Cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device, fluid system filling device having such a cartridge valve and method for filling a system in vacuum-pressure filling

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge valve (80) for a fluid system filling device (1), a fluid system filling device (1) having at least one such cartridge valve (80) and a method for filling a fluid system (5) in vacuum-pressure filling. The cartridge valve (80) has a valve housing (81), a hollow piston (86) which can be moved in the valve housing (81) in a valve axis (80A) between a first end position, at which the valve (80) is open for the flow of fluid (7), and a second end position, at which the valve (80) is closed in order to block the flow of fluid (7), and a valve seat (88) for holding the piston (86) in the second end position, wherein the piston (86), in the second end position, interacts with the valve seat (88) in such a manner that when the second end position is reached, the flow of the fluid (7) through the valve (80) is blocked.

Description

[0001] Cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device, fluid system filling device with such a cartridge valve and method for filling a system using vacuum-pressure filling

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device, a fluid system filling device with at least one such cartridge valve and a method for filling a fluid system in vacuum-pressure filling.

[0004] In a vehicle, a fluid is used in a closed circuit in several systems or installations. Examples of such a system or installation in a vehicle include the braking system, the clutch system, the engine cooling system, the power steering system, or the air conditioning system.

[0005] The problem is that high temperatures arise within and near such a system or installation during vehicle operation. This is particularly critical in a braking system. The reason for this is that an excessively high water content in the brake fluid poses the risk that the physical state of the brake fluid / water mixture or the water contained in the brake fluid will change from liquid to gaseous. However, this change in physical state leads to failure of the braking system, as gases are more compressible than a liquid and / or the brake fluid is displaced into an expansion tank. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the brake fluid has the necessary composition to prevent a change in the physical state of the brake fluid / water mixture or the water contained in the brake fluid at high temperatures.

[0006] Therefore, a vacuum-pressure filling is performed to fill a vehicle's brake system. For this type of filling, a filling device must be used that can ensure a hermetically sealed connection between the system or installation being filled and a filling station. A pressure and vacuum leak test is performed to test the hermetically sealed connection and the system's tightness.

[0007] Among other things, it is required to maintain an absolute pressure of 3 mbar = 10 2 Pa within 70 seconds.

[0008] The filling device uses valves located in the filling device between the system to be filled and the vacuum source. However, these valves themselves require a vacuum to open. Therefore, it is currently not possible to achieve an absolute pressure of 3 mbar = 10 with such valves. 2 Pa within the required 70 seconds.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device, a fluid system filling device with at least one such cartridge valve, and a method for filling a fluid system using vacuum pressure filling, which can solve the aforementioned problems. In particular, a cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device, a fluid system filling device with at least one such cartridge valve, and a method for filling a fluid system using vacuum pressure filling are to be provided, which ensure a hermetically sealed connection between a system or installation to be filled and a filling installation and can be successfully tested using a vacuum leak test if required.

[0010] This object is achieved by a cartridge valve for a fluid system filling device according to claim 1. The cartridge valve has a valve housing, a hollow piston which is movable in the valve housing along a valve axis between a first end position in which the valve is open and a second end position in which the valve is closed to block the flow of fluid, and a valve seat for holding the piston in the second end position, wherein the piston cooperates with the valve seat in the second end position such that upon reaching the second end position, the flow of fluid through the valve is blocked.

[0011] The cartridge valve is a pneumatically operated valve, optionally also spring-loaded, that can ensure a hermetically sealed connection between a system or installation to be filled and a filling system. Furthermore, the cartridge valve is designed to successfully conduct a vacuum leak test. Therefore, the cartridge valve can be used to fill a vehicle's brake system, provided the specified quality and safety standards are met. The system to be filled can, in particular, be a hydraulic system in which system components are operated hydraulically. An example of this is the braking system of a vehicle or the drive system of an elevator, or similar.

[0012] Furthermore, the cartridge valve is simple and can be removed from the filling device quickly and easily. This is very advantageous if removal is necessary for maintenance or replacement of the cartridge valve.

[0013] The cartridge valve is comparatively lightweight, so that the cartridge valve helps to keep the overall weight of a hand-held filling device low.

