Container for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with such a container

Abstract

Container (100) for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an outer container (110) which forms a container volume (200, 300); - at least one heating device (122) designed to thaw frozen operating material; and - a partition (140) that divides the container volume (200, 300) into a proximal region (200) and a distal region (300); wherein the proximal region (200) is located closer to the at least one heating device (122) than the distal region (300); wherein the partition (140) is configured to allow more operating fluid to pass between the proximal region (200) and the distal region (300) in the installed position (EE) of the container (100) than in an inclined position (SS) of the container (100); and i. wherein the partition (140) has at least one double-wall structure (146, 148), and / or ii. wherein at least two openings (142, 144) are provided spaced apart from each other in the partition (140).

Description

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a container for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a container.

[0002] Due to emissions regulations, vehicles with combustion engines must reduce the pollutant NOx, among others. One method used is the so-called SCR process (Selective Catalytic Reduction), in which NOx is reduced to N2 and H2O with the help of a liquid reducing agent. A pump delivers the reducing agent via a line from a container to a dosing module. The aqueous urea solution typically used as the reducing agent freezes at -11°C and therefore must be thawed by a heater at low temperatures. Since a point-source heater cannot reach the outer areas of the tank, or can only reach them poorly, attempts have been made to increase the thawing capacity by using a surface-mounted heater installed near the bottom of the tank. The problem with this method is that the frozen reducing agent, especially when the tank is full, represents a very large mass of ice.The heater can only defrost the ice in the area around it if the surface temperature is high. At a low heater temperature, the heating output is insufficient to melt the ice further away from the heater due to heat loss into the larger mass of ice. While the larger mass of ice does warm up somewhat, the heating output is too low for complete defrosting. The documents DE 10 2009 000 094 A1 and DE 10 2010 004 614 A1 are previously published.

[0003] In DE 10 2009 046 969 A1, it was therefore proposed to isolate the heating element from the total ice mass using a plastic pot. The ice is thawed by a heating element inside the pot, and the heat generated by the element cannot escape into the large mass of ice outside the plastic pot due to the insulating effect of the pot wall. To also liquefy the ice outside the plastic pot, the pot has openings in its lower section through which the heated liquid can attack the ice located outside the pot in the base area. To make the heat transfer from the warm liquid to the ice more efficient, the area above the openings is thermally separated from the total ice mass by an insulating collar. The sloshing of the liquid during operation allows the heat to be transferred through the openings to the ice below the insulating collar.

[0004] Through the openings in the plastic pot and the insulating collar, the already liquefied operating fluid can flow out of the plastic pot or insulating collar when the vehicle is parked at an angle and freeze solid in the distal areas between the container wall and the ice. This can lead to an increase in the amount of ice in the distal areas, especially since the insulating collar prevents heat from reaching these ice layers.

[0005] If the SCR system is restarted with a frozen tank, there will not be enough liquid refrigerant in the tank to start the system. Furthermore, the heating element may not be in contact with the refrigerant because the previously liquid refrigerant has frozen solid in the distal areas. This creates a chamber without refrigerant at the tank flange. The heating element cannot efficiently defrost the ice because the refrigerant is missing as a medium for heat transfer. Instead, the heating element may first have to melt some of the surrounding ice through radiant heat. This results in a significant delay. Under current German law, delays in the start-up of an SCR system are only permitted to a limited extent. For example, current legislation (2015) stipulates that the SCR system must be ready to dose within 20 minutes.Besides the significant time delay, the heating element or the tank can also be damaged by this unintended use. If the vehicle is parked at an angle, the tank contents may no longer flow away from the heating element. Sufficient additive remains in the heating area to ensure thorough defrosting.

[0006] In previously known SCR systems, the refrigerant is fed into the tank at its distal end. The filler pipes therefore terminate in distal areas where the refrigerant only thaws after a considerable delay. If the end of the filler pipe is frozen, the refrigerant cannot be fed in.

