Device, system and method for separating impurities from a gas stream of a compensation vessel

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a system, a method and a device for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular of a compensation vessel, in particular an oil compensation vessel, in particular in a motor vehicle, said device comprising a housing body which is designed to hermetically seal a sorption means from its surroundings and to only uncover same and expose it to air, by way of a pressure action, in particular a pressure pulse, during installation of the device, in particular by reaching an installation end position or after installation of the device. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle, in particular an electrified vehicle, which is equipped with the device and / or the system.

Description

[0001] Device, system and method for separating contaminants from a gas stream of a surge tank

[0002] The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular of an expansion tank, in particular of an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, in particular in electrified vehicles.

[0003] In motor vehicles, especially electric vehicles, cooling oils can be used to keep the vehicle's battery at an optimal operating temperature, for example, to regulate the battery temperature and prevent overheating. Overheating of the battery can shorten its lifespan and cause damage.

[0004] These cooling oils are typically located in an oil reservoir, e.g., an expansion tank, especially an oil expansion tank, which can be used to account for and / or compensate for thermal volume changes and / or pressure changes, e.g., due to temperature fluctuations. Oil expansion tanks are in contact with the electrical components of an electric vehicle, such as the battery components. Therefore, the cooling oils must have insulating properties, for example, to prevent uncontrolled current flows that could lead to short circuits.

[0005] Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain the insulating properties of the cooling oils during vehicle operation, e.g. permanently, in order to ensure its function and / or a long service life, for example. The cooling oils in the expansion tanks, like other liquids, are subject to thermal fluctuations, in particular temperature fluctuations, for example in a range of -30° to 80°C, which leads to thermal volume changes in the expansion tanks, e.g. due to expansion and / or compression of the cooling oils. The expansion tank can serve to compensate for the volume changes, in particular thermally induced, of an oil in the cooling area (battery, electric motor). The thermal volume changes of the oil can, for example, create overpressure in the tank, e.g. at high temperatures, and negative pressure, e.g. at low temperatures. This overpressure or negative pressure can, however, be compensated or counteracted by means of the expansion tank.equalized, for example, to keep the oil pressure and / or oil volume in the system constant and prevent damage. The expansion tank can be partially filled with a gas, e.g., air. The resulting gas pressure (e.g., overpressure / underpressure) can be adjusted using a valve, for example, by exchange with the environment, which can be described as an open system.

[0006] To facilitate pressure equalization, the expansion tanks can be in contact with ambient air, for example, via appropriate air inlets and outlets that can vent and / or vent the expansion tank. Thermal volume changes of the oil can thus be compensated for via the expansion tank.

[0007] However, the cooling oils used are sensitive to moisture, which can impair the oil's insulating properties. Therefore, it is necessary that the air flowing into the oil expansion tank be free of impurities or contamination, especially liquid and / or solid particles such as water or moisture, so the ambient air must be filtered before entering. To achieve this, special air filtration systems and devices can be used to protect the cooling oil from contamination and permanently maintain and guarantee its insulating properties.

[0008] For filtering incoming gases, such as ambient air, desiccants can be used that can attract and absorb moisture from the ambient air. These desiccants are generally hydrophilic, meaning they have an affinity for water or "water-loving," meaning they can absorb moisture very well. The desiccants react or bind even the smallest amounts of moisture contained in the ambient air, for example, within a very short time when exposed to it. The water absorption of a desiccant can also be referred to as the loading of the desiccant, whereby each desiccant can have a predetermined and limited moisture absorption capacity.

[0009] Premature moisture absorption, e.g., before the desiccant has reached its intended location, can reduce its effectiveness. The longer a desiccant is exposed to ambient air, for example, the more or more intensely it absorbs moisture, and the worse its moisture absorption capacity becomes.

[0010] However, premature loading of the desiccant before its intended use, e.g. through and / or during assembly or installation of the desiccant, during storage, unpacking and / or transport, cannot always be prevented, since contact with air sometimes inevitably occurs.

