EP0726386B1 - Expansion and de-aeration tank for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Expansion and de-aeration tank for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0726386B1
EP0726386B1 EP19960460006 EP96460006A EP0726386B1 EP 0726386 B1 EP0726386 B1 EP 0726386B1 EP 19960460006 EP19960460006 EP 19960460006 EP 96460006 A EP96460006 A EP 96460006A EP 0726386 B1 EP0726386 B1 EP 0726386B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
wall
fact
tank
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP19960460006
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0726386A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Faivre
Cédric Leclerc
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Automobiles Peugeot SA
Automobiles Citroen SA
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Automobiles Peugeot SA
Automobiles Citroen SA
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Publication of EP0726386A1 publication Critical patent/EP0726386A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
    • F01P11/02—Liquid-coolant filling, overflow, venting, or draining devices
    • F01P11/028—Deaeration devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
    • F01P11/02—Liquid-coolant filling, overflow, venting, or draining devices
    • F01P11/029—Expansion reservoirs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an expansion and degassing tank for the coolant of an internal combustion engine, and in particular of a engine fitted to a motor vehicle.
  • Such a tank is an important element of the cooling circuit.
  • the tank also constitutes a reserve capacity allowing compensate for losses by micro-leaks from the circuit, in particular by lack of watertightness various fittings with which the circuit is provided. It also constitutes an expansion volume able to absorb the expansion of the coolant depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. It is also used to fill the circuit and to coolant level check.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide an expansion tank and degassing which is very effective, while being of a simple design, a moderate cost price, with a small footprint and adapting easily to different models of engines and cooling systems, as well as different vehicle models for application to the automotive industry.
  • the container 14 which is described in the aforementioned document has a liquid inlet consisting of a tube located at the top of the container and oriented tangentially to the circular section and to the wall of the container, as is visible in Figure 3 of the document.
  • Such a device however has a relatively limited effectiveness; of more, the liquid leaving the tank is still turbulent and has a certain energy kinetics, which compromises the proper functioning of the part of the cooling circuit located downstream of the container.
  • the document EP-A-0 561 673 relates to an expansion tank and degassing - called a water box - which is not really made up of two compartments communicating, but which includes a compartment containing an internal conduit. The arrival of liquid in the upper part of it takes place tangentially, and the liquid is subjected to centrifugation there.
  • a rib disposed in the lower part of the internal duct is provided to promote swirling of the liquid and facilitate its flow to the outlet.
  • the present invention relates more precisely to a reservoir formed of two communicating compartments.
  • the device described in FR-A-2 579 668 has a general form of revolution, vertical axis. It is a tank comprising two parts, namely a upper part into which comes the portion of the coolant which comes of the cylinder head and / or of the radiator, and a lower part into which the portion of the coolant from the vehicle's heating circuit, these two parts communicating through an opening provided with an anti-gyratory means.
  • the lower part is connected to an outlet conduit, through which the degassed liquid returns to the pump circulation planned in the cooling circuit.
  • this tank degassing is done using a jet breaker. In its lower part, it is produced by centrifugation, thanks to arrangements tangential to both the supply duct (coming from the heating circuit) and the outlet duct.
  • the tank which is the subject of FR-A-2 600 117 is divided into two compartments arranged in such a way that the smallest of them is connected to a bypass circuit of the main cooling circuit; this allows to reduce the engine warm-up time by significantly reducing the volume of coolant which is used when the engine is cold, the coolant then circulating only in the bypass circuit - and therefore in the small compartment - because the main circuit is cut by a thermostatic valve.
  • the tank according to the present invention comprises two compartments communicating.
  • This tank is remarkable in that one of these compartments - said first compartment - has a wall whose internal surface is a surface of revolution of the vertical axis and is provided with at least one feed nozzle disposed in the upper part and oriented in a direction substantially tangential to said surface so that the liquid to be degassed entering the first compartment is subjected to centrifugation, while the other compartment - says second compartment - has a liquid outlet at the bottom degassed and is provided with a partitioning - called stilling - comprising notched fins which extend vertically in the lower part of the tank, this partitioning being adapted to counteract the gyratory movement of the liquid, while said first and second compartments communicate with each other by openings in the form of notches formed in the lower part, in the wall of the first compartment, and through which the liquid passes from the latter into the second compartment.
  • the liquid to be degassed is stuck against the wall under the effect of centrifugal forces while descending by gravity to inside the compartment, the particles of fluid following a trajectory approximately helical downward, vertical axis.
  • this centrifugation and the vortex movements which it generates are braked, the liquid being still in gyratory motion, but no longer stuck against the wall of the compartment.
  • This residual rotation allows the gas bubbles to rise to the surface under the effect of Archimedes' push.
  • the tranquilization of the movement of liquid In the second compartment, the tranquilization of the movement of liquid, the movement of which is hampered and, at least partially interrupted by the partitioning lining this second compartment.
  • the expansion and degassing tank illustrated in the figures has the form general of a body of revolution having a central cylindrical main portion, of axis vertical ZZ 'and curved upper and lower parts, for example hemispherical.
  • the outer shell of the tank is formed by two half-shells 1 and 3 of the same general shape, placed head to tail, and joined by flanges 13, respectively 33, constituting the edges of their opening, the opening of the half-shell upper 1 being directed downwards while the opening of the half-shell lower 3 is directed upwards.
  • These half-shells are made of molded plastic, for example made of polypropylene, their connection at the flanges 13, 33 being by pressure hot (heat sealing).
  • the cylindrical and curved portions of the upper half-shell 1 have been designated by the references 10 and 11, and by the references 30 and 31 the cylindrical and respectively curved portions of the lower half-shell 3.
  • the bottom 110 of the half - upper shell is provided with a cylindrical neck 12, of axis ZZ ' , acting as a filling orifice for the tank, and intended to receive, in known manner, a shutter plug forming a calibrated pressure valve (safety valve) ; still in known manner, there is provided in the wall of the neck 12 an overflow orifice 120 opening into an evacuating nozzle 14 coming from molding with the neck; the end piece 14 is arranged horizontally, radially with respect to the axis ZZ ' .
  • the half-shell 1 is internally integral with a tubular wall cylindrical 2, coaxial with the cylindrical part 10, and which is tightly connected to the bottom wall 110.
  • the tubular wall 2 has a length greater than the height of the half-shell 1, and therefore extends downwards inside the half-shell lower 3, to the vicinity of the bottom 310 of the latter, at a certain distance from this background.
  • the internal face of the wall 2 has been designated by the reference 26.
  • the end pieces 25 are oriented, in a horizontal plane, in a direction tangential to the inner surface 26 (see Figure 13).
  • the wall 2 is pierced with one or more orifices 200 making the interior communicate with the exterior of the tube.
  • the bottom portion 310 of the lower half-shell 3 is provided with a cylindrical outlet nozzle 32, of axis ZZ '.
  • the wall 2 In its lower part, inside the half-shell 3, the wall 2 is provided on its external face with a vertical well 21, of approximately rectangular section (see Figure 9), fitted with a bottom 210. At the central part of this well, the wall 2 is pierced with a small calibrated hole 22; a similar hole 23 is drilled opposite the hole 22, in the front wall of well 21.
  • the wall 2 is cut at its free lower end, so as to have several notches 20 open at the bottom, of rectangular or square shape.
  • the free edge of the cylindrical wall 2 present on all its periphery a recessed inner portion, into which can fit the disc 40.
  • each side of the disc 40 On each side of the disc 40 are arranged vertical fins 42 constituted by thin lamellae, the width of which corresponds to the clearance close fitting, to the space available between the wall 2 and the wall of the half-shell lower 3 when the disc 40 is in place, to form the bottom of the tubular part 2.
  • Each fin 42 has a lateral notch 420 facing outwards.
  • the two fins 42 are located in the same plane, which is parallel to the axis of the discoid part 40 (axis which corresponds to the axis ZZ ' when the element 4 is in place), but does not contain this axis.
  • These fins 42 extend inwards, under the disc 40, to connect to a part 41; the latter consists of a partition extending downwards under the disc 40 and having a cross section in "U” (see Figures 5 and 6).
  • the partition has a height corresponding to the distance between the end free from the tubular wall 2 of the bottom 310.
  • the middle branch of this "U” has a cutout 410 opening downward; the lateral branches of the "U” have a free edge which has a cut 411 directed downwards.
  • the internal face of the wall of the lower half-shell 3 is provided with two pairs of vertically extending protrusions or slides 35, suitable for being used for interlocking, by longitudinal translation from top to bottom of the fins 42.
  • the slides 35 are notched opposite the notches 420, a notch being referenced 350 to the figure 2.
  • ribs 34 shaped so as to delimit a groove in "U” used for the nesting of the partition 41 when setting place of element 4 in the half-shell 3.
  • the projections 34 are notched opposite the cutout 410 of the partition 41.
  • the assembly of the tank is done first by placing the element 4 in the lower half-shell, then by placing the upper half-shell 1 on the lower half-shell 3, the free edge of the wall 2 then fitting into the discoid part 40; the half-shells 1 and 3 are then fixed to each other by heat sealing.
  • a double-shelled tank comprising a first compartment 5 delimited by the inner cylindrical wall 2, by the upper bottom 110, and by the discoid part 40, and a second compartment 6 constituted by the interior space at half-shells 1 and 3 and outside part 5 and bottom 40.
  • this reservoir only consists of three separate parts, of molded plastic such as polypropylene, the cost of which is relatively small.
  • the material chosen is preferably transparent or translucent, of so that it is possible to see the level of liquid inside the tank without opening the shutter cap.
  • 100 graduations are provided on the wall of the tank, which indicate the volume of liquid in it.
  • the tank has the shape of a compact box, whose general cylindrical shape with convex ends has the advantage of withstanding internal pressure constraints.
  • the tank is connected to the cooling circuit of the internal combustion engine, between the cylinder head outlet and / or the radiator and the inlet of the motor.
  • the inlet ends 25 and the outlet end 32 are of the standardized type, allowing their connection to the tubing of the circuit.
  • detection members such as electrodes for example, making it possible to check that the level of the liquid contained in the tank remains between minimum values and predetermined maximum; if this is not the case, these detection devices generate a signal warning the user, for example by means of an indicator provided on the control panel on board the vehicle.
  • the coolant is introduced into the circuit through the neck 12.
  • the tank is placed in an upper zone of the circuit, so as to put the latter under load (under pressure).
  • the level N of the coolant is visible through the wall of the tank.
  • the liquid arrives in the reservoir through the nozzles 25, as is symbolized by the arrows A in FIGS. 12 and 13.
  • This liquid is charged with gas, and in particular with air, which have been captured in the cooling circuit, in particular in the engine or in the radiator. It opens tangentially in the upper part of compartment 5, and is therefore subjected to centrifugation, which presses it against the internal face 26 of the cylindrical wall 3. The intensity of the centrifugal forces being different on the liquid phase and on the gas phase, a rapid separation of the gases is thus obtained, which go up into the compartment 5 and are then evacuated outside the tank by the shutter plug BO and by the overflow orifice 120.
  • the liquid follows an approximately helical downward trajectory symbolized by the line B. This liquid falls back into the mass of liquid L 1 contained in the compartment 5. It is then always in rotation, but is no longer stuck to the tubular wall 2. This residual rotation, which is symbolized by the line C in Figure 12, allows the gas bubbles which are still in the liquid to rise to the surface under the effect of Archimedes' push.
  • the liquid then leaves compartment 5 through the openings 20, as symbolized by the arrows E , to end up outside the tube 2, in the second compartment 6, joining the liquid L 2 present in the latter.
  • the liquid is slowed down by the baffled partitioning consisting on the one hand by the fins 42 arranged laterally and by the "U" partition 41 arranged under the bottom 40.
  • the liquid nevertheless manages to pass, in particular through the notches of fins 420 (arrows F ), through the notch 410 of the lower partition 41 (arrow F ' ) and bypassing the walls of the lower partition 41 (arrows G ). It thus arrives in the interior space of the "U" partition 41, where the orifice 321 of the inlet of the outlet nozzle 32 is located.
  • the role of the orifice (orifices) 200 is to allow free communication of air between compartments 5 and 6, which is necessary to obtain the balance of levels in these compartments.
  • the detection well 21 is an area of the reservoir which is not subject to the general flow of liquid passing through it.
  • the two calibrated orifices 22 and 23 provide a damping of variations in the level of liquid which avoids untimely detections.
  • the tranquilization partitioning which prevents the liquid leaving the tank by the circuit 32 loading nozzle is not in a state of turbulence a also has the effect of limiting fluid movements due to accelerations that it undergoes during the running of the vehicle, which thus avoids a planing of the orifice of charging 320, and the aspiration of air by it.

