Fluid circuit filling assembly and filling method

Abstract

An exemplary assembly includes, among other things, a manifold having an interior region with a baffle and a reservoir. The baffle divides a portion of the interior region into a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle and the second zone being part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle. The reservoir is configured to contain a liquid supply source that is in fluid communication with both the first zone and the second zone. An exemplary method includes, among other things, causing fluid to be transferred from a supply source within the reservoir to both a first zone and a second zone within the interior region of a manifold. The first zone is part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle. The second zone is part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to filling a fluid circuit used within a vehicle to control thermal energy levels for various components. Background Art

[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are selectively driven using one or more electric machines powered by a traction battery pack. The electric machines may drive the electrified vehicle instead of or in addition to an internal combustion engine. Exemplary electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

[0003] Some electrified vehicles and conventional vehicles have multiple independent fluid circuits or loops. The fluid circulating through the fluid circuits can be used, for example, to control the thermal energy levels of various components. Because the fluid circuits can be configured to have different maximum fluid temperatures, the fluid circuits can be separated from each other. Typically, a separate fluid supply reservoir is associated with each of the fluid circuits. Summary of the invention

[0004] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a manifold having an interior region with a baffle and a reservoir. The baffle divides a portion of the interior region into a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle, and the second zone being part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle. The reservoir is configured to contain a liquid supply source, the liquid supply source being in fluid communication with both the first zone and the second zone.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing assembly, the reservoir is vertically positioned above the manifold such that the liquid supply is gravity delivered to the interior region.

[0006] Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes the liquid supply being housed within the reservoir such that an uppermost surface of the supply is located vertically above an uppermost end portion of the baffle.

[0007] Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes: a liquid supply source is contained within the reservoir. The liquid supply source has a first total volume. The interior area of ​​the manifold has a second total volume that is less than the first total volume.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the reservoir is further configured to contain a volume of air degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and the first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone. Additionally, the second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and the second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

[0010] Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes a pressure relief valve having a first end that opens to an air zone within the reservoir; and a second end that opens to an area outside the reservoir. The pressure within the reservoir is higher than the pressure outside the reservoir. The pressure relief valve is configured to maintain the pressure within the reservoir below a threshold pressure.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion. The first portion extends longitudinally in a first direction aligned with a general flow direction of liquid from a supply source to the manifold. The second portion extends longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, a fluid is communicated from a supply source to the first zone and the second zone along a common flow path.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the reservoir is secured to the manifold.

[0014] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes transferring fluid from a supply source within a reservoir to both a first zone and a second zone within an interior region of a manifold, etc. The first zone is part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle. The second zone is part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, a common fluid supply within the reservoir provides fluid to both the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, delivering includes conveying the fluid from a supply within the reservoir under gravity to both the first zone and the second zone within the interior region of the manifold.

[0017] Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes transferring air from the manifold to the reservoir. The air is degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the interior of the reservoir is pressurized relative to ambient pressure outside the reservoir.

[0019] Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes dividing the manifold into a first zone and a second zone using a baffle disposed within the manifold.

[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the baffle is completely submerged within the fluid.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the level of the fluid is vertically above an uppermost portion of the baffle such that the fluid completely covers the baffle.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and the first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone. Additionally, the second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and the second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion. The first portion extends longitudinally in a first direction aligned with a general flow direction of the fluid from the reservoir to the manifold. The second portion extends longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] From the detailed description, the various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary powertrain system for an electrified vehicle is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown for Figure 1 High-level schematic of the thermal management system within an electrified vehicle.

[0027] Figure 3 Show combination Figure 2 A perspective view of a fluid circuit utilizing a reservoir and manifold together.

[0028] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Close-up of the manifold.

[0029] Figure 5 Shown through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the reservoir and manifold.

[0030] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a reservoir and manifold is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure generally relates to a thermal management system within a vehicle utilizing at least two separate fluid circuits. One of the fluid circuits may be used to control thermal energy within a first component of the vehicle. The other fluid circuit may be used to control thermal energy within a second component of the electrified vehicle.

[0032] The fluid circuits are supplied with a fluid provided by a common reservoir. The fluid may be, for example, a coolant. The manifold divides the fluid from the reservoir into separate fluid circuits.

[0033] Figure 1 A powertrain system 10 for an electrified vehicle is schematically shown. Although depicted as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to HEVs and may extend to any other type of electrified vehicle, including but not limited to: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles, etc.

[0034] The powertrain 10 includes a battery pack 14 having a plurality of battery arrays 18 held within an enclosure. The powertrain 10 also includes an internal combustion engine 20, a motor 22, and a generator 24. The motor 22 and the generator 24 are of the type of electric machine. The motor 22 and the generator 24 may be separate or in the form of a combined motor-generator.