[0011] Even if the drying agent's exposure to ambient air is kept to a minimum, pre-charging adversely affects the drying agent's moisture absorption capacity and thus its effectiveness. This can compromise not only the insulating properties of the cooling oil, but also the functionality and / or service life of the expansion tank, the battery cooling system, and / or the electric vehicle as a whole.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the known prior art and in particular to provide an improved device or an improved method for reducing impurities when venting an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, and a corresponding system.

[0013] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. Further aspects, advantages and features emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings. The invention relates to a device for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular from an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing body which is designed to hermetically separate a sorbent from its surroundings and to expose it and expose it to air only upon assembly of the device, in particular upon reaching an end assembly position or after assembly of the device, in particular by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse.

[0014] The invention relates to a system which can be combined in particular with the device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein and vice versa, for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular of an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein, and a gas exchange tank for connection to the expansion tank.

[0015] The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular an electrified vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, which is equipped with a device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein, and / or a system according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0016] The invention relates to a method for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular of an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein, and / or a system according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0017] The invention relates to a use of the device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein and / or the system according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in electrified vehicles, in particular electric vehicles; and / or in battery cooling systems.

[0018] The invention relates to a sorbent for use in the device according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein and / or the system according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein and / or the method according to the aspects and / or embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0019] It should be understood that the configurations described in the claims and in the description in connection with the system can preferably also be implemented in the device according to the invention as such (e.g., without necessarily having to be installed in a gas exchange container), and vice versa. Reference herein to the device, system, or method refers to the device, system, or method according to the invention.

[0020] The device according to the invention serves to separate impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular from an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle.

[0021] A gas flow can refer to a continuous, pulsed, or discontinuous movement of gases in a defined space and / or in a specific direction, e.g., a flow, stream, or current of gas particles moving through a specific region. This can, for example, be a flow of gas during the filling and / or venting of an expansion tank, e.g., a gas flow during venting, e.g., ambient air flowing into the expansion tank, and / or a gas flow during venting, e.g., air from the expansion tank being released, e.g., flowing out.

[0022] Contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, can refer to undesirable materials, particles, compositions and / or substances that are present in a medium, e.g. a gas stream, and that can impair its purity, quality and / or functionality. Liquid contaminants can include, for example, water, oil, solvents, acids, bases or other chemical substances that unintentionally enter the gas stream. Solid particles as contaminants can include dirt, dust, soot, metal shavings, glass particles or other solids that unintentionally enter, e.g., the gas stream. The contaminants can include, for example, moisture, e.g., water in ambient air, which can be separated.

[0023] "Separation" can be understood as separating, removing, isolating, absorbing, retaining, taking up, capturing, reducing and / or reducing impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, and / or other substances, compositions or materials from a medium, e.g. the gas stream, for example in order to free the gas stream from them, to clean, purify and / or clarify them.

[0024] A "sorbent" can be a material, substance, or material with the ability to bind gases, liquids, solids, and / or dissolved substances, e.g., and / or to adsorb and / or absorb them on its surface. Sorbents can be used to separate, for example, remove, or reduce unwanted and / or harmful substances from a medium. This can occur, for example, upon contact with a medium, e.g., the gas stream (e.g., air), for example, when the sorbent is exposed to it. The exemplary gas stream does not have to flow through the sorbent, e.g., completely, to separate contaminants; rather, contact with it and / or flowing against the sorbent may already be sufficient to utilize the capabilities / properties of the sorbent. The sorbent can be an adsorbent and / or an absorbent.The sorbent can thus i) be completely permeated, ii) be passive, e.g., located in a space through which fluid flows and / or is permeated, and iii) be a combination of i) and ii) to separate contaminants. This applies below to all aspects, embodiments, and / or sorbents described herein.

