U.S. patent application number 15/786522 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-18 for fluid loop filling assembly and filling method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Erin Gibb, Michael Joseph Giunta, Christian Brent Schoeneman.
Application Number | 20190112966 15/786522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65910445 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-18 |
![](/patent/app/20190112966/US20190112966A1-20190418-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190112966/US20190112966A1-20190418-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190112966/US20190112966A1-20190418-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190112966/US20190112966A1-20190418-D00003.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190112966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schoeneman; Christian Brent ;
et al. |
April 18, 2019 |
FLUID LOOP FILLING ASSEMBLY AND FILLING METHOD
Abstract
An exemplary assembly includes, among other things, a manifold
having an interior area with a baffle, and a reservoir. The baffle
divides a portion of the interior area into a first region that is
part of a first fluid loop of a vehicle, and a second region that
is part of a separate, second fluid loop of the vehicle. The
reservoir is configured to hold a supply of liquid that is in fluid
communication with both the first and second regions. An exemplary
method includes, among other things, communicating a fluid from a
supply within a reservoir to both a first and a second region
within an interior area of a manifold. The first region is part of
a first fluid loop of a vehicle. The second region is part of a
separate second fluid loop of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Schoeneman; Christian Brent;
(Southgate, MI) ; Giunta; Michael Joseph;
(Livonia, MI) ; Gibb; Erin; (Belle River,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65910445 |
Appl. No.: |
15/786522 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01P 11/029 20130101;
B60L 58/26 20190201; B60K 11/02 20130101; F01P 7/14 20130101; H01M
10/663 20150401; F01P 7/16 20130101; H01M 10/60 20150401; H01M
10/66 20150401; F01P 11/0204 20130101; F01P 11/02 20130101; F01P
2050/24 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01P 11/02 20060101
F01P011/02; F01P 7/16 20060101 F01P007/16 |
Claims
1. An assembly, comprising a manifold having an interior area; a
baffle dividing a portion of the interior area into a first region
that is part of a first fluid loop of a vehicle, and a second
region that is part of a separate, second fluid loop of the
vehicle; and a reservoir configured to hold a supply of liquid that
is in fluid communication with both the first and second regions,
the baffle including a first portion and a second portion
vertically below the first portion, the first portion extending
longitudinally in a first direction that is aligned with a general
direction of flow of the liquid to the manifold from the supply,
the second portion extending longitudinally in a second direction
that is transverse to the first direction.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is vertically
above the manifold such that the supply of liquid is gravity fed to
the interior area.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the supply of liquid
held within the reservoir such that an uppermost surface of the
supply is at a position vertically above an uppermost terminal end
portion of the baffle.
4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the supply of liquid
held within the reservoir, the supply of liquid have a first total
volume, the interior area of the manifold having a second total
volume that is less than the first total volume.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is further
configured to hold a volume of air that is deaerated from the first
and second fluid loops.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a first fluid loop manifold
inlet opens to the first region and an first fluid loop manifold
outlet opens from the first region, and a second fluid loop
manifold inlet opens to the second region and a second fluid loop
manifold outlet opens from the second region.
7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief
valve with a first end opening to a region of air within the
reservoir and a second end opening to an area outside the
reservoir, the pressure within the reservoir higher than a pressure
outside the reservoir, the pressure relieve valve configured to
maintain the pressure within the reservoir to be below a threshold
pressure.
8. (canceled)
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid is communicated to
the first and second regions from the supply along a common flow
path.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is secured to
the manifold.
11. A method, comprising: communicating a fluid from a supply
within a reservoir to both a first and a second region within an
interior area of a manifold, the first region part of a first fluid
loop of a vehicle, the second region part of a separate second
fluid loop of the vehicle; and separating the manifold into the
first and second regions with a baffle disposed within manifold,
the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically
below the first portion, the first portion extending longitudinally
in a first direction that is aligned with a general direction of
flow of the fluid to the manifold from the reservoir, the second
portion extending longitudinally in a second direction that is
transverse to the first direction.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein a common fluid supply within
the reservoir provides the fluid to both the first and second fluid
loops.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicating comprises
gravity feeding the fluid from the supply within the reservoir to
the both the first and the second regions within the interior area
of the manifold.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising communicating air
from the manifold to the reservoir, the air deaerated from the
first and second fluid loops.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the interior of the reservoir
is pressurized relative to an ambient pressure outside of the
reservoir.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the baffle is entirely
submerged within the fluid.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein a level of the fluid is
vertically above an uppermost portion of the baffle such that the
fluid completely covers the baffle.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein a first fluid loop manifold
inlet opens to the first region and a first fluid loop manifold
outlet opens from the first region, and a second fluid loop
manifold inlet opens to the second region and a second fluid loop
manifold outlet opens from the second region.