Description

La présente invention concerne un réservoir d'expansion et de dégazage pour le liquide de refroidissement d'un moteur à combustion interne, et notamment d'un moteur équipant un véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to an expansion and degassing tank for the coolant of an internal combustion engine, and in particular of a engine fitted to a motor vehicle.

Un tel réservoir est un élément important du circuit de refroidissement.Such a tank is an important element of the cooling circuit.

En effet, il assure la séparation des gaz, en particulier de l'air qui se trouve en solution dans le liquide, et dont la présence dans le circuit de refroidissement est néfaste pour son bon fonctionnement.Indeed, it ensures the separation of gases, in particular of the air which is in solution in the liquid, and whose presence in the cooling circuit is harmful for its proper functioning.

Le réservoir constitue aussi une capacité de réserve permettant de compenser les pertes par microfuites du circuit, en particulier par défaut d'étanchéité des différents raccords dont le circuit est pourvu. Il constitue également un volume d'expansion apte à absorber les dilatations du liquide de refroidissement en fonction des conditions de température et de pression. Il sert par ailleurs au remplissage du circuit et au contrôle du niveau du liquide de refroidissement.The tank also constitutes a reserve capacity allowing compensate for losses by micro-leaks from the circuit, in particular by lack of watertightness various fittings with which the circuit is provided. It also constitutes an expansion volume able to absorb the expansion of the coolant depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. It is also used to fill the circuit and to coolant level check.

Enfin, il assure la mise en charge et la pressurisation du circuit de refroidissement, cette pressurisation étant régulée par un bouchon obturateur jouant le rôle de soupape tarée.Finally, it ensures the loading and pressurization of the cooling, this pressurization being regulated by a shutter plug playing the role of calibrated valve.

L'objectif de la présente invention est de proposer un réservoir d'expansion et de dégazage qui soit très efficace, tout en étant d'une conception simple, d'un prix de revient modéré, présentant un faible encombrement et s'adaptant sans difficulté à différents modèles de moteurs et de circuits de refroidissement, ainsi qu'à différents modèles de véhicules dans le cas d'une application à l'industrie automobile.The objective of the present invention is to provide an expansion tank and degassing which is very effective, while being of a simple design, a moderate cost price, with a small footprint and adapting easily to different models of engines and cooling systems, as well as different vehicle models for application to the automotive industry.

