Ion exchange filter assembly and connecting pipe

Abstract

Ion exchange filter arrangement (100) for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, with at least two ion exchange units (10) which have identical housings (12) each with an inlet nozzle (14) and an outlet nozzle (16), and with an inlet-side fluid connection (20) and an outlet-side fluid connection (50) which connect the ion exchange units (10) to each other in terms of flow, wherein the inlet ports (14) of the at least two ion exchange units (10) are fluidically connected to the inlet-side fluid connection (20) and the outlet ports (16) are fluidically connected to the outlet-side fluid connection (50), wherein the ion exchange units (10) are arranged in parallel so that flow can pass through them, wherein flow paths (90) each comprise a section through the inlet-side fluid connection (20), a section through the respective ion exchange unit (10) and a section through the outlet-side fluid connection (50), wherein the flow paths (90) are each designed to allow uniform flow, and where either all flow paths (90) have the same length, or where all flow paths (90) have the same flow resistance.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an ion exchange filter arrangement for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, and a connecting pipe for an ion exchange filter arrangement. State of the art

[0002] Fuel cells have an electrical efficiency of approximately 50%. The remaining energy is generated as heat. This heat must be dissipated to maximize the fuel cell's efficiency. For this purpose, the fuel cell is surrounded by a cooling medium. If the cooling medium is electrically conductive, short circuits can occur between the cells. Therefore, deionization using an ion exchanger is necessary. Since the coolant must also fulfill other properties, such as providing antifreeze, mixtures are used, for example, deionized water and monoethylene glycol in a 50:50 ratio. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] One object of the invention is to create an easy-to-assemble ion exchange filter arrangement for flowing with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system.

[0004] Another objective of the invention is to create an easy-to-assemble connecting pipe for such an ion exchange filter arrangement.

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved according to one aspect of the invention by an ion exchange filter arrangement for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, with at least two ion exchange units, which have identical housings each with an inlet port and an outlet port, and with an inlet-side fluid connection and an outlet-side fluid connection that fluidically connect the ion exchange units, wherein the inlet ports of the at least two ion exchange units are fluidically connected to the inlet-side fluid connection and the outlet ports to the outlet-side fluid connection, wherein the ion exchange units are arranged to allow flow through them in parallel, wherein flow paths each comprise a section through the inlet-side fluid connection, a section through the respective ion exchange unit and a section through the outlet-side fluid connection.wherein the flow paths are each designed to allow uniform flow, and wherein either all flow paths have the same length, or wherein all flow paths have the same flow resistance.

[0006] The further problem is solved according to a further aspect of the invention with a connecting tube for an ion exchange filter arrangement, having a longitudinal extension comprising at least two connection openings along the longitudinal extension for fluidic connection with inlet nozzles or outlet nozzles of an ion exchange unit.

[0007] Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an ion exchange filter arrangement for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, particularly for a fuel cell system, is proposed, comprising at least two ion exchange units, each having identical housings with an inlet port and an outlet port, and an inlet-side fluid connection and an outlet-side fluid connection that fluidically connect the ion exchange units. The inlet ports of the at least two ion exchange units are fluidically connected to the inlet-side fluid connection, and the outlet ports are fluidically connected to the outlet-side fluid connection. The ion exchange units are arranged in parallel so that flow is possible, with each flow path comprising a section through the inlet-side fluid connection, a section through the respective ion exchange unit, and a section through the outlet-side fluid connection.The flow paths are designed to allow uniform flow, and either all flow paths have the same length, or all flow paths have the same flow resistance.

[0009] Advantageously, the fluid connections allow a flexible number of ion exchange units to be fluidically connected to form an ion exchange filter assembly, for example, for a fuel cell system. The entire ion exchange filter assembly has only one inlet and one outlet connection for connection to a cooling circuit.

[0010] The advantage is that commercially available, replaceable ion exchange cartridges can be used. Additionally, the individual cartridges can be filled with different resins, e.g., one cartridge with only anion resin and the other with only cation resin. A ratio other than 50:50 can easily be achieved if required.

[0011] The fluid connections are designed to ensure the full functionality of the combined individual ion exchange units in terms of capacity and efficiency. For example, the fluid connections have the same geometry and length to guarantee a uniform distribution of the fluid flow through the ion exchange housings. This allows for a uniform flow through each individual ion exchange unit.