20. (canceled)
21. A vehicle assembly, comprising a manifold having an interior
area; a baffle dividing a portion of the interior area into a first
region of a first fluid loop, and a second region of a separate,
second fluid loop; and a reservoir configured to hold a supply of a
liquid in fluid communication with both the first and second
regions when liquid is circulated through the first and second
fluid loops, wherein a first portion of the baffle extends
longitudinally in a first direction that is aligned with a general
direction of flow of the liquid to the manifold from the reservoir,
wherein a second portion of the baffle is vertically below the
first portion and extends longitudinally in a second direction that
is transverse to the first direction.
22. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to filling fluid loops
that are used within a vehicle to control thermal energy levels of
various components.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles
because electrified vehicles are selectively driven using one or
more electric machines powered by a traction battery pack. The
electric machines can drive the electrified vehicles instead of, or
in addition to, an internal combustion engine. Example electrified
vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and battery
electric vehicles (BEVs).
[0003] Some electrified vehicles, and conventional vehicles, have
multiple independent fluid loops or circuits. Fluid circulated
through the fluid loops can be used to, for example, control the
thermal energy levels of various components. Because the fluid
loops can be configured to have different maximum fluid
temperatures, the fluid loops can be separated from each other.
Typically, a separate fluid supply reservoir is associated with
each of the fluid loops.
SUMMARY
[0004] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure includes, among other things, a manifold having an
interior area with a baffle, and a reservoir. The baffle divides a
portion of the interior area into a first region that is part of a
first fluid loop of a vehicle, and a second region that is part of
a separate, second fluid loop of the vehicle. The reservoir is
configured to hold a supply of liquid that is in fluid
communication with both the first and second regions.
[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing
assembly, the reservoir is vertically above the manifold such that
the supply of liquid is gravity fed to the interior area.
[0006] A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies includes the supply of liquid held within the reservoir
such that an uppermost surface of the supply is at a position
vertically above an uppermost terminal end portion of the
baffle.
[0007] A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies includes the supply of liquid held within the reservoir.
The supply of liquid has a first total volume. The interior area of
the manifold has a second total volume that is less than the first
total volume.
[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies, the reservoir is further configured to hold a volume of
air that is deaerated from the first and second fluid loops.
[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies, a first fluid loop manifold inlet opens to the first
region and a first fluid loop manifold outlet opens from the first
region. Also, a second fluid loop manifold inlet opens to the
second region and a second fluid loop manifold outlet opens from
the second region.
[0010] A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies includes a pressure relief valve with a first end
opening to a region of air within the reservoir and a second end
opening to an area outside the reservoir. The pressure within the
reservoir is higher than a pressure outside the reservoir. The
pressure relieve valve is configured to maintain the pressure
within the reservoir to be below a threshold pressure.
[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies, the baffle includes a first portion and a second
portion vertically below the first portion. The first portion
extends longitudinally in a first direction that is aligned with a
general direction of flow of the liquid to the manifold from the
supply. The second portion extends longitudinally in a second
direction that is transverse to the first direction.
[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies, the fluid is communicated to the first and second
regions from the supply along a common flow path.
[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
assemblies, the reservoir is secured to the manifold.
[0014] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure includes, among other things, communicating a fluid from
a supply within a reservoir to both a first and a second region
within an interior area of a manifold. The first region is part of
a first fluid loop of a vehicle. The second region is part of a
separate second fluid loop of the vehicle.
[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing
method, a common fluid supply within the reservoir provides the
fluid to both the first and second fluid loops.
