CN114320565A

CN114320565A - Liquid storage tank

Info

Publication number: CN114320565A
Application number: CN202110759083.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阪田俊介
Original assignee: Tigers Polymer Corp
Current assignee: Tigers Polymer Corp
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2021-07-05
Publication date: 2022-04-12
Also published as: US20220099018A1

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid storage tank, comprising: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe is connected to the tank main body below a liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in a vertical direction, and the columnar member extends substantially in the vertical direction as viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the inflow pipe.

Description

Liquid storage tank

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2020-.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tank.

Background

Liquid-cooled cooling systems are flexibly used for cooling internal combustion engines, electrical components, electronic boards, and the like. In a liquid-cooled cooling system, a cooling liquid is circulated to collect heat from a cooling target component and radiate the heat from a radiator, thereby cooling the cooling target component. In a liquid-cooled cooling system, a tank for cooling liquid, that is, a liquid storage tank may be provided in a cooling liquid path for circulating the cooling liquid. The liquid storage tank is used for compensating reduction of the cooling liquid caused by gasification and the like and absorbing volume change of the cooling liquid caused by temperature change. Further, if bubbles are generated in the coolant, the cooling efficiency may be reduced. Therefore, the liquid storage tank is sometimes used to separate bubbles in the coolant, i.e., to perform gas-liquid separation.

For example, in the technique disclosed in japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-248753, a rectangular baffle is disposed in a windmill shape in a specific direction in a tank main body. Patent document 1 discloses the following: according to this tank, the air bubbles can be separated from the coolant without increasing the water conveyance resistance and complicating the structure.

Disclosure of Invention

The liquid storage tank has: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe is connected to the tank main body below a liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in a vertical direction, and the columnar member extends substantially in the vertical direction as viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the inflow pipe.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a tank according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tank of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the function of the tank of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the operation of the tank according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and action of a tank according to a first modification.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a tank in a second embodiment.

Fig. 7A to 7F are cross-sectional views showing shapes of modified examples of the columnar member.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a tank in a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the operation of the tank of the reference example.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a tank in a fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It may be evident, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

In recent years, in order to further improve the performance of a cooling system, there has been a demand for further increasing the flow rate of a cooling liquid passing through a liquid storage tank as disclosed in japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-248753. However, in the liquid storage tank as disclosed in japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-248753, if the flow rate of the coolant passing through the liquid storage tank is increased, the coolant flowing into the tank main body is likely to collide straight and sideways like waves, and therefore, bubbles are likely to be generated in the coolant by the air trapped in the tank, and it is difficult to obtain a desired level of gas-liquid separation effect.

In particular, in recent years, as the demand for downsizing the liquid storage tank has increased, the coolant inside the tank main body is likely to be disturbed.

One object of the present disclosure is to suppress the occurrence of turbulence in the liquid level inside the tank main body of the tank and the generation of air bubbles inside the tank.

The inventors have made extensive studies and found that, by causing the coolant flowing out from the inflow pipe to flow into the coolant inside the tank main body below the liquid surface of the coolant in the vertical direction and by providing a columnar member in the tank main body and disposing a part of the columnar member on an extension line of the center line of the flow of the coolant flowing out from the inflow pipe, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the liquid surface inside the tank main body, and the technique of the present disclosure has been completed.

A liquid storage tank according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe is connected to the tank main body below a liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in a vertical direction, and the columnar member extends substantially in the vertical direction as viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the inflow pipe (first aspect).

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the tank includes a plurality of the columnar members including a first columnar member and a second columnar member, and the plurality of the columnar members are arranged such that the flow of the coolant flowing into the tank main body from the inflow pipe is branched in a substantially horizontal direction by the first columnar member, and the branched flow of the coolant is further branched in a substantially horizontal direction by the second columnar member (the second aspect). In the first aspect, it is preferable that a position at which an extension line of the center line of the inflow pipe intersects with the columnar member is located below a liquid surface of the coolant in a vertical direction (third aspect). Further, in the third aspect, it is preferable that the center line of the inflow pipe extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction (fourth aspect).

