U.S. patent application number 15/712118 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for fluid method and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Castrol Limited. Invention is credited to Donald Butterworth, Daniel Cadigan, William Rosanio.
Application Number | 20180087418 15/712118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61687700 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180087418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cadigan; Daniel ; et
al. |
March 29, 2018 |
Fluid Method and System
Abstract
A method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid
container for an engine or vehicle, wherein the replaceable fluid
container comprises a fluid reservoir and a plurality of container
ports, wherein replaceable fluid container is configured to be
docked with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine with the
plurality of container ports positioned on and coupled to at least
one port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the
vehicle or engine, wherein each of the plurality of container ports
has an operational function, wherein the operational function of at
least one of the plurality container ports is that of being a fluid
outlet port to allow the supply of fluid from the fluid reservoir,
the method comprising modifying the operational function of at
least one of the plurality of container ports to assist filling
and/or draining of the reservoir, a related filling and/or draining
interface plate configured to interface between a replaceable fluid
container for a vehicle or engine and a filling and/or draining
system of a replaceable fluid container management facility and a
kit comprising such an interface plate and a replaceable fluid
container for a vehicle or engine.
Inventors: |
Cadigan; Daniel; (Baton
Rouge, LA) ; Rosanio; William; (Morris Plains,
NJ) ; Butterworth; Donald; (Hewitt, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Castrol Limited |
Pangbourne |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
61687700 |
Appl. No.: |
15/712118 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62398333 |
Sep 22, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01M 11/0458 20130101;
F01M 13/0011 20130101; F01M 2011/0483 20130101; F01M 2013/0044
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01M 11/04 20060101
F01M011/04; F01M 13/00 20060101 F01M013/00 |
Claims
1. A method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid
container for an engine or vehicle, wherein the replaceable fluid
container comprises a fluid reservoir and a plurality of container
ports, wherein the replaceable fluid container is configured to be
docked with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine with the
plurality of container ports positioned on and coupled to at least
one port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the
vehicle or engine, wherein each of the plurality of container ports
has an operational function, wherein the operational function of at
least one of the plurality container ports is that of being a fluid
outlet port to allow the supply of fluid from the fluid reservoir,
the method comprising: modifying the operational function of at
least one of the plurality of container ports to assist filling
and/or draining of the reservoir.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of container ports
includes a fluid inlet port to allow the supply of fluid to the
fluid reservoir, wherein modifying the operational function of at
least one of the plurality of container ports comprises modifying
the operational function of at least one of the fluid inlet port or
the fluid outlet port.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein modifying the operational
function of at least one of the plurality of container ports
comprises blocking the fluid inlet port.
4. The method of claim 2, comprising opening the fluid inlet port
and maintaining it open during filling and/or draining of the fluid
container.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of container ports
includes a breather port arranged to allow air to enter or exit the
replaceable fluid container.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein modifying the operational
function of at least one of the container ports comprises blocking
the breather port during filling and/or draining of the fluid
reservoir.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the operational
function of at least one of the container ports comprises opening
the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port and filling and/or
draining the fluid reservoir through one of the fluid inlet port
and the fluid outlet port whilst allowing air to enter or exit the
replaceable fluid container through the other of the fluid inlet
port and the fluid outlet port.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein modifying the operational
function of at least one of the container ports comprises filling
the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid
outlet port and/or draining the fluid reservoir through both the
fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port.
9. The method of claim 8, comprising filling the fluid reservoir
through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port
simultaneously and/or draining the fluid reservoir through both the
fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port simultaneously.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the operational
function of at least one of the container ports comprises coupling
a filling and/or draining interface plate between the replaceable
fluid container and a filling and/or draining system of a
replaceable fluid container management facility such that the
interface plate couples at least one of the plurality of container
ports of the replaceable fluid container to at least one of a
plurality of filling and/or draining elements of the filling and/or
draining system.
11. (canceled)
12. A filling and/or draining interface plate configured to
interface between a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or
engine and a filling and/or draining system of a replaceable fluid
container management facility, wherein the replaceable fluid
container comprises a fluid reservoir and a plurality of container
ports, wherein the replaceable fluid container is configured to be
docked with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine with the
plurality of container ports positioned on and coupled to at least
one port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the
vehicle or engine, wherein the filling and/or draining interface
plate has a first surface configured to cooperate with at least one
of the plurality of container ports of the replaceable fluid
container and a second surface configured to cooperate with at
least one of a plurality of filling and/or draining elements of the
filling and/or draining system, the interface plate having at least
one channel between the first surface and the second surface, the
at least one channel being configured to fluidically couple at
least one of the plurality of container ports to at least one of
the plurality of filling and/or draining elements so as to modify
an operational function of at least one of the plurality of
container ports.
13. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 12,
wherein the at least one channel is configured to modify the
operational function of at least one of a fluid outlet port and a
fluid inlet port of the plurality of container ports of the
replaceable fluid container.
14. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
wherein modifying the operational function of at least one of the
plurality of container ports comprises blocking the fluid inlet
port.
15. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
comprising opening the fluid inlet port and maintaining it open
during filling and/or draining of the fluid container.
16. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
wherein the plurality of container ports includes a breather port
arranged to allow air to enter or exit the replaceable fluid
container.
17. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 16,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to block or inhibit opening of the breather port during filling
and/or draining of the fluid reservoir to avoid contamination of
the breather port with the fluid.
18. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 17,
wherein the interface plate is configured to inhibit opening of a
valve of the breather port.
19. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to couple one of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port to
a filling and/or draining element via the at least one channel to
allow filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir through that
port, and couple the other of the fluid inlet port and the fluid
outlet port to air to allow air to enter or exit the replaceable
fluid container through that port.
20. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to open a valve of one of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet
port and to couple that port to a filling and/or draining element
via the at least one channel to allow filling and/or draining the
fluid reservoir through that port and to open a valve of the other
of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port to air to allow
air to enter or exit the replaceable fluid container through that
port.
21. The filling and/or draining interface plate of any of claim 13,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to couple the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port to at
least one filling and/or draining element via the at least one
channel to allow filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir
through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port.
22. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 13,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to open a valve of each of the fluid inlet port and the fluid
outlet port and to couple the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet
port to at least one filling and/or draining element via the at
least one channel to allow filling and/or draining of the fluid
reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet
port.
23. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 21,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate is configured
to couple the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port to a
single filling and/or draining element via the at least one
channel.
24. The filling and/or draining interface plate of claim 21,
wherein the filling and/or draining interface plate has a plurality
of channels and is configured to couple the fluid inlet port and
the fluid outlet port to different filling and/or draining elements
via respective ones of the plurality of channels.
25. (canceled)
26. A kit comprising a filling and/or draining interface plate
according to claim 12 and a replaceable fluid container for a
vehicle or engine, wherein the replaceable fluid container
comprises a fluid reservoir and a plurality of container ports,
wherein the replaceable fluid container is configured to be docked
with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine with the
plurality of container ports positioned on and coupled to at least
one port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the
vehicle or engine.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a method for use with a fluid
container, particularly a fluid container for supplying fluid to a
fluid circulation system of a vehicle engine or a vehicle.
[0002] Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their
operation. Such fluids are often liquids. For example, internal
combustion engines use liquid lubricating oil compositions. Also,
electric engines use fluids which can provide heat exchange
functionality, for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine
or to cool and heat the engine during different operating
conditions. The heat exchange functionality of the fluids may be
provided in addition to other functions (such as a primary
function) which may include for example charge conduction and/or
electrical connectivity. Such fluids may be generally held in
containers associated with the engine.
[0003] The containers may be filled and may be recycled and/or
refilled.
[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure are recited in the
independent claims. Optional features are recited in the dependent
claims.
[0005] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1A shows a schematic block diagram of a first example
of a method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid
container for a vehicle or engine;
[0007] FIG. 1B shows a schematic block diagram of a second example
of a method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid
container for a vehicle or engine;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of example stages of a lifecycle of a
replaceable container, the example stages comprising a filling
and/or draining stage;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the filling and/or
draining stage of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4A shows a schematic illustration of an example filling
and/or draining system for carrying out the filling and/or draining
stage of FIG. 3, with one example container;
[0011] FIG. 4B shows a schematic illustration of an example filling
and/or draining system for carrying out the filling and/or draining
stage of FIG. 3, with a plurality of example containers;
[0012] FIG. 5A shows a schematic illustration of a first example of
a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing between a
replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining system,
shown coupled to a replaceable container comprising three
ports;
[0013] FIG. 5B shows a schematic illustration of a second example
of a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing
between a replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining
system, shown coupled to a replaceable fluid container comprising
three ports;
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a third example of
a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing between a
replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining system,
shown coupled to a replaceable fluid container comprising four
ports;
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a
replaceable fluid container docked with a dock; and
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of an engine fluid
circulation system for the vehicle or engine.
