Filling and extraction arrangement for at least one coolant expansion tank and a method for operating it

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling and extraction arrangement (15) for at least one coolant expansion tank (2), with a connecting hose (16) for connection to a filling and extraction station, wherein a connection arrangement (24) for connection to the at least one coolant expansion tank (2) is provided at the opposite end of the connecting hose (16), wherein the connection arrangement (24) has at least one fluid-tight main connection means (28) with a main coolant line (30) for a coolant main chamber (4) of the coolant expansion tank (2), wherein a level measuring arrangement is provided in the region of the main coolant line (30). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a filling and extraction arrangement (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filling and extraction arrangement for at least one coolant expansion tank, comprising a connecting hose for connection to a filling and extraction station, wherein a connection arrangement for connection to the at least one coolant expansion tank is provided at the opposite end of the connecting hose. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a filling and extraction arrangement.

[0002] Filling and extraction systems for coolant expansion tanks in motor vehicles are well known from the prior art. In conventional combustion engines, they serve to collect the coolant, which expands when heated, and return it to the cooling circuit as needed. In this case, the coolant expansion tank is at least partially transparent and features a min-max scale, allowing the vehicle user, as well as a service technician, to check the coolant level when necessary or during refilling. Modern, partially electrified vehicles have additional cooling circuits besides the one for the combustion engine, most notably a cooling circuit for a high-voltage battery. This cooling circuit also requires an expansion tank, which, particularly in the case of pouch cells used in the high-voltage battery, collects the coolant displaced due to cell swelling.A common expansion tank for multiple cooling circuits is disclosed in DE 10 2015 212 554 A1. In this context, a filling and extraction arrangement is disclosed in US 5,524,681 A. More recent coolant expansion tank arrangements include a so-called swelling chamber for excess coolant, which is either integrated into a coolant expansion tank or provided in a separate swelling chamber. In both cases, the swelling chamber is fluidically connected to the main coolant chamber. To ensure safe and efficient temperature control of the high-voltage battery, a cooling oil is used as the coolant, which must absorb as little moisture as possible to maintain its insulating properties. To prevent moisture diffusion through the coolant expansion tank, it is made of high-quality, non-transparent plastics that do not allow for any external perception of a min-max scale.When a vehicle user refills the fluid, they can still observe the fluid level through an expansion tank opening. With a conventional filling and extraction system, this is not possible for the service technician due to the fluid-tight seal of the expansion tank opening.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a filling and suction arrangement that avoids the aforementioned disadvantage in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the connection arrangement comprising at least one fluid-tight main connection means with a main coolant line for a coolant main chamber of the coolant expansion tank, wherein a level measuring arrangement is provided in the area of ​​the main coolant line. This enables the service technician to monitor the fill level of the coolant expansion tank even when a filling and extraction arrangement is connected.

[0005] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connection arrangement comprises a swelling connection element with a swelling connection lance for a swelling chamber of a swelling reservoir, wherein a directional control valve for switching between the main coolant line and the swelling connection lance is provided in the connection hose. The swelling reservoir can form a unit with the coolant expansion tank or be designed independently thereof, with a fluidic connection between the main coolant chamber and the swelling chamber being provided.

[0006] For ease of handling, the connection assembly comprises a connection base body with the main connection element and the swelling connection element. It is advantageous if a suspension device with an automatic winding mechanism for the connection base body is provided.

[0007] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the main connection means has an air valve. This allows for simple pressure equalization with the environment towards the end of the filling process of the coolant main chamber. With the air valve closed, an overpressure or underpressure leak test can be easily performed. A vacuum can also be provided for filling.

[0008] In a particularly simple embodiment of a filling and extraction arrangement, a main connecting pipe is provided in operative connection with the main coolant line and a level measuring arrangement designed as a float sensor / switch arrangement.

[0009] Advantageously, a control device is also provided which enables an automated filling or extraction process and can also be connected to a display device.

[0010] In order to support the weight of the connection assembly in particular, a suspension device with an automatic winding mechanism for the connection base body can be provided.

[0011] The problem is also solved by a method for operating such a filling and extraction arrangement during initial filling with a coolant, wherein in a first step the connection arrangement is arranged on the coolant expansion tank, wherein the directional control valve is fluidically connected to the main coolant line, wherein the main connection pipe extends into the coolant main chamber, wherein the swelling connection lance extends into the swelling chamber 8 and wherein the air valve is closed, wherein in the next step a vacuum is generated in a cooling oil system of the motor vehicle, whereby coolant is filled into the coolant main chamber, wherein in the next step the cooling oil system is vented, wherein in the next step the filling level of the coolant main chamber is checked by means of the level measuring arrangement and adjusted if necessary, wherein the air valve is opened.wherein in the next step the directional control valve is fluidically connected to the swelling connection lance in order to extract coolant from the swelling chamber, wherein in the next step the connection assembly is removed, and wherein in the next step the main filling opening and the swelling opening are closed.