[0012] According to a favorable embodiment of the ion exchange filter arrangement, the inlet-side fluid connection and the outlet-side fluid connection can each comprise at least one connecting tube, which has at least one connection opening per ion exchange unit along its longitudinal extent. The inlet ports of the ion exchange units can be fluidically connected to the connection openings of the at least one connecting tube, and the outlet ports of the ion exchange units can be fluidically connected to the connection openings of the at least one other connecting tube.

[0013] The connection openings of the connecting pipes can conveniently be connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the ion exchange unit housings, with one connecting pipe on the inlet side of the ion exchange unit and one connecting pipe on the outlet side. The connecting pipes themselves each have an inlet port and an outlet port, respectively, allowing for easy connection to the cooling circuit of the fuel cell system.

[0014] According to a favorable embodiment of the ion exchange filter assembly, the connection openings of the connecting pipes can have radially internally arranged sealing elements, which are held in place by retaining elements, in particular plastic rings. Specifically, the retaining elements can be clipped or welded into the connection openings. In this way, the housings of the ion exchange units can be reliably connected to the connecting pipes.

[0015] According to a favorable embodiment of the ion exchange filter assembly, the inlet and outlet nozzles of the housings can be held by means of clamping elements, in particular spring elements, which engage in circumferential grooves of the inlet and outlet nozzles through slots that at least partially circumferentially encircle the connection openings. This allows the connection between the connecting tube and the ion exchange unit to be secured in a simple manner.

[0016] According to a favorable embodiment of the ion exchange filter arrangement, the at least one inlet-side connecting pipe and the at least one outlet-side connecting pipe can each have a closed end and an outlet port. Alternatively, at least two inlet-side connecting pipes and / or at least two outlet-side connecting pipes can be provided, each having an inlet port and an outlet port. Alternatively, at least two inlet-side connecting pipes and / or at least two outlet-side connecting pipes can be provided, and the outlet port of one of the connecting pipes can be fluidically connected to an inlet port of a subsequent connecting pipe. The inlet-side fluid connection and the outlet-side fluid connection can thus each be realized with a single connecting pipe.Alternatively, it is also possible to realize the fluid connections from several connecting pipes arranged one behind the other and fluidically connected to each other.

[0017] According to a favorable design of the ion exchange filter assembly, the housings of the ion exchange units can be arranged on a common mounting plate by means of brackets, in particular brackets surrounding the housings. This allows for the secure mounting of a compact ion exchange filter assembly.

[0018] According to a favorable design of the ion exchange filter assembly, the mounting plate can be designed to compensate for tolerances during housing assembly. In particular, the mounting plate can have elongated holes for attaching the brackets to compensate for tolerances. This allows the ion exchange units to be easily and tightly connected to the connecting pipes.

[0019] According to a favorable design of the ion exchange filter assembly, the outlet connections of the connecting pipes can have radially arranged outer sleeves for fixing them to an external connecting line. This allows the entire ion exchange filter assembly to be connected to a fuel cell cooling circuit in a simple and reliable manner.

[0020] According to a favorable design of the ion exchange filter arrangement, the at least two ion exchange units can be filled with different ion exchange materials. This allows a suitable mixture of ion exchange materials to be set for a desired ion exchange effect.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a connecting tube for an ion exchange filter arrangement is proposed, with a longitudinal extension comprising at least two connection openings along the longitudinal extension for fluidic connection with inlet nozzles or outlet nozzles of an ion exchange unit.

[0022] The connecting pipes are designed to fit and seal the existing inlet and outlet ports of the individual ion exchange units within the ion exchange filter assembly. The connecting pipes can be secured, for example, using clamping elements such as metal springs that snap onto the ports of the ion exchange units. Advantageously, the connected pipes then only require one additional connection port as an interface to the coolant circuit.

[0023] According to a favorable design of the connecting pipe, the connection openings for the respective ion exchange units can have radially internally arranged sealing elements, which are held in place by retaining elements, in particular plastic rings. Specifically, the retaining elements can be clipped into the connection openings or welded to them. In this way, the housings of the ion exchange units can be reliably connected to the connecting pipes.

