DEVICE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH OPERATING MATERIALS ON ASSEMBLY LINES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filling system for filling vehicle containers with operating materials on assembly lines in the automotive industry, wherein the filling system has specifically designed filling adapters and a device with a block structure, wherein the liquid or gaseous operating materials are supplied with the filling adapters to the specific containers of the vehicle to be filled, and wherein several of the electronic, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies necessary for a filling process that can be locally and functionally encapsulated in the filling system are structurally integrated in a common block structure of the device.

[0002] For various technical applications, liquids and / or gases must be supplied to a device at a defined time and quantity. A typical application in this regard is motor vehicles, where housings, circuits, expansion tanks, and the like require the filling of fuels, lubricants, coolants, and other operating fluids. For example, oil, coolant, refrigerant, windshield washer fluid, and fuel are filled during the manufacturing process on assembly lines in the automotive industry.The filling systems include, as essential components, a vacuum source, a filling source with pressure control, a media tank with level measurement, vacuum sections, filling sections, back-suction sections, sniffer sections, refill sections, a volume measurement, a level measurement, a pressure and vacuum measurement, software, pneumatic and hydraulic operating equipment as well as control and media lines in the form of pipes, hoses and metallic lines.

[0003] Due to the requirements of assembly line production, the filling process is divided into Functions that must be carried out close to the vehicle (mobile console, adapter) Functions that perform auxiliary processes close to the vehicle Functions that perform auxiliary processes in the area of ​​the stationary base unit

[0004] Filling with operating fluids is usually carried out by a worker. The worker brings filling adapters, which are connected to a filling system via hose packages, to the vehicle and adapts them to the vehicle containers to be filled.

[0005] In order to reduce the installation space and weight of the equipment required for filling, it is proposed, for example, in DE 195 11 395A1 and DE 20 2006 015 673 U1, to structurally integrate several different valve functions by means of adjacent valve modules in the form of a block design.

[0006] With regard to such proposed solutions, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art to create a compact unit as a block structure for filling containers with operating fluids on assembly lines in the automotive industry. This unit, with its integrated modules, accommodates not only the valve functions for the pneumatic and / or hydraulic valves but also other functions necessary for the filling process. Such functions primarily include the electronic, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic modules, including firmware, bus interfaces, sensor elements, displays, control components, and the like, necessary for a filling process that can be locally and / or functionally encapsulated in the filling system. Although such a design is supposedly suggested by the prior art, no actually implemented solutions are currently available on the market.For example, DE 10 2006 020 277 A1 describes a pressure distributor for pneumatic actuators in seats, in which an assembly with valves and a control circuit are mounted in a base body. These three assemblies are each manufactured as a separate subassembly and are assembled into a functionally interconnected common assembly similar to a block structure.

[0007] EP 0 442 033 A1 discloses a block-type valve assembly that can be modified to the flow contours required for specific applications by assembling separate intermediate plates, each with different through-holes. A similar approach is proposed in EP 1 524 437 A2, in which a grid plate is arranged between two block segments in a block-type valve assembly to functionally differentiate the desired flow patterns.

[0008] WO2017193364A1 discloses a filling system for filling vehicle containers with operating fluids.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to create a filling system with a block structure which is modular in design and, if possible, only requires changes to a single one of the modules designed for this purpose,

[0010] The problem is solved in that the block structure comprises a hydraulic level, an assembly level, and an electronics level, each manufactured as a separate assembly and assembled together as a functionally interconnected common assembly. The hydraulic level comprises a cuboid-shaped base body, in the interior of which the channel structures specifically designed for a particular adaptation are configured for conveying operating fluids. In the lower section of the base body, a plurality of first recesses are configured, each of which is horizontally aligned and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body and arranged vertically one above the other in pairs. Each recess, on its section directed toward the interior of the base body, has a flow connection to one of the channel structures configured in the interior.wherein each recess has, on its section facing the outside of the base body, an open channel as a flow connection to a block valve, wherein the recesses, which are arranged in pairs one above the other, can each be brought into operative connection with a block valve, and wherein further recesses are designed above the first recesses to accommodate actuating elements for the channel structures and block valves. The mounting plane has a rectangular base plate, in the lower section of which a plurality of first through-openings are formed, which are each aligned horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate and arranged in pairs vertically one above the other, and whose arrangement and geometric shape is congruent with the first recesses formed in the lower section of the cuboid base body of the hydraulic planes.A plurality of second through-holes are formed above these first through-holes, the arrangement and geometric shape of which are congruent with the further recesses formed in the cuboid-shaped base body of the hydraulic plane above the first recesses, and a plurality of third through-holes are formed in the upper section, which together form a hole pattern. The electronics plane has a rectangular base plate, in the base surface of which recesses and through-holes are formed, each of which is aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate and in which the actuating elements for the channel structures formed in the hydraulic plane and the block valves mounted in the hydraulic plane by means of the mounting plane can be supported.