[0017] In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to
indicate like elements.
[0018] Embodiments disclosed with reference to the Figures, for
example with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 7, provide a method of
filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container 14 (as shown
for example in FIG. 7) for a vehicle 6 (as shown in FIG. 7) or an
engine 4 (as shown for example in FIG. 7).
[0019] As described in greater detail below, the replaceable fluid
container 14 may comprise a fluid reservoir 9 and at least one
port.
[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the container 14 has three
ports, i.e.:
[0021] a fluid outlet port 91 (sometimes referred to as a "supply
port"),
[0022] a fluid inlet port 92 (sometimes referred to as a "return
port"), and
[0023] a vent port 93 (sometimes referred to as a "breather
port").
[0024] In the example of FIG. 7, the container 14 is configured to
couple with a cooperating dock 140 associated with the vehicle 6 or
the engine 4, to place the reservoir 9 in fluidic communication
with a fluid circulation system 8 associated with the vehicle 6 or
engine 4 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the
dock 140.
[0025] In some examples, the reservoir 9 may be a specific chamber
or the fluid may simply be held in the container.
[0026] In the present disclosure, and as explained in further
detail below, "replaceable" means that:
[0027] the container can be supplied to the vehicle 6 or the engine
4, full with fresh and/or unused fluid, and/or
[0028] the container can be inserted in and/or seated in and/or
docked with the dock 140, in a non-destructive manner, and/or
[0029] the container can be coupled to the fluid circulation system
8, in a non-destructive manner, and/or
[0030] the container can be removed from the dock, in a
non-destructive manner, i.e. in a manner which enables its
re-insertion in the dock 140 should that be desired, and/or
[0031] the same (for example after having been refilled) or another
(for example full and/or new) container can be re-inserted in
and/or re-seated in and/or re-docked with the dock 140, in a
non-destructive manner.
[0032] It is understood that the term "replaceable" means that the
container may be "removed" and/or "replaced" by another new
container and/or the same container after having been refilled (in
other words the replaceable container may be "refillable") which
may be re-inserted in the dock or re-coupled to the fluid
circulation system.
[0033] In the present disclosure, "in a non-destructive manner"
means that integrity of the container is not altered, except maybe
for breakage and/or destruction of seals (such as seals on fluid
ports) or of other disposable elements of the container.
[0034] In the example of FIG. 7, the fluid outlet port 91 is
configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 and to
provide fluid from the fluid reservoir 9 of the fluid container 14.
In the example of FIG. 7, the fluid is provided via a supply line
10.
[0035] In the example of FIG. 7, the fluid inlet port 92 is
configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 to receive
fluid that has circulated, e.g. in the engine 4, into the fluid
reservoir 9. In the example of FIG. 7, the fluid is returned via a
fluid return line 12.
[0036] The ports 91, 92 of the fluid container 14 may comprise
self-sealing couplings or any other suitable form of couplings. The
dock 140 and container 14 together may provide a releasable
fastening mechanism, for example a locking mechanism, to hold the
container 14 docked with or to the dock 140.
[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the outlet
port 91 and the inlet port 92, the container 14 may have the vent
port 93 configured to couple with a vent 23 of the fluid
circulation system 8 or the vehicle 6 to enable pressure relief as
fluid is drawn into and out from the reservoir 9. In some examples,
the vent port 93 may be configured to couple with a vent tube
located in the reservoir 9 and extending inwards the reservoir 9,
to enable pressure relief as fluid is drawn into and out from the
reservoir 9. In some examples, the vent tube may comprise a
breather end, located in the reservoir 9 above a level
corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid in the reservoir
(such as a nominal volume of fluid in the container), to enable
pressure relief as fluid is drawn into and out from the reservoir
9.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 7 the fluid container 2 may comprise
a filter 90.
[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the fluid container 14 may
have a connection sensor 30 for sensing when the fluid container 14
is docked and is in fluid communication with the fluid circulation
system 8. The fluid container 14 may have a fluid sensor 22 (also
shown in FIG. 4A) to sense at least one characteristic of the fluid
in the container.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of the
disclosure provide a method, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, which
comprises:
[0041] coupling, at 10, at least one of the ports (e.g. the port
91, the port 92 or the port 93) of the replaceable fluid container
14 to a cooperating filling and/or draining element 600 (as shown
in FIG. 3) of a filling and/or draining system 700 of a replaceable
fluid container management facility 701 to place the container 14
or the reservoir 9 in fluidic communication with the filling and/or
draining system 700; and
[0042] filling and/or draining, at 11, the fluid reservoir through
the port.
[0043] The container may have a plurality of ports 91, 92 and 93.
Each of the plurality of container ports has an operational
function. The operational function of each respective container
port is a function served by the respective port during operation
of the replaceable fluid container in the engine or vehicle. The
operational function of a container port may be described herein as
the port's "first function". At least one of the plurality of ports
has a first function of supplying fluid from or of allowing supply
of fluid to the reservoir 14 (e.g. the fluid outlet port 91 or the
fluid inlet port 92, respectively).
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of the
disclosure provide a method, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, which
comprises:
[0045] modifying, at 10a, an operational, or first, function of the
at least one (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92 or the fluid outlet port
91) of the plurality of ports 91, 92 and 93, so that the modified
port has a second function (different than the first function of
supplying fluid from or of allowing supply of fluid to the
reservoir 9 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with
the dock 140), to assist filling and/or draining of the reservoir;
and
[0046] optionally filling and/or draining, at 11, the fluid
reservoir through the port (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92).
[0047] In some examples, modifying the operational function of at
least one of the plurality of ports may comprise modifying the
operational function of at least one of the fluid inlet port or the
fluid outlet port. In some examples, modifying the operational
function of at least one of the plurality of ports may comprise
blocking the fluid inlet port. In some examples, the method may
comprise opening the fluid inlet port and maintaining it open
during filling and/or draining of the fluid container.
[0048] An example of a filling and/or draining of the fluid
container 14 will now be described with aid of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0049] The container 14 may be fillable and/or may be recyclable
and/or refillable.
[0050] As illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, a lifecycle of
the fluid container 14 may for example comprise at least one or
more of:
[0051] a filling and/or draining stage 101 in which the replaceable
container is filled with the fluid or drained of used fluid in the
replaceable fluid container management facility 701 (illustrated
e.g. in FIGS. 4A and 4B); and
[0052] an operational stage 102 in which the replaceable container
is in use in the vehicle 6.
[0053] It should be understood that a drained replaceable fluid
container can be refilled. The lifecycle of the container may thus
comprise a collection and/or supply stage 103 in which the used
containers are collected to be drained, for example at a point of
collection such as a garage or shop or a dedicated collection
point, and in which refilled (also referred to as the "recycled")
containers are supplied, for example to a point of sale such as a
garage or shop or perhaps even back to the same vehicle user or
owner, for use in a vehicle or engine.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the filling and/or draining stage 101
provides a number of processes through which a particular container
may pass, which may, in some non-limiting examples, depend upon
data associated with at least one of the container, its contents
and the vehicle or the engine.
[0055] As shown these processes may include:
[0056] a fluid filling process 1011 and
[0057] a fluid draining process 1012.
[0058] It should be understood that, in some examples, the fluid
filling process 1011 may be performed, at least partly, in a first
management facility 701 and the fluid draining process 1012 may be
performed, at least partly, in a second management facility
701.
[0059] In some examples, the first management facility 701 may be
different from the second management facility 701, or may form, at
least partly or completely, part of the second management facility
701. Similarly, the second management facility 701 may form, at
least partly or completely, part of the first management facility
701.
[0060] In some examples, the fluid filling process 1011 and the
fluid draining process 1012 may be performed by a same system 700
or performed respectively by different systems 700.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a filling and/or draining
system 700 may be configured to perform at least some of the steps
of the method shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the example of FIGS. 4A
and 4B, the system 700 comprises at least one filling and/or
draining element 600. In some examples described in greater detail
below, the system 700 may comprise a plurality of elements 600. In
some examples, the plurality of elements may be configured to
provide a different element 600 to each port of the container.