[0024] According to a favorable embodiment of the connecting pipe, clamping elements, in particular spring elements, can be arranged in at least partially circumferential slots of the connection openings for engaging in circumferential grooves of the inlet and outlet nozzles of the ion exchange unit. This allows the connection between the connecting pipe and the ion exchange unit to be secured in a simple manner.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting pipe can comprise a closed end and an outlet port. Alternatively, the connecting pipe can comprise an inlet port and an outlet port, the outlet port being configured to be fluidically connected to an inlet port of a subsequent connecting pipe. The inlet-side fluid connection and the outlet-side fluid connection can thus each be realized with a single connecting pipe. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to realize the fluid connections using several connecting pipes arranged in series and fluidically connected to one another.

[0026] According to a favorable design of the connecting pipe, the outlet connection can have a radially outwardly arranged union sleeve for fixing it to the external connecting line. This allows the entire ion exchange filter assembly to be connected to a fuel cell cooling circuit in a simple and reliable manner. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0028] They show, for example: Fig. 1 an isometric representation of the ion exchange filter arrangement for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a top view of the ion exchange filter arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 an exploded view of the ion exchange filter assembly according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 an isometric representation of a connecting tube of the ion exchange filter arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of the connecting pipe according to Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 an exploded view of the connecting pipe according to Fig. 4. Embodiments of the invention

[0029] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0030] To explain the invention, Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric representation of the ion exchange filter arrangement 100 for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, according to an embodiment of the invention. The liquid to be filtered can, for example, be the coolant, i.e., water, of a cooling circuit of the fuel cell system.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the ion exchange filter assembly 100, while in Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the ion exchange filter assembly 100.

[0032] In this example, the ion exchange filter assembly 100 comprises five ion exchange units 10, each with identical housings 12, one inlet port 14, and one outlet port 16. The ion exchange filter assembly 100 also includes an inlet-side fluid connection 20 and an outlet-side fluid connection 50, which fluidically connect the ion exchange units 10. The inlet ports 14 of the ion exchange units 10 are fluidically connected to the inlet-side fluid connection 20, and the outlet ports 16 are fluidically connected to the outlet-side fluid connection 50.

[0033] The ion exchange units 10 are arranged in parallel to allow flow through them. Flow paths 90 each comprise a section through the inlet-side fluid connection 20, a section through the respective ion exchange unit 10, and a section through the outlet-side fluid connection 50. Fig. Figure 1 is an example of one of the flow paths 90 through one of the ion exchange units 10, represented by a dashed line.

[0034] The flow paths 90 through the various ion exchange units 10 are each designed to allow uniform flow. Either all flow paths 90 have the same length, or the fluid flows uniformly through the two fluid connections 20, 50 and the ion exchange units 10.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the flow paths 90 can each have the same flow resistance. The respective flow path 90 through the fluid connections 20, 50 and the respective ion exchange unit 10 can, for example, be adjusted by means of orifices such that the respective flow path 90 through the individual ion exchange units 10 has the same flow resistance, ensuring that the ion exchange units 10 are uniformly flowed through.

[0036] The inlet-side fluid connection 20 and the outlet-side fluid connection 50 each comprise two connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54. Each inlet-side connecting pipe 22 and outlet-side connecting pipe 52 has a closed end 26, 56 and an outlet port 32, 62. Furthermore, an inlet-side connecting pipe 24 and an outlet-side connecting pipe 54 are present, each having an inlet port 30, 60 and an outlet port 32, 62, respectively. The outlet port 32, 62 of one of the connecting pipes 22, 52 is fluidically connected to the inlet port 30, 60 of the subsequent connecting pipe 24, 54.

[0037] Along their longitudinal extent 42, 68, the connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 each have at least one connection opening 40, 66 per ion exchange unit 10. The inlet nozzles 14 of the ion exchange units 10 are fluidically connected to the connection openings 40 of the connecting pipes 22, 24, and the outlet nozzles 16 of the ion exchange units 10 are fluidically connected to the connection openings 66 of the other connecting pipes 52, 54.

[0038] In the connection openings 40, 66 of the connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54, radially internally arranged sealing elements 70 are provided, which are held by retaining elements 72, in particular plastic rings. The retaining elements 72 can, for example, be clipped into the connection openings 40, 66 or welded to them.

[0039] The inlet nozzles 14 and the outlet nozzles 16 of the housings 12 can be held by means of clamping elements 74, in particular spring elements, which engage in circumferential grooves 15, 17 of the inlet nozzles 14 and the outlet nozzles 16 through at least partially circumferential slots 76 of the connection openings 40, 66.

[0040] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the housings 12 of the ion exchange units 10 can be arranged on a common support plate 80 by means of holders 18, in particular holders 18 that encircle the housings 12. The support plate 80 can advantageously be designed to compensate for tolerances during the assembly of the housings 12, for example by having elongated holes for fastening the holders 18.

[0041] The connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 each have outlet connections 32, 62 for connection to an external connecting line, for example, of the cooling circuit of the fuel cell system. The outlet connections 32, 62 of the connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 may advantageously have radially arranged outer sleeves 38, 64 for securing them to an external connecting line.

[0042] The individual ion exchange units 10 can advantageously be filled with different ion exchange materials. This allows a suitable mixture of ion exchange materials to be set for a desired ion exchange effect.

[0043] The connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 of the inlet-side fluid connection 20 and the outlet-side fluid connection 50 of the exemplary embodiment in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 are mirror images of each other, which is only evident from the arrangement of the clamping elements 74 for securing the connection between the connection openings 40, 66 of the connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 and the inlet nozzle 14 or outlet nozzle 16 of the ion exchange unit 10. Alternatively, the respective connecting pipes 22, 24, 52, 54 can also be identical.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows an isometric representation of a connecting tube 52 of the ion exchange filter arrangement 100 according to Fig. 1. In Fig. Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the connecting pipe 52, while Fig. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the connecting pipe 52.

[0045] The connecting pipe 52 comprises a closed end 56 and an outlet port 62. The outlet port 62 is designed to be fluidically connected to an inlet port 60 of a subsequent connecting pipe 54.

[0046] The outlet connection 62 may further have a radially outwardly arranged union sleeve 64 (not shown) for fixing to an external connecting line.

[0047] The connecting tube 52 has a longitudinal extent 68 and includes three connection openings 66 along the longitudinal extent 68 for fluidic connection with the inlet nozzle 14 or outlet nozzle 16 of an ion exchange unit 10.

[0048] The connection openings 66 for the respective ion exchange units 10 have radially arranged sealing elements 70, which are held by retaining elements 72, in particular plastic rings. The retaining elements 72 can, for example, be clipped into the connection openings 66 or welded to them.

[0049] Clamping elements 74, in particular spring elements, for engaging in circumferential grooves 15, 17 of the inlet nozzles 14 and the outlet nozzles 16 of the ion exchange unit 10 (see Fig.3) are arranged in slots 76 that circumferentially at least in some areas of the connection openings 40, 66. Reference sign 10 ion exchange units 12 cases 14 inlet nozzles 15 Nut 16 outlet nozzles 17 Nut 18 bracket 20 Fluid connection 22 Connecting pipe 24 Connecting pipe 26 closed end 30 Inlet connection 32 Outlet connection 38 Over-the-shoulder cuff 40 Connection opening 42 Longitudinal extent 50 Fluid connection 52 Connecting pipe 54 Connecting pipe 56 closed end 60 Inlet connection 62 Outlet connection 64 Overlock cuff 66 Connection opening 68 Longitudinal extent 70 Sealing element 72 retaining element 74 clamping element 76 slots 80 carrier plate 90 Flow path 100 ion exchange filter assembly

