This application claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 1516860.2, filed September 23, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This invention relates to a method for use with a fluid container, particularly a fluid container for supplying fluid to a fluid circulation system of a vehicle engine or a vehicle.

Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their operation. Such fluids are often liquids. For example, internal combustion engines use liquid lubricating oil compositions. Also, electric engines use fluids which can provide heat exchange functionality, for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine or to cool and heat the engine during different operating conditions. The heat exchange functionality of the fluids may be provided in addition to other functions (such as a primary function) which may include for example charge conduction and/or electrical connectivity. Such fluids may be generally held in containers associated with the engine.

The containers may be filled and may be recycled and/or refilled.

Aspects of the present disclosure are recited in the independent claims. Optional features are recited in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 A shows a schematic block diagram of a first example of a method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine;

Figure IB shows a schematic block diagram of a second example of a method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine;

Figure 2 shows a diagram of example stages of a lifecycle of a replaceable container, the example stages comprising a filling and/or draining stage;

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of the filling and/or draining stage of Figure i;

Figure 4A shows a schematic illustration of an example filling and/or draining system for carrying out the filling and/or draining stage of Figure 3, with one example container;

Figure 4B shows a schematic illustration of an example filling and/or draining system for carrying out the filling and/or draining stage of Figure 3, with a plurality of example containers;

Figure 5A shows a schematic illustration of a first example of a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing between a replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining system, shown coupled to a replaceable container comprising three ports;

Figure 5B shows a schematic illustration of a second example of a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing between a replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining system, shown coupled to a replaceable fluid container comprising three ports;

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a third example of a filling and/or draining interface plate for interfacing between a replaceable fluid container and a filling and/or draining system, shown coupled to a replaceable fluid container comprising four ports;

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a replaceable fluid container docked with a dock; and

Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of an engine fluid circulation system for the vehicle or engine.

In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements.

Embodiments disclosed with reference to the Figures, for example with reference to Figures 1A, IB and 7, provide a method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container 14 (as shown for example in Figure 7) for a vehicle 6 (as shown in Figure 7) or an engine 4 (as shown for example in Figure 7).

As described in greater detail below, the replaceable fluid container 14 may comprise a fluid reservoir 9 and at least one port.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the container 14 has three ports, i.e. :

a fluid outlet port 91 (sometimes referred to as a "supply port"),

a fluid inlet port 92 (sometimes referred to as a "return port"), and

a vent port 93 (sometimes referred to as a "breather port").

In the example of Figure 7, the container 14 is configured to couple with a cooperating dock 140 associated with the vehicle 6 or the engine 4, to place the reservoir 9 in fluidic communication with a fluid circulation system 8 associated with the vehicle 6 or engine 4 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140.

In some examples, the reservoir 9 may be a specific chamber or the fluid may simply be held in the container.

In the present disclosure, and as explained in further detail below, "replaceable" means that:

the container can be supplied to the vehicle 6 or the engine 4, full with fresh and/or unused fluid, and/or

the container can be inserted in and/or seated in and/or docked with the dock 140, in a non-destructive manner, and/or

the container can be coupled to the fluid circulation system 8, in a non-destructive manner, and/or

the container can be removed from the dock, in a non-destructive manner, i.e. in a manner which enables its re-insertion in the dock 140 should that be desired, and/or

the same (for example after having been refilled) or another (for example full and/or new) container can be re-inserted in and/or re-seated in and/or re-docked with the dock 140, in a non-destructive manner.

It is understood that the term "replaceable" means that the container may be "removed" and/or "replaced" by another new container and/or the same container after having been refilled (in other words the replaceable container may be "refillable") which may be re-inserted in the dock or re-coupled to the fluid circulation system.

In the present disclosure, "in a non-destructive manner" means that integrity of the container is not altered, except maybe for breakage and/or destruction of seals (such as seals on fluid ports) or of other disposable elements of the container.

In the example of Figure 7, the fluid outlet port 91 is configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 and to provide fluid from the fluid reservoir 9 of the fluid container 14. In the example of Figure 7, the fluid is provided via a supply line 10.

In the example of Figure 7, the fluid inlet port 92 is configured to couple with the fluid circulation system 8 to receive fluid that has circulated, e.g. in the engine 4, into the fluid reservoir 9. In the example of Figure 7, the fluid is returned via a fluid return line 12.

