LOTAN, Shira (13 Mivtza Yoav Street, Modi'in, 71720, IL)
| CLAIMS 1. An environmentally friendly system for replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules, comprising: a) a pumping module for draining used fluid from a fluid-sump; b) a main conduit extending from said pumping module towards said sump; and c) a coupling module attachable to a port of said sump and to said main conduit or to an adaptor connected to said main conduit, wherein fluid is delivered through said main conduit from said sump upon operation of a pump housed in said pumping module and is collected in a container associated with said pumping module. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pumping module is also adapted to return the collected fluid to the sump. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the drained fluid is filtered or sampled. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pumping module is also adapted to deliver fresh fluid to the sump after having been drained. 5. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the coupling module comprises a bidirectional valve which is normally biased to a closed position and is forced to an opened position to enable the passage therethrough of fluid when coupled with the main conduit or with an adaptor connected to the main conduit. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the coupling module comprises a fitting formed with an internal chamber within which the valve is axially displaceable and through which the fluid is flowable. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the chamber is defined at it its distal end by an annular wall radially extending inwardly from a circumferential wall of the fitting, an inner edge of said wall defining a valve seat and surrounding an inlet to the fitting. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the valve comprises a tubular rod and a proximally oriented head element, said head element being sealingly engageable with the valve seat when the valve is biased to a closed position. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the rod is received in an annular sleeve attached to the circumferential wall. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the sleeve extends distally from an inner end of a plate extending inwardly from the circumferential wall, said plate formed with a plurality of apertures through which the fluid flows. 11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the valve seat is shaped complementarily to the head element. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the head element is conical. 13. The system according to claim 6, wherein the fitting has external threads that are engageable with internal threads of a sump drain plug. 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein a sump -occupying portion of the fitting is substantially equal to, but less than, the thickness of a sump sidewall. 15. The system according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the head element distally protrudes from the annular wall when the valve is biased to a closed position. 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the fitting is also formed with a cavity that occupies a volume distal to the annular wall, a main conduit end or an adaptor connected to said main conduit end being engageable with a portion of a cavity wall, the distally protruding portion of the head element being proximally displaced when . main said conduit end or said adaptor connected to said main conduit end is engaged to a fullest extent, whereby to open the fitting inlet. |
FLUID-SUMPS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of fluid storage apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to an environmentally friendly system for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules or fluid tanks.
Background of the Invention
Fluid sumps are essential for lubricating many mechanical systems having moving parts, in order to minimize friction between them. Normally, each mechanical system comprises a fluid sump with fluid conduits for distributing the fluid, such as oil, to all elements that are subjected to friction and for recollecting used fluid back into the sump, so as to form a closed fluid circulation cycle. In most cases, after each cycle the used fluid is passed through a filtering path to remove dirt and particles and is then recollected in the fluid sump to be reused in the next cycle. However, after a predetermined period or after massive usage (whichever comes first), the lubricating efficiency of the fluid in the sump is reduced, due to a lower limit, after which it must be replaced by fresh fluid.
Most of the fluid sumps have an upper fill plug covered by a cap for filling or refilling fresh fluid and a lower drain plug covered by a cap for draining waste fluid by gravity. In garages, waste fluid is often removed and collected in containers in order to be processed for recycling. However, in many cases, this process is done manually. First the lower cap is opened for draining the waste fluid from the sump and is then closed. Then, the upper cap is opened for refilling and is then closed to form a closed cycle. This work is cumbersome, involving significant labor costs and sometimes causing mechanical damage. In addition, when a vehicle such as a tractor is in-field and far away from a garage, there may not be any possibility or motivation for recycling. The waste fluid is often spilled on the ground, permeating the soil and causing environmental contamination.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an efficient and cost- effective system for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an environmentally friendly system for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules, which is compact and can be used in-field.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
Summary of the Invention
While mechanical modules are in use, particularly in remote locations where access to tools and containment vessels is limited or nonexistent, prior art sump draining and refilling operations are subject to fluid spillage, resulting in environmental damage if the sump fluid permeates the underlying soil and in a health risk as some used sump fluid is carcinogenic.
