REPLACEABLE FLUID CONTAINER
This invention relates to replaceable fluid containers for vehicles and engines. The
invention also relates to an apparatus comprising such a container in fluidic
communication with a fluid system and to a vehicle comprising such an apparatus.
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 heat exchange liquids for example to cool the
engine, to heat the engine or to cool and heat the engine during different operating
conditions. Such fluids are generally held in reservoirs associated with the engine and may
require periodic replacement.
Conventional periodic replacement of engine lubricating oil composition in a vehicle
engine usually involves draining the composition from the engine sump. The process may
also involve removing and replacing the engine oil filter. Such a procedure usually
requires access to the engine sump drain plug and oil filter from the underside of the
engine, may require the use of hand tools and usually requires a suitable collection method
for the drained lubricating oil composition.
Attempts have been made to provide a quick-change oil filter/reservoir system for an
internal combustion engine.
US patent US 4151823 relates to a quick-change oil filter/reservoir system for an
internal combustion engine having a primary oil pump and oil sump comprising a cartridge
containing an oil filter element and supply of oil. In one embodiment shown in Figure 1 of
US 4151823, and described at col. 3 lines 22 to 30, the cartridge is said to be retained on
the mounting plate by conventional quick release mountings. The tabs and spring clips
shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 of US 4151823 are on the end of the cartridge
bearing the inlet and outlet ports. The breather cap in this embodiment is shown with a
pipe connected to the cap.
US patent US5640936 relates to a removable oil storage and supply tank for a dry
sump four cycle internal combustion engine. According to one embodiment illustrated in
Figure 3 and described at col. 3 line 27 to col. 4 line 46 a tank 30 is supported at the
bottom by the male portion 62 of three quick disconnect connectors 60. All three oil lines
54, 56 and 58 are said therein to be attached to the tank 30 by quick disconnect fluid
connectors 60 which penetrate the bottom of the tank 30. According to the document at
col. 4 lines to 36, a tube 50 is attached to the top of the female member 64 of the
connector 60 connected to the oil scavenger line 56. At col. 4 lines 37 to 4 1 it is stated that
a tube 51 is attached to the top of the female member 64 of the connector 60 connected to
the oil vent line 58. It is stated therein that this tube 5 1 extends the vent line 58 into the air
space in the tank 30 above the oil level 52 so as to vent the same to the crankcase. At col.
4 lines 4 1 to 46 it is stated that the oil line 54, through which oil is drawn for lubricating
the engine 10, terminates in a quick disconnect fluid connector 60 which includes an oil
inlet 67. It is stated therein that this inlet 67 is positioned near the bottom of the tank 30 so
that oil will be drawn from the tank even if the oil is reduced to a very low level.
US patent US6348149 relates to a manufacture for filtering oil. An embodiment is
illustrated in Figures 2 to 9 and described at col. 4 line 3 to col. 7 line 44. At col. 5 lines
19 to line 32 quick-disconnect couplings are described. It is stated at col. 5 lines 27 to 3 1:
"Further, the geometrical locations of the elements of the quick
disconnect QD's in both the block 58 of mechanism 5 7 and on the top of
the housing 22 prevent wrong-way hook-up or connection of such lines to
such housing, ..."
At col. 6 lines 55 to 64 it is stated:
'To prevent an incorrect hook-up of lines or hoses to the cylinder's
nipples, although in linear alignment with one another, the axis of the
center hole in block 58 is closer to the axis of one of the two exterior
disposed holes 59 than the other, thereby preventing a wrong-way hook
up of the lines or hoses to the upper housing 22 of receptacle 21..."
In Figure 4 vent plug 52 is shown between inlet plug 53 and outlet plug 5 .
There remains a need for a replaceable fluid container
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a replaceable fluid
container for a vehicle, for example a vehicle engine, the container comprising:
a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;
an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the
reservoir to the engine;
an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the engine for receiving fluid from the
engine to the reservoir; and
a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the engine for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the
reservoir,
wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and
are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port
and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
The vent port is connectable in fluidic communication with the vehicle for example
with the fluid system of the engine. Additionally or alternatively, when the engine is an
internal combustion engine the vent port is connectable in fluidic communication for
example, with an air inlet manifold of the vehicle engine.