[0025] Adsorption can refer to a process by which particles, molecules, or ions from a gas or liquid bind and / or adhere to the surface of the sorbent, for example, due to a surface property and / or quality, e.g., a porous structure and / or a large surface area. Adsorption can occur through weak attractive forces, such as van der Waals forces or chemical bonds, between the adsorbate molecules and the adsorption sites on the surface of the sorbent. The adsorbate, e.g., a substance accumulating at the interface, accumulates on the surface, forming a thin layer or a monolayer.

[0026] Absorption can refer to a process in which particles and / or substances penetrate and / or dissolve and / or are absorbed into another material, for example, through a chemical reaction. During absorption, the sorbent can incorporate the adsorbate into its internal structure, e.g., by penetrating or dissolving into the material. In contrast to adsorption, the interaction between the sorbent and the adsorbate can extend beyond the surface and take place within the sorbent.

[0027] The sorbent may be a desiccant to separate, in particular remove, moisture from the gas stream, in particular the expansion tank, especially when venting and / or venting the expansion tank. A desiccant is a substance or material that can absorb moisture from its surroundings and / or the gas stream to create a drier environment or gas stream. Desiccants can be used to remove moisture and reduce air humidity, since high air humidity, e.g., in oil expansion tanks, is detrimental and can, for example, reduce the insulating properties of the cooling oils. An example of a desiccant is, as further described below, silica gel comprising silicon oxide.

[0028] The device according to the invention can comprise a housing body designed to hermetically separate a sorbent from its surroundings, and to expose it and air only upon assembly of the device, in particular upon reaching an end assembly position, or after assembly of the device, by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse. The sorbent of the device according to the invention can thus be hermetically separated from its surroundings in such a way that it is exposed and exposed to air only upon assembly of the device, in particular upon reaching an end assembly position, or after assembly of the device, by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse.

[0029] "Hermetically sealed from the environment" can refer to a seal, closure, and / or closure that is, e.g., absolutely airtight and / or gas-tight, e.g., impermeable to air, and that prevents gas exchange between the environment and the sorbent, e.g., the ingress and egress of air. For example, no air, gas, and / or liquid can enter or escape from the separated sorbent.

[0030] "Exposing" the sorbent can be understood as establishing contact with the environment, for example, establishing a fluid connection with the ambient air. Exposing can therefore mean releasing, opening, and / or making the sorbent accessible, for example, so that the ambient medium, e.g., air, can reach and / or enter the sorbent, flow against and / or through it, and / or at least interact with it.

[0031] A "final assembly position" can refer to a final position, arrangement, connection, and / or alignment of a part or component, for example, the device according to the invention, after the assembly process. This can, for example, refer to the state in which the component is properly mounted and / or fixed in its final position, for example, with regard to spatial alignment, positioning relative to other components, and / or the corresponding fixation / connection with or within an overall system.

[0032] A "pressure pulse" can be a change in pressure, particularly a short-term one, e.g., an increase and / or a decrease in pressure, which can occur particularly at high speed, and / or a particularly shock-like, rapid, and / or abrupt pressure effect. This can therefore be a particularly rapid and / or sudden increase and / or decrease in pressure. Pressure pulses can arise, for example, when the expansion tank is vented and / or vented and / or can be artificially generated. They can be used to transfer energy, for example, to expose the ventilation connection and / or to expose the sorbent to air, particularly after the device has reached its final assembly position, e.g., after assembly. This means that by generating a pressure pulse, e.g., from the expansion tank, the ventilation connection is actively opened and / or destroyed, in order to expose the sorbent and expose it to air.The pressure pulse can, for example, be generated by targeted pressure changes and act on the vent port. This can occur, for example, through a rapid release of pressure and / or the sudden removal of an obstruction, for example when filling and / or venting the expansion tank. The pressure pulse can open the vent port and expose the previously enclosed sorbent so that it can come into contact with the ambient air and exert its drying effect. In this example, the vent port can be designed as a membrane. The use of a pressure pulse to expose the vent port offers the advantage that the process can be automatic and effective, e.g. when filling and / or venting the expansion tank.