[0007] It is an objective of the technology disclosed herein to reduce or eliminate the disadvantages of previously known solutions. In particular, it is an objective to make a resource available again more quickly in vehicles parked at an angle, without requiring expensive (electrical, electronic, or mechanical) devices. Furthermore, it is an objective of the technology disclosed herein to provide a safe and simple container for easily freezing fluids, even in winter, which can be refueled even at low temperatures. The objective(s) is / are achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. The dependent claims represent preferred embodiments.

[0008] The technology disclosed here relates to a container or reservoir for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle. The operating fluid can be, for example, a fluid that freezes at ambient temperatures down to -30°C, in particular additives (e.g., reducing agents). For example, the reducing agent can be a urea-water solution. A 32.5% urea-water solution is available for exhaust gas purification under the trade name AdBlue®. Such a reducing agent freezes below -11°C. The operating fluid can also be, for example, a cleaning fluid for windshield or headlight washer systems in motor vehicles. These cleaning fluids contain antifreeze. However, the antifreeze only lowers the freezing point of the windshield washer fluid to approximately -30°C.-17°C to -20°C, so that despite the antifreeze, the fluid can freeze in the reservoir and the lines of the windshield washer system at temperatures below -20°C.

[0009] The container comprises an outer container that forms, encloses, or delimits a container volume. The container volume is the volume for the liquid operating medium within the container, with an air layer typically provided in the upper part of the container volume.

[0010] The container is equipped with at least one heating device designed to thaw the frozen operating fluid. The heating device is preferably located adjacent to the container flange or the operating fluid outlet. Any device suitable for thawing the frozen operating fluid can be used as the heating device. Resistance heaters or PTCs (positive temperature coefficient) are often used as heating elements or heating films for this purpose. The heating device is located adjacent to the operating fluid outlet so that, in the event of a frozen container, liquid operating fluid is generated directly at the outlet.

[0011] The technology disclosed herein further comprises a container with a partition. The partition can divide the container volume into a proximal region (first region) and a distal region (second region) (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, only the terms "proximal region" and "distal region" will be used). The proximal region can be located closer to the at least one heating device than the distal region. The entire region must be considered in each case, and it is not excluded that a portion of the at least one heating device may extend through the distal region. Preferably, the heating device is located entirely within the proximal region. The partition can enclose the at least one heating device either alone or together with an outer wall region of the outer container.

[0012] The separation can be designed as a hydrostatic loop. A hydrostatic loop is a device that, in a first (initial) position, allows the flow of operating fluids from a first area to a second area, whereas in a second (inclined) position, the hydrostatic loop reduces or prevents this flow.

[0013] The partition can be designed, in particular, to allow more operating fluid to pass between the proximal and distal regions of the container in its installed position EE in the vehicle than in an inclined position SS of the container relative to its installed position EE. Alternatively, the position of the vehicle can be used as the reference point, whereby the inclined position is then a position other than the horizontal orientation (also called the design position) of the vehicle. If the container is installed horizontally in the vehicle, the reference systems coincide.

[0014] In particular, the partition can be designed such that, when the container is mounted in a motor vehicle, it allows more operating fluid to pass between the proximal and distal regions when the vehicle is in a horizontal position than when the vehicle is tilted, such as when parked at an angle. The partition can be designed to at least partially, preferably completely, prevent the flow of operating fluid between the proximal and distal regions when the container or vehicle is tilted (SS). Specifically, the partition is designed to prevent at least one flow of operating fluid from the proximal to the distal region during a tilted position (SS) of the container or vehicle.

[0015] The partition can extend from the bottom of the outer container at least far enough towards the top of the outer container to prevent the operating equipment from passing over the upper edge of the partition from the proximal to the distal area when the container or vehicle is tilted (SS). Preferably, the partition extends at least partially, and preferably completely, from the bottom of the outer container to the top of the outer container.

