Abstract:
The invention relates, in general, to internal combustion engine cooling, in particular for a motor vehicle, more specifically to a cooling agent compensation tank of a cooling circuit, in particular a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling a super-charging air for an internal combusting engine and to a method for cooling a highly heated structure, in particular an internal combustion engine. The inventive compensation tank is integrated into a main cooling circuit, wherein a means for directly introducing the cooling fluid is arranged on the compensation tank between the input and output connections and the cooling fluid flow coming into the compensation tank runs directly from the input connection to the output connection by means of said directly introducing means.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention generally pertains to the cooling of a highly heated structure such as an internal combustion engine, particularly for a motor vehicle, and specifically to a cooling agent compensation tank for a cooling circuit, particularly for a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air for an internal combustion engine, to a cooling circuit, particularly a low-temperature cooling circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air for an internal combustion engine, and to a method for cooling a highly heated structure, particularly an internal combustion engine. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Internal combustion engines must be cooled due to the fact that the surfaces in contact with hot gases and their lubricants in the interior of the cylinder can only withstand the occurring temperatures to a certain extent without undergoing damage. Individual components, such as spark plugs, injection nozzles, exhaust gas valves, prechambers and piston heads must be able to withstand particularly high mean temperatures such that components of this type must be made of highly heat-resistance materials or be provided with an adequate heat dissipation mechanism and special cooling means. 
   Consequently, this heat dissipation is effected by a cooling system, in which a cooling fluid flows through cooling water channels that surround at least the cylinders and the cylinder head in order subsequently to discharge the heat at least partially into the surroundings by means of a radiator or to use the heat to heat, for example, a vehicle interior by means of a heat exchanger. 
   In this context, the term “cooling agent” should be understood as a collective designation for heat transfer media in different coolers that act to dissipate heat, e.g., for cooling motor vehicle engines, nuclear reactors and chemical reaction apparatus, as well as metals being machined (drilling oil, cutting oil). 
   Cooling agents may be in the form of gases, liquids or solids. 
   One frequently used coolant is water, to which is mixed anti-freezing agents, hardness stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors (corrosion) etc. 
     FIG. 6  shows such a cooling system according to the state of the art, i.e., a cooling circuit  60  for cooling a motor vehicle engine  5 . 
   According to  FIG. 6 , this cooling circuit  60  features a main circuit or main flow path  61  as well as a secondary circuit or secondary flow path  62 , through which the coolant flows in the indicated coolant flow direction  8  in coolant lines  67 . 
   In this case, the internal combustion engine  5  to be cooled, a cooling module  2  used for cooling the coolant, in this case a coolant/air cooler (KM/L-K)  2  with functionally indicated blower  3 , as well as a coolant pump  6  for moving the coolant through the cooling circuit, are arranged in the main circuit  61  so that a direct connection between the internal combustion engine  5  and the cooling module  2  is produced in the main circuit  61 . 
   Cooling modules known from the state of the art, for example, from DE 100 18 001 A1 and DE 197 31 999 A1, are modules consisting of several heat transfer elements such as coolant coolers, supercharger intercoolers, condensers or oil coolers that are combined into one structural unit or module, for example, into the coolant/air cooler (KM/L-K)  2  according to the described embodiment, and arranged in a cooling circuit. 
     FIG. 6  also shows that a large circuit  61   b  in which the coolant flows through the internal combustion engine  5  and through the cooling module  2  during a warm/hot phase of the internal combustion engine  5 , as a well as a small circuit in which the coolant only flows through the internal combustion engine  5  during a cold phase of the internal combustion engine  5 , are realized within the main circuit  61 . 
   An expansion thermostat  63  arranged between the internal combustion engine  5  and the KM/L-K  2  in the coolant flow direction changes or switches over between the small circuit  61   a  and the large circuit  61   b  when the coolant temperature limit is reached. 
