U.S. patent application number 12/371223 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for multi chamber coolant tank.
Invention is credited to Ryan J. Dotzenrod, Timothy J. Wessels.
Application Number | 20100206882 12/371223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42315638 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100206882 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wessels; Timothy J. ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
MULTI CHAMBER COOLANT TANK
Abstract
A coolant tank for receiving a fluid from the cooling system of
an internal combustion engine includes a pressurized tank having a
pressurized reservoir configured to contain the fluid and an
overflow tank integrated with the pressurized tank. The pressurized
reservoir includes an inlet port configured to receive the fluid
from the cooling system, an outlet port configured to direct the
fluid from the pressurized reservoir to the cooling system, a fill
neck in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir, and a
pressure cap removably coupled to the fill neck. The overflow tank
includes an overflow reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure
and configured to receive overflow fluid from the pressurized
reservoir when the liquid of the cooling system expands. At least a
portion of the fill neck is positioned within the overflow
reservoir.
Inventors: |
Wessels; Timothy J.;
(Victoria, MN) ; Dotzenrod; Ryan J.; (Lakeville,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE, Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
42315638 |
Appl. No.: |
12/371223 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/562 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01P 11/02 20130101;
F01P 11/0238 20130101; F01P 11/0276 20130101; F01P 11/0204
20130101; F01P 11/029 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/562 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/12 20060101
B65D088/12 |
Claims
1. A coolant tank for receiving a fluid from the cooling system of
an internal combustion engine, comprising: a pressurized tank
including a pressurized reservoir configured to contain the fluid,
an inlet port in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir
and configured to direct fluid from the from the cooling system and
into the pressurized reservoir, an outlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct the fluid from the pressurized reservoir to the cooling
system, a fill neck in fluid communication with the pressurized
reservoir, and a pressure cap removably coupled to the fill neck;
and an overflow tank integrated with the pressurized tank, the
overflow tank including an overflow reservoir maintained at
atmospheric pressure and configured to receive overflow fluid from
the pressurized reservoir when the liquid of the cooling system
expands, and wherein at least a portion of the fill neck is
positioned within the overflow reservoir.
2. The coolant tank of claim 1, wherein the pressure cap includes:
a pressure limiting valve configured to release the fluid to the
overflow reservoir when the pressurized reservoir reaches a first
predetermined pressure; and a check valve configured to allow the
fluid to flow from the overflow reservoir to the pressurized
reservoir when the pressure in the pressurized reservoir drops
below a second predetermined value.
3. The coolant tank of claim 1, further comprising an overflow port
in fluid communication with the overflow reservoir and configured
to vent the fluid to the atmosphere.
4. The coolant tank of claim 1, further comprising a duct in fluid
communication between the pressure cap and the overflow reservoir,
the duct having at least a portion of a wall in common with the
fill neck.
5. The coolant tank of claim 1, wherein the position of the
pressure cap relative to the pressure reservoir defines an upward
direction, and wherein the overflow reservoir is positioned
substantially above the pressurized reservoir.
6. The coolant tank of claim 1, wherein the fill neck extends
vertically from the pressurized reservoir into the overflow
reservoir.
7. The coolant tank of claim 1, wherein the inlet port is
positioned near the top of the fill neck.
8. A coolant tank for receiving a fluid from the cooling system of
an internal combustion engine, comprising: a pressurized tank
including a pressurized reservoir configured to contain the fluid,
an inlet port in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir
and configured to direct fluid from the from the cooling system and
into the pressurized reservoir, an outlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct the fluid from the pressurized reservoir to the cooling
system, a fill neck in fluid communication with the pressurized
reservoir, and a pressure cap removably coupled to the fill neck;
and an overflow tank integrated with the pressurized tank, the
overflow tank including an overflow reservoir maintained at
atmospheric pressure and configured to receive overflow fluid from
the pressurized chamber when the liquid of the cooling system
expands, and a fill cap removably coupled to the overflow
reservoir, wherein the position of the fill cap relative to the
overflow reservoir and the position of the pressure cap relative to
the pressure reservoir define an upward direction, wherein at least
a portion of the overflow reservoir is positioned above the
pressurized reservoir.
9. The coolant tank of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the
fill neck is substantially surrounded by the overflow
reservoir.
10. The coolant tank of claim 8, wherein the pressure cap includes:
a pressure limiting valve configured to release the fluid to the
overflow reservoir when the pressurized reservoir reaches a first
predetermined pressure; and a check valve configured to allow the
fluid to flow from the overflow reservoir to the pressurized
reservoir when the pressure in the pressurized reservoir drops
below a second predetermined value.
11. The coolant tank of claim 8, further comprising an overflow
port in fluid communication with the overflow reservoir and
configured to vent the fluid to the atmosphere.
