JP2018536115A - Fluid method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of filling and / or discharging a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine, the replaceable fluid container comprising a fluid reservoir and a container port, the container port being disposed on a port of the dock, When connected to a dock port, the replaceable fluid container is docked to the dock associated with the vehicle or engine when the fluid reservoir is placed in fluid communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine. The method comprises: placing the container port on a filling and / or draining element of a replaceable fluid container management facility; and filling and / or draining the container port In fluid communication with the filling and / or draining system and exchangeable with the port. Related filled vessels management facility for and / or through the discharge system comprises a filling and / or discharging the fluid reservoir. [Selection] Figure 4A

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid container, particularly a method for use with a fluid container for supplying fluid to a vehicle engine or vehicle fluid circulation system.

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Application No. 1516862, filed September 23, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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. An electric engine also uses a fluid having a heat exchange function, for example to cool the engine or to heat the engine or to cool and heat the engine between different operating conditions. Fluid heat exchange functions are provided in addition to other functions (eg, primary functions) including, for example, charge conduction and / or electrical connections. Such fluid is generally held in a container associated with the engine.

  The container may be filled and recycled and / or refilled.

Aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a method for filling and / or discharging a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine. FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of a method for filling and / or discharging a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary stage of a replaceable container life cycle, which includes a filling and / or draining stage. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the filling and / or discharging stage of Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary filling and / or evacuation system for performing the filling and / or evacuation stage of FIG. 3 using one exemplary container. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary filling and / or evacuation system for performing the filling and / or evacuation stage of FIG. 3, illustrating a plurality of exemplary containers. Overview of a first embodiment of a filling and / or draining interface plate for the interface between a replaceable fluid container and a filling and / or draining system, shown connected to a replaceable container with three ports. The figure is shown. Of a second embodiment of a filling and / or draining interface plate for the interface between the replaceable fluid container and the filling and / or draining system, shown connected to a replaceable fluid container with three ports. A schematic diagram is shown. Of a third embodiment of a filling and / or draining interface plate for the interface between the replaceable fluid container and the filling and / or draining system, shown connected to a replaceable fluid container with four ports. A schematic diagram is shown. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle with a replaceable fluid container docked with a dock. FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an engine fluid circulation system for a vehicle or engine.

  In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements.

  Referring to the figures, for example, the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 7 is for a vehicle 6 (as shown in FIG. 7) or (eg as shown in FIG. 7). A method of filling and / or evacuating a replaceable fluid container 14 (eg, as shown in FIG. 7) for the engine 4 is provided.

As described in more detail below, the replaceable fluid container 14 may include a fluid reservoir 9 and at least one port.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the container 14 has three ports:
A fluid outlet port 91 (sometimes referred to as a “supply port”);
A fluid inlet port 92 (sometimes referred to as a “return port”);
Ventilation port 93 (sometimes referred to as “breather port”) is included.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the container 14 is configured to couple with a cooperating dock 140 associated with the vehicle 6 or the engine 4, and when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140, the vehicle 6 or A reservoir 9 is disposed in fluid communication with a fluid circulation system 8 associated with the engine 4.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 9 may be a specific chamber or the fluid may simply be held in a container.
In this disclosure, as described in more detail below, “exchangeable”
The container may be supplied to the vehicle 6 or the engine 4 filled with fresh and / or unused fluid and / or the container may be inserted and / or seated non-destructively in the dock 140 and / or And / or can be docked and / or the container can be non-destructively coupled to the fluid circulation system 8 and / or the container can be non-destructively, ie, to its dock 140 if desired. Can be removed from the dock in a manner that allows for re-insertion and / or the same (eg, after being refilled) or another (eg, full and / or new) container, in a non-destructive manner The dock 140 can be reinserted and / or re-seatd and / or re-docked.

  The term “replaceable” means that a container has been “removed” and / or “replaced” in another new container and / or the same container after being refilled (in other words, a replaceable container is “ It can be understood to mean that it can be reinserted into the dock (which can be “refillable”) or reconnected to the fluid circulation system.

  In this disclosure, “in a non-destructive manner” means that the integrity of the container is not altered, except for the failure and / or destruction of a seal (such as a fluid port seal) or other disposable elements of the container. To do.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the fluid outlet port 91 is configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 and provide fluid from the fluid reservoir 9 of the fluid container 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, fluid is provided via supply line 10.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the fluid inlet port 92 is configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 to receive, for example, fluid circulated in the engine 4 into the fluid reservoir 9. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, fluid is returned via the fluid return line 12.

  The ports 91, 92 of the fluid container 14 may include self-sealing joints or any other suitable form of joint. Together, the dock 140 and the container 14 may provide a releasable fastening mechanism, such as a locking mechanism, for holding the docked container 14 with or with the dock 140.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the outlet port 91 and the inlet port 92, the container 14 has a vent port 93 configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 or the vent 23 of the vehicle 6. The pressure may be relieved as fluid enters and exits the reservoir 9. In some embodiments, the vent port 93 is disposed within the reservoir 9 and is coupled to a vent tube extending inwardly of the reservoir 9 to allow pressure relief as fluid enters and exits the reservoir 9. You may comprise as follows. In some embodiments, the vent tube comprises a breather end located in the reservoir 9 at a level corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid in the reservoir (such as a nominal volume in the container) so that the fluid enters and exits the reservoir 9. In some cases, the pressure may be released.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fluid container 2 may include a filter 90.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the fluid container 14 may have a connection sensor 30 for detecting that the fluid container 14 has been docked and in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system 8. The fluid container 14 may include a fluid sensor 22 (also shown in FIG. 4A) that senses at least one characteristic of the fluid within the container.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method as shown in FIG. 1A. This method

  At least one of the ports (eg, port 91, port 92, or port 93) of the replaceable fluid container 14, indicated at 10, may be co-filled with the fill and / or drain system 700 of the replaceable fluid container management facility 701 And / or fluidly communicating the container 14 or the reservoir 9 with the filling and / or draining system 700 in connection with a draining element 600 (shown in FIG. 3);

  Filling and / or draining a fluid reservoir through a port, indicated at 11.

The container may have a plurality of ports 91, 92 and 93. Each of the plurality of container ports has an operation function. The operational function of each container port is the function provided by the respective port during operation of the replaceable fluid container in the engine or vehicle. The operational function of the container port can be described here as the “first function” of the port. At least one of the plurality of ports has a first function of supplying fluid to or enabling supply of fluid to the reservoir 14 (eg, fluid outlet port 91 or fluid inlet port 92, respectively).
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method as shown in FIG. 1B. This method

Ports that have been changed by changing the operable or first function of at least one of the plurality of ports 91, 92, and 93 (e.g., fluid inlet port 92 or fluid outlet port 91) shown at 10a Is a second function (different from the first function that allows the supply of fluid from or to the reservoir 9 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked to the dock 140) To assist in filling and / or draining the reservoir,
Optionally filling and / or draining a fluid reservoir, indicated at 11, via a port (eg, fluid inlet port 92).

  In some embodiments, changing at least one operating function of the plurality of ports may include changing at least one operating function of the fluid inlet port or the fluid outlet port. In some embodiments, altering at least one operational function of the plurality of ports may include blocking the fluid inlet port. In some embodiments, the method may include opening the fluid inlet port and maintaining the fluid inlet port open during filling and / or draining of the fluid container.