[0062] In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the system 700 is located
in the management facility 701.
[0063] In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the container 14 is
configured to be associated with the element 600. In the example
illustrated by FIG. 4A, the element 600 is configured to place, as
explained in greater detail below, the fluid reservoir 9 in fluidic
communication with components of the filling and/or draining system
700. In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the coupling of the element
600 and the container 14 is such that, when the fluid reservoir 9
is in fluidic communication with the filling and/or draining system
700, the replaceable fluid container 14 is in the same orientation
as when it is docked with the dock 140 as described with reference
to FIG. 7. In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the replaceable fluid
container 14 is oriented such that the bottom of the container 14
(comprising the ports 91, 92 and 93) is docked with the dock 140.
In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the port 91 or 92 or 93 is
located on the replaceable fluid container 14, such that the fluid
reservoir 9 is positioned above the port 91 or 92 or 93 when the
replaceable fluid container 14 is coupled with the filling and/or
draining element 600 (or e.g. docked with the dock 140 as shown in
FIG. 7).
[0064] It should be understood that the filling and/or draining
system 700 (comprising the element 600) may be configured to fill
and/or drain the fluid reservoir 9 through the port 91 or 92 when
the container 14 is coupled with the filling and/or draining
element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the
dock 140 (as described with reference to FIG. 7). In some examples,
when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same
orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 (as described
with reference to FIG. 7), the element 600 may be configured to
prevent or at least inhibit contamination (e.g. flooding) of the
vent port 93 with fluid. In some examples, when the container 14 is
coupled with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is
docked with the dock 140, the element 600 may be configured to
block the vent port 93. Alternatively or additionally, in some
examples, when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in
the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 (as
described with reference to FIG. 7), the vent tube coupled with the
vent port 93 is not contaminated (e.g. flooded) when fluid is
filled into and/or drained out of the reservoir 9, because the
bottom of the container 14 comprising the ports 91 and 92 is
positioned below the fluid reservoir 9. In some examples, such an
orientation enables the breather end of the vent tube coupled with
the vent port 93 to be located above the bottom of the container 14
(comprising the ports 91 and 92), and enables the breather end of
the vent tube not to be contaminated (e.g. flooded) when fluid is
filled into and/or drained out of the reservoir 9. In such
examples, the filling and/or draining of the container 14 may be
performed from underneath the reservoir 9. In some examples, when
the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same
orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140, the element 600
may be configured to enable (e.g. by blocking the vent port 93) the
vent port 93 and/or the vent tube (when a vent tube is coupled with
the vent port 93) to form an air-lock to prevent or at least
inhibit contamination (e.g. flooding) of the vent port 93 and/or
the vent tube (when a vent tube is coupled with the vent port 93)
with fluid.
[0065] In the example of FIG. 4A, the replaceable fluid container
may optionally comprise an aperture 94 (for example a closeable
aperture, e.g. comprising a removeable screw cap) spaced from the
port 91 or 92 or 93, and through which the removable fluid
container may be filled and/or drained.
[0066] In the example of FIG. 4A, the replaceable fluid container
14 has a plurality of walls. The walls include:
[0067] a first wall 141 which is uppermost when the replaceable
fluid container is coupled with the element 600 (or docked with the
dock 140),
[0068] a second wall 142 which is lowermost when the replaceable
fluid container 14 is coupled with the element 600 (or docked with
the dock 140), and
[0069] a sidewall or sidewalls 143.
[0070] In the example of FIG. 4A, the aperture 94 extends through
the sidewall 143 of the replaceable fluid container 14.
Additionally or alternatively, the container may comprise an
aperture (not shown in the Figures) through the first wall 141 of
the replaceable fluid container 14.
[0071] In some examples, the element 600 may simply be the coupling
to the fluid reservoir 9. To that effect, the element may comprise
at least one port 604 configured to cooperate with at least one
port of the container 14.
[0072] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4A, the element 600
comprises a port actuator 605 to:
[0073] disable (e.g. close or maintain closed) a fluid port (and/or
any corresponding valves as explained below) of the container 14
for inhibiting outflow of fluid from the container 14, and
[0074] activate (e.g. open or maintain open) a fluid port (and/or
any corresponding valves as explained below) of the container 14
for enabling the fluid to flow through the port into the container
14.
[0075] The port actuator 605 may comprise a mechanical component,
such as a component configured to cooperate with the ports 91, 92
or 93 of the container 14. For example where the ports 91, 92 or 93
comprise a female component, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the port
actuator 605 comprises a male component (such as a nozzle). In some
examples, the male component may be configured to activate the
fluid ports 91, 92 or 93 of the container 14.
[0076] Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may
have an electromagnetic actuator, for example actuated by a
solenoid. Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may
have a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator which is configured to
actuate the port of the fluid container by a pressurized fluid
(such as oil and/or a gas (such as vapour and/or air)) provided
through a pipework 608, as illustrated in FIG. 4A.
[0077] It should be understood that the port 604 of the element 600
may comprise self-sealing couplings or any other suitable form of
couplings or valves. In some examples, the port actuator 605 may
comprise a self-sealing coupling which may comprise a self-sealing
valve which is biased to a closed position, when the container 14
and the element 600 are disconnected. In some non-limiting
examples, the valve may comprise an axially moveable element and a
valve face which may, when in the closed position, rest against a
valve seat of the port actuator 605, in order to seal the element
600 to prevent or at least inhibit fluid flow through the closed
valve. When the valve is in the open position, the valve face does
not rest against the valve seat, and thus allows fluid to flow
through the open valve. It should be understood that other types of
self-sealing coupling may be envisaged. It should be understood
that the port 604 of the element 600 (or the couplings of the
element 600) does not necessarily comprise self-sealing couplings
or valves.
[0078] In some examples, the element 600 may comprise a coupling
plate or mount. In some examples, the element 600 may comprise a
dedicated reception station 640 designed to receive at least a
portion of the fluid container. In the example shown in FIG. 4A,
the reception station 640 may be similar to the dock 140 associated
with the engine 4 or provided in the vehicle 6 shown in FIG. 7.
[0079] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4A, the system 700
comprises:
[0080] a fluid unit 606;
[0081] a vent unit 607, and
[0082] the pipework 608, configured to fluidically connect the
element 600 to the fluid unit 606 and the vent unit 607,
respectively.
[0083] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4A, the fluid unit 606
comprises a fluid tank 6061 and a reversible pump 6062. In some
examples, the pump 6062 may be configured to:
[0084] provide, during the filling process 1011, fluid from the
tank 6061 to the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element
600; and
[0085] drain, during the draining process 1012, fluid to the tank
6061 from the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element
600.
[0086] It should be understood that in examples where the system
700 performs only one of the filling process or the draining
process, the pump 6062 need not necessarily be reversible.
[0087] In some non-limiting examples, the power of the pump 6062
may be suitable to pump the fluid at a rate of about 1 L/second
(other rates are envisaged, for example higher rates). In examples
where the fluid container 14 has a reservoir of about 4-5 L, the
system 700 may be configured to fill or drain the container 14 in
about 4 or 5 seconds.
[0088] In some examples, the pump 6062 may be configured to:
[0089] fill and/or drain a portion (e.g. a major portion, e.g.,
90%, but other portions are envisaged) of the volume of the fluid
reservoir 9 at a first rate (for example at a rate of about 1
L/second, but other rates are envisaged), and subsequently fill
and/or drain at least some of the remaining volume (e.g., a minor
portion, e.g., 10%, but other portions are envisaged) of the fluid
reservoir at a second rate (for example at a rate of about 0.5
L/second, but other rates are envisaged).
[0090] As described above, in some examples the second rate is
slower than the first rate, but the second rate could be higher
than the first rate.
[0091] In some examples the system 700 may be configured to:
[0092] end the filling and/or draining process; and/or
[0093] switch from the first rate to the second rate after a
predetermined time period (such as a few seconds, depending on the
power of the pump 6062).
[0094] In the example of FIG. 4A, the filling and/or draining
system 700 comprises a controller 601. In the example illustrated
by FIG. 4A, the controller 601 is connected to the fluid unit 606.
The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A is connected to the pump
6062.