The ports 91 , 92 of the fluid container 14 may comprise self-sealing couplings or any other suitable form of couplings. The dock 140 and container 14 together may provide a releasable fastening mechanism, for example a locking mechanism, to hold the container 14 docked with or to the dock 140.

In the example shown in Figure 7, in addition to the outlet port 91 and the inlet port 92, the container 14 may have the vent port 93 configured to couple with a vent 23 of the fluid circulation system 8 or the vehicle 6 to enable pressure relief as fluid is drawn into and out from the reservoir 9. In some examples, the vent port 93 may be configured to couple with a vent tube located in the reservoir 9 and extending inwards the reservoir 9, to enable pressure relief as fluid is drawn into and out from the reservoir 9. In some examples, the vent tube may comprise a breather end, located in the reservoir 9 above a level corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid in the reservoir (such as a nominal volume of fluid in the container), to enable pressure relief as fluid is drawn into and out from the reservoir 9.

As illustrated in Figure 7 the fluid container 2 may comprise a filter 90.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the fluid container 14 may have a connection sensor 30 for sensing when the fluid container 14 is docked and is in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system 8. The fluid container 14 may have a fluid sensor 22 (also shown in Figure 4A) to sense at least one characteristic of the fluid in the container.

With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, as illustrated in Figure 1A, which comprises:

coupling, at 10, at least one of the ports (e.g. the port 91 , the port 92 or the port 93) of the replaceable fluid container 14 to a cooperating filling and/or draining element 600 (as shown in Figure 3) of a filling and/or draining system 700 of a replaceable fluid container management facility 701 to place the container 14 or the reservoir 9 in fluidic communication with the filling and/or draining system 700; and

filling and/or draining, at 11 , the fluid reservoir through the port.

The container may have a plurality of ports 91 , 92 and 93. Each of the plurality of container ports has an operational function. The operational function of each respective container port is a function served by the respective port during operation of the replaceable fluid container in the engine or vehicle. The operational function of a container port may be described herein as the port's "first function". At least one of the plurality of ports has a first function of supplying fluid from or of allowing supply of fluid to the reservoir 14 (e.g. the fluid outlet port 91 or the fluid inlet port 92, respectively).

With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, as illustrated in Figure IB, which comprises:

modifying, at 10a, an operational, or first, function of the at least one (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92 or the fluid outlet port 91) of the plurality of ports 91 , 92 and 93, so that the modified port has a second function (different than the first function of supplying fluid from or of allowing supply of fluid to the reservoir 9 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140), to assist filling and/or draining of the reservoir; and

optionally filling and/or draining, at 11 , the fluid reservoir through the port (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92).

In some examples, modifying the operational function of at least one of the plurality of ports may comprise modifying the operational function of at least one of the fluid inlet port or the fluid outlet port. In some examples, modifying the operational function of at least one of the plurality of ports may comprise blocking the fluid inlet port. In some examples, the method may comprise opening the fluid inlet port and maintaining it open during filling and/or draining of the fluid container.

An example of a filling and/or draining of the fluid container 14 will now be described with aid of Figures 2 and 3.

The container 14 may be fillable and/or may be recyclable and/or refillable.

As illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 2, a lifecycle of the fluid container 14 may for example comprise at least one or more of:

a filling and/or draining stage 101 in which the replaceable container is filled with the fluid or drained of used fluid in the replaceable fluid container management facility 701 (illustrated e.g. in Figures 4A and 4B); and

an operational stage 102 in which the replaceable container is in use in the vehicle 6.

It should be understood that a drained replaceable fluid container can be refilled. The lifecycle of the container may thus comprise a collection and/or supply stage 103 in which the used containers are collected to be drained, for example at a point of collection such as a garage or shop or a dedicated collection point, and in which refilled (also referred to as the "recycled") containers are supplied, for example to a point of sale such as a garage or shop or perhaps even back to the same vehicle user or owner, for use in a vehicle or engine.

As shown in Figure 3, the filling and/or draining stage 101 provides a number of processes through which a particular container may pass, which may, in some non-limiting

examples, depend upon data associated with at least one of the container, its contents and the vehicle or the engine.

As shown these processes may include:

a fluid filling process 1011 and

a fluid draining process 1012.

It should be understood that, in some examples, the fluid filling process 1011 may be performed, at least partly, in a first management facility 701 and the fluid draining process 1012 may be performed, at least partly, in a second management facility 701.

