DEVICE FOR COLLECTING ABRASION PARTICLES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for collecting abrasion particles generated in the wheel area during the use of a vehicle, with a collecting profile for abrasion particles that is at least partially curved, wherein the collecting profile has one or more collecting openings on an inner side through which abrasion particles can enter the collecting profile.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with several wheels and at least one device for collecting abrasion particles generated in the immediate vicinity of a wheel.

[0003] During vehicle use, abrasion particles are generated in the wheel area due to wear effects, including tire and road surface abrasion. These abrasion particles are also known as "tire and road wear particles." Additionally, abrasion particles are generated during braking, where they can detach from the brake pads and brake discs.

[0004] The abrasion particles generated in the wheel area of ​​a vehicle are released into the environment. To reduce the release of these particles, abrasion collectors are already known in the art. These collectors use an electrostatic field to gather the particles generated in the wheel area at an electrode. However, these and other known systems require the supply of electrical energy and the use of electrical or electronic components.

[0005] For brake discs, other abrasion collectors are known in the prior art. US 2022 / 0205499 A1 relates to a collection device for collecting particles generated in the braking system of a transport system. WO 2019 / 223914 A1 relates to a brake dust particle filter and a disc brake assembly with a brake dust particle filter. Furthermore, water drainage devices for vehicles are known in the prior art. GB 2 250 249 A relates to a mud collection device or a mudguard. GB 2 004 823 A relates to a splash guard for use on a road vehicle. Further prior art regarding the technological background can be found in WO 86 / 04030 A1.

[0006] The object underlying the invention is therefore to enable the collection of abrasion particles generated in the wheel area of ​​a vehicle without requiring electrical energy and / or electrical or electronic components.

[0007] The problem is solved by a device for collecting abrasion particles generated in the wheel area during the use of a vehicle, with a collecting profile for abrasion particles that is at least partially curved, wherein the collecting profile has one or more collecting openings on an inner side through which abrasion particles can enter the collecting profile, wherein the device according to the invention has a collection container for collected abrasion particles, wherein the collection container has at least one discharge opening through which water can be discharged from the collection container, and wherein the collection container has at least one filter which is configured to prevent abrasion particles from escaping from the discharge opening.The collection profile comprises several particle guidance channels through which the abrasion particles that have entered the collection profile through one or more collection openings can be guided into the collection container, wherein the particle guidance channels are arranged next to each other and / or run parallel to each other at least section by section, wherein the several particle guidance channels each have one or more trapping bars which are designed to prevent the abrasion particles that have entered the collection profile through one or more collection openings from falling out of the one or more collection openings.

[0008] By using a collection profile with particle guide channels through which the abrasion particles can be guided into a collection container, no electrical or electronic components are required, making the device comparatively simple and inexpensive to implement. Furthermore, the device according to the invention is insensitive to moisture, as moisture-related malfunctions of electrical or electronic components cannot occur.

[0009] When the device is in use, the inner side of the collection profile, which contains one or more collection openings, faces the wheel or tire. Rainwater and splash water can be used to clean the collection profile and to flush abrasion particles into the collection container. The collection profile can be located in the wheel well behind the vehicle wheel and / or partially circumferentially around the vehicle wheel. The device's collection container has a particle inlet opening through which the abrasion particles collected by the profile can enter the container. Particle guide channels define pathways along which the abrasion particles move towards the collection container.Any rainwater and splash water is also guided along the particle guidance paths within the particle guidance channels, so that the abrasion particles adhering within the particle guidance channels are transported by the rainwater and splash water through the particle inlet opening into the collection container. The collection container and the collection profile can be connected to each other in a way that allows for non-destructive detachment, for example, for the purpose of repair and / or maintenance.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the multiple particle guide channels are configured to direct the abrasion particles into the collection container by gravity and / or by utilizing the kinetic energy of the abrasion particles. Thus, the abrasion particles can be collected in the container without requiring any electrical energy to be supplied to the device. The device can therefore be used without electricity and is thus also insensitive to moisture. Furthermore, the assembly and installation of the device is comparatively simple, as connection to the vehicle's electrical system is not required.

[0011] According to the invention, the collection container has at least one discharge opening through which water can be discharged from the container. This discharge opening can be a hole. The discharge opening can be connected to a discharge channel. One or more discharge openings can be arranged in the base of the collection container. Furthermore, one or more discharge openings can be arranged in the side wall of the collection container. Splash water and rainwater that enters the collection container can escape through the one or more discharge openings, which are, for example, arranged in the base of the collection container.