   A compensation tank (AGB)  70  used, among other things, for eliminating gas from the cooling system (degassing) is arranged in the secondary circuit  62 . The compensation tank  63  and the secondary circuit  62  are respectively connected to the main circuit  61  by means of auxiliary lines, namely a degassing line KM/L-K  64 , through which the secondary coolant flow is conveyed from the KM/L-K  2  to the AGB  70 , and an internal combustion engine degassing line  65 , through which a secondary coolant flow is conveyed from the internal combustion engine  5  to the AGB  70 , as well as a suction line  66 , through which a secondary coolant flow (degassed in the AGB  70 ) is conveyed back into the main circuit or main flow path  61  from the AGB  70 . 
   It is known that such an AGB  70  fulfills the following functions: 
   a) it ensures an equalization of coolant expansion and a pressure build-up during the heating of the coolant; 
   b) the cooling system is filled via the AGB; 
   c) it serves as a reservoir or a reserve volume for the coolant, and 
   d) the separation of gas from the cooling system (degassing) is realized by the AGB. 
   This known compensation tank  70  is illustrated separately in  FIGS. 7   a - c.    
   According to  FIGS. 7   a - c , the AGB  70  consists of a two-part AGB housing  71  that is assembled from a first front housing shell  71   a  and a second rear housing shell  71   b  along a vertical plane of partition. 
   Horizontal and vertical ribs  80  are respectively arranged in the AGB housing  71  and on the interior sides (not visible) of the first housing shell  71   a  and the second housing shell  71   b  such that several cuboidal chambers  81  are formed within the AGB housing  71 . The coolant flow in the AGB  70  is realized through openings  82  in the ribs  80 . 
   According to  FIGS. 7   a - c , a filler neck  72  for filling the cooling system  60  (see function b)) is further provided on the upper left corner of the AGB  70 . An outlet connector  74  is arranged diagonally opposite of the filler neck  72 , i.e., on the lower right corner of the AGB  70 , wherein the suction line  66  is connected to the outlet connector and the degassed coolant flows out of the AGB  70  through said outlet connector. 
     FIGS. 7   a - c  also show that a pressure relief/suction relief valve  73  is arranged on the AGB  70 , approximately in the center of the upper side of the AGB  70 , in order to equalize the expansion and build-up of pressure when the coolant is heated (see function a)). 
   Two ventilating connecting pieces  78 ,  79  are arranged in the upper region of the right side of the AGB  70 , namely a first ventilating connecting piece  78  for the degassing line KM/L-K  64  or connection to it, as well as a second ventilating connecting piece  79  for the internal combustion engine degassing line  65 . 
   A level indicator with a corresponding sensor arrangement  75  is situated underneath the two ventilating connecting pieces  78 ,  79 . 
     FIG. 7   c  shows that a silica gel reservoir  76  for mixing or adding corrosion inhibitors (corrosion) to the coolant is arranged in the AGB, particularly on the interior side of the first housing shell  71   a , approximately at the center of the shell. 
   In order to fix the AGB  70  on the cooling module  2  as shown in  FIGS. 7   a - c , the AGB  70  features two mounting flanges or mounting bolts  70 , by means of which the AGB  70  is fixed on a fan cowl or fan housing of the cooling module  2  (not shown). 
   Here, it should be noted that although it is usually integrated into the cooling module and is included in the parts list, the AGB typically represents an extra component of the cooling circuit. 
   One disadvantage of this known cooling circuit with a compensation tank arranged in the secondary flow path is the wide variety of required components, for example, several connecting lines and degassing lines that increase the materials outlay and therefore the manufacturing costs, and which may make it impossible to realize a compact design. 
   In addition, a wide variety of components is usually associated with the increased risk of parts failure. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is therefore based on the objective of respectively developing a cooling arrangement, particularly for a highly heated structure such as an internal combustion engine, and a cooling circuit, particularly for a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine, which can be effected in a simpler and more cost-efficient fashion. 
   This objective is realized with a cooling agent compensation tank of a cooling circuit, particularly for a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air for an internal combustion engine, with a cooling circuit, particularly a low-temperature cooling circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine, as well as a method for cooling a highly heated structure, particularly an internal combustion engine. 