Claims

[1] Ion exchange filter arrangement (100) for flow through with a liquid to be filtered, in particular for a fuel cell system, with at least two ion exchange units (10) which have identical housings (12) each with an inlet nozzle (14) and an outlet nozzle (16), and with an inlet-side fluid connection (20) and an outlet-side fluid connection (50) which connect the ion exchange units (10) to each other in terms of flow, wherein the inlet ports (14) of the at least two ion exchange units (10) are fluidically connected to the inlet-side fluid connection (20) and the outlet ports (16) are fluidically connected to the outlet-side fluid connection (50), wherein the ion exchange units (10) are arranged in parallel so that flow can pass through them, wherein flow paths (90) each comprise a section through the inlet-side fluid connection (20), a section through the respective ion exchange unit (10) and a section through the outlet-side fluid connection (50), wherein the flow paths (90) are each designed to allow uniform flow, and where either all flow paths (90) have the same length, or where all flow paths (90) have the same flow resistance. [2] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inlet-side fluid connection (20) and the outlet-side fluid connection (50) each comprise at least one connecting tube (22, 24, 52, 54) which has at least one connection opening (40, 66) per ion exchange unit (10) along its longitudinal extent (42, 68), wherein the inlet nozzles (14) of the ion exchange units (10) are fluidically connected to the connection openings (40) of the at least one connecting tube (22, 24) and the outlet nozzles (16) of the ion exchange units (10) are fluidically connected to the connection openings (66) of the at least one other connecting tube (52, 54). [3] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the connection openings (40, 66) of the connecting tubes (22, 24, 52, 54) have radially internally arranged sealing elements (70) which are held by retaining elements (72), in particular plastic rings, in particular wherein the retaining elements (72) are clipped into the connection openings (40, 66) or welded to them. [4] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inlet nozzles (14) and the outlet nozzles (16) of the housings (12) are held by means of clamping elements (74), in particular spring elements, which engage in circumferential grooves (15, 17) of the inlet nozzles (14) and the outlet nozzles (16) through at least partially circumferential slots (76) of the connection openings (40, 66). [5] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one inlet-side connecting tube (22, 24) and the at least one outlet-side connecting tube (52, 54) each have a closed end (26, 56) and an outlet connection (32, 62), or wherein at least two inlet-side connecting pipes (22, 24) and / or at least two outlet-side connecting pipes (52, 54) are provided, which have an inlet port (30, 60) and an outlet port (32, 62), or wherein at least two inlet-side connecting pipes (22, 24) and / or at least two outlet-side connecting pipes (52, 54) are present and the outlet port (32, 62) of one of the connecting pipes (22, 52) can be fluidically connected to an inlet port (30, 60) of a subsequent connecting pipe (24, 54). [6] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housings (12) of the ion exchange units (10) are arranged on a common support plate (80) by means of supports (18), in particular supports (18) circumferential around the housings (12). [7] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the support plate (80) is designed for tolerance compensation for the mounting of the housings (12), in particular wherein the support plate (80) has elongated holes for fastening the holders (18) for tolerance compensation. [8] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the outlet connections (32, 62) of the connecting pipes (22, 24, 52, 54) have radially outwardly arranged knuckle sleeves (38, 64) for fixing to an external connecting line. [9] Ion exchange filter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two ion exchange units (10) are filled with different ion exchange materials. [10] Connecting tube (22, 24, 52, 54) for an ion exchange filter arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a longitudinal extension (42, 68) comprising along the longitudinal extension (42, 68) at least two connection openings (40, 66) for fluidic connection with inlet nozzle (14) or outlet nozzle (16) of an ion exchange unit (10). [11] Connecting pipe according to claim 10, wherein the connection openings (40, 66) for the respective ion exchange units (10) have radially internally arranged sealing elements (70) which are held by retaining elements (72), in particular plastic rings, in particular wherein the retaining elements (72) are clipped into the connection openings (40, 66) or welded to them. [12] Connecting tube according to claim 10 or 11, wherein clamping elements (74), in particular spring elements, are arranged for engaging in circumferential grooves (15, 17) of the inlet nozzles (14) and the outlet nozzles (16) of the ion exchange unit (10) in at least partially circumferential slots (76) of the connection openings (40, 66). [13] Connecting pipe according to one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a closed end (26, 56) and an outlet port (32, 62), or an inlet port (30, 60) and an outlet port (32, 62), wherein the outlet port (32, 62) is configured to be fluidically connected to an inlet port (30, 60) of a subsequent connecting pipe (24, 54). [14] Connecting pipe according to claim 13, wherein the outlet connection (32, 62) has a radially outwardly arranged compression sleeve (38, 64) for fixing to the external connecting pipe.

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