[0014] The cartridge valve also achieves very short switching times of approximately 7 ms as a minimum value. Thus, the described cartridge valve is also capable of an absolute pressure of 3 mbar = 10 2 Pa within the required 70 seconds.

[0015] Furthermore, the cartridge valve is capable of filling a brake system within 35 seconds. Depending on the size of the system being filled, this corresponds to a target flow rate of 1.717 to 2.571 liters per minute.

[0016] In addition, the cartridge valve is suitable for many load cycles, especially for a target value of at least 20,000 load cycles. This not only gives the cartridge valve a long service life, but also allows for extended maintenance cycles. This makes the cartridge valve very cost-effective and resource-efficient.

[0017] Advantageous further embodiments of the cartridge valve are specified in the dependent claims. The cartridge valve described above can also have a sealing element arranged between the piston and the valve seat in the second end position, wherein the piston, in cooperation with a sealing element, seals the valve in the second end position to block the flow of fluid between the piston and the valve seat.

[0018] The valve housing may have a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the piston is guided internally by the first housing part and guided externally by the second housing part (84).

[0019] The cartridge valve described above can also have an annular gap arranged on the circumference of the valve housing, wherein the annular gap has at least one opening that is connected to a space between the piston and the valve housing when the piston is not arranged in the second end position. It is conceivable that the openings of the at least one opening are arranged equidistantly around the annular gap.

[0020] The cartridge valve may also have openings terminating at both ends of the valve housing, the openings being arranged parallel to a piston chamber arranged in the piston and being connected to the piston chamber when the valve is open.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the valve seat is arranged in a through-opening of the valve, through which fluid can flow when the valve is at least partially open.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the valve seat is held in the valve housing by a fastening element.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the cartridge valve also has a valve cover for closing the valve housing, whereby the valve cover has a T-shaped cross-section and at least one through opening.

[0024] Optionally, a compression spring is arranged in the piston to move the piston to the first end position. The compression spring may be arranged with one end in the piston and the other end in the valve cover.

[0025] At least one cartridge valve as described above can be part of a fluid system filling device, wherein the device further comprises a filling device for connection to a reservoir, and a coupling device for coupling the filling device to a container which is designed to hold a fluid for a system to be filled.

[0026] The fluid system filling device may further comprise a conduit system for conducting the fluid from one end of the device at which the coupling device is arranged to the other end of the device at which the filling device is arranged, wherein the conduit system comprises a T-connector whose base is connected to a first conduit for connection to the container, and whose head is connected to a second and third conduit for connection to the reservoir.

[0027] Furthermore, the fluid system filling device may further comprise a valve block in which the at least one cartridge valve is mounted, and a control part for pneumatically controlling an opening or closing of the at least one cartridge valve.

[0028] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method for filling a fluid system in vacuum-pressure filling according to claim 15. The method has the steps of moving a hollow piston, which is movable in a valve housing of a cartridge valve in a valve axis, between a first end position in which the valve is open for the flow of fluid, and a second end position in which the valve is closed in order to block the flow of fluid, and holding the piston on a valve seat in the second end position, wherein the piston cooperates with the valve seat in the second end position in such a way that when the second end position is reached the flow of fluid through the valve is blocked.

[0029] Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0030] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a fluid system filling device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic partial view of the fluid system filling device of Fig. 1 mounted on a container for filling a system to be filled;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a cartridge valve according to the first embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional external view of the cartridge valve of Fig. 3;

[0034] Fig. 5 is a first three-dimensional exploded view of the cartridge valve of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4;

[0035] Fig. 6 is a second three-dimensional exploded view of the cartridge valve of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4;

[0036] Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional external view of a housing for the cartridge valve according to the first embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the cartridge valve in the housing of Fig. 7 and according to the first embodiment, showing the valve in the open position;

[0038] Fig. 9 is a first sectional view of the cartridge valve in the housing of Fig. 7 and according to the first embodiment, showing the valve in the closed position;

[0039] Fig. 10 is a second sectional view of the cartridge valve according to the first embodiment, showing the valve in the closed position;

[0040] Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view of the filling device in which two cartridge valves according to the first embodiment are mounted; and

[0041] Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 each show a schematic partial view of the fluid system filling device of Fig. 1 to illustrate a filling process that can be carried out with the cartridge valve.