In some examples, the first management facility 701 may be different from the second management facility 701, or may form, at least partly or completely, part of the second management facility 701. Similarly, the second management facility 701 may form, at least partly or completely, part of the first management facility 701.

In some examples, the fluid filling process 1011 and the fluid draining process 1012 may be performed by a same system 700 or performed respectively by different systems

700.

Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, a filling and/or draining system 700 may be configured to perform at least some of the steps of the method shown in Figures 1 A and IB. In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the system 700 comprises at least one filling and/or draining element 600. In some examples described in greater detail below, the system 700 may comprise a plurality of elements 600. In some examples, the plurality of elements may be configured to provide a different element 600 to each port of the container.

In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the system 700 is located in the management facility 701.

In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the container 14 is configured to be associated with the element 600. In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the element 600 is configured to place, as explained in greater detail below, the fluid reservoir 9 in fluidic communication with components of the filling and/or draining system 700. In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the coupling of the element 600 and the container 14 is such that, when the fluid reservoir 9 is in fluidic communication with the filling and/or draining system 700, the replaceable fluid container 14 is in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 as described with reference to Figure 7. In the example of

Figures 4A and 4B, the replaceable fluid container 14 is oriented such that the bottom of the container 14 (comprising the ports 91, 92 and 93) is docked with the dock 140. In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the port 91 or 92 or 93 is located on the replaceable fluid container 14, such that the fluid reservoir 9 is positioned above the port 91 or 92 or 93 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is coupled with the filling and/or draining element 600 (or e.g. docked with the dock 140 as shown in Figure 7).

It should be understood that the filling and/or draining system 700 (comprising the element 600) may be configured to fill and/or drain the fluid reservoir 9 through the port 91 or 92 when the container 14 is coupled with the filling and/or draining element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 (as described with reference to Figure 7). In some examples, when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 (as described with reference to Figure 7), the element 600 may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit contamination (e.g. flooding) of the vent port 93 with fluid. In some examples, when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140, the element 600 may be configured to block the vent port 93. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140 (as described with reference to Figure 7), the vent tube coupled with the vent port 93 is not contaminated (e.g. flooded) when fluid is filled into and/or drained out of the reservoir 9, because the bottom of the container 14 comprising the ports 91 and 92 is positioned below the fluid reservoir 9. In some examples, such an orientation enables the breather end of the vent tube coupled with the vent port 93 to be located above the bottom of the container 14 (comprising the ports 91 and 92), and enables the breather end of the vent tube not to be contaminated (e.g. flooded) when fluid is filled into and/or drained out of the reservoir 9. In such examples, the filling and/or draining of the container 14 may be performed from underneath the reservoir 9. In some examples, when the container 14 is coupled with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140, the element 600 may be configured to enable (e.g. by blocking the vent port 93) the vent port 93 and/or the vent tube (when a vent tube is coupled with the vent port 93) to form an air-lock to prevent or at least inhibit contamination (e.g. flooding) of the vent port 93 and/or the vent tube (when a vent tube is coupled with the vent port 93) with fluid.

In the example of Figure 4A, the replaceable fluid container may optionally comprise an aperture 94 (for example a closeable aperture, e.g. comprising a removeable screw cap) spaced from the port 91 or 92 or 93, and through which the removable fluid container may be filled and/or drained.

In the example of Figure 4A, the replaceable fluid container 14 has a plurality of walls. The walls include:

a first wall 141 which is uppermost when the replaceable fluid container is coupled with the element 600 (or docked with the dock 140),

a second wall 142 which is lowermost when the replaceable fluid container 14 is coupled with the element 600 (or docked with the dock 140), and

a sidewall or sidewalls 143.

In the example of Figure 4 A, the aperture 94 extends through the sidewall 143 of the replaceable fluid container 14. Additionally or alternatively, the container may comprise an aperture (not shown in the Figures) through the first wall 141 of the replaceable fluid container 14.

In some examples, the element 600 may simply be the coupling to the fluid reservoir 9. To that effect, the element may comprise at least one port 604 configured to cooperate with at least one port of the container 14.

In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the element 600 comprises a port actuator 605 to:

disable (e.g. close or maintain closed) a fluid port (and/or any corresponding valves as explained below) of the container 14 for inhibiting outflow of fluid from the container 14, and

activate (e.g. open or maintain open) a fluid port (and/or any corresponding valves as explained below) of the container 14 for enabling the fluid to flow through the port into the container 14.