   The invention proposes, in particular, a cooling agent compensation tank for a coolant, particularly for a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine, wherein said compensation tank features a compensation tank housing with at least one coolant inflow device, through which coolant is able to flow into the compensation tank, and a coolant outflow device, through which coolant is able to flow out of the compensation tank. 
   An expansion chamber with an expansion chamber coolant inlet device and an expansion chamber coolant outlet device, through which coolant is able to flow into the expansion chamber and out of the expansion chamber, is realized in the compensation tank housing. 
   In addition, a direct coolant conveying means is arranged on the compensation tank housing in order to connect the coolant inflow device and the coolant outflow device to one another in such a way that at least a partial coolant stream of a coolant stream flowing through the coolant inflow device is able to flow directly from the coolant inflow device to the coolant outflow device without flowing into the expansion chamber. 
   In this case, the terms “direct” and partial coolant stream flowing directly from the coolant inflow device to the coolant outflow device by means of the direct coolant conveying means should be interpreted in such a way that at least a partial coolant stream of the coolant stream flows or is conveyed from the coolant inflow device to the coolant outflow device without flowing through the expansion chamber coolant inlet device and without being admitted into the expansion chamber or flowing through the expansion chamber. 
   This direct coolant conveying means makes it possible, in particular, to integrate the inventive compensation tank with a main circuit of a cooling circuit, wherein the conventional secondary circuit, in which the conventional compensation tank is usually arranged, as well as the numerous corresponding lines and connections, can be eliminated. 
   In this context, the terms “arranged” and “arranged means/devices” should furthermore be interpreted in such a way that these means/devices are separate components or components that are integrated, for example, with the compensation tank housing. 
   Another particularly advantageous aspect of the invention is that the inventive compensation tank makes it possible to eliminate auxiliary components for the gas separation, for example, the cyclones provided in conventional systems for optimizing gas separation. 
   It is particularly preferred that the coolant inflow device is realized in the form of an input connection or several input connections, for example, a double connection. It is also particularly preferred that the coolant outflow device is realized in the form of an output connection or several output connections. 
   The direct coolant conveying means is preferably realized in the form of a tubular flow channel. It is particularly preferred that this tubular flow channel is arranged underneath the expansion chamber. 
   The expansion chamber coolant inlet device may be realized in the form of a coolant inlet opening that is arranged, in particular, in a lower region of the expansion chamber, for example, a hole or a gap or the like. Accordingly, the expansion chamber coolant outlet device may comprise a coolant outlet opening that is arranged, in particular, in the lower region of the expansion chamber. 
   It is furthermore possible to arrange the coolant inflow device above the coolant outflow device and/or to arrange the expansion chamber coolant inlet device above the expansion chamber coolant outlet device. 
   It is particularly preferred that the direct coolant conveying means is realized in the form of an essentially tubular flow channel or several essentially tubular flow channels extending between an input connection or several input connections and an output connection or several output connections. 
   In addition, the coolant inlet opening and/or the coolant outlet opening may be arranged on an upper side of the direct coolant conveying means, particularly the tubular flow channel. 
   The tubular flow channel is straight or preferably slightly angled and/or slightly bent, particularly by less than 90°. 
   It is furthermore possible to arrange the coolant inflow device relative to the coolant outflow device in such a way that the angle of expansion between the coolant inflow device and the coolant outflow device is greater than 90°, particularly greater than 90° and less than 180°. 
   The compensation tank housing is preferably realized in the form of a two-part housing that is essentially made, in particular, of polypropylene or polyamide and comprises an upper and a lower housing part. 
   A coolant filling device, particularly a filler neck that can be closed with a screw-type cap, may be arranged on the compensation tank housing in order to fill the compensation tank, particularly the expansion chamber, with coolant. 
