CN111867968B

CN111867968B - Multi-fluid fill adapter and method for fluid circuit

Info

Publication number: CN111867968B
Application number: CN201980017436.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 纪尧姆·奥雷
Original assignee: Cinetic Filling SA
Current assignee: Cinetic Filling SA
Priority date: 2018-03-08
Filing date: 2019-03-04
Publication date: 2022-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-04
Also published as: FR3078693A1; WO2019170601A1; FR3078693B1; CN111867968A

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (1) for filling a fluid system by means of a filling fluid, the fluid system to be filled comprising connecting valves (10,11), wherein at least two valves have a different geometric profile from each other. The adapter is designed for delivering at least two filling fluids different from each other, respectively for two valves, and comprises: a base (3) having a lid (31) capable of accommodating any one of the valves; a coupling system (4) comprising a coupling module (41) with a hook (42); and a safety system (5) for preventing filling when one of the two filling fluids is not intended for the valve. The coupling module is movable in translation along an axis (a) with respect to the base and is able to cause the hooks to move from a low position to at least two high positions, different from each other and respectively representative of the geometric profiles of the two valves. The safety system comprises at least one position sensor (51, 51') for detecting the position of the coupling module (41) relative to the base, the sensor being able to provide at least one piece of information representative of the valve actually housed in the cover.

Description

Multi-fluid fill adapter and method for fluid circuit

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of vehicle fluid circuit filling, in particular to filling an air conditioning circuit by using a refrigerant in a vehicle assembly line. The present invention relates to a test or filling adapter for delivering one or more fluids from a test and filling machine to a fluid circuit. The invention has particular application to the transport of air conditioning systems such as tetrafluoroethane (R134A), carbon dioxide (CO2), Hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) (e.g. R1234yf) or any other single or multiple refrigerant.

Background

Typically, air conditioning systems have a low pressure connection and a high pressure connection, and filling machines have a low pressure adapter and a high pressure adapter. These adapters can be connected to an air conditioning system to test it under pressure, empty it of air and then fill it. The high-pressure and low-pressure adapters have different connection systems, taking into account the different geometries of the connection valves, which helps to avoid confusion between the low-pressure side and the high-pressure side. This configuration of the connecting valve is also different depending on the type of fluid to be filled, to ensure that only the allowed refrigerant is introduced into the air conditioning system. Thus, when there are multiple refrigerants on a vehicle assembly line, we have found that as many low and high pressure adapters as there are fluids available are needed, which take up a lot of space on the vehicle assembly line and also get in the way of operators.

Some adapters are known which can deliver two different fluids and therefore can be connected to two types of air conditioning systems with connecting valves of different geometries, as required. These adapters are described, for example, in document WO 2016/015706. On these devices, the operator must preset error-proofing mechanisms that may be responsible for vehicle errors and rejections. Also, the technical system is prone to fouling, which in the long run is likely to clog the inspection system for the type of connection valve, and may also lead to installation errors.

The geometry of various air conditioning system connection valves is defined in international standard SAE J639, particularly for fluids R134a and R1234 yf.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular by proposing an adapter for filling fluid systems, in particular air conditioning systems, by means of a filling fluid. The fluid system to be filled comprises: a connecting valve, wherein at least two valves have different geometric profiles from each other, the adapter is designed to deliver at least two filling fluids different from each other for the two valves respectively, and the adapter comprises:

a base having a cover capable of accommodating either of the two connection valves,

-a coupling system for either of the two valves, comprising a coupling module with a hook, and

a safety system for preventing filling of either of the two valves when one of the two filling fluids is not intended for either of the two valves,

wherein the coupling module is movable in translation along an axis relative to the base and is able to cause the hook to move from a low position relative to the base, wherein said axis is vertical, said coupling module being further away from the cover than at the low position, at least two high positions being different from each other, said two high positions representing the geometric profiles of said two valves respectively, said hook being pushed towards said axis by a cam integral with said base and passing through said cover to capture either of said two valves when moving, and the safety system comprises at least one position sensor for detecting the position of said coupling module relative to said base, said sensor being able to provide at least one piece of information representative of either of said two valves housed in said cover.