  An embodiment of filling and / or discharging the fluid container 14 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

Container 14 may be fillable and / or recyclable and / or refillable.
As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the life cycle of the fluid container 14 is, for example,
A filling and / or draining stage 101 for draining fluid used in a replaceable container filled with fluid or used in a replaceable fluid container management facility 701 (eg, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B); ,
An exchangeable container includes at least one of the operating steps 102 used in the vehicle 6.

  It will be appreciated that the drained replaceable fluid container can be refilled. Thus, the life cycle of the container includes a recovery and / or supply stage 103 that is recovered to discharge the used container at a recovery point, such as a garage or shop, or a dedicated recovery point, and is refilled Containers (also referred to as “recycled”) are supplied at the point of sale, for example in a garage or shop, or perhaps returned to the same vehicle user or owner for use in a vehicle or engine.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filling and / or discharging stage 101 provides a number of processes through which a particular container can pass, and in some non-limiting examples, the container, its contents and the vehicle or engine. You may make it depend on the data linked | related with at least 1 of these.
As shown, these steps are
Fluid filling step 1011;
A fluid discharging step 1012.

  In some embodiments, the fluid filling process 1011 may be performed at least partially at the first management facility 701 and the fluid draining process 1012 may be performed at least partially at the second management facility 701. I want you to understand.

  In some embodiments, the first management facility 701 may be different from the second management facility 701, or may form at least part or all of the second management facility 701. . Similarly, the second management facility 701 may form at least a part or all of the portion of the first management facility 701.

  In some examples, the fluid filling step 1011 and the fluid draining step 1012 may be performed by the same system 700 or may be performed by different systems 700, respectively.

  Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fill and / or drain system 700 may be configured to perform at least some steps of the method shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, system 700 includes at least one filling and / or draining element 600. In some examples described in more detail below, the system 700 may include a plurality of elements 600. In some embodiments, the plurality of elements may be configured to provide a different element 600 for each port of the container.

  In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the system 700 is located in a management facility 701.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the container 14 is configured to be associated with the element 600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the element 600 is configured to place a fluid reservoir 9 in fluid communication with components of the fill and / or drain system 700, as will be described in more detail below. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connection between the element 600 and the container 14 occurs when the fluid reservoir 9 is in fluid communication with the fill and / or drain system 700, as described with reference to FIG. The exchangeable fluid container 14 is oriented the same as when docked with the dock 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, replaceable fluid container 14 is oriented such that the bottom of container 14 (including ports 91, 92 and 93) is docked to dock 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the port 91 or 92 or 93 is disposed on the replaceable fluid container 14 so that the fluid container 9 can be replaced by the replaceable fluid container 14 on the filling and / or draining element 600. When connected, it is located above port 91 or 92 or 93 (or, for example, docked to dock 140 as shown in FIG. 7).

  Filling and / or discharging system 700 (including element 600) is coupled to filling and / or discharging element 600 in the same orientation as when container 14 is docked with dock 140 (as described with reference to FIG. 7). It will be appreciated that the fluid reservoir 9 can be configured to fill and / or drain through the ports 91 or 92 when done. In some embodiments, when the container 14 is coupled to the element 600 in the same orientation as when docked with the dock 140 (as described with reference to FIG. 7), the element 600 may be a fluid in the vent port 93. Contamination (for example, flooding) due to water may be prevented or at least suppressed. In some embodiments, element 600 may be configured to block vent port 93 when container 14 is coupled to element 600 in the same orientation as when docked with dock 140. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, when the container 14 is coupled to the element 600 in the same orientation as when docked with the dock 140 (as described with reference to FIG. 7), The vent tube connected to the vent port 93 is contaminated (eg, when the reservoir 9 is filled and / or drained, because the bottom of the container 14, including the ports 91 and 92, is located below the fluid reservoir 9. , Do not flood). In some embodiments, such orientation allows the breather end of the vent tube connected to vent port 93 to be located above the bottom of container 14 (including ports 91 and 92). Thus, the breather end of the vent tube does not become contaminated (eg, flooded) when fluid is filled into and / or drained from the reservoir 9. In such an embodiment, the container 14 can be filled and / or drained from below the reservoir 9. In some embodiments, when the container 14 is coupled to the element 600 in the same orientation as when docked to the dock 140, the element 600 may be connected to the vent port 93 and / or (eg, by blocking the vent port 93). Or the vent tube (when the vent tube is connected to the vent port 93) can form an air lock and the fluid vent port 93 and / or the vent tube (when the vent tube is connected to the vent port 93) is contaminated. (For example, flooding) may be prevented or at least suppressed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the replaceable fluid container optionally includes an opening 94 (eg, a closable opening that includes a removable threaded cap) spaced from the port 91 or 92 or 93. From which a removable fluid container can be filled and / or drained.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the replaceable fluid container 14 has a plurality of walls. On the wall:
A first wall 141 that is at the top when a replaceable fluid container is coupled with element 600 (or docked with dock 140);
A second wall 142 that is lowest when the replaceable fluid container 14 is coupled with the element 600 (or docked with the dock 140);
A sidewall or sidewall 143 is included.

  In the example of FIG. 4A, the opening 94 passes through the side wall 143 of the replaceable fluid container 14. Additionally or alternatively, the container may include an opening (not shown) through the first wall 141 of the replaceable fluid container 14.

In some embodiments, element 600 may simply be a joint to fluid reservoir 9. For that effect, the element may include at least one port 604 configured to cooperate with at least one port of the container 14.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the element 600 comprises a port actuator 605,
Disabling (eg, closing or leaving closed) a fluid port (and / or any corresponding valve described below) of the container 14 to inhibit fluid outflow from the container 14;
The fluid port (and / or any corresponding valve as described below) of the container 14 is activated (eg, opened or opened) to allow fluid to flow through the port to the container 14 Leave).

  Port actuator 605 may include a mechanical component, such as a component configured to cooperate with port 91, 92, or 93 of container 14. For example, if the port 91, 92 or 93 includes a female component as shown in FIG. 4A, the port actuator 605 includes a male component (such as a nozzle). In some embodiments, the male component may be configured to actuate the fluid port 91, 92 or 93 of the container 14.

  Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may comprise an electromagnetic actuator that is actuated, for example, by a solenoid. Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may be connected to a fluid container port by pressurized fluid (eg, oil and / or gas (steam and / or air), etc.) flowing through the tubing 608, as shown in FIG. 4A. There may be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator configured to actuate.

  It will be appreciated that the port 604 of the element 600 may comprise a self-sealing joint or any other suitable form of joint or valve. In some embodiments, the port actuator 605 may include a self-sealing joint that may include a self-sealing valve that is biased to a closed position when the container 14 and element 600 are separated. . In some non-limiting examples, the valve contacts the valve seat of the port actuator 605 when in the closed position and seals the element 600 when in the closed position. There may be provided a valve face that prevents or at least suppresses fluid flow through the valve. When the valve is in the open position, the valve face does not strike the valve seat so that fluid can flow through the open valve. It will be appreciated that other types of self-sealing joints may be envisaged. It should be understood that the port 604 of element 600 (or the coupling of element 600) does not necessarily have to include a self-sealing joint or valve.

In some embodiments, element 600 may comprise a coupling plate or mount. In some embodiments, the element 600 may include a dedicated receiving station 640 designed to receive at least a portion of the fluid container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the receiving station 640 may be similar to the dock 140 associated with the engine 4 or may be provided in the vehicle 6 shown in FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 4A, system 700 includes:
Fluid part 606,
A ventilation part 607;
Tubing 608 is configured to fluidly connect element 600 to fluid portion 606 and vent portion 607, respectively.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the fluid section 606 includes a fluid tank 6061 and a reversible pump 6062. In some embodiments, the pump 6062 is
During the filling process 1011, fluid from the tank 6061 to the container 14 is provided via the piping 608 of the element 600;
During the discharging step 1012, the fluid may be discharged from the container 14 to the tank 6061 via the pipe 608 of the element 600.