The port actuator 605 may comprise a mechanical component, such as a component configured to cooperate with the ports 91, 92 or 93 of the container 14. For example where the ports 91 , 92 or 93 comprise a female component, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the port actuator 605 comprises a male component (such as a nozzle). In some examples, the male component may be configured to activate the fluid ports 91, 92 or 93 of the container 14.

Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may have an electromagnetic actuator, for example actuated by a solenoid. Additionally or alternatively, the port actuator 605 may have a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator which is configured to actuate the port of the fluid container by a pressurized fluid (such as oil and/or a gas (such as vapour and/or air)) provided through a pipework 608, as illustrated in Figure 4A.

It should be understood that the port 604 of the element 600 may comprise self-sealing couplings or any other suitable form of couplings or valves. In some examples, the port actuator 605 may comprise a self-sealing coupling which may comprise a self-sealing valve which is biased to a closed position, when the container 14 and the element 600 are disconnected. In some non-limiting examples, the valve may comprise an axially moveable element and a valve face which may, when in the closed position, rest against a valve seat of the port actuator 605, in order to seal the element 600 to prevent or at least inhibit fluid flow through the closed valve. When the valve is in the open position, the valve face does not rest against the valve seat, and thus allows fluid to flow through the open valve. It should be understood that other types of self-sealing coupling may be envisaged. It should be understood that the port 604 of the element 600 (or the couplings of the element 600) does not necessarily comprise self-sealing couplings or valves.

In some examples, the element 600 may comprise a coupling plate or mount. In some examples, the element 600 may comprise a dedicated reception station 640 designed to receive at least a portion of the fluid container. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the reception station 640 may be similar to the dock 140 associated with the engine 4 or provided in the vehicle 6 shown in Figure 7.

In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the system 700 comprises:

a fluid unit 606;

a vent unit 607, and

the pipework 608, configured to fluidically connect the element 600 to the fluid unit 606 and the vent unit 607, respectively.

In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the fluid unit 606 comprises a fluid tank 6061 and a reversible pump 6062. In some examples, the pump 6062 may be configured to:

provide, during the filling process 101 1, fluid from the tank 6061 to the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element 600; and

drain, during the draining process 1012, fluid to the tank 6061 from the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element 600.

It should be understood that in examples where the system 700 performs only one of the filling process or the draining process, the pump 6062 need not necessarily be reversible.

In some non-limiting examples, the power of the pump 6062 may be suitable to pump the fluid at a rate of about 1 L/second (other rates are envisaged, for example higher rates). In examples where the fluid container 14 has a reservoir of about 4-5L, the system 700 may be configured to fill or drain the container 14 in about 4 or 5 seconds.

In some examples, the pump 6062 may be configured to:

fill and/or drain a portion (e.g. a major portion, e.g., 90%, but other portions are envisaged) of the volume of the fluid reservoir 9 at a first rate (for example at a rate of about 1 L/second, but other rates are envisaged), and

subsequently fill and/or drain at least some of the remaining volume (e.g., a minor portion, e.g., 10%, but other portions are envisaged) of the fluid reservoir at a second rate (for example at a rate of about 0.5 L/second, but other rates are envisaged).

As described above, in some examples the second rate is slower than the first rate, but the second rate could be higher than the first rate.

In some examples the system 700 may be configured to:

end the filling and/or draining process; and/or

switch from the first rate to the second rate

after a predetermined time period (such as a few seconds, depending on the power of the pump 6062).

In the example of Figure 4A, the filling and/or draining system 700 comprises a controller 601. In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the controller 601 is connected to the fluid unit 606. The controller 601 shown in Figure 4 A is connected to the pump 6062.

In some examples, the controller 601 may be configured to:

determine a time lapsed during the filling process 101 1 and/or the draining process 1012, and to

end the filling process 1011 and/or the draining process 1012 when the lapsed time reaches the predetermined time period.

Additionally or alternatively, as non-limiting examples, the system 700 may be configured to:

sense an amount of fluid in the fluid container 14; and/or

measure an amount of fluid and/or gas (such as air or vapour) going into and/or coming out of the container 14; and/or

measure a pressure across the filter.

In the example of Figure 4A, the system 700 may comprise a weight sensor 24 configured sense, e.g. in real time, the weight of the container 14. It should be understood that the sensed amount of fluid could be sensed by another sensor of the system 700, such as a flow sensor.