[0012] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing, in which the single figure shows a schematic view of a filling and suction arrangement according to the invention.

[0013] This document describes a coolant expansion tank 2 of a partially electrified vehicle (not shown in detail). The coolant expansion tank 2 has a main coolant chamber 4 and an integrally connected swelling reservoir 6 with a swelling chamber 8, which are fluidically connected to each other via an overflow line 9. For clarity, a min-max scale 10 is shown, but due to the non-transparent design of the coolant expansion tank 2, it does not provide a direct indication of the fill level. It can only serve as a guide for the vehicle user when refilling and simultaneously looking through a main filler opening 12.

[0014] The purpose of the swelling chamber 8 is to collect excess cooling oil, primarily displaced due to cell swelling of a high-voltage battery (not shown), and to store it until the next extraction during routine maintenance. Typically, the main filler opening 12 is larger than a swelling opening 14. Both openings 12 and 14 are sealed fluid-tight during vehicle operation by a preferably screw-on cover.

[0015] A filling and extraction arrangement 15 is provided for filling and extracting a coolant, which, as already indicated above, is a cooling oil. This arrangement has a connecting hose 16 for connection to a filling and extraction station, which is known per se but not shown. A directional control valve 18 is provided at one end of the connecting hose 16 opposite the filling and extraction station. This valve is switchably connected to a first and a second hose section 20, 22, which lead to a connection arrangement 24. The connection arrangement 24 has a connection body 26 in which a main connection element 28 with a main coolant line 30 and a swelling connection element 32 with a swelling connection lance 34 are provided. The main connection element 28 is designed to engage fluid-tightly in the main filling opening 12, and the swelling connection element 32 is designed to engage fluid-tightly in the swelling opening 14.The main connection element 28 also has a main connection pipe 36 in which a main coolant line 30 and a surrounding float sensor / switch assembly 38 are provided as a level measuring arrangement. The main coolant line 30 is fluidically connected to the first hose section 20. The swelling connection element 32 has the swelling connection lance 34, which is fluidically connected to the second hose section 22. The length of the main connection pipe 36 should extend at least to the minimum mark of the min-max scale 10 in the main coolant chamber 4. The swelling connection lance 34 is designed such that it reaches to the lowest point of the swelling chamber 8 in order to be able to extract as little residue as possible.

[0016] The connection base 26 serves as a common support structure for the connection assembly 24, which can also be positioned particularly easily in this way. With a suitable design of the coolant expansion tank 2, the openings 12 and 14 lie in the same plane. In the present embodiment, the connection base 26 has rubber buffers 40 on one side facing the coolant expansion tank 2 to prevent damage to the tank. The connection base 26 can also be equipped with handles 42 at ergonomically convenient locations for ease of handling. Above a certain weight, it is advantageous for the connection base 26 to be suspended from a suspension device 44 with an automatic rewind mechanism.

[0017] The float-sensor / switch arrangement 38 is designed such that the fill level in the coolant main chamber 4 is determined automatically and transmitted electronically to a control unit 46. In this context, it should be noted that the control unit for automated filling and / or extraction is also connected to the directional control valve 18. Since the coolant, which is designed as cooling oil, is not electrically conductive, a level measuring arrangement 38 from the area of ​​conventional cooling water cannot be used; instead, operating principles must be provided that also function when surrounded and wetted with cooling oil. In the present embodiment, an annular float 48 is provided, which can slide vertically up and down on a guide rod 50 arranged concentrically in the main connecting pipe 36. The weight orThe float 48 is designed to float in a defined position on the surface of the cooling oil. A magnet 52 is integrated into the float 48 and communicates with Hall sensors (not shown) in a known manner to transmit the position of the magnet 52, and thus the float 48, along the length of the guide rod 50 to the control unit 46. Upper and lower stops 54 on the guide rod 50 limit the travel of the float 48 and prevent it from falling out. It should be noted that the guide rod 50 can also serve as the main coolant line 30 to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the float 48 during the filling process.