[0035] In this embodiment, the powertrain 10 is a power split powertrain that employs a first drive system and a second drive system. The first drive system and the second drive system generate torque to drive one or more sets of vehicle drive wheels 28. The first drive system includes a combination of an engine 20 and a generator 24. The second drive system includes at least a motor 22, a generator 24, and a battery pack 14. The motor 22 and the generator 24 are part of the electric drive system of the powertrain 10. Since the battery pack 14 selectively provides electric propulsion, the battery pack 14 is a traction battery pack.

[0036] The engine 20 and the generator 24 may be connected via a power transfer unit 30, such as a planetary gear set. Of course, other types of power transfer units including other gear sets and transmissions may be used to connect the engine 20 to the generator 24. In one non-limiting embodiment, the power transfer unit 30 is a planetary gear set including a ring gear 32, a sun gear 34, and a carrier assembly 36.

[0037] Generator 24 may be driven by engine 20 through power transfer unit 30 to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Generator 24 may alternatively be used as a motor to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, thereby outputting torque to shaft 38 connected to power transfer unit 30.

[0038] The ring gear 32 of the power transfer unit 30 is connected to a shaft 40, which is connected to the vehicle drive wheels 28 through a second power transfer unit 44. The second power transfer unit 44 may include a gear set having a plurality of gears 46. Other power transfer units may be used in other examples.

[0039] Gear 46 transfers torque from engine 20 to differential 48 to ultimately provide traction to vehicle drive wheels 28. Differential 48 may include a plurality of gears that enable torque to be transferred to vehicle drive wheels 28. In this example, second power transfer unit 44 is mechanically coupled to shaft 50 through differential 48 to distribute torque to vehicle drive wheels 28.

[0040] The motor 22 can be selectively employed to drive the vehicle drive wheels 28 by outputting torque to the shaft 52, which is also connected to the second power transfer unit 44. In this embodiment, the motor 22 and the generator 24 cooperate as part of a regenerative braking system, wherein both the motor 22 and the generator 24 can be employed as motors for outputting torque. For example, the motor 22 and the generator 24 can each output power to a recharging unit of the battery pack 14.

[0041] Now continue with reference Figure 1 Reference Figure 2 , thermal management system 60 is used within a vehicle having powertrain 10. Thermal management system 60 is thus described in conjunction with a HEV, but other types of electrified vehicles and even conventional vehicles may also benefit from the teachings of thermal management system 60.

[0042] The thermal management system 60 includes a first fluid circuit 64, a second fluid circuit 68, a manifold 72, and a reservoir 76. The first fluid circuit 64 extends from the manifold 72 to at least one first component 80 of the vehicle. The second fluid circuit 68 extends from the manifold 72 to at least one second component 84 of the vehicle. In this exemplary embodiment, the first fluid circuit 64 and the second fluid circuit 68 are shown. In other exemplary embodiments, more than two fluid circuits may be used.

[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, first pump 88 circulates a first quantity 92 of fluid along first fluid circuit 64 to a location adjacent first component 80 and then to first heat exchanger 96. First quantity 92 of fluid, in this example, receives thermal energy from first component 80 to cool first component 80. The thermal energy in first quantity 92 of fluid is then exhausted to the atmosphere at first heat exchanger 96.

[0044] The second pump 100 circulates a second amount 104 of fluid along a second fluid loop. The second amount 104 of fluid circulates from the second component 84 to the heat exchanger 108. The second amount 104 of fluid receives thermal energy from the second component 84 to cool the second component 84. The thermal energy in the second amount 104 of fluid is then discharged to the atmosphere at the second heat exchanger 108.

[0045] The first pump 88 and the second pump 100 can be the same or different types of pumps. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first pump 88 and the second pump 100 are electric fluid pumps. Other types of fluid pumps can be used in other examples.

[0046] The first heat exchanger 96 and the second heat exchanger 108 are fluid-to-air heat exchangers in this example. Other types of heat exchangers may be used in other examples, such as fluid-to-fluid heat exchangers or fluid-to-component heat exchangers.

[0047] The first component 80 may be, for example, a heat exchange plate associated with the battery pack 14 of the powertrain system 10. The heat exchange plate receives thermal energy from the battery cells 18 to cool the battery cells 18 of the battery pack 14.

[0048] Second component 84 in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment may be an electronic component such as an integrated electronic controller or DC / DC converter of powertrain 10. Use of first and second fluid circuits 64, 68 allows thermal energy levels of first and second components 80, 84 to be maintained at different temperatures.