[0033] The device according to the invention can comprise a housing body. The housing body can be designed to accommodate the sorbent. The sorbent can be arranged within the housing body. The sorbent can be hermetically separated from its surroundings by the housing body.

[0034] The housing body can extend along a longitudinal axis and / or be rotationally symmetrical. The housing body can be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece and, for example, have a substantially cylindrical and / or rectangular shape. The housing body can be made of metal, a metal alloy, for example, comprising steel, or plastic. The housing body can enclose and / or surround an interior space in which, for example, the sorbent can be arranged and, for example, hermetically sealed.

[0035] The housing body can be designed to automatically expose the sorbent and expose it to the air, in particular upon reaching or upon reaching the final assembly position. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a relative movement of the device during assembly. Alternatively, the housing body can be designed to automatically expose the sorbent and expose it to the air, in particular after assembly of the device, in particular by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse. This can ensure, for example, that the sorbent only fully develops its sorbent properties once the device according to the invention has reached the final assembly position, for example after it has been resealed and / or, for example, only when an exchange container is actually vented and / or vented.This can be used, for example, to prevent or reduce premature loading of the sorbent during assembly and / or to maintain the moisture absorption capacity of the sorbent, e.g. until the device has reached its intended location. This can, however, also be ensured after assembly. The sorbent in the housing body can be released automatically, independently, self-triggering and / or automatically, e.g. without manual intervention, and / or in a controlled manner. For example, the point in time at which the sorbent is exposed can be controlled and / or determined by the assembly of the device or by reaching the end assembly position. The same applies to the pressure pulse; this can, for example, be released automatically, independently, self-triggering and / or automatically, e.g. without manual intervention, and / or in a controlled manner, e.g. when the expansion tank is filled with air.

[0036] The housing body can have a ventilation port for releasing the sorbent. The ventilation port can, for example, enable a fluid connection with the environment, e.g. in a controlled and / or automatic manner, and enable an inflow and outflow of air into and out of the housing body, e.g. in / out of its interior in which the sorbent is located. The ventilation port can, for example, be initially closed and, for example, released, in particular opened, when the final assembly position is reached. The ventilation port can, for example, be opened and / or closed automatically, independently and / or in a controlled manner. The ventilation port can also be released or opened even when the final assembly position is reached; for example, the opening can enlarge continuously, steadily, gradually, or step by step, e.g. during assembly of the device.If a pressure effect, in particular a pressure pulse, is used, the ventilation connection can be designed, for example, as a membrane, which can be destroyed, penetrated, opened and / or exposed.

[0037] The ventilation connection can be designed to be released, in particular destroyed, in particular by the application of mechanical force and / or by a pressure pulse in order to expose the sorbent and expose it to the air, for example when the final assembly position is reached or after assembly, in particular by the application of pressure, in particular a pressure pulse. The ventilation connection can therefore, for example, be removed, e.g. torn off and / or intentionally damaged, e.g. broken through, severed, deformed, opened, pierced and / or cut through, in particular to create a fluid connection with the interior of the housing body, e.g. to enable a gas stream to reach the sorbent and / or to flow against or through it, or a combination thereof. For example, the ventilation connection can be constructed so that it is thinner, e.g. has a smaller thickness or has thinner walls than, for example,B. one or more outer walls of the housing body. A predetermined breaking point on the ventilation connection is also possible. It is also conceivable to manufacture the ventilation connection from a different, e.g., easily separable, material. For example, the ventilation connection can also be designed as a membrane, which can be destroyed, e.g., by the buildup of gas pressure or a gas pulse.