[0042] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a fluid system filling device 1 according to a first embodiment from the outside. The filling device 1 can be connected to a reservoir 2 and a container 3 of a system 5 to be filled. The container 3 contains a fluid 7, which is to be filled from the reservoir 2 into the container 3 or the system 5. The system 5 can be part of a higher-level technical system, which is, for example, a vehicle or other system, in particular for a building. The vehicle is, in particular, a truck or a passenger car or an agricultural machine or another vehicle. The system 5 is, for example, a braking system or a clutch system or an engine cooling system or a power steering system or an air conditioning system or another system.

[0044] The fluid 7 is in particular a liquid or a gas, such as an oil, a brake fluid, etc.

[0045] The filling device 1 has a filling device 10, a first handle 20, a control part 30 with control elements 31, 32, a second handle 40, a valve block 50 and a coupling device 60. At least one valve is mounted in the valve block 50, as described in more detail below with reference to the other figures.

[0046] The coupling device 60 is arranged at one end of the filling device 1. The filling device 10 is arranged at the other end of the filling device 1. Only one anti-kink sleeve of the filling device 10 is shown in Fig. 1, which serves to protect the lines shown in Fig. 2. The lines are routed in the anti-kink sleeve of the filling device 10 to the control part 30, as described in more detail below. The lines can also include electrical lines for the control part 30.

[0047] According to Fig. 1, the filling device 1 can be held by the first handle 20 and / or the second handle 40 in at least one hand of a user (not shown). As a result, the filling device 1 can be manually operated or guided with two hands of the user, for example, using the first and second handles 20, 40. Control elements 31, 32 can be used for this purpose; in the example of Fig. 1, these are designed as buttons. Alternatively, the filling device 1 can be mounted on a robot (not shown). In this alternative, the device 1 is guided by the robot and optionally controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0048] The filling device 1 can be coupled to the container 3 using the coupling device 60. If the filling device 10, or more precisely its fluid lines, is inserted into the reservoir 2, the fluid 7 can be filled into the container 3 of the system 5 through the filling device 1. Control of the filling process is possible with the aid of the control part 30, as described in more detail below.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a section of part of the filling device 1. Accordingly, the filling device 1 also has a line system 70 for conveying the fluid 7. Furthermore, the coupling device 60 is shown in more detail in Fig. 2. However, for the sake of clarity, electrical lines for the control part 30 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0050] In the example of Fig. 2, the coupling device 60 has at least two coupling elements 61, 62 for coupling the filling device 1 to the container 3. The coupling elements 61, 62 are designed as claws in the example of Fig. 2. The coupling device 60 has at least one coupling element 61, 62.

[0051] The conduit system 70 has at least two conduits 71, 72, 73 for conducting the fluid 7. The conduit system 70 in the example of Fig. 2 has first to third conduits 71, 72, 73 and a T-connector 75. The T-connector 75 connects the first to third conduits 71, 72, 73 so that the conduit system 70 can conduct the fluid 7 from one end of the device 1 to the other end of the device 1. The T-connector 75 is connected at its base to one end of the first conduit 71. The other end of the first conduit 71 is inserted into the container 3, as shown in Fig. 2. The first conduit 71 is thereby connected to the container 3.

[0052] Furthermore, the T-connector 75 is connected at its head to one end of the second line 72 and to one end of the third line 73. The second and third lines 72, 73 lead to the system 5 to be filled. Accordingly, the other end of the second and third lines 72, 73 can be connected to the system 5 to be filled, even if this is not shown in Fig. 2. In at least one of the first and second lines 72, 73, a cartridge valve 80 can be inserted in the T-connector 75, which is described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 9.

[0053] According to Fig. 3, the cartridge valve 80 has a valve axis 80A, a housing 81 having a valve cover 82, a valve center portion 83, and a valve base 84. Thus, in the example of Fig. 3, the housing 81 is a three-part housing. The valve cover 82 can be referred to as the first housing part, the valve base 84 as the second housing part, and the valve center portion 83 as the third or middle housing part. An annular gap 83A and openings 83B are arranged in the valve center portion 83. Recesses 84A for a tool (not shown) for gripping the valve 80 are provided in the valve base 84.

