GB2509382A

GB2509382A - A deflector to obstruct movement of liquid into a valve of a container for a fluid system in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2509382A
Application number: GB1320450.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Paul Goodier; Piers Sebastian Harding; Gary Keith Jepps; Thomas James Mcpherson
Original assignee: Castrol Ltd
Current assignee: Castrol Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-19
Filing date: 2013-11-19
Publication date: 2014-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-19
Also published as: GB2509382B; GB201320450D0

Abstract

A container 1 for a fluid system in a vehicle comprising a body 2 for containing the fluid, a valve 7 for controlling the pressure of gas in the body and a deflector 13 extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve. In another aspect the container is for a fluid system in an apparatus. The deflector may comprise a drain with drainage apertures 14 and may be in the form of a curved plate. The valve may extend from a mechanism 3 (for coupling the container to a fluid system of a vehicle engine) to an upper region of the body of the container. Preferably the deflector covers the inlet of the valve and allows the passage of gas through the valve and at least partly blocks the passage of liquid into the valve.

Description

FLUID SYSTEM

This invention relates to a fluid system. Aspects of the invention relate to a fluid system for a vehicle, for example a vehicle engine. Aspects of the invention relate to a fluid system for an engine, for example for a vehicle engine. Examples of the invention relate to a fluid reservoir system for a vehicle engine and a method of supplying fluid to a vehicle, for example to a vehicle engine.

Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their operation. Such fluids are often liquids. For examplt internal combustion engines use liquid lubricating oil compositions. Also, electric engines use heat exchange liquids for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine or to cool and heat the engine during different operating conditions. Such fluids are generally provided in a fluid system associated with the engine, the fluid system commonly including a fluid reservoir system including a reservoir associated with the engine for holding the fluid. During the operation life of the vehicle, it is usual for the fluid to require renewing and periodic replacement.

Conventional periodic replacement of engine lubricating oil composition in a vehicle engine usually involves draining the lubricating oil composition from the engine fluid system via an engine sump. The replacement process may also involve removing and replacing an engine oil filter. Such a procedure would normally require access to the engine sump drain plug and oil filter from the underside of the engine, may require the use of hand tools and usually requires a suitable collection method for the drained lubricating oil composition. As a result, the replacement of lubricating oil in a vehicle is a relatively long and involved procedure.

Attempts have been made to propose a quick-change oil filter/reservoir system for an internal combustion engine having a primary oil pump and oil sump comprising a container containing an oil filter element and supply of oil, the container having non-manipulative and self-sealing input and output fittings.

For example, WO 01/53663 describes a removable and disposable oil container device linked to an internal combustion engine regulating interface for manually filling or emptying and automatically regulating the engine lubricating oil, wherein the interface comprises a system of controlled valves in which the controlled valve system provides a configuration of specific circuits for each of the requirements for the proper running of the engine (lack of oil, stable running conditions, oil overflow) and the proper filling or emptying when the container is manually changed.

However, arrangements of the type mentioned above may have issues associated with them. One is a desire for them to provide a sealed unit which is readily transportable without significant leaking of the fluid contained therein during use whilst also requiring venting whilst in use to ensure easy flow of fluid from the container and enable the removal of any gas which builds up in the container. They also desire to be able to deal with movement of liquid within the container during use whilst allowing appropriate gas ventilation.

The present invention seeks to address or mitigate these or other issues.

According to the invention there is provided a container for a fluid system in a vehicle, the container comprising a. a body for containing fluid, b. a valve for controlling the pressure of gas in the body, and c. a deflector extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve.

Thus the deflector can impede the movement of liquid in the container and/or reduce, or prevent the liquid contacting, or entering the valve. Splashes of liquid from the bulk of liquid in the container are preferably blocked or partly blocked by the deflector from splashing onto the valve. Preferably, the deflector is associated with the inlet/outlet of the valve. In some cases, the deflector might extend around substantially all of the valve. In other cases, the deflector might extend around a. part of th.e valve for example just the inlet.

The deflector may be any appropriate shape. Preferably the deflector is shaped around the valve. The deflector may for example comprise a cwved plate.

The deflector is preferably spaced from the valve in some examples. In other examples, the deflector might not be spaced from the valve. In other examples, there may be portions of the deflector spaced from the valve. In addition, a deflector may contact the valve, for example the valve inlet.

The deflector may comprise a drain. Preferably the drain is arranged to drain liquid away from the valve inlet/outlet. Where liquid does pass the deflector, it would be advantageous for it to drain back through the deflector. Preferably the liquid drains back to the bulk of the liquid in the container.

The deflector may include a drain aperture. The deflector may include more than one aperture, for example several apertures. The deflector may include an array of apertures.

Preferably the deflector is shaped for directing liquid to the drain.

Preferably the deflector is shaped for directing liquid away from the valve.