In the example illustrated by Figure 4 A, the controller 601 is connected to the weight sensor 24 and may be configured to select or modify at least one of the rate and the time period of filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount. The controller 601 shown in Figure 4 A may be configured to stop the filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount.

In the example illustrated by Figure 4A, the vent unit 607 comprises a vent 6072 (and optionally a reversible pump 6071). In some examples, the pump 6071 may be configured to:

provide, during the draining process 1012, gas from the vent 6072 to the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element 600; and

extract, during the filling process 101 1, gas to the vent 6072 from the container 14 via the pipework 608 of the element 600.

The controller 601 shown in Figure 4A is connected to the unit 607. The controller 601 shown in Figure 4 A is connected to the pump 6071.

It should be understood that in examples where the system 700 performs only one of the filling process or the draining process, the pump 6071 need not necessarily be reversible.

In some examples, the vent 6072 may be fluidically connected to a tank or open to an ambient atmosphere, for example via a filter.

In some examples, the pump 6071 and/or 6062 may be operated independently or simultaneously (in that example the pump 6071 may assist the pump 6062 in the filling

process 101 1 and/or the draining process 1012). The pump 6071 and/or the pump 6062 shown in Figure 4A may be controlled by the controller 601.

As described in greater detail below, during the filling and/or draining stage 101, in order to fill the container 14, the system 700 activates and disables the ports in a controlled manner, e.g. by the controller 601 shown in Figure 4 A.

In the example of Figure 4A, as already stated, when the container 14 is coupled, at 10 of Figure 1A, with the element 600 in the same orientation as when it is docked with the dock 140, e.g. so that the reservoir 9 is above the ports 91 , 92 and 93 (as described with reference to Figure 7), the element 600 may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit contamination (e.g. flooding) of the vent port 93 with fluid.

It should be understood that the container 14 may have a plurality of ports 91, 92 and 93, and that, in the examples of Figures 4A and 4B, in another aspect of the disclosure, an operational or first function of the at least one of the plurality of ports (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92 or the fluid outlet port 91) may be modified, at 10a of Figure IB, so that the modified port has a second function different than a first function, where the first function is:

supplying fluid from the reservoir 9 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140 (e.g. the fluid outlet port 91); or

allowing supply of fluid to the reservoir 9 when the replaceable fluid container 14 is docked with the dock 140 (e.g. the fluid inlet port 92) to assist filling and/or draining of the reservoir.

With reference to Figures IB and 4A, in some examples, modifying, at 10a of Figure IB, the function of at least one of the ports comprises:

opening the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port 91 , and

filling the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet port 92 and the fluid outlet port

CLAIMS

1. A method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine, wherein the replaceable fluid container comprises a fluid reservoir and a container port, wherein the replaceable fluid container is configured to be docked with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine when the container port is positioned on and coupled to a port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine, the method comprising

positioning the container port on a filling and/or draining element of a filling and/or draining system of a replaceable fluid container management facility, so coupling the container port to the filling and/or draining element, to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic communication with the filling and/or draining system; and

filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir through the port.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the filling and/draining element comprises one of: a port; a port actuator; a coupling plate or a mount.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container port is located on the replaceable fluid container such that fluid reservoir is positioned above the container port when the replaceable fluid container is docked with the dock or coupled with the filling and/or draining element.

4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the replaceable fluid container further comprises an aperture through which to fill or drain the removable fluid container, wherein the aperture is spaced from the container port, the method comprising filling and/or draining the removable fluid container through the aperture.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the replaceable fluid container has a plurality of walls including a first wall which is uppermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked with the dock, a second wall which is lowermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked with the dock and a sidewall, wherein the aperture extends through the sidewall of the replaceable fluid container.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the replaceable fluid container has a plurality of walls including a first wall which is uppermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked with the dock, a second wall which is lowermost when the replaceable fluid container is docked with the dock and a sidewall, wherein the aperture extends through the first wall of the replaceable fluid container.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the container port forms a self-sealing coupling with the cooperating filling and/or draining element.

8. The method of any preceding claim, comprising filling and/or draining a portion of the volume of the fluid reservoir at a first rate and subsequently filling and/or draining at least some of the remaining volume of the fluid reservoir at a second rate, wherein the second rate is slower than the first rate.