   In addition, the compensation tank, particularly the expansion chamber, may feature a pressure relief/suction relief valve. In this respect, it is particularly relative to integrate the pressure relief/suction relief valve with the coolant filling device, particularly the screw-type cap. 
   It is furthermore practical to arrange a level indicating device, particularly with a MIN/MAX indicator, in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber. 
   The MIN/MAX indicating device is preferably designed in such a way that the coolant level of the coolant lies above the expansion chamber coolant inlet device when a MIN level of the coolant located in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, is indicated. 
   It is furthermore possible to arrange at least one partition means, particularly a vertical partition wall, in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, such that the compensation tank, particularly the expansion chamber, can be divided into zones, particularly two zones. 
   In addition to this partition function, such a partition means, particularly the vertical partition wall, can also be used as splashed water protection and for reinforcing the housing. 
   It would also be possible to arrange several partition means, for example, vertical and/or horizontal partition walls, in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, so as to divide the compensation tank, particular the expansion chamber, into several zones. 
   In this case, one or more partition means are preferably arranged or realized in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, in such a way that a first zone, particularly an inlet zone, is formed in a region of the coolant flow path towards the expansion chamber and/or a second zone, particularly a steady-flow zone, is formed in a region of the coolant flow path from the expansion chamber. 
   One or more partition means may also be arranged or realized in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, in such a way that a coolant exchange and/or a gas exchange can be realized between the zones, particularly between the inlet zone and the steady-flow zone. 
   For this purpose, at least one opening, particularly two or more openings, may be realized in the one or more partition means for the coolant and/or gas exchange between the zones. 
   The opening is preferably realized in the form of a hole that is arranged, in particular, in an upper region of the partition means or in the form of a slot that is arranged, in particular, in an upper region of the partition means. 
   The partition means, particularly a two-part partition means—in accordance with the two-part compensation tank housing—and/or a vertical partition means may furthermore be arranged in the compensation tank housing in such a way that an exchange opening or exchange openings for the coolant and/or gas exchange between the zones is/are provided between an upper edge of the partition means and a compensation tank housing wall and/or between a lower edge of the partition means and a compensation tank housing wall. 
   It is particularly preferred that the expansion chamber coolant inlet device is arranged downstream of the coolant inflow device relative to the coolant flow direction; it is furthermore preferred that the expansion chamber coolant outlet device is arranged, in particular, upstream of the coolant outflow device relative to the coolant flow direction. 
   In the region of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device, particularly upstream of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device relative to the coolant flow direction, the coolant inflow device may furthermore be realized in such a way that coolant flowing in this location can expand. 
   For this purpose, the coolant inflow device may be realized in the form of a diffuser in the region of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device, particularly upstream of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device relative to the coolant flow direction. 
   This can be achieved, for example, by widening a (flow) cross section of the coolant inflow device in the region of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device, particularly upstream of the expansion chamber coolant inlet device relative to the coolant flow direction. 
   The compensation tank according to the invention or its additional developments are preferably used in a main circuit, particularly a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine, through which a main coolant stream flows, in such a way that
         the main coolant stream, particularly with a coolant/gas mixture, flows into the compensation tank through the coolant inflow device,   at least a partial stream of the inflowing main coolant stream is degassed in the compensation tank, particularly in the expansion chamber, and   the main coolant stream, particularly with the degassed partial coolant stream, flows out the compensation tank through the coolant outflow device.       

   The compensation tank according to the invention or its additional developments is also particularly suitable for degassing the coolant. This can be effected in that
         a first main coolant stream, particularly with a coolant/gas mixture, flows into the compensation tank through the coolant inflow device,   a partial coolant flow of the first main coolant stream flows directly from the coolant inflow device to the coolant outflow device through the direct coolant conveying means,   another partial coolant flow of the first main coolant stream, particularly with a coolant/gas mixture, flows into the expansion chamber through the expansion chamber coolant inlet device, where it is degassed and flows out of the expansion chamber through the expansion chamber coolant outlet device, and   a second main coolant stream, particularly with the degassed coolant, which comprises at least partially of the partial coolant stream and the additional partial coolant stream, flows out through the coolant outflow device.       