The deflector may comprise a bowl portion, and may further include a drain at a lower region of the howl portion. Preferably references to lower region relate to when the container is in normal use.

The deflector may comprise for example plastics material. Conveniently the deflector is manufactured using a moulding technique.

The deflector may comprise oleophobic material. Examples of oleophobic material include fluorocarbons and fluorocarbon derivatives.

The deflector may be made partly or substantially of the oleophobic material and/or include a coating or partial coating of oleophobic material.

The valve may be arranged to be in an upper region of the body. The reference to upper region preferably refers to when the container is in normal use, for example in a vehicle.

Preferably the valve inlet/outlet will be in a region above the level of the liquid in the body of the container when in normal use.

The container may further include a coupling mechanism for coupling the container to a fluid system of a vehicle.

The valve may extend from the coupling mechanism to an upper region of the body of the container. The valve may extend from the coupling mechanism to a region above the level of liquid in the body, during normal use.

A sealing member may be associated with the valve for restricting the passage of fluid through the valve.

The sealing member may be actuable between sealing and non-sealing positions when the passage of fluid is more and less restricted, respectively.

A surface of the sealing member may be shaped for directing liquid away from a valve inlet.

In some examples the deflector covers the inlet of the valve, the deflector allowing the passage of gas through the valve and at least partly blocking the passage of liquid into the valve.

For example, the deflector may comprise a plug or cap fitted to the valve inlet, The deflector may be in contact with the valve. Preferably the deflector is shaped to encourage liquid drainage away from the valve. For example, the deflector may have a conical shape.

The deflector may comprise for example a steel mesh or grill, for example with an oleophobic coating. Such a deflector may cover a part of the valve. Where the deflector covers the valve, preferably it allows gas to pass, but blocks or hinders the passage of liquid.

The container may further include a housing, the body being mounted in the housing.

For example the housing may comprise a rigid material. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for providing a fluid reservoir system for a vehicle, the container comprising an outer housing formed from a rigid material; a coupling mechanism for coupling, in use, the container to at least one fluid system of the vehicle such that fluid contained within the container can be provided to the vehicle; a valve for enabling access, when the container is attached to an engine in use, to a headspace in the container to allow control of the pressure of a gas contained within the headspace; and a deflector positioned around the valve to hinder fluid from the container passing into the valve.

Preferably the deflector is a curved plate in order to allow engaging with the deflector to flow along the surface thereof to at least one drainage point.

The valve may have a sealing member formed thereon, the sealing member being arranged such that fluid engaging therewith flows over the member and away from the inlet of the valve.

The container may be connectable to the fluid system through a coupling mechanism which may comprise fluid ports, for example a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and a vent port. The ports may comprise self-sealing valves. In general, self-sealing ports have the characteristic that when corresponding ports are being connected, a seal is made between the connecting ports before valve or valves open to allow fluid to flow. On disconnection, the valve or valves close to seal off each of the ports before the seal between the ports is broken. Suitable valves include spring loaded poppet valves and biased non-return valves. Each self-sealing port container may provide a "dry break" in which no fluid flows on connection or disconnection of the ports. Alternatively, each self-sealing port may provide a "damp break" in which there is flow of only a non-essential amount of fluid, for example a few drips of liquid, on disconnection or connection of the port.

In some examples, the inlet fluid port and the outlet fluid port may each or both comprise a non-return valve. Suitably, the vent port does not comprise a non-return valve.

In at least some examples the container may be a container for a fluid which is a liquid. In at least some examples the container contains a fluid, which is a liquid. The liquid may be a liquid for a self-sustaining fluid system for example lubricating oil composition for example an engine lubricating oil composition or heat exchange fluid for example a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. The liquid may be a liquid for a non-sustaining fluid system, for example de-icer, water and/or detergent.

In some examples of the invention the fluid comprises a lubricating oil composition for example an engine lubricating oil composition. According to at least some examples, the engine lubricating oil composition is a lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine, for example a spark ignition internal combustion engine and/or a compression internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil composition may have heat exchange properties.

The lubricating oil composition, for example engine lubricating oil composition may comprise at least one base stock and at least one lubricating oil additive. Suitable base stocks include bio-derived base stocks, mineral oil derived base stocks, synthetic base stocks and semi synthetic base stocks. Suitable lubricatin g oil composition additives for example engine lubricating oil additives are known in the art. Examples of additives include organic and/or inorganic compounds. Typically, according to at least some examples, the engine lubricating oil composition comprises about 60 to 90 % by weight in total of base stocks and about 40 to 10 % by weight additives. Suitable lubricating oil compositions include lubricating oil compositions for internal combustion engines.

The lubricating oil composition, for example an engine lubricating oil composition may be a mono-viscosity grade or a multi-viscosity grade engine lubricating oil composition. Examples of suitable engine lubricating oil compositions include single purpose lubricating oil compositions and multi-purpose lubricating oil compositions.