  It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the system 700 performs only one of the filling or draining steps, the pump 6062 need not necessarily be reversible.

In some non-limiting examples, the output of pump 6062 is suitable for pumping fluid at a rate of about 1 L / sec (other rates are envisioned, eg higher rates). In embodiments where the fluid container 14 has a reservoir of about 4-5 L, the system 700 can be configured to fill or drain the container 14 in about 4 or 5 seconds.
In some embodiments, the pump 6062 is
A portion of the volume of the fluid reservoir 9 (eg, most, eg, 90%, but other rates are envisioned) at a first rate (eg, at a rate of about 1 L / sec, although other rates are also As expected) filling and / or discharging,
Then, at a second rate (eg, at a rate of about 0.5 L / sec, but other rates are envisioned) at least a portion (eg, a small portion, eg, 10%) of the remaining volume of the fluid reservoir However, other ratios are envisioned) and may be configured to fill and / or drain.

As described above, in some embodiments, the second speed is slower than the first speed, but the second speed may be faster than the first speed.
In some embodiments, the system 700 includes:
The filling and / or discharging process may be terminated and / or configured to switch from the first speed to the second speed after a predetermined time (eg, a few seconds depending on the output of the pump 6062).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the fill and / or drain system 700 includes a controller 601. In the embodiment shown in 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.
In some embodiments, the controller 601 includes:
Determine the time elapsed during the filling step 1011 and / or the discharging step 1012;
When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the filling step 1011 and / or the discharging step 1012 may be terminated.
Additionally or alternatively, as a non-limiting example, system 700 includes:
Detecting the amount of fluid in the fluid container 14 and / or measuring the amount of fluid and / or gas (such as air or steam) in and / or out of the container 14 and / or pressure across the filter. You may comprise so that it may measure.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the system 700 may include a weight sensor 24 configured to sense the weight of the container 14 in real time, for example. It will be appreciated that the amount of fluid sensed can be sensed by another sensor of the system 700, such as a flow sensor.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the controller 601 is connected to the weight sensor 24 to select or change at least one of the rate and time at which the fluid reservoir is filled and / or drained in response to the sensed amount. It may be configured. The controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A may be configured to stop the filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the vent 607 includes a vent 6072 (and optionally a reversible pump 6071). In some embodiments, the pump 6071 is
During the discharge process 1012, providing gas from the vent 6072 to the container 14 via the piping 608 of the element 600;
During the filling step 1011, gas may be extracted from the container 14 to the vent 6072 via the pipe 608 of the element 600.

  A 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.

  It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the system 700 performs only one of the filling or draining steps, the pump 6071 need not necessarily be reversible.

  In some embodiments, vent 6072 may be fluidly connected to the tank, eg, open to the atmosphere via a filter.

  In some embodiments, pumps 6071 and / or 6062 can be operated independently or simultaneously (in that example, pump 6071 can assist pump 6062 in fill step 1011 and / or drain step 1012). it can). The pump 6071 and / or the pump 6062 shown in FIG. 4A may be controlled by the controller 601.

  As will be described in more detail below, to fill the container 14 during the fill and / or drain phase 101, the system 700 activates a port, for example, as controlled by the controller 601 shown in FIG. 4A. Or disable it.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, as already described, in 10 of FIG. 1A, the reservoir 9 is positioned above ports 91, 92 and 93 in the same orientation as when container 14 is docked with dock 140, for example. When coupled to the element 600 (as described with reference to FIG. 7), the element 600 is configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, contamination of the vent port 93 by fluid (eg, flooding). May be.

Container 14 has a plurality of ports 91, 92 and 93, and according to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, in another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of ports (eg, fluid inlet port 92 or fluid outlet port 91). At least one operational or first function is changed in 10a of FIG. 1B, and the changed port has a second function different from the first function, where the first function and Is
When the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked to the dock 140 (eg, fluid outlet port 91), fluid is supplied from the reservoir 9, or the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked 140 (eg, fluid inlet port 92). It will be appreciated that fluid can be supplied to the reservoir 9 when it is docked to the reservoir 9) to assist in filling and / or draining the reservoir.
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 4A, in some embodiments, changing the function of at least one of the ports in 10a of FIG.
Opening the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91;
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 (more quickly in the fluid reservoir) Filling and / or draining so that filling or draining time can be shortened).
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 4B, in some embodiments, changing at least one function of the port in 10a of FIG.
Opening the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port;
While filling and / or draining the fluid reservoir through one of the fluid inlet port and fluid outlet port (eg, inlet port 92), through the other of the fluid inlet port and fluid outlet port (eg, outlet port 9) Including allowing air to enter and exit the replaceable fluid container 14 and adjusting the internal pressure of the replaceable fluid container during filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 4A, in some embodiments, gas (such as air and / or steam) pushed (and / or extracted by pump 6071) by inflow fluid pumped by pump 6062 may be a breather. There is a possibility of leakage from the container 14 through the port 93. Similarly, in that embodiment, gas (such as air and / or steam) that is inhaled by the outflow of fluid pumped by pump 6062 (and / or pump 6071) may enter through breather port 93. .
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 4B, in some embodiments, changing the function of at least one port in 10a of FIG.
With both the inlet and outlet ports open, the breather port 93 is blocked during fluid reservoir filling and / or evacuation when gas (eg, vapor air) passes through one of the inlet and outlet ports. May include. Thereby, contamination (for example, flooding) by the fluid of the breather port can be avoided.

  In some embodiments, the method includes filling the fluid reservoir simultaneously through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port and / or simultaneously passing the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. It may include discharging.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the element 600 comprises a plurality of container receiving stations 640 that can be provided at a management facility 701 on a conveyor 609 or other transport system provided at stage 101. The plurality of containers 14 may be arranged sequentially (if the facility includes only one system 700 or conveyor 609, for example) or in parallel (if the facility includes, for example, multiple systems 700 or conveyor 609), stage 101 (FIG. 2). Pass through).

  While the above describes a replaceable fluid container 14 that is directly coupled to the filling and / or draining element 600 of the filling and / or draining system 700, in other embodiments the container 14 can be, for example, a filling and / or draining machine. Alternatively, it may be indirectly coupled to the filling and / or draining system 700 via a drain interface plate.

In an embodiment, the fill and / or drain interface plate is configured to interface between the replaceable fluid container 14 and the fill and / or drain system 700. In these embodiments, the container 14 is connected to the filling and / or evacuation element 600 of the filling and / or evacuation system 700 via the interface plate, or one or more of the filling and / or evacuation system 700 via the interface plate. It may be connected to other components.
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, changing the function of at least one port in 10a of FIG. 1B, as described in more detail below,
The filling and / or discharging interface plate 500 is connected between the replaceable fluid container 14 and the filling and / or discharging system 700 of the replaceable fluid container management facility 701 so that the interface plate 500 can be replaced. Connecting at least one of the plurality of ports to at least one of the plurality of filling and / or discharging elements 600 of the filling and / or discharging system 700.

  In some embodiments, the interface plate provides a connection of container ports 91, 92, 93 to one or more fluid lines of one or more filling and / or draining elements 600 or filling and / or draining system 700, For example, you may comprise so that it may control by controlling opening and closing of one or more ports.

  In an embodiment, a fill and / or drain interface plate may be provided between the container 14 and the system 700. The fill and / or drain interface plate may be configured to control the port joints to the fluid system, for example, by controlling the joints to one or more elements of each port.