[0054] The housing 81 is cylindrical. The housing 81 is rotationally symmetrical to the valve axis 80A. The housing 81 has an outer diameter D0. At the recesses 84A, the valve base 84 has an outer diameter D1. The annular gap 83A has an outer diameter D2. The outer diameter D0 is larger than each of the diameters D1, D2, as shown in Fig. 3. The outer diameter D2 is smaller than each of the diameters D0, D1, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0055] In the housing 81, the annular gap 83A is arranged on the circumference of the housing 81 in the valve center part 83. The annular gap 83A is arranged in the direction of the valve axis 80A between the valve cover 82 and the valve base 84. The openings 83B are arranged in the annular gap 83A of the housing 81, more precisely the valve center part 83. In particular, the openings 83B are arranged equidistantly around the annular gap 83A. The openings 83B are arranged transversely, in particular approximately perpendicularly, to the valve axis 80A. The openings 83B are produced in particular by bores. However, the housing 81 can alternatively be produced at least partially by 3D printing.

[0056] As shown in a three-dimensional view of the valve 80 in Fig. 4, the annular gap 83A has a polygonal shape at its base 83C. In the example of Fig. 4, the polygonal shape is a hexagon. This allows the valve 80 to be gripped with a tool (not shown). For this purpose, the correspondingly shaped tool engages in the annular gap 83A and forms a positive connection with the base 83C.

[0057] According to Fig. 4, the valve 80 also has a plurality of openings 84B on its end face in the valve base 84. For reasons of clarity, not all openings 84B are provided with a reference numeral in Fig. 4. The openings 84B are arranged, in particular, parallel to the valve axis 80A. The openings 84B, or more precisely their ends, are arranged equidistantly around a valve base inner ring 84C in the example of Fig. 4. A fastening element 88A is arranged in the valve base inner ring 84C.

[0058] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the individual parts of the valve 80 in two different

[0059] Exploded views. Accordingly, the cartridge valve 80 also has a piston chamber 85, a piston 86, a spring 87, a valve seat 88, and sealing elements 89. The sealing elements 89 are or include, in particular, O-rings or other suitable sealing elements. The piston chamber 85 is an opening in the piston 86. Furthermore, the piston chamber 85 forms part of a through-opening of the valve 80.

[0060] An inner ring 82A or sealing element 89 and openings 82B, 82C are also arranged in the valve cover 82. The valve cover 82 forms or has a stop 821 (Fig. 6) for the piston 86. A receiving element 82D for receiving and guiding the spring 87, or more precisely one end of the spring 87, is arranged on the valve cover 82. In the example of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the spring 87 is a spiral spring; however, the spring 87 is not limited to this, but can be any desired resilient body, as described in more detail below. The openings 82B are arranged in particular parallel to the valve axis 80A. The openings 82B, or more precisely their ends, are arranged equidistantly around the inner ring 82A or sealing element 89 in the example of Fig. 5. The openings 82C, or more precisely their ends, are also arranged equidistantly around the receiving element 82D in the example of Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5 and Fig.6, the valve 80 has fewer openings 82C (Fig. 5) than openings 84B (Fig. 6).

[0061] The piston 86 has a receiving opening 86A (Fig. 5) for receiving the spring 87, more precisely one end of the spring 87. The piston chamber 85 is arranged in a through-opening of the valve center part 83. The piston chamber 85 also projects into both the valve cover 81 and the valve base 84. The piston chamber 85 is designed to receive and guide the piston 86 between the valve cover 82 and the valve base 84, more precisely the valve seat 88 arranged in the valve base 84.

[0062] The openings 82B, 84B and the piston chamber 85 are arranged in the direction of the valve axis 80A in order to introduce the fluid 7 (Fig. 2) into the valve cover 82 and to lead it out again at the valve base 84, or to introduce the fluid 7 (Fig. 2) into the valve base 84 and to lead it out again at the valve cover 84. The through-opening of the valve 80 thus comprises, in addition to the piston chamber 85, at least one opening, in particular the at least one opening 82B in the valve cover 82 and / or at least one of the openings 84B in the

[0063] Valve base 84. As shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge valve 80 of Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 can be installed in a housing 90, particularly for testing. The housing 90 according to the example of Fig. 7 has a first housing part 91 and a second housing part 92. Connecting pieces 93, 94, 95, 96 are arranged on the housing 90.