[0012] According to the invention, the collection container has at least one filter designed to prevent abrasion particles from escaping the discharge opening. The filter can be located at or within the discharge opening. It can also be positioned at a distance from the discharge opening. One or more filters may be present. The filter must be cleaned or replaced, for example, at regular or irregular intervals. To clean or replace the filter, the collection container can be detached from the collection profile to allow the filter to be removed. Alternatively, the filter can be removed from the collection container without detaching the container or collection profile. Preferably, the collection container is equipped with a filter replacement device through which a used filter can be removed and a new one inserted.

[0013] Furthermore, a device according to the invention is advantageous in which the collecting profile is formed, at least partially, from a flexible material. Preferably, the collecting profile is bendable. Due to the flexibility of the collecting profile, it can be adapted to different wheel contours or wheel sizes and different installation positions. The use of a flexible material also allows for different diameters to be set on the collecting profile.

[0014] According to the invention, several particle guide channels are arranged side by side and / or run parallel to each other, at least in sections. Preferably, adjacent particle guide channels are separated from each other, at least in sections, by a partition. The multiple adjacent particle guide channels significantly reduce the risk of device failure due to blockages. In the event of a blockage in one particle guide channel, for example, due to a foreign object within the channel, the abrasion particles can still be guided into the collection container through the remaining particle guide channels. The partitions between the particle guide channels also increase the stability of the device, thus significantly reducing the risk of damage from mechanical stress, such as from a stone impact.

[0015] The individual particle guidance channels can have a uniform geometry. Furthermore, the geometry of the particle guidance channels can differ along their entire length or only in certain sections. The geometry of the particle guidance channels can also change along their respective paths. These geometric differences or changes can affect, for example, the cross-section, such as the channel width and / or the channel height.

[0016] For example, external particle guidance channels may have a different geometry in sections or along their entire length than internal particle guidance channels. For example, some or all particle guidance channels along a first longitudinal section may have a first geometry and along a second longitudinal section a second geometry, where the first geometry differs from the second geometry.

[0017] According to the invention, the multiple particle guidance channels each have one or more retaining ribs designed to prevent the abrasion particles, which have entered the collection profile through one or more collection openings, from falling out of the one or more collection openings. The retaining ribs can be external retaining shoulders in which the collection openings are formed. Alternatively or additionally, one or more retaining ribs can be designed as internal retaining lips located within the particle guidance channels. The retaining ribs can also be designed as angled profiles, which reduce the cross-section of the collection openings towards the respective interior of the particle guidance channels. The retaining ribs of the particle guidance channels can be spaced apart from one another; for example, several retaining ribs may be offset vertically from each other.The trapping bars can also be channel-internal trapping lamellae, which may be curved or bent. Alternatively or additionally to the trapping bars, a sieve can be arranged at or within the collection openings. The sieve is preferably designed to prevent the abrasion particles that have entered the collection profile through the one or more collection openings from falling out of the one or more collection openings. The collection profile can, for example, be designed as a labyrinth profile, with the labyrinth structure being implemented by the one or more trapping bars. Furthermore, guide slopes with rebound surfaces can be arranged within the particle guidance channels, the rebound surfaces being designed such that the abrasion particles rebound from the rebound surfaces towards the trapping bars, so that the rebounding abrasion particles are captured by the trapping bars.

[0018] The same particle guide channels can be used in the same types of traps. Furthermore, different traps can be used in the particle guide channels, either along their entire length or only in certain sections. The position, shape, and / or number of traps in the respective particle guide channels can vary along their length.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a shock-absorbing material is arranged in the multiple particle guidance channels. The shock-absorbing material is preferably designed to slow down abrasion particles upon impact with its surface. The shock-absorbing material can, for example, be a foam. The foam can be an open-cell or a closed-cell foam. Alternatively, the shock-absorbing material can be a moss material.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, an adhesive material is arranged in the multiple particle guide channels, to which abrasion particles adhere upon contact. The adhesive material can, for example, be a fiber material. For example, the adhesive material comprises a plurality of electrostatic fibers. The adhesive material can also be formed by magnetic lamellae, wherein the lamellae can be, for example, permanent or electromagnetic.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, sound-absorbing material is arranged on the collection profile. The sound-absorbing material is preferably designed to reduce the acoustic noise generated by the impact of the abrasion particles from the collection profile or by the rolling noise of a vehicle wheel. The sound-absorbing material effectively prevents any impairment of comfort caused by acoustic disturbances resulting from the operation of the device. The sound-absorbing material can, for example, be a foam material or a rubber material.