[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, the communicating comprises gravity feeding the fluid from
the supply within the reservoir to the both the first and the
second regions within the interior area of the manifold.
[0017] A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods includes communicating air from the manifold to the
reservoir. The air is deaerated from the first and second fluid
loops.
[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, the interior of the reservoir is pressurized relative to
an ambient pressure outside of the reservoir.
[0019] A further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods includes separating the manifold into the first and second
regions with a baffle disposed within manifold.
[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, the baffle is entirely submerged within the fluid.
[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, a level of the fluid is vertically above an uppermost
portion of the baffle such that the fluid completely covers the
baffle.
[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, a first fluid loop manifold inlet opens to the first
region and a first fluid loop manifold outlet opens from the first
region. Also, a second fluid loop manifold inlet opens to the
second region and a second fluid loop manifold outlet opens from
the second region.
[0023] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion
vertically below the first portion. The first portion extends
longitudinally in a first direction that is aligned with a general
direction of flow of the fluid to the manifold from the reservoir.
The second portion extending longitudinally in a second direction
that is transverse to the first direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed
examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed
description can be briefly described as follows:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example powertrain
for an electrified vehicle.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic view of a thermal management
system utilized within the electrified vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a reservoir and
manifold utilized in connection with the fluid loops of FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of the manifold of FIG.
3.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a section view through the reservoir and
manifold of FIG. 3.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a section view of a reservoir and a
manifold according to another exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] This disclosure relates generally to a thermal management
system within a vehicle that utilizes at least two separate fluid
loops. One of the fluid loops can be used to control thermal energy
within a first component of the vehicle. Another fluid loop can be
used to control thermal energy within a second component of the
electrified vehicle.
[0032] The fluid loops are supplied with fluid provided by a common
reservoir. The fluid can be coolant, for example. A manifold
divides fluid from the reservoir into the separate fluid loops.
[0033] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a powertrain 10 for an
electrified vehicle. Although depicted as a hybrid electric vehicle
(HEV), it should be understood that the concepts described herein
are not limited to HEVs and could extend to any other type of
electrified vehicle, including, but not limited to, plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel
cell vehicles, etc.
[0034] The powertrain 10 includes a battery pack 14 having a
plurality of battery arrays 18 held within an enclosure. The
powertrain 10 further includes an internal combustion engine 20, a
motor 22, and a generator 24. The motor 22 and the generator 24 are
types of electric machines. The motor 22 and generator 24 may be
separate or have the form of a combined motor-generator.
[0035] In this embodiment, the powertrain 10 is a power-split
powertrain that employs a first drive system and a second drive
system. The first and second drive systems generate torque to drive
one or more sets of vehicle drive wheels 28. The first drive system
includes a combination of the engine 20 and the generator 24. The
second drive system includes at least the motor 22, the generator
24, and the battery pack 14. The motor 22 and the generator 24 are
portions of an electric drive system of the powertrain 10. Since
the battery pack 14 provides selectively powers propulsion, the
battery pack 14 is a traction battery pack.
[0036] The engine 20 and the generator 24 can be connected through
a power transfer unit 30, such as a planetary gear set. Of course,
other types of power transfer units, including other gear sets and
transmissions, can be used to connect the engine 20 to the
generator 24. In one non-limiting embodiment, the power transfer
unit 30 is a planetary gear set that includes a ring gear 32, a sun
gear 34, and a carrier assembly 36.
[0037] The generator 24 can be driven by the engine 20 through the
power transfer unit 30 to convert kinetic energy to electrical
energy. The generator 24 can alternatively function as a motor to
convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, thereby outputting
torque to a shaft 38 connected to the power transfer unit 30.
[0038] The ring gear 32 of the power transfer unit 30 is connected
to a shaft 40, which is connected to the vehicle drive wheels 28
through a second power transfer unit 44. The second power transfer
unit 44 may include a gear set having a plurality of gears 46.
Other power transfer units could be used in other examples.
[0039] The gears 46 transfer torque from the engine 20 to a
differential 48 to ultimately provide traction to the vehicle drive
wheels 28. The differential 48 may include a plurality of gears
that enable the transfer of torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28.