The present invention is directed to an environmentally friendly system for replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules, comprising:
a) a pumping module for draining used fluid from a fluid-sump;
b) a main conduit extending from said pumping module towards said sump; and c) a coupling module attachable to a port of said sump and to said main conduit or to an adaptor connected to said main conduit,
wherein fluid is delivered through said main conduit from said sump upon operation of a pump housed in said pumping module and is collected in a container associated with said pumping module.
Since used fluid is reliably collected in a container, human contact with, and environmental damage as a result of, the used sump fluid are avoided.
As referred to herein, a "sump" is a reservoir containing fluid for lubricating moving parts of mechanical modules, including a gearbox, transmission and differential. The sump fluid flows in a closed cycle, progressively absorbing an increased amount of contaminants. The lubricating capability of the sump fluid decreases if it not periodically replaced.
The pumping module is operable in two modes: in a filtering mode during which fluid drained from the sump via the main conduit flows through a filtering system inlet conduit, and in a fluid exchange mode during which fluid drained from the sump via the main conduit flows through a fluid exchange conduit or fresh fluid is delivered through said fluid exchange conduit to the main conduit.
In one aspect, an adaptor connected to the main conduit protrudes outwardly from a pump module housing is also in fluid communication with the fluid exchange conduit and with the filtering system inlet conduit, direction of sump fluid flow being controllable by means of a selector valve.
In the filtering mode, a recycling conduit is connected between an exit port of the housing and a fill plug of the sump, filtered fluid flowing in a closed cycle from the sump through the main conduit, adaptor, and filtering system inlet conduit to the filtering system. The filtered fluid is drawn to a pump via a filtering system outlet conduit and is then delivered from said pump via a pump discharge conduit to said exit port, recycling conduit and the sump.
In one aspect, the filtered fluid is sampled by means of a sampling module. A sampling module inlet conduit extend from the filtering system outlet conduit, and a valve in fluid communication with both said sampling module inlet conduit and said filtering system outlet conduit is periodically opened to direct some of the filtered fluid to said sampling module by means of a secondary pump.
In one aspect, a controller receives signals from the sampling module and commands to deactivate the pump when the purity level of the filtered fluid is greater than a predetermined level.
In the fluid exchange mode, the sump fluid is drained by means of the pump via a sump drain plug, the main conduit, the fluid exchange conduit, and a drain conduit to a drain container. After the sump fluid has been sufficiently drained, the pumping direction of the pump is changed, allowing fresh fluid contained in a fill container to refill the sump via a refill conduit, the fluid exchange conduit, and the main conduit.
In one aspect, the amount of fresh fluid delivered to the sump is measured by means of a meter operatively connected to the refill conduit.
In one aspect, the coupling module comprises a bidirectional valve which is normally biased to a closed position and is forced to an opened position to enable the passage therethrough of fluid when coupled with the main conduit or with an adaptor connected to the main conduit, and a fitting formed with an internal chamber within which the valve is axially displaceable and through which the fluid is flowable. The fitting may remain engaged with a sump drain plug. In one aspect, the chamber is defined at it its distal end by an annular wall radially extending inwardly from a circumferential wall of the fitting, an inner edge of said wall defining a valve seat and surrounding an inlet to the fitting.
In one aspect, the valve comprises a tubular rod and a proximally oriented head element, said head element being sealingly engageable with the valve seat when the valve is biased to a closed position.
In one aspect, the rod is received in an annular sleeve attached to the circumferential wall.
In one aspect, the sleeve extends distally from an inner end of a plate extending inwardly from the circumferential wall, said plate formed with a plurality of apertures through which the fluid flows.
In one aspect, the valve seat is shaped complementarily to the head element. In one aspect, the head element is conical.
In one aspect, the fitting has external threads that are engageable with internal threads of a sump drain plug.
In one aspect, a sump -occupying portion of the fitting is substantially equal to, but less than, the thickness of a sump sidewall.
In one aspect, a portion of the head element distally protrudes from the annular wall when the valve is biased to a closed position.