   In addition to the highly heated structure, particularly an internal combustion engine, which is arranged in the cooling circuit in order to be cooled by the main coolant stream, there is a cooling module designed to exchange heat with the main coolant stream, particularly a coolant/air cooler, arranged in the inventive cooling circuit, particularly a low-temperature circuit through which a coolant, particularly the main coolant stream, flows in order to cool the highly heated structure, particularly an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. 
   In addition, a compensation tank designed for degassing the main coolant stream, particularly, and preferably, the compensation tank according to the invention or its additional embodiments, is arranged in the inventive cooling circuit. 
   The compensation tank is arranged in the inventive cooling circuit, particularly downstream of the highly heated structure and/or upstream of the cooling module relative to the coolant flow direction, such that the main coolant stream flows through the compensation tank. 
   The cooling circuit may furthermore feature a coolant pump that is arranged in the cooling circuit in order to convey the main coolant stream through the cooling circuit. 
   It is particularly preferred that the highly heated structure, the compensation tank, the cooling module and the coolant pump are arranged in the cooling circuit in such a way that the main coolant stream is able to flow successively through the coolant pump, the cooling module, the highly heated structure and then the compensation tank. 
   In the inventive method for cooling a highly heated structure, particularly an internal combustion engine, by means of a coolant flowing in a cooling circuit, particularly a low-temperature circuit, the main coolant stream of the cooling circuit flows through a cooling module arranged in the cooling circuit, wherein the main coolant stream is cooled due to the heat exchange between the main coolant stream and the cooling module. 
   The main coolant stream flows through a compensation tank arranged in the cooling circuit, particularly, and preferably, through the compensation tank according to the invention or its additional embodiments, wherein the main coolant flow is degassed due to the gas separation. 
   The main coolant stream also flows through the highly heated structure arranged in the cooling circuit, wherein the highly heated structure is cooled due to the heat exchange between the main coolant flow and the highly heated structure. 
   While flowing through the compensation tank according to the invention or its additional embodiments, it is particularly preferred that
         a first main coolant stream, particularly with a coolant/gas mixture, flows into the compensation tank through the coolant inflow device,   a partial coolant stream of the first main coolant stream flows directly from the coolant inflow device to the coolant outflow device through the direct coolant conveying means,   another partial coolant stream of the first main coolant stream, particularly with a coolant/gas mixture, flows into the expansion chamber through the expansion chamber coolant inlet device, where it is degassed and flows out of the expansion chamber through the expansion chamber coolant outlet device, and   a second main coolant stream, particularly with a degassed coolant, which comprises at least partially of the partial coolant stream and the additional partial coolant stream, flows out through the coolant outflow device.       

   The invention and other advantages thereof are described below with reference to a non-limiting embodiment, in particular, to a preferred application in a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1 , a schematic section through an inventive compensation tank for a main circuit of a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; 
       FIGS. 2   a, b , two representations of an inventive compensation tank for a main circuit of a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; 
       FIGS. 3   a, b , representations of the housing parts of the inventive compensation tank for a main circuit of a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; 
       FIGS. 4   a - d , additional representations of the inventive compensation tank for a main circuit of a low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which tank is mounted in the cooling module; 
       FIG. 5 , an inventive low-temperature circuit for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with an inventive compensation tank arranged in the main circuit; 
       FIG. 6 , a conventional cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein a conventional compensation tank is arranged in the secondary flow path in accordance with the state of the art, and 
       FIGS. 7   a - c , representations of a conventional compensation tank according to the state of the art, for example, for the cooling circuit according to  FIG. 6 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 5  shows a cooling system  1 , namely a low-temperature circuit  1  for indirectly cooling supercharging air in an internal combustion engine  5  of a motor vehicle. 