  In an embodiment, the fill and / or drain interface plate is configured to alter the function of at least one port 91, 92, 93, for example, to assist in the fill and / or drain operation. In an embodiment, the fill and / or discharge interface plate may include a port function, a first function, an initial function, etc. (e.g., a port function when the container 14 is being used in a vehicle or as described herein). The engine as described is configured to change to a second function different from the first function.

  A modified port function (eg, a second function) may be provided to assist in filling and / or draining the fluid reservoir 9.

  A modified port function may be provided to avoid or reduce contamination of the breather port 93 with fluid during filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir 9.

  In the embodiment, the fluid inlet port 92 has a first function of controlling the flow of fluid into the fluid reservoir 9.

  In the embodiment, the fluid outlet port 91 has a first function of controlling the outflow of fluid from the fluid reservoir 9.

  In an embodiment, the breather port 93 can be exchanged during the filling and / or evacuation of the fluid reservoir 9, for example, allowing air flow to enter and exit the removable fluid container 14, for example to enter and exit the fluid reservoir 9. The first function is capable of adjusting the internal pressure of the possible fluid container 14.

  FIG. 5A shows a first example of a fill and / or drain interface plate 500a arranged to interface between the fill and / or drain system 700 and the replaceable fluid container 14.

  The fill and / or drain interface plate 500a of FIG. 5A can allow for rapid filling or draining of the fluid reservoir 9 by allowing both the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports 92, 91 to be opened. The plate can also allow the breather port 93 to be opened, thereby allowing the air displaced by the fluid during the filling operation to be released during the discharge operation and / or avoiding air entering the container. it can.

  Filling and / or discharging interface plate 500 a 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.

  The first channel 510a extends from the first connector 531 to the first port actuator 521 through the interface plate 500a, and extends from the first connector 531 to the second port actuator 522, for example, in a V shape.

  The second channel 512 a extends through the interface plate 500 from the second connector 532 to the third port actuator 523.

  The first surface 520 receives the replaceable fluid container 14 thereon and cooperates with the ports 91, 92, 93 of the replaceable fluid container 14 when the container 14 is disposed on the interface plate 500a. Are arranged as follows.

  The first port actuator 521 is arranged to couple with the fluid inlet port 92 to control the opening and / or closing of the fluid inlet port 92. The second port actuator 522 is configured to couple with the fluid outlet port 91 to control the opening and / or closing of the fluid outlet port 91. The third port actuator 523 is arranged to be coupled to the breather port 93 in order to control the opening and / or closing of the breather port 93.

As already mentioned, each port actuator may comprise a mechanical component (such as a nozzle) and / or an electromagnetic actuator and / or a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, each port actuator may be configured to open the container ports 91, 92, 93 that connect as a result of the mechanical joint, or once the joint is established, the port is opened by the controller. It may be controlled as follows.
The second surface 530 can be 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.

  The first filling and / or draining system connector 531 is configured to be coupled to the first filling and / or draining element 600 of the filling and / or draining system 700.

  Second fill and / or drain system connector 532 is configured to be coupled to second fill and / or drain element 600 of fill and / or drain system 700 or directly to air.

The connectors 531, 532 may comprise ports and may be configured to couple to the port actuators of the first and second filling and / or discharging elements 600. In other embodiments, the first and second fill and / or drain elements 600 do not have port actuators, and instead the connectors 531 and 532 connect to the fluid lines of the fill and / or drain elements 600.
In operation, the replaceable fluid container 14 is placed on the interface plate 500a so
The fluid inlet port 92 is disposed on the first port actuator 521;
The fluid outlet port 91 is disposed on the second port actuator 522,
The breather port 93 is disposed on the third port actuator 523.

  The positioning of each port on each port actuator couples each port to a respective port actuator. In this embodiment, the port actuator opens the port by connecting the predetermined port actuator to the predetermined port actuator.

  The interface plate 500a places the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 in fluid communication with the first filling and / or draining element 600 via the first channel 510a, and the breather port 93 with the second Positioned in fluid communication with the second fill and / or element 600 via channel 512a.

  In this embodiment, the first filling and / or draining element 600 is configured or operated to be a filling element, i.e. the element 600 through which fluid is supplied to fill the reservoir 9. ing. The second filling and / or discharging element 600 is configured or operated to be a breather element, i.e. released so that the element 600 is connected to the air supply and can flow into and out of the reservoir 9. Or connected.

  The arrow in FIG. 5A indicates the filling operation. Fluid is supplied to the first channel 510 a through the filling and / or draining element 600 and enters the fluid reservoir 9 via the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91. On the other hand, air exits reservoir 9 through breather port 93 and breather element 600 when reservoir 9 is filled with fluid. This helps to adjust the pressure in the fluid container 14 during the filling operation.

  In this embodiment, the first connector 531 is coupled to the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 via the first channel 510a so that fluid is reservoired via both the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92,91. 9, thereby changing the first of the fluid outlet ports 91. By providing fluid to the reservoir 9 through both the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports 92, 91, the reservoir 9 can be filled more quickly than when filling only through the fluid inlet port 92.

  The same interface plate 500a may be used during the draining operation on the fluid container 14. In this case, the first connector 531 is connected to a filling and / or draining element 600 which is configured or operated as a draining element, ie an element through which fluid is removed or drained from the reservoir 9. Has been. Discharging the reservoir 9 through both the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 allows for a faster discharge than the reservoir 9 discharges through only the fluid outlet port 91. Again, the breather port 93 allows air to flow into the container 14 as the fluid exits the container and adjust the internal pressure of the container 14.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, interface plate 500a connects fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 to a common fill and / or drain element, while in other embodiments, interface plate 500a includes fluid inlet and outlet ports. Are configured to be coupled to different respective filling and / or discharging elements 600, the filling and / or discharging system 700 passes through both fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 to fill and / or inlet and outlet ports 92. , 91 may be operated to discharge simultaneously.

  In the above embodiment, the interface plate 500a connects the breather port 93 to the filling and / or draining element, but in another embodiment, the interface plate 500a is configured to open the breather port 93 directly to the air. The

  In a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the interface plate fills each of the ports 91, 92, 93 to the filling and / or draining element 600 with a common fluid channel or shared as the first fluid channel 512a of FIG. 5A. It can be connected by any of the fluid channels and can be configured so that the reservoir 9 can be filled or drained through all ports. If one of the ports is a breather port, as in FIG. 5A, this may include flowing fluid through the breather port. In order to clean the breather port and perform its first function optimally, for example, by breathing air into the breather port or sucking pressure into the breather port and flowing air through it, Air can flow through the port.

  FIG. 5B shows a second example of a fill and / or drain interface plate 500b arranged to interface between the fill and / or drain system 700 and the replaceable fluid container 14.

  The fill and / or drain interface plate 500b of FIG. 5B allows opening of both the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 and allows filling and / or draining through one of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91. And inhale / vent air through the other of the fluid inlet and outlet ports 92, 91 and shut off the breather port 93 to allow filling and / or draining of the breather port 93 without overflowing the fluid.

  Filling and / or discharging interface plate 500 b 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. The first channel 510b extends through the interface plate 500b from the first connector 531 to the first port actuator 521. The second channel 512b extends from the second connector 532 to the second port actuator 522 through the interface plate 500b.

  The first surface 520 provides a seat for the replaceable fluid container 14 and is arranged to cooperate with a port of the replaceable fluid container 14 when the container 14 is placed on the interface plate 500b. .

