Expansion tank for vehicle cooling system
US8397681B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01P11/029
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An expansion tank (10) for a vehicle cooling system (18) of an engine using a liquid coolant (16) includes a tank body (12) defining a first volume (V1) containing coolant (16), wherein the coolant defines a variable coolant elevation level (CEL) within the tank body. The tank body (12) also defines an upper volume (20) containing air. A bladder (14) is disposed in the tank body (12) and defines a second volume (V2) containing air. The bladder (14) includes a flexible membrane (36) actuated by an actuator (46). When the engine is stopped or is below a predetermined temperature, the flexible membrane (36) is moveable to a first position (FP) which lowers the coolant elevation level (CEL), and when the engine is started or reaches a predetermined temperature, the flexible membrane (36) is moveable to a second position (SP) which raises the coolant elevation level. A communicating line (38) is in fluid communication between the upper volume (20) and the second volume (V2) to fluidly communicate air therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.