In one aspect, the fitting is also formed with a cavity that occupies a volume distal to the annular wall, a main conduit end or an adaptor connected to said main conduit end being engageable with a portion of a cavity wall, the distally protruding portion of the head element being proximally displaced when main said conduit end or said adaptor connected to said main conduit end is engaged to a fullest extent, whereby to open the fitting inlet.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an environmentally friendly system for filling and replacing sump fluid shown in a fluid exchange mode, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary pumping module;
Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a conduit arrangement used in the filtering mode;
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a conduit arrangement used in the fluid exchange mode;
Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a pump whose pumping direction and conduit alignment are adjustable;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view from the side of a coupling module;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the side of a fitting of the coupling module of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view from the side of the fitting of Fig. 7 in comparison with a prior art cap for covering a drain plug;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view from the side of an adaptor for engaging the fitting of Fig. 7, showing a proximal end thereof;
Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fitting of Fig. 7; and Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of a sump, showing the fitting of Fig. 7 in engagement with a drain plug thereof.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
The present invention discloses an environmentally friendly system for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules or fluid tanks that overcomes the problems of prior art sump fluid draining methods. The system allows efficient handling of oil or other fluids (such as fuel, water, cooling agents, acids, and detergents) required for the operation of mechanical modules, such as automotive and hydraulic systems. The proposed system is capable of quickly both draining and refilling the fluid in sumps, without spillage and contamination. In addition, the proposed system can also filter and separate contaminating agents. In addition, the proposed system can recycle the used fluid and refill it for additional use. In addition, the system can sample the quality of the recycled fluid before injecting it into the sump.
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an environmentally friendly system 10 for filling and replacing fluid in fluid-sumps of mechanical modules, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The system 10, which is shown in a fluid exchange mode, comprises a pumping module 100 and a coupling module 200. A main conduit 240 through which sump fluid is flowable extends from pumping module 100 to coupling module 200, the latter comprising a fitting that is engaged with the threads of the sump drain plug 320 of the disproportionally illustrated mechanical module 300, for example the front axle of a wheel loader.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary configuration of pumping module 100. The pumping module 100 includes a pump 135 (Fig. 4) retained in housing 132, e.g. a vacuum pump, for pumping out the used fluid from the sump and for delivering fresh or recycled fluid thereto, when its pumping direction is changed as well known to those skilled in the art. The pump may be an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical or even a manual unit, depending of the type of energy that is available by the user. Pumping module 100 may also include a controller 101 for controlling the operation of the pump, conduits 103, 107, 109, 114 and 115 through which the sump fluid is selectively flowable, and a handle 113 and optionally wheels for allowing convenient transportation and mobility, for use as a portable module.
An adaptor 130, to which main conduit 240 (Fig. 1) is connectable, protrudes outwardly from housing 132 and is also in fluid communication with a fluid exchange conduit 103 and with conduit 115 extending to filtering system 105. A selector valve 121, e.g. a two-way valve, accessible from the casing of adaptor 130, or alternatively which is electrically actuatable following suitable manipulation of controller 101, directs the flow of the sump fluid through conduit 103 or through conduit 115.
Pumping module 100 is operable in two modes: in a filtering mode during which fluid drained from the sump flows through conduit 115 to filtering system 105, and in a fluid exchange mode during which fluid drained from the sump flows through conduit 103 or fresh fluid is delivered through fluid exchange conduit 103.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a conduit arrangement used in the filtering mode whereby the sump fluid is filtered to separate contaminating materials from the used fluid. In the filtering mode, a conduit 116 having a threaded end is connected between port 129 of housing 132 and the fill plug 310 of sump 300. The filtered fluid is therefore able to flow in a closed cycle, as indicated by the arrows, from sump 300 through main conduit 240, adaptor 130, and conduit 115 to filtering system 105. The filtered fluid is drawn to pump 135 via conduit 151 and is then delivered therefrom via conduit 152 to port 129, conduit 116 and sump 300. Periodically valve 133 in communication with both conduit 114 extending from conduit 151 to sampling module 104 and with conduit 151 is opened to direct some of the filtered fluid to the sampling module by means of a small secondary pump 154. Sampling module 104 is adapted to detect the purity level of the filtered fluid. Main pump 135 may be deactivated to terminate the filtering mode when the purity level of the filtered fluid is sufficiently high. Controller 101 may receive signals from sampling module 104 and may command to automatically deactivate main pump 135 when the purity level of the filtered fluid is greater than a predetermined level. Upon termination of the filtering mode, conduit 116 is detached from fill plug 310 and the latter is then covered by the upper cap.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a conduit arrangement used in the fluid exchange mode. If it is determined that the used fluid cannot be recycled, the sump fluid is drained via drain plug 320, main conduit 240, fluid exchange conduit 103, and drain conduit 107 to container 106. After the sump fluid has been sufficiently drained from sump 300, the pumping direction of pump 135 is changed to allow fresh fluid contained in container 108 to refill the sump. When pump 135 is activated in the adjusted pumping direction, the fresh fluid flows through conduit 109 extending to pump 135, and then via conduits 103 and 240 to the sump. A meter 110, which may be operatively connected to conduit 109, may be used for measuring the amount of fluid that is delivered to the sump.