12. The coolant tank of claim 8, further comprising a duct in fluid
communication between the pressure cap and the overflow reservoir,
the duct having at least a portion of a wall in common with the
fill neck.
13. The coolant tank of claim 8, wherein the entire overflow
reservoir is positioned above the pressurized reservoir.
14. The coolant tank of claim 8, wherein the fill neck extends
vertically from the pressurized reservoir into the overflow
reservoir.
15. The coolant tank of claim 8, wherein the inlet port is
positioned near the top of the fill neck.
16. A coolant tank for receiving a fluid from the cooling system of
an internal combustion engine, comprising: an overflow tank, the
overflow tank including an overflow reservoir maintained at
atmospheric pressure, and an overflow duct in fluid communication
with the overflow reservoir; and a pressurized tank integrated with
the overflow tank, the pressurized tank including a pressurized
reservoir configured to contain the fluid; an inlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct fluid from the cooling system and into the pressurized
reservoir, an outlet port in fluid communication with the
pressurized reservoir and configured to direct the fluid from the
pressurized reservoir to the cooling system, a fill neck in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir, wherein the overflow
duct is integrated with the fill neck, and a pressure cap removably
coupled to the fill neck, wherein the pressure cap includes a
pressure limiting valve configured to allow the fluid to flow from
the pressurized reservoir, through the fill neck, and through the
overflow duct to the overflow reservoir when the pressurized
reservoir reaches a first predetermined pressure, and a check valve
configured to allow the fluid to flow from the overflow reservoir,
through the overflow duct, and through the fill neck to the
pressurized reservoir when the pressure in the pressurized
reservoir drops below a second predetermined pressure.
17. The coolant tank of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the
fill neck is substantially surrounded by the overflow
reservoir.
18. The coolant tank of claim 16, further comprising an overflow
port in fluid communication with the overflow reservoir and
configured to vent the fluid to the atmosphere.
19. The coolant tank of claim 16, wherein the position of the
pressure cap relative to the pressure reservoir defines an upward
direction, and wherein the overflow reservoir is positioned
substantially above the pressurized reservoir.
20. The coolant tank of claim 16, wherein the inlet port is
positioned near the top of the fill neck.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to coolant tanks for receiving
fluid from a cooling system, such as an internal combustion engine
cooling system.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one aspect, the invention provides a coolant tank for
receiving a fluid from the cooling system of an internal combustion
engine. The coolant tank includes a pressurized tank having a
pressurized reservoir configured to contain the fluid, an inlet
port in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir and
configured to direct fluid from the from the cooling system and
into the pressurized reservoir, an outlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct the fluid from the pressurized reservoir to the cooling
system, a fill neck in fluid communication with the pressurized
reservoir, and a pressure cap removably coupled to the fill neck.
The coolant tank also includes an overflow tank integrated with the
pressurized tank. The overflow tank includes an overflow reservoir
maintained at atmospheric pressure and configured to receive
overflow fluid from the pressurized reservoir when the liquid of
the cooling system expands, and at least a portion of the fill neck
is positioned within the overflow reservoir.
[0003] In another aspect the invention provides a coolant tank for
receiving a fluid from the cooling system of an internal combustion
engine. The coolant tank includes a pressurized tank having a
pressurized reservoir configured to contain the fluid, an inlet
port in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir and
configured to direct fluid from the from the cooling system and
into the pressurized reservoir, an outlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct the fluid from the pressurized reservoir to the cooling
system, a fill neck in fluid communication with the pressurized
reservoir, and a pressure cap removably coupled to the fill neck.
The coolant tank also includes an overflow tank integrated with the
pressurized tank. The overflow tank includes an overflow reservoir
maintained at atmospheric pressure and configured to receive
overflow fluid from the pressurized chamber when the liquid of the
cooling system expands, and a fill cap removably coupled to the
overflow reservoir. The position of the fill cap relative to the
overflow reservoir and the position of the pressure cap relative to
the pressure reservoir define an upward direction, and at least a
portion of the overflow reservoir is positioned above the
pressurized reservoir.
[0004] In another aspect the invention provides a coolant tank for
receiving a fluid from the cooling system of an internal combustion
engine. The coolant tank includes an overflow tank including an
overflow reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure, and an
overflow duct in fluid communication with the overflow reservoir.
The coolant tank also includes a pressurized tank integrated with
the overflow tank. The pressurized tank includes a pressurized
reservoir configured to contain the fluid, an inlet port in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir and configured to
direct fluid from the cooling system and into the pressurized
reservoir, an outlet port in fluid communication with the
pressurized reservoir and configured to direct the fluid from the
pressurized reservoir to the cooling system, a fill neck in fluid
communication with the pressurized reservoir, and a pressure cap
removably coupled to the fill neck. The overflow duct is integrated
with the fill neck. The pressure cap includes a pressure limiting
valve configured to allow the fluid to flow from the pressurized
reservoir, through the fill neck, and through the overflow duct to
the overflow reservoir when the pressurized reservoir reaches a
first predetermined pressure, and a check valve configured to allow
the fluid to flow from the overflow reservoir, through the overflow
duct, and through the fill neck to the pressurized reservoir when
the pressure in the pressurized reservoir drops below a second
predetermined pressure.