   According to  FIG. 5 , this cooling circuit  1  features only a main circuit  1  or main flow path  1 ; the coolant, i.e., the main stream, flows through this main circuit  1  (in the indicated coolant flow direction  8  in coolant lines  7 ). 
   The internal combustion engine  5  to be cooled, a cooling module  2  used for cooling the coolant, in this case a coolant/air cooler (KM/L-K)  2  with functionally indicated blower  3  and air flow  4 , as well as a coolant pump  6  for conveying the coolant in the cooling circuit, are arranged in this main circuit  1 . 
   In the state of the art, for example, according to DE 100 18 0001 A1 and DE 197 31 999 A1, cooling modules are modules that comprise several heat exchangers such as coolant coolers, supercharger intercoolers, condensers or oil coolers that are combined into one structural unit or module, for example, the coolant/air cooler (KM/L-K)  2 , and arranged in a cooling circuit. 
   In addition, a compensation tank (AGB)  10  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) is arranged in the main circuit  1  and is used, among other things, for the separation of gas from the cooling system (degassing). 
   Although it is mounted on the fan housing  9  and is therefore integrated with the cooling module  2 , said AGB  10  represents an extra component of the cooling circuit  1  and is included in the parts list. 
   According to  FIG. 5 , the aforementioned components are arranged in the main circuit  1  in such a way that the coolant flows through these components in following sequence: internal combustion engine  5 , AGB  10 , coolant pump  6 , KM/L-K  2 . 
   Alternatively, the AGB  10  could also be arranged downstream of the coolant pump  6 . 
   It is known that AGB  10  fulfills the following functions:
         a) it ensures an equalized coolant expansion and pressure build-up during the heating of the coolant;   b) the cooling system is filled via the AGB;   c) it serves as a reservoir or a reserve volume for the coolant, and   d) the separation of gas from the cooling system (degassing) is realized with the AGB.       

   This compensation tank  10 , which is integrated with the main circuit  1  by means of an input connection  23 , through which the main coolant stream  28  flows into the AGB  10 , and an output connection  26 , through which the main coolant stream  29  flows out of the AGB  10 , as well as the design, flow organization, degassing function and mounting of the AGB  10  on the KM/L-K  2 , is illustrated separately and elucidated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
   According to  FIGS. 1-4 , the AGB  10  is realized in the form of a two-part, polypropylene AGB housing  11  that consists of a first lower housing shell  11   a  and a second upper housing shell  11   b.    
   The two housing shells  11   a, b  can be assembled on corresponding partition flanges  12  arranged on the housing shells along an inclined horizontal plane of partition. 
     FIG. 1 , in particular, shows that said AGB housing  11  forms an interior chamber  30 , i.e., an expansion chamber  30 , the underside of which contains two openings  25 ,  27  that form a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, wherein the coolant or coolant/gas mixture can be degassed in said expansion chamber (see function d)). 
   The opening  25  forms a coolant inlet opening  25 , through which the coolant or the coolant/gas mixture can flow into the expansion chamber  30  (opening for gas separation). The opening  27  forms a coolant outlet opening  27 , through which degassed coolant can flow out of the expansion chamber  30  (AGB suction). 
   According to  FIGS. 1-4 , the AGB  10  is realized in the form of a two-part, polypropylene AGB housing  11  that comprises a first lower housing shell  11   a  and a second upper housing shell  11   b.    
   This tube  31  or direct flow channel  31 , as well as the input connection  23  and the output connection  26 , are integrated with the AGB housing  11  in this embodiment. However, they could also be realized in the form of separate components to be mounted on the AGB housing  11 . 
     FIG. 1  furthermore shows that the angle of expansion of the tube  31  caused by its angled design lies at approximately 160° in this embodiment. 
   This direct flow connection  31  between the input connection  23  and the output connection  26  enables the coolant to flow  32  from the input connection  23  to the output connection  26  without flowing into the expansion chamber  30  or flowing through the expansion chamber  30 . 
   These measures, in particular, make it possible to integrate the AGB  10  into the main flow  1 . 
