Fluid reservoir for modular systems

Abstract

A module, particularly on motorized or automotive vehicles, comprising parts such as a housing and/or shrouds or the like and fluid reservoirs containing fluids, such as heat exchange fluids and the like, is provided. Advantageously, the reservoir comprises one or more leak proof flow through holes or openings. The module has a first part or a carrier or shroud, that, when properly aligned or positioned relative to a second part or fluid reservoir, provides for a through flow of air from the front to the back of the first part and second part aligned combination.

1 . A module particularly for motorized or automotive vehicles having an element for providing efficient heat exchange for the vehicle comprising: 
 a housing;    at least one fluid reservoir for an automotive fluid;    at least one fluid communication point on or adjacent to the at least one fluid reservoir;    at least one hole or opening in the housing through which air can flow;    at least one slot in the fluid reservoir through which air can flow;    wherein the at least one hole or opening in the housing is at least partially aligned with the at least one slot in the fluid reservoir so that air can flow through both the housing and the fluid reservoir.    
   
   
       2 . A module, according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing is positioned such that air flows through it prior to flowing through the fluid reservoir.  
   
   
       3 . A module according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing is positioned such that air flows through it after flowing through the reservoir.  
   
   
       4 . A module according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir has a closing means.  
   
   
       5 . A module according to  claim 1 , wherein the point of fluid communication is port, hose or connector.  
   
   
       6 . A module according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fan and a shroud.  
   
   
       7 . A module according to  claim 6 , wherein the shroud is a fan shroud and wherein at least part of the air flow through the housing and fluid reservoir is drawn or blown through the at least one opening and at least one slot.  
   
   
       8 . A module according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one slot of the at least one fluid reservoir is placed away from and not in the line of direct air flow with the air flow coming through the module to or from the fan through the fan shroud.  
   
   
       9 . A module of a vehicle, and, particularly a motorized or automotive vehicle, having an element for providing efficient heat exchange for the vehicle comprising: 
 a front end carrier or bolster;    a least one fluid reservoir for an automotive fluid;    a means for providing fluid to the fluid reservoir;    at least one hole or opening in the front end carrier or bolster through which air can flow;    at least one slot in the fluid reservoir through which air can flow;    wherein the at least one hole or opening in the front end carrier or bolster is at least partially aligned with the at least one slot in the fluid reservoir so that air can flow through both the front end carrier or bolster and the fluid reservoir.    
   
   
       10 . A module as in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one hole or opening in the front end carrier or bolster is completely or almost completely aligned with the at least one slot in the fluid reservoir.  
   
   
       11 . A modules as in  claim 10 , wherein the carrier or bolster and fluid reservoir is directly or indirectly attached or molded to one another.  
   
   
       12 . A module as in  claim 11 , wherein there are at least two holes or openings in the front end carrier or bolster.  
   
   
       13 . A module as in  claim 8 , wherein the fluid reservoir is blow molded.  
   
   
       14 . A module as in  claim 12 , wherein the fluid reservoir is blow molded.  
   
   
       15 . A module as in  claim 1  wherein the housing is a one part housing.  
   
   
       16 . A module as in  claim 1  wherein the housing is comprised of more than one part.  
   
   
       17 . A module for use in environments requiring efficient heat exchange comprising: 
 a first part wherein no fluid capable of heat exchange is stored or flows;    a second part wherein a fluid capable of heat exchange is stored or flows;    a means for providing fluid to the second part;    at least one flow through hole or opening in the first part through which air can flow;    at least one flow through hole or opening in the second part through which air can flow;    wherein the at least one flow through hole or opening in the first part is at least partially aligned with the at least one flow through hole or opening in the second part so that air can flow through both the first part and the second part reservoir.