[0095] In some examples, the controller 601 may be configured
to:
[0096] determine a time lapsed during the filling process 1011
and/or the draining process 1012, and to
[0097] end the filling process 1011 and/or the draining process
1012 when the lapsed time reaches the predetermined time
period.
[0098] Additionally or alternatively, as non-limiting examples, the
system 700 may be configured to:
[0099] sense an amount of fluid in the fluid container 14;
and/or
[0100] measure an amount of fluid and/or gas (such as air or
vapour) going into and/or coming out of the container 14;
and/or
[0101] measure a pressure across the filter.
[0102] In the example of FIG. 4A, the system 700 may comprise a
weight sensor 24 configured sense, e.g. in real time, the weight of
the container 14. It should be understood that the sensed amount of
fluid could be sensed by another sensor of the system 700, such as
a flow sensor.
[0103] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4A, the controller 601 is
connected to the weight sensor 24 and may be configured to select
or modify at least one of the rate and the time period of filling
and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed
amount. The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A may be configured to
stop the filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to
the sensed amount.
[0104] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4A, the vent unit 607
comprises a vent 6072 (and optionally a reversible pump 6071). In
some examples, the pump 6071 may be configured to:
[0105] provide, during the draining process 1012, gas from the vent
6072 to the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element 600;
and
[0106] extract, during the filling process 1011, gas to the vent
6072 from the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element
600.
[0107] The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A is connected to the unit
607. The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A is connected to the pump
6071.
[0108] It should be understood that in examples where the system
700 performs only one of the filling process or the draining
process, the pump 6071 need not necessarily be reversible.
[0109] In some examples, the vent 6072 may be fluidically connected
to a tank or open to an ambient atmosphere, for example via a
filter.
[0110] In some examples, the pump 6071 and/or 6062 may be operated
independently or simultaneously (in that example the pump 6071 may
assist the pump 6062 in the filling process 1011 and/or the
draining process 1012). The pump 6071 and/or the pump 6062 shown in
FIG. 4A may be controlled by the controller 601.
[0111] As described in greater detail below, during the filling
and/or draining stage 101, in order to fill the container 14, the
system 700 activates and disables the ports in a controlled manner,
e.g. by the controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A.
[0112] In the example of FIG. 4A, as already stated, when the
container 14 is coupled, at 10 of FIG. 1A, with the element 600 in
the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140, e.g.
so that the reservoir 9 is above the ports 91, 92 and 93 (as
described with reference to FIG. 7), the element 600 may be
configured to prevent or at least inhibit contamination (e.g.
flooding) of the vent port 93 with fluid.
It should be understood that the container 14 may have a plurality
of ports 91, 92 and 93, and that, in the examples of FIGS. 4A and
4B, in another aspect of the disclosure, an operational or first
function of the at least one of the plurality of ports (e.g. the
fluid inlet port 92 or the fluid outlet port 91) may be modified,
at 10a of FIG. 1B, so that the modified port has a second function
different than a first function, where the first function is:
[0113] supplying fluid from the reservoir 9 when the replaceable
fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140 (e.g. the fluid
outlet port 91); or
[0114] allowing supply of fluid to the reservoir 9 when the
replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140 (e.g.
the fluid inlet port 92) to assist filling and/or draining of the
reservoir.
[0115] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 4A, in some examples,
modifying, at 10a of FIG. 1B, the function of at least one of the
ports comprises:
[0116] opening the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port
91, and
[0117] filling the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet
port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 and/or draining the fluid
reservoir through both the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet
port 91 (to enable more rapid filling and/or draining of the fluid
reservoir so that the fill or drain times can be reduced).
[0118] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 4B, in some examples,
modifying, at 10a of FIG. 1B, the function of at least one of the
ports comprises:
[0119] opening the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port,
and
[0120] filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir through one of
the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port (e.g. the inlet port
92) whilst allowing air to enter or exit the replaceable fluid
container 14 through the other of the fluid inlet port and the
fluid outlet port (e.g. the outlet port 9) to regulate the internal
pressure of the replaceable fluid container during filling and/or
draining of the fluid reservoir.
[0121] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 4A, in some examples, gas
(such as air and/or vapour) which is pushed by the incoming fluid
pumped by the pump 6062 (and/or extracted by the pump 6071) is
allowed to escape the container 14 through the breather port 93.
Similarly, in that example, gas (such as air and/or vapour) which
is drawn in by the outflow of fluid pumped by the pump 6062 (and/or
the pump 6071) is allowed to enter through the breather port
93.
[0122] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 4B, in some examples,
modifying, at 10a of FIG. 1B, the function of at least one of the
ports may comprise:
[0123] blocking the breather port 93 during filling and/or draining
of the fluid reservoir when both the inlet port and the outlet port
are open and gas (such as air of vapour) may pass through one of
the inlet port and the outlet port. This may avoid contamination
(e.g. flooding) of the breather port with the fluid.
[0124] In some examples, the method may comprise filling the fluid
reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet
port simultaneously and/or draining the fluid reservoir through
both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port
simultaneously.
[0125] In the example illustrated by FIG. 4B, the element 600
comprises a plurality of container reception stations 640 which can
be provided on a conveyor 609 or other transport system provided at
the stage 101, at the management facility 701. A plurality of
containers 14 may be passed through the stage 101 (illustrated in
FIG. 2), sequentially (when the facility comprises e.g. only one
system 700 or conveyor 609) or in parallel (when the facility
comprises e.g. a plurality of systems 700 or conveyors 609).
[0126] While the above describes the replaceable fluid container 14
coupling directly to the filling and/or draining elements 600 of
the filling and/or draining system 700, in other examples, the
container 14 may be coupled to the filling and/or draining system
700 indirectly, for example via a filling and/or draining interface
plate.
[0127] In embodiments, the filling and/or draining interface plate
is configured to interface between the replaceable fluid container
14 and the filling and/or draining system 700. In these
embodiments, the container 14 may be coupled to filling and/or
draining elements 600 of the filling and/or draining system 700 via
the interface plate or to one or more other components of the
filling and/or draining system 700 via the interface plate.
[0128] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 5A and 5B, in some examples
and as described in greater detail below, modifying, at 10a of FIG.
1B, the function of at least one of the ports comprises:
[0129] coupling the filling and/or draining interface plate 500
between the replaceable fluid container 14 and the filling and/or
draining system 700 of the replaceable fluid container management
facility 701, such that the interface plate 500 couples at least
one of the plurality of ports of the replaceable fluid container 14
to at least one of the plurality of filling and/or draining
elements 600 of the filling and/or draining system 700.
[0130] In some examples, the interface plate may be configured to
control the couplings of the container ports 91, 92, 93 to one or
more filling and/or draining elements 600 or one or more fluid
lines of the filling and/or draining system 700, for example by
controlling opening and closing of one or more of the ports.
[0131] In embodiments, the filling and/or draining interface plate
may be provided between the container 14 and the system 700. The
filling and/or draining interface plate may be configured to
control the couplings of the ports to the fluid system, for example
by controlling the coupling of each port to one or more
elements.
[0132] In embodiments, a filling and/or draining interface plate is
configured to modify the function of at least one of the ports 91,
92, 93, for example to assist a filling and/or draining operation.
In embodiments, the filling and/or draining interface plate is
configured to modify the function of a port, from a first function,
such as a primary function (such as a function of the port when the
container 14 is in use in a vehicle or engine as described herein),
to a second function different than the first function.
[0133] A modified port function (e.g. the second function) may be
provided to assist filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir
9.
[0134] A modified port function may be provided to avoid or reduce
contamination of the breather port 93 with the fluid during filling
and/or draining of the fluid reservoir 9.
[0135] In embodiments, the fluid inlet port 92 has the first
function of controlling the inflow of fluid into the fluid
reservoir 9.
[0136] In embodiments, the fluid outlet port 91 has the first
function of controlling the outflow of fluid from the fluid
reservoir 9.
[0137] In embodiments, the breather port 93 has the first function
of enabling a flow of air into and/or out of the removable fluid
container 14, for example into or out of the fluid reservoir 9, for
example to regulate the internal pressure of the replaceable fluid
container 14 during filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir
9.
[0138] FIG. 5A shows a first example of a filling and/or draining
interface plate 500a arranged for interfacing between a filling
and/or draining system 700 and a replaceable fluid container
14.