  The first port actuator 521 is arranged to couple with the fluid inlet port 92 to control the 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 to control the opening and / or closing of the fluid outlet port 91.

  The second surface 530 is arranged to cooperate with one or more filling and / or draining elements 600 or one or more filling and / or draining system fluid lines.

  The first filling and / or draining system connector 531 is configured to be coupled to the first filling and / or draining element 600 of the filling and / or draining system. In this embodiment, the first filling and / or discharging element 600 is configured to be the filling element 600 described above or to be operated as the filling element 600.

  Second fill and / or drain system connector 532 is configured to be coupled to second fill and / or drain element 600. In this embodiment, the second filling and / or draining element 600 is configured to be or be operated as a breather element 600 as described above.

  The connectors 531, 532 may comprise ports and may be configured to couple to the port actuators of the first and second filling and / or discharging elements 600. In other embodiments, the first and second fill and / or drain elements 600 do not have port actuators, and instead the connectors 531 and 532 connect to the fluid lines of the fill and / or drain elements 600.

  The breather port 93 is not provided with an actuator, and is not provided with a channel that allows air flow to or from the breather port 93. Thereby, the interface plate 500b blocks, restricts, or suppresses the flow of air through the breather port 93 when the container 14 is disposed on the interface plate 500b. Thereby, it is possible to prevent or reduce the contamination of the breather port 93 with the fluid during filling and / or discharging of the reservoir 9.

  In operation, the replaceable fluid container 14 has a fluid inlet port 92 disposed on the first port actuator 521, a fluid outlet port 91 disposed on the second port actuator 522, and a breather port 93 disposed on the interface plate 500b. It is arranged on the interface plate 500b so as to be blocked by. As described above, by positioning each port 91, 92 on each port actuator 521, 522, each port is connected to each port actuator, and any port is connected to any port actuator, The port actuator port can be opened.

  Interface plate 500b places fluid inlet port 92 in fluid communication with first fill and / or drain element 600 via first channel 510b and fluid outlet port 91 with second fill and / or drain element 600. The fluid communication is established through the second channel 512b, and the breather port 93 is restricted or blocked.

  FIG. 5B shows the filling operation. Fluid is supplied to the first channel 510 b through the fill and / or drain element 600 and is supplied to the fluid reservoir 9 via the fluid inlet port 92. On the other hand, when the reservoir 9 is filled with fluid, the air exits the reservoir 9 through the fluid outlet port 91 and exits the breather element 600. This allows the pressure in the fluid container 14 to be easily adjusted during the filling operation, while the breather port 93 is restricted or blocked.

  In this embodiment, the function of the breather port 93 is changed by restricting or blocking the breather port 93, the function of the fluid outlet port 91 is changed by venting through the fluid outlet port 91, and the breather port 93 is contaminated with fluid. While protecting against potential blockage by the fluid, while the reservoir 9 can be “breathed” to regulate the internal pressure during the filling operation.

  The same interface plate 500b may be used during a draining operation on the fluid container 14. In this case, the first connector is connected to a filling and / or draining element 600 which is configured or operated as a draining element, ie an element 600 through which fluid is removed or drained from the reservoir 9. Has been. The fluid outlet port 91 can continue to provide a breather function.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, a third port actuator can be provided on the first surface 520 to control the operation of the breather port 93. In this example, the interface plate 500b can be configured to restrict or block the breather port 93 regardless of whether the third port actuator opens the breather port 93, and / or The port actuator may be controlled to keep the breather port 93 closed.

  FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a fill and / or drain interface plate 500c arranged to interface between the fill and / or drain system 700 and the four-port replaceable fluid container 14. The 4-port container 14 can be used for a dry sump engine, for example.

  The interface plate 500c of FIG. 6 allows rapid filling and / or evacuation through at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port, the breather port and the fourth port of the container (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Effective breathing / ventilation through (viewed from the opposite side of the container). Fill line interface plate 500c is configured to open all ports in the container to allow for rapid filling or draining.

  The interchangeable fluid container 14 shown in FIG. 6 has four ports, one of which is a breather port 93, one of which is a fluid inlet port 92, and two of which are fluid outlet ports 91a, 91b. is there. The fluid outlet ports 91a, 91b have a first function of supplying fluid to different rims of the vehicle or engine fluid circulation system. The fluid outlet port includes a filter 90 for filtering out flowing fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, one filter 90 is provided in both of the fluid outlet ports 91a and 91b. However, in other embodiments, separate filters can be provided.

The interface plate 500c is configured similarly to the interface plate 500a of FIG. 5A and can operate in the same manner. A first channel 510c is provided to connect the breather port 93 to the first breather element 600 so that the breather port 93 can perform a first function of pressure regulation. A second channel 512c is provided to connect the fluid inlet port 92 and the first fluid outlet port 91a to the filling element 600 so that the reservoir 9 can be quickly filled. Since a third channel 514 is provided that connects the second fluid port 91b to the second breather element 600, the second fluid outlet port 91b is rapidly filled (or drained) through the second channel. A breathing / venting function can be provided to assist in regulating the pressure in the reservoir 9. By connecting the second channel 512c to the filling element 600 or the draining element 600 as appropriate, or by connecting the second channel 512c to the filling and / or draining element 600 operable as the filling element 600 or the draining element 600. The reservoir 9 can be filled or drained via the second channel 512c.
In other embodiments other than that of FIG.
Breather port, outlet port and two inlet ports, or
Any suitable combination of ports may be included, such as two breather ports, an inlet port and an outlet port.

  One or more inlet or outlet ports can include a filter, or a common filter can be shared between one or more inlet and outlet ports.

  In one embodiment, 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 second function of port 92 is One function is a fluid inlet and / or outlet port that can be selected according to the requirements of the fluid circulation system to which the container 14 is connected. An additional filter may be provided to filter fluid passing through port 92.

  The one or more interface plates may be configured to open and / or close one or more container ports in a predetermined order. The one or more container ports are moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, or vice versa, to switch from a filling operation to an evacuation operation, or vice versa, or to change the function of one or more container ports. be able to.

In the described embodiments, any filling and / or draining element, for example, allows fluid to flow into the fluid container, optionally “fills” the container by pumping fluid into the fluid container, or fluid, eg, It can be configured to perform one function, such as flowing from a fluid container, and optionally “draining” by drawing fluid from the fluid container, or in a fluid draining and / or circulation system, such as a pump It may be configured to provide two or more different functions, such as filling and discharging according to the operation of the element.
By connecting two or more ports of the container to a single filling and / or evacuating element, the filling and / or evacuating system can be simplified, e.g., individual filling and / or evacuating elements and associated The number of pumps can be reduced.

  Any of the interface plates described herein can be removably coupled to a filling and / or draining system, can be integrated or unitized with the filling and / or draining system, and / or fluid It can be removably coupled to the container, or it can be integrated or unitized into a removable fluid container.

  Any of the interface plates described herein may be provided as a kit of parts with a removable fluid container and / or a filling and / or draining system or part thereof.

  While the above embodiments describe an interface plate that connects a container port to a respective filling and / or evacuating element, in other examples, one or more ports of the container can be connected to a filling and / or evacuation system. One or more interface plate connectors may be configured to couple to any suitable component, or in the case of a breather port connection, may be directly connected to an air source such as ambient air.

  In embodiments, the filling and / or draining elements may be arranged to extend through the interface plate or may be included in the interface plate.

  In an embodiment, the port actuator described above as a feature of the interface plate may instead be a component of the filling and / or evacuation system, extending through one or more channels of the interface plate to each of The container port may be arranged to activate.

