Method for initial filling of cooling circuits and vehicle

Abstract

A method for first filling of cooling circuits of a motor vehicle. During a filling sequence, the cooling circuits are connected via at least one fluid-conductive connection established therebetween, and are filled simultaneously by via the fluid-conductive connection. The fluid-conductive connection is permanently closed after the filling sequence.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for first filling of cooling circuits of a motor vehicle with at least two cooling circuits, the method comprising:
 connecting, during a filling sequence, the at least two cooling circuits via at least one fluid-conductive connection established between the at least two cooling circuits;   simultaneously filling the at least two cooling circuits via the at least one fluid-conductive connection; and   permanently closing the fluid-conductive connection after the filling sequence.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein after filling, the fluid-conductive connection is permanently closed by closure of one or more shut-off valves. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting is conducted through a connecting line; and   after filling, the connecting line remains in or is removed from the motor vehicle.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting is conducted through a connecting line; and   return lines of the at least two cooling circuits are connected together via the connecting line.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting is conducted through a connecting line; and   heat exchangers of the at least two cooling circuits are connected together via the connecting line.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting is conducted through a connecting line; and   the connecting line has a length that is less than 15 cm, and remains in the motor vehicle after the filling sequence.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connecting is conducted through a connecting line; and   the connecting line has a length that is greater than 15 cm and is removed from the motor vehicle after the filling sequence.   
     
     
         8 . A motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least two cooling circuits;   a connecting line to establish at least one fluid-conductive connection between the at least two cooling circuits; and   a closure device to permanently close the at least one fluid-conductive connection.   
     
     
         9 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the closure device comprises at least one shut-off valve arranged in the connecting line or in a region where the connecting line joins a respective one of the at least two cooling circuits. 
     
     
         10 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the closure device comprises at least one shut-off valve arranged in a region where the connecting line joins a respective one of the at least two cooling circuits. 
     
     
         11 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein:
 each cooling circuit includes a heat exchanger; and   the connecting line connects adjacent heat exchangers, or a heat exchanger to an adjacent one of the at least two cooling circuit lines.   
     
     
         12 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the at least two cooling circuits are connected together fluid-conductively in series or in parallel. 
     
     
         13 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the connecting line has a first coupling part at both ends thereof for insertion of a connecting line of a corresponding second coupling part on one of the at least two cooling circuits. 
     
     
         14 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the connecting line has a first coupling part and a second coupling part, each configured such that on removal of the first coupling part from the second coupling part, the fluid-conductive connection is permanently closed. 
     
     
         15 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the connecting line has a first coupling part and a second coupling part having a sealing element, a sealing seat, and an elastic element; and   the second coupling part is configured such that on removal of the first coupling part from the second coupling part, the sealing element is pressed against the sealing seat by the elastic element.   
     
     
         16 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the connecting line has a first coupling part having a needle, and a second coupling part having a sealing element and a sealing seat; and   the needle, on approach of the first coupling part to the second coupling part, presses the sealing element away from the sealing seat.   
     
     
         17 . The motor vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the needle has a sealing cone and/or is spring-loaded by an elastic element;   when the first coupling part and the second coupling part are connected together, the fluid-conductive connection is opened; and   when the first coupling part is withdrawn from the second coupling part, the fluid-conductive connection is closed again.   
     
     
         18 . The motor vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the connecting line has a first coupling part and a second coupling part;   the first coupling part and the second coupling part are configured such that when the first coupling part and the second coupling part are connected, a seal is created therebetween before the fluid-conductive connection is opened; and   when the first coupling part and the second coupling part are moved apart, the fluid-conductive connection is closed before the seal therebetween is broken.   
     
     
         19 . A motor vehicle, comprising:
 a plurality of cooling circuits;   a connecting line to establish a fluid-conductive connection between the cooling circuits, the connecting line having coupling parts to connect the connecting line to a corresponding one of the cooling circuits; and   a closure device at both ends of the connecting line to permanently close the fluid-conductive connection.