[0064] The connecting piece 93 protrudes from the front side of the first housing part 91, particularly in the direction or axial direction of the valve axis 80A (Fig. 3). The connecting piece 94 protrudes from the housing part 91 transversely to the axial direction of the valve axis 80A (Fig. 3). The connecting piece 94 is arranged transversely to the connecting piece 93.

[0065] The connecting piece 96 protrudes from the end face of the second housing part 92, particularly in the direction or axial direction of the valve axis 80A (Fig. 3). The connecting piece 96 protrudes from the housing part 92 transversely to the axial direction of the valve axis 80A (Fig. 3). The connecting piece 95 is arranged transversely to the connecting piece 96.

[0066] As shown in the sectional view of Fig. 8, in the cartridge valve 80, the piston 86, the spring 87, the valve seat 88, the fastening element 88A and the sealing elements 89 are arranged together and sealed with sealing elements 89.

[0067] In Fig. 8, the connecting piece 93 is provided for the inlet of the fluid 7 (Fig. 1) into the housing 90 and the valve 80. The connecting piece 96 is provided for the outlet of the fluid 7 (Fig. 1) from the housing 90 and the valve 80. The connecting piece 94 is provided for venting the valve 80 (Fig. 3) in the housing 90. The connecting piece 95 can be used to introduce gas, in particular compressed air, to open the valve 80.

[0068] The piston 86 has a through-opening. The valve cover 82, or more precisely its receiving element 82D, is arranged at one end in the piston 86. The valve cover 82 has a T-shaped cross-section. The valve cover 82 also has at least one through-opening, namely the openings 82C and one opening 82B.

[0069] The spring 87 is arranged at one end in the piston 86. Furthermore, the spring 87 is arranged at its other end in the valve cover 82, more precisely its receiving element 82D. The spring 87 is thus partially guided in the piston 86. Furthermore, the spring 87 is partially guided in the valve cover 82. The fastening element 88A fastens the valve seat 88 in the housing 81, more precisely its valve base 84. The fastening element 88A holds the valve seat 88 on or in the valve axis 80A. The fastening element 88A is, for example, a screw, in particular a countersunk screw.

[0070] The piston 86 can be moved back and forth in the direction or axial direction of the valve axis 80A. For this purpose, the control part 30 can control the piston 86 as follows. The piston 86 is moved away from the valve seat 88 by introducing gas, in particular air or compressed air, into the connecting piece 95. As a result, the piston 86 is released from the valve seat 88 and can be moved to a first end position, which is shown in Fig. 8. As a result, the valve 80 is at least partially open.

[0071] Or the piston 86 is moved toward the valve seat 88 by venting or discharging gas, in particular air or compressed air, from the connecting piece 95. As a result, the piston 86 can rest against the valve seat 88 in a second end position, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.

[0072] Additionally, however, if the piston 86 is moved away from the valve seat 88, the spring 87 is tensioned. As a result, the spring 87 presses on the piston 86, forcing the piston 86 toward the valve seat 88. The spring 87 can also be called a compression spring.

[0073] The spring 87 is an elastic body that can be deformed by compressive force and returns to its original shape when the compressive force decreases or is no longer applied. The spring 87 has a predetermined spring force that determines the travel of the piston 86 in the valve 80 between the two end positions (open / closed). Depending on the spring force of the spring 87 and the arrangement of the valve cover 82 or its stop 821 in the valve 80 and the arrangement of the end of the receiving element 82D of the valve cover 82 in the piston chamber 85, the piston 86 rests against the stop 821 in the first end position (valve open), as shown in the example in Fig. 8. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the piston 86 to rest with its stop 861 (Fig. 8) inside the piston chamber 85 on the end of the receiving element 82D of the valve cover 82 in the first end position (valve open).Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the first end position (valve open) to be determined by the design and / or elasticity and / or spring force of the spring 87. For example, the first end position (valve open) can be determined by the spring 87 being in a blocked position. In the example from Fig. 8 to Fig. 10, a sealing element 89 is arranged between the valve seat 88 and the piston 86. The valve seat 88 and the piston 86 do not touch directly, but only via the sealing element 89. For this purpose, the piston 86 and the valve seat 88 are adapted to one another in shape. Additionally or alternatively, the piston 86 and the valve seat 88 are designed accordingly, in particular complementarily, in terms of position and / or alignment to one another at the sealing surface or at the sealing element 89. In particular, the piston 86 and the valve seat 88 are designed for the conical seat shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. According to the example of Fig.8, the sealing element 89 is fixedly arranged in the valve seat 88.