  In the embodiments described herein, the fluid reservoir may be at least partially inflatable and / or foldable to reduce the need for pressure regulation by one or more breather ports. This makes it possible, for example, to omit the breather port or to use it for, for example, just filling and / or discharging fluids.

The filter 90 may be provided with one or more ports of a given container 14. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a filter is provided across each fluid outlet port 91 to filter the outlet fluid. Optionally, the filter 90 of any of the described embodiments may be pre-wetted with fluid (eg, pre-filled) to facilitate fluid flow through the filter 90 during filling and / or draining. This allows for a shorter filling and / or draining time than when passing through the dry filter 90 (the dry filter can provide a higher resistance to fluid flow). Optionally, pre-wetting filter 90 with fluid (eg, pre-filled) to further reduce the time to achieve a predetermined fluid pressure after a new / refilled container is installed on vehicle 6. Can do.
In some embodiments, at least initially (through the fluid received through the port not associated with the filter being drained into the filter to fill the filter) the reservoir 9 through the port not associated with the filter. Filling and pre-wetting the filter 90 may then allow fluid to flow through the port associated with the filter.

  In some examples, a replaceable fluid container 14 may be provided having a different number of ports than the container 14 shown in the illustrated embodiment.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the fluid container 14 has a data supplier 1 that provides data regarding the fluid container 14 and / or its contents. In this embodiment, the data supplier 1 is arranged to provide data to the engine control device 2 via the first communication link 32.

As shown in FIG. 8, the data supplier 1 of the fluid container 14 receives signals, for example, signals from the fluid sensor 22 and the connection sensor 30, and communicates data to the engine control device 2 via the communication link 32. A processor 105 arranged to do so may be provided. The data supplier 1 includes a data storage (memory) 104 that stores data describing or identifying at least one of a container and a fluid. Specifically, the memory 104 includes the fluid grade, the fluid type, the date the fluid was filled, refilled or replaced, the unique identifier of the container 14 (such as a container-specific serial number), and whether the container is new. Or whether the container has been refilled or replaced, an indication of the mileage of the vehicle, the number of times the container has been refilled or reused, the total distance that the container has been used, and the fluid in which the container is new or refilled Data including at least one such as whether or not to hold (as a non-limiting example) can be stored.
The controller 601 shown in FIG.
The data supplier 1 (and possibly the sensor 22) of the fluid container 14,
User alerts (eg, audio or visual alerts) and / or display 602 to provide information to the operator;
Data (e.g., including control data) from at least one or more of interlock systems 603 that allow, inhibit, or prevent the processing of the fluid container and / or its contents according to step 101 by mechanical or other means. Arranged to read.

The controller 601 can be arranged to read data from the fluid sensor 22 and detect the amount of fluid in the fluid container 14. Filling and / or draining step 101 may include selecting or changing at least one of the rate and time of filling and / or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount.
The controller 601 communicates with the data supplier 1 carried by the container 14,
Determine data associated with at least one of the container, its contents, and the vehicle based on communication with the data supplier;
Based on data associated with at least one of the container, its contents and the vehicle, the filling and / or discharging stage 101 for at least one of the container and its contents may be arranged to be controlled.

In the filling and / or discharging stage 101, the controller 601
A set of parameters (such as fluid type and / or filling speed) of the filling step 1011 to be performed on an empty (or discharged) fluid container according to the data determined by reading the data supplier 1 and Or
A set of parameters (such as the type and / or rate of the drained fluid tank) for the draining process 1012 performed on all fluid containers according to the data determined by reading the data supplier 1 and Or
Another process performed on the fluid container (such as disposal of the container or delivery for further analysis) may be selected.

  For example, if the read data indicates that the container 14 has not been recycled previously, or that it has been recycled less than any number of times, the controller may add 1 to the recycle count of the data supplier. For example, if the read data indicates that the container 14 has been recycled any number of times, the controller 601 can send the container to disposal or provide information indicating the preparation of the container for disposal to the data supplier. Can be added to.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a particular container and / or its contents or vehicle associated therewith can be properly filled and / or discharged, for example, filling and / or occurring during the life cycle of a fluid container. Or in the discharge process can be controlled or notified at least in part by data relating to at least one of the container, its contents and the vehicle, and can be determined based on communication with the data supplier . In some embodiments, the data supplier may be reprogrammed during filling and / or evacuation and / or during data integrity check, or complete of data being filled and / or evacuated and / or checked. May be reprogrammed in conjunction with sex (ie, not necessarily checking).
For example, the mechanical interlock can control, inhibit, or prevent coupling with the receiving station 640 by controlling an anti-docking mechanism to control coupling to the receiving station 640 (the receiving station 7), the data read from the data supplier 1 is one of the fluids or fluid containers (or optionally the vehicle or the manufacturer of the vehicle) in step 101. If it is shown to be inappropriate, access is denied. Such a mechanical interlock system 603 may include, for example, an electromagnetic actuator that is actuated by a solenoid controlled by a controller 601. In another case, the interlock system 603 may be software or a communication interlock that controls, suppresses or prevents the operation of step 101. Another possibility is to omit the interlock system and place reliability on the user of the warning and / or display 602, for example.

  In some embodiments, the receiving station 640 and the container 14 may be equipped together with a releasable fastening mechanism, such as a locking mechanism, to dock or hold the container 14 to the receiving station 640 of the filling / evacuation system 700. . In some embodiments, a releasable fastening mechanism (such as a locking mechanism) is associated with the vehicle 6 or the engine 4 (eg, as shown in FIG. 7) (eg, as shown in FIG. 7). May form at least a part of a releasable fastening mechanism (such as a locking mechanism) that is also used to lock the container 14 to the formed dock 140.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fluid circulation system 8 is associated with the engine 4 and may be a lubricant system.

  The replaceable fluid container 14 is removably 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 in the vehicle, the replaceable fluid container 14 contains fluid.

  The engine control device 2 is a data storage device (memory) configured to store a processor 96 and control data for the engine 4, and possibly other data for supply to devices external to the vehicle, for example. 94. The processor 96 is configured to monitor and control the operation of the engine 4 via the second communication link 34. The engine controller 2 is further configured to obtain data from the data supplier 1 via the communication link 32 and can control the engine based at least in part on the data obtained from the data supplier 1. .

  In this embodiment, when the fluid container 14 is docked in the dock 140, communication between the processor 96 and the data supplier 1 is possible. If the communication link 32 is wireless, for example, when the data supply 1 enters the wireless communication range and the fluid container 14 approaches the dock 140, communication between the processor 96 and the data supply 1 is possible. The dock 140 may also have a data supplier that also enables communication of data from the dock to the processor 96. The dock and the data supplier or container may be able to communicate wirelessly, and the dock communicates with the processor 96 via the communication link 32 so that when the fluid container 14 approaches the dock, the processor 96. And the data supplier 1 may be able to communicate with each other.

The processor 96 is operable to compare the data stored in the memory 94 with the data obtained from the data supplier 1 of the container 14 and the communication interface 106 of the engine 4. For example, the processor 96
Data indicative of the expected fluid level based on the distance traveled since the fluid was last refilled and / or the fluid level sensed by the sensor 22 may be compared to the stored data.

  If this comparison indicates that the fluid level is changing faster than expected, the controller 2 may change the service interval of the vehicle based on this comparison.

  Fluid is any associated with the vehicle fuel, such as a lubricant or coolant, or deicer, cleaning fluid, heat exchange, charge conduction and / or electrical connection, or any other fluid associated with the engine This type of fluid may be used. Since many different types and grades of fluid are available, the data supplier may include a fluid identifier.