According to some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more of the following features, taken independently or in any technically possible combination:

-a plunger for opening one of the two valves, the cover having an internal geometry defining at least two stops, different from each other and respectively for axially abutting against the two valves, wherein each of the two valves is intended to be placed at the same distance from the plunger;

-the cover comprises at least two O-rings of different diameter around the axis, arranged from maximum to minimum in the direction of insertion of the two valves into the cover along the axis.

-the hooks are retained by guide rings integral with the coupling module;

each hook is retained by two longitudinal stops formed by the guide ring;

a system of stabilization and centering comprising stabilizing balls placed in a housing defined by the cover, said housing being uniformly distributed around the axis and opening radially inwards and radially outwards, said stabilizing balls radially constraining either of the two valves by means of an actuating or guiding ring around the cover (placing the balls under stress so that the coupling module is in the two high positions occupied, and in the low position, said stabilizing balls (being free in the housing;

-the plunger is hollow for the passage of the two filling fluids; and

the sensor is an optical sensor.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for filling a fluid system, in particular an air conditioning system, with a filling fluid is proposed, the fluid system to be filled comprising connecting valves, wherein at least two valves have a different geometric profile from each other, the method comprising at least the steps of:

-providing an adapter for the connection of the terminal,

-receiving either of the two valves in the cover,

-the coupling module is moved in translation along the axis with respect to the base from the low position to the high position,

-detecting, by the safety system, one of the high positions of the coupling module and acquiring at least one piece of information representative of one of the two valves,

-selecting one of said two filling fluids according to said information, and

-filling the fluid system comprising either of the two valves with the selected filling fluid.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art high pressure valves R134a (right) and R1234yf (left),

figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter according to the invention in the unlocked position,

figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of figure 2 on a high pressure valve R134a,

figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter shown in figures 2 and 3 on valve R1234yf,

figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the stabilization and centering system of the adapter shown in figures 2 to 4, an

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the stabilization and centering system shown in figure 5 in the locked position of the adapter.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, there are

connection valves

10 and 11 for refrigerants R1234yf (left) and R134a (right), respectively, at high pressure. To avoid using an unsuitable refrigerant and an unsuitable pressure-filled fluid system, international standard SAE J639 defines a different connector geometry for each fluid. For example, the neck of the connecting valve is more or less remote from its upper end, its diameter is more or less different and the valve 12 of the connecting valve is more or less remote from the open end of the connecting valve.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter 1 according to the invention. The adapter 1 comprises a body 2, the body 2 being connected to a filling machine 100 by a sheath 101 at the level of the connecting block 21. The main body 2 may include a handle (not shown) for operation by an operator (not shown), and integrates a refrigerant supply conduit, a pneumatic or electrically operated valve control system. The base 3 is fixed to the body 2 and comprises a cover 31 intended to be positioned, according to the choice of the operator, on any of the

valves

10,11 of the fluid system to be filled (not shown). The cover 31 is formed integrally with the base 3.

The base 3 and the cover 31 are moved longitudinally, for example by means of a plunger 32, which plunger 32 is axially movable from top to bottom.

The plunger 32 is actuated by a pneumatic system which alternately injects air into the two

pneumatic chambers

321 and 322 and passes from a high position (waiting position) to a low position (filling position). Preferably, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plunger 32 is hollow and allows passage of a selected fill fluid. In an alternative solution (not shown), the fluid is supplied through a dedicated channel separate from the plunger 32.

The cover 31 is adapted to accommodate at least two types of connecting valves having different geometries. At least two stops S1 and S2 (visible in fig. 5) are provided in the cap 31 so that the connecting valve can be stopped at a desired axial position. In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first stopper S1 is defined to stop the connection valve 10R1234 yf. The stop S1 is in contact with the neck of the connection valve 10 at the level of the upper surface T1 thereof.