[0022] The same shock-absorbing material, sound-absorbing material, and / or adhesive material can be arranged in the respective particle guidance channels. Furthermore, different shock-absorbing materials, sound-absorbing materials, and / or adhesive materials can be arranged in the particle guidance channels along their entire length or only in sections. Additionally, shock-absorbing material, sound-absorbing material, and / or adhesive material can be arranged in one or more particle guidance channels, while no shock-absorbing material, sound-absorbing material, and / or adhesive material is arranged in one or more particle guidance channels. Finally, shock-absorbing material, sound-absorbing material, and / or adhesive material can be arranged in one, several, or all particle guidance channels only in sections.

[0023] Furthermore, a device according to the invention is preferred in which the collection profile has at least one suction channel connected to the multiple particle guide channels. Preferably, the suction channel is configured to extract abrasion particles from the multiple particle guide channels. Preferably, the extracted abrasion particles are fed to the collection container via the suction channel. For example, vacuum extraction can be implemented via the suction channel. The suction effect can be generated actively or passively. In a passive suction channel, the channel wall can, for example, have one or more channel constrictions that act as suction nozzles. In an active extraction system, the device includes, for example, a flow generator by means of which a suction flow can be generated. The flow generator can, for example, be a fan or ventilator.

[0024] Furthermore, a device according to the invention is preferred in which elastic trapping lamellae are arranged in the several particle guidance channels, which are designed to capture abrasion particles between adjacent trapping lamellae. The trapping lamellae can, for example, be arranged overlapping and / or form a gill structure. The elastic trapping lamellae can, for example, be made of a thermoplastic material. For example, the elastic trapping lamellae are made of rubber.

[0025] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the device of the vehicle according to the invention is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the vehicle according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages and modifications of the device according to the invention.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 An embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic side view; Fig. 2 A collection profile of a device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 3 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 4 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 5 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 6 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 7 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 8 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 9 A collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig.Fig. 10 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 11 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 12 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 13 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 14 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 15 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 16 a collection profile of another device according to the invention in a schematic top view; Fig. 17 the in the . Fig. 16 the illustrated collection profile in a side sectional view; and Fig. 18 the one in the Fig. 16 The depicted catch profile in its installed state in the immediate vicinity of a vehicle wheel is shown in a schematic representation.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for collecting abrasion particles P, which are generated in the wheel area during the use of a vehicle. These abrasion particles (P) are produced, for example, by tire wear and / or road surface abrasion. Furthermore, the abrasion particles (P) can be brake pad or brake disc particles released during braking.

[0028] The device 10 comprises a curved collecting profile 12 for abrasion particles P, the collecting profile 12 extending over an angular range α. The angular extent α can, for example, be in a range of 45° to 180°. A collection container 20 for collected abrasion particles P is arranged below the collecting profile 12. The abrasion particles P collected by means of the collecting profile 12 can enter the collection container 20 via the particle inlet opening 22. The collection container 20 has several discharge openings 24a-24c through which water can be discharged from the collection container 20. The discharge openings 24a-24c are located in the bottom of the collection container 20 and are designed as through-holes. Water can escape from the collection container 20 through the discharge openings 24a-24c. A filter 26 is arranged inside the collection container 20 above the discharge openings 24a-24c. The filter 26 prevents abrasion particles P from escaping from the discharge openings 24a-24c.The collection container 20 can be moved along the horizontal axis, i.e., along the direction of displacement x, so that the particle inlet opening 22 of the collection container 20 can be precisely positioned relative to the collection profile 12. The collection profile 12 and the collection container 20 are preferably made of plastic. The collection profile can be made of a flexible plastic material so that the shape of the collection profile 12 can be adapted to a wheel size or to the geometry of a vehicle's wheel arch.

[0029] The Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a collection profile 12 with several particle guidance channels 18a-18e arranged side by side and running parallel to each other. The collection profile 12 has several collection openings 16a-16e on its inner surface 14, through which abrasion particles P can enter the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The abrasion particles P, which have entered the collection profile 12 via the collection openings 16a-16e, can be guided into the collection container 12 via the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The particle guidance channels 18a-18e define particle guidance paths along which the abrasion particles P move towards the collection container 12. The particle guide channels 18a-18e guide the abrasion particles P into the collection container 20 by gravity and by utilizing the kinetic energy of the abrasion particles P. No electrical energy is required to capture the abrasion particles P and guide them into the collection container 20. The device 10 can therefore be used without electricity.