[0139] The filling and/or draining interface plate 500a of FIG. 5A
may permit opening of both the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91
to allow rapid filling or draining of the fluid reservoir 9. The
plate may also permit opening of the breather port 93 to allow air
displaced by the fluid during a filling operation to escape and/or
to allow air to enter the container during a draining
operation.
[0140] The filling and/or draining interface plate 500a has a first
surface 520 and a second surface 530. The first surface 520 has
first, second and third port actuators 521, 522, 523. The second
surface 530 has first and second filling and/or draining system
connections 531, 532.
[0141] A first channel 510a extends through the interface plate
500a from the first connector 531 to the first port actuator 521
and from the first connector 531 to the second port actuator 522,
for example in a v-shape configuration.
[0142] A second channel 512a extends through the interface plate
500 from the second connector 532 to the third port actuator
523.
[0143] The first surface 520 is arranged to receive the replaceable
fluid container 14 thereon and to cooperate with the ports 91, 92,
93 of the replaceable fluid container 14 when the container 14 is
positioned on the interface plate 500a.
[0144] The first port actuator 521 is arranged to couple with the
fluid inlet port 92 in order to control opening and/or closing of
the fluid inlet port 92. The second port actuator 522 is arranged
to couple with the fluid outlet port 91 in order to control opening
and/or closing of the fluid outlet port 91. The third port actuator
523 is arranged to couple with the breather port 93 in order to
control opening and/or closing of the breather port 93.
[0145] As already stated, each of the port actuators may comprise a
mechanical component (such as a nozzle) and/or an electromagnetic
actuator and/or a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. In the example
of FIG. 5A, each port actuator may be configured to open a
container port 91, 92, 93 to which it couples as a consequence of
the mechanical coupling, or it may it be controlled to open the
port by a controller once the coupling has been established.
[0146] The second surface 530 is arranged to cooperate with one or
more filling and/or draining elements 600 or one or more fluid
lines of the filling and/or draining system.
[0147] The first filling and/or draining system connector 531 is
configured to be coupled to a first filling and/or draining element
600 of the filling and/or draining system 700.
[0148] The second filling and/or draining system connector 532 is
configured to be coupled to a second filling and/or draining
element 600 of the filling and/or draining system 700 or directly
to air.
[0149] The connectors 531, 532 may comprise ports and may be
configured to couple to port actuators of the first and second
filling and/or draining elements 600. In other examples, the first
and second filling and/or draining elements 600 do not have port
actuators and instead the connectors 531, 532 couple to fluid lines
of the filling and/or draining elements 600.
[0150] In operation, the replaceable fluid container 14 is
positioned on the interface plate 500a such that:
[0151] the fluid inlet port 92 is positioned on the first port
actuator 521,
[0152] the fluid outlet port 91 is positioned on the second port
actuator 522, and
[0153] the breather port 93 is positioned on the third port
actuator 523.
[0154] The positioning of the respective ports on the respective
port actuators couples the respective ports to the respective port
actuators. In this example, the coupling of a given port to a given
port actuator causes the port actuator to open the port.
[0155] The interface plate 500a places the fluid inlet port 92 and
the fluid outlet port 91 in fluidic communication with the first
filling and/or draining element 600 via the first channel 510a, and
places the breather port 93 in fluidic communication with the
second filling and/or draining element 600 via the second channel
512a.
[0156] In this example, the first filling and/or draining element
600 is configured to be, or is operated as, a filling element, that
is to say an element 600 through which fluid is supplied to fill
the reservoir 9. The second filling and/or draining element 600 is
configured to be, or is operated as, a breather element, that is to
say the element 600 is open or connected to an air supply to allow
air to flow into or out of the reservoir 9.
[0157] The arrows in FIG. 5A illustrate a filling operation. Fluid
is supplied through filling and/or draining element 600 into the
first channel 510a, and into the fluid reservoir 9 via the fluid
inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91. Meanwhile, air passes
out of the reservoir 9 through the breather port 93 and the
breather element 600 as the reservoir 9 fills with fluid. This may
help regulate the pressure within the fluid container 14 during the
filling operation.
[0158] In this example, the coupling of the first connector 531 to
the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 by way of the
first channel 510a causes fluid to be supplied into the reservoir 9
through both of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91, thereby
modifying the first of the fluid outlet port 91. By providing fluid
to the reservoir 9 through both of the fluid inlet and the fluid
outlet ports 92, 91, the reservoir 9 may be filled more rapidly
than when filling through the fluid inlet port 92 alone.
[0159] The same interface plate 500a may be used during a draining
operation on the fluid container 14. In this case, the first
connector 531 is coupled to a filling and/or draining element 600
which is configured to be, or is operated as, a draining element,
that is to say an element through which fluid is removed or drained
from the reservoir 9. Draining the reservoir 9 through both the
fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 may allow the
reservoir 9 to be drained at a faster rate than draining through
the fluid outlet port 91 alone. Again, the breather port 93 allows
air to flow into the container 14 as fluid exits the container to
regulate the internal pressure of the container 14.
[0160] Whilst in the example of FIG. 5A the interface plate 500a
couples the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 to a common filling
and/or draining element, in other examples, the interface plate
500a may be configured to couple each of the fluid inlet and outlet
ports to different respective filling and/or draining elements 600,
and the filling and/or draining system 700 may still be operated to
fill through both of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 and/or
to drain through both of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92,91
concurrently.
[0161] Whilst in the above example the interface plate 500a couples
the breather port 93 to a filling and/or draining element, in
another example the interface plate 500a is configured to open the
breather port 93 directly to air.
[0162] In a variation on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, an
interface plate could be configured to connect each of the ports
91, 92, 93 to a filling and/or draining element 600, either by
individual fluid channels or shared fluid channels such as the
first fluid channel 512a in FIG. 5A, in order to allow each the
filling or draining of the reservoir 9 through all of the ports.
When, as in FIG. 5A, one of the ports is a breather port, this may
involve running fluid through the breather port. In order to clear
the breather port to allow it to optimally serve its first
function, air could be caused to flow through the breather port to
expel any fluid therein, for example by pumping a blast of air
through the breather port, or applying a suction pressure to the
breather port to cause air to flow through it.
[0163] FIG. 5B shows a second example of a filling and/or draining
interface plate 500b arranged for interfacing between a filling
and/or draining system 700 and a replaceable fluid container
14.
[0164] The filling and/or draining interface plate 500b of FIG. 5B
may permit opening of both the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91
to allow filling and/or draining through one of the fluid inlet and
outlet ports 92, 91 and breathing/venting of air through the other
of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91, whilst blocking the
breather port 93 to allow filling and/or drain without flooding the
breather port 93 with fluid.
[0165] The filling and/or draining interface plate 500b has a first
surface 520 and a second surface 530. The first surface 520 has
first and second port actuators 521, 522. The second surface 530
has first and second filling and/or draining system connections
531, 532. A first channel 510b extends through the interface plate
500b from the first connector 531 to the first port actuator 521. A
second channel 512b extends through the interface plate 500b from
the second connector 532 to the second port actuator 522.
[0166] The first surface 520 is arranged to provide a seat for the
replaceable fluid container 14 and to cooperate with the ports of
the replaceable fluid container 14 when the container 14 is
positioned on the interface plate 500b.
[0167] The first port actuator 521 is arranged to couple with the
fluid inlet port 92 in order to control opening and/or closing of
the fluid inlet port 92. The second port actuator 522 is arranged
to couple with the fluid outlet port 91 in order to control opening
and/or closing of the fluid outlet port 91.
[0168] The second surface 530 is arranged to cooperate with one or
more filling and/or draining elements 600 or one or more fluid
lines of the filling and/or draining system.
[0169] The first filling and/or draining system connector 531 is
configured to be coupled to a first filling and/or draining element
600 of the filling and/or draining system. In this example, the
first filling and/or draining element 600 is configured to be, or
is operated as, a filling element 600 as described above.
[0170] The second filling and/or draining system connector 532 is
configured to be coupled to a second filling and/or draining
element 600. In this example, the second filling and/or draining
element 600 is configured to be, or is operated as, a breather
element 600 as described above.
[0171] The connectors 531, 532 may comprise ports and may be
configured to couple to port actuators of the first and second
filling and/or draining elements 600. In other examples, the first
and second filling and/or draining elements 600 do not have port
actuators and instead the connectors 531, 532 couple to fluid lines
of the filling and/or draining elements 600.