Dans les réservoirs d'expansion et de dégazage traditionnels, la séparation des phases gazeuse et liquide se fait sous l'effet de la gravité, la poussée d'Archimède faisant remonter les gaz, plus légers que le liquide, à la surface de celui-ci, dans la partie supérieure du réservoir.In traditional expansion and degassing tanks, the separation of the gas and liquid phases is effected by gravity, the buoyancy causing the gases, lighter than the liquid, to rise to the surface thereof, in the part top of the tank.

Il est également connu, par exemple par le document FR-A-2 317 489, de soumettre le liquide entrant dans le réservoir à un mouvement de tourbillon, qui réalise une séparation des phases liquide et gazeuse par effet centrifuge, plus efficace que l'effet gravitaire.It is also known, for example from document FR-A-2 317 489, from subjecting the liquid entering the reservoir to a vortex movement, which achieves separation of the liquid and gas phases by centrifugal effect, more effective than the effect gravity.

Pour cela, le récipient 14 qui est décrit dans le document précité possède une entrée de liquide constituée par une tubulure située à la partie supérieure du récipient et orientée tangentiellement la section circulaire et à la paroi du récipient, comme cela est visible sur la figure 3 du document. For this, the container 14 which is described in the aforementioned document has a liquid inlet consisting of a tube located at the top of the container and oriented tangentially to the circular section and to the wall of the container, as is visible in Figure 3 of the document.

Un tel dispositif possède cependant une efficacité relativement limitée ; de plus, le liquide quittant le réservoir est encore turbulent et possède une certaine énergie cinétique, ce qui compromet le bon fonctionnement de la partie du circuit de refroidissement située en aval du récipient.Such a device however has a relatively limited effectiveness; of more, the liquid leaving the tank is still turbulent and has a certain energy kinetics, which compromises the proper functioning of the part of the cooling circuit located downstream of the container.

Le document EP-A-0 561 673 se rapporte à un réservoir d'expansion et de dégazage - appelé boíte à eau - qui n'est pas réellement formé de deux compartiments communiquants, mais qui comporte un compartiment contenant un conduit interne. L'arrivée de liquide dans la partie supérieure de celui-ci se fait de manière tangentielle, et le liquide y est soumis à une centrifugation.The document EP-A-0 561 673 relates to an expansion tank and degassing - called a water box - which is not really made up of two compartments communicating, but which includes a compartment containing an internal conduit. The arrival of liquid in the upper part of it takes place tangentially, and the liquid is subjected to centrifugation there.

Dans ce dispositif connu, une nervure disposée dans la partie inférieure du conduit interne est prévue pour favoriser le tourbillonnement du liquide et faciliter son écoulement vers l'orifice de sortie.In this known device, a rib disposed in the lower part of the internal duct is provided to promote swirling of the liquid and facilitate its flow to the outlet.

Dans cette réalisation, c'est donc aussi un liquide dynamique (turbulent) qui quitte le réservoir.In this embodiment, it is therefore also a dynamic liquid (turbulent) leaving the tank.

La présente invention concerne plus précisément un réservoir formé de deux compartiments communicants.The present invention relates more precisely to a reservoir formed of two communicating compartments.

De tels réservoirs sont déjà connus, notamment par les documents FR-A-2 579 668 et FR-A-2 600 117.Such reservoirs are already known, in particular from documents FR-A-2 579 668 and FR-A-2 600 117.

Le dispositif décrit dans le FR-A-2 579 668 a une forme générale de révolution, d'axe vertical. Il s'agit d'un réservoir comprenant deux parties, à savoir une partie supérieure dans laquelle arrive la portion du liquide de refroidissement qui provient de la culasse et/ou du radiateur, et une partie inférieure dans laquelle arrive la portion du liquide de refroidissement provenant du circuit de chauffage du véhicule, ces deux parties communiquant par une ouverture munie d'un moyen anti-giratoire. La partie inférieure est branchée sur un conduit de sortie, par lequel le liquide dégazé retourne à la pompe de circulation prévue dans le circuit de refroidissement.The device described in FR-A-2 579 668 has a general form of revolution, vertical axis. It is a tank comprising two parts, namely a upper part into which comes the portion of the coolant which comes of the cylinder head and / or of the radiator, and a lower part into which the portion of the coolant from the vehicle's heating circuit, these two parts communicating through an opening provided with an anti-gyratory means. The lower part is connected to an outlet conduit, through which the degassed liquid returns to the pump circulation planned in the cooling circuit.

Dans la partie supérieure de ce réservoir, le dégazage se fait à l'aide d'un brise-jet. Dans sa partie inférieure, il est réalisé par centrifugation, grâce à des dispositions tangentielles à la fois du conduit d'alimentation (provenant du circuit de chauffage) et du conduit de sortie.In the upper part of this tank, degassing is done using a jet breaker. In its lower part, it is produced by centrifugation, thanks to arrangements tangential to both the supply duct (coming from the heating circuit) and the outlet duct.

On notera que la partie inférieure est de faible épaisseur, la centrifugation du liquide se faisant donc sensiblement dans un plan horizontal.Note that the lower part is thin, the centrifugation liquid therefore taking place substantially in a horizontal plane.

Un tel dispositif n'est pas réellement efficace, car l'importance de la centrifugation à laquelle le liquide est soumis est directement dépendante du débit du liquide provenant du circuit de chauffage ; or ce débit est variable, pouvant même être nul en certaines périodes d'utilisation. Such a device is not really effective, because the importance of centrifugation to which the liquid is subjected is directly dependent on the flow rate of the liquid from the heating circuit; however this flow rate is variable, possibly even being zero during certain periods of use.

De plus, la centrifugation se faisant dans un seul plan, elle a forcément une efficacité très limitée.In addition, centrifugation being done in a single plane, it has necessarily very limited effectiveness.

Enfin, c'est un liquide en mouvement qui quitte le réservoir ; il est donc cause de turbulences et d'inégalités de débit et de pression dans la tubulure de retour à la pompe de circulation du fluide, ce qui est indésirable pour le bon fonctionnement de l'ensemble du circuit de refroidissement.Finally, it is a moving liquid which leaves the reservoir; he is therefore cause turbulence and uneven flow and pressure in the manifold back to the fluid circulation pump which is undesirable for the good operation of the entire cooling circuit.

Le réservoir qui fait l'objet du FR-A-2 600 117 est divisé en deux compartiments agencés de telle manière que le plus petit d'entre eux est raccordé à un circuit de dérivation du circuit de refroidissement principal ; ceci permet de réduire le temps de chauffe du moteur grâce à une réduction sensible du volume de liquide de refroidissement qui est mis en oeuvre lorsque le moteur est froid, le liquide de refroidissement circulant alors uniquement dans le circuit de dérivation - et donc dans le petit compartiment - car le circuit principal se trouve coupé par une vanne thermostatique.The tank which is the subject of FR-A-2 600 117 is divided into two compartments arranged in such a way that the smallest of them is connected to a bypass circuit of the main cooling circuit; this allows to reduce the engine warm-up time by significantly reducing the volume of coolant which is used when the engine is cold, the coolant then circulating only in the bypass circuit - and therefore in the small compartment - because the main circuit is cut by a thermostatic valve.

Dans ce réservoir, la séparation des phases liquide et gazeuse se fait de manière classique et relativement peu efficace, uniquement par effet gravitaire.In this tank, the liquid and gas phases are separated conventionally and relatively ineffective, only by gravity effect.

Comme les deux dispositifs connus qui viennent d'être mentionnés, le réservoir selon la présente invention comprend deux compartiments communicants.Like the two known devices which have just been mentioned, the tank according to the present invention comprises two compartments communicating.