[0030] Adjacent particle guide channels 18a-18e are separated from each other by a partition 32a-32d. The collection profile 12 is laterally bounded by side walls 30a, 30b. The particle guide channels 18a-18e have catch plates 28a-28f designed as catch shoulders. The catch plates 28a-28f prevent the abrasion particles P, which have entered the collection profile 12 through the collection openings 16a-16e, from falling out of the collection openings 16a-16e.

[0031] In the Fig. 3 In the depicted collection profile 12, guide slopes 34a-34e are arranged in the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The guide slopes 34a-34e have rebound surfaces, via which the rebound of the abrasion particles P is promoted in the direction of the catch ribs 28a-28f designed as catch shoulders.

[0032] The Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a collection profile 12 in which a shock-absorbing material 36a is arranged within the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The shock-absorbing material 36a is a foam material, and both open-cell and closed-cell foam materials can be used. The shock-absorbing material 36a serves to slow down the abrasion particles P upon impact with the surface of the shock-absorbing material 36a.

[0033] The Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a collection profile 12 in which an adhesive material 40 is arranged in the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The abrasion particles P adhere to the adhesive material 40 upon contact. The adhesive material 40 consists of electrostatic fibers.

[0034] In the Fig. 6 The depicted collection profile 12 has sound-absorbing material 38 arranged on its outer surface. The sound-absorbing material 38 reduces the acoustic noise generated by the impact of the abrasion particles P from the collection profile 12 or by the rolling noise of the wheels. The sound-absorbing material 38 can, for example, be a foam material that is bonded to the back of the collection profile 12.

[0035] The Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a collection profile 12 in which the side walls of the collection profile 12 and the partitions between adjacent particle guide channels 18a-18e are formed from an electrostatic adhesion material 40a. The partitions 32a-32d are electrostatic lamellae to which abrasion particles P adhere upon contact.

[0036] In the Fig. 8 In the depicted collection profile 12, the side walls of the collection profile 12 and the partitions between adjacent particle guide channels 18a-18e are designed as permanent or electromagnetic lamellae made of an adhesive material 40b. When the electromagnetic lamellae are energized, abrasion particles P adhere to the adhesive material 40b upon contact.

[0037] In the Fig. 9 In the depicted collection profile 12, an extraction channel 44 is used, which is arranged behind the particle guide channels 18a-18e. The particle guide channels 18a-18e and the extraction channel 44 are separated from each other by the intermediate floor 42, which has recesses that pneumatically connect the particle guide channels 18a-18e to the extraction channel 44. Abrasion particles P are extracted from the particle guide channels 18a-18e by means of the extraction channel 44. The extraction channel 44 is connected to a collection container 20, so that the extracted abrasion particles P collect in the collection container 20.

[0038] In the Fig. 10 In the particle guide channels 18a-18e of the depicted collection profile 12, further trapping ribs 46a-46f are arranged, which are designed as internal trapping lips. The trapping ribs 46a-46f, designed as internal trapping lips, run parallel to the trapping ribs 28a-28f, which are designed as trapping shoulders. The trapping ribs 28a-28f and 46a-46f prevent the abrasion particles P, which have entered the collection profile 12 through the collection openings 16a-16e, from falling out of the collection openings 16a-16e.

[0039] In the Fig. 11 In the depicted collection profile 12, internal trapping bars 46a-46d, designed as internal trapping lips, and spaced-apart trapping bars 48a, 48b, also designed as internal trapping lips, are arranged in the particle guidance channels 18a-18e. The trapping bars 46a-46d are supported by the side walls 30a, 30b and the partitions 32b, 32d. The trapping bars 48a, 48b are supported by the partitions 32a, 32c. The trapping bars 28a-28f, 46a-46d, 48a, 48b create a labyrinthine structure within the particle guidance channels 18a-18e, which significantly reduces the risk of captured abrasion particles P falling out.

[0040] The one in Fig. 12 The depicted collection profile 12 has collection openings 16a-16m. The particle guide channels connected to the collection openings 16a-16m are separated from each other by curved partitions 32. The partitions 32 run parallel to each other and have identical curvatures 50.

[0041] The Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows a collection profile in which a sieve 52 is arranged in front of the collection openings 16a-16e, whereby abrasion particles P can pass through the sieve 52 into the particle guide channels 18a-18e. The sieve 52 prevents the abrasion particles P located in the particle guide channels 18a-18e from falling out through the collection openings 18a-18e.

[0042] The Fig. 14 Figure 12 shows a collection profile in which a shock-absorbing material 36b is arranged within the particle guidance channels. In this case, the shock-absorbing material 36b is a moss material.

