U.S. patent application number 14/969055 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-16 for method for initial filling of cooling circuits and vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG. Invention is credited to Manuel ERLACHER, Bernhard HOFER.
Application Number | 20160169083 14/969055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52144408 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160169083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ERLACHER; Manuel ; et
al. |
June 16, 2016 |
METHOD FOR INITIAL FILLING OF COOLING CIRCUITS AND VEHICLE
Abstract
A method for first filling of cooling circuits of a motor
vehicle. During a filling sequence, the cooling circuits are
connected via at least one fluid-conductive connection established
therebetween, and are filled simultaneously by via the
fluid-conductive connection. The fluid-conductive connection is
permanently closed after the filling sequence.
Inventors: |
ERLACHER; Manuel;
(Radenthein, AT) ; HOFER; Bernhard; (Graz,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG |
Graz |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
52144408 |
Appl. No.: |
14/969055 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
123/41.01 ;
141/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01P 11/04 20130101;
F01P 11/0209 20130101; F01P 11/0204 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01P 11/02 20060101
F01P011/02; F01P 11/04 20060101 F01P011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2014 |
EP |
14197916.1 |
Claims
1. A method for first filling of cooling circuits of a motor
vehicle with at least two cooling circuits, the method comprising:
connecting, during a filling sequence, the at least two cooling
circuits via at least one fluid-conductive connection established
between the at least two cooling circuits; simultaneously filling
the at least two cooling circuits via the at least one
fluid-conductive connection; and permanently closing the
fluid-conductive connection after the filling sequence.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein after filling, the
fluid-conductive connection is permanently closed by closure of one
or more shut-off valves.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the connecting is conducted
through a connecting line; and after filling, the connecting line
remains in or is removed from the motor vehicle.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the connecting is conducted
through a connecting line; and return lines of the at least two
cooling circuits are connected together via the connecting
line.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the connecting is conducted
through a connecting line; and heat exchangers of the at least two
cooling circuits are connected together via the connecting
line.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the connecting is conducted
through a connecting line; and the connecting line has a length
that is less than 15 cm, and remains in the motor vehicle after the
filling sequence.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the connecting is conducted
through a connecting line; and the connecting line has a length
that is greater than 15 cm and is removed from the motor vehicle
after the filling sequence.
8. A motor vehicle, comprising: at least two cooling circuits; a
connecting line to establish at least one fluid-conductive
connection between the at least two cooling circuits; and a closure
device to permanently close the at least one fluid-conductive
connection.
9. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein the closure device
comprises at least one shut-off valve arranged in the connecting
line or in a region where the connecting line joins a respective
one of the at least two cooling circuits.
10. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein the closure device
comprises at least one shut-off valve arranged in a region where
the connecting line joins a respective one of the at least two
cooling circuits.
11. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein: each cooling circuit
includes a heat exchanger; and the connecting line connects
adjacent heat exchangers, or a heat exchanger to an adjacent one of
the at least two cooling circuit lines.
12. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein the at least two cooling
circuits are connected together fluid-conductively in series or in
parallel.
13. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein the connecting line has a
first coupling part at both ends thereof for insertion of a
connecting line of a corresponding second coupling part on one of
the at least two cooling circuits.
14. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein the connecting line has a
first coupling part and a second coupling part, each configured
such that on removal of the first coupling part from the second
coupling part, the fluid-conductive connection is permanently
closed.
15. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein: the connecting line has
a first coupling part and a second coupling part having a sealing
element, a sealing seat, and an elastic element; and the second
coupling part is configured such that on removal of the first
coupling part from the second coupling part, the sealing element is
pressed against the sealing seat by the elastic element.
16. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein: the connecting line has
a first coupling part having a needle, and a second coupling part
having a sealing element and a sealing seat; and the needle, on
approach of the first coupling part to the second coupling part,
presses the sealing element away from the sealing seat.
17. The motor vehicle of claim 16, wherein: the needle has a
sealing cone and/or is spring-loaded by an elastic element; when
the first coupling part and the second coupling part are connected
together, the fluid-conductive connection is opened; and when the
first coupling part is withdrawn from the second coupling part, the
fluid-conductive connection is closed again.
18. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein: the connecting line has
a first coupling part and a second coupling part; the first
coupling part and the second coupling part are configured such that
when the first coupling part and the second coupling part are
connected, a seal is created therebetween before the
fluid-conductive connection is opened; and when the first coupling
part and the second coupling part are moved apart, the
fluid-conductive connection is closed before the seal therebetween
is broken.