[0074] In the closed position of the valve 80 of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 (second end position), the sealing element 89 seals the valve 80 so that the flow of fluid 7 (Fig. 1), in other words the fluid flow, between the valve seat 88 and the piston 86 is stopped. The sealing element 89 is squeezed between the valve seat 88 and the piston 86, even though this is not shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. This closes the flow through the valve 80 into or out of the openings 84B in the position of Fig. 10. In the sectional view of Fig. 10, only one of the openings 84B of Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is visible. The number and / or size or diameter of the openings 84B determines the volume flow of the fluid 7 through the valve 80.

[0075] The control part 30 controls the movement of the piston 86 depending on the requirements of the filling process.

[0076] The opening of the valve 80 is therefore carried out pneumatically under the control of the control part 30. The compressed air required for this can flow via the opening for the connection piece 95 and a recess on the circumference of the valve housing 81 into a space 811 provided for the piston control.

[0077] The flow through the valve 80 occurs, for example, as follows. The fluid 7 (Fig. 1) flows from the inlet at the connecting piece 93 through the opening 82B and the opening 85 of the piston 86, through the hollow piston 86, past the valve seat 88, and finally through the end openings 84B (Fig. 6) out of the valve 80 into the connecting piece 96. Instead, the flow through the valve 80 can occur in the opposite direction, as previously mentioned. Thus, the valve 80 is a two-way valve, since the inlet and outlet are opposite each other. In other words, the inlet and outlet are connected by a straight passage.

[0078] The length of the valve 80 is kept as short as possible. For this purpose, the compression spring 87 is guided partially inside the piston 86 and partially inside the protruding receiving element 82D of the valve cover 82 arranged on the valve cover 82. The protruding receiving element 82D arranged on the valve cover 82 can be designed as a tube. The receiving element 82D also serves to seal the piston 86.

[0079] A hollow piston 86 is thus inserted into the valve 80. The piston 86 blocks the flow between the connecting pieces 93, 96 through the valve 80 by pressing a portion of its, in particular chamfered, inner cylindrical surface against a sealing element 89 by the spring force of the spring 87. This eliminates the portion of the travel required to travel over the annular gap 83 and the sealing and valve seat 88. Since the blocking of the flow of the fluid 7 (Fig. 1) through the valve 80 occurs at the same moment as the reaching of the second end position (Fig. 6), no volume displacement occurs during the switching process of the valve 80.

[0080] This prevents a higher force from being required to move or displace the piston 86 inside the valve 80. Furthermore, an undue pressure increase during the filling process can be advantageously prevented.

[0081] According to Fig. 11, two cartridge valves 80 are mounted in the valve block 50 of the fluid system filling device 1. One cartridge valve 80 is mounted in the line 72. One cartridge valve 80 is mounted in the line 73. The line 71 is arranged in or on the axis 1A of the filling device 1. The lines 72, 73 are arranged next to one another in the filling device 1, in particular approximately parallel to one another.

[0082] Each of the cartridge valves 80 is a through-valve. Each of the cartridge valves 80 can be used to control or regulate the flow of the fluid 7 (Fig. 2) through the associated line 72, 73. The control part 30 of Fig. 3 can be used to control the opening or closing of the at least one cartridge valve 80. Figs. 12 to 15 illustrate states that must be passed through when filling the system 2 of Fig. 1.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows a state at the beginning of a vacuum-pressure filling process. Accordingly, the device 1 with its coupling device 60 is placed on the container 3 and pneumatically clamped by means of the coupling elements 61, 62, which can be designed as "claws." As a result, the device 1 is hermetically sealed to the container 3 of the system 5 to be filled (Fig. 1). Subsequently, a pressure of, for example, 6 bar = 6 * 10 5 Pa is built up in vessel 3 or system 5. For this purpose, for example, valve 80 in line 73 is opened and valve 80 in line 72 is closed. In addition, the pressure drop is measured within seven seconds to check whether system 5 is leak-tight or not. Once the pressure test is completed, the pressure is released.