In any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the columnar member is disposed so as to connect a top surface and a bottom surface of the tank main body (fifth aspect). In addition, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that a cross-sectional shape of the columnar member at a horizontal plane is a convex shape toward an upstream side of a flow of the coolant (sixth aspect). In any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the width of the columnar member as viewed along the center line of the inflow pipe is 0.5 times or more and 3 times or less the diameter of the inflow pipe (seventh aspect).

Further, a tank according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe extends into the tank main body, opens into the internal space of the tank main body below the liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in the vertical direction, the columnar member extends in the substantially vertical direction when viewed along the center line of the pipe line of the inflow pipe in the portion of the inflow pipe that is open, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the pipe line of the inflow pipe in the portion of the inflow pipe that is open (an eighth aspect).

According to the tank of the first and eighth aspects of the present disclosure, since turbulence in the liquid level inside the tank main body can be suppressed, generation of air bubbles inside the tank can be suppressed.

Further, according to the second to fourth aspects, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid surface and the effect of suppressing the generation of bubbles are further improved.

Further, according to the fifth aspect, the vibration of the columnar member is suppressed. As a result, the generation of abnormal sound from the tank can be suppressed.

Further, according to the sixth and seventh aspects, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid surface and the effect of suppressing the generation of bubbles are further improved.

Further, according to the eighth aspect, the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the inflow tube in the tank can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a liquid tank of a liquid-cooled cooling system provided for an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The technique of the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described below, and may be implemented in the following modified embodiments. The application of the liquid-cooled cooling system is not limited to the internal combustion engine, and may be an application of cooling electric components such as power elements, inverters, and the like, and electric components such as electronic circuit boards, and other applications.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a structure of a tank 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a tank 10. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the tank 10. The longitudinal sectional view of fig. 1 is an X-X sectional view cut along a vertical plane passing through the X-X line of fig. 2. Further, the cross-sectional view of fig. 2 is a Y-Y sectional view taken by a horizontal plane passing through the Y-Y line of fig. 1.

The tank 10 is configured to include a hollow tank main body 17, and an inflow tube 15 and an exhaust tube 16 connected to the tank. The liquid storage tank 10 used in the cooling liquid path of the liquid-cooled cooling system is arranged and connected in the cooling liquid path of the liquid-cooled cooling system such that the cooling liquid flows into the hollow tank main body 17 from the inflow tube 15 and flows out from the hollow tank main body 17 through the discharge tube 16.

In the vertical sectional view of fig. 1, the upper side of the drawing indicates the upper side in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 are integrated to form the tank 10. The lower case 11 and the upper case 12 are integrated to form a hollow box body 17. In the present embodiment, the inflow tube 15 and the discharge tube 16 are integrally formed with the lower case 11. In this regard, the inflow pipe 15 and the discharge pipe 16 may be integrated with the tank main body 17 by another manufacturing method different from the integral molding.

The tank main body 17 stores therein the coolant L. Air is stored in the upper portion of the box main body 17 in the vertical direction.

The inflow pipe 15 is connected to the tank main body 17 below the liquid level S of the coolant stored in the tank main body 17 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the coolant fed from the inflow pipe 15 directly (i.e., without passing through the air) flows into the coolant stored in the tank.

Although not necessary, in the present embodiment, the inflow pipe 15 is provided outside the tank main body 17 in a straight pipe shape. For example, as in the fourth embodiment described later, the inflow pipe may extend to the inside of the tank main body.

The discharge pipe 16 is also connected to the tank main body 17 below the liquid level S of the coolant stored in the tank main body 17 in the vertical direction. With this structure, the coolant is efficiently discharged from the tank main body 17 through the discharge pipe 16.