  The fluid does not necessarily have to be returned to the fluid container during operation of the vehicle, but may be sent to another collection point (eg, a reservoir for lubricant) and consumed, for example, in the case of cleaning fluid You may do it.

  As described above, the container 14 may include the filter 90 for filtering the fluid, for example, when the fluid is engine lubricating oil. A suitable filter 90 may include paper and / or metal filter elements. Filter 90 may be suitable for filtering particles in the range of 1 to 100 microns, suitably in the range of 2 to 50 microns, for example in the range of 3 to 20 microns. The filter 90 includes a filter bypass for filter bypassing fluid, eg, unacceptable or undesirable fluid back pressure through the filter 90 if the filter 90 is blocked or filled with unacceptable material. May be generated. The advantage of having a filter 90 in the container 14 is that a larger filter can be used than if the filter is in a separate container associated with the engine fluid circulation system 8. This can have one or more of the advantages of (a) increased filtration efficiency, (b) finer filtration, and (c) improved filter life. Suitably, in use, fluid enters the container 14 through the inlet port 92 and travels, for example, through at least one conduit in the container 14 to the top of the container 14 where some or all of the fluid passes through the conduit. Upon exiting, through the filter 90, all or partly filtered fluid is led out from the base of the container through the outlet port 91. The filter 90 can operate at high pressure. Since many different types and grades of filter 90 are available, in some embodiments the data supplier may include an identifier for the filter.

  As described above, the data supplier 1 includes a data store or memory that stores fluid and / or filter identifiers and data stored in the memory of the data supplier 1 in a suitable wired or wireless communication link or network ( Associated with the engine controller, or one of the life cycle stages or other controllers, such as the supplier of the fluid container and / or its contents, for example via the Internet or WAN or LAN, and A processor 96, such as a controller (eg, a server) associated with a vehicle associated with a fluid container manufacturer or a vehicle manufacturer supplier, whether or not the container is docked in a dock or dedicated reception area. A communication interface that allows That. Any one or more communication paths can be encrypted with communication paths to different controllers that typically use different encryption schemes.

  The data supplier 1 may include a computer readable identifier for identifying a fluid and / or container, the identifier being an electronic identifier such as a near field RF communicator, for example, a passive or active RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, It may be an NFC (Near Field Communication) communicator.

  The data supplier 1 can be configured to be read-only, but as in the example described above, the engine controller or the controller described above via an appropriate wired or wireless communication link or network such as the Internet or WAN or LAN. It may be writable by any one of the above.

  The data supplier 1 can be accessed by the processor 96 or any one of the controllers described above from its own data store accessible via a wired or wireless communication link or network such as the Internet or WAN or LAN, or remotely. An identifier can be simply provided that identifies the actual data accessible from the data store. This allows the data associated with the identifier provided by the data supplier to change over time even without the identifier, so any one or more of the container, fluid and / or vehicle Data relating to changes in the data source need not be writable by the data supplier, but is recorded in relation to its identifier, for example, the data is recorded by the engine controller and serviced in a computer database accessible by the life cycle stage controller May be downloaded in time, or directly from the engine controller and / or one or more controllers in the lifecycle stage, directly to a central database via a wireless and / or wired communication link or network such as the Internet or WAN or LAN Offer It may be.

  The data associated with the data supplier may include any suitable data associated with at least one of a fluid, a container, and a vehicle. In the example, data related to the data supplier includes fluid volume, fluid temperature, fluid pressure, fluid viscosity, fluid dielectric constant, fluid opacity, fluid chemistry, fluid origin, and their It may include at least one characteristic selected from the group including two or more combinations. In some embodiments, the data associated with the data supplier may include at least one characteristic of the filter.

  The data supplier does not necessarily have memory, but simply provides an identifier that allows access to relevant data stored elsewhere. The identifier may be a barcode, eg, a two-dimensional barcode, or a color-coded marker, or an optical identifier on the container, or an optical identifier such as the color, 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.

Life cycle stages other than the operational stages may share the controller, or the function of each controller may be distributed across two or more controllers. The controller may be a processor or processors or other computing devices with mechanical and / or electrical interfaces where appropriate to allow control of the filling and / or evacuation system.
Any described communication link is a wired or wireless communication link or a combination thereof and may include an optical link.
Where appropriate, the communication link may be via a network such as the Internet or WAN or LAN.

  The fluid container is described as including a particular type of sensor. However, one or both of these sensors can be omitted. If sensors are used, any type of sensor or combination of sensors can be used. For example, to detect the level of fluid in a container, mechanical float, position sensor, electrical coil, capacitive sensor, resistivity sensor, ultrasonic level detection, visible or infrared light detection, pressure sensing, or other There are sensors. The sensing system can provide information about levels within a continuous range between two fixed points or information as discrete levels (eg, full, half full, empty). Furthermore, if the liquid level rapidly increases or decreases, some form of failure may occur in the engine, providing an early warning mechanism that helps prevent further damage to the engine. The fluid container may comprise a sensor configured to sense at least one of temperature, pressure, viscosity, density, electrical resistance, dielectric constant, opacity, chemical composition or amount of container oil, Data can be read or used by any of the processors or controllers described above. Further, it will be appreciated that multiple fluid sensors can be provided that each detect different characteristics of the fluid.

  For example, information about fluids such as oil can be obtained in quality by simple capacitance or resistivity measurements. These indicate, for example, the presence of water in oil or metal or carbonaceous particulates suspended in the oil. Optical measurement techniques can be used, for example, to assess fluid transparency and / or color.

  In the context of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid port of the fluid container may include any suitable joint for holding the fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system. The port joint may be positioned to be remotely disconnected from the fluid line, and the fluid container may be positioned in the disconnected configuration. It will be further appreciated that the fluid container may comprise an actuator for separating the fluid container from the circulation system or any receiving station.

  As mentioned above, the data supplier may be a read only or writable memory. However, the fluid container may also be part of the data supplier or may include a controller that can be added to the data supplier. Such a controller can communicate with either the vehicle controller or any of the other controllers described above (eg, via a wired or wireless communication link and / or via a network such as the Internet, WAN or LAN). Such a controller may be stored, for example, by the data supply machine and subsequent processing of data from the container sensor and / or data received from one or more controllers with which the fluid container controller can communicate. Allows any data update or change and / or communication of its processing results with one or more other controllers.

  The dock may simply be a connection to a fluid supply line or joint plate or mount, or it may be a dedicated dock receptacle designed to receive at least a portion of the fluid container.

  The processor and controller functions may be any suitable controller or controller, such as analog and / or digital logic, field programmable gate arrays, FPGAs, application specific integrated circuits, ASICs, digital signal processors, DSPs, etc., or Provided by software loaded into a programmable general purpose processor. Aspects of the present disclosure issue tangible and / or non-transitory media storage instructions that program a computer program product and a processor that performs any one or more of the methods described herein.

  The container can be manufactured from metal and / or plastic material. Suitable materials include, for example, reinforced thermoplastic materials suitable for operating for long periods of time at temperatures up to 150 ° C.

  The container may include at least one trademark, logo, product information, advertising information, other identifying features, or combinations thereof. The container may be printed and / or labeled with at least one trademark, logo, product information, advertising information, other identifying features, or combinations thereof. This has the advantage of preventing counterfeiting. The container may be single color or multicolor. The trademark, logo, or other distinct feature may be the same color and / or material as the rest of the container and may be a different color and / or material from the rest of the container. In some embodiments, the container may be provided in a package such as a box or pallet. In some embodiments, packaging may be provided for multiple containers, and in some embodiments, boxes and / or pallets may be provided for multiple containers.