Ce réservoir est remarquable en ce que l'un de ces compartiments - dit premier compartiment - a une paroi dont la surface interne est une surface de révolution d'axe vertical et est muni d'au moins un embout d'alimentation disposé en partie haute et orienté selon une direction sensiblement tangentielle par rapport à ladite surface de telle sorte que le liquide à dégazer entrant dans le premier compartiment est soumis à une centrifugation, tandis que l'autre compartiment - dit second compartiment - est muni à sa partie basse d'un embout de sortie du liquide dégazé et est pourvu d'un cloisonnement - dit de tranquillisation - comprenant des ailettes à encoche qui s'étendent verticalement dans la partie inférieure du réservoir, ce cloisonnement étant adapté pour contrarier le mouvement giratoire du liquide, tandis que lesdits premier et second compartiments communiquent l'un avec l'autre par des ouvertures sous forme d'encoches formées en partie basse, dans la paroi du premier compartiment, et par lesquelles le liquide passe de ce dernier dans le second compartiment.This tank is remarkable in that one of these compartments - said first compartment - has a wall whose internal surface is a surface of revolution of the vertical axis and is provided with at least one feed nozzle disposed in the upper part and oriented in a direction substantially tangential to said surface so that the liquid to be degassed entering the first compartment is subjected to centrifugation, while the other compartment - says second compartment - has a liquid outlet at the bottom degassed and is provided with a partitioning - called stilling - comprising notched fins which extend vertically in the lower part of the tank, this partitioning being adapted to counteract the gyratory movement of the liquid, while said first and second compartments communicate with each other by openings in the form of notches formed in the lower part, in the wall of the first compartment, and through which the liquid passes from the latter into the second compartment.

Ainsi, dans le premier compartiment s'opère un dégazage particulièrement efficace du liquide, à la fois par suite de la mise en mouvement tourbillonnaire (effet de Vortex) et sous l'effet de la poussée d'Archimède (effet gravitaire).Thus, in the first compartment there is a degassing particularly effective liquid, both as a result of setting in motion vortex (Vortex effect) and under the effect of Archimedes' thrust (effect gravity).

Dans ce premier compartiment le liquide à dégazer se trouve collé contre la paroi sous l'effet des forces centrifuges tout en descendant par gravité à l'intérieur du compartiment, les particules de fluide suivant une trajectoire approximativement hélicoïdale descendante, d'axe vertical. Lorsque les particules atteignent le niveau du liquide contenu dans le réservoir, cette centrifugation et les mouvements tourbillonnaires qu'elle engendre se trouvent freinés, le liquide étant encore en mouvement giratoire, mais n'étant plus collé contre la paroi du compartiment. Cette rotation résiduelle permet aux bulles de gaz de remonter à la surface sous l'effet de la poussée d'Archimède.In this first compartment the liquid to be degassed is stuck against the wall under the effect of centrifugal forces while descending by gravity to inside the compartment, the particles of fluid following a trajectory approximately helical downward, vertical axis. When the particles reach the level of the liquid contained in the tank, this centrifugation and the vortex movements which it generates are braked, the liquid being still in gyratory motion, but no longer stuck against the wall of the compartment. This residual rotation allows the gas bubbles to rise to the surface under the effect of Archimedes' push.

Dans le second compartiment s'opère la tranquillisation du mouvement de liquide, dont le déplacement se trouve gêné et, au moins partiellement, interrompu par le cloisonnement garnissant ce second compartiment.In the second compartment, the tranquilization of the movement of liquid, the movement of which is hampered and, at least partially interrupted by the partitioning lining this second compartment.

C'est donc un liquide dégazé et pratiquement statique (en tout cas non turbulent) qui va quitter le réservoir à travers l'embout de sortie pour servir à la mise en charge du circuit de refroidissement.It is therefore a degassed and practically static liquid (in any case non turbulent) which will leave the tank through the outlet nozzle to be used for charging of the cooling circuit.

Cette mise en charge statique du circuit favorise le bon fonctionnement de celui-ci.This static charging of the circuit promotes good operation of it.

Par ailleurs, selon un certain nombre de caractéristiques avantageuses, non limitatives de l'invention :

  • la paroi dudit second compartiment a une forme de révolution, coaxiale au premier et entourant ce dernier ;
  • le premier compartiment a une paroi tubulaire de forme cylindrique, tandis que la paroi du second compartiment possède une partie principale cylindrique et des portions d'extrémité hémisphériques ;
  • la paroi dudit premier compartiment s'étend axialement et vers le bas jusqu'au voisinage du fond du second compartiment ;
  • la paroi dudit second compartiment est formée de deux demi-coquilles ayant une forme de révolution en matière plastique moulée fixées l'une à l'autre en position tête-bêche, la paroi cylindrique du premier compartiment formant partie intégrante de l'une d'entre elles ;
  • la paroi dudit premier compartiment forme partie intégrante de la demi-coquille supérieure, à laquelle elle se raccorde, de manière étanche, en partie haute, au niveau de son fond ;
  • ladite demi-coquille supérieure est munie à sa partie haute d'un orifice de remplissage et d'au moins un embout d'alimentation, tous deux débouchant dans le premier compartiment ;
  • ladite demi-coquille inférieure est munie, au niveau de son fond, dudit embout de sortie, ce dernier ayant une forme générale cylindrique de même axe que l'axe de révolution des demi-coquilles ;
  • le cloisonnement de tranquillisation est solidaire d'une pièce discoïde s'adaptant à l'extrémité basse de la paroi tubulaire du premier compartiment pour en constituer le fond, lesdites ouvertures sous forme d'encoches, qui font communiquer les deux compartiments étant formées à ce niveau dans la paroi ;
  • lesdites ailettes à encoche sont situées dans l'espace annulaire séparant la paroi tubulaire du premier compartiment de la paroi de la demi-coquille inférieure ;
  • ce cloisonnement comprend une cloison de section en "U", à flancs verticaux, qui est située en-dessous de ladite pièce discoïde et vient en appui contre le fond de la demi-coquille inférieure, les flancs de cette cloison entourant l'orifice d'entrée de l'embout de sortie ;
  • le réservoir comporte un puits de détection de niveau, solidaire de la paroi du premier compartiment et disposé à l'extérieur de ce dernier, dans la moitié inférieure du réservoir ;
  • le récipient est réalisé en polypropylène moulé translucide, et il comporte sur sa paroi extérieure une graduation de lecture de niveau de liquide ;
  • lesdits compartiments communiquent l'un avec l'autre à leur partie haute par un ou plusieurs orifices qui assurent l'équilibre des nivcaux dans les deux compartiments.
Furthermore, according to a certain number of advantageous, non-limiting characteristics of the invention:
  • the wall of said second compartment has a shape of revolution, coaxial with the first and surrounding the latter;
  • the first compartment has a tubular wall of cylindrical shape, while the wall of the second compartment has a main cylindrical part and hemispherical end portions;
  • the wall of said first compartment extends axially and downwards in the vicinity of the bottom of the second compartment;
  • the wall of said second compartment is formed by two half-shells having a shape of revolution in molded plastic material fixed to each other in head-to-tail position, the cylindrical wall of the first compartment forming an integral part of one of between them ;
  • the wall of said first compartment forms an integral part of the upper half-shell, to which it is sealingly connected, in the upper part, at its bottom;
  • said upper half-shell is provided at its upper part with a filling orifice and with at least one supply nozzle, both opening into the first compartment;
  • said lower half-shell is provided, at its bottom, with said outlet nozzle, the latter having a generally cylindrical shape with the same axis as the axis of revolution of the half-shells;
  • the tranquilization partitioning is integral with a discoid piece adapting to the lower end of the tubular wall of the first compartment to constitute the bottom, said openings in the form of notches, which make the two compartments communicate with each other level in the wall;
  • said notched fins are located in the annular space separating the tubular wall of the first compartment from the wall of the lower half-shell;
  • this partitioning comprises a "U" section partition, with vertical sides, which is located below said discoid piece and comes to bear against the bottom of the lower half-shell, the sides of this partition surrounding the orifice 'input of the outlet nozzle;
  • the reservoir comprises a level detection well, integral with the wall of the first compartment and disposed outside of the latter, in the lower half of the reservoir;
  • the container is made of translucent molded polypropylene, and it has on its outer wall a scale for reading the level of liquid;
  • said compartments communicate with each other at their upper part by one or more orifices which ensure the balance of the levals in the two compartments.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront de la description et des dessins annexés qui en représentent, à simple titre d'exemple non limitatif, un mode de réalisation préféré.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description and attached drawings which represent it, by way of example only nonlimiting, a preferred embodiment.