A columnar member 14 is provided upright inside the box main body 17. In the present embodiment, one columnar member 14 is provided so as to stand upright to extend in a substantially vertical direction. As shown in a modification described later, a plurality of columnar members may be provided. As in other embodiments described later, the columnar member may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

The columnar member 14 extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along the center line m of the inflow pipe 15. The columnar member 14 does not need to extend strictly in the vertical direction. The columnar member 14 extends substantially in the vertical direction as long as it is inclined in a range of about 30 degrees or less from the vertical direction. When the inflow pipe 15 is a bent or bent pipe, the center line of the pipe near the connection portion with the tank main body 17 in the inflow pipe 15 (the portion of the inflow pipe 15 into which the coolant flows into the tank main body 17) may be considered as the center line m of the inflow pipe 15.

A part of the columnar member 14 is disposed on an extension of the center line m of the inflow pipe 15. With this configuration, the coolant jet flowing into the tank main body 17 from the inflow pipe 15 flows so as to collide with a part of the columnar member 14, and also flows so as to be branched in a substantially horizontal direction so as to avoid the columnar member 14 (fig. 3).

Although not necessary, in the present embodiment, the cross section (section at the horizontal plane) of the columnar member 14 has a hollow shape that becomes a substantially D-shaped section. The columnar member 14 is provided such that the surface of the columnar member 14 on the side curved in an arc shape faces the inflow pipe 15. As will be described later, the columnar member 14 may have other shapes.

Although not essential, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the position where the extended line of the center line m of the inflow pipe 15 intersects the columnar member 14 is located below the liquid surface S of the coolant in the vertical direction. The position where the extended line of the center line m of the inflow pipe 15 intersects the columnar member 14 may be at substantially the same height as the liquid surface S of the coolant in the vertical direction. More preferably, a position where an extension line of the center line m of the inflow pipe 15 intersects the columnar member 14 is located below a position where the inflow pipe 15 is connected to the tank main body 17 in the vertical direction.

Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the center line m of the inflow pipe 15 extends in a substantially horizontal direction and the columnar member 14 extends in a substantially vertical direction, although this is not essential.

Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the columnar member 14 is disposed so as to connect the top surface and the bottom surface of the tank main body 17, although this is not essential. As in the present embodiment, it is particularly preferable that the columnar member 14 is formed by dividing into a lower case-side component and an upper case-side component, and the components of the divided columnar member 14 are joined (preferably welded) to each other.

Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member 14 at the horizontal plane is a convex shape toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant, although it is not essential.

It is preferable, though not essential, that the width D2 of the columnar member 14 as viewed along the center line m of the inflow pipe 15 be 0.5 times or more and 3 times or less of the diameter (inner diameter of the side opening to the inside of the tank main body 17) D1 of the inflow pipe 15, that is, 0.5 yd 1. ltoreq.d 2. ltoreq.3yd 1, as in the present embodiment. Particularly preferably 1 ANG-D1-D2-1.5 ANG-D1. In the present embodiment, D2 is 1.3 yd 1. When the flow rate is 0.5 ANG 1 or less and D2, the flow dividing effect by the columnar member can be easily and sufficiently exhibited. Further, if D2 is not more than 3 ANG D1, the flow of the coolant can be suppressed from colliding with the columnar member 14 and being directed upward in the vertical direction. As a result, the liquid level of the coolant can be more effectively prevented from being disturbed.

The structure of the tank 10 is not particularly limited as long as the tank main body 17, the columnar member 14, the inflow tube 15, and the discharge tube 16 of the tank 10 can be configured, and the specific division of the above-described structure of the tank 10 (the assembly of the components (members) of the tank 10) is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the above-described structure of the tank 10 is realized by dividing the tank 10 into two housings, a lower housing 11 and an upper housing 12, and combining them. In this regard, the above-described configuration of the tank 10 may be realized by other constituent members. For example, the above-described structure of the tank 10 may be realized by forming two components of the tank main body 17 divided into two parts on the vertical plane and combining the two components.