These and other examples of the disclosure facilitate coupling of the reservoir with
the fluid system of the vehicle, for example of the vehicle engine. In particular, these and
other examples of the disclosure avoid or at least mitigate the risk of incorrect coupling of
inlet ports, outlet ports and vents ports with corresponding ports on a fluid system for
example of a vehicle e.g. a vehicle engine fluid system. Thus, it is possible to ensure
correct connection even by an unskilled user. Furthermore, because of the location of the
respective ports on the housing and the related fluid system it is possible to minimise the
possibility of cross-contamination between various ports, retaining the integrity of the fluid
system as well as the integrity of the contents of the reservoir.
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus
comprising a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, for example a vehicle engine, the
container comprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the
housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle
for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing
to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid system of the vehicle for
receiving fluid from the vehicle to the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on the housing to
couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be
passed into and out from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged
on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that the distance between the vent
port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the
inlet port and the outlet port, in fluidic communication with a fluid system of a vehicle for
example a vehicle engine through the inlet port and outlet port and in fluidic
communication with the vehicle through the vent port. Suitably, the container is in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of a vehicle engine through the inlet port and outlet
port and in fluidic communication with the engine through the vent port.
The vent port is connected in fluidic communication with the vehicle, for example
with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine.
Additionally or alternatively, when the engine is an internal combustion engine the vent
port is connected in fluidic communication for example, with an air inlet manifold of the
engine.
According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a vehicle
comprising an apparatus comprising a replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, for
example a vehicle engine, the container comprising: a housing comprising a fluid
reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the reservoir to
the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the vehicle for receiving fluid from the engine to
the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the
reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the
housing and are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the
inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet
port, in fluidic communication with a fluid system of an engine through the inlet port and
outlet port and in fluidic communication with the engine through the vent port.
The vent port is connected in fluidic communication with the vehicle, for example
with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine.
Additionally or alternatively, when the engine is an internal combustion engine the vent
port is connected in fluidic communication for example, with an air inlet manifold of the
engine.
In at least some example, the inlet port, the outlet port and the vent port are arranged
in a linear radial alignment on the end of the housing.
In at least some examples the inlet port, the outlet port and the vent port are arranged
in a linear radial alignment on the end of the housing and the vent port is arranged radially
outermost of the inlet port, outlet port and vent port. Thus, the inlet port is the radially
innermost port, the outlet port is the radially mid port and the vent port is the radially
outermost port. These and other examples of the disclosure have an advantage that the
distance between the vent port and the inlet port is maximised. This avoids or at least
mitigates entrainment or other contamination of the vent gas with fluid being returned to
the reservoir.
In at least some examples the inlet port, outlet port and vent port are arranged on the
end of the housing in non-linear radial alignment such that the radial distance between the
vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the radial distance
between the inlet port and the outlet port.
In at least some examples the inlet port, outlet port and vent port are arranged on the
end of the housing in non-linear radial alignment such that the radial distance between the
vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the radial distance
between the inlet port and the outlet port and the vent port is arranged radially outermost of
the inlet port, outlet port and vent port. Thus, the inlet port is the radially innermost port,
the outlet port is the radially mid port and the vent port is the radially outermost port.
These and other examples of the disclosure have an advantage that the distance between
the vent port and the inlet port is maximised. This avoids or at least mitigates entrainment
or other contamination of the vent gas with fluid being returned to the reservoir.
In at least some examples at least one sealing or separating member is provided
around at least one of the ports, for example around all of the ports.
In at least some examples additionally or alternatively at least one sealing or
separating member is provided between at least two of the ports.
The inlet port, outlet port and vent port may be arranged on a coupling mechanism.
In at least some examples the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the container
is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the vehicle, for
example with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine by
relative movement between the container and the vehicle and/or engine that is in a linear
direction.
In at least some examples the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the container
is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the vehicle, for
example with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine by
relative movement between the container and the vehicle and/or engine that is in a
rotational direction. The rotation may through an angle of less than 360 degrees, for
example through an angle of between 10 degrees and less than 360 degrees, or through an
angle of between 10 degrees and 180 degrees, or through an angle of between 10 and 60
degrees, or through an angle of about 25 degrees.
Each port may comprise a self-sealing port. In general, self-sealing ports have the
characteristic that when corresponding ports are being connected, a seal is made between
the connecting ports before valve or valves open to allow fluid to flow. On disconnection,
the valve or valves close to seal off each of the ports before the seal between the ports is
broken. Suitable valves include spring loaded poppet valves and biased non-return valves.
Each self-sealing port of the container may provide a "dry break" in which no fluid
flows on connection or disconnection of the ports. Alternatively, each self-sealing port of
the system may provide a "damp break" in which there is flow of only a non-essential
amount of fluid, for example a few drips of liquid, on disconnection or connection of the
port.
In some examples, the inlet port and the outlet port may each or both comprise a nonreturn
valve. Suitably, the vent port does not comprise a non-return valve.
In some examples the container may comprise a key for example a protrusion or
recess configured to engage with a complimentary feature of the vehicle and/or engine
and/or fluid system. This may further inhibit the container from being coupled to the fluid
system unless the ports are in a selected orientation with respect to corresponding ports of
the vehicle and/or fluid system and/or engine.
In at least some example the container contains a fluid, for example a liquid. The
liquid may be a liquid for a self-sustaining fluid system for example lubricating oil
composition for example an engine lubricating oil composition or a heat exchange fluid for
example a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. The liquid may be a liquid for a nonsustaining
fluid system, for example deicer, water and/or detergent.
The reservoir may be a reservoir for a fluid which is a liquid. The liquid may be
lubricating oil composition, for example lubricating oil composition, or heat exchange
fluid for an electric engine.
Thus, the container may be provided as a self-contained system containing fresh,
refreshed or unused engine lubricating oil composition which may conveniently replace a
container on an engine which container comprises a reservoir containing used or spent
engine lubricating oil composition. If the container also comprises a filter, this also is
replaced together with the spent or used heat exchange fluid.
The engine lubricating oil may have heat exchange properties.
The lubricating oil composition, for example engine lubricating oil composition, may
comprise at least one base stock and at least one lubricating oil additive. Suitable base
stocks include bio-derived base stocks, mineral oil derived base stocks, synthetic base
stocks and semi synthetic base stocks. Suitable lubricating oil composition additives for
example engine lubricating oil composition additives are known in the art. Examples of
additives include organic and/or inorganic compounds. Typically, according to at least
some examples, the lubricating oil composition comprises about 60 to 90 % by weight in
total of base stocks and about 40 to 1 % by weight additives. Suitable engine lubricating
oil compositions include lubricating oil compositions for internal combustion engines.
The lubricating oil composition may be a mono-viscosity grade or a multi-viscosity
grade engine lubricating oil composition. Examples of suitable lubricating oil
compositions include single purpose lubricating oil compositions and multi-purpose
lubricating oil compositions.
According to at least some examples, the lubricating oil composition is an engine
lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine, for example a spark ignition
internal combustion engine and/or a compression internal combustion engine.
The liquid may be a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. Thus, the container
may be provided as a self-contained system containing fresh, refreshed or unused heat
exchange fluid for an electric engine which may conveniently replace a container on an
engine which container comprises a reservoir containing used or spent heat exchange fluid.
If the container also comprises a filter, this also is replaced together with the spent or used
heat exchange fluid.
Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include aqueous and non-aqueous
fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include those which comprise
organic and/or non-organic performance boosting additives. Suitable heat exchange fluids
include be man-made or bio-derived fluids, for example Betaine. According to at least
some embodiments, the heat exchange fluids have fire retarding characteristics and/or
hydraulic characteristics. Suitable heat exchange fluids include phase change fluids.
Suitable heat exchange fluids include molten metals and salts. Suitable heat exchange
fluids include nanofluids. Nanofiuids comprise nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid,
which may be solid, liquid or gas. Suitable heat exchange fluids include gases and liquids.
Suitable heat exchange fluids include liquefied gases.
Whilst fluid systems for vehicles, for example vehicle engines, have been described
herein the present invention also relates to fluid systems for engines in general whether or
not associated with a vehicle.
Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
replaceable fluid container for an engine, for example a vehicle engine, the container
comprising:
a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;
an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of the engine for supplying fluid from the
reservoir to the engine;
an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the engine for receiving fluid from the
engine to the reservoir; and
a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication
with the engine for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir,
wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and
are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port
and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
According to another embodiment there is provided an apparatus comprising a
container as hereinde scribed in fluidic communication with the fluid system of a vehicle,
for example with the fluid system of a vehicle engine through the inlet port and the outlet
port and in fluidic communication with the vehicle for example with an engine of the
vehicle through the vent port.
According to another embodiment there is provided an apparatus comprising a
container as hereindescribed in fluidic communication with the fluid system of an engine,
for example a vehicle engine through the inlet port and the outlet port and in fluidic
communication with the engine through the vent port.
According to another aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising an apparatus as
hereindescribed.
The engine may be an internal combustion engine. Suitable internal combustion
engines include spark ignition internal combustion engines and compression ignition
internal combustion engines. The engine may be an electric engine.
Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthmoving vehicles, mining vehicles, heavy
duty vehicles and passenger cars.