Sur ces dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue générale en perspective, avec arrachement partiel de sa paroi externe, d'un réservoir conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente le même réservoir coupé par un plan vertical médian, ce plan étant désigné II-II aux figures 9 et 10 ;
  • les figures 3, 4 et 5 représentent, respectivement, en vue de face, vue de côté et vue de dessous l'élément de cloisonnement dont est pourvu ce récipient ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de détail, coupée par le plan horizontal VI-VI de la figure 7, de l'une des cloisons constitutives du cloisonnement de tranquillisation ;
  • la figure 7 représente, à plus grande échelle, le réservoir coupé axialement, par un plan vertical décalé angulairement par rapport au plan de coupe de la figure 2, ce plan de coupe étant référencé VII-VII aux figures 9 et 10 ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue de gauche de la figure 7, à échelle plus petite ;
  • les figures 9, 10 et 11 représentent le réservoir coupé par des plans horizontaux qui sont référencés respectivement IX-IX, X-X et XI-XI à la figure 7 ;
  • la figure 12 est une vue schématique du réservoir, coupé par un plan vertical médian, cette vue étant destinée à illustrer la manière selon laquelle s'opère le dégazage ;
  • la figure 13 est une vue de dessus schématique de la partie supérieure du premier compartiment, cette vue illustrant le mouvement giratoire du liquide rentrant dans ce compartiment.
In these drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a general perspective view, partially broken away from its outer wall, of a reservoir according to the invention;
  • 2 shows the same tank cut by a vertical median plane, this plane being designated II-II in Figures 9 and 10;
  • Figures 3, 4 and 5 show, respectively, in front view, side view and bottom view of the partition element which is provided with this container;
  • Figure 6 is a detail view, cut by the horizontal plane VI-VI of Figure 7, of one of the partitions constituting the plenum partitioning;
  • FIG. 7 represents, on a larger scale, the tank cut axially, by a vertical plane offset angularly with respect to the cutting plane of FIG. 2, this cutting plane being referenced VII-VII in FIGS. 9 and 10;
  • Figure 8 is a left view of Figure 7, on a smaller scale;
  • Figures 9, 10 and 11 show the tank cut by horizontal planes which are referenced respectively IX-IX, XX and XI-XI in Figure 7;
  • Figure 12 is a schematic view of the tank, cut by a median vertical plane, this view being intended to illustrate the manner in which degassing takes place;
  • Figure 13 is a schematic top view of the upper part of the first compartment, this view illustrating the gyratory movement of the liquid entering this compartment.

Le réservoir d'expansion et de dégazage illustré sur les figures a la forme générale d'un corps de révolution ayant une portion principale centrale cylindrique, d'axe vertical ZZ' et des parties haute et basse bombées, par exemple hémisphériques.The expansion and degassing tank illustrated in the figures has the form general of a body of revolution having a central cylindrical main portion, of axis vertical ZZ 'and curved upper and lower parts, for example hemispherical.

L'enveloppe extérieure du réservoir est formée de deux demi-coquilles 1 et 3 de même forme générale, placées tête-bêche, et accolées par des collerettes 13, respectivement 33, constituant les rebords de leur ouverture, l'ouverture de la demi-coquille supérieure 1 étant dirigée vers le bas tandis que l'ouverture de la demi-coquille inférieure 3 est dirigée vers le haut.The outer shell of the tank is formed by two half-shells 1 and 3 of the same general shape, placed head to tail, and joined by flanges 13, respectively 33, constituting the edges of their opening, the opening of the half-shell upper 1 being directed downwards while the opening of the half-shell lower 3 is directed upwards.

Ces demi-coquilles sont réalisées en matière plastique moulée, par exemple en polypropylène, leur liaison au niveau des collerettes 13, 33 se faisant par pression à chaud (thermosoudage).These half-shells are made of molded plastic, for example made of polypropylene, their connection at the flanges 13, 33 being by pressure hot (heat sealing).

On a désigné par les références 10 et 11 les portions cylindrique et respectivement bombée de la demi-coquille supérieure 1, et par les références 30 et 31 les portions cylindrique et respectivement bombée de la demi-coquille inférieure 3. Le fond 110 de la demi-coquille supérieure est muni d'un goulot cylindrique 12, d'axe ZZ', faisant office d'orifice de remplissage du réservoir, et destiné à recevoir, de manière connue, un bouchon obturateur formant clapet de pression tarée (soupape de sécurité) ; toujours de manière connue, il est prévu dans la paroi du goulot 12 un orifice de trop-plein 120 débouchant dans un embout évacuateur 14 venant de moulage avec le goulot ; l'embout 14 est disposé horizontalement, radialement par rapport à l'axe ZZ'.The cylindrical and curved portions of the upper half-shell 1 have been designated by the references 10 and 11, and by the references 30 and 31 the cylindrical and respectively curved portions of the lower half-shell 3. The bottom 110 of the half - upper shell is provided with a cylindrical neck 12, of axis ZZ ' , acting as a filling orifice for the tank, and intended to receive, in known manner, a shutter plug forming a calibrated pressure valve (safety valve) ; still in known manner, there is provided in the wall of the neck 12 an overflow orifice 120 opening into an evacuating nozzle 14 coming from molding with the neck; the end piece 14 is arranged horizontally, radially with respect to the axis ZZ ' .

La demi-coquille 1 est solidaire intérieurement d'une paroi tubulaire cylindrique 2, coaxiale à la partie cylindrique 10, et qui se raccorde de manière étanche à la paroi du fond 110. La paroi tubulaire 2 a une longueur plus grande que la hauteur de la demi-coquille 1, et elle se prolonge donc vers le bas à l'intérieur de la demi-coquille inférieure 3, jusqu'au voisinage du fond 310 de cette dernière, à une certaine distance de ce fond.The half-shell 1 is internally integral with a tubular wall cylindrical 2, coaxial with the cylindrical part 10, and which is tightly connected to the bottom wall 110. The tubular wall 2 has a length greater than the height of the half-shell 1, and therefore extends downwards inside the half-shell lower 3, to the vicinity of the bottom 310 of the latter, at a certain distance from this background.

On a désigné par la référence 26 la face interne de la paroi 2.The internal face of the wall 2 has been designated by the reference 26.

A la partie supérieure du réservoir sont prévus deux embouts tubulaires 25 diamétralement opposés, qui viennent de moulage avec l'ensemble 1, 2, et qui débouchent dans l'espace intérieur de la partie tubulaire 2. Selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, les embouts 25 sont orientés, dans un plan horizontal, selon une direction tangentielle par rapport à la surface intérieure 26 (voir figure 13).At the upper part of the tank are provided two tubular tips 25 diametrically opposed, which come from molding with the assembly 1, 2, and which open out in the interior space of the tubular part 2. According to an important characteristic of the invention, the end pieces 25 are oriented, in a horizontal plane, in a direction tangential to the inner surface 26 (see Figure 13).