In the first embodiment, the material constituting the tank 10 and the method of manufacturing the tank 10 are not particularly limited. The tank 10 can be manufactured by a known material and a known manufacturing method. Typically, the tank 10 is formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyamide resin. The material, the reinforcing structure, and the like of the tank 10 are determined according to the kind, temperature, pressure, and the like of the coolant used. Typically, the tank 10 can be manufactured by forming the components corresponding to the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 by injection molding, and integrating these components by vibration welding, hot plate welding, or the like.

In this case, the inflow tube 15, the discharge tube 16, and the columnar member 14 are preferably integrally formed with the lower case 11 or the upper case 12, respectively. Alternatively, the inflow pipe 15, the discharge pipe 16, and the columnar member 14 may be formed as members different from the lower case 11 or the upper case 12, and may be integrated with the lower case 11 or the upper case 12 by subsequent assembly.

The operation and effect of the tank 10 of the first embodiment will be explained. According to the tank 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of air bubbles while suppressing the turbulence of the liquid surface inside the tank main body 17.

Fig. 9 shows, as a reference example, the flow of the cooling liquid inside the tank main body in the receiver tank without the columnar member. The reference example of fig. 9 has the same structure as the tank 10 of the first embodiment, except that the columnar member 14 is not provided.

In the tank 99 of the reference example, when the coolant flows into the tank main body vigorously from the inflow tube, the coolant flowing into the tank main body (the flow Q of the coolant flowing in is indicated by an open arrow) travels straight directly and collides violently with the surface of the tank wall opposite to the inflow tube. This also causes the coolant to flow in a diffused manner upward. Due to this upward flow, the liquid level of the coolant in the tank main body fluctuates drastically. Due to the violent undulations, air is entrained in the coolant. As a result, bubbles are generated.

The air bubbles in the coolant reduce the circulation efficiency of the coolant and the heat transfer efficiency by the coolant. Therefore, the generation of bubbles in the coolant causes a decrease in the cooling performance of the cooling system.

In contrast, in the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the inflow tube 15 is connected to the tank main body 17 below the liquid level S of the coolant in the vertical direction. Further, a column member 14 is provided upright inside the box main body 17. The columnar member 14 extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along the center line m of the inflow pipe 15. A part of the columnar member 14 is arranged on an extension of the center line m of the inlet pipe 15. Therefore, the liquid level in the tank main body 17 can be prevented from being disturbed. As a result, the generation of air bubbles inside the tank 10 can be suppressed.

That is, in the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the flow Q of the coolant flowing in from the inflow tube 15 directly flows into the coolant stored in the tank main body 17. Further, the coolant flowing in from the inflow pipe 15 flows so as to collide with the columnar member 14, and as shown in fig. 3, flows separately in a substantially horizontal direction so as to avoid the columnar member 14. By this diversion, the violent flow of the coolant flowing in from the inflow pipe 15 is dispersed and weakened by the columnar member 14. As a result, the weakened flow of the coolant L collides with the wall surface of the tank main body 17. Therefore, the drastic fluctuation of the liquid surface S as in the reference example of fig. 9 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the turbulence of the liquid level inside the tank main body 17 can be suppressed. As a result, the generation of air bubbles in the tank 10 can be suppressed (fig. 4).

From the viewpoint of more favorably suppressing the occurrence of air bubbles in the interior of the tank main body 17 by more favorably suppressing the disturbance of the liquid surface in the interior of the tank main body, the configuration of the tank 19 of the first modification shown in fig. 5 can be used. The tank 19 has a plurality of

columnar members

14a, 14 b. Preferably, the plurality of

columnar members

14a, 14b, and 14b are arranged such that the flow of the coolant flowing into the tank main body 17 from the inflow pipe 15 is divided into two in the substantially horizontal direction by the first columnar member 14a, and the divided flow of the coolant is further divided into two in the substantially horizontal direction by the second columnar member 14 b. More than 2, 3, or 4 columnar members may be provided. The plurality of columnar members may be configured to divide the flow of the coolant into two or may be configured to divide the flow of the coolant into 3 or more.