[0005] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cooling system and coolant
tank according to the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the coolant tank of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the coolant tank of
FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a cooling system 10 including
the coolant tank 14 according to the present invention. The coolant
tank 14 receives a fluid from the cooling system 10, such as the
cooling system of an internal combustion engine.
[0012] FIGS. 2-4 show one construction of the coolant tank 14. It
is to be understood that other constructions are possible within
the scope of the invention, as described herein. With further
reference to FIG. 2, the coolant tank 14 includes a first body
portion 16, a second body portion 20, and a third body portion, or
divider 24, coupled between the first and second body portions. In
the illustrated construction, the body portions 16, 20 and the
divider 24 are each plastic and made from a
plastic-injection-molding process. In other constructions, the
coolant tank 14 could be defined by a single body portion, two body
portions, or more than three body portions.
[0013] In the illustrated construction, the body portions 16, 20
and the divider 24 are hot-plate welded together such that they are
integrated together to define the coolant tank 14. In other
constructions, other welding or fastening means may be employed.
The assembled coolant tank 14 includes a pressurized tank 36 and an
overflow tank 40 integrated with each other, or formed as a single
unit or piece. Although the body portions 16, 20 and divider 24
define features of the pressurized tank 36, the overflow tank 40,
or both the pressurized tank 36 and overflow tank 40, the structure
of the coolant tank 14 will be described with reference to its
association with either the pressurized tank 36 or the overflow
tank 40.
[0014] The pressurized tank 36 includes a pressurized reservoir 18
that is in fluid communication with the cooling system 10 and is a
part of the cooling system circuit. The pressurized tank 36 also
includes a fill neck 26 in direct fluid communication with the
pressurized reservoir 18, and a pressure cap 30 removably coupled
to the fill neck 26, preferably by way of a threaded engagement.
The pressure cap 30 includes a pressure limiting valve 34 and a
check valve 38, best depicted in the schematic of FIG. 1. The
coolant tank 14 shown FIG. 1 is a schematic version of the cross
section of the coolant tank 14 shown in FIG. 4. Particularly, a
cross section of the pressure cap 30 is shown schematically in FIG.
1. The pressure limiting valve 34 and the check valve 38 will be
described in greater detail below.
[0015] The fill neck 26 is fluidly separated from the overflow tank
40 by the pressure limiting valve 34 when the pressure limiting
valve 34 is closed. The fill neck 26 includes a substantially
cylindrical wall that extends vertically upward from an opening 28
in the divider 24 at the top of the pressurized reservoir 18,
although the fill neck 26 may be non-vertical and non-cylindrical
in other constructions. The fill neck 26 is substantially
surrounded by the overflow tank 40. In other constructions, the
fill neck 26 may be integrated with a side wall of the second body
portion 20, such that a portion of the fill neck 26 is surrounded
by the overflow tank 40. In preferred embodiments, the fill neck 26
is at least partially positioned within the overflow tank 40; and
most preferably, the fill neck 26 is positioned substantially
within the overflow tank 40.
[0016] The pressurized tank 36 includes an inlet port 42 in fluid
communication with the cooling system 10 and the pressurized
reservoir 18. The inlet port 42 is positioned proximate the top of
the fill neck 26 and provides an inlet for the inflow of fluid to
the pressurized reservoir 18 from the cooling system 10. The inlet
port 42 is positioned at or near a high point in the cooling system
and, likewise, at or near the top of the pressurized tank 36 and
the coolant tank 14. The pressurized tank 36 also includes an
outlet port 46 in fluid communication with the pressurized
reservoir 18 and the cooling system 10. The outlet port 46 is
positioned proximate the bottom of the pressurized reservoir 18 and
provides an outlet for the outflow of fluid from the pressurized
reservoir 18 to the cooling system 10. The outlet port 46 is
positioned low on the pressurized tank 36 to receive fluid from a
low point of the pressurized reservoir 18 and to discharge fluid to
the cooling system 10.
[0017] The pressurized tank 36 includes a threaded port 48 and a
float switch 52 threaded into the threaded port 48. The float
switch 52 generates a warning signal when the fluid level in the
pressurized reservoir 18 drops below the level of the float switch
52.
[0018] The overflow tank 40 includes an overflow reservoir 22 that
is maintained at atmospheric pressure and that receives fluid from
the pressurized reservoir 18 when the fluid in the pressurized
reservoir 18 expands, as will be described in greater detail below.