In the case of the connection valve 11 for R134a, the stopper S2 is in contact with the upper surface T2 of the neck portion thereof. The bottom of the cap body 31 may also serve as a third stopper S3 for a connection valve having a neck diameter that is thinner than the neck diameter described above and that will abut against the bottom of the cap 31. Thus, the

valves

10 and 11 are inserted into the cover 31 to different degrees according to their geometries. The positioning of the stoppers S1 and S2 is advantageously determined by keeping the top of the valve 12 of the

valves

10 and 11 at the same distance H from the plunger 32 in the cap 31 at all times.

The cover 31 has, for example, continuous O-

rings

311 and 312 so that the

connection valves

10,11 can be sealed when inserted. The first O-ring 311 has a larger diameter than the second O-ring 312 in the direction in which the connection valve is inserted into the cap body 31. These two seals each match the diameter of the connecting valve.

The cap 31 has a groove 313 in its lower part, more precisely at the level of the position of the neck of the valve when the

valve

10,11 is located in the cap 31.

The coupling system 4 is connected to the base 3 and allows the adapter 1 to be locked on the

valves

10,11 in order to fill the fluid system to be filled. The coupling system 4 comprises a coupling module 41 with a hook 42, which is movable in translation on the base 3 along an axis a.

The translation may be achieved pneumatically or electrically. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the coupling module 41 is actuated by a pneumatic system. The alternating filling of the lower 411 or upper 412 pneumatic chambers makes it possible to raise or lower the coupling module 41, according to the requirements. A chamber 412 is defined between the coupling module 41 and the base 3. When the upper chamber 412 is not filled by a pneumatic system, the lower chamber 411 may also be replaced by a spring capable of keeping the coupling module in the high position, i.e. locked. The advantage of this option is that a locked position on the connecting valve can be maintained if the pneumatic system fails.

In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, translation of coupling module 41 raises hook 42. The cam 34 is located at the bottom of the cover 31. The cam 34 is fixed to the base 3 because it is integral with the cover 31. Thus, the coupling module 41 may translate axially relative to the base 3, cover 31, and cam 34. The cam 34 is perforated or has at least one circumferential cavity 341 to accommodate movement of the hook 42 when the coupling module is in the unlocked position. In this unlocked position, hook 42 does not interfere with insertion/removal of

valves

10,11 into/from cover 31. In the locked position and in the transition phase, coupling module 41 is raised along base 3 and pulls hooks 42 upwards. By performing this movement, the hook 42 comes out of the cavity or cavities 341 and is pushed back towards the centre of the cover 31 by the cam 34 and passes through the groove 313 of the cover 31.

When the connecting valve is located in the cover 31, the operator activates the coupling module 41. The coupling module is raised by the pneumatic system and is in a higher position. The hook 42 is pushed towards the walls of the

valves

10,11 via the cam 34 through the groove 313 of the cover 31. The stroke of the coupling module 41 is axially long to different extents, depending on the

valves

10, 11. In fact, the neck of valve 10 of R1234yf allowed the hooks to stop faster than valve 11 of R134 a. This is explained by the specific geometry of each

valve

10,11 and the specific geometry of the cover 31, which allows the

valves

10,11 to be inserted at different depths. The pneumatic system stops when hook 42 encounters a certain degree of resistance and thus pinches

valves

10, 11. The adapter 1 is then in at least one locked position.

In other words, in the example shown, there are two possible high positions defined by the

valve

10 or 11 housed in the cover 31.

The high position reached may indicate the

valve

10,11 housed in the cover 31.

To return to the unlocked position (low), the pneumatic system commands the coupling module 41 to descend along the base 3. Hook 42 returns to face at least one cavity 341. Spring seal 421 may, for example, allow carabiner 42 to automatically move open when facing at least one cavity 341.

According to the invention, the filling adapter 1 is provided with a safety system 5, which safety system 5 makes it possible to detect one or more positions of the coupling module 41 relative to the base 3. It may consist of one or more optical, magnetic or other sensors. According to one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 2 and 3, the safety system 5 comprises two optical sensors, so that three axial positions of the coupling module 41 can be detected and the safety system 5 is fixed on the base 3.