[0043] In the Fig. 15 A collection profile 12 is shown, in which the collection webs 54a-54f are designed as web roofs or angled roof profiles. The risk of the abrasion particles P being thrown out is further reduced by combining this with guide slopes 34a-34e having rebound surfaces.

[0044] In the Fig. 16 bis 18 A collection profile 12 is shown in which overlapping elastic collection lamellae 56 are arranged in the particle guidance channel 18b, together forming a gill structure. Abrasion particles P can be captured between adjacent collection lamellae via the gill structure and directed into one of the particle guidance channels 18a, 18c.

[0045] The Fig. 17 shows that the lamellae 56 overlap and that particle guidance paths are present between the lamellae 56, via which the trapped abrasion particles P can be guided into one of the particle guidance channels 18a, 18c.

[0046] In the Fig. 18 Figure 1 shows a wheel R of a vehicle, wherein the collecting profile 12 of the device 10 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the wheel R and partially surrounds the wheel R. The collecting profile 12 is coupled to a collection container 20 in which the collected abrasion particles P can be collected.

[0047] The different particle guidance channels 18a-18e shown in the figures can also be combined with each other in other collection profiles 12. Individual or all particle guidance channels 18a-18e can, for example, differ from each other over their entire length or only in sections. Bezugszeichenliste

[0048] 10 Device 12 Collection profile 14 Inside 16a-16m Collection openings 18a-18e Particle guide channels 20 Collection container 22 Particle inlet opening 24a-24c Discharge openings 26 Filter 28a-28f Catching bars 30a, 30b Side walls 32, 32a-32d Partitions 34a-34e Guiding slopes 36a, 36b Shock absorption material 38 Sound absorption material 40, 40a, 40b Adhesive material 42 Intermediate floor 44 Extraction channel 46a-46f Catching bars 48a, 48b Catching bars 50 Curves 52 Sieve 54a-54f Catching bars 56 Catching lamellae PA Abrasion particles R Wheel α Angle extent xDirection of movement

Claims

1. Device (10) for collecting abrasion wear particles (P) created in the wheel region during the use of a vehicle, having - a collection profile (12) for abrasion wear particles (P), which is at least partially curved, wherein the collection profile (12) has on an inside (14) one or a plurality of collection openings (16a-16m) by way of which abrasion wear particles (P) can make their way into the collection profile (12), and - a collection container (20) for collected abrasion wear particles (P), wherein the collection container (20) has at least one discharge opening (24a-24c) by way of which water from the collection container (20) is able to be discharged, wherein the collection container (20) has at least one filter (26) which is specified to prevent abrasion wear particles (P) escaping from the discharge opening (24a-24c), characterized in that the collection profile (12) has a plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) by way of which the abrasion wear particles (P) that have reached the collection profile (12) through the one or the plurality of collection openings (16a-16m) are able to be guided into the collection container (20), wherein the particle guide channels (18a-18e) are disposed next to one another and / or run so as to be mutually parallel at least in portions, wherein the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) each have one or a plurality of catch webs (28a-28f, 46a-46f, 48a, 48b, 54a-54f) which are specified to prevent the abrasion wear particles (P) that have reached the collection profile (12) through the one or the plurality of collection openings (16a-16m) falling out of the one or the plurality of collection openings (16a-16m).

2. Device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) are specified to guide the abrasion wear particles (P) into the collection container (20) by gravity and / or by utilizing the kinetic energy of the abrasion wear particles (P).

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection profile (12) is at least in portions formed from a flexible material.

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjacent particle guide channels (18a-18e) are at least in portions separated from one another by a partition wall (32, 32a-32d).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that disposed in the one or the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) is a shock-absorbing material (36a, 36b) which is specified to decelerate abrasion wear particles (P) when impacting the surface of the shock-absorbing material (36a, 36b).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that disposed in the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) is an adhesive material (40, 40a, 40b) to which abrasion wear particles (P) adhere when coming into contact with the adhesive material (40, 40a, 40b).

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that disposed on the collection profile (12) is sound-deadening material (38) which is specified to reduce the acoustic noise generated by the collection profile (12) due to the impact of the abrasion wear particles (P) or by a rolling noise of a wheel (R) of the vehicle.

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection profile (12) has at least one suction channel (44) which is connected to the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) and is specified to extract abrasion wear particles (P) from the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e).

9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that disposed in the plurality of particle guide channels (18a-18e) are elastic catch lamellae (56) which are specified to receive abrasion wear particles (P) between adjacent catch lamellae (56).

10. Vehicle, having - a plurality of wheels (R); and - at least one device (10) for collecting abrasion wear particles (P) created in the proximity of a wheel (R); characterized in that the device (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.