[0172] No actuator is provided for the breather port 93 and no
channel is provided to allow air-flow to or from the breather port
93. The interface plate 500b thereby blocks, restricts or inhibits
airflow through the breather port 93 when the container 14 is
positioned on the interface plate 500b. This may prevent or reduce
contamination of the breather port 93 with fluid during filling
and/or draining of the reservoir 9.
[0173] In operation, the replaceable fluid container 14 is
positioned on the interface plate 500b such that the fluid inlet
port 92 is positioned on the first port actuator 521, the fluid
outlet port 91 is positioned on the second port actuator 522 and
the breather port 93 is blocked by the interface plate 500b. As
described above, the positioning of the respective ports 91, 92, on
the respective port actuators 521, 522 couples the respective ports
to the respective port actuators and the coupling of a given port
to a given port actuator may cause the port actuator to open the
port.
[0174] The interface plate 500b places the fluid inlet port 92 in
fluidic communication with the first filling and/or draining
element 600 via the first channel 510b, places the fluid outlet
port 91 in fluidic communication with the second filling and/or
draining element 600 via the second channel 512b and restricts or
blocks the breather port 93.
[0175] FIG. 5B illustrates a filling operation. Fluid is supplied
through filling and/or draining element 600 into the first channel
510b, and into the fluid reservoir 9 via the fluid inlet port 92.
Meanwhile, air passes out of the reservoir 9 through the fluid
outlet port 91 and out of the breather element 600 as the reservoir
9 fills with fluid. This facilitates regulation the pressure within
the fluid container 14 during the filling operation while the
breather port 93 is restricted or blocked.
[0176] In this example, modifying the breather port 93 function by
restricting or blocking the breather port 93 and modifying the
fluid outlet port 91 function by allowing air to vent through the
fluid outlet port 91 may protect the breather port 93 against
contamination and potential blockage by the fluid whilst allowing
the reservoir 9 to "breath" to regulate the pressure therein during
a filling operation.
[0177] The same interface plate 500b may be used during a draining
operation on the fluid container 14. In this case, the first
connector is coupled to a filling and/or draining element 600 which
is configured to be, or is operated as, a draining element, that is
to say an element 600 through which fluid is removed or drained
from to be drained from the reservoir 9. The fluid outlet port 91
may continue to provide a breather function.
[0178] In another example to that shown in FIG. 5B, a third port
actuator could be provided on the first surface 520 for controlling
actuation of the breather port 93. In this example, the interface
plate 500b could be configured to restrict or block the breather
port 93 irrespective of whether or not the third port actuator
opens the breather port 93, and/or the third port actuator could be
controlled to keep the breather port 93 closed.
[0179] FIG. 6 shows an example of a filling and/or draining
interface plate 500c arranged for interfacing between the filling
and/or draining system 700 and a four-port replaceable fluid
container 14. The four-port container 14 may be used in a dry sump
engine, for example.
[0180] The interface plate 500c of FIG. 6 may allow rapid filling
and/or draining through at least one fluid inlet port and at least
one fluid outlet port, and effective breathing/venting through the
breather port and a fourth port of the container (viewed from the
other side than the containers of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The filling
line interface plate 500c is configured to open all ports in the
container allowing rapid fill or drain.
[0181] The replaceable fluid container 14 shown in FIG. 6 has four
ports, of which one is a breather port 93, one is a fluid inlet
port 92 and two are fluid outlet ports 91a, 91b. The fluid outlet
ports 91a, 91b have a first function of supplying fluid to
different limbs of a vehicle or engine fluid circulation system.
The fluid outlet ports comprise a filter 90 for filtering outgoing
fluid. In the illustrated example, a single filter 90 is provided
across both of the fluid outlet ports 91a, 91b but in other
examples, a separate filter could be provided for each.
[0182] The interface plate 500c may be configured and may operate
similarly to the interface plate 500a of FIG. 5A. A first channel
510c is provided for coupling the breather port 93 to a first
breather element 600 to allow the breather port 93 to serve its
first function of pressure regulation. A second channel 512c is
provided for coupling the fluid inlet port 92 and a first of the
fluid outlet ports 91a to a filling element 600 to allow rapid fill
of the reservoir 9. A third channel 514 is provided for coupling
the second of the fluid outlet ports 91b to a second breather
element 600 so that the second fluid outlet port 91b may provide a
breathing/venting function to assist in regulating the pressure in
the reservoir 9 during rapid filling (or draining) through the
second channel. The reservoir 9 may be filled or drained via the
second channel 512c by connecting the second channel 512c to a
filling element 600 or a draining element 600 as appropriate, or by
connecting the second channel 512c to a filling and/or draining
element 600 which may be operated as a filling element 600 or a
draining element 600.
[0183] In other examples than that of FIG. 6, a four-port container
14 could comprise any suitable combination of ports, such as:
[0184] a breather port, an outlet port and two inlet ports, or
[0185] two breather ports, an inlet port and an outlet port.
[0186] One or more of the inlet or outlet ports could comprise a
filter or a common filter could be shared between one or more of
the inlet and outlet ports.
[0187] In one example, the first function of port 93 is a breather
port, the first function of port 91a is a fluid inlet port, the
first function of port 91b is a fluid outlet port, and the first
function of port 92 is a fluid inlet and/or outlet port as may be
selected according to a requirement of the fluid circulation system
to which the container 14 is coupled. A further filter may be
provided to filter fluid passing through port 92.
[0188] One or more or the above interface plates may be configured
to open and/or close one or more of the container ports in a
predetermined sequence. One or more of the container ports may be
moved from an opened configuration to a closed configuration or
vice versa to switch from a filling to a draining operation or vice
versa or to change a function of one or more of the container
ports.
[0189] In the described embodiments, a given filling and/or
draining element may be configured to serve a single function, for
example to "fill" the container by allowing fluid to flow towards,
optionally comprising pumping fluid towards, the fluid container or
to "drain" by allowing fluid to flow from, optionally comprising
sucking fluid from, the fluid container, or it may be adapted to
provide two or more different functions, such as filling then
draining, according to the operation of other elements, such as
pumps, in the fluid draining and/or circulation system.
[0190] By coupling two or more ports of the container to a single
filling and/or draining element, the filling and/or draining system
may be simplified, for example requiring fewer individual filling
and/or draining elements and associated pumps.
[0191] Any of the interface plates described herein may be
removably coupleable to the filling and/or draining system, may be
integral or unitary with the filling and/or drainage system and/or
may be removably coupleable to the fluid container or may be
integral or unitary with the removable fluid container.
[0192] Any of the interface plates described herein may be provided
as a kit of parts along with a removable fluid container and/or a
filling and/or draining system or a part thereof.
[0193] Whilst the above embodiments describe the interface plates
coupling container ports to respective filling and/or draining
elements, in other examples, connectors of one or more of the
interface plates may be configured to couple one more ports of the
container to any suitable part of the filling and/or drainage
system or, in the case of breather port connections, directly to an
air supply such as ambient air.
[0194] In embodiments, the filling and/or draining elements may be
arranged to extend through the interface plate or may be comprised
in the interface plate.
[0195] In embodiments, the port actuators which are described above
as being features of an interface plate may instead be components
of the filling and/or draining system and may be arranged to extend
through one or more channels of the interface plate to actuate
respective container ports.
[0196] In embodiments described herein, the fluid reservoir could
be at least partially expandable and/or collapsible to reduce the
need for pressure regulation by way of one or more breather ports.
This could allow a breather port to be omitted or to be used for,
for example to be used only for, filling and/or draining of the
fluid, for example.
[0197] A filter 90 may be provided with one or more ports of a
given container 14. In the examples of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a filter is
provided in across the respective fluid outlet ports 91 to filter
the outgoing fluid. Optionally the filter 90 of any of the
described examples may be pre-wetted (e.g. prefilled) with fluid to
facilitate the fluid flow through the filter 90 during filling
and/or draining. This may allow reduction of time of filling and/or
draining through an otherwise dry filter 90 (a dry filter may
provide a high resistance to a flow of fluid). Optionally the
filter 90 may be pre-wetted (e.g. prefilled) with fluid to further
reduce time to achieve a predetermined fluid pressure, following
fitment of a new/refilled container on the vehicle 6.
[0198] In some embodiments, pre-wetting of the filter 90 may be
achieved by filling the reservoir 9, at least initially, through a
port which is not associated with the filter (such that fluid
received through the port not associated with the filter drains
into and fills the filter), after which the fluid may be allowed to
flow through a port associated with the filter.
