Adsorber, vehicle with adsorber and method for using an adsorber

Abstract

The invention relates to an absorber (10) for use in a coolant circuit (51) of a vehicle (50), comprising an adsorber housing (11), wherein at least one time scale (12) with a plurality of time increments (13) is formed on the adsorber housing (11), and wherein each time increment (13) is assigned at least one marking segment (14) on the adsorber housing (11) for irreversible change.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adsorber for use in a coolant circuit of a vehicle, a vehicle with such an adsorber and a method for using such an adsorber.

[0002] In vehicles with electrified or partially electrified drive systems, coolant circuits are used for thermal conditioning and electrical insulation of the vehicle's electrical components. The coolant in the coolant circuit is a thermal insulation fluid, particularly cooling oil, with dielectric properties for electrical insulation.

[0003] To ensure that the coolant retains its dielectric properties, an adsorber is used within the coolant circuit. The adsorber's job is to capture moisture present in an air cushion of the coolant circuit and continuously introduced into the coolant circuit, thus removing water from the coolant circuit. Depending on its size and the amount of moisture introduced into the coolant circuit, such an adsorber is typically not designed to last the entire vehicle's service life, but is subject to maintenance intervals.

[0004] The maintenance interval display in the vehicle shows the driver when their vehicle needs to be serviced at the workshop. If maintenance is then carried out by a workshop, this interval display is reset. However, resetting the interval display does not necessarily mean that proper maintenance has been carried out on the adsorber. In particular, such maintenance of the adsorber can simply be forgotten as part of the vehicle maintenance. There is no vehicle-side detection of proper maintenance of an adsorber. At the same time, however, knowledge of whether an adsorber has been serviced at sufficient intervals is essential to ensure its correct functioning and thus the fault-free operation of the coolant circuit.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an adsorber for use in a coolant circuit of a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method for using an adsorber that enable a clear determination of whether the adsorber has been serviced at sufficient intervals.

[0006] The above object is achieved by an adsorber having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having the features of claim 8, and further by a method having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the adsorber according to the invention also apply in connection with the vehicle and / or method according to the invention, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0007] According to the invention, an adsorber for use in a coolant circuit of a vehicle is provided, wherein the adsorber comprises an adsorber housing. At least one time scale with a plurality of time increments is formed on the adsorber housing, wherein each time increment is further assigned at least one or precisely one marking segment, in particular on the adsorber housing, for, in particular, irreversible, modification, so that the time increment assigned to the marking segment can be marked by a, in particular irreversible, modification of the marking segment.

[0008] In other words, an adsorber for use in a coolant circuit of a vehicle is proposed. The adsorber comprises an adsorber housing, wherein at least one time scale is formed on the adsorber housing. The time scale is divided into a plurality of time increments, wherein each time increment is assigned a marking segment. The marking segment is intended to be irreversibly changed, in particular by a user, in particular to thereby mark the time increment assigned to the marking segment.

[0009] An adsorber according to the invention offers the advantage that the time of maintenance performed on the adsorber can be clearly and irreversibly marked on the adsorber housing. Whether and when maintenance was performed on the adsorber can thus be easily and reliably tracked. Accordingly, on this basis, it can be reliably determined whether the adsorber requires maintenance and when this will occur.

[0010] An irreversible change to a marking segment is understood to mean a permanent and irreversible or essentially irreversible change in the color and / or shape of the marking segment. An irreversible change can be realized, for example, by plastic deformation of the marking segment, at least local material removal from the marking segment, and / or irreversible coloring of the marking segment.

[0011] The assignment of a marker segment to a time increment should be understood as making it clearly visible to a user that a change in the marker segment is intended to represent a marking of the corresponding time increment. Such an assignment can be realized, for example, by the immediate spatial proximity of the time increment of the time scale and the marker segment.

[0012] An adsorber can preferably comprise at least one adsorber cartridge, wherein the adsorber cartridge is formed, at least in sections, from an adsorption material. In particular, an adsorber can be arranged or can be arranged in a coolant circuit such that air in the coolant circuit can be brought or is brought into contact with the adsorption material, at least in sections. The air in the coolant circuit can, for example, be an air cushion in an expansion tank, in particular above the coolant level.

[0013] At least one time scale and / or at least one marking segment is preferably formed on a housing surface of the adsorber housing, in particular an outward-facing one, such that the time scale and / or the marking segment can be recognized or accessed by a user from the outside without having to disassemble the adsorber, in particular the adsorber housing. This provides the advantage of easy and reliable readability of the time scale or the marking segment by a user.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it can preferably be provided that at least one marking segment is designed as a projection raised above a housing surface of the adsorber housing. This provides the advantage of particularly easy recognition and readability of the marking segment and the associated time scale by a user. Furthermore, changing the projection does not weaken the inner part of the adsorber housing, or does not significantly weaken it, since only excess material is changed.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that at least one marking segment is formed as an edge formed on the adsorber housing. The edge can preferably be formed at a joint between two partial surfaces of the housing surface of the adsorber housing, wherein the edge marks a discontinuous transition of the gradient between the partial surfaces. Such a design of a marking segment is particularly simple to implement in terms of design and manufacturing technology. Furthermore, by changing the projection, the inner part of the adsorber housing is not weakened or is not significantly weakened.