19. A motor vehicle, comprising: a plurality of cooling circuits; a
connecting line to establish a fluid-conductive connection between
the cooling circuits, the connecting line having coupling parts to
connect the connecting line to a corresponding one of the cooling
circuits; and a closure device at both ends of the connecting line
to permanently close the fluid-conductive connection.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to European Patent Publication No. EP14197916.1 (filed on Dec. 15,
2014), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its complete
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate to a method for first filling of the
cooling circuits of a motor vehicle with at least two cooling
circuits, and such a motor vehicle with at least two cooling
circuits.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of cooling circuits for cooling components of a
motor vehicle has been known for a long time. A coolant, for
example water, circulating in the circuit is guided along the
components to be cooled, where it heats up and dissipates the
absorbed heat again to a heat sink, for example by via a heat
exchanger. On production of the cooling circuit, the necessary
coolant must be introduced into the cooling circuit once as the
first filling.
[0004] Many vehicles use two or more separate cooling circuits, for
example hybrid vehicles, for cooling components of the internal
combustion engine firstly and components of the electric drive
secondly. For example, the same coolant may be used in the cooling
circuits at different temperatures. On production of vehicles with
several cooling circuits, normally a separate filling plant for
each cooling circuit is installed in the motor vehicle assembly
line.
[0005] German Patent Publication No. DE 10 2005 035 532 A1
describes a device for first filling of a fluid circuit, in
particular a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine for
motor vehicles, comprising a small circuit and a large circuit
which are switched by via a thermostat with a thermostat plate and
a thermostat seat. Using the thermostat, it is possible to fill two
cooling circuits alternately in the same filling process,
controlled by the coolant temperature.
[0006] This device for first filling, however, is complex and
costly to produce and only functions with coolants at different
temperatures.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments relate to a method for first filling of the
cooling circuits of a motor vehicle with at least two cooling
circuits, which is simple and economic to implement, and a motor
vehicle with at least two cooling circuits which is prepared for
such a method.
[0008] Embodiments relate to a method for first filling of the
cooling circuits of a motor vehicle with at least two cooling
circuits, which includes connecting, during filling, at least two
cooling circuits via at least one fluid-conductive connection
established between the two cooling circuits and including a
connecting line, and simultaneously filling the at least two
cooling circuits via this fluid-conductive connection, wherein the
fluid-conductive connection is permanently closed after
filling.
[0009] In accordance with embodiments, the first filling of the
cooling circuits, which is normally carried out during production
of the motor vehicle, thus takes place simultaneously since, during
the first filling, the cooling circuits are connected together via
a fluid-conductive connecting line so that the cooling medium can
flow from one cooling circuit to the other cooling circuit,
normally separated during operation of the motor vehicle. The
fluid-conductive connection is closed after the first filling, so
that after the first filling, there is no further fluidic
connection between the cooling circuits via the connecting line.
Since on first filling, according to the invention, the same
coolant overflows into the other cooling circuit, the two cooling
circuits normally use the same coolant.
[0010] Refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent
claims, the description and the enclosed drawings.
[0011] In accordance with embodiments, a method for first filling
of cooling circuits of a motor vehicle with at least two cooling
circuits, the method comprising: connecting, during a filling
sequence, the at least two cooling circuits via at least one
fluid-conductive connection established between the at least two
cooling circuits; simultaneously filling the at least two cooling
circuits via the at least one fluid-conductive connection; and
permanently closing the fluid-conductive connection after the
filling sequence.
[0012] In accordance with embodiments, a motor vehicle, comprising:
at least two cooling circuits; a connecting line to establish at
least one fluid-conductive connection between the at least two
cooling circuits; and a closure device to permanently close the at
least one fluid-conductive connection.
[0013] In accordance with embodiments, a motor vehicle, comprising:
a plurality of cooling circuits; a connecting line to establish a
fluid-conductive connection between the cooling circuits, the
connecting line having coupling parts to connect the connecting
line to a corresponding one of the cooling circuits; and a closure
device at both ends of the connecting line to permanently close the
fluid-conductive connection.
[0014] In accordance with embodiments, the fluid-conductive
connection is permanently closed by closure of one or two shut-off
valves. For instance, two shut-off valves may be used, wherein one
shut-off valve is assigned to each end of the connecting line. The
shut-off valves may be closed irreversibly using a special
tool.