The overflow tank 40 includes an overflow duct 50 that is in fluid
communication with the overflow reservoir 22. The overflow duct 50
is integrated with the fill neck 26, and shares a portion of the
cylindrical wall of the fill neck 26. The overflow duct 50 is also
defined by a U-shaped channel extending out from the shared portion
of the fill neck 26. The overflow duct 50 provides a passageway,
parallel to the fill neck 26, for fluid passing from the
pressurized reservoir 18 through the fill neck 26 to the overflow
reservoir 22. The overflow duct 50 also provides a passageway for
fluid passing from the overflow reservoir 22 through the overflow
duct 50 to the fill neck 26 and to the pressurized reservoir
18.
[0019] The overflow tank 40 includes an overflow port 54 positioned
near the top of the overflow reservoir 22, providing fluid
communication with the atmosphere to maintain the overflow
reservoir 22 at atmospheric pressure. In addition, the overflow
port 54 discharges fluid that reaches the height of the overflow
port 54 within the overflow reservoir 22. The overflow tank 40 also
includes a non-pressurized fill neck 58 and a fill cap 62 removably
coupled thereto, preferably by way of a threaded engagement.
[0020] The position of the fill cap 62 relative to the overflow
reservoir 22 and the position of the pressure cap 30 relative to
the pressurized reservoir 18 define an upward direction. The
pressurized reservoir 18 is positioned entirely below the overflow
reservoir 22. In other constructions, the pressurized reservoir 18
is positioned substantially below the overflow reservoir 22.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 3, the coolant tank 14 includes
bosses 66 for receiving fasteners to secure the tank 14 within the
enclosure. In the illustrated construction, the bosses 66 are
formed as a part of the pressurized tank 36; however, in other
constructions, the bosses 66 may be located on any part of the tank
14.
[0022] In the illustrated construction, the coolant tank 14 is made
of a transparent or semi-transparent material so that the fluid
level can be easily monitored, such as by markings 32 or indicia on
the overflow tank 40. In other constructions, the tank 14 can be
made of a non-transparent material and fluid level can be monitored
using a sight glass or other suitable apparatus.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, the divider 24, the outlet port
46, and the threaded port 48 are integrally formed with or coupled
to the first body portion 16. The divider 24, the fill neck 26, the
inlet port 42, the overflow duct 50, the overflow port 54, and the
non-pressurized fill neck 58 are integrally formed with or coupled
to the second body portion 20.
[0024] In operation, the coolant tank 14 de-aerates coolant and
provides a compact one-piece multi-chamber structure. The compact
multi-chamber design having the tank inlet port 42 positioned at or
near the top of the coolant tank 14 is especially useful in
applications where there is relatively little vertical distance
between the highest point in the engine's cooling circuit (e.g.,
cooling system 10) and the top of the enclosure in which the engine
and cooling system 10 are housed. As illustrated by the arrows in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, coolant and air entrained within the coolant
enter the pressurized reservoir 18 by way of the inlet port 42 and
fill neck 26. This reduces the velocity of the coolant such that
air separates from the coolant and collects at the top of the fill
neck 26, which is a high point in the cooling system 10. Coolant
collects below in the pressurized reservoir 18 and exits to the
lowest point of the cooling system 10 by way of the outlet port at
the bottom of the pressurized reservoir 18, as indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 1. When the cooling system 10 increases in
temperature and pressure and reaches a first predetermined
pressure, the air is released through the pressure limiting valve
34 in the pressure cap 30, i.e., the pressure limiting valve 34
opens allowing fluid to pass from the pressurized reservoir 18 and
the fill neck 26, through the pressure limiting valve 34, and
through the overflow duct 50 to the bottom of the overflow
reservoir 22 as indicated by arrows in FIG. 1. Since the overflow
reservoir 22 is open to the atmosphere, the air is purged from the
system by way of the open overflow port 54, also indicated by an
arrow in FIG. 1.
[0025] The overflow reservoir 22 contains additional coolant, which
can be added by way of the non-pressurized fill neck 58 when the
fill cap 62 is removed. When the cooling system 10 is turned off,
the coolant cools and contracts creating a vacuum in the cooling
system 10. When the pressure in the pressurized reservoir 18 drops
below a second predetermined pressure, the check valve 38 opens
allowing fluid to pass from the overflow reservoir 22 through the
overflow duct 50 to the fill neck 26 and to the pressurized
reservoir 18, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 1.
[0026] The cooling system 10 can also be filled by way of the fill
neck 26 when the system 10 is shut down. When the cooling system 10
is shut down, the pressure cap 30 can be removed and coolant can be
added directly to the pressurized reservoir 18 by way of the fill
neck 26. This is useful, for example, during the initial fill, when
extreme low fluid is detected (e.g., when the float switch is
tripped), and when the coolant is replaced for maintenance.
[0027] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a compact
multi-chamber coolant tank. Various features and advantages of the
invention are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *