Fluid delivery device with valve for controlling fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid delivery device for delivering a fluid, in particular water, from a storage tank, wherein the fluid can be delivered along a metering line to a spray site by means of a pump, wherein the metering line (1) is connected on the pressure side of the pump by means of a coupling plug (2) connected to a discharge line (3), wherein the fluid delivery module has at least one first valve (4) preloaded by means of a spring, which is designed to prevent a fluid flow from the metering line (1) towards the discharge line (3) and also to release a fluid flow from the discharge line (3) towards the metering line (1) when a predefined minimum pressure p1 is reached on the side of the first valve (4) facing the discharge line (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid conveying device for conveying fluid, such as water, from a storage tank, wherein the fluid can be conveyed by means of a pump along a metering pipe to an injection point, wherein the metering pipe is connected to the pressure side of the pump by means of a coupling plug connected to an outlet pipe. Background Technology

[0002] Due to increasing demands for reduced carbon dioxide emissions, internal combustion engines are becoming increasingly optimized in terms of fuel consumption. However, known internal combustion engines do not operate optimally in terms of consumption at high-load operating points due to limitations imposed by knocking tendency and high exhaust temperatures. One feasible measure to reduce knocking tendency and exhaust temperature is water injection. Typically, a separate water injection system is present to achieve this. For example, a water injection system for an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas recirculation device is known from WO 2014 / 080266 A1, wherein water is injected into the mass flow of the exhaust gas recirculation device.

[0003] In principle, the water delivery module has at least one storage tank for storing water and suitable delivery equipment, such as a pump, to guide the water along suitable pipes to the combustion chamber or upstream of the combustion chamber.

[0004] Because water has a freezing point, which is frequently reached within the range of common operating conditions for motor vehicles, freezing of water stored in tanks or in pipelines or delivery modules is generally anticipated. Therefore, preventative measures must be taken to prevent damage to the entire water delivery module.

[0005] An electrically controllable valve is typically installed at the connection point between the delivery pipeline and the delivery module. This valve affects the flow direction of water within the delivery pipeline. Here, the known valves are constructed such that a powered valve keeps the delivery pipeline open, while a non-powered valve closes the delivery pipeline. Furthermore, starting from a certain overpressure, the delivery pipeline opens in a direction away from the delivery module, while the flow direction from the delivery pipeline to the delivery module is closed.

[0006] The disadvantages of existing devices, in particular, are the high development costs required to utilize suitable solutions with electrically controllable valves. Furthermore, such solutions are associated with high costs and significant structural space requirements, due to the larger space demands of electrically controllable valves and the need to install control devices along with signal lines. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fluid delivery device that protects components, such as filters and pumps, located upstream of a metering pipeline from high pressure from the metering pipeline.

[0008] The purpose of the fluid transport device is achieved by a fluid transport device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] One embodiment of the invention relates to a fluid delivery device for delivering fluid, such as water, from a storage tank, wherein the fluid can be delivered to a jetting point via a metering pipe by means of a pump, wherein the metering pipe is connected to the pressure side of the pump by means of a coupling plug connected to a discharge pipe, wherein the fluid delivery module has at least one spring-preloaded first valve, the first valve being designed to prevent fluid from flowing from the metering pipe to the discharge pipe, and also being designed to release fluid from the discharge pipe to the metering pipe when a predetermined minimum pressure p1 is reached on the discharge pipe-facing side of the first valve.

[0010] When the pressure applied to the valve exceeds the force exerted by the spring, the spring-preloaded valve allows fluid to flow in one direction. In the absence of external pressure, the spring keeps the valve closed. If a minimum pressure is reached, the valve opens and releases the fluid flow path. Below the minimum pressure, the valve closes and the fluid flow is interrupted. In the opposite flow direction, the valve remains closed, thus functioning as a check valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction from a specific operating pressure and prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0011] According to the invention, the valve allows fluid to flow from the discharge pipe into the metering pipe from a specific minimum delivery pressure, which is established by a pump. However, the valve completely prevents backflow from the metering pipe to the discharge pipe. This is particularly advantageous because it prevents damage to the conveying equipment due to ice formation in the metering pipe and thus fluid backflow. In particular, frozen fluid expands, potentially causing damage to the fluid lines and conveying equipment. By preventing reverse fluid input from the metering pipe to the fluid conveying equipment, the negative impacts can be minimized.

[0012] Due to the exposed location of the metering pipe, icing is preferably initiated inside the metering pipe at low temperatures.

[0013] Of particular advantage is that the first valve is arranged within the discharge pipe. This is advantageous because it is as close as possible to the fluid delivery equipment and therefore as close as possible to sensitive components, such as, in particular, the pump, thereby preventing reverse fluid flow. This prevents additional pressure from freezing due to icing from acting on the fluid delivery equipment. By positioning the valve near the pump, for example, directly within the discharge pipe, the fluid path between the pump and the valve can be minimized, and therefore the amount of fluid remaining on the pressure side of the pump can also be minimized.