[0018] When cooling oil is extracted from the swelling chamber 8, a negative pressure can occur in the vehicle's coolant system due to the two sealed openings 12 and 14. To prevent cooling oil from the main coolant chamber 4 from entering the swelling chamber 8 via the overflow line 9 and being unintentionally extracted, the connection body 26 contains an air valve 56 in the area of ​​the main coolant line 30. This valve can be automatically opened and closed by the control unit 46. Thus, the filling and extraction arrangement 15 is either pressure-tight or pressure-balanced with respect to the environment. This allows ambient air to flow in during the extraction process from the main coolant chamber 4 and the swelling chamber 8.

[0019] A method for operating the filling and extraction arrangement 15 during initial filling can be described as follows: In a first step, the connection arrangement 24 is positioned on the coolant expansion tank 2, wherein the directional control valve 18 is fluidically connected to the main coolant line 30, the main connection pipe 36 extends into the coolant main chamber 4, the swelling connection lance 34 extends into the swelling chamber 8, and the air valve 56 is closed. In the next step, a vacuum is created in the vehicle's cooling oil system, causing coolant to be filled into the coolant main chamber 4. In the next step, the cooling oil system is vented, and then, in the following step, the fill level of the coolant main chamber 4 is checked using the level measuring arrangement 38 and adjusted if necessary, with the air valve 56 being opened.In the next step, the directional control valve 18 is fluidically connected to the swelling connection lance 34 to extract coolant from the swelling chamber 8. In the following step, the connection assembly 24 is removed, and in the final step, the main filling opening 12 and the swelling opening 14 are closed. Reference symbol list 2 coolant expansion tanks 4 Coolant main compartment 6 Swelling containers 8 Swelling room 9 Overflow pipe 10 Min-Max scaling 12 Main filling opening 14 Swelling opening 15 Filling and suction arrangement 16 Connection hose 18-way valve 20 first hose section 22 second hose section 24 Connection arrangement 26 Connection base bodies 28 Main connection devices 30 Main coolant line 32 Swelling connectors 34 Swelling connection lance 36 Main connecting pipe 38 Float sensor / switch arrangement / level measuring arrangement 40 rubber buffers 42 steps 44 Suspension device 46 Control unit 48 swimmers 50 guide rod 52 Magnet 54 upper and lower stops 56 Air valve QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 212 554 A1

[0002] US 5,524,681 A

[0002]

Claims

Filling and suction arrangement (15) for at least one coolant expansion tank (2), with a connecting hose (16) for connection to a filling and suction station, wherein a connection arrangement (24) for connection to the at least one coolant expansion tank (2) is provided at the opposite end of the connecting hose (16), characterized in that the connection arrangement (24) has at least one fluid-tight main connection means (28) with a main coolant line (30) for a coolant main chamber (4) of the coolant expansion tank (2), wherein a level measuring arrangement is provided in the area of ​​the main coolant line (30). Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection arrangement (24) has a swelling connection means (32) with a swelling connection lance (34) for a swelling chamber (8) of a swelling container (6), wherein a directional control valve (18) for switching between the main coolant line (30) and the swelling connection lance (34) is provided in the connection hose (16). Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection arrangement (24) has a connection base body (26) with the main connection means (28) and the swelling connection means (32). Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to claim 3, characterized in that a suspension device with a winding mechanism for the connection base body is provided. Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main connection means (28) has an air valve (56). Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a main connecting pipe (36) is provided in operative connection with the main coolant line (30) and a level measuring arrangement designed as a float sensor / switch arrangement (38). Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device (46) is provided. Filling and suction arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a suspension device (44) with a winding mechanism for the connection base body (26) is provided. A method for operating a filling and extraction arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims during initial filling with a coolant, characterized in that, in a first step, the connection arrangement (24) is arranged on the coolant expansion tank (2), wherein the directional control valve (18) is fluidically connected to the main coolant line (30), wherein the main connection pipe (36) extends into the coolant main chamber (4), wherein the swelling connection lance (34) extends into the swelling chamber (8), and wherein the air valve (56) is closed, that in the next step a vacuum is generated in a cooling oil system of the motor vehicle, whereby coolant is filled into the coolant main chamber (4), that in the next step the cooling oil system is vented, that in the next step the filling level of the coolant main chamber (4) is checked by means of the level measuring arrangement (38) and is adjusted if necessary.where the air valve (56) is opened, that in the next step the directional control valve (18) is fluidically connected to the swelling connection lance (34) in order to extract coolant from the swelling chamber (8), that in the next step the connection assembly (24) is removed, and that in the next step the main filling opening (12) and the swelling opening (14) are closed.

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