[0199] In some examples, a replaceable fluid container 14 which has
a different number of ports than the containers 14 shown in the
illustrated embodiments may be provided.
[0200] In the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, the fluid container 14 has
a data provider 1 for providing data about the fluid container 14
and/or its contents. In this example, the data provider 1 is
arranged to provide data to an engine control device 2 via a first
communication link 32.
[0201] The data provider 1 of the fluid container 14 may, as shown
in FIG. 8, comprise a processor 105 arranged to receive signals,
e.g. from the fluid sensor 22 and the connection sensor 30, and to
communicate data to the engine control device 2 via the
communication link 32. The data provider 1 comprises a data store
(memory) 104 for storing data describing or identifying at least
one of the container and the fluid. In particular, the memory 104
may store data including at least one of (as non-limiting
examples): the grade of fluid, the type of fluid, the date on which
the fluid was filled, refilled or replaced, a unique identifier of
the container 14 (such as a unique serial number of the container),
an indication of whether the container is new, or has previously
been refilled or replaced, an indication of the vehicle mileage,
the number of times the container has been refilled or reused, and
the total mileage for which the container has been used, and
whether the container holds new or refilled fluid.
[0202] The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A is arranged to read data
(including e.g. control data) from at least one or more of:
[0203] the data provider 1 of the fluid container 14 (and perhaps
also the sensor 22),
[0204] a user alert (for example an audio or visual alert) and/or
display 602 to provide information to an operator, and
[0205] an interlock system 603 that may permit, inhibit or prevent
processing of the fluid container and/or its contents by the stage
101 by mechanical or other means.
[0206] The controller 601 may be arranged to read data from the
fluid sensor 22 to sense the amount of fluid in the fluid container
14. The filling and/or draining stage 101 may comprise selecting or
modifying at least one of the rate and the time period of filling
and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed
amount.
[0207] The controller 601 may be arranged to communicate with the
data provider 1 carried by the container 14, to
[0208] determine, on the basis of the communication with the data
provider, data associated with at least one of the container, its
contents and the vehicle and to
[0209] control the filling and/or draining stage 101 in relation to
at least one of the container and its contents on the basis of the
data associated with at least one of the container, its contents
and the vehicle.
[0210] At the filling and/or draining stage 101, the controller 601
may select:
[0211] a set of parameters (such as the type of fluid and/or the
filling rate) for the filling process 1011 to be carried out on the
empty (or drained) fluid container, dependent upon data determined
by reading the data provider 1; and/or
[0212] a set of parameters (such as the type of tank for the
drained fluid and/or the draining rate) for the draining process
1012 to be carried out on the full fluid container, dependent upon
data determined by reading the data provider 1; and/or
[0213] another process to be carried out on the fluid container
(such as sending the container to disposal or for further
analysis).
[0214] For example if the read data indicates that the container 14
has not previously been recycled, or has been recycled less than a
given number of times, the controller may add one to the recycle
count in the data provider. For example, if the read data indicates
that the container 14 has been recycled more than the given number
of times, the controller 601 may send the container to a disposal
process or may add information in the data provider indicating a
readiness of the container for disposal.
[0215] Embodiments of the disclosure allow the filling and/or
draining carried out to be appropriate to the specific container
and/or its contents or the vehicle with which it is associated, so
enabling, for example, filling and/or draining processes occurring
in a lifecycle of the fluid container to be at least partially
controlled or informed by data associated with at least one of the
container, its contents and the vehicle and determined on the basis
of the communication with the data provider. In some examples, the
data provider may be reprogrammed during the filling and/or
draining and/or the data integrity being checked, or may be
reprogrammed in conjunction with (i.e. not necessarily during) the
filling and/or draining and/or the data integrity being
checked.
[0216] For example, a mechanical interlock may control, inhibit or
prevent coupling with the reception station 640 by controlling a
docking prevention mechanism to control coupling to the reception
station 640 (if the reception station is similar to the dock 140
provided in the vehicle 6 shown in FIG. 7), so that access is
denied in the event the data read from the data provider 1
indicates that one of the fluid or fluid container (or optionally
the vehicle or vehicle make) is inappropriate for the stage 101.
Such a mechanical interlock system 603 may have an electromagnetic
actuator, for example actuated by a solenoid, itself controlled by
the controller 601. In other cases, the interlock system 603 may be
a software or communications interlock that controls, inhibits or
prevents operation of the stage 101. As another possibility, the
interlock system could be omitted and reliance placed, e.g. on the
user of the alert and/or display 602.
[0217] In some examples, the reception station 640 and container 14
together may provide a releasable fastening mechanism, for example
a locking mechanism, to hold the container 14 docked with or to the
reception station 640 of the filling/draining system 700. In some
examples, the releasable fastening mechanism (such as the locking
mechanism) may form at least a part of the releasable fastening
mechanism (such as the locking mechanism) also used to lock the
container 14 to the dock 140 associated with the vehicle 6 (as
shown in FIG. 7) or the engine 4 (as shown for example in FIG.
7).
[0218] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the fluid circulation system
8 is associated with the engine 4 and may be a lubricant
system.
[0219] The replaceable fluid container 14 is removeably docked with
the dock 140 on the vehicle 6, and is arranged to supply fluid to
the fluid circulation system during operation of the vehicle. When
initially docked with the vehicle, the replaceable fluid container
14 contains fluid.
[0220] The engine control device 2 comprises a processor 96, and a
data store (memory) 94 configured to store control data for the
engine 4 and possibly also other data, for example for supply to a
device external to the vehicle. The processor 96 is configured to
monitor and to control the operation of the engine 4, via a second
communication link 34. The engine control device 2 is further
configured to obtain data from the data provider 1 via the
communication link 32 and may control the engine at least partly on
the basis of data obtained from the data provider 1.
[0221] In this example, communication between the processor 96 and
data provider 1 is enabled once the fluid container 14 is docked
with the dock 140. Communication between the processor 96 and data
provider 1 may also be enabled as the fluid container 14 approaches
the dock 140, for example when the data provider 1 comes into
wireless communication range, if the communications link 32 is a
wireless one. The dock 140 may also have a data provider to enable
communication of data to the processor 96 from the dock. The dock
and the data provider or container may be able to communicate
wirelessly and the dock may be able to communicate with the
processor 96 via the communications link 32 to enable communication
between the processor 96 and data provider 1 as the fluid container
14 approaches the dock.
[0222] The processor 96 is operable to compare data stored in the
memory 94 with data obtained from the data provider 1 of the
container 14 and from a communication interface 106 of the engine
4. For example, the processor 96 may be configured to compare:
[0223] data indicating the expected fluid level based on the
mileage since the fluid was last refilled, and/or the fluid level
sensed by the sensor 22, with
[0224] stored data.
In the event that this comparison indicates that the fluid level is
changing more quickly than expected, the control device 2 may
modify a service interval for the vehicle based on this
comparison.
[0225] The fluid may be any type of fluid ancillary to the
vehicle's fuel such as a lubricant, or coolant, or de-icer, washer
fluid, heat exchange, charge conduction and/or electrical
connectivity, or any other fluid associated with the engine. As
many different types and grades of such fluid are available, the
data provider may comprise an identifier of the fluid.
[0226] The fluid need not necessarily be circulated back to the
fluid container in operation of the vehicle but may be passed to
another collection point (e.g. a wet sump for a lubricant) or may
be consumed, for example as in the case of washer fluid.
[0227] As mentioned, the container 14 may comprise a filter 90 for
filtering the fluid, for example when the fluid is an engine
lubricating oil. Suitable filters 90 may comprise paper and/or
metal filter elements. The filter 90 may be suitable for filtering
particles in the range 1 to 100 microns, suitably in the range 2 to
50 microns, for example in the range 3 to 20 microns. The filter 90
may comprise a filter by-pass for fluid to bypass the filter, for
example if the filter 90 becomes blocked or unacceptably loaded
with material, which may cause an unacceptable or undesirable fluid
back-pressure through the filter 90. An advantage of having a
filter 90 in the container 14 is that this may allow a larger
filter to be used than if the filter were in a separate container
associated with the engine fluid circulation system 8. This may
have one or more of the following benefits: (a) increased
filtration efficiency; (b) finer filtration and (c) increased
filter lifetime. Suitably, in use, fluid enters the container 14
through the inlet port 92 and is passed to the top of the container
14, for example through at least one conduit in the container 14;
some or all of the fluid is passed through the filter 90 on exiting
said conduit; and the totally or partially filtered fluid is
withdrawn from the base of the container through the outlet port
91. The filter 90 may operate at elevated pressure. Many different
types and grades of filter 90 are available, and in some examples
the data provider may comprise an identifier of the filter.