As schematically illustrated in Fig. 5, the five conduits 103, 107, 109, 151, and 152 are all in fluid communication with the single pump 135 and valves 161-165 are operatively connected therewith. Pump 135 has three internal channels for the flow of sump fluid: channel 171 extending between conduits 151 and 152, channel 172 represented by dashed lines extending between conduits 103 and 107, and channel 173 represented by a dotted line extending between conduits 103 and 109. During the filtering mode, pump 135 is manipulated so as to be operated in pumping direction A and so that its suction line is aligned with conduit 151 and its discharge line is aligned with conduit 152. Also, valves 164 and 165 are opened while valves 161-163 are closed. When sump fluid is drained, valves 161 and 162 are opened and valves 163-165 are closed, and pump 135 operating in pumping direction A is set in communication with conduits 103 and 107. When fresh fluid is delivered to the sump, the pumping direction is adjusted to direction B, while pump 135 is set in communication with conduits 103 and 109, valves 161 and 163 being opened and valves 162, 164 and 165 being closed.
It will be appreciated that an additional pump for operation in pumping direction B and in fluid communication with conduit 109 may be employed for use when fresh fluid is delivered to the sump, to increase simplicity of the main pump.
Fig. 6 illustrates the structure of coupling module 200 in greater detail. The coupling module 200 comprises a substitute fitting 201 for engagement with the existing drain plug of the sump, and an adaptor 211 that is engageable with a quick spring connector 213 associated with end 212 of main conduit 240, for enabling a speedy connection to main conduit 240. When all components are attached together, the coupling module 200 is forced to be in its open state, which is required for replacing the used fluid, as will be described hereinafter. When the quick spring connector 213 is removed from fitting 201, the coupling module 200 is reset to its closed state.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 11, fitting 201 has external threads 203 that are of the same outer diameter D as the threads of the original drain plug cap 202 shown in Fig. 8 to facilitate engagement with the internal threads of the sump drain plug 320. Fitting 201 is also configured with a round flange 204, which is proximate to, and spaced from, threads 203, and used as a stopper while screwing the fitting 201 into the sidewall 360 of the sump, and a nut-like embossment 205 for gripping the fitting by a wrench. The total length L of the sump -occupying portion of fitting 201 which is proximate to, i.e. in a direction towards the sump, flange 204 is substantially equal to, but less than, the thickness T of the sump sidewall 360, so as to avoid contact with moving parts within the sump, yet which is sufficiently long to provide a superior gripping force with the drain plug to withstand the high forces applied to the fitting during the flow of fluid therethrough. Fitting 201 may advantageously remain in engagement with drain plug 320 even when the pumping module is not in use, thereby saving the time of having to remove a cap from the drain plug, as has been practiced in the prior art.
The distal end of fitting 201 is configured with a threaded hollow cavity 206 (Fig. 10) to permit engagement with adaptor 211 when the sump is intended to be drained or refilled. A cover 217 may be provided for protecting fitting 201 after a fluid draining or refilling operation and for preventing dirt from infiltrating into the distal end of the fitting, Cover 217 may be chained to fitting 201, for preventing loss in the field, or alternatively, may be threadedly engaged with the interior wall of cavity 206.