[0016] It may further be advantageous with regard to the present invention if at least one marking segment is formed as an edge and / or surface of a tool attachment, in particular on the adsorber housing. The tool attachment can preferably be formed as an external hexagon. The time scale can be arranged circumferentially around the tool attachment, so that each edge or surface of the tool attachment, in particular external hexagon, is assigned to a time increment of the time scale. An edge or surface of the external hexagon can be marked, for example, by scoring or notching, without impairing the functionality of the tool attachment.

[0017] Preferably, it can further be provided that at least one marking segment has a predetermined breaking point, so that by breaking off the marking segment at the predetermined breaking point, at least a portion of the marking segment can be removed from the adsorber housing. After breaking off a marking segment, the resulting marking can be easily and reliably identified on the time scale. Furthermore, the marking can be carried out easily and without great expenditure of force. At least one predetermined breaking point can be formed as a local material taper of the marking segment.

[0018] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that different types of marking segments are combined with one another or are formed on the adsorber housing.

[0019] Advantageously, it can also be provided that at least one time increment of at least one time scale is formed as a raised structure relative to the adsorber housing. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that at least two time increments and / or at least two marking segments are visually and / or haptically separated from one another by at least one separating element. At least one separating element can be formed, for example, as a linear coloring and / or material elevation.

[0020] With regard to the present invention, it is further conceivable that each time increment of at least one time scale represents a specific year. Additionally or alternatively, each time increment of at least one time scale may represent a specific month. At least one combined time scale may be provided, wherein the combined time scale represents a specific year and each time increment of the time scale represents a specific month. Several of the aforementioned time scales may be provided or combined with one another.

[0021] Advantageously, it can also be provided that the adsorber housing, at least in sections, is made of a plastic. This results in a lightweight structure and cost-effective and simple production of the adsorber housing. In particular, the adsorber housing can be made, at least in sections, of at least one plastic from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polyamide. The use of other plastics is not precluded by the concept of the invention.

[0022] The above object is further achieved by a vehicle comprising a coolant circuit, wherein at least one adsorber according to the invention, in particular at least one adsorber according to one of claims 1 to 7, is integrated into the coolant circuit. With respect to a vehicle, the same advantages thus arise as were described with respect to the adsorber.

[0023] In this case, integration of the adsorber into the coolant circuit means that the coolant is passed through the adsorber or brought into contact with an adsorber cartridge in such a way that the adsorber can bind the moisture present in an air cushion of the coolant circuit. Preferably, the coolant circuit of the vehicle is designed or serves to cool at least one electrical component of the vehicle. The electrical component of the vehicle can preferably be designed as an energy storage device, in particular an electrical one, of the vehicle, in particular a battery or accumulator of the vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the vehicle may be configured as a car or passenger vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be configured as a truck, an agricultural vehicle, or a construction machine.

[0025] The above object is further achieved by a method for using an adsorber according to the invention, in particular an adsorber according to one of claims 1 to 7, and / or a vehicle according to the invention, in particular a vehicle according to one of claims 8 or 9, the method comprising: - Carrying out maintenance on the adsorber, - Changing, in particular irreversibly changing, at least one marking segment, wherein the change allows a time of maintenance to be read off on the adsorber housing using at least one time scale.

[0026] With regard to a method according to the invention, the same advantages arise as those described with regard to an adsorber and / or a vehicle.

[0027] Adsorber maintenance may, in particular, involve replacing at least one adsorber cartridge. This introduces new adsorption material into the adsorber and ensures continuous adsorption of moisture by the adsorber.

[0028] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that changing the marking segment comprises at least one of the following: - Plastic deformation of the marking segment due to mechanical force and / or heat influence, - Changing the shape of the marking segment by at least local material removal, - Irreversible coloring of the marking segment in a color different from the housing surface of the adsorber housing surrounding the marking segment.

[0029] Plastic deformation due to the application of mechanical force can occur, for example, by notching the marking segment. Plastic deformation of the marking segment due to the influence of heat can occur, for example, by locally melting and / or scorching the marking segment. Changing the shape of the marking segment through at least local material removal can occur, for example, by scoring, filing, and / or sawing the marking segment. Irreversible coloring should also be understood to mean that the color or dye penetrates the material of the marking segment or adheres to the marking segment in such a way that the discoloration cannot be removed or can essentially not be removed completely.

[0030] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0031] This shows Fig. 1 a schematic view of an adsorber, Fig. 2 a schematic view of an adsorber, Fig. 3 a schematic view of an adsorber, Fig. 4 a schematic view of an adsorber, Fig. 5 a schematic view of a vehicle, Fig. 6 a schematic view of a coolant circuit and Fig. 7 a schematic view of a process.