[0228] As mentioned above, the data provider 1 may comprise a data
store or memory storing an identifier of the fluid and/or the
filter, and a communication interface to enable data stored in the
memory of the data provider 1 to be passed via an appropriate wired
or wireless communication link or network (such as the Internet or
a WAN or LAN) to the processor 96 of the engine control device or a
controller in one of the lifecycle stages or another controller,
such as a controller (for example a server) associated with the
supplier of the fluid container and/or its contents and/or
associated with the supplier of a vehicle or vehicle make
associated with the fluid container manufacturer, with or without
the container being docked with a dock or a dedicated reception
station. Any one or more communication paths may be encrypted with
communication paths to different controllers generally using
different encryption schemes.
[0229] The data provider 1 may comprise a computer readable
identifier for identifying the fluid and/or the container, the
identifier may be an electronic identifier, such as a near field RF
communicator, for example a passive or active RFID (RadioFrequency
Identification) tag, or an NFC (Near Field Communication)
communicator.
[0230] The data provider 1 may be configured to be read only but,
as in examples discussed above, may also be writable by an engine
control device or any one of the controllers mentioned above via an
appropriate wired or wireless communication link or network such as
the Internet or a WAN or LAN.
[0231] The data provider 1 may provide simply an identifier
identifying the actual data which may be accessible by the
processor 96 or any one of the controllers mentioned above, from
its own data store or from a remote data store accessible via a
wired or wireless communication link or a network such as the
Internet or a WAN or LAN. This enables accommodation for the
possibility that the data associated with an identifier provided by
a data provider may itself change with time even if the identifier
does not, so enabling data regarding changes in any one or more of
the container, fluid and or vehicle to be recorded in association
with that identifier without the need for the data provider to be
writable, for example data may be recorded by the engine control
device and downloaded at service time to a computer data base
accessible by the controllers of the lifecycle stages or may be
provided directly from the engine control device and/or one or more
of the controllers of the lifecycle stages to a central data base
via a wireless and/or wired communication link or a network such as
the Internet or a WAN or LAN.
[0232] The data associated with the data provider may comprise any
appropriate data pertinent to at least one of the fluid, the
container and the vehicle. In examples, the data associated with
the data provider may comprise at least one property of the fluid
selected from the group consisting of: the amount of fluid, the
temperature of fluid, the pressure of fluid, the viscosity of
fluid, the viscosity index of the fluid, the density of fluid, the
electrical resistance of fluid, the dielectric constant of fluid,
the opacity of fluid, the chemical composition of fluid, the origin
of the fluid and combinations of two or more thereof. In some
examples, the data associated with the data provider may comprise
at least one property of the filter.
[0233] The data provider need not necessarily have a memory but may
simply provide an identifier that enables access to associated data
stored elsewhere. The identifier may be an optical identifier, such
as a barcode, for example a two-dimensional barcode, or a colour
coded marker, or optical identifier on the container or even the
colour, shape and/or configuration of the container. Regardless of
how it is provided, the identifier may be encrypted and any data
communication may be encrypted.
[0234] The lifecycle stages other than the operational stages may
share a controller or the functions of each controller may be
distributed to two or more control devices. The controllers may be
a processor or processors or other computer device with, where
appropriate, a mechanical and/or electrical interface, to allow
control of the filling and/or draining system.
[0235] Any described communication link may be a wired or wireless
communication link or a combination thereof and could comprise an
optical link. Where appropriate a communication link may be via a
network such as the Internet or a WAN or LAN.
[0236] The fluid container has been described as comprising
particular types of sensors. However, one or both of these sensors
may be omitted. Where sensors are used any type of sensor, or
combination of sensors can be used. For example, to sense the level
of fluid in the container: a mechanical float, a position sensor,
an electrical coil, capacitive sensors, resistivity sensors,
ultrasonic level detection, visible or infra-red light detection,
pressure sensing, or other sensors. The sensing system may provide
information about the level in a continuous range between two fixed
points or as discrete levels (e.g. full, half full, empty).
Additionally, if the level of the liquid increased or decreased
rapidly it could indicate some form of failure in the engine and
provide an early warning mechanism to help prevent further damage
to the engine. A fluid container may comprise sensors configured to
sense at least one of a temperature, pressure, viscosity, density,
electrical resistance, dielectric constant, opacity, chemical
composition or amount of the container oil which data may be read
and used by any of the processor or controllers described above. It
will further be appreciated that a plurality of fluid sensors could
be provided, each to sense a different property of the fluid.
[0237] Information about the fluid, e.g. oil, quality may be
obtained through simple capacitance or resistivity measurements.
These might, for example, indicate the presence of water in the oil
or of metallic or carbonaceous particulates suspended in the oil.
Optical measurement techniques may be used to assess, for example,
clarity and/or colour of the fluid.
[0238] In the context of the present disclosure, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the fluid ports of the fluid container
could comprise any suitable coupling for retaining the fluid
container in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system.
The port couplings could be arranged to be remotely decoupled from
the fluid lines to place the fluid container in its uncoupled
configuration. It will further be appreciated that the fluid
container could comprise an actuator to decouple the fluid
container from the circulation system or from any reception
station.
[0239] As described above the data provider may be a read only or
writable memory. The fluid container may however also carry a
controller that may be part of or additional to the data provider.
Such a controller may communicate (for example via a wired or
wireless communication link and or via a network such as the
Internet, a WAN or a LAN) with a vehicle control device or any of
the other controllers mentioned above. Such a controller may
enable, for example, on-container processing of data from a
container sensor and/or data received from one or more of the
controllers with which the fluid container controller may
communicate and subsequent updating or modifying of any data stored
by the data provider and/or communication with one or more other
controllers of the results of that processing.
[0240] The dock may simply be the coupling to the fluid supply
lines or a coupling plate or mount or may be a dedicated dock
receptacle designed to receive at least a portion of the fluid
container.
[0241] The function of the processors and controllers described
above may be provided by any appropriate controller or control
device, for example by analogue and/or digital logic, field
programmable gate arrays, FPGA, application specific integrated
circuits, ASIC, a digital signal processor, DSP, or by software
loaded into a programmable general purpose processor. Aspects of
the disclosure provide computer program products, and tangible
and/or non-transitory media storing instructions to program a
processor to perform any one or more of the methods described
herein.
[0242] The container may be manufactured from metal and/or plastics
material. Suitable materials include reinforced thermoplastics
material which for example, may be suitable for operation at
temperatures of up to 150.degree. C. for extended periods of
time.
[0243] The container may comprise at least one trade mark, logo,
product information, advertising information, other distinguishing
feature or combination thereof. The container may be printed and/or
labelled with at least one trade mark, logo, product information,
advertising information, other distinguishing feature or
combination thereof. This may have an advantage of deterring
counterfeiting. The container may be of a single colour or
multi-coloured. The trademark, logo or other distinguishing feature
may be of the same colour and/or material as the rest of the
container or a different colour and/or material as the rest of the
container. In some examples, the container may be provided with
packaging, such as a box or a pallet. In some examples, the
packaging may be provided for a plurality of containers, and in
some examples a box and/or a pallet may be provided for a plurality
of containers.
[0244] It may be possible to apply the present invention to fluid
containers for use with engines other than in vehicles or for
reverse engines or generators and turbines such as wind turbines.
Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthmoving vehicles, mining
vehicles, heavy duty vehicles and passenger cars. Powered
water-borne vessels are also envisaged as vehicles, including
yachts, motor boats (for example with an outboard motor), pleasure
craft, jet-skis and fishing vessels. Also envisaged, therefore, are
vehicles comprising a system of the present disclosure, or having
been subject to a method of the present disclosure, in addition to
methods of transportation comprising the step of driving such a
vehicle and uses of such a vehicle for transportation.
[0245] Other variations and modifications will be apparent to
persons of skill in the art in the context of the present
disclosure.
[0246] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0247] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0248] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope and
spirit of this invention.
* * * * *