[0038] In the device according to the invention, the sorbent can be exposed in at least one position and exposed to the air in the final assembly position of the device. The gas stream can, for example, contact the sorbent at the at least one position, e.g., flow against it in order to separate contaminants. In the device according to the invention, the sorbent can also be exposed in at least two positions and exposed to the air in the final assembly position of the device. In this way, for example, a gas stream can flow through the sorbent, e.g., enter the sorbent at the first position and exit the sorbent at the second position in order to separate contaminants. It should be noted, however, that the gas stream can also only contact the sorbent at the two positions in each case, e.g., flow against it in order to separate contaminants, e.g.,Complete flow through the sorbent is not absolutely necessary, but a combination of flow and flow through is also possible.

[0039] The housing body may have an opening on a side opposite the ventilation connection, for example, a sorbent receiving opening, particularly for receiving the sorbent. The sorbent can be introduced into the housing body, removed, and / or replaced or renewed through the sorbent receiving opening, for example.

[0040] The device according to the invention can comprise a sorbent activation element configured to bring the device into the final assembly position and / or to expose the sorbent. The sorbent activation element can be connected to the housing body. The sorbent activation element can comprise a closure section configured to hermetically enclose the sorbent within the housing body, in particular at the sorbent receiving opening; and / or to expose the sorbent, in particular at the sorbent receiving opening, at least in sections, and to expose it to the air, in particular upon reaching the final assembly position. The sorbent activation element, which can be connected to the housing body, can thus enable the targeted, independent, controlled and / or automatic activation and / or use of the sorbent, e.g.only in the final assembly position of the device according to the invention.

[0041] The closure section can, for example, be designed as a flat, tight and / or sealing surface or structure that can engage with the sorbent receiving opening and / or the sorbent and / or the housing body, in particular can bear against it, e.g. in a pressure-tight manner, and can enclose the sorbent in an airtight manner. When the closure section is closed, e.g. bears against the sorbent and / or the housing body, it can form an airtight barrier that can shield the sorbent, in particular completely, from ambient air or a flow. This can enable the sorbent to be packaged quickly in an airtight or media-tight manner. This can prevent, for example, unwanted moisture and / or contaminants from entering the housing body and prematurely activating or loading the sorbent.

[0042] Alternatively, the sorbent can also be completely sealed and / or hermetically separated from the housing body itself, e.g., by means of a material-to-material, form-fitting, and / or force-fitting connection, e.g., by gluing, welding, soldering, clamping, etc., after the sorbent has been inserted. The housing body can also be configured accordingly, e.g., by having a movable opening such as a flap, a membrane, a closure, a connection, or the like, which can be opened and / or closed. The use of a sorbent activation element described herein is therefore optional and represents merely a preferred embodiment.

[0043] The sorbent activation element can comprise a holding section for fastening to the housing body. The holding section can, for example, be cylindrical, e.g., designed as a hollow shaft, and, for example, receive the housing body, e.g., surround or enclose it, and be connected thereto. One possible design of the connection consists in the use of a threaded section located on the housing body, in particular an outer wall, and a corresponding threaded section on the holding section, e.g., on an inner wall, e.g., an inner wall of the hollow shaft. Other / alternative connections are, however, also possible, as long as a corresponding connection is achieved between the sorbent activation element and the housing body, e.g., a plug-in connection.

[0044] The sorbent activation element can extend along a housing body longitudinal axis and / or be rotationally symmetrical. The sorbent activation element can be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece. The sorbent activation element can be made, for example, of metal, a metal alloy, for example, comprising steel, or of plastic. The sorbent activation element can, for example, be made of the same material as the housing body.

[0045] As already mentioned, the sorbent activation element can be connected to the housing body. Upon a connection, e.g., complete connection, the device can be in a closed position. The device according to the invention can be transported in the closed position, for example, in an airtight manner, e.g., before reaching the final assembly position or before the final assembly of the device.