[0032] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the scope of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an adsorber 10 for use in a coolant circuit 51 of a vehicle 50. The adsorber 10 is shown only in part and comprises an adsorber housing 11. A time scale 12 with a plurality of time increments 13 is formed on the adsorber housing 11. Each time increment 13 is further assigned a marking segment 14 for irreversible change, so that by changing the marking segment 14, the time increment 13 assigned to the marking segment 14 can be marked. The time increments 13 are identified here merely by way of example by the numbers 01 to 05.

[0034] An adsorber 10 according to the invention provides the advantage that the time of maintenance carried out on the adsorber 10 can be clearly and irreversibly marked on the adsorber housing 11.

[0035] Out of Fig. 1 shows that the marking segments 14 and the time scale 12 are formed on a housing surface 15 of the adsorber housing 11, so that a user can recognize or reach the time scale 12 and the marking segments 14 from the outside without having to disassemble the adsorber 10. The marking segments 14 of the Fig. 1 are formed here as raised projections relative to the housing surface 15. The marking segments 14 can be formed along a common projection 18 or spaced apart by different projections 18.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 also shows a schematic view of an adsorber 10, wherein the marking segments 14 are formed as an edge 19 formed on the adsorber housing 11. The edge 19 is formed at a joint between two partial surfaces of the housing surface 15 of the adsorber housing 11, wherein the edge 19 marks a discontinuous transition of the gradient between the partial surfaces. The marking segments 14 can be formed along a continuous edge 19 or spaced apart by different edges 19.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 also shows a schematic view of an adsorber 10, wherein the marking segments 14 are formed as edges 19 or surfaces of a tool attachment 16. The tool attachment 16 is formed as an external hexagon. The time scale 12 is arranged circumferentially around the tool attachment 16, so that each edge 19 or surface of the tool attachment 16 is assigned to a time increment 13 of the time scale 12. It is further shown Fig. 3 that two adjacent time increments 13 are visually separated from each other by separating elements.

[0038] Fig. 4 also shows a schematic view of an adsorber 10, wherein the marking segments 14 have a predetermined breaking point 17, so that by breaking off the marking segment 14 at the predetermined breaking point 17, at least a portion of the marking segment 14 can be removed from the adsorber housing 11. The predetermined breaking points 17 of the marking segments 14 are formed here as a local material taper of the respective marking segments 14.

[0039] Fig. 5 further shows a schematic view of a vehicle 50, the vehicle 50 comprising a Fig. 6 schematically illustrated coolant circuit 51, wherein at least one adsorber 10 is integrated into the coolant circuit 51.

[0040] Fig.7 further shows a schematic view of a method 100 for using an adsorber 10, comprising the following steps: - Carrying out 110 maintenance on the adsorber 10, - Changing 120 at least one marking segment 14, wherein the change allows a time of maintenance to be read off on the adsorber housing 11 using at least one time scale 12.

Claims

[1] Absorber (10) for use in a coolant circuit (51) of a vehicle (50), comprising an adsorber housing (11), wherein at least one time scale (12) with a plurality of time increments (13) is formed on the adsorber housing (11) and wherein each time increment (13) is assigned a marking segment (14) for irreversible change, so that by changing the marking segment (14) the time increment (13) assigned to the marking segment (14) can be marked. [2] Adsorber (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one marking segment (14) is designed as a projection (18) raised relative to a housing surface (15) of the adsorber housing (11). [3] Adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one marking segment (14) is formed as an edge (19) formed on the adsorber housing (11). [4] Adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one marking segment (14) is formed as an edge (19) and / or surface of a tool attachment (16). [5] Adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one marking segment (14) has a predetermined breaking point (17), so that by breaking off the marking segment (14) at the predetermined breaking point (17) at least a part of the marking segment (14) can be removed from the adsorber housing (11). [6] Adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each time increment (13) of at least one time scale (12) represents a specific year and / or that each time increment (13) of at least one time scale (12) represents a specific month. [7] Adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adsorber housing (11) is made of plastic. [8] Vehicle (50) comprising at least one coolant circuit (51), wherein at least one adsorber (10) according to one of the preceding claims is integrated into the coolant circuit (51). [9] Vehicle (50) according to claim 8, characterized by that the coolant circuit (51) is designed to cool at least one electrical component of the vehicle (50), in particular an energy store of the vehicle (50). [10] Method (100) for using an adsorber (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - carrying out (110) maintenance on the adsorber (10), - Changing (120) at least one marking segment (14), wherein the change allows a time of maintenance to be read off on the adsorber housing (11) using at least one time scale (12). [11] Method (100) according to claim 10, characterized by that the changing 120 of the marking segment (14) comprises at least one of the following: - plastic deformation of the marking segment (14) by mechanical force and / or heat influence, - changing the shape of the marking segment (14) by at least local material removal, - irreversibly coloring the marking segment (14) in a color different from the housing surface (15) of the adsorber housing (11) surrounding the marking segment (14).

Images