[0011] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore to construct a block structure for a filling system from three different basic elements. This provides a block structure for a filling system that is modular in design and only requires changes to the hydraulic level, the only one of the three modules, in order to modify the block structure for different filling processes. The functionality is determined by the specific design of the flow channels inside the hydraulic level. The assembly level and the electronics level, however, do not require any changes. Numerous application possibilities arise for such a compact and modular block structure with – as is known – pneumatic and, in a novel way, also hydraulic and fluidic components. Structural integration is possible both in a console moving along the assembly line and in a stationary basic unit of a filling system in the automotive industry.

[0012] The hydraulic level functionally implements the media distribution and, via the channel structures designed in the cuboid base body, connects the inlet sections supplied with the operating materials to be filled (e.g. oil, coolant, refrigerant) with the valves supported in the assembly level. The hydraulic level thus maps the entire filling process via the specific hydraulic circuitry. Consequently, by changing the channel structures in the interior of the cuboid base body of this hydraulic level, the device and thus the entire filling system can be modified for different applications. Advantageously, no design changes to the assembly level or the electronics level are necessary for this. Instead, only the components required for a specific filling task (commercially available valves, control elements, etc.) need to be inserted or mounted in their recesses and through-openings.Unused connections can be closed with blind fittings and similar components if necessary. The hydraulic level equipped in this way is firmly screwed into the associated filling system, and the hydraulic connection is preferably made via plug-in sleeves.

[0013] The assembly level functionally accommodates valve assemblies, seals, electronics, sensors, and blind nozzles. The blind nozzles can be operated either open or closed, depending on the specific filling task. The assembly level is preferably fully assembled and mounted to or removed from the hydraulic level using a screw connection. This simplifies both production and the maintenance required during subsequent use.

[0014] The electronics level functionally represents a CAN communication interface to analog sensors and valve technology. This provides the electrical connection of valves, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, the control system for the filling adapter, and possibly other additional components.

[0015] The block structures, each composed of a hydraulic level, assembly level, and electronics level, are structured according to media-specific properties and local and functional requirements. This offers several advantages over previously known variants, including: Smaller filling systems; less weight; Reduction in material; Reduction in leaks; Higher integrated functionality; New features, functions, and improvements in diagnostics, maintenance, and service life. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of subclaims, the technical features of which are described below in an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. They show: Fig. 1 the hydraulic level of a block structure of a filling system according to the invention Fig. 2 the assembly level of the block structure Fig. 3 the electronics level of the block structure Fig. 4 a holding plate (here in perspective) for the electronics level Fig. 5 an assembly equipped with sensors Fig. 6 a component Fig. 7 a partially assembled block structure Fig. 8 a fully assembled block structure

[0016] The block structure shown in the drawing is designed as an assembly for a filling system device for filling containers with operating fluids on assembly lines in the automotive industry. The liquid or gaseous operating fluids are fed into the vehicle's specific containers to be filled by a filling system through specifically designed filling adapters. Several of the electronic, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic assemblies required for a filling process that can be spatially and functionally encapsulated within the filling system are structurally integrated into a common block structure.

[0017] The block structure has a hydraulic level 1 ( Fig. 1 ), one assembly level 2 ( Fig. 2 ) and an electronics level 3 ( Fig. 3 ). Hydraulic level 1, assembly level 2 and electronic level 3 are each manufactured as a separate assembly and are manufactured according to Fig. 8 assembled together as a functionally interconnected common assembly.

[0018] Out of Fig. 8 It is evident that hydraulic level 1, assembly level 2 and electronic level 3 each have the same length. Furthermore, it is evident that assembly level 2 and electronic level 3 each have half the height of hydraulic level 1. Fig. 8 It can be seen that after assembly to form the functional block structure, the assembly level 2 is arranged in the lower section of the associated side surface of the hydraulic level 1 and the electronics level 3 is arranged in the upper section of the associated side surface of the hydraulic level 1.