[0016] Preferably, the partition comprises at least one double-wall structure. The double-wall structure can comprise at least two walls, which are at least partially parallel. The double-wall structure can, in particular, form a channel for the operating fluid. Thus, the double-wall structure preferably forms an operating fluid flow channel K through which operating fluid can flow when the container is installed in its normal position or when the vehicle is horizontal, whereas when the vehicle or container is tilted, the flow through the flow channel is reduced or prevented.

[0017] Preferably, the partition or double-wall structure is made of an insulating material. Particularly preferably, the partition or double-wall structure is made of the same material as the outer container, most preferably by injection molding or blow molding.

[0018] Preferably, in installation position EE, the partition has an arc-shaped profile when viewed from above or through a cross-section of the container. Particularly preferably, the partition extends in an arc from one outer container side wall to a second outer container side wall, thereby enclosing the at least one heating device. The at least one heating device, the at least one pump device, and / or the operating fluid outlet are particularly preferably arranged centrally within the container. This allows for particularly efficient thawing of the operating fluid. Preferably, the partition concentrically encloses the heating device or pump device, at least partially. Preferably, the partition is arranged slightly spaced away from the heating device. In the case of an annular heating device, for example, a distance of approximately 1 to 20 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm, can be provided between the heating ring and the partition.

[0019] Preferably, the partition has at least two openings spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two openings is preferably at least 0.5 L, more preferably at least 0.75 L, and most preferably at least 0.9 L, where L is the total length of the partition. Preferably, the first of the at least two openings is a proximal opening connecting the proximal region to the channel of the double-wall structure. Furthermore, the second of the at least two openings is a distal opening connecting the distal region to the channel of the double-wall structure.

[0020] The openings are preferably positioned near the ground. A break in the wall can also form the opening. It can also consist of a separation of only one wall. For example, the exterior wall can be a second wall, which together form a channel within the first wall.

[0021] Preferably, the at least two openings point in different directions, in particular such that the openings have an angle greater than 135° and less than 225° (relative to the centroid of the proximal area and / or center of the tank flange).

[0022] The at least two openings can be located at opposite ends of the partition or immediately adjacent to these ends. The ends of the partition can, for example, be the areas where the partition meets the side walls of the outer container.

[0023] In particular, the at least two openings, especially those relating to the heating device, can be arranged on opposite sides. Preferably, the openings are positioned opposite each other.

[0024] Preferably, a medium inlet or filling pipe opens in the proximal region, in particular such that medium can flow into the container even when the medium in the distal region is frozen. Preferably, the medium inlet opens directly adjacent to the at least one heating device. "Directly adjacent" means that the maximum distance between the medium inlet and the nearest point on the heating device is a maximum of 0 cm to 20 cm, preferably 0 cm to approximately 10 cm, and particularly preferably 0 cm to approximately 5 cm.

[0025] The inlet can be made of an insulating material and / or have additional insulation. Furthermore, the inlet can have an internal heat-conducting element extending from the inlet opening into the inlet. If the container is frozen and the heating device heats the fluid immediately adjacent to the heating device, a certain amount of heat will simultaneously enter the inlet, causing any ice layers in the inlet to thaw more quickly. This creates a localized sub-volume that thaws faster. The at least one heat-conducting element can be attached to and / or integrated into the inner wall. Alternatively, it can project into the interior. The heat-conducting element can also be connected to or part of the heating device.The inlet for operating materials is preferably designed without a siphon.

[0026] The operating fluid inlet can have at least one branch. The branch can be connected to at least one second inlet channel. The branch can preferably divide the incoming operating fluid flow into several partial flows, with at least one first partial flow opening in the proximal region and a second partial flow opening in the distal region of the container. In particular, the second inlet channel can open in the distal region. The separation can be designed as a hydrostatic loop (so) and / or as a surge tank. Preferably, the separation surrounds the at least one heating device. Such an operating fluid inlet allows replenished operating fluid to reach the heating device and / or the level sensor.

[0027] The technology disclosed herein further relates to a motor vehicle with at least one container for a liquid operating medium as disclosed herein. In particular, the container is installed in the motor vehicle such that, in the installation position EE of the container and a horizontal position of the motor vehicle, the partition allows more operating medium to pass between the proximal region and the distal region than in an inclined position SS of the motor vehicle.