Thus, the container may be provided as a self-contained system containing fresh, refreshed or unused lubricating oil composition (for example lubricating oil composition including engine lubricating oil composition) which may conveniently replace a container on a fluid system which container containing used or spent fluid. If the container also comprises a filter, this aLso is replaced together with the spent or used fluid.

In some examples, the fluid nay comprise a heat transfer fluid, for example a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include aqueous and non-aqueous fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include those which comprise organic and/or non-organic performance boosting additives.

Suitable heat exchange fluids include be man-made or bio-derived fluids, for example Betaine. According to at least some embodiments, the heat exchange fluids have fire retarding characteristics and/or hydraulic characteristics. Suitable heat exchange fluids include phase change fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids include molten metals and salts. Suitable heat exchange fluids include nanofluids. Nanofluids comprise nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid, which may be solid, liquid or gas. Suitable heat exchange fluids include liquefied gases.

In examples of the invention, the container is removeably installable in a vehicle, for example in relation to a fluid system in the vehicle, for example a fluid system associated with the engine of the vehicle, for example in relation to a circulatory fluid system in an engine of the vehicle.

Whilst vehicle fluid systems for example vehicle engin.e fluid systems have been described herein, thc present invcntion a1so relates to fluid systems for engines in general whether or not associated with a vehicle.

Thus according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided container for a fluid system in an engine, the container comprising a body for containing fluid; a valve for controlling the pressure of gas in the body; and a deflector extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising a container as hereindescribed in fluiclic communication with the fluid system of a vehicle, for example the fluid system of a vehicle engine, through the coupling mechanism.

According to another aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising an apparatus as hereindescribed.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising a container as hereindescribed in fluidic communication with the fluid system of an engine, for example the fluid system of a vehicle engine, through the coupling mechanism.

The engine may be an internal combustion engine. Suitable internal combustion engines include spark ignition internal combustion engines and compression ignition internal combustion engines. The engine may be an electric engine.

Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthmoving vehicles, mining vehicles, heavy duty vehicles and passenger cars.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, features of method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container according to an aspect the present invention; and Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional expanded view of a container of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, container 1 is formed from a housing 2 and a connector base 3. The connector base 3 is arranged to connect, in use, to a vehicle engine (not shown). In use fluid 4 can be supplied to the vehicle engine via an outlet valve 5 and used fluid is returned to the container 1 via return valve 6. So that the fluid 4 can be gravity fed or pumped through the valve 5 it is necessary to allow a gas, usually air, into the container 1.

This is done by providing a venting valve 7 which allows gas to pass into and out of the headspace of the container to and from the engine. Here the venting valve 7 comprises an upwardly extending tube, extending through the liquid storage space towards an upper region which in general use will be above the level of the liquid in the container.

In this case, the venting valve 7 can also act to release gas that may have been brought into the container 1 by return fluid 4 so that there is no pressure build-up of gas in the headspace 8. In other arrangements, two valves may be provided to provide this function of allowing gas to pass into and out of the headspace. A deflector 13 in the form of a curved plate is provided at the opening of the valve 7.

Deflector 13 is shown more clearly in Figure 2, from which it can be seen that it is structured to form at least a partial a barrier to liquid from the body of the container being splashed upwards and into the opening of the venting valve 7.

When installed the container 1 is generally positioned with the connector component 3 at the bottom and the valve 7 is positioned to be open to allow gas to escape from the headspace 8 of the container I. However, during use there will be significant movement of the container I which can result in fluid 4 splashing upwards and can introduce a risk of fluid 4 entering the valve 7 and passing into the engine, contaminating engine components that are not designed to receive such fluid. The deflector 13 can reduce or prevent the risk of the entry of significant amounts of liquid entering the valve happening whilst still allowing at least some gas to pass from the headspace 8 via apertures 14. These or other apertures can provide a path for fluid that does pass the deflector 13, for example around IS edges of the deflector plate 13 or through any of the apertures 14 themselves. Liquid passing down through the aperture or apertures may pass back into the main body of the container. This can reduce the collection of fluid around the opening of the valve 7 and thus the risk of entry of fluid into the upper valve opening. Movement of fluid past the deflector might for example occur during excessive movement for example while the container is installed in the engine, or transportation of the container iprior to installation.

Here the deflector 13 is shaped. The curved shape of the deflector tends to direct flow of fluid that does enter the space above the deflector 13 to the aperture(s) for drainage back to the main body of the container 1. Instead of or in addition to the provisions of one or more apertures 14 the deflector may be formed from or have a coating of fluid-repelling material. For example, where the fluid is oil-based or contains oil, the deflector or a coating thereon may comprise oleophobic material, for examples fluorocarbon or derivatives of fluorocarbons. Such material may to drive the fluid 4, if it is oil or oil-based off of the deflector 13.