The coupling module 41 is then provided with two measuring pins 52, 52 'and the base 3 with corresponding detectors 51, 51'. The tops of the pins 52, 52' are at different heights. The detection of the measuring pins 52, 52 'by the sensors 51, 51' makes it possible to distinguish between the unlocked position locked on the valve R1234yf and on the valve 11R134 a. When the operator places the adapter on the

valve

10,11 of the fluid circuit, he initiates the coupling step. Once the

valves

10,11 are captured, the coupling module 41 is raised along the base 3 and stops in the locked position.

Thus, the sensors 51, 51' provide information representative of the

valves

10,11 actually housed in the cover 31. The filling liquid is selected according to this information.

The safety system 5 determines the stroke performed by the coupling module 41 by detecting the position of the measuring pins 52, 52 'with respect to the sensors 51, 51'. This travel then indicates the presence of an R134a or R1234yf connection valve for adapter 1. Depending on the type of fluid circuit anticipated on the assembly line, the filling machine 100 either begins filling the circuit or indicates incompatibility and prevents filling based on data available on the factory computer network of the vehicle. Before filling the circuit, the filling machine 100 performs an empty control operation to confirm that the adapter has been locked firmly on the

valves

10, 11.

If a failure occurs, the filling process is cancelled. Also, to enhance safety, sensors may be installed to detect extreme locking positions that would indicate that the system is not locked on the

valves

10, 11. For example, a contact sensor (not shown) may be installed to detect contact of the pin 52 to reflect the end of travel of the coupling module 41 and may prevent continuation of the fill cycle because of a positional anomaly.

The first step is to complete the filling by the plunger 32 pushing the valve 12 of the

valve

10,11 to open the connecting

valve

10, 11. Preferably, the plunger 32 has only two positions, high or low, regardless of the

valve

10,11 to be opened.

According to one embodiment of the invention, coupling module 41 further comprises a guide ring 43 of hook 42. Guide ring 43 maintains hooks 42 in alignment regardless of the position of coupling block 41, and also secures hooks 42 in coupling block 41. According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide ring 43 comprises a plurality of portions. Hook 42 is held between two longitudinal stops 431 (not shown) formed by guide ring 43 or by the parts that form guide ring 43, respectively. Guide ring 43 may extend beyond hook 42.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the adapter 1 is provided with a stabilization and centering system 6, shown in fig. 5 and 6. This ensures that the adapter 1 is held in a safe and stable position when the adapter 1 is locked to the connecting

valves

10, 11. Thus, the adapter 1 remains aligned with the

valves

10,11 during the filling phase. This stabilization and centering system 6 makes it possible to strengthen the coupling of the

valves

10,11 to fill the fluid circuit at high pressure.

The stabilization and centering system 6 comprises a stabilization ball 61, an actuation ring 62 and a constraint device 63, for example a spring. The stabilization and centering system 6 is located in the cam 34 and around the cover 31. The stabilizing balls 61 are uniformly distributed on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the lid body 31 and penetrate through the lid body 31. The accommodation of the balls 61 in the cover 31 allows a set movement of the balls 61, causing the balls to flush against the inner surface of the cover 31, inward of the cover 31. Inside the cam 34, an actuating ring 62 surrounds the cover 31 at the level of the stabilizing balls 61 and can move from a high position in which it is constrained to the balls 61 to a low position in which it is not constrained.

Actuating ring 62 is stressed on its lower surface by restraining means 63, shown as a spring, and on its upper surface by guide ring 43 or hook 42. In the unlocked position, the guide ring 43 presses against the actuating ring 62, so that the actuating ring 62 does not exert any stress on the stabilizing balls 61. In the locked position, the lifting of the coupling module 41 and its guide ring 43 relieves the upper stress on the actuating ring 62. Under the action of the spring 63, the actuating ring 62 rises and pushes the stabilizing balls 61 towards the inside of the cover 31. The stabilizing ball 61 is in contact with the outer surface of the connecting valve present in the cover 31.