According to the structure of the receiver tank 19 of the first modification, the flow of the coolant is further diffused and branched to become a stable flow. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid level inside the tank main body 17 and the effect of suppressing the generation of air bubbles inside the tank 19 are further enhanced. When a plurality of columnar members are provided, it is preferable that the plurality of columnar members are arranged in the arrangement of pins of the bowling ball with respect to the flow direction of the coolant from the inflow pipe 15.

In addition, from the viewpoint of more favorably suppressing the occurrence of air bubbles in the interior of the tank main body 17 by more favorably suppressing the disturbance of the liquid surface in the interior of the tank main body 17, it is preferable that the position at which the extended line of the center line m of the inflow tube 15 intersects the columnar member 14 be positioned vertically below the liquid surface S of the coolant. In this case, the coolant flowing in through the inflow pipe 15 can be prevented from being blown violently upward from the liquid surface of the coolant. Therefore, the liquid level in the tank main body can be more favorably suppressed from being disturbed.

In addition, from the viewpoint of further preferably suppressing the occurrence of air bubbles in the interior of the tank main body 17 by further preferably suppressing the disturbance of the liquid surface in the interior of the tank main body, the center line m of the inflow tube 15 preferably extends in the substantially horizontal direction and the columnar member 14 preferably extends in the substantially vertical direction. With this configuration, the flow of the coolant flowing in from the inflow pipe 15 is favorably branched in the substantially horizontal direction by the columnar member 14, and is difficult to flow in the vertical direction. Therefore, the liquid level in the tank main body can be more favorably suppressed from being disturbed.

Further, in the case where the columnar member 14 is disposed so as to connect the top surface and the bottom surface of the tank main body 17 as in the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the vibration of the columnar member 14 is suppressed, and therefore, the generation of the abnormal sound from the tank 10 is also suppressed. The coolant is formed into a jet flow and collides with the columnar member 14. Therefore, when the columnar member 14 is erected in a cantilever shape, the columnar member 14 is likely to vibrate, and an abnormal sound may be generated from the tank 10. When the columnar member 14 is disposed in a double-support beam shape so as to connect the top surface and the bottom surface of the tank main body 17, the rigidity of the portion of the columnar member 14 on which the flow of the coolant collides is increased. As a result, the vibration of the columnar member 14 can be suppressed, and thus the generation of abnormal sound from the tank 10 can be suppressed.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented by being variously modified. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In the following description, portions different from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, these embodiments may be implemented by combining a part thereof with each other or by replacing a part thereof.

Fig. 6 shows a tank 20 of a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tank 20 corresponding to fig. 1 of the first embodiment. The direction of the inflow tube 25 and the shape of the columnar member 24 of the tank 20 of the second embodiment are different from those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment. The other structures in the tank 20 are the same as those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the tank 20 of the second embodiment, the inflow tube 25 is provided obliquely so as to be directed downward in the vertical direction as it goes from the outside to the inside of the tank main body 27. If the inflow pipe 25 is slightly inclined downward, the liquid level in the tank main body 27 may be more favorably suppressed from being disturbed. In the present embodiment, the discharge pipe 26 is also provided so as to be vertically downward from the bottom surface of the tank main body 27. However, the position and orientation of the discharge tube 26 may be changed.

Further, in the tank 20 of the second embodiment, the columnar member 24 has a mountain-shaped cross section as shown in fig. 7A. Even with such a columnar member 24, as with the tank 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the liquid level in the tank main body 27 from being disturbed and to suppress the generation of air bubbles in the tank 20.

Fig. 7A to 7F show examples of cross-sectional shapes of columnar members in other embodiments at a horizontal plane. In fig. 7A to 7F, the hollow arrows indicate the direction of the flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe 25.

The columnar member 24 may be a columnar member 24 having a mountain-shaped cross section (V-shaped cross section) shown in fig. 7A. The columnar member may be a columnar member 24B having a circular cross section (hollow cylindrical cross section) shown in fig. 7B. Further, the columnar member may be a solid member, for example, a columnar member having a solid cylindrical cross section. The columnar member may be a prismatic member, an elliptic columnar member, a conical member, or a pyramidal member.