In this example, the second power transfer unit 44 is mechanically
coupled to an axle 50 through the differential 48 to distribute
torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28.
[0040] The motor 22 can be selectively employed to drive the
vehicle drive wheels 28 by outputting torque to a shaft 52 that is
also connected to the second power transfer unit 44. In this
embodiment, the motor 22 and the generator 24 cooperate as part of
a regenerative braking system in which both the motor 22 and the
generator 24 can be employed as motors to output torque. For
example, the motor 22 and the generator 24 can each output
electrical power to recharge cells of the battery pack 14.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2 with continuing reference to FIG. 1,
a thermal management system 60 is utilized within a vehicle having
the powertrain 10. The thermal management system 60 is thus
described in connection with an HEV, but other types of electrified
vehicles, and even conventional vehicles, could benefit from the
teachings of the thermal management system 60.
[0042] The thermal management system 60 includes a first fluid loop
64, a second fluid loop 68, a manifold 72, and a reservoir 76. The
first fluid loop 64 extends from the manifold 72 to at least one
first component 80 of the vehicle. The second fluid loop 68 extends
from the manifold 72 to at least one second component 84 of the
vehicle. The first fluid loop 64 and second fluid loop 68 are shown
in this exemplary embodiment. In other exemplary embodiments, more
than two fluid loops could be used.
[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, a first pump 88 circulates a
first amount 92 of a fluid along the first fluid loop 64 to a
position adjacent the first component 80 and then to a first heat
exchanger 96. The first amount 92 of fluid, in this example, takes
on thermal energy from the first component 80 to cool the first
component 80. Thermal energy in the first amount 92 of fluid is
then rejected to atmosphere at the first heat exchanger 96.
[0044] A second pump 100 circulates a second amount 104 of the
fluid along the second fluid loop. The second amount 104 of fluid
circulates from the second component 84 to a heat exchanger 108.
The second amount 104 of fluid takes on thermal energy from the
second component 84 to cool the second component 84. Thermal energy
in the second amount 104 of fluid is then rejected to atmosphere at
the second heat exchanger 108.
[0045] The first pump 88 and the second pump 100 can be the same,
or different, types of pump. In a non-limiting embodiment, the
first pump 88 and the second pump 100 are electrically powered
fluid pumps. Other types of fluid pumps could be used in other
examples.
[0046] The first heat exchanger 96 and the second heat exchanger
108 are fluid-to-air heat exchangers in this example. Other types
of heat exchangers could be used in other examples, such a
fluid-to-fluid heat exchangers or fluid-to-component heat
exchangers.
[0047] The first component 80 can be, for example, a thermal
exchange plate associated with the battery pack 14 of the
powertrain 10. The thermal exchange plate takes on thermal energy
from the battery cells 18 to cool the battery cells 18 of the
battery pack 14.
[0048] The second component 84 can be, in an exemplary non-limiting
embodiment, an electronic component, such as an integrated
electronic controller or a DC/DC converter of the powertrain 10.
Usage of the first fluid loop 64, and the second fluid loop 68
permits thermal energy levels of the first component 80 and the
second component 84 to be maintained at different temperatures.
[0049] In this example, the first component 80 is configured to be
cooled by the first amount 92 of the fluid to a first temperature.
The second component 84 is configured to be cooled by the second
amount 104 of the fluid at a second temperature, which is different
than the first temperature. Accordingly, the first fluid loop 64
and the second fluid loop 68 are configured such that a maximum
temperature of the first amount 92 of fluid within first fluid loop
64 is different than a maximum temperature of the second amount 104
of fluid within the second fluid loop 68.
[0050] In one exemplary non-limiting embodiment, a maximum
temperature of the first amount 92 of fluid within the first loop
60 is 45.degree. C., and a maximum temperature of the second amount
104 of fluid within the second fluid loop 68 is 70.degree. C. A
typical industry maximum temperature for a battery pack is
45.degree. C., which sets, in this example, the maximum temperature
of the first amount 92 of fluid.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 with continuing reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2, the manifold 72 has an interior area 112. A baffle
116 is disposed within the interior area 112 to divide the interior
area 112 into a first region 120 and a second region 124.