[0049] In this example, the first component 80 is configured to be cooled to a first temperature by a first amount 92 of fluid. The second component 84 is configured to be cooled to a second temperature by a second amount 104 of fluid, the second temperature being different from the first temperature. Thus, the first fluid circuit 64 and the second fluid circuit 68 are configured such that the maximum temperature of the first amount 92 of fluid within the first fluid circuit 64 is different from the maximum temperature of the second amount 104 of fluid within the second fluid circuit 68.

[0050] In one exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the maximum temperature of the first amount 92 of fluid within the first circuit 60 is 45° C., and the maximum temperature of the second amount 104 of fluid within the second fluid circuit 68 is 70° C. A typical industrial maximum temperature for a battery pack is 45° C., which is set as the maximum temperature of the first amount 92 of fluid in this example.

[0051] Now continue with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the manifold 72 has an interior region 112 . A baffle 116 is disposed within the interior region 112 to divide the interior region 112 into a first zone 120 and a second zone 124 .

[0052] The first zone 120 is part of the first fluid circuit 64. That is, the first amount 92 of fluid moves through the first zone 120 while circulating through the first fluid circuit 64. The second zone 124 is part of the second fluid circuit 68. That is, the second amount 104 of fluid moves through the second zone 124 while circulating through the second fluid circuit 68.

[0053] Hoses may be coupled to the inlet and outlet of manifold 72 to circulate fluid to and from manifold 72 .

[0054] To allow fluid flow through the manifold 72, a first fluid circuit manifold inlet 128 opens to the first zone 120, and a first fluid circuit manifold outlet 132 opens from the first zone 120. As the first quantity 92 of fluid circulates along the first fluid circuit 64, the fluid moves through the first fluid circuit manifold inlet 128 to the first zone 120, and from the first zone 120 through the first fluid circuit manifold outlet 132.

[0055] The manifold 72 also includes a second fluid circuit manifold inlet 136 that opens into the second zone 124 and a second fluid circuit manifold outlet 140 that opens from the second zone 124. As the second amount 104 of fluid circulates through the second fluid circuit 68, the fluid moves through the second fluid circuit manifold inlet to the second zone 124 and from the second zone 124 through the second fluid circuit manifold outlet.

[0056] In this example, first fluid circuit manifold inlet 128 is at a lateral side of manifold 72 and first fluid circuit manifold outlet 132 is at the vertical bottom of manifold 72. Second fluid circuit manifold inlet 136 and second fluid circuit manifold outlet 140 are positioned on the other side of manifold 72.

[0057] For the sake of clarity of the drawings, Figure 5 The relative positions of the first fluid circuit manifold inlet 128 , the second fluid circuit manifold inlet 136 , and the second fluid circuit manifold outlet 140 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 have been rotated.

[0058] The baffle 116 includes a first portion 148 and a second portion 152. In this example, the first portion 148 extends longitudinally along a generally vertical axis. For purposes of this disclosure, vertical is with reference to the normal orientation of the reservoir 76 and manifold 72 and with reference to the ground or horizontal line.

[0059] Second portion 152 extends laterally from first portion 148. The orientation of second portion 152 relative to first portion 148 may help direct flow from first zone 120 through first fluid circuit manifold outlet 132 and from second zone 124 through second fluid circuit manifold outlet 140.

[0060] Baffle 116 is the only baffle within interior region 112 in this example. In other examples, more than one baffle may be used within interior region 112. Other baffles may be incorporated if, for example, more than two fluid circuits are circulated through interior region 112. Baffle 116 prevents fluid from moving between first zone 120 and second zone 124.

[0061] The reservoir 76 is vertically above the manifold 72. The reservoir 76 has an interior region 160. The reservoir 76 houses a fluid supply source 164 within the interior region 160.

[0062] In this example, the reservoir 76 includes an outlet 168 at the vertical bottom of the reservoir 76. A conduit 172 connects the outlet 168 to a main manifold inlet 176 at the vertical top of the manifold 72. Fluid from the supply source 164 is delivered to the interior region 112 of the manifold 72 under gravity through 172. As the fluid flows downward through the main manifold inlet 176, the baffle 116 divides the flow into the first zone 120 or the second zone 124. The reservoir 76 is thus in fluid communication with both the first zone 120 and the second zone 124, which enables these zones to remain filled. Keeping the first zone 120 filled with fluid enables the first amount 92 of fluid to be maintained within the first fluid circuit 64. Keeping the second zone 124 filled with fluid enables the second amount 104 of fluid to be maintained within the second fluid circuit 68.