Further, the columnar member may be a columnar member 24C having a C-shaped (or U-shaped) cross section as shown in fig. 7C. Further, the columnar member may be a columnar member 24D having a cross-shaped cross section (a cross section with a step formed on the upstream side) shown in fig. 7D. Further, the columnar member may be a columnar member 24E having a flat plate-like cross section opposed to the flow shown in fig. 7E. Further, the columnar member may be a columnar member 24F having a mountain-shaped cross section with a slit at the center portion as shown in fig. 7F.

As shown in fig. 2, 5, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member at the horizontal plane is preferably convex toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant. The cross-sectional shape of the columnar member at the horizontal plane is convex toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant, and thus the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe can be efficiently divided and diffused in the horizontal direction. Further, the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe can be suppressed from colliding with the columnar member and bouncing up vertically. As a result, the effect of suppressing the liquid level of the coolant from being disturbed can be improved.

In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing the division of the bubbles by more smoothly branching the flow of the coolant, as shown in fig. 7A and 7C, it is more preferable that the columnar member has a shape of R (a shape in which the corner of the outer peripheral surface is rounded) at the corner of the portion facing the flow of the coolant. For example, R is preferably applied to a corner portion of the most upstream portion of the columnar member and/or both side end portions (upper end portion and lower end portion in fig. 7A to 7C) of the columnar member. When R is applied to these portions (these portions are rounded), even in the case where the flow of the cooling liquid is divided by collision of the jet flow of the cooling liquid with the columnar member, generation of a vortex around the columnar member can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bubbles in the coolant from finely breaking up and becoming difficult to separate due to the vortex.

Further, as shown in fig. 2, 5, 7A, 7C, and 7F, in the columnar member, it is preferable that the columnar member has a cross-sectional shape at a horizontal plane formed such that a width of the columnar member on an upstream side of the flow of the coolant (a width of the columnar member when viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe) is smaller than a width of the columnar member on a downstream side of the flow of the coolant. Further, it is particularly preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the columnar member at the horizontal plane is a shape in which the width of the columnar member becomes further larger as going to the downstream side. In the case where the columnar member has such a cross-sectional shape, the flow-dividing and diffusing effects of the coolant by the columnar member are more remarkably exhibited. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the liquid level of the coolant from being disturbed can be enhanced.

As shown in fig. 7C, 7D, and 7E, the columnar member may have a surface facing the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe substantially perpendicularly. However, such a surface also becomes a factor of causing the jet flow to bounce vertically upward and undulate the liquid surface of the coolant. Therefore, it is preferable to narrow the width of such a surface as much as possible.

Further, as shown in fig. 7F, in the case where the columnar member is a columnar member 24F having a slit at the central portion, the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe can be substantially branched and diffused in 3 directions by the columnar member 24F. Therefore, the effect of the flow distribution and diffusion of the coolant by the columnar members is more remarkably exhibited. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the liquid level of the coolant from being disturbed can be enhanced. The size of the slit is adjusted to a fineness where the jet passing through the slit is appropriately attenuated.

Fig. 8 shows a tank 30 of a third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tank 30 corresponding to fig. 1 of the first embodiment. In the tank 30 of the third embodiment, the shape of the tank main body 37, the shape and arrangement of the columnar member 24c, and the position of the discharge pipe 36 are different from those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment. The other structures in the tank 30 are the same as those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, the tank main body 17 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the other hand, in the tank 30 of the third embodiment, the tank main body 37 is spherical in shape. The shape of the box main body 37 is not particularly limited, and may be other shapes such as a cylindrical shape, an elliptic cylindrical shape, and an elliptic shape.

In the tank 30 of the third embodiment, the columnar member 24C has a C-shaped (circular arc-shaped) cross section as shown in fig. 7C. The columnar member 24c is disposed such that its cross section projects toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant. In the present embodiment, the columnar member 24c is provided upright in a cantilever shape.