[0014] It is also advantageous that the discharge pipe has a connector at its end region, designed for connecting to a metering pipe, wherein at least a first valve is integrated into the connector. Incorporating a valve into the connector is particularly advantageous to enable the simplest possible assembly and, preferably, to allow for the modular use of the valve-equipped connector.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the fluid delivery device has a second valve in addition to the first valve, wherein the second valve is designed to allow fluid to flow from the metering pipe toward the discharge pipe when a second pressure p2 is applied to the second valve (5) from one side of the metering pipe (1).

[0016] The second valve allows fluid to flow in one direction under specific pressure conditions, opposite to the flow direction of the first valve. This allows fluid remaining in the metering line to flow back towards the discharge line. This is particularly important when the fluid remaining in the metering line begins to freeze. Through the associated expansion, pressure is applied to the still-liquid portion of the fluid in the metering line, and this pressure then acts on the second valve. When a predetermined pressure level is exceeded, the second valve opens and allows backflow until the pressure falls below the predetermined level in the metering line again. Damage to the metering line is avoided in this way because significantly reducing the fluid remaining in the metering line reduces expansion and consequently reduces the forces acting on the metering line.

[0017] Preferably, the pressure p1 when the first valve is open is less than the pressure p2 when the second valve is open. Pressure p1 is primarily determined by the delivery pressure of the pump in the conveying equipment, while pressure p2 is primarily determined by the force present in the metering pipeline during freezing. Therefore, the pressure level p1—especially in the case of freezing of the metering pipeline—is significantly lower than the pressure level p2.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the metering pipeline is in fluid communication with the discharge pipeline via a second valve and / or with the storage tank via a bypass.

[0019] Fluid returning from the metering line through the second valve should not flow back into the fluid transport equipment in the opposite direction to the pump's flow direction. Instead, it should be discharged into the environment via a discharge line or returned to the fluid tank via a suitable bypass. In the case of water as the fluid to be transported, it can be discharged into the environment without any problem. In the case of a corrosive medium, discharge into the environment should be avoided, and it is preferable to return it to the storage tank of the fluid transport equipment instead.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first and second valves are arranged within the connector. This arrangement of valves within the connector is advantageous in order to produce the most compact structural unit possible and to enable modular use of the connector in as many applications as possible.

[0021] It is also suitable that the first valve and the second valve are arranged in parallel in a common pipeline, wherein the pipeline is divided into two pipeline sections with opposite flow directions by the valves.

[0022] This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it allows for a very compact configuration. The flow cross-section with the valves is divided into two flow channels by the two valves. The first valve here enables fluid to flow from the pump toward the metering pipe, while the second valve enables fluid to flow in the opposite direction.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the bypass branches off on the side of the first valve away from the discharge pipe, wherein the bypass leads to the environment and / or returns to the storage tank where the fluid is stored. The bypass is formed via a branch on the metering pipe. By arranging it on the side of the first valve away from the discharge pipe, it is ensured that fluid returning from the metering pipe can flow out from the metering pipe, for example due to ice pressure. Here, as long as the pressure in the metering pipe is sufficiently high in the direction of the second valve, the second valve releases the flow path in the bypass.

[0024] Bypass to fluid storage tank flow connection / fluid connection or environmental flow connection to fluid transport equipment.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection between the metering pipe and the discharge pipe is a connector plug, wherein the connector plug has connecting elements constructed according to SAE and / or VDA standards. This is particularly advantageous to ensure a reliable connection between the connector plug and the metering pipe, a connection sufficiently stable to withstand mechanical loads, especially in the operating environment of motor vehicles. Moreover, the connecting surfaces of this connector plug are standardized, thereby ensuring high compatibility.

[0026] Here, the connector may particularly preferably receive one or both valves in its internally constructed flow passage. The connector may also receive bypass branches.

[0027] Advantageous improvements of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description of the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the metering and discharge piping is shown, in which two valves are shown, one affecting the fluid flow into the metering piping and the other affecting the return flow to the bypass.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the metering and discharge piping is shown, in which two valves are arranged in a common flow channel.

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the metering and discharge piping is shown, in which two valves are illustrated. One valve affects the fluid flow into the metering piping, while the other valve affects the return flow to the bypass. One valve is located in the connection connector, while the second valve is located in a separate connection area.

[0032] Figure 4 As shown Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows two valves arranged in the area of ​​the discharge pipe.

[0033] Figure 5 As shown Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows two valves arranged in the area of ​​the discharge pipe.

[0034] Figure 6 As shown Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows two valves positioned within the metering piping area.

[0035] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view is shown of a metering pipe and a discharge pipe connected to it, wherein a valve is arranged at the transition between the metering pipe and the discharge pipe.

