Multi-chamber fluid reservoir

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-chamber fluid reservoir including two or more fluid chambers with thermal isolation between the chambers. The multi-chamber fluid reservoir is particularly suited for use in the cooling systems of internal combustion engines and is also suited for use in electric vehicles such as, for example, hybrid vehicles.

1 . A multi-chamber fluid reservoir apparatus for a motor vehicle, comprising:
 a first chamber housing defining a first liquid storage chamber within;   a second chamber housing defining a second liquid storage chamber within; said second chamber housing spaced apart from said first chamber housing defining a thermal isolation gap therebetween;   wherein said chamber housings do not share common outer walls;   a thermal isolation web extending between said first and second housings across said thermal isolation gap, said thermal isolation web supportively coupling said first and second chamber housings;   wherein said thermal isolation web is operative to minimize conductive heat transfer between said first and second liquid chambers;   wherein at least one of said chamber housings is provided with
 a fill port fitting arranged on an outer wall of said at least one housing and having a flow aperture extending therethrough into said liquid chamber therein; 
 a liquid outlet fitting arranged on an outer wall of said at least one housing and having a flow aperture extending therethrough into said liquid chamber therein. 
   
     
     
         2 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal isolation web comprises a material substantially nonconductive to the transfer of heat 
     
     
         3 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 1 , wherein
 each chamber housing is provided with said fill port fittings;   wherein at least one of said fill port fittings includes a pressure cap operatively engaging said fill port and closing over said fill port aperture and configured to open to permit flow through said pressure cap at a defined pressure setting; and   wherein each pressure cap is configured to open at a different pressure setting from the other pressure cap.   
     
     
         4 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said at least one housing includes an overflow fitting arranged on said outer wall and having a flow aperture extending therethrough into said liquid chamber therein. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid reservoir comprises a plurality of mated reservoir portions forming said fluid reservoir, said portions each including flanges configured to secure to and mate with complimentary flanges arranged on neighboring reservoir portions. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 5 , wherein
 said reservoir portions comprise plastic;   wherein said securing of complimentary mating flanges is by any of: hot plate welding, vibration welding, laser welding, and adhesives.   
     
     
         7 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 6 , wherein
 said thermal isolation web and connecting chamber housings are arranged in a first axial direction;   wherein said flanges are aligned transverse to said first axial direction; and   wherein said reservoir is configured to be tooled vertically.   
     
     
         8 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal isolation web includes at least one flow passage extending between and interconnecting said first and second chambers. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 8 , wherein one of said at least one flow passages includes a first one-way flow valve arranged in said thermal isolation web and configured to permit liquid flow in said flow passage only in one direction. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 9 , wherein another one of said at least one flow passages includes a second one-way flow valve arranged in said thermal isolation web and configured to permit liquid flow in a direction opposite to said direction of flow in said first one-way valve. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 9 , wherein
 said first one-way flow valve includes a spring operative to hold said one-way valve closed, opening when a first predefined pressure differential across said first one-way flow valve is reached.   
     
     
         12 . The multi-chamber fluid reservoir of  claim 8 , wherein said fluid reservoir is configured to provide pressure and flow isolation between said liquid chambers.