[0084] The entire system is then evacuated in two steps, as illustrated in Fig. 13. In the example mentioned, valve 80 in line 72 is opened and valve 80 in line 73 is closed. Consequently, a rough vacuum is first created, followed by a fine vacuum. A vacuum generator, particularly a vacuum pump, is used for the evacuation. When the vacuum generator is switched on and tightly connected to the system, which includes components 1, 2, and 3, a pressure difference arises between the vacuum pump and the system. The longer the pump operates, the smaller the pressure difference becomes.

[0085] This is followed by a vacuum leak test, in which the pressure increase in the container 3 or system 5 (Fig. 1) is measured, as also illustrated in Fig. 13. Since there is a possibility that the quality of the vacuum may deteriorate during the vacuum leak test, a subsequent evacuation is performed before filling.

[0086] According to Fig. 14, the container 3 or system 5 to be filled (Fig. 1) is then filled. Filling takes place with a filling pressure of, for example, 6 bar = 6 * 10 5 Pa. For this purpose, in the example mentioned, the valve 80 in the line 72 is closed and the valve 80 in the line 73 is opened. Subsequently, a portion of the fluid 7, in particular a brake fluid, is sucked back into the device 1 and thus the reservoir 2 until the desired fill level (setpoint) in the container 3 or system 5 (Fig. 1) is reached, as shown in Fig. 15. For this purpose, in the example mentioned, the valve 80 in the line 73 is closed and the valve 80 in the line 72 is opened. As a result, the lines 72, 73 in Fig. 15 are completely filled. Fig. 15 shows the state that arises when switching between the two previously described processes from filling the container 3 to sucking out the excess volume from the container 3.

[0087] The valve 80 is thus suitable for filling, but additionally or alternatively for back-suction and / or ventilation and / or for creating a vacuum, as previously described

[0088] In addition, flow through the valve 80 is possible in both directions, i.e. either from the nozzle 93 to the nozzle 96 in Fig. 5 or from the nozzle 96 to the nozzle 93.

[0089] In addition, the system pressure of system 5 (Fig. 1) acts continuously on valve 80. This results in only minimal pressure losses. Overall, the requirements for a vacuum leak test and a vacuum-pressure filling process can be met in any case.

[0090] According to a second embodiment, the cartridge valve 80 does not have a spring 87. Therefore, the valve 80 can be opened not only pneumatically but also closed pneumatically. For this purpose, gas, in particular compressed air or air, can be introduced, for example, into the connecting piece 94. According to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the gas flows into the openings 82C of the valve cover 82 up to the piston 86, so that the piston 86 moves toward the valve seat 88, in particular up to the sealing element 89 on the valve seat 88.

[0091] According to a third embodiment, the sealing element 89 is fixedly arranged on the piston 86.

[0092] According to a fourth embodiment, the seal between piston 86 and valve seat 88 is not implemented by a separate sealing element 89. Instead, the sealing element 89 is part of the valve seat 88. In other words, the valve seat 88 and the sealing element 89 are formed as a single piece.

[0093] According to a fifth embodiment, the sealing element 89 is part of the piston 86. In other words, the piston 86 and the sealing element 89 are designed as a single piece. All previously described configurations of the filling device 1, the cartridge valve 80, and the method that can be performed thereby can be used individually or in any possible combination. In particular, any combination of the features of the aforementioned embodiments is possible. In addition, the following modifications are particularly conceivable.

[0094] The parts shown in the figures are schematic and may differ in their exact design from the forms shown in the figures, as long as their previously described functions are guaranteed.

[0095] The shape and dimensions of the device 1 can be selected as desired, as long as the previously described function of the at least one cartridge valve 80 is given.

[0096] The dimensions of the cartridge valve 80 can be freely selected depending on requirements and application.