[0036] Figure 8 As shown Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows the valves arranged in the area of ​​the discharge pipe.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1. Metering pipeline

[0039] 2 Connecting plug

[0040] 3. Drainage pipe

[0041] 4 valves

[0042] 5 valves Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of metering pipe 1 is shown, which is connected in flow to the discharge pipe 3 of a fluid conveying device via a connector 2. Fluid, preferably water, can be conveyed from a storage tank (not shown) towards metering pipe 1 via discharge pipe 3, which is located on the pressure side of the pump, by means of a pump. Metering pipe 1 and discharge pipe 3 are preferably connected in flow to each other via connector 2.

[0044] Figure 1 Two valves 4 and 5 are shown, wherein the first valve 4 is arranged in the connector 2 and enables fluid to flow toward the metering pipe 1 from a specific pressure level in the discharge pipe 3.

[0045] The second valve, indicated by reference numeral 5, branches off from the connector 2 and releases fluid flow from the metering pipe 1 toward a bypass pipe (not shown) from a specific pressure in the area of ​​the metering pipe 1, which may lead, for example, into a storage tank or into the environment.

[0046] Figure 2 Showing with Figure 1 Similar views. Here, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. This also applies to the following figures. Figure 2 In this configuration, two valves 4 and 5 are arranged in a common flow channel within the connector 2. Here, the first valve 4 releases the flow path from the discharge pipe 3 toward the metering pipe 1, and the second valve 5 releases the flow path from the metering pipe 1 toward the discharge pipe 3 when the corresponding pressure ratio / pressure condition is reached, thereby enabling the valve preloaded by spring force to open.

[0047] Figure 3 Showing with Figure 1 A view similar to the previous one. The first valve 4 is arranged here in the transition area between the connecting plug 2 and the discharge pipe 3 and therefore slightly closer to the pump (not shown), which is connected to the discharge pipe 3.

[0048] Figure 4 The arrangement of two valves 4 and 5 in the area of ​​the discharge pipe 3 is shown, wherein the first valve 4 is arranged in the flow path formed by the discharge pipe 3, and the second valve 5 branches off from the flow path toward a bypass pipe (not shown).

[0049] Figure 5 The diagram shows two valves 4 and 5 arranged in the discharge pipe 3. The valves 4 and 5 are arranged in the flow path generated by the discharge pipe 3 and divide the discharge pipe into two flow channels. These two flow channels can release in one direction according to the characteristics of the valves 4 and 5.

[0050] Figure 6 The two valves 4 and 5 are shown as already in use. Figure 5 The arrangement shown in the figure, wherein these valves 4, 5 are now arranged within the connector 2 and divide the flow path constructed in the connector 2 into two flow channels.

[0051] Figure 7 The arrangement of a metering pipe 1 and a discharge pipe 3 with only one valve 4 is shown. The valve 4 is arranged within the connector 2 and releases fluid flow from the discharge pipe 3 toward the metering pipe 1 when a correspondingly high pressure exists in the discharge pipe 3.

[0052] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 An alternative design to the embodiment is that valve 4 is arranged inside discharge pipe 3 and therefore closer to the pump.

[0053] Different features of the various embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0054] Figures 1 to 8 The embodiments described are not particularly limiting and are used to illustrate the ideas of the invention.

Claims

1. A fluid conveying device for conveying fluid from a storage tank, wherein, Fluid can be transported towards the injection point along a metering pipe by means of a pump, wherein the metering pipe (1) is connected to the pressure side of the pump by means of a connecting plug (2) connected to the discharge pipe (3). Its features are, The fluid delivery module has at least one spring-loaded first valve (4) designed to prevent fluid flow from the metering pipe (1) toward the discharge pipe (3), and further designed to release fluid flow from the discharge pipe (3) toward the metering pipe (1) when a predetermined minimum pressure p1 is reached on the side of the first valve (4) facing the discharge pipe (3). In addition to the first valve (4), the fluid delivery device also has a second valve (5), which is designed to enable fluid flow from the metering pipe (1) toward the discharge pipe (3) when a second pressure p2 is applied to the second valve (5) from the side of the metering pipe (1), such that the pressure p1 at which the first valve (4) opens is less than the pressure p2 at which the second valve (5) opens.

2. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve (4) is located inside the discharge pipe (3).

3. The fluid conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The discharge pipe (3) has a connector (2) at its end region, which is designed to connect to the metering pipe (1), wherein at least the first valve (4) is integrated into the connector (2).

4. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The metering pipeline (1) is in fluid communication with the discharge pipeline via the second valve (5) and / or with the storage tank via a bypass.

5. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first valve (4) and the second valve (5) are arranged in the connector (2).

6. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first valve (4) and the second valve (5) are arranged in parallel in a common pipe, wherein the pipe is divided into two pipe sections with opposite flow directions by the valves (4, 5).

7. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bypass branches off on the side of the first valve (4) away from the discharge pipe (3), wherein the bypass leads to the environment and / or returns to the storage tank where the fluid is stored.

8. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector (2) is designed to connect the metering pipe (1) to the discharge pipe (3), wherein the connector (2) has a connection element constructed according to SAE and / or VDA standards.

9. The fluid conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid is water.

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