction, resulting in a significant effect in suppressing the movement of the cooling liquid surface.

In addition, in the reservoir tank 30 of the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the columnar member 24c is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the central axis m of the inflow pipe when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the central axis m of the inflow pipe and the vertical direction. More specifically, the columnar member 24c is provided so as to be inclined so that the distance between the inflow pipe 35 and the columnar member 24c measured in a direction along the central axis m of the inflow pipe becomes shorter the farther it is from the lower base of the columnar member (the joint with the tank body).

When the columnar member 24c is tilted in this manner, when the jet of cooling liquid hits the columnar member 24c, the jet tends to flow slightly vertically downward, which makes the effect of suppressing the movement of the cooling liquid surface more pronounced.

Figure 10 shows the reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 1 of the first embodiment. The reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment differs from the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment in the position and shape of the inlet pipes 451, 452 and the shape of the columnar member 44, but other configurations such as the position of the exhaust pipe 46 are similar to the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inlet pipe is extended into the tank body. That is, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe is composed of an external pipe 451 provided outside the tank body 47 and an internal pipe (extension) 452 provided inside the tank body 47. The external pipe 451 and the internal pipe 452 are connected to each other to form a single pipe line. Note that the internal pipe 452 may share a part of the wall with the tank body 17.

The extension of the inlet pipe, i.e., the internal pipe 452, is open to the internal space of the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body. With this configuration, the flow of cooling liquid flowing in from the inlet pipe flows directly into the cooling liquid stored in the tank (i.e., without passing through the air), ensuring the effect of suppressing the movement of the cooling liquid level. The internal pipe 452 may have a portion where the pipe extends in an approximately vertical direction, as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the columnar member 44 extends in a substantially vertical direction when viewed along the central axis m of the inlet pipe at the portion where the inlet pipe (inner pipe 452) is opened, and a part of the columnar member 44 is disposed on an extension line of the central axis m of the inlet pipe at the portion where the inlet pipe (inner pipe 452) is opened. That is, the inner pipe 452 is formed so that the flow of the cooling liquid passing through the pipe is directed toward the columnar member 44. Although not essential, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the central axis m of the pipe at the portion where the inlet pipe (inner pipe 452) is opened into the inside of the tank body is substantially horizontal.
The flow of the cooling liquid flowing from the inlet pipe (inner pipe 452) into the inside of the tank body flows in a substantially horizontal direction toward the columnar member 44.

When the inlet pipe is extended into the tank body and opens into the internal space of the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body, as in the reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, it is not essential that the inlet pipe be connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body, unlike the first to third embodiments. This is because in the fourth embodiment, the internal pipe 452 functions as an extension pipe of the external pipe 451, and functions in the same way as if the inlet pipe were connected to the tank body below the liquid level S of the cooling liquid.

Similar to the reservoir tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, when viewed along the coolant flow toward the columnar member (the direction of axis m in FIG. 10), the columnar member 44 extends in a substantially vertical direction, and the flow from the inlet pipe collides with the columnar member 44. As a result, the jet of coolant from the inlet is essentially diverted and diffused in a substantially horizontal direction, which has the effect of suppressing the movement of the coolant surface.

In addition, by extending the inlet pipe into the tank, it is possible to obtain the effect of suppressing the movement of the coolant level while increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the portion of the inlet pipe that is located outside the tank body (external pipe 451). That is, according to the reservoir tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inlet pipe (external pipe 451) may be arranged at a position vertically higher than the coolant level S, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of the reservoir tank.

The reservoir tank of the present invention may have other configurations. For example, the reservoir tank may be provided with a removable cap. Coolant can be filled into the tank and the coolant path through such a cap. The cap may also be provided with a pressure release valve. If necessary, the reservoir tank may be integrated with a stay or boss member for mounting to a vehicle body, etc. Depending on the pressure resistance, etc. required of the reservoir tank, the reservoir tank may also be provided with a reinforcing structure such as a rib.

The above-mentioned reservoir tank can be used in the coolant path of a cooling system, and can suppress the generation of air bubbles in the coolant, making it highly useful in industry.

10 Reservoir tank 11 Lower case 12 Upper case 14 Columnar member 15 Inlet pipe 16 Discharge pipe 17 Tank body m Central axis of inlet pipe L Coolant S Liquid level of coolant

Claims (7)

A reservoir tank provided in a coolant path of a liquid-cooling system,
A tank body that stores a cooling liquid;
An inlet pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank body;
The tank has a discharge pipe for discharging the cooling liquid from the tank body.
The inlet pipe is connected to the tank body vertically below the liquid level of the cooling liquid stored inside the tank body, and
A columnar member is erected inside the tank body,
The columnar member is a columnar member whose cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane is a D-shaped cross section, a mountain cross section, a circular cross section, a C-shaped cross section, a cross section having a slit in the center, or a columnar member having a cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical, conical, or pyramidal shape;
When viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe, the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction,
The width of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe is 0.5 to 3 times the diameter of the inlet pipe,
A part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of a central axis of the inlet pipe ,
A jet of the cooling liquid flowing from the inlet pipe into the tank body flows so as to collide with a part of the columnar member, and then branches off in a substantially horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member.
Reservoir tank. A plurality of columnar members are provided.
A plurality of columnar members are arranged so that a flow of the cooling liquid flowing from the inlet pipe into the tank body is diverted in a substantially horizontal direction by the first columnar member, and the diverted flow is further diverted in a substantially horizontal direction by the second columnar member.
The reservoir tank according to claim 1 . A position where an extension line of a central axis of the inlet pipe intersects with the columnar member is vertically below a liquid level of the cooling liquid .
The reservoir tank according to claim 1 . The central axis of the inlet pipe extends substantially horizontally,
The columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction.
The reservoir tank according to claim 3. The columnar member is arranged to connect the top surface and the bottom surface of the tank body.
5. The reservoir tank according to claim 1. The cross-sectional shape of the columnar member in a horizontal plane is a convex shape toward the upstream side of the cooling liquid flow.
5. The reservoir tank according to claim 1. A reservoir tank provided in a coolant path of a liquid-cooling system,
A tank body that stores a cooling liquid;
An inlet pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank body;
The tank has a discharge pipe for discharging the cooling liquid from the tank body.
The inlet pipe is extended into the tank body and is opened into the internal space of the tank body vertically below the liquid level of the cooling liquid stored in the tank body, and
A columnar member is erected inside the tank body,
The columnar member is a columnar member whose cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane is a D-shaped cross section, a mountain cross section, a circular cross section, a C-shaped cross section, a cross section having a slit in the center, or a columnar member having a cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical, conical, or pyramidal shape;
When viewed along a central axis of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe, the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction;
The width of the columnar member when viewed along the central axis of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe is 0.5 to 3 times the diameter of the inlet pipe at the open portion of the inlet pipe,
A part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of a central axis of the inlet pipe of the open portion of the inlet pipe ,
A jet of the cooling liquid flowing into the tank body from the open portion of the inlet pipe flows so as to collide with a part of the columnar member, and then branches off in a substantially horizontal direction to avoid the columnar member.
Reservoir tank.

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