[0097] The housing 90 can be divided into more than two parts as required. Furthermore, the external dimensions of the housing 90 can be freely selected.

[0098] The materials for the valve 80, more precisely its previously described valve parts 81 to 89, can be selected depending on the fluid.

[0099] The number of cartridge valves 80 in the valve block 50 of the fluid system filling device 1 can be selected depending on the application. Depending on the application, at least one of the cartridge valves 80 shown in Fig. 10 is arranged in the device 1 rotated by 180°.

Claims

Claims 1. Cartridge valve (80) for a fluid system filling device (1), wherein the cartridge valve (80) has a valve housing (81), a hollow piston (86) which is movable in the valve housing (81) along a valve axis (80A) between a first end position, in which the valve (80) is open for the flow of fluid (7), and a second end position, in which the valve (80) is closed to block the flow of fluid (7), and a valve seat (88) for holding the piston (86) in the second end position, wherein the piston (86) cooperates with the valve seat (88) in the second end position such that, upon reaching the second end position, the flow of fluid (7) through the valve (80) is blocked.

2. Cartridge valve (80) according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing element (89) which is arranged between the piston (86) and the valve seat (88) in the second end position, wherein the piston (86) in cooperation with a sealing element (89) seals the valve (80) in the second end position in order to block the flow of the fluid (7) between the piston (86) and the valve seat (88).

3. Cartridge valve (80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve housing (81) has a first housing part (82) and a second housing part (84), wherein the piston (86) is guided internally by the first housing part (82) and is guided externally by the second housing part (84).

4. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an annular gap (83A) arranged on the circumference of the valve housing (81), wherein the annular gap (83A) has at least one opening (83B) which is connected to a space (811) between the piston (86) and the valve housing (81) when the piston (86) is not arranged in the second end position.

5. Cartridge valve (80) according to claim 4, wherein openings (83B) of the at least one opening (83B) are arranged equidistantly around the annular gap (83A).

6. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising openings (84B) which end at the two ends of the valve housing (81), the openings (84B) being parallel to a piston (86) arranged piston chamber (85) and are connected to the piston chamber (85) when the valve (80) is open.

7. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve seat (88) is arranged in a through-opening (82B, 85, 84B) of the valve (80), through which fluid (7) can flow when the valve (80) is at least partially open.

8. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve seat (88) is held in the valve housing (81) by a fastening element (88A).

9. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a valve cover (82) for closing the valve housing (81), wherein the valve cover (82) has a T-shaped cross-section and at least one through opening (82B, 82C).

10. Cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a compression spring (87) is arranged in the piston (86) for setting the piston (86) from the first end position to the second end position.

11. Cartridge valve (80) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the compression spring (87) is arranged with its one end in the piston (86) and with its other end in the valve cover (82).

12. Fluid system filling device (1), with at least one cartridge valve (80) according to one of the preceding claims, a filling device (10) for connection to a reservoir (2), and a coupling device (60) for coupling the filling device (1) to a container (3) which is designed to hold a fluid (7) for a system (5) to be filled.

13. Fluid system filling device (1) according to claim, wherein the device (1) further comprises a line system (70) for conducting the fluid (7) from one end of the device (1), at which the coupling device (60) is arranged, to the other end of the device (1), at which the filling device (10) is arranged, wherein the line system (70) comprises a T-connector (75) whose base is connected to a first line (71) for connection to the container (3), and whose head is connected to a second and third line (72, 73) for connection to the reservoir (2).

14. Fluid system filling device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the device (1) further comprises a valve block (50) in which the at least one cartridge valve (80) is mounted, and a control part (30) for pneumatically controlling an opening or closing of the at least one cartridge valve (80).

15. Method for filling a fluid system (5) in vacuum-pressure filling, comprising the steps Moving a hollow piston (86) which is movable in a valve housing (81) of a cartridge valve (80) in a valve axis (80A) between a first end position in which the valve (80) is open for the flow of fluid (7) and a second end position in which the valve (80) is closed to block the flow of fluid (7), and Holding, on a valve seat (88), the piston (86) in the second end position, wherein the piston (86) in the second end position interacts with the valve seat (88) in such a way that upon reaching the second end position, the flow of the fluid (7) through the valve (80) is blocked.

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