9. The method of any preceding claim, comprising sensing an amount of fluid in the fluid reservoir and selecting or modifying at least one of a rate and a time period of filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the sensed amount.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein sensing the amount of fluid comprises sensing the level of the fluid.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein sensing the amount of fluid comprises sensing the weight of the fluid.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the replaceable fluid container comprises a plurality of container ports configured to couple with the cooperating dock associated with the vehicle or engine to place the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine when the removable fluid container is docked with the dock, wherein the plurality of container ports include a fluid outlet port having a first function of supplying fluid from the reservoir to the fluid circulation system and a fluid inlet port having a first function of receiving fluid into the reservoir from the fluid circulation system.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising modifying the function of at least one of the plurality of container ports so that the modified port has a second function different than the first function, to assist filling and/or draining of the reservoir.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of container ports includes a breather port arranged to allow air to enter or exit the replaceable fluid container to regulate the internal pressure of the replaceable fluid container during filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein modifying the function of at least one of the container ports comprises blocking the breather port during filing and/or draining of the fluid reservoir.

16. The method of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein modifying the function of at least one of the container ports comprises filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir through one of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port whilst allowing air to enter or exit the replaceable fluid container through the other of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. 17. The method of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein modifying the function of at last one of the container ports comprises filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir through both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port.

18. The method of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein coupling the replaceable fluid container to the filling and/or draining system comprises providing a filling and/or draining interface plate between the replaceable fluid container and the filling and/or draining system of a replaceable fluid container management facility such that the interface plate couples at least one of the plurality of container ports of the replaceable fluid container to at least one of a plurality of said filling and/or draining elements of the filling and/or draining system so as to modify the function of at least one of the container ports. 19. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the port or at least one of the plurality of container ports comprises a filter, the method comprising wetting the filter with the fluid prior to commencing the filling and/or draining operation to increase the ease of fluid passage though the filter during the filling and/or draining operation.

20. A method of filling and/or draining a replaceable fluid container substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A filling and/or draining system for a replaceable fluid container management facility, comprising:

a filling and/or draining element adapted to couple to a container port of a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle or engine when the replaceable fluid container is positioned on the filling and/or draining element, wherein the replaceable fluid container comprises a fluid reservoir and a container port, wherein replaceable fluid container is configured to be docked with a dock associated with the vehicle or engine with the container port positioned on and coupled to a port of the dock to place the fluid reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid circulation system associated with the vehicle or engine,

wherein the filling and/or draining element is configured to couple to the container

port to allow filling and/or draining of the replaceable fluid container by the filling and/or draining system.

22. The filling and/or draining system of claim 21, of wherein the filling and/draining element comprises one of: a port; a port actuator; a coupling plate or a mount.

23. The filling and/or draining system of claim 21, wherein the filling and/or draining element is configured to couple to the container port such that fluid reservoir is positioned above the filling and/or draining element with the container port lowermost, wherein the filling and/or draining system is configured to fill the fluid reservoir against the action of gravity.

24. The filling and/or draining system of claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the filling and/or draining element is configured to form a self-sealing coupling with the container port.

25. The filling and/or draining system of any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the filling and/or draining system is configured to fill and/or drain a portion of the volume of the fluid reservoir at a first rate and subsequently to fill and/or drain at least some of the remaining volume of the fluid reservoir at a second rate, wherein the second rate is slower than the first rate.

26. The filling and/or draining system of any of claims 21 to 25, comprising a controller configured to control filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir.

27. The filling and/or draining system of claim 26, wherein the controller is configured to initiate filling and/or draining of the fluid reservoir in response to receiving an indication that the replaceable fluid container has been coupled to the filling and/or draining element.

28. The filling and/or draining system of claim 27, comprising a coupling sensor for providing the indication that the replaceable fluid container has been coupled to the filling and/or draining element.

29. The filling and/or draining system of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the controller is arranged to receive an indication of an amount of fluid in the fluid reservoir and to select or modify at least one of a rate and a time period of filling and/or draining the fluid reservoir in response to the indication.

30. The filling and/or draining system of claim 29, comprising a fluid sensor for providing the indication of the amount of fluid.

31. The filling and/or draining system of claim 30, wherein the fluid sensor is at least one of a fluid level sensor and a weight sensor.

32. The filling and/or draining system of any of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the controller is configured to receive the indication of the amount of fluid from a sensor in the replaceable fluid container.

33. The filling and/or draining system of claim 31 , wherein the fluid sensor is at least one of a fluid level sensor and a weight sensor.

34. A filling and/or draining system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.