On a désigné par la référence 24 les ouvertures par lesquelles les embouts 25 débouchent à l'intérieur de la paroi 2. The openings through which the end pieces have been designated by the reference 24 25 open inside the wall 2.

En partie supérieure, la paroi 2 est percée d'un ou plusieurs orifices 200 faisant communiquer l'intérieur avec l'extérieur du tube.In the upper part, the wall 2 is pierced with one or more orifices 200 making the interior communicate with the exterior of the tube.

La partie de fond 310 de la demi-coquille inférieure 3 est munie d'un embout de sortie cylindrique 32, d'axe ZZ'. The bottom portion 310 of the lower half-shell 3 is provided with a cylindrical outlet nozzle 32, of axis ZZ '.

Dans sa partie basse, à l'intérieur de la demi-coquille 3, la paroi 2 est munie sur sa face externe d'un puits vertical 21, de section approximativement rectangulaire (voir figure 9), munie d'un fond 210. Au niveau de la partie centrale de ce puits, la paroi 2 est percée d'un petit trou calibré 22 ; un trou similaire 23 est percé en vis-à-vis du trou 22, dans la cloison frontale du puits 21.In its lower part, inside the half-shell 3, the wall 2 is provided on its external face with a vertical well 21, of approximately rectangular section (see Figure 9), fitted with a bottom 210. At the central part of this well, the wall 2 is pierced with a small calibrated hole 22; a similar hole 23 is drilled opposite the hole 22, in the front wall of well 21.

Enfin, la paroi 2 est découpée à son extrémité inférieure libre, de manière à présenter plusieurs encoches 20 ouvertes vers le bas, de forme rectangulaire ou carrée.Finally, the wall 2 is cut at its free lower end, so as to have several notches 20 open at the bottom, of rectangular or square shape.

A l'extérieur de la partie 2, et à l'intérieur de la demi-coquille inférieure 3, est installé un élément 4 qui est représenté en détail sur les figures 3, 4 et 5.Outside the part 2, and inside the lower half-shell 3, is installed an element 4 which is shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Il s'agit d'un élément monobloc en matière plastique moulée comprenant une partie discoïde 40 dont le diamètre correspond, au jeu d'emboítement près, à celui de la paroi cylindrique 2, cette partie 40 étant destinée à en constituer le fond.It is a one-piece molded plastic element comprising a discoid part 40 whose diameter corresponds, apart from the interlocking clearance, to that of the cylindrical wall 2, this part 40 being intended to constitute the bottom thereof.

Plus précisément, le chant libre de la paroi cylindrique 2 présente sur toute sa périphérie une portion intérieure renfoncée, dans lequel peut s'emboíter le disque 40.More specifically, the free edge of the cylindrical wall 2 present on all its periphery a recessed inner portion, into which can fit the disc 40.

De chaque côté du disque 40 sont disposées des ailettes verticales 42 constituées par des lamelles de faible épaisseur, dont la largeur correspond, au jeu d'emboítement près, à l'espace disponible entre la paroi 2 et la paroi de la demi-coquille inférieure 3 lorsque le disque 40 est en place, pour constituer le fond de la partie tubulaire 2. Chaque ailette 42 présente une encoche latérale 420 tournée vers l'extérieur.On each side of the disc 40 are arranged vertical fins 42 constituted by thin lamellae, the width of which corresponds to the clearance close fitting, to the space available between the wall 2 and the wall of the half-shell lower 3 when the disc 40 is in place, to form the bottom of the tubular part 2. Each fin 42 has a lateral notch 420 facing outwards.

Les deux ailettes 42 sont situées dans un même plan, qui est parallèle à l'axe de la partie discoïde 40 (axe qui correspond à l'axe ZZ' lorsque l'élément 4 est en place), mais ne contient pas cet axe.The two fins 42 are located in the same plane, which is parallel to the axis of the discoid part 40 (axis which corresponds to the axis ZZ ' when the element 4 is in place), but does not contain this axis.

Ces ailettes 42 se prolongent vers l'intérieur, sous le disque 40, pour se raccorder à une partie 41 ; cette dernière consiste en une cloison s'étendant vers le bas sous le disque 40 et ayant une section transversale en "U" (voir figures 5 et 6).These fins 42 extend inwards, under the disc 40, to connect to a part 41; the latter consists of a partition extending downwards under the disc 40 and having a cross section in "U" (see Figures 5 and 6).

La cloison a une hauteur correspondant à la distance qui sépare l'extrémité libre de la paroi tubulaire 2 du fond 310.The partition has a height corresponding to the distance between the end free from the tubular wall 2 of the bottom 310.

Dans sa partie centrale, la branche médiane de ce "U" présente une découpe 410 s'ouvrant vers le bas ; les branches latérales du "U" ont un bord libre qui présente une découpe 411 dirigée vers le bas.In its central part, the middle branch of this "U" has a cutout 410 opening downward; the lateral branches of the "U" have a free edge which has a cut 411 directed downwards.

La face interne de la paroi de la demi-coquille inférieure 3 est munie de deux paires de saillies ou glissières 35 s'étendant verticalement, aptes à servir à l'emboítement, par translation longitudinale du haut vers le bas des ailettes 42. Les glissières 35 sont échancrées en vis-à-vis des encoches 420, une échancrure étant référencée 350 à la figure 2.The internal face of the wall of the lower half-shell 3 is provided with two pairs of vertically extending protrusions or slides 35, suitable for being used for interlocking, by longitudinal translation from top to bottom of the fins 42. The slides 35 are notched opposite the notches 420, a notch being referenced 350 to the figure 2.

Dans le fond 310 sont prévues des nervures 34 conformées de manière à délimiter une rainure en "U" servant à l'emboítement de la cloison 41 lors de la mise en place de l'élément 4 dans la demi-coquille 3.In the bottom 310 are provided ribs 34 shaped so as to delimit a groove in "U" used for the nesting of the partition 41 when setting place of element 4 in the half-shell 3.

Les saillies 34 sont échancrées en vis-à-vis de la découpe 410 de la cloison 41.The projections 34 are notched opposite the cutout 410 of the partition 41.

Le montage du réservoir se fait tout d'abord par mise en place de l'élément 4 dans la demi-coquille inférieure, puis par mise en place de la demi-coquille supérieure 1 sur la demi-coquille inférieure 3, le bord libre de la paroi 2 venant alors s'emboíter dans la partie discoïde 40 ; on fixe alors les demi-coquilles 1 et 3 l'une à l'autre par thermosoudage.The assembly of the tank is done first by placing the element 4 in the lower half-shell, then by placing the upper half-shell 1 on the lower half-shell 3, the free edge of the wall 2 then fitting into the discoid part 40; the half-shells 1 and 3 are then fixed to each other by heat sealing.

On obtient ainsi un réservoir à double enveloppe, comprenant un premier compartiment 5 délimité par la paroi cylindrique intérieure 2, par le fond supérieur 110, et par la partie discoïde 40, et un second compartiment 6 constitué par l'espace intérieur aux demi-coquilles 1 et 3 et extérieur à la partie 5 et au fond 40.A double-shelled tank is thus obtained, comprising a first compartment 5 delimited by the inner cylindrical wall 2, by the upper bottom 110, and by the discoid part 40, and a second compartment 6 constituted by the interior space at half-shells 1 and 3 and outside part 5 and bottom 40.

