Method for servicing air-conditioning systems, and container for carrying it out

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for filling a fluid ( 2 ) into the cooling circuit ( 1 ) of air-conditioning systems, in particular into those of motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, in which method the fluid ( 2 ) which is to be filled in is stored at approximately atmospheric pressure in a container ( 3 ), in which method a filling line ( 11 ) is connected to the cooling circuit ( 1 ), which filling line ( 11 ) can be connected by means of an initially closed valve ( 10 ) to a riser line ( 7 ) which dips into the fluid ( 2 ) which is to be filled in, in which method the filling line ( 11 ) is then evacuated, and in which method the valve ( 10 ) is subsequently opened such that the fluid ( 2 ) which is stored under approximately atmospheric pressure rises through the riser line ( 7 ) into the evacuated filling line ( 11 ). The invention is based on the problem of preventing the undesired infiltration of moisture into the cooling circuit ( 1 ). In order to solve the problem, the fluid ( 2 ) which is stored in the container ( 3 ) is closed off in an air-tight fashion by means of a cover ( 4 ) which is in contact with the fluid ( 2 ). The air-tight closure prevents moisture from the atmosphere from infiltrating into the cooling circuit ( 1 ) via the hygroscopic fluid ( 2 ).

1 . Method for filling a fluid ( 2 ) into the cooling circuit ( 1 ) of an air-conditioning system, particularly into that of a motor vehicle air-conditioning system,
 a) in which the fluid ( 2 ) to be filled in is stored in a container ( 3 ) at approximately atmospheric pressure, whereby the fluid ( 2 ) stored in the container ( 3 ) is closed off, in air-tight manner, using a lid ( 4 ) that stands in contact with the fluid ( 2 ),   b) in which a filling line ( 11 ) is connected with the cooling circuit ( 1 ), which line can be connected with a riser line ( 7 ) that is immersed in the fluid ( 2 ) to be filled in, by way of a valve ( 10 ) that is closed, at first,   c) in which the filling line ( 11 ) is then evacuated,   d) and in which subsequently, the valve ( 10 ) is opened, so that the fluid ( 2 ), which is stored at approximately atmospheric pressure, rises into the evacuated filling line ( 11 ) through the riser line ( 7 ).   
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid ( 4 ) floats on the fluid ( 2 ) and is sealed, with regard to the wall of the container ( 3 ), by means of a circumferential seal ( 5 ). 
     
     
         3 . Method according to  claim 2 , wherein the lid ( 4 ) is provided with an opening ( 6 ) through which the riser line ( 7 ) extends. 
     
     
         4 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid ( 2 ) is refrigerator oil, UV leak-seeking additive, or a mixture of the two. 
     
     
         5 . Use of a container ( 3 ) when filling a fluid ( 2 ) into the cooling circuit ( 1 ) of an air-conditioning system, particularly a motor vehicle air-conditioning system, whereby the fluid ( 2 ) to be filled in is stored in the container ( 3 ) at approximately atmospheric pressure, and whereby the container ( 3 ) is closed off, in air-tight manner, by a lid ( 4 ) that stands in contact with the fluid ( 2 ), whereby the lid ( 4 ) is sealed, with regard to the wall of the container ( 3 ), by means of a circumferential seal ( 5 ), wherein a riser line ( 7 ) for removing the fluid ( 2 ) out of the container ( 3 ) is immersed in the fluid ( 2 ), and that the lid ( 4 ) floats on the fluid ( 2 ). 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . Use of a container according to  claim 5 , wherein the lid ( 4 ) is provided with an opening ( 6 ) through which the riser line ( 7 ) extends. 
     
     
         8 . Use of a container according to  claim 5 , wherein the fluid ( 2 ) is refrigerator oil, UV leak-seeking additive, or a mixture of the two.