[0046] In the closed position, the closure section can bear against the sorbent receiving opening in such a way that the sorbent is enclosed, in particular hermetically, in the housing body. The ventilation connection can be intact, e.g. completely, in the closed position, whereby the sorbent can be hermetically enclosed or sealed. For example, the sorbent can be dimensioned such that it substantially corresponds to, e.g. fills, the interior of the housing body. Preferably, the sorbent can be slightly oversized, e.g. in order to displace the air contained therein, in particular completely, e.g. by compression, when connecting the sorbent activation element to the housing body. When the end assembly position of the device according to the invention is reached, the device can be in an open position or the device according to the invention can be assembled orbe able to be brought into the opening position by reaching the final assembly position, e.g. automatically, independently, autonomously and / or controlled.

[0047] In the open position, the closure section can be spaced from the sorbent receiving opening such that the sorbent in the housing body is at least partially, in particular sectionally, exposed, for example at a first (or second) position. This can occur, for example, as a result of the assembly process of the device. The ventilation connection can also be at least partially exposed, for example destroyed, in the open position, for example as a result of assembly and / or by a pressure pulse, e.g. after assembly, and thus expose the sorbent at a further, for example second (or first), position that differs from the first (or second) position. In this way, for example, a gas stream can flow through the sorbent, for example entering the sorbent at the first (or second) position and exiting the sorbent at the second (or first) position, or vice versa.However, contact of the sorbent with air at both positions is sufficient, e.g., a flow against the sorbent; ie, the sorbent does not necessarily have to be completely flowed through. A combination of flow against and flow through is also possible.

[0048] The sorbent may comprise one or more of: silicon dioxide, in particular silica gel or silica gel; calcium chloride; sodium carbonate; potassium carbonate; sodium sulfate; magnesium sulfate; calcium sulfate; montmorillonite; bentonite; calcium silicate; silicon nitride; zirconium oxide; titanium oxide; activated carbon; zeolite; aluminum oxide and / or a molecule ar sieb, in particular having a pore size in a range of substantially 3Å to substantially 10Å.

[0049] The above-mentioned sorbents, in particular silica gel or silica gel, can, for example, be provided with a protective layer, e.g., a protective film, prior to their intended use, to enable transport and prevent contamination or premature loading with moisture, e.g., in a media-tight and / or airtight manner. In this way, for example, the desiccant can be introduced into the device, e.g., into the housing body, whereby the protective layer can only be removed shortly before closure, e.g., by means of the sorbent activation element. This can, for example, prevent or minimize premature loading and maintain the moisture absorption capacity of the sorbent.

[0050] The device according to the invention can, for example, in the assembled state, e.g., when the sorbent activation element is connected to the housing body, be substantially cylindrical and / or rectangular, in particular as a cartridge. The shape can be determined by the shape of the housing body, which can also be substantially cylindrical and / or rectangular. A cartridge can be referred to as a container or cartridge and can be designed to hold and / or hermetically seal specific materials, e.g., the sorbent.

[0051] The cartridge according to the invention can be a self-opening cartridge, in which the ventilation connection is released independently, automatically, in a controlled manner, and / or automatically, in particular upon reaching the final assembly position, or after assembly by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse, in order to expose the sorbent to the air, e.g., at a first (or second) position. Furthermore, upon reaching the final assembly position, the cartridge can expose the sorbent to the air at at least one further position, e.g., a second (or first) position, in particular independently, automatically, in a controlled manner, and / or automatically, for example, by means of the sorbent activation element.

[0052] The device according to the invention can be connected to a gas exchange container, in particular can be bolted on, or mounted therein. The gas exchange container can comprise a housing with a receiving opening for introducing, in particular mounting and / or fastening, the device and an expansion tank connection for connecting the gas exchange container to the expansion tank to be vented, in particular the oil expansion tank of the motor vehicle. The housing can be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece. The housing can be made, for example, of metal, a metal alloy, for example comprising steel, or of plastic. The housing can be made of the same material as the housing body and / or the sorbent activation element. The final assembly position can be reached, in particular, when the device, e.g.is completely inserted into the gas exchange container, in particular in the receiving opening, and / or is connected thereto. In order to determine the final assembly position, stops, in particular projections, can be used, which can act, for example, as a rotation lock. For example, a stop or projection can be located on the housing body which, for example, when the device according to the invention is inserted into the gas exchange container, can interact with a stop or projection, e.g. inside the gas exchange container, in particular can engage therewith, in order to determine, in particular, a maximum insertion length and, for example, the final assembly position.