Il convient de remarquer que ce réservoir n'est constitué que de trois parties distinctes, en matière plastique moulée telle que le polypropylène dont le coût est relativement faible. La matière choisie est de préférence transparente ou translucide, de telle sorte qu'il est possible d'apercevoir le niveau de liquide à l'intérieur du réservoir sans ouverture du bouchon obturateur. Avantageusement, comme illustré à la figure 8, des graduations 100 sont prévues sur la paroi du réservoir, qui indiquent le volume de liquide contenu dans celui-ci.It should be noted that this reservoir only consists of three separate parts, of molded plastic such as polypropylene, the cost of which is relatively small. The material chosen is preferably transparent or translucent, of so that it is possible to see the level of liquid inside the tank without opening the shutter cap. Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 8, 100 graduations are provided on the wall of the tank, which indicate the volume of liquid in it.

On remarquera également que le réservoir a la forme d'une boíte compacte, dont la forme générale cylindrique à extrémités convexes à l'avantage de bien résister aux contraintes de pression interne.It will also be noted that the tank has the shape of a compact box, whose general cylindrical shape with convex ends has the advantage of withstanding internal pressure constraints.

Il s'agit d'une boíte standard pouvant s'adapter à des types de moteur très différents.It is a standard box that can adapt to very types of engine different.

De manière usuelle, le réservoir est branché sur le circuit de refroidissement du moteur à combustion interne, entre la sortie culasse et/ou du radiateur et l'entrée du moteur.Usually, the tank is connected to the cooling circuit of the internal combustion engine, between the cylinder head outlet and / or the radiator and the inlet of the motor.

Les embouts d'entrée 25 et l'embout de sortie 32 sont de type normalisé, permettant leur branchement sur les tubulures du circuit.The inlet ends 25 and the outlet end 32 are of the standardized type, allowing their connection to the tubing of the circuit.

Il est prévu à l'intérieur du puits 21 des organes de détection appropriés, non représentés, tels que des électrodes par exemple, permettant de contrôler que le niveau du liquide contenu dans le réservoir reste compris entre des valeurs minimale et maximale prédéterminées ; si ce n'est pas le cas, ces organes de détection génèrent un signal avertissant l'usager, par exemple au moyen d'un voyant prévu sur le tableau de bord du véhicule.Inside the well 21 is provided suitable detection members, not shown, such as electrodes for example, making it possible to check that the level of the liquid contained in the tank remains between minimum values and predetermined maximum; if this is not the case, these detection devices generate a signal warning the user, for example by means of an indicator provided on the control panel on board the vehicle.

Le liquide de refroidissement est introduit dans le circuit par le goulot 12.The coolant is introduced into the circuit through the neck 12.

Le réservoir est placé en une zone haute du circuit, de manière à mettre celui-ci en charge (sous pression).The tank is placed in an upper zone of the circuit, so as to put the latter under load (under pressure).

Le niveau N du liquide de refroidissement, est visible à travers la paroi du réservoir.The level N of the coolant is visible through the wall of the tank.

Nous allons maintenant expliquer, en nous référant plus particulièrement aux figures 12 et 13, de quelle manière ce réservoir réalise le dégazage du liquide de refroidissement. Le bouchon obturateur, mis en place sur le goulot 12, est référencé BO et représenté en traits mixtes.We will now explain, with particular reference to Figures 12 and 13, how this tank performs degassing of the coolant. The obturator plug, placed on the neck 12, is referenced BO and shown in phantom.

Le liquide arrive dans le réservoir par les embouts 25, comme cela est symbolisé par les flèches A sur les figures 12 et 13.The liquid arrives in the reservoir through the nozzles 25, as is symbolized by the arrows A in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Ce liquide est chargé de gaz, et notamment d'air, qui ont été captés dans le circuit de refroidissement, notamment dans le moteur ou dans le radiateur. Il débouche tangentiellement en partie supérieure du compartiment 5, et est donc soumis à une centrifugation, qui le plaque contre la face interne 26 de la paroi cylindrique 3. L'intensité des forces centrifuges étant différente sur la phase liquide et sur la phase gazeuse, on obtient ainsi une séparation rapide des gaz, qui remontent dans le compartiment 5 pour être ensuite évacués à l'extérieur du réservoir par le bouchon obturateur BO et par l'orifice de trop-plein 120.This liquid is charged with gas, and in particular with air, which have been captured in the cooling circuit, in particular in the engine or in the radiator. It opens tangentially in the upper part of compartment 5, and is therefore subjected to centrifugation, which presses it against the internal face 26 of the cylindrical wall 3. The intensity of the centrifugal forces being different on the liquid phase and on the gas phase, a rapid separation of the gases is thus obtained, which go up into the compartment 5 and are then evacuated outside the tank by the shutter plug BO and by the overflow orifice 120.

Le liquide suit une trajectoire approximativement hélicoïdale descendante symbolisée par la ligne B. Ce liquide retombe dans la masse de liquide L 1 contenue dans le compartiment 5. Il se trouve alors toujours en rotation, mais n'est plus collé à la paroi tubulaire 2. Cette rotation résiduelle, qui est symbolisée par la ligne C à la figure 12, permet aux bulles de gaz qui se trouvent encore au sein du liquide de remonter à la surface sous l'effet de la poussée d'Archimède.The liquid follows an approximately helical downward trajectory symbolized by the line B. This liquid falls back into the mass of liquid L 1 contained in the compartment 5. It is then always in rotation, but is no longer stuck to the tubular wall 2. This residual rotation, which is symbolized by the line C in Figure 12, allows the gas bubbles which are still in the liquid to rise to the surface under the effect of Archimedes' push.

D'après le principe des vases communicants, le liquide quitte alors le compartiment 5 en traversant les ouvertures 20, comme symbolisé par les flèches E, pour se retrouver à l'extérieur du tube 2, dans le second compartiment 6, rejoignant le liquide L 2 présent dans ce dernier.According to the principle of communicating vessels, the liquid then leaves compartment 5 through the openings 20, as symbolized by the arrows E , to end up outside the tube 2, in the second compartment 6, joining the liquid L 2 present in the latter.

Dans celui-ci, le liquide se trouve freiné par le cloisonnement en chicane constitué d'une part par les ailettes 42 disposées latéralement et par la cloison en "U" 41 disposée sous le fond 40.In this, the liquid is slowed down by the baffled partitioning consisting on the one hand by the fins 42 arranged laterally and by the "U" partition 41 arranged under the bottom 40.

Le liquide arrive néanmoins à passer, notamment à travers les encoches d'ailettes 420 (flèches F), à travers l'encoche 410 de la cloison basse 41 (flèche F') et en contournant les parois de la cloison inférieure 41 (flèches G). Il arrive ainsi dans l'espace intérieur de la cloison en "U" 41, où se trouve l'orifice 321 d'entrée de l'embout de sortie 32.The liquid nevertheless manages to pass, in particular through the notches of fins 420 (arrows F ), through the notch 410 of the lower partition 41 (arrow F ' ) and bypassing the walls of the lower partition 41 (arrows G ). It thus arrives in the interior space of the "U" partition 41, where the orifice 321 of the inlet of the outlet nozzle 32 is located.

C'est donc un liquide non turbulent, pratiquement statique, qui quitte le réservoir par l'embout 32, comme symbolisé par la flèche E, pour la mise en charge du circuit.It is therefore a non-turbulent, practically static liquid, which leaves the reservoir via the nozzle 32, as symbolized by the arrow E, for the loading of the circuit.

Le rôle de l'orifice (ou des orifices) 200 est de permettre la libre comunication d'air entre les compartiments 5 et 6, qui est nécessaire pour obtenir l'équilibre des niveaux dans ces compartiments.The role of the orifice (orifices) 200 is to allow free communication of air between compartments 5 and 6, which is necessary to obtain the balance of levels in these compartments.