[0019] The hydraulic level 1 has a cuboid base body 11. In the interior of the base body 11, channel structures specifically designed for the concrete adaptation (not shown in the drawing) are configured to guide operating materials. Furthermore, a plurality of first recesses 12 are configured in the lower section of the base body 11. The recesses 12 are each aligned horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body 11 and arranged vertically one above the other in pairs. Each recess 12 has, on its section facing the interior of the base body 11, a flow connection (not shown in the drawing) to one of the channel structures configured in the interior. Furthermore, each recess 12 has, on its section facing the outside of the base body 11, an open channel as a flow connection to a block valve 4.In this case, recesses 12 arranged one above the other in pairs can each be operatively connected to a block valve 4. Above the first recesses 12, further recesses 13 are formed, in which actuating elements (not shown in the drawing) for the channel structures in the interior 11 and for the block valves 4 can be arranged.

[0020] On the circumference of the first recesses 12, which are arranged vertically one above the other in pairs, as well as on the circumference of the further recesses 13 arranged above them, circular depressions 14 for receiving sealing elements (not shown in the drawing) are formed on the base body 11 of the hydraulic level 1.

[0021] In addition, the hydraulic plane 1 has at least two further recesses 15 in the upper section. These recesses 15 are also each horizontally aligned and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body 11 and on a common horizontal line. Each recess 15 is designed as a receptacle for a temperature sensor.

[0022] The mounting level 2 has a rectangular base plate 21. A plurality of first through-openings 22 are formed in the lower section of the base plate 21. The through-openings 22 are each aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate 21, as well as in pairs vertically stacked one above the other. The block valves 4 are fixed in position in the through-openings 22, with the number and design of these block valves 4 being selectable depending on the specific filling task. The arrangement and geometric shape of the first through-openings 22 is congruent with the first recesses 12 formed in the lower section of the cuboid-shaped base body 11 of the hydraulic level 1.

[0023] Furthermore, a plurality of second through-openings 23 are formed above the first through-openings 22. The arrangement and geometric shape of these second through-openings 23 is congruent with the further recesses 13 formed in the cuboid-shaped base body 11 of the hydraulic level 1 above the first recesses 12. In addition, a plurality of third through-openings 24 are formed in the upper section of the base plate 21. These third through-openings 24 as a whole form a hole pattern. This hole pattern is designed as a support for at least one assembly 5 ( Fig. 5 ) to accommodate sensors. The variable arrangement of sensors thus possible also determines the sensor position on hydraulic level 1, thus ensuring optimal allocation for each parameter to be measured by the sensor. Fig. 7 In the embodiment shown, two assemblies 5 are provided for receiving sensors, which are mounted in through-holes 24 of the base plate 21. Regardless of the specific number, it is proposed that each assembly 5 for receiving sensors be equipped with a maximum of four separate pressure sensors.

[0024] On the circumference of the first through-openings 22, which are arranged vertically one above the other in pairs, as well as on the circumference of the second through-openings 23 arranged above them on the base plate 21 of the mounting level 2, there are circular recesses 25 for receiving sealing elements (not shown in the drawing).

[0025] Electronics level 3 has a rectangular base plate 31. Recesses and through-openings 32 are formed in the base surface of base plate 31, each of which is aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate. Actuating elements for the channel structures formed in hydraulic level 1 and the block valves 4 mounted in hydraulic level 1 by means of mounting level 2 are assigned to the recesses and through-openings 32.

[0026] The electronics level 3 can be mounted on a separate mounting plate 6, which in turn is attached to the two lateral end faces of the hydraulic level 1. Such a mounting plate 6 is Fig. 4 shown as a single assembly, whereby the design of a suitable holding plate 6 is not limited to this construction.

[0027] A block structure constructed according to the invention can be further developed. For example, each block valve can be assigned four connectors or LEDs to indicate operating status or functionality.