[0063] The fluid supply source 164 is contained within the interior area 160 of the reservoir 76 and is maintained such that the highest level 180 of the fluid resides within the reservoir 76 during operation. This keeps the manifold 72 filled with fluid and ensures that the baffle 116 is completely submerged in the fluid. That is, the highest end portion 182 of the baffle 116 is below the highest level 180, and in this example below the main manifold inlet 176. Keeping the baffle 116 submerged can help the fluid from the reservoir 76 continuously fill the first fluid circuit 64 and the second fluid circuit 68 during operation.

[0064] In this example, fluid supply 164 within reservoir 76 is maintained such that fluid remains in reservoir 76 even after some of the fluid has been gravity delivered to manifold 72 to compensate for thermal contraction of first and second quantities 92, 104 of fluid.

[0065] The volume of the interior region 160 of the reservoir 76 is greater than the volume of the interior region 112 of the manifold 72, which can help the reservoir 76 maintain the supply source 164 in sufficient quantity to accommodate such thermal contraction in the first fluid circuit 64 and the second fluid circuit 68. The larger volume enables the reservoir 76 to accommodate more fluid supply sources 164.

[0066] The interior area 160 of the reservoir 76 also includes an air zone 184, which may include air degassed from the first fluid circuit 64, air degassed from the second fluid circuit 68, or both. As air is degassed from within the first and second fluid circuits 64, 68, the air moves upward in a vertical direction from the manifold 72, through the conduit 172, and escapes into the air zone 184 through the highest level 180.

[0067] Making the interior volume 160 of the reservoir 76 larger than the manifold 72 may further ensure that the interior volume 160 is large enough to accommodate air degassed from the first and second fluid circuits 64 , 68 .

[0068] The cap 188 is removably secured to the reservoir 76. The cap 188 may be removed from the reservoir 76 to allow the reservoir 76 to be filled with additional fluid.

[0069] In this example, the pressure relief valve 192 is incorporated into the cap 188. In another example, the pressure relief valve 192 is incorporated into another area of ​​the reservoir 76, such as a wall of the reservoir 76.

[0070] The pressure relief valve 192 has a first end 196 that opens into the air zone 184 within the reservoir 76. A second end 200 of the pressure relief valve 192 opens into the ambient environment outside of the interior volume 160 of the reservoir 76.

[0071] The pressure within the reservoir 76 is higher than the pressure outside the reservoir 76. The pressure relief valve 192 is configured to maintain the pressure within the reservoir 76 below a threshold pressure, which may be, for example, 20 psi.

[0072] When the cap 188 is secured to the reservoir 76, the pressure relief valve maintains the pressure within the interior region 160 of the reservoir 76 above the ambient environment outside the reservoir 76. This will pressurize the fluid within the reservoir 76, the manifold 72, and thus can facilitate proper filling and operating pressures for the first fluid circuit 64 and the second fluid circuit 68.

[0073] In another example, the pressure relief valve 192 is omitted and the pressure within the reservoir 76 follows the ambient pressure outside the reservoir 76 .

[0074] Manifold 72 is described for use with two separate fluid circuits. In other examples, the manifold can be adapted for use with more than two separate fluid circuits by, for example, incorporating another baffle to define a third zone, and inlets and outlets associated with the third zone.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 Another exemplary reservoir 76 is fluidly coupled to the manifold 72a. The reservoir 76a and the manifold 72a are structurally similar. Figures 2 to 5 The reservoir 76 of FIG. 1 is similar to the manifold 72. However, the reservoir 76 is fluidly coupled to the manifold 72a without the use of the conduit 172. In addition, the pressure relief valve 192a extends through the wall of the reservoir 76 instead of the cap 188a.

[0076] Some features of the disclosed examples include a single reservoir within a vehicle for filling separate fluid circuits. A manifold incorporates baffles that allow filling from a single reservoir while maintaining fluid flows separately within separate fluid circuits, which can facilitate utilizing fluid circuits to maintain components cooled by fluids within the fluid circuits at different temperatures. That is, a manifold with baffles allows the fluid circuits to operate with fluids having different maximum temperatures within the fluid circuits. A shared reservoir reduces the complexity associated with a system having separate fluid circuits and separate reservoirs. Baffles allow degassing of different fluid circuits passing through a manifold to a reservoir while maintaining temperature separation between the different fluid circuits.