[0053] When the device according to the invention is fastened in the gas exchange container, in particular is completely inserted, e.g. until the projections abut one another, in particular in the final assembly position, the device within the gas exchange container can be sealed from an environment, in particular hermetically.

[0054] In other words, when the device according to the invention is incorporated into the gas exchange container, a new unit, particularly one sealed from the environment, particularly hermetically sealed, can be created, e.g., the system according to the invention. The system according to the invention can be used, for example, for transport and, for example, prevent the sorbent in the gas exchange container from being loaded prematurely, for example, before the gas exchange container is connected to the oil expansion container, particularly before it is connected thereto.

[0055] The gas exchange container may further comprise an exposure element. The exposure element may be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece, in particular formed by the gas exchange container or its housing, e.g., from the same material; or separately. The exposure element may be a mandrel, in particular a mechanical dome.

[0056] Alternatively, the exposure element can also be a cutting tool, e.g. a blade and / or a pry pin, which can, for example, exert pressure to expose the ventilation connection. The exposure element can be configured to release, expose, open, in particular to destroy, break through and / or sever the ventilation connection of the housing body, in particular by reaching the final assembly position, in order to expose the sorbent at a first (or second) position and expose it to the air. The ventilation connection can be exposed in particular within the, e.g. sealed, gas exchange container in order to prevent premature loading of the sorbent, e.g. before its intended use. Alternatively, the application of pressure, in particular a pressure pulse, can also be used for exposure, in which case the exposure element can be optional.

[0057] The sorbent activation element can be configured to expose the sorbent, particularly during assembly, at least in sections at a second (or first) position and to expose it to the air.

[0058] A flow path of the gas stream, especially from a reservoir to be vented, can run from the first position to the second position or vice versa. Alternatively, the gas stream can only flow toward the two positions, i.e., come into contact with them to separate contaminants. A combination of flow toward and flow through is also possible.

[0059] The gas exchange container may further comprise a holding device for securing the device according to the invention, in particular at a region of the ventilation connection, within the gas exchange container. The gas exchange container may comprise a ventilation and / or venting connection to enable gas exchange, e.g., with the environment. The holding device and / or the ventilation and / or venting connection may be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece, in particular formed by the gas exchange container or its housing, e.g., from the same material; or separately. The same may apply to the expansion tank connection.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order that the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a more detailed description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be obtained by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described below: Fig. 1A shows an exploded view of a device according to the invention for separating contaminants in a gas stream, in particular a housing body, a sorbent, and a sorbent activation element;

[0062] Fig. 1B shows a device according to the invention, in particular in which the components shown in Fig. 1A are assembled as a cartridge;

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a gas exchange container of a system according to the invention;

[0064] Fig. 3A shows the system according to the invention before the device according to the invention has reached a final assembly position, e.g. during assembly of the device;

[0065] Fig. 3B shows the system according to the invention when the device reaches its final assembly position;

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a possible flow path of a gas stream in a system according to the invention, in particular when venting an expansion tank;

[0067] Fig. 5 shows a possible flow path of a gas stream in a system according to the invention, in particular when venting the expansion tank.

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein in all drawings, essentially functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals.

[0070] The drawings are schematic drawings and are not to scale. Some elements in the drawings may have exaggerated dimensions to emphasize aspects of the present disclosure and / or for presentation clarity. For simplicity, identical reference numerals are used to identify identical elements commonly included in the drawings. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments without further notice. In general, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments will be described.

[0071] Each embodiment is provided to illustrate the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Furthermore, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments to create another embodiment. The description is intended to encompass such modifications and variations.