[0015] After filling, the connecting line may remain in the motor
vehicle or be removed from the motor vehicle. In particular, longer
connecting lines, for example, longer than 15 cm, may be removed to
save weight and cost.
[0016] For example, return lines of the two cooling circuits may be
connected together via the connecting line, or respective heat
exchangers of the two cooling circuits connected together via the
connecting line.
[0017] In accordance with embodiments, a motor vehicle may have at
least two cooling circuits, at least one fluid-conductive
connection is established between the two cooling circuits, wherein
the fluid-conductive connection comprises a connecting line and a
closure device for permanent closure of the fluid-conductive
connection between the two cooling circuits.
[0018] In accordance with embodiments, the connecting line may be a
connecting hose.
[0019] In accordance with embodiments, the closure device for
permanent closure may comprise at least one shut-off valve, wherein
the shut-off valve is arranged in the connecting line or in a
region where the connecting line joins the cooling circuit. In
particular, if the connecting line is removed after the first
filling, the shut-off valve may be arranged on the motor vehicle
itself.
[0020] In accordance with embodiments, the connecting line may
connect adjacent regions of the two cooling circuits, in
particular, two adjacent heat exchangers, or a heat exchanger to an
adjacent cooling circuit line of the other cooling circuit. In this
way, the connecting line may be formed shorter in length, such as,
for example, less than 50 cm, or less than 15 cm.
[0021] In accordance with embodiments, the cooling circuits may be
connected together fluid-conductively in series, or in parallel by
the connecting line or plurality of connecting lines. In that way,
on first filling of several cooling circuits, the coolant either
overflows from one cooling circuit into the next adjacent cooling
circuit or overflows to several or all cooling circuits
simultaneously.
[0022] In accordance with embodiments, the connecting line may have
a first coupling part at least at one of its ends, such as, for
example, at both ends, for insertion of the connecting line in a
corresponding second coupling part on one of the cooling circuits.
A plug-in connection is therefore established between connecting
line and cooling circuit.
[0023] In accordance with embodiments, the first and the second
coupling parts are configured such that on removal of the first
coupling part from the second coupling part, the fluid-conductive
connection is permanently closed.
[0024] In accordance with embodiments, the second coupling part is
configured such that on removal of the first coupling part from the
second coupling part, a sealing element in the second coupling part
is pressed against a sealing seat by a first elastic element, for
example a spring.
[0025] In accordance with embodiments, the first coupling part may
have a needle which, on approach to the second coupling part,
presses a sealing element of the second coupling part away from its
sealing seat. The form of the needle is not restricted as long as
the needle can reach the sealing element and press this away from
its sealing position.
[0026] In accordance with embodiments, the first and second
coupling parts are configured such that when the two coupling parts
are brought together, a seal is created between the coupling parts
before the fluid-conductive connection is opened, and when the two
coupling parts are moved apart, the fluid-conductive connection is
closed before a seal between the coupling parts is broken.
DRAWINGS
[0027] Embodiments will be illustrated by way of example in the
drawings and explained in the description below.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a cooling circuit
arrangement of a motor vehicle, in accordance with embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a cooling circuit
arrangement in a motor vehicle, in accordance with embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates coupling parts for connection of one end
of a connecting line to a cooling circuit, in four stages of
bringing the coupling parts together, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a connecting line with coupling parts at
both ends, in accordance with embodiments.
DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates alternative cooling circuit
arrangements in a motor vehicle in accordance with embodiments,
each with an enlarged detail depiction of the region around the
connecting line 4 in the framed region which is shown at the bottom
left.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of cooling circuits 1,
2, 3 which each comprise a heat exchanger 7, 8, 9. A longer
connecting line 5, such as, for example, a connecting hose, is
established as a fluid-conductive connection between the lines of
the second cooling circuit 2 and the third cooling circuit 3. The
fluid-conductive connection may be permanently closed by via
shut-off valves 6, such as, for example, non-return valves. The
shut-off valves 6 are arranged at both ends of the connecting line
5.
[0034] During a first filling of the cooling circuit 1, 2, 3, the
fluid-conductive connections via the connecting lines 4 and 5 are
opened so that the cooling circuits are filled simultaneously with
the same coolant. After the first filling and closure of the
shut-off valves 6, the longer connecting line 5 may be removed from
the motor vehicle.
[0035] On the first filling, a fluid-conductive connection is
established between the heat exchangers 7, 8 of the first cooling
circuit 1 and the second cooling circuit 2 via the connecting line
4, such as, for example, a hose with hose clamps, which is clearly
visible in the detail enlargement of FIG. 1. After the first
filling, the shut-off valves 6 may be closed using, for example, a
special tool. The connecting line 4 may remain in the motor vehicle
after the first filling.