[0028] The technology revealed here can also be described by the following aspects: A. Container 100 for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an outer container 110, which forms a container volume of 200, 300; - at least one heating device 122 designed to thaw frozen operating material, and - a partition 140, which divides the container volume 200, 300 into a proximal area 200 and a distal area 300, wherein the proximal region 200 is arranged closer to the at least one heating device 122 than the distal region 300, and wherein the partition 140 is designed to allow more operating resources to pass between the proximal area 200 and the distal area 300 in the installation position EE of the container 100 than in an inclined position SS of the container 100. B. Container 100 according to aspect A, wherein the at least one heating device 122 is arranged completely in the proximal area 200. C. Container 100 according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the partition 140 alone or together with an outer wall area of ​​the outer container 110 encloses the at least one heating device. D. Container 100 according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the partition 140 extends from the outer container bottom 112 at least so far towards the outer container top 114 that, in the inclined position SS, the operating material cannot pass over the upper edge of the partition 140, and / or the partition 140 extends from the bottom of the outer container 112 to the top of the outer container 114. E. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the partition 140 has at least a double-wall structure 146, 148. F. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the separation 140 has an arc-shaped course. G. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein at least two openings 142, 144 are provided spaced apart from each other in the partition 140. H. Container 100 according to aspect G, wherein the at least two openings 142, 144 are provided at opposite ends or immediately adjacent thereto. I. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the at least two openings 142, 144 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the heating device 122. 1. Container 100 for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an outer container 110, which forms a container volume of 200, 300; - at least one heating device 122 designed to thaw frozen operating material; - a partition 140 that divides the container volume 200, 300 into a proximal area 200 and a distal area 300, wherein the proximal area 200 is located closer to the at least one heating device 122 than the distal area 300; and - a service inlet 400, which opens into the proximal area 200. 2. Container according to aspect 1, wherein the operating material inlet 400 opens directly adjacent to the at least one heating device. 3. Container according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the operating material inlet 400 is made of an insulating material and / or has additional insulation. 4. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the operating material inlet 400 has at least one internal heat-conducting element which extends from the mouth area of ​​the operating material inlet 400 into the operating material inlet. 5. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the operating material inlet 400 is designed without a siphon. 6. Container 100 according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the operating resource inlet 400 has at least one branch 410 which is connected to a second inlet channel 420, and wherein the second inlet channel opens in the distal region 300. 7. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the separation is designed as a surge tank 130, which surrounds the at least one heating device. 8. Container 100 according to one of the previous aspects, wherein the partition 140 is designed to allow more operating resources to pass between the proximal area 200 and the distal area 300 in the installation position EE of the container 100 than in an inclined position SS of the container 100.