[0077] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Those skilled in the art may gradually become aware of changes and modifications to the disclosed examples that do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of legal protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

[0078] According to the present invention, a component is provided, the component having a manifold, the manifold having an interior area; a baffle, the baffle dividing a portion of the interior area into a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle, the second zone being part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle; and a reservoir, the reservoir being configured to contain a liquid supply source, the liquid supply source being in fluid communication with both the first zone and the second zone.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the reservoir is vertically above the manifold such that the liquid supply is delivered to the interior region under gravity.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the liquid supply source is accommodated in the reservoir so that the highest surface of the supply source is located at a position above the highest end portion of the baffle in the vertical direction.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the liquid supply source is contained in the reservoir, the liquid supply source has a first total volume, and the interior area of ​​the manifold has a second total volume that is smaller than the first total volume.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the reservoir is further configured to contain a volume of air degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and the first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone, and the second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and the second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by: a pressure relief valve, wherein the pressure relief valve has a first end, the first end leads to an air zone in the reservoir; and a second end, the second end leads to an area outside the reservoir, the pressure in the reservoir is higher than the pressure outside the reservoir, and the pressure relief valve is configured to maintain the pressure in the reservoir below a threshold pressure.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion, the first portion extending longitudinally in a first direction aligned with the general flow direction of liquid from the supply source to the manifold, and the second portion extending longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the fluid is conveyed from a supply source along a common flow path to the first zone and the second zone.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the reservoir is fastened to the manifold.

[0088] According to the present invention, a method is provided for delivering fluid from a supply within a reservoir to first and second zones within an interior region of a manifold, namely, a first zone portion of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle and a second zone portion of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a common fluid supply within the reservoir that provides fluid to both the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0090] According to an embodiment, delivering includes conveying the fluid from a supply within the reservoir under gravity to both the first zone and the second zone within the interior region of the manifold.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by transferring air from the manifold to the reservoir, the air being degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the interior of the reservoir is pressurized relative to the ambient pressure outside the reservoir.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the present invention is further characterized in that the manifold is divided into the first zone and the second zone by a baffle disposed in the manifold.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the baffle is fully immersed in the fluid.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the level of the fluid is above the highest part of the baffle in vertical direction, so that the fluid completely covers the baffle.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and the first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone, and the second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and the second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion, the first portion extending longitudinally in a first direction aligned with the general flow direction of fluid from the reservoir to the manifold, and the second portion extending longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Claims

1. A fluid circuit filling assembly, comprising: a manifold having an interior region; a baffle that divides a portion of the interior region into a first zone that is part of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle and a second zone that is part of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle; and a reservoir configured to contain a liquid supply source, the liquid supply source being in fluid communication with both the first zone and the second zone, The baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion, wherein the first portion extends longitudinally in a first direction aligned with the general flow direction of liquid from the supply source to the manifold, and the second portion extends longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said reservoir is vertically above said manifold such that said liquid supply is delivered to said interior region under gravity.

3. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising the liquid supply source being housed within the reservoir such that an uppermost surface of the supply source is located vertically above an uppermost end portion of the baffle.

4. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising said liquid supply contained within said reservoir, said liquid supply having a first total volume, said interior region of said manifold having a second total volume less than said first total volume.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is further configured to contain a volume of air degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and a first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone, and a second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and a second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

7. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve having a first end that opens to an air zone within the reservoir and a second end that opens to an area outside the reservoir, wherein the pressure within the reservoir is higher than the pressure outside the reservoir, the pressure relief valve being configured to maintain the pressure within the reservoir below a threshold pressure.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein fluid is delivered from the supply source to the first zone and the second zone along a common flow path.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is secured to the manifold.

10. A method for filling a fluid circuit, comprising: Dividing the inner area of ​​the manifold into a first zone and a second zone by using a baffle disposed in the manifold; as well as causing fluid to be delivered from a supply source within a reservoir to both the first zone and the second zone within the interior region of the manifold, i.e., a first zone portion of a first fluid circuit of a vehicle and a second zone portion of a separate second fluid circuit of the vehicle, The baffle includes a first portion and a second portion vertically below the first portion, wherein the first portion extends longitudinally in a first direction aligned with the general flow direction of the fluid from the reservoir to the manifold, and the second portion extends longitudinally in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein a common fluid supply within the reservoir provides the fluid to both the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said delivering comprises conveying said fluid from said supply within said reservoir under gravity to both said first zone and said second zone within said interior region of said manifold.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising delivering air from the manifold to the reservoir, the air being degassed from the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the interior of the reservoir is pressurized relative to ambient pressure outside the reservoir.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the baffle is completely submerged in the fluid.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein a first fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the first zone and a first fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the first zone, and a second fluid circuit manifold inlet opens to the second zone and a second fluid circuit manifold outlet opens from the second zone.

Images