[0052] The first region 120 is part of the first fluid loop 64.
That is, the first amount 92 of fluid moves through the first
region 120 when circulated through the first fluid loop 64. The
second region 124 is part of the second fluid loop 68. That is, the
second amount 104 of fluid moves through the second region 124 when
circulated through the second fluid loop 68.
[0053] Hoses can couple to the inlets and outlets of the manifold
72 to circulate fluid to and from the manifold 72.
[0054] To permit fluid flow through the manifold 72, a first fluid
loop manifold inlet 128 opens to the first region 120, and a first
fluid loop manifold outlet 132 opens from the first region 120. As
the first amount 92 of the fluid circulates along the first fluid
loop 64, fluid moves to the first region 120 through the first
fluid loop manifold inlet 128, and from the first region 120
through the first fluid loop manifold outlet 132.
[0055] The manifold 72 further includes a second fluid loop
manifold inlet 136 opening to the second region 124 and a second
fluid loop manifold outlet 140 opening from the second region 124.
As the second amount 104 of fluid circulates through the second
fluid loop 68, fluid moves through the second fluid loop manifold
inlet to the second region 124 and from the second region 124
through the second fluid loop manifold outlet.
[0056] In this example, the first fluid loop manifold inlet 128 is
at a lateral side of the manifold 72 and the first fluid loop
manifold outlet 132 is at a vertical bottom of the manifold 72. The
second fluid loop manifold inlet 136 and the second fluid loop
manifold outlet 140 are positioned on another side of the manifold
72.
[0057] The relative positions of the first fluid loop manifold
inlet 128, the second fluid loop manifold inlet 136, and the second
fluid loop manifold outlet 140 in the section view of FIG. 5 have
been rotated for drawing clarity.
[0058] The baffle 116 includes a first portion 148 and a second
portion 152. In this example, the first portion 148 extends
longitudinally along a generally vertical axis. Vertical, for
purposes of this disclosure, is with reference to a normal
orientation of the reservoir 76 and manifold 72 and with reference
to ground or horizon.
[0059] The second portion 152 extends transversely from the first
portion 148. The orientation of the second portion 152 relative to
the first portion 148 can facilitate directing flow from the first
region 120 through the first fluid loop manifold outlet 132, and
from the second region 124 through the second fluid loop manifold
outlet 140.
[0060] The baffle 116 is the only baffle within the interior area
112 in this example. In other examples, more than one baffle within
the interior area 112 could be used. Other baffles could be
incorporated if, for example, more than two fluid loops circulate
through the interior area 112. The baffle 116 prevents fluid from
moving between the first region 120 and the second region 124.
[0061] The reservoir 76 is vertically above the manifold 72. The
reservoir 76 has an interior area 160. The reservoir 76 holds a
supply 164 of fluid within the interior area 160.
[0062] In this example, the reservoir 76 includes an outlet 168 at
a vertical bottom of the reservoir 76. A conduit 172 connects the
outlet 168 to a primary manifold inlet 176 at a vertical top of the
manifold 72. Fluid from the supply 164 is gravity fed through the
conduit 172 to the interior area 112 of the manifold 72. As the
fluid flows downward through the primary manifold inlet 176, the
baffle 116 divides the flow into the first region 120 or the second
region 124. The reservoir 72 is thus in fluid communication with
both the first region 120 and the second region 124, which keeps
these regions filled. Keeping the first region 120 filled with
fluid maintains the first amount 92 of fluid within the first fluid
loop 64. Keeping the second region 124 filled with fluid maintains
the second amount 104 of fluid within the second fluid loop 68.
[0063] The supply 164 of fluid is held within the interior area 160
of the reservoir 76 and maintain such that an uppermost level 180
of the fluid resides within the reservoir 76 during operation. This
keeps the manifold 72 filled with fluid and ensures that the baffle
116 is submerged completely within fluid. That is, an uppermost
terminal end portion 182 of the baffle 116 is below the uppermost
level 180 and, in this example, below the primary manifold inlet
176. Keeping the baffle 116 submerged can facilitate fluid from the
reservoir 76 continually filling the first fluid loop 64 and the
second fluid loop 68 during operation.