The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the
invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, features of method aspects may be
applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.
The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to
the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a container according to the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of a first port configuration employed with a container of
the present invention of the type shown in Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a port connector configuration that can be
employed with the container of the invention as shown in Figure 1.
In the drawings like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements.
Referring to Figure 1, a container 1 according to the present invention has an
housing 2 for example comprised of a plastics material and/or metal. Coupled to the
housing 2 is a coupling mechanism 3. The coupling mechanism 3 comprises ports 4,5,6
that, in use, engage with a valve mechanism for fluidic communication with a fluid system
of an engine, for example a vehicle engine. The coupling mechanism 3 may be
comprised of a plastics material and/or metal with the ports 4,5,6 formed integral
therewith. The coupling mechanism 3 may include a quick release component (not shown)
for connection to a connector (not shown) on the engine 3. The container 1 comprises a
reservoir 9 which contains a fluid 7 for the fluid system 1 of the engine 13. The reservoir
9 is in fluidic communication with fluid system 12 of the engine 13 for supplying fluid 7 to
the engine fluid system 1 through outlet port 5. The reservoir 9 is in fluidic
communication with fluid system 12 of the engine 13 for receiving fluid 7 from the engine
fluid system 12 through inlet port 4. A vent port 6 is in fluidic communication with the
engine fluid system 1 for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir 9.
Additionally, or alternatively the vent port may be in fluidic communication with an air
inlet manifold of an internal combustion engine. This also enables fluid 7 to flow via
outlet port 5 under gravity or by pumping when the reservoir is in fluid communication
with the engine fluid system 12. Fluid returning to the container 1 may be passed through
a filter (not shown).
In use, the container 1 is supplied as a unit or cartridge and is then connected to the
engine so that fluid 7 can be supplied to the engine fluid system through outlet port 5 and
received from the engine through inlet port 4. The connection to connect the reservoir in
fluidic communication with the fluid system of the engine made should be simple and
straightforward performed by even an untrained user. In practice it may be performed by
relative movement between the container and the engine in a linear direction.
Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 3 is arranged such that the container is connected to
couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid system of the engine by
relative movement between the container and the engine that is in a rotational direction.
Opposite movement of the container then enables removal once the container 1 has come
to the end of its operational life so that it can be disposed of and a new container 1
provided.
In either manner of connection it is important that there is no cross-contamination
between the ports 4,5,6. In particular, it is important that no fluid contaminates the vent
port 6 so that for example, fluid does not enter an air intake manifold or other gas handling
system within the engine. A separating sealing member or members 10 may be provided
to achieve this.
It is also important that the container be connected in a way that erroneous
connection is not possible such that the ports 4,5,6 are not connected to the incorrect
connector on the engine.
This is achieved for example by an arrangement shown in Figure 2. Referring to
Figure 2, this shows the arrangement of ports 4, 5 and 5 such as might be present in the
container of Figure 1. In Figure 2 the ports 4, 5, 6 are arranged on a common end 14 of the
housing 2 such that the distance 17 between the vent port 6 and the nearest of the inlet port
4 and the outlet port 5 is greater than the distance 18 between the inlet port 4 and the outlet
port 5. This ensures that it is not possible for a user to connect the container the wrong
way around by inserting it in the wrong direction, or to provide partial connection which
enables cross-contamination particularly between the vent port 6 and either of the other
ports.
Figure 3 shows an example for arrangement of ports 4, 5 and 6 on a coupling
mechanism 3 which such as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3 the inlet port 4, the outlet port
5 and the vent port 6 are arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end 14 of the housing
2. The vent port 6 is arranged radially outermost of the inlet port 4, outlet port 5 and vent
port 6.
Alternatively, the ports, 4, 5 , 6 may be arranged in a non-linear radial alignment
such that the radial distance 1 between the vent port 6 and the nearest of the inlet port 4
and outlet port 5 is greater than the radial distance 15 between the inlet port and the outlet
port. The vent port 6 may be arranged radially outermost on the end of the housing 2.
In an alternative arrangement, the inlet port, the outlet port and the vent port may be
arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end of the housing, the inlet, outlet and vent
ports being arranged on a common end of the housing such that the distance between the
vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance
between the inlet port and the outlet port.
Separators 11 are provided between the ports 4, 5,6.
The coupling mechanism 3 can be connected to couple the reservoir 9 in fluidic
communication with the fluid system 1 of the engine 13 by relative movement between
the container 1 and the engine 1 that is a rotational direction shown in Figure 3 as arrow
A.