   The main flow  1  (coolant/gas mixture)—that is relative to as the inflowing coolant stream  28  in FIG.  1 —then flows through the input connection  23  and into the AGB  10 , where it expands in the inlet region of the expansion chamber  30 . 
   A first part of the inflowing coolant stream  28 , preferably the coolant/gas mixture located in the upper region of the flow, flows into the expansion chamber  30  through the inlet opening  25  in order to realize the gas separation. 
   This partial stream is degassed in the expansion chamber  30 . 
   The other part  32  of the inflowing coolant stream  28  flows through the direct channel  31  and then reaches the output connection  26 , where it is combined with the degassed partial stream flowing out of the expansion chamber  30  through the outlet opening  27  and then continues to flow in the main circuit in the form of an outflowing coolant stream  29 . 
     FIG. 1 , in particular, also shows that the section of a line or flow of the direct channel  31  is widened in a region that lies upstream of the inlet opening  25  (inlet region to the AGB  10 )—relative to the flow direction. This means that a diffuser  24  is formed in this region, wherein said diffuser causes the coolant or the coolant/gas mixture to expand at the inlet region to the AGB  10  such that, in particular, the part of the main flow  1  to be degassed (gas mixture) can flow into the AGB  10  and the gas it contains can be eliminated in the AGB  10  (optimized gas separation). 
   According to  FIGS. 1-4 , a filler neck  13  is formed on the upper side of the AGB  10  or the AGB housing  11 , for filling the cooling system  1  (see function b)). This filler neck  13  can be closed with a screw-type cap, into which a pressure relief/suction relief valve is integrated (see function a)). 
   A vertical partition wall  14  is arranged within the expansion chamber  30 , i.e., approximately at the center of the expansion chamber  30 , and serves, among other things, as a splashed water protection and for steadying the flow. 
   This partition wall  14  comprises an upper partition wall section  14   a  and a lower partition wall section  14   b  that correspond to the two-part AGB housing  11 ,  11   a ,  11   b  and are integrally connected to the corresponding housing parts  11   a ,  11   b.    
   This partition wall  14  divides the expansion chamber  30  into a left zone  19  or inlet zone  19  and a right zone  20  or steady-flow zone  20 . In this case, the inlet zone  19  is realized and arranged in such a way that the coolant flows directly into the expansion chamber  30  through the inlet opening  25  at this location. The steady-flow zone  20  lies opposite to the inlet zone  19  and is arranged such that the steadied—and degassed—coolant flows out of the expansion chamber  30  through the outlet opening  27  at this location. 
   In order to realize a coolant exchange as well as a gas exchange between the zones  19 ,  20 , passage openings  21 ,  22  in the form of holes or gaps are provided in the upper and lower regions of the partition wall  14 , wherein said holes or gaps are realized between the respective upper and lower edges of the partition wall  14  and the AGB housing  11 . 
   Alternatively, it would also be possible to provide several partition walls that form more than two zones and/or provide passage openings that are designed differently, for example, the aforementioned gaps. 
     FIG. 1 , in particular, furthermore shows that a level indicator  15 , particularly with a MIN/MAX indicating device and, if applicable, with the corresponding sensor arrangement, is provided in the expansion chamber  30  (see function c)). 
   The MIN/MAX indicating device  15  is arranged in such a way that the coolant level lies above the coolant inlet opening  25  when the MIN level of coolant located in the expansion chamber  30  is indicated. This ensures that the gas separation can also take place at the minimum coolant level. 
   A silica gel reservoir  16  (not visible in  FIGS. 1-4 ) is furthermore arranged in the AGB  10  in order to mix or add corrosion inhibitors (corrosion) to the coolant. 
     FIG. 2   b  and  FIGS. 4   a - d , in particular, show that the mounting of the AGB  10  on the cooling module  2 , particularly on the fan housing  9 , is realized by providing the AGB  10  with mounting hooks  17 , as well as mounting clips  18  or mounting latches  18  for producing corresponding connections with the fan housing  9 .