[0029] The technology revealed here will now be explained in more detail using the figures as examples. They show: Fig. 1. a container in accordance with the state of the art in a top view, Fig. 2 a container in accordance with the state of the art in installation position EE, Fig. 3 a side view of the container according to Fig. 1 in an inclined position, Fig. 4 a container 100 disclosed herein in a top view from above, Fig. 5 a side view of container 100 according to Fig. 4 in installation position EE, Fig. 6 the container 100 according to Fig. 4 in inclined position SS, Fig. 7 a container 100 according to the technology disclosed herein in top view, Fig. 8 a container 100 according to the technology disclosed herein in plan view, and Fig. 9 a container 100 according to the technology disclosed herein in side view.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a container according to the prior art, as shown, for example, in DE 10 2009 046 969 A1. The dispensing unit 12 is arranged centrally and is concentrically surrounded by the heating device 122. The surge tank 13 has openings 132 through which already liquefied operating fluid can flow from the inner or proximal region 20 into the outer or distal region 30, which contains frozen operating fluid.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the state of the art in a side view. The outer container 11 comprises the inner volume 20 and the outer volume 30, which are separated from each other by the surge tank 13. The surge tank 13 is insulated and ensures that the heat generated by the heating device 122 does not reach the outer area 30, or only to a limited extent. The operating medium inlet 400 is located on the top of the container and terminates in the distal area 30. The surge tank 13 concentrically surrounds the heating device 122, which is located in the inner area 20 adjacent to the pump device 12.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows the container according to Fig. 1 in the inclined position SS. Already in the interior area 20, liquefied operating fluid flows through the opening 132 in this inclined position SS (cf. Fig. 1) into the area B of the distal region 30, which is located far from the heating device. In this outer area 30, the majority of the operating fluid is frozen. The previously liquefied operating fluid freezes in this area B during the parking period. In the prior art presented here, the installation position EE is the same as the horizontal orientation of the container 10.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows a container 100 according to the technology disclosed herein. Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view according to section BB of the Fig. 5. The outer container 110 surrounds the container volume 200, 300. A partition 140, formed from a proximal wall 148 and a distal wall 146, divides the container volume into a proximal region 200 and a distal region 300. A pump device 120 is located in the proximal region 200. A heating device 122 is also located in the proximal region 200. The heating device 122 heats the operating medium in the proximal region 200. If the operating medium is frozen in the proximal region 200, the heating device 122 thaws it. The operating medium outlet 124 of the container 100 is located adjacent to the heating device 122. The operating medium outlet 124 is fluid-connected to a metering device (not shown).The proximal wall 148 and the distal wall 146 form a flow channel K through which, when the container 100 is mounted in a motor vehicle, operating fluid can flow from the proximal region 200 to the distal region 300, provided the vehicle is in a horizontal position. Thus, in a horizontal position, the operating fluid can flow into the channel K through the proximal opening 142 of the proximal wall 148 and exit through the distal opening 144 of the distal wall 146 (see...). Fig. 5) The hydrostatic loop(s) is / are preferably connected through the openings 142, 144 (opening diameter can be approximately 10mm, for example) in the barrier walls 146, 148 in the area of ​​the tank bottom.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of container 100 according to Fig. 4 along the cutting plane BB. As shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, in the neutral installation position EE, or when the vehicle is horizontally aligned, the channel allows flow in both directions, as it is located at approximately the same height and has essentially no gradient. The at least two openings are located on opposite sides (i.e., to the right and left of VV) with respect to the heating device 120 (or with respect to a plane VV through the longitudinal axis of the heating device 120).

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows container 100 according to Fig. 4. In an inclined position SS. Compared to the installation position EE or the horizontal orientation of the vehicle, the container 100 is tilted at an angle α to the horizontal or to the axis EE. Such an inclined position occurs, for example, when the vehicle is parked with only one side on the curb or on a slope. The barrier 140 prevents the operating fluid from leaving the proximal space 200. The operating fluid can only move within the proximal space 200. The barrier 140 prevents already liquefied operating fluid from reaching the distal area 300. In particular, the liquefied operating fluid does not reach the opening 142, but remains in the area indicated by the dashed double arrow. In the area of ​​200, the heating device 122 can defrost sufficient operating fluids relatively quickly, since only a smaller volume of ice needs to be defrosted compared to the total container volume of 200, 300.Already thawed operating fluid does not flow into the distal area 300, where it could potentially refreeze. Therefore, there is no risk of the heating wires of the heating device 122 being exposed, which would significantly delay subsequent thawing of the operating fluid and could potentially damage the container.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows another container according to the technology disclosed herein. The pump device 120, heating device 122, operating fluid outlet 124, and operating fluid inlet 400 are arranged essentially in the center of the container 100. The shut-off device 140 surrounds the heating device 122 in an arc and at least partially concentrically. The at least two openings 142, 144 are arranged at an angle β (relative to the centroid of area 200 and / or the center point of the pump device 120) of approximately 135° to each other. However, other configurations of the shut-off device 140 are also conceivable, as long as the shut-off effect is achieved in an inclined position SS.