The container may be used with an engine, for example an internal combustion
engine or an electric engine. The engine may be a vehicle engine.
With the configuration of the present invention it is therefore possible to provide a
replaceable fluid container for use with an engine which provides ease of insertion in a safe
and controlled manner.
While aspects of the invention have been described in relation to vehicle engines and
examples of the invention described the use of engine lubricating oil compositions, it is
envisaged that features of the invention could find other applications.
For example, a fluid container according to an aspect of the invention could be used
in relation to a fluid system of a wide range of apparatus or equipment. For example, the
fluid container could find application in relation to various static and movable machines,
for example industrial machines such as a lathe, or manufacture and assembly equipment,
to an engine, or to a vehicle.
Examples of a fluid container of an aspect of the invention could thus be used to
supply lubricant composition to a region of the apparatus or equipment, for example to a
region including one or more moving parts, for example a gearbox. In an example of an
aspect of the invention there is provided a fluid container for a wind turbine, for example
to provide lubricating composition to one or more parts of the wind turbine apparatus.
The container may supply a lubricant composition to the apparatus, or may supply
fluid other than lubricant to the apparatus. For example, the fluid may comprise a fuel
composition, for example gasoline or diesel The container of an aspect of the invention
may be for supply the fluid for example to the fuel supply system of the apparatus. For
example, the container may supply fuel to a vehicle, or tool, for example to a car,
motorcycle or lawn mower.
In another example, the container is used to supply a fluid, for example lubricant
and/or fuel, to a hand tool, for example a hedge trimmer or leaf blower.
The fluid may comprise for example an aqueous or other solvent-based composition,
for example a cleaning composition. The fluid may for example comprise windscreen
wash fluid. A container of an example of an aspect of the invention may be for supplying
fluid to the windscreen washer fluid delivery system for example of a vehicle.
In some examples of aspects of the invention the fluid system may comprise a fluid
circulation system or a fluid delivery system.
An aspect of the invention provides a replaceable fluid container for an apparatus,
the container comprising:
a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;
an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of the apparatus for supplying fluid from the
reservoir to the apparatus;
an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the apparatus for receiving fluid from the
apparatus to the reservoir; and
a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the apparatus for allowing gas to be passed into and out from
the reservoir,
wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing
and are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet
port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way
of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.
Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and
drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

CLAIMS
1. A replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, the container comprising:
a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;
an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
cornmunication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the
reservoir to the vehicle;
an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the vehicle for receiving fluid from the
vehicle to the reservoir; and
a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the
reservoir,
wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and
are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port
and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
2 . A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the inlet port, the outlet port and the vent
port are arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end of the housing.
3. A container as claimed in 1 in which the inlet port, outlet port and vent port are
arranged on the end of the housing in non-linear radial alignment such that the radial
distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater
than the radial distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
4. A container as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 in which the vent port is arranged
radially outermost of the inlet port, outlet port and vent port.
5. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one
sealing or separating member is provided around at least one of the ports and/or between at
least two of the ports.
6. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the inlet port,
outlet port and vent port are arranged on a coupling mechanism
7. A container as claimed in claim 6 in which the coupling mechanism is arranged such
that the container is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the
fluid system of the vehicle by relative movement between the container and the vehicle
that is in a linear direction.
8 . A container as claimed in any one of claims 1to 6 in which the coupling mechanism
is arranged such that the container is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the vehicle by relative movement between the
container and the vehicle that is in a rotational direction.
9. A container as claimed in claim 8 in which the coupling mechanism is arranged such
that the container is connected to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the
fluid system by relative movement between the container and the vehicle that is in a
rotational direction through an angle of less than 360 degrees.
10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the reservoir
contains a fluid.
11. A container as claimed in claim 10 in which the fluid is an engine lubricating oil
composition or a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine.
12. An apparatus comprising a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 in
fluidic communication with a fluid system of a vehicle through the inlet port and outlet
port and in fluidic communication with the vehicle through the vent port.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the container is in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of a vehicle engine through the inlet port and outlet
port and in fluidic communication with the vehicle engine through the vent port.
14. A vehicle comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 13.
15. A replaceable fluid container for an apparatus, the container comprising:
a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;
an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with a fluid system of the apparatus for supplying fluid from the
reservoir to the apparatus;
an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the fluid system of the apparatus for receiving fluid from the
apparatus to the reservoir; and
a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic
communication with the apparatus for allowing gas to be passed into and out from
the reservoir,
wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and
are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port
and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.