The valve 7 is provided in this example to facilitate the venting operation of the container I when the container is not installed in a vehicle, for example on a vehicle engine so that fluid 4 does not pass out from the container and the container remains sealed. For example, the valve 7 may be provided to facilitate venting operation of the container after it has been removed from use in the engine.

In some examples the head 10 of the valve 7 is movable upwards, for example on installation in the engine, Preferably the valve 7 can be changed between an active and inactive mode, for example on installation of the container andlor removal. For example, movement of the head 10 may change the valve from allowing gas to pass there through to being shut. The head, for example, may he shaped so that it is large enough to cover entirely the opening of the vent component of the valve 7 so that should any fluid 4 land on the upper surface of the valve head 10 it passes around the outside of the opening and back into the deflector plate and through the apertures 14.

With examples the present invention it can be possible to provide a sealed container which can also provide appropriate venting when required. It alternatively or in addition can provide examples of a container which can reduce the risk of contamination of vented gas by the fluid to be supplied by the container.

The deflector may be mounted in the container in any appropriate way. For example.

it may be mounted on a wall of the body, on the valve, and or on the connector (where present) or other element.

While aspects of the invention have been described in relation to vehicle engines and examples of the invention described the use of engine lubricating oil compositions, it is envisaged that features of the invention could find other applications.

For example, a container according to an aspect of the invention could he used in relation to a fluid system of a wide range of apparatus or equipment. For example, the container could find application in relation to various static and movable machines, for example industrial machines such as a lathe, or manufacture and assembly equipment, to an engine, or to a vehicle.

Examples of a container of an aspect of the invention could thus be used to supply lubricant composition to a fluid system for example to supply lubricant to a region of the apparatus or equipment, for example to a region including one or more moving parts, for example a gearbox. In an example of an aspect of the invention there is provided a container for a wind turbine, for example to provide lubricating composition to one or more parts of the wind turbine apparatus.

The container may supply a lubricant composition to the fluid system of the apparatus, or may supply fluid other than lubricant to the apparatus. For example, the fluid may comprise a fuel composition, for example gasoline or diesel The container of an aspect of the invention may be for supply the fluid for example to the fuel supply system of the apparatus. For example, the container may supply fuel to a vehicle, or tool, for example to a car, motorcycle or lawn mower.

In another example, the container is used to supply a fluid, for example lubricant and/or fuel, to a hand tool, for example a hedge trimmer or leaf blower.

The fluid may comprise for example an aqueous or other solvent-based composition., for example a cleaning composition. The fluid may for example comprise windscreen wash fluid. A container of an example of an aspect of the invention may be for supplying fluid to the windscreen washer fluid delivery system for example of a vehicle.

In some examples of aspects of the invention the fluid system may comprise a fluid circulation system or may comprise a fluid delivery system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a container for a fluid system in an apparatus, the container comprising a. a body for containing fluid, b. a valve for controlling the pressure of gas in the body, and c. a deflector extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

CLAIMSLA container for a fluid system in a vehicle, the container comprising a. a body for containing fluid, b. a valve for controlling the pressure of gas in the body, and c. a deflector extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the deflector extends over at least part of an inlet or outlet of the valve.
3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the deflector is spaced from the valve.
4. A container according to claim 1, wherein the deflector comprises a drain.
5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflector includes a drain aperture.
6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the dellector is shaped for directing liquid to the drain.
7. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflector is shaped for directing liquid away from the valve.
8. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflector comprises a bowl portion, and includes a drain at a lower region of the bowl portion.
9. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the deflector comprises oleophobic material.
10. A container according to any preceding claim further including a coupling mechanism for coupling the container to a fluid system of a vehicle engine.
11. A container according to claim 10, wherein the valve extends from the coupling mechanism to an upper region of the body of the container.
12. A container according to any preceding claim, where a sealing member is associated with the valve for restricting the passage of fluid through the valve.
13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member is actuable between sealing and non-sealing positions when the passage of fluid is more and less restricted, respectively.
14. A container according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein a surface of the sealing member is shaped for directing liquid away from a valve inlet.
15. A container according to any preceding claim wherein deflector covers the inlet of the valve, the deflector allowing the passage of gas through the valve and at least partly blocking the passage of liquid into the valve.
16. Apparatus comprising a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in fluidic communication with a fluid system of a vehicle through the inlet port and outlet port and in fluidic communication with the vehicle through the vent port.
17. A vehicle comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 16.
18. A container for a fluid system in an apparatus, the container comprising a. a body for containing fluid, b. a valve for controlling the pressure of gas in the body, and c. a deflector extending over at least part of the valve for obstructing the movement of liquid from the body into the valve.