In the tank 30 of the third embodiment, as in the tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, the columnar member 24c extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along the center line m of the inflow tube 35. Thereby, the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe is substantially branched and diffused in the substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid level of the coolant is significant.

In the tank 30 of the third embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the columnar member 24c is provided such that the columnar member 24c is inclined with respect to the center line m of the inflow pipe 35 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to both the center line m of the inflow pipe 35 and the vertical direction. More specifically, the columnar member 24c is provided obliquely such that the distance between the inflow pipe 35 and the columnar member 24c, measured in the direction along the center line m of the inflow pipe 35, becomes gradually shorter as it is farther from the base portion of the lower side of the columnar member 24c (the joint portion of the columnar member 24c with the tank main body 37).

If the columnar member 24c is inclined in this manner, when the jet of the coolant collides with the columnar member 24c, the jet tends to be slightly directed downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid level of the coolant is more remarkable.

Fig. 10 shows a tank 40 of a fourth embodiment. Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tank 40 corresponding to fig. 1 of the first embodiment. In the tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the position and shape of the inflow tube (the outer tube 451 and the inner tube 452) and the shape of the columnar member 44 are different from those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment. Other structures such as the position of the discharge pipe 46 in the tank 40 are the same as those of the tank 10 of the first embodiment.

In the tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inflow tube extends to the inside of the tank main body 47. That is, in the present embodiment, the inflow pipe includes an outer pipe 451 provided outside the tank main body 47, and an inner pipe (extension portion) 452 provided inside the tank main body 47. The outer tube 451 and the inner tube 452 are connected to each other to form a pipe line. The inner pipe 452 may share a part of the wall surface with the tank main body 17.

The inner tube 452, which is an extension of the inflow tube, opens into the internal space of the tank main body 47 below the liquid level S of the coolant stored in the tank main body 47 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the flow of the coolant flowing in from the inflow pipe directly (i.e., without passing through the air) flows into the coolant stored in the tank. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid level of the coolant is ensured. The inner pipe 452 may have a portion in which the pipe line extends substantially in the vertical direction as in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the columnar member 44 extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along the center line m of the pipe passage of the inflow pipe (the inner pipe 452) in the portion of the inflow pipe that opens into the internal space of the tank. Further, a part of the columnar member 44 is disposed on an extension line of the center line m of the pipe passage of the inflow pipe in the portion where the inflow pipe (the inner pipe 452) is opened. That is, the inner pipe 452 is formed to direct the flow of the coolant passing through the pipe toward the columnar member 44. Although not essential, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the center line m of the pipe line in the portion of the inflow pipe (inner pipe 452) that opens into the tank main body extends in a substantially horizontal direction. In this case, the coolant flowing into the tank main body from the inflow pipe (inner pipe 452) flows in a substantially horizontal direction toward the columnar member 44.

In the tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inflow tube extends to the inside of the tank main body 47. Further, the inflow pipe opens into the internal space of the tank main body 47 below the liquid level S of the coolant stored in the tank main body 47 in the vertical direction. In this case, unlike the first to third embodiments, the inflow pipe is not necessarily connected to the tank main body 47 below the liquid level S of the coolant stored in the tank main body 47 in the vertical direction. The reason for this is that, in the fourth embodiment, the inner pipe 452 functions as an extension of the outer pipe 451, that is, the inflow pipe having the inner pipe 452 functions similarly to the inflow pipe connected to the tank main body 47 below the liquid surface S of the coolant.

In the tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, as in the tank 10 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, the columnar member 44 extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along the flow of the coolant toward the columnar member 44 (in the direction of the center line m in fig. 10). Therefore, the flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe collides with the columnar member 44. Thereby, the jet flow of the coolant from the inflow pipe is substantially branched and diffused in the substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the turbulence of the liquid level of the coolant is obtained.