[0037] In the Fig. Figures 4 to 9 also show at least one operating fluid inlet 400. The operating fluid inlet 400 is located in the proximal area 200. Operating fluid can be added through the operating fluid inlet 400, which is directly adjacent to the heating device 120, even at low temperatures. In previously known solutions, the filling pipe 40 for the operating fluid is located in the upper area, far away from the heating device. If the operating fluid is frozen in winter, it cannot be added through the filling pipe. Instead, one must wait until the container has completely thawed. However, if the filling pipe 400 is located adjacent to the heating device 120, the operating fluid in the operating fluid inlet 400 will liquefy after only a short period of operation of the heating device 120. Thus, operating fluid can be easily added even in winter.Not shown are the insulation and / or heat conduction measures for the equipment inlet 400 that may be provided. These measures can help ensure that the equipment is thawed only inside the equipment inlet 400, without thawing surrounding equipment in more distant areas outside the equipment inlet 400.

[0038] The operating resource inlet 400 in Fig. 9 has a branch 410. The branch separates the operating fluid flow entering the operating fluid inlet 400 into two partial flows. A first partial flow flows through a first inlet channel 430 into the proximal region, similar to the Fig. Figures 4 to 8 are shown. A second partial flow enters the distal region 300 through the second inlet channel 420, which is fluid-connected to the branch 410. This ensures that both the proximal region 200 and the distal region 300 can be quickly supplied with operating fluid.

[0039] The solution described here for the operating fluid inlet 400 is independent of the concept of separating 140 of the container volume by means of a hydrostatic loop. In particular, such an operating fluid inlet 400 can also be used with conventional separations 130, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are shown. In the Fig. 8 and Fig.The container 9 comprises a surge tank 130, which may, for example, include openings 132. The operating fluid inlet 400 opens into the surge tank 130, in which liquefied operating fluid can accumulate even at low temperatures. Any supply lines to the operating fluid inlet have been omitted for simplicity. Furthermore, the solution of the hydrostatic loop is also independent of the operating fluid inlet 400 disclosed herein. Preferably, however, the container 100 comprises the operating fluid inlet 400 disclosed herein and the partition 140 with hydrostatic loop disclosed herein.

[0040] The preceding description of the present invention serves only for illustrative purposes and not to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

Claims

[1] Container (100) for a liquid operating fluid of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an outer container (110) which forms a container volume (200, 300); - at least one heating device (122) designed to thaw frozen operating material; and - a partition (140) that divides the container volume (200, 300) into a proximal region (200) and a distal region (300); wherein the proximal region (200) is located closer to the at least one heating device (122) than the distal region (300); wherein the partition (140) is configured to allow more operating fluid to pass between the proximal region (200) and the distal region (300) in the installed position (EE) of the container (100) than in an inclined position (SS) of the container (100); and i. wherein the partition (140) has at least one double-wall structure (146, 148), and / or ii. wherein at least two openings (142, 144) are provided spaced apart from each other in the partition (140). [2] Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating device (122) is arranged entirely in the proximal region (200). [3] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition (140) alone or together with an outer wall area of ​​the outer container (110) encloses the at least one heating device. [4] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition (140) extends from the outer container bottom (112) at least so far in the direction of the outer container top (114) that in the inclined position (SS) the operating equipment cannot pass over the upper edge of the partition (140), and / or wherein the partition (140) extends from the outer container bottom (112) to the outer container top (114). [5] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two openings (142, 144) point in different directions, and / or wherein the at least two openings (142, 144) are arranged at an angle (β) to each other which is greater than 135° and less than 225°. [6] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation (140) has an arc-shaped profile. [7] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the double-wall structure forms a channel (K) for the operating medium, and wherein operating medium can flow through the channel (K) in the installed position of the container, whereas in an inclined position of the container the flow through the flow channel is reduced and / or prevented. [8] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two openings (142, 144) are provided at opposite ends or immediately adjacent thereto. [9] Container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two openings (142, 144) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the heating device (122).

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