[0036] The arrangement of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 only
in that the longer connecting line 5 is here also established from
heat exchanger to heat exchanger, namely, between the heat
exchanger 8 of the second cooling circuit 2 and the heat exchanger
9 of the third cooling circuit 3.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 3, coupling parts 10, 11 for
connection of one end of a connecting line 5 to the first cooling
circuit 1, in four stages of bringing the coupling parts 10, 11
together. The second coupling part 11 formed on the first cooling
circuit 1 has a ball as a sealing element 12, which is pressed
against a sealing seat 14 by a first elastic element 13, such as,
for example, a spring. The sealing seat 14 is formed at the end of
the second coupling part 11 which faces the first coupling part 10.
The sealing seat 14 has a central opening through which a needle
15, formed on the first coupling part 10, can protrude when the two
coupling parts 10, 11 are brought together in order to press
against the sealing element 12, and hence push this away from its
sealing seat 14.
[0038] The needle 15 comprises a sealing cone 18 which seals
between the first coupling part 10 and the needle 15. The needle 15
in turn is preferably spring-loaded by a second elastic element 17,
and thus presses the needle 15 or cone 18 onto the sealing face or
sealing seat of the first coupling part 10, and without further
force action closes the fluid-conductive connection of the first
coupling part 10.
[0039] When the coupling parts 10, 11 are brought together, the
needle 15 is pressed against the sealing element 12 of the second
coupling part 11, whereby the needle 15 is moved away from the
sealing seat of the first coupling part 10. On further movement of
the first coupling part 10 against the second coupling part 11,
after overcoming the force of the first elastic element 13, the
sealing element 12 is also moved away from the sealing seat 14 and
hence opens a fluid-conductive connection. It is advantageous here
if the second elastic element 17 has a spring constant that is less
than the spring constant of the first elastic element 13, so that,
for example, the sealing face between the needle 15 and the sealing
seat of the first coupling part 10 opens first, then the sealing
element 12 following.
[0040] When the two coupling parts 10, 11 are brought together, a
ring seal 16 creates a seal between the coupling parts 10, 11
before the fluid-conductive connection is opened, so that the
coolant can flow through the second coupling part 11, as indicated
by arrows on the far right of the view in FIG. 3. When the two
coupling parts 10, 11 are moved apart, the fluid-conductive
connection is closed before the seal between the coupling parts 10,
11 is broken.
[0041] At least one of the two coupling parts 10, 11 may have a
radially peripheral ring 19, by which one or more balls 20 can be
pressed against a outer radially peripheral groove 21 formed on the
other coupling part 10, 11, so that the balls 20 engage in the
groove 21 and the two coupling parts 10, 11 are fixed together. For
this, the radially peripheral ring 19 may have a conical form on
the side facing the balls 20, in order to press the balls 20 into
the groove 21 on axial movement of the coupling parts 10, 11.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the entire connecting line 5 with
the first coupling parts 10 at both ends and the respective
counterpieces, the second coupling parts 11 which are formed on the
cooling circuits 1 and 2.
[0043] The term "coupled" or "connected" may be used herein to
refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the
components in question, and may apply to electrical, mechanical,
fluid, optical, electromagnetic, electromechanical or other
connections. In addition, the terms "first," "second, etc. are used
herein only to facilitate discussion, and carry no particular
temporal or chronological significance unless otherwise
indicated.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable
any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including
making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of embodiments is
defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be
within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if
they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial
differences from the literal languages of the claims. Aspects from
the various embodiments described, as well as other known
equivalents for each such aspects, may be mixed and matched by one
of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments
and techniques in accordance with principles of this
application.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0045] 1 Cooling circuit [0046] 2 Cooling circuit [0047] 3 Cooling
circuit [0048] 4 Connecting line [0049] 5 Connecting line [0050] 6
Shut-off valve [0051] 7 Heat exchanger [0052] 8 Heat exchanger
[0053] 9 Heat exchanger [0054] 10 First coupling part [0055] 11
Second coupling part [0056] 12 Sealing element [0057] 13 First
elastic element [0058] 14 Sealing seat [0059] 15 Needle [0060] 16
Ring seal [0061] 17 Second elastic element [0062] 18 Sealing cone
[0063] 19 Radially peripheral ring [0064] 20 Ball [0065] 21
Groove
* * * * *