  The invention can be applied to fluid containers and used with engines other than vehicles, or reverse engines or turbines such as generators and wind turbines. Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthwork vehicles, mining vehicles, large vehicles and passenger cars. Water-supplied underwater ships are also envisaged as vehicles including yachts, motor boats (eg, with outboard motors), pleasure boats, jet skis and fishing boats. Accordingly, in addition to a transportation method that includes driving such a vehicle and using such a vehicle for transportation, a vehicle comprising or subject to the method of the present disclosure is also provided. is assumed.

  Other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the context of this disclosure.

  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”.

All documents cited herein, including cross-references or related patents or applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or limited. The citation of any document is prior art with respect to the invention disclosed or claimed herein, or teaches such an invention, either alone or in any combination with any other reference, No suggestion or disclosure is accepted. In addition, as long as any meaning or definition of a term in this specification 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 specification Applied.
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. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (34)

A method of filling and / or discharging a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine comprising:
The replaceable fluid container comprises a fluid reservoir and a container port, the container port being disposed on and connected to a port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine. The replaceable fluid container is configured to be docked to the dock associated with the vehicle or engine when placed, the method comprising:
Placing said container port on a filling and / or discharging element of a replaceable fluid container management facility filling and / or discharging system; and coupling said container port to said filling and / or discharging element to provide said fluid Fluidly communicating a reservoir with the filling and / or draining system;
Filling and / or draining a fluid reservoir through the port.   The method of claim 1, wherein the filling and / or draining element includes a port, a port actuator, and one of a joint plate or a mount.   When the replaceable fluid container is docked to the dock or coupled to the filling and / or draining element, the container port is positioned so that the fluid reservoir is located above the container port. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 disposed in a replaceable fluid container.   The replaceable fluid container further comprises an opening for filling or draining a removable fluid container, the opening being spaced from the container port, and the method includes the removal through the opening. 4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising filling and / or discharging a possible fluid container.   The replaceable fluid container includes a first wall that is uppermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked to the dock; and the replaceable fluid container when docked to the dock and side wall. The method of claim 4, comprising a plurality of walls including a lowermost second wall, the opening extending through the sidewall of the replaceable fluid container.   The replaceable fluid container includes a first wall that is uppermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked to the dock; and the replaceable fluid container when docked to the dock and side wall. The method of claim 4, comprising a plurality of walls including a lowermost second wall, the opening extending through the first wall of the replaceable fluid container.   7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the container port forms a self-sealing joint with the cooperating filling and / or draining element.   Filling and / or draining a portion of the volume of the fluid reservoir at a first rate and subsequently filling and / or draining at least a portion of the remaining volume of the fluid reservoir at a second rate. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second speed is slower than the first speed.   Detecting the amount of fluid in the fluid reservoir and selecting or changing at least one of a rate and a time to fill and / or drain the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount. The method according to any one of 1 to 8.   The method of claim 9, wherein detecting the amount of fluid comprises detecting the level of the fluid.   11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein detecting the amount of fluid comprises detecting the weight of the fluid.   The replaceable fluid container is coupled to the cooperating dock associated with the vehicle or engine and the reservoir is associated with the vehicle or engine when the removable fluid container is docked to the dock. A plurality of container ports configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system, the plurality of container ports having a first function of supplying fluid from the reservoir to the fluid circulation system; And a fluid inlet port having a first function of receiving fluid from the fluid circulation system into the reservoir.   Altering the function of at least one of the plurality of container ports to support filling and / or draining of the reservoir such that the modified port has a second function different from the first function. The method of claim 12 comprising:   The plurality of container ports include breather ports arranged to allow air to enter and exit the replaceable fluid container to regulate the internal pressure of the replaceable fluid container during filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir. Item 14. The method according to Item 13.   The method of claim 14, wherein changing at least one function of the container port includes blocking the breather port during filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir.   Altering the function of at least one of the container ports may fill and / or drain the fluid reservoir through one of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port, while the fluid inlet port and the fluid port. 16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising allowing air to enter and exit the exchangeable fluid container through the other of the fluid outlet ports.   14. Changing the function of the last of the container ports includes filling and / or draining the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. The method according to any one of 16.   Coupling the replaceable fluid container to the filling and / or evacuation system is a filling and / or evacuation between the replaceable fluid container and the filling and / or evacuation system of a replaceable fluid container management facility. By providing an interface plate, the interface plate connects at least one of the plurality of container ports of the replaceable fluid container to at least one of the plurality of filling and / or discharging elements of the filling and / or discharging system. 18. A method according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the function is modified to change the function of at least one of the container ports.   At least one of the port or the plurality of container ports comprises a filter, and the filter is moistened with the fluid prior to initiating a filling and / or draining operation to filter during the filling and / or draining operation. The method according to claim 1, comprising facilitating passage of fluid.   A method for filling and / or draining a replaceable fluid container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A filling and / or discharging system for a replaceable fluid container management facility comprising:
The exchange comprising a filling and / or draining element configured to connect to a container port of a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine when the replaceable fluid container is disposed on the filling and / or draining element A possible fluid container comprises a fluid reservoir and a container port, the container port being disposed on the port of the dock and coupled to the port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine. The replaceable fluid container is configured to be docked in a dock associated with the vehicle or engine when placed;
A filling and / or evacuation system, wherein the filling and / or evacuation element is configured to couple to a container port to allow filling and / or evacuation of replaceable fluid containers by the filling and / or evacuation system.   The filling and / or evacuating system according to claim 21, wherein the filling and / or evacuating element comprises one of a port, a port actuator, a coupling plate or a mount.   The filling and / or draining element is configured to connect to the container port, the fluid reservoir is disposed above the filling and / or draining element, the container port is located at the bottom, and 22. A filling and / or draining system according to claim 21, wherein the draining system is configured to fill the fluid reservoir against the action of gravity.   24. A filling and / or draining system according to claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the filling and / or draining element is configured to form a self-sealing connection with the container port.   The filling and / or draining system fills and / or drains a portion of the volume of the fluid reservoir at a first rate, and subsequently at least a portion of the remaining volume of the fluid reservoir at a second rate. 25. A filling and / or draining system according to any of claims 21 to 24, configured to fill and / or drain, wherein the second speed is slower than the first speed.   26. A filling and / or draining system according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising a controller configured to control the filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir.   The controller is configured to initiate filling and / or draining of the fluid reservoir in response to receiving an indication that the replaceable fluid container is coupled to the filling and / or draining element. 27. A filling and / or discharging system according to claim 26.   28. A filling and / or evacuating system according to claim 27, comprising a connection sensor for indicating that the replaceable fluid container is connected to the filling and / or evacuating element.   27. The controller receives an indication indicating the amount of fluid in the fluid reservoir and selects or changes at least one of a rate and time of filling and / or evacuating the fluid container in response to the indication. 30. The filling and / or draining system according to any of claims 28 to 28.   30. A filling and / or draining system according to claim 29, comprising a fluid sensor for providing an indication of the amount of fluid.   31. A filling and / or draining system according to claim 30, wherein the fluid sensor is at least one of a fluid level sensor and a weight sensor.   32. A filling and / or evacuating system according to any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the controller is configured to receive the indication of the fluid volume from a sensor in the replaceable fluid container.   32. A filling and / or discharging system according to claim 31, wherein the fluid sensor is at least one of a fluid level sensor and a weight sensor.   A filling and / or evacuation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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