[0028] Likewise, the hydraulic level 1 can have connecting elements 16 on its upper and / or lower longitudinal side, with which a first hydraulic level 1 can be joined with further hydraulic levels to form a common larger structural unit. Bezugszeichenliste

[0029] 1 Hydraulic level 11 Cuboid base body 12 First recesses (for block valve) 13 Further recesses 14 Recess for accommodating sealing elements 15 Recess for accommodating temperature sensor 16 Connecting elements 2 Mounting level 21 Rectangular base plate 22 First through-holes 23 Second through-holes 24 Third through-holes 25 Recess for accommodating sealing elements 3 Electronic level 31 Rectangular base plate 32 Recesses / through-holes 4 Block valve 5 Assembly for accommodating sensors 6 Holding plate

Claims

1. A filling system for filling containers of vehicles with service fluids on assembly lines in the automotive industry, wherein the filling system has specifically designed filling adapters and a filling system with a block structure, wherein the liquid or gaseous service fluids are supplied with the filling adapters to the respective containers of the vehicle to be specifically filled and wherein multiple of the electronic, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies required for a filling process which can be spatially and functionally encapsulated in the filling system are structurally integrated in a common block structure of the filling system, characterized in that the block structure has a hydraulic level (1), a mounting level (2), and an electronics level (3), which are each manufactured as a separate assembly and are assembled together as a functionally operatively connected common assembly, wherein the hydraulic level (1) has a cuboid base body (11), in the interior of which the channel structures specifically designed for a respective concrete adaptation are formed for guiding service fluids, in the lower section of which a plurality of first recesses (12) are formed, which are each aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the base body (11) and in each case are arranged in pairs, vertically, one above the other, wherein each recess (12) has a flow connection to one of the channel structures formed in the interior on its section directed towards the interior of the base body (11), wherein each recess (12) has an open channel as a flow connection to a block valve (4) on its section directed towards the outside of the base body (11), wherein the recesses (12), which are aligned in pairs one above the other, can each be brought into operative connection with a block valve (4), and wherein further recesses (13) are formed above the first recesses (12) for accommodating actuating elements for the channel structures and block valves (4), wherein the mounting level (2) has a rectangular base plate (21), in the lower section of which a plurality of first through openings (22) are formed, which are each aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the base plate (21) and are each arranged in pairs, vertically, one above the other, and the arrangement and geometric shape of which are congruent with the first recesses (12) formed in the lower section of the cuboid base body (11) of the hydraulic level (1), wherein a plurality of second through openings (23) are formed above these first through openings (22), wherein the arrangement and geometric shape of which is congruent with the further recesses (13) formed in the cuboid base body (11) of the hydraulic level (1) above the first recesses (12), and wherein a plurality of third through openings (24) are formed in the upper section, which in their entirety form a perforated grid, wherein the electronics level (3) has a rectangular base plate (31), in the base surface of which recesses and through-openings (32) are formed, which are each aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate (31) and in which the actuating elements for the channel structures formed in the hydraulic level (1) and the block valves (4) mounted in the hydraulic level (1) can be supported by means of the mounting level (2).

2. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic level (1) has at least two further recesses (15) in its upper section, which are each aligned horizontally and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body (11) and on a common horizontal line, wherein each recess (15) is designed as a receptacle for a temperature sensor (7).

3. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the third through-openings (24) formed as a perforated grid in the upper section of the mounting level (2) are designed to support at least one assembly (5) to accommodate sensors.

4. The filling system according to claim 3, characterized in that each assembly (5) can be fitted with a maximum of four separate pressure sensors (8) to accommodate sensors.

5. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that circular recesses (14) for accommodating sealing elements are formed on the base body (11) of the hydraulic level (1) on the circumference of the first recesses (12), which are arranged in pairs, vertically, one above the other, and on the circumference of the further recesses (13) arranged above them.

6. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that circular recesses (25) for accommodating sealing elements are formed on the base plate (21) of the mounting level (2) on the circumference of the first through-openings (22), which are arranged in pairs, vertically, one above the other, and on the circumference of the second through-openings (23) arranged above them.

7. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting level (2) and the electronics level (3) each have the same length, and half the height of the hydraulic level (1).

8. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting level (2) is arranged in the lower section of the associated side surface of the hydraulic level (1), and the electronics level (3) is arranged in the upper section of the associated side surface of the hydraulic level (1).

9. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronics level (3) can be mounted on a separate retaining plate (6) which is supported on the two lateral end faces of the hydraulic level (1).

10. The filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that in that the hydraulic level (1) has connecting elements (16) on its upper and / or lower longitudinal sides, by means of which the hydraulic level (1) can be joined together with further hydraulic levels to form a larger common structural unit.