[0064] In this example, the supply 164 of fluid within the
reservoir 76 is maintained such that fluid remains in the reservoir
76 even when some of the fluid has gravity fed into manifold 72 to
compensate for thermal contraction of the first amount 92 of fluid
and the second amount 104 of fluid.
[0065] A volume of the interior area 160 of the reservoir 76 is
greater than a volume of the interior area 112 of the manifold 72,
which can help the reservoir 76 maintain sufficient the supply 164
in a sufficient amount to accommodate such thermal contraction in
the first fluid loop 64 and the second fluid loop 68. The larger
volume enables the reservoir 76 to hold more of the supply 164 of
fluid.
[0066] The interior area 160 of the reservoir 76 further includes a
region 184 of air, which can include air deaerated from the first
fluid loop 64, air deaerated from the second fluid loop 68, or
both. As air deaerates from within the first fluid loop 64 and the
second fluid loop 68, the air moves vertically upward from the
manifold 72, through the conduit 172, and escapes through the
uppermost level 180 into the region 184 of air.
[0067] Making the interior volume 160 of the reservoir 76 to be
greater than a manifold 72 can further ensure that the interior
volume 160 is sufficiently large to accommodate the air deaerated
from the first fluid loop 64 and the second fluid loop 68.
[0068] A cap 188 is removably secured to the reservoir 76. The cap
188 can be removed from the reservoir 76 to permit filling of the
reservoir 76 with additional fluid.
[0069] In this example, a pressure relief valve 192 is incorporated
into the cap 188. In another example, the pressure relief valve 192
is incorporated into another area of the reservoir 76, such as a
wall of the reservoir 76.
[0070] The pressure relief valve 192 has a first end 196 opening to
the region 184 of air within the reservoir 76. A second end 200 of
the pressure relief valve 192 opens to an ambient environment
outside the interior volume 160 of the reservoir 76.
[0071] The pressure within the reservoir 76 is higher than the
pressure outside the reservoir 76. The pressure relieve valve 192
is configured to maintain the pressure within the reservoir 76 to
be below a threshold pressure that could be 20 psi, for
example.
[0072] When the cap 188 is secured to the reservoir 76, the
pressure relief valve maintains a pressure within the interior area
160 of the reservoir 76 to be higher than the ambient environment
outside the reservoir 76. This pressurizes the fluid within the
reservoir 76, the manifold 72, which can facilitate proper filling,
and operational pressure, of the first fluid loop 64 and the second
fluid loop 68.
[0073] In another example, the pressure relieve valve 192 is
omitted and the pressure within the reservoir 76 tracks ambient
pressure outside the reservoir 72.
[0074] The manifold 72 is described as being used in connection
with two separate fluid loops. In other examples, the manifold
could be modified for use with more than two separate fluid loops
by, for example, incorporating another baffle to define a third
region, and an inlet and outlet associated with the third
region.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, another example reservoir 76 is fluidly
coupled to a manifold 72a. The reservoir 76a and the manifold 72a
are structured similarly to the reservoir 76 and the manifold 72 of
FIGS. 2-5. However, the reservoir 76 is fluidly coupled to the
manifold 72a without the use of the conduit 172. Also, a pressure
relief valve 192a extends through a wall of the reservoir 76 rather
than a cap 188a.
[0076] Some features of the disclosed examples include a single
reservoir utilized to fill separate fluid loops within a vehicle. A
manifold incorporates a baffle that permits the filling from the
single reservoir while separately maintaining the flow of fluid
within the separate fluid loops, which can facilitate utilizing the
fluid loops to maintain components cooled by fluid within the fluid
loops at different temperatures. That is, the manifold with the
baffle permits the fluid loops to operate with fluids having
differing maximum temperatures within the fluid loops. The common
reservoir reduces complexity associated with systems having
separate fluid loops and separate reservoirs. The baffle permits
deaeration from the different fluid loops through the manifold to
the reservoir while maintaining temperature separation between the
different fluid loops.
[0077] The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting
in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples
may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not
necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the
scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be
determined by studying the following claims.
* * * * *