Further, in the tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inflow tube is provided to extend to the inside of the tank. This can provide an effect of increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the portion (the outer pipe 451) of the inflow pipe located outside the tank main body 47 and suppressing the turbulence of the liquid surface of the coolant. That is, according to the receiver tank 40 of the fourth embodiment, the inflow pipe (the outer pipe 451) may be disposed at a position higher than the liquid surface S of the coolant in the vertical direction. Therefore, the degree of freedom in layout of the tank can be improved.

The tank of the embodiment of the present disclosure may have other structures as well. For example, a detachable cover may be provided to the tank. The inside of the tank or the coolant path can be filled with the coolant through such a cover. Further, a pressure opening valve may be provided in the lid. Further, a stay or a boss member for attaching the tank to a vehicle body or the like may be integrated with the tank as necessary. Further, the tank may be provided with a reinforcing structure such as a rib in accordance with the pressure resistance required for the tank.

Industrial applicability of the invention

The receiver tank of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in a cooling liquid path of a cooling system. The liquid storage tank according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can suppress the generation of bubbles in the coolant, and therefore has a high industrial value.

Further, the tank of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be the following first tank and second tank.

The first liquid storage tank is a liquid storage tank provided in a cooling liquid path of a liquid cooling system, and includes: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe is connected to the tank main body below a liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in a vertical direction, and the columnar member extends substantially in the vertical direction as viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the inflow pipe.

The second tank is a tank provided in a coolant path of the liquid-cooled cooling system, and includes: a tank main body storing a coolant; an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body; a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and a columnar member that is provided upright inside the tank main body, wherein the inflow pipe extends into the tank main body, opens into the internal space of the tank main body below the liquid surface of the coolant stored inside the tank main body in the vertical direction, the columnar member extends in the substantially vertical direction when viewed along the center line of the pipe line of the inflow pipe in the portion of the inflow pipe that is open, and a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of the center line of the pipe line of the inflow pipe in the portion of the inflow pipe that is open.

The detailed description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The detailed description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter described herein. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts described are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A tank for storing liquid, comprising:

a tank main body storing a coolant;

an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body;

a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and

a columnar member provided upright inside the box main body,

the inflow pipe is connected to the tank main body below a liquid level of the coolant stored in the tank main body in a vertical direction,

the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along a center line of the inflow pipe,

a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension of a center line of the inflow pipe.

2. The tank as defined in claim 1,

the tank has a plurality of the column members including a first column member and a second column member,

the plurality of columnar members are arranged such that the flow of the coolant flowing into the tank main body from the inflow pipe is branched in a substantially horizontal direction by the first columnar member, and the branched flow of the coolant is further branched in a substantially horizontal direction by the second columnar member.

3. The tank as defined in claim 1,

the position where the extended line of the center line of the inflow pipe intersects with the columnar member is located below the liquid level of the coolant in the vertical direction.

4. The tank as defined in claim 3,

the center line of the inflow pipe extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and,

the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction.

5. The tank as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4,

the columnar member is configured to connect the top surface and the bottom surface of the box main body.

6. The tank as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4,

the cross-sectional shape at the horizontal plane of the columnar member is a convex shape toward the upstream side of the flow of the coolant.

7. The tank as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4,

the width of the columnar member as viewed along the center line of the inflow pipe is 0.5 times or more and 3 times or less the diameter of the inflow pipe.

8. A tank for storing liquid, comprising:

a tank main body storing a coolant;

an inflow pipe for feeding the cooling liquid into the tank main body;

a discharge pipe for discharging the coolant from the tank main body; and

a columnar member provided upright inside the box main body,

the inflow pipe extends into the tank main body and opens into an internal space of the tank main body below a liquid surface of the coolant stored in the tank main body in a vertical direction,

the columnar member extends in a substantially vertical direction as viewed along a center line of a pipe line of the inflow pipe in the portion of the inflow pipe that is opened,

a part of the columnar member is disposed on an extension line of a center line of a pipe line of the inflow pipe in the opened portion of the inflow pipe.