In another embodiment of the stabilization and centering system 6 according to the invention, the guide ring 43 and the actuation ring 62 are the same part and are free of constraining means 63. The guide ring 43 is longer. The guide ring is configured to act on the stabilizing balls 61 according to the position observed by the coupling module 41. In the unlocked position, the guide ring 43 does not apply pressure to the balls 61. In the high position, the guide ring 43 pushes the balls 61 around the

valves

10,11 inserted in the cover 31.

Claims

1. Adapter (1) for filling a fluidic system by means of a filling fluid, the fluidic system to be filled comprising connection valves (10,11), wherein at least two connection valves (10,11) have a geometrical profile different from each other, the adapter (1) being designed for delivering at least two filling fluids different from each other for the two connection valves (10,11), respectively, wherein the adapter (1) comprises:

-a base (3) having a cover (31) able to house either of the two connection valves (10,11),

-a coupling system (4) for either of the two connection valves (10,11), the coupling system comprising a coupling module (41) with a hook (42), and

-a safety system (5) for preventing filling of either of the two connection valves (10,11) when one of the two filling fluids should not be used for filling either of the two connection valves;

characterized in that the coupling module (41) is movable in translation with respect to the base (3) along an axis (A) of the base (3) and is able to cause a hook (42) to move with respect to the base (3) from a low position, in which the axis (A) is vertical, to at least two high positions, different from each other, in which the coupling module (41) is further from the cover (31) in the high position than in the low position, the two high positions respectively representing the geometric profiles of the two connection valves (10,11), the hook (42) being pushed, when moving, towards the axis (A) by a cam (34) integral with the base (3) and passing through the cover (31) to hook either of the two connection valves (10,11), and in that

The safety system (5) comprises at least one position sensor (51, 51') for sensing the position of the coupling module (41) with respect to the base (3), the position sensor (51, 51') being able to provide at least one piece of information representative of either of the two connection valves (10,11) housed in the cover (31).

2. An adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid system is an air conditioning system.

3. Adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plunger (32) for opening a corresponding one (12) of said two connection valves (10,11), said cap (31) having an internal geometry defining at least two stops (S1, S2) distinct from each other and intended to axially abut against said two connection valves (10,11), respectively, wherein each of the two valves (12) is intended to be placed at the same distance from said plunger (32).

4. The adapter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said cover (31) comprises at least two O-rings (311, 312) of different diameter around said axis (A), each of said O-rings (311, 312) being arranged from maximum to minimum in the direction of insertion of said two connection valves (10,11) into said cover (31) along said axis (A).

5. Adapter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said hooks (42) are retained by guide rings (43) integral with said coupling module (4).

6. Adapter (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each hook (42) is retained by two longitudinal stops (431) formed by the guide ring (43).

7. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a stabilizing and centering system (6) comprising stabilizing balls (61) placed in a housing defined by the cover (31), said housing being uniformly distributed around the axis (A) and opening radially inwards and radially outwards, said balls (61) being placed under stress by means of an actuating ring (62) or a guide ring (43) surrounding the cover (31) so that the coupling module (41) is in the two high positions in which the stabilizing balls (61) radially constrain either of the two connection valves (10,11) and in the low position in which the stabilizing balls (61) are free in the housing.

8. An adapter (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said plunger (32) is hollow for the passage of said two filling fluids.

9. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the position sensor (51, 51') is an optical sensor.

10. Method for filling a fluidic system by means of a filling fluid, the fluidic system to be filled comprising connecting valves (10,11), wherein at least two connecting valves (10,11) have a geometrical profile different from each other, the method comprising at least the steps of:

-providing an adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

-housing either of the two connection valves (10,11) in the cover (31),

-the translational movement of the coupling module (41) along the axis (a) with respect to the base (3) from the low position to the high position;

-detecting, by the safety system (5), one of the high positions of the coupling module (41) and acquiring at least one piece of information representative of one of the two connection valves,

-selecting one of said two filling fluids according to said information, and

-filling the fluid system comprising either of the two connection valves (10,11) with the selected filling fluid.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid system is an air conditioning system.