Il convient de noter que le puits de détection 21 est une zone du réservoir qui n'est pas soumise au flux général du liquide qui le traverse. Les deux orifices calibrés 22 et 23 réalisent un amortissement des variations du niveau de liquide qui évite des détections intempestives.It should be noted that the detection well 21 is an area of the reservoir which is not subject to the general flow of liquid passing through it. The two calibrated orifices 22 and 23 provide a damping of variations in the level of liquid which avoids untimely detections.

Le cloisonnement de tranquillisation, qui évite que le liquide quittant le réservoir par l'embout de mise en charge du circuit 32 ne soit dans un état de turbulence a également pour effet de limiter les mouvements du liquide en raison des accélérations qu'il subit lors du roulage du véhicule, ce qui évite ainsi un déjaugeage de l'orifice de mise en charge 320, et l'aspiration d'air par celui-ci.The tranquilization partitioning, which prevents the liquid leaving the tank by the circuit 32 loading nozzle is not in a state of turbulence a also has the effect of limiting fluid movements due to accelerations that it undergoes during the running of the vehicle, which thus avoids a planing of the orifice of charging 320, and the aspiration of air by it.

On pourrait prévoir un seul embout d'alimentation 25, au lieu de deux, pour introduire le liquide à dégazer tangentiellement dans le compartiment 5.One could provide a single supply nozzle 25, instead of two, to introduce the liquid to be degassed tangentially into compartment 5.

Claims (14)

  1. An expansion and degassing tank for the cooling liquid of an internal combustion engine, the tank comprising two compartments in communication, a "first" one of which compartments (5) has a wall (2) whose inside surface (26) is a surface of revolution about a vertical axis (ZZ') and is provided with at least one feed endpiece (25) placed at its top and directed in a direction that is substantially tangential relative to said surface (26) in such a manner that the liquid to be degassed entering into said first compartment (5) is subjected to centrifuging, the tank being characterized in that the other or "second" compartment (6) is provided at its base with an outlet endpiece (32) for degassed liquid and is provided with a "tranquilizing" partition (41, 42) having notched fins. (42) extending vertically in the bottom portion of the tank, said partition being adapted to oppose turning motion of the liquid, while said first and second compartments (5, 6) communicate with each other via openings (20) in the form of notches formed through the bottom portion of the wall (2) of the first compartment (5), via which the liquid passes from said first compartment into the second compartment (6).
  2. A tank according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the wall of said second compartment (6) is in the form of a body of revolution disposed coaxially around the first compartment (5).
  3. A tank according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the first compartment (5) has a cylindrically-shaped tubular wall (2) while the wall (1, 3) of the second compartment possesses a cylindrical main portion (10-30) and hemispherical end portions (11-31).
  4. A tank according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the wall (2) of said first compartment (5) extends axially downwards to the vicinity of the bottom (310) of the second compartment (6).
  5. A tank according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the wall of said second compartment (6) is formed by two half-shells made of molded plastics material, each in the form of a body of revolution (1, 3), the shells being fixed to each other in a rim-to-rim position, the cylindrical wall (2) of the first compartment forming an integral portion of one of the shells (1).
  6. A tank according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the wall (2) of said first compartment forms an integral portion of the top half-shell (1) to which it is connected in leakproof manner at the top via its end wall (110).
  7. A tank according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said top half-shell is provided at its top portion with a filler orifice (12) and with at least one feed endpiece (25), both opening out into the first compartment (5).
  8. A tank according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by the fact that said bottom half-shell (3) is provided at its end wall (310) with said outlet endpiece (32), said endpiece being cylindrical in shape about the same axis as the axis of revolution (ZZ') of the half-shells.
  9. A tank according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by the fact that said tranquilizing partition is secured to a disk-shaped piece (40) fitting on the bottom end of the tubular wall (2) of the first compartment (5) to constitute an end wall thereof, said openings (20) in the form of notches which put the two compartments (5, 6) into communication being formed through the wall (2) at this level.
  10. A tank according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the notched fins (42) are situated in the annular gap between the tubular wall (2) of the first compartment and the wall of the bottom half-shell (3).
  11. A tank according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized by the fact that said tranquilizing partition comprises a channel-section partition (41) with vertical flanges, situated beneath said disk-shaped piece (40) and bearing against the end wall (310) of the bottom half-shell (3), the flanges of said partition (41) surrounding the inlet orifice of the outlet endpiece (32).
  12. A tank according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized by the fact that it includes a level-detecting well (21) secured to the wall (2) of the first compartment and disposed outside it, in the bottom half of the tank.
  13. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that it is made of translucent molded polypropylene and that it includes graduations (100) on its outside wall for reading the level of the liquid.
  14. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that said compartments (5, 6) communicate with each other through their top portions via one or more orifices (200) for ensuring that the liquid levels in both compartments are in equilibrium.
EP19960460006 1995-02-07 1996-02-05 Expansion and de-aeration tank for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine Expired - Lifetime EP0726386B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9501605 1995-02-07
FR9501605A FR2730272B1 (en) 1995-02-07 1995-02-07 EXPANSION AND DEGASSING TANK FOR COOLING CIRCUIT OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0726386A1 EP0726386A1 (en) 1996-08-14
EP0726386B1 true EP0726386B1 (en) 2001-11-21

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19960460006 Expired - Lifetime EP0726386B1 (en) 1995-02-07 1996-02-05 Expansion and de-aeration tank for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine

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EP (1) EP0726386B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69617066T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2167530T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2730272B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2360838B (en) * 2000-03-31 2004-04-07 Rover Group Cooling system expansion tank
US6843209B2 (en) * 2001-06-20 2005-01-18 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Engine cooling water passage structure and gas/liquid separator for engine cooling system
FR2841187B1 (en) 2002-06-21 2004-08-27 Cf Gomma Spa DEGASSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
DE10231480A1 (en) * 2002-07-12 2004-01-29 Dr.Ing.H.C. F. Porsche Ag Expansion tank for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine
FR2848621B1 (en) * 2002-12-11 2006-03-17 Mark Iv Systemes Moteurs Sa DEGASSING BOX AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH BOX
GB2403163B (en) * 2003-06-23 2006-12-20 Ford Global Tech Llc Cooling system expansion tank
FR2861133B1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2007-06-22 Mark Iv Systemes Moteurs Sa DEGASSING BOX WITH SIMPLIFIED STRUCTURE
DE102007002453A1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Ventilation for a fluid circuit
GB2455743B (en) * 2007-12-20 2012-10-10 Ford Global Tech Llc Cooling system expansion tank
CH706212B1 (en) * 2012-03-08 2015-12-15 Schwanden Kunststoff Reservoirs for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine.
KR20200020205A (en) * 2018-08-16 2020-02-26 엘지전자 주식회사 Heat pump system
FR3113698B1 (en) 2020-08-28 2022-08-12 Hutchinson Device for separation by vortex effect for a fluid transfer circuit
US11618343B2 (en) 2020-11-04 2023-04-04 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Deaeration devices for electrified vehicle thermal management systems
KR20220144156A (en) * 2021-04-19 2022-10-26 현대자동차주식회사 Integrated thermal management module for vehicle
WO2024003592A1 (en) * 2022-06-27 2024-01-04 Volvo Truck Corporation Degassing system for vehicle cooling system

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US5139082A (en) * 1990-08-31 1992-08-18 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Cooling system for a liquid cooled engine
FR2688449B1 (en) * 1992-03-16 1994-06-17 Peugeot LIQUID CIRCUIT FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER ASSOCIATED WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINE.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2730272A1 (en) 1996-08-09
DE69617066T2 (en) 2002-08-22
ES2167530T3 (en) 2002-05-16
FR2730272B1 (en) 1997-04-25
DE69617066D1 (en) 2002-01-03
EP0726386A1 (en) 1996-08-14

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