A cross sectional view of fitting 201 is illustrated in Fig. 10. As shown, fitting 201 has a circumferential wall 230 provided with a threaded portion 203, a flange portion 204, a nut portion 205, and a distal terminal portion 214. An O- ring 238 is positioned about circumferential wall 230 for sealing engagement with the sump sidewall. Circumferential wall 230 is formed with an internal chamber 220 within which a bidirectional valve element 222 is axially displaceable and through which sump fluid F is flowable, the direction of flow depending upon the pumping direction of the main pump. Chamber 220 is defined at its proximal end by plate 234 radially extending inwardly from circumferential wall 230 at threaded portion 203 and by an annular sleeve 236 extending distally from the inner end of plate 234, and at its distal end by wall 224 radially extending inwardly from circumferential wall 230 at terminal portion 214 to define valve seat 216. Cavity 206 occupies the volume distal to radial wall 224 and inwardly to terminal portion 214. The inner face of terminal portion 214 is formed with threads 229 for engagement with adaptor 211, or alternatively, with cover 217. Cover 217 is adapted to be removably positioned on the outer surface of terminal portion 214. A plurality of apertures 239 are formed in plate 234 to enable flow of fluid F between chamber 220 and the sump. Valve element 222 comprises a tubular rod 208 and a conical head 209, or alternatively a spherical head. Rod 208 is received in the through bore 237 formed within sleeve 236, and the provision of head 209 prevents rod 208 from being dislodged from bore 237. Spring 207 surrounds rod 208. Head 209 is adapted to abut, when the valve element is normally biased to a closed position by spring 207, the annular valve seat 216, which is shaped complementarily to head 209, e.g. provided with sloping walls, and surrounds fitting inlet 210 being in fluid communication with cavity 206. That is, the maximum lateral dimension of inlet 210, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rod 208, is less than the maximum lateral dimension of valve head 209. As a result, conical head 209 is able to seal inlet 210 when valve element 222 is distally displaced to a fullest extent such that a peripheral portion of head 209 abuts seat 216 while the distal tip of head 209 protrudes radial wall 224. The opening of protrusion 236 may be aligned with inlet 210.
Upon insertion of adaptor 211 into cavity 206 and engagement with threads 229, head 209 is contacted and is forced to be proximally displaced. The periphery of head 209 therefore becomes separated from valve seat 216. Since valve element 222 is set to an opened state, fluid F is able to flow from cavity 206 to chamber 220 and to the sump via apertures 239, or alternatively, from the sump to chamber 220 and cavity 206, depending on the pumping direction.
It will be appreciated that fitting 201 may be configured without a plate 234, and sleeve 236 may be connected to circumferential wall 230 by means of a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced elements.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the structure of adaptor 211, which is hollow to enable passage of the sump fluid therethrough. Adaptor 211 has a central circular member 241, which is the portion of the adaptor that has the largest radial dimension to facilitate abutment with the distal edge of the fitting and is surrounded by a gripping surface 243. Proximal to central member 241 is threaded portion 246 for threaded engagement with the threads 229 formed in the inner face of cavity 206 (Fig. 10). Protruding proximally from threaded portion 246 is actuating portion 248. The proximal edge of actuating portion 248 has a planar face 251 formed with one or more openings 253 through which sump fluid is flowable. The openings 253 are formed radially outwardly from central portion 256 of face 251 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of adaptor 211, so that central portion 256, when adaptor 211 is threadedly engaged to a fullest extent with the inner face of cavity 206, will apply a proximally directed force onto the portion of valve head 209 that protrudes distally from radial wall 224 to open inlet 210.
Proximally to central member 241 is a mating portion 261 formed with two diametrically opposite concave recesses 263, to a contact surface 264 bordering a terminal portion 269 of each of which is engageable a jaw of spring connector 213 (Fig. 6). These jaws are expandable to engage a contact surface 264 by axially displacing or sliding a ring element 215, such as by the fingers of the user, in order to compensate for a weak grip caused by oily fingers. If so desired, planar face 251 formed with one or more openings 253 may be provided with end 212 of main conduit 240 without need of a separate adaptor.
The system of the present invention facilitates speedy sump draining and refilling operations by use of the same drain plug and of the pumping and coupling modules. Draining, recycling and refilling operations may be carried out automatically, without risk of sump fluid spillage. Usage of sump fluid is optimized as a predetermined and controlled amount of fresh fluid may be delivered to the sump in a refilling operation.
While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.
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