[0072] Fig. 1A shows an exploded view of a device 100 according to the invention for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle.

[0073] The device 100 in Fig. 1 A comprises a housing body 110. The housing body 110 is shown in Fig. 1 A as cylindrical or in the form of a cartridge, whereby this represents only a preferred embodiment of the invention, ie other shapes / configurations are also possible, e.g. rectangular, etc.

[0074] The device 100 may comprise a housing body 110 configured to receive a sorbent 120, for example, in an interior space 112. The housing body 110 may be configured to hermetically separate the sorbent 120 from its surroundings and to expose it and expose it to air only upon assembly of the device 100, in particular upon reaching an end assembly position of the device (see, for example, Figures 3B and 4-5) or after assembly of the device 100, in particular by a pressure pulse and / or pressure application.

[0075] The housing body 110 may include a vent port 114 configured to expose the sorbent 120 in the housing body 110, for example, to establish a fluid connection therewith and / or to expose the sorbent 120 to air, e.g., ambient air 150 and / or a gas flow from an expansion tank. For example, the vent port 114 may be constructed to be thinner, i.e., to have a smaller thickness and / or thinner-walled, than, e.g., one or more outer walls of the housing body 110. A predetermined breaking point on the vent port 114 or another material, e.g., one that is more easily destroyed or penetrated, is also possible. When using pressure, in particular a pressure pulse, the vent port 114 may be configured as a membrane (not shown).

[0076] The housing body 110 can also have an opening 116, for example, a sorbent receiving opening 116. The sorbent receiving opening 116 can be arranged on a side opposite the ventilation connection 114 and can be configured to receive the sorbent 120. Thus, the sorbent 120 can be introduced into the housing body 110 via the sorbent receiving opening 116 and arranged therein, for example, in the interior space 112. The sorbent 120 can be introduced, removed, and / or replaced or renewed, for example, into the housing body 110 through the sorbent receiving opening 116.

[0077] The device 100 may further comprise a sorbent activation element 130, which may be configured to move the device 100 into the final assembly position and / or to expose the sorbent 120. The sorbent activation element 130 may comprise a closure portion 132. The closure portion 132 may be configured to enclose the sorbent 120 within the housing body 110, in particular at the sorbent receiving opening 116, for example hermetically, e.g., by pressure-tight contact of the closure portion 132 with the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent (see, for example, Fig. 1B). The closure section 132 can, as shown in Fig. 1 A, be designed, for example, as a flat, dense and / or sealing surface or structure which can engage the sorbent receiving opening 116 and / or the sorbent 120 and / or the housing body 110, in particular can bear against it, e.g.pressure-resistant, and can enclose the sorbent 120 airtight.

[0078] Alternatively, however, the sorbent 120 can also be completely sealed and / or hermetically separated from the housing body 110 itself, e.g., by means of a material-to-material, form-fitting, and / or force-fitting connection, e.g., gluing, welding, soldering, clamping, etc., after the sorbent 120 has been inserted. The housing body 110 can also be configured accordingly, e.g., by having a movable opening such as a flap, a closure, a connection, or the like, which can be opened and / or closed, e.g., to insert and / or replace the sorbent 120. The use of a sorbent activation element 130 described herein, as shown in Fig. 1A, is therefore optional and represents merely a preferred embodiment.

[0079] The sorbent activation element 130 may include a holding portion 134 for attachment to the housing body 110. The holding portion 134 may, as shown in Fig. 1, be cylindrical, e.g., as a hollow shaft, and may, e.g., accommodate the housing body 110, e.g., surround it, and be connected thereto.

[0080] The sorbent activation element 130 can be fastened to the housing body 110, for example, via the holding section 134. For example, the housing body 110 can comprise a fastening device 118 for fastening the sorbent activation element 130. In Fig. 1A, the fastening device 118 is designed as a threaded section 118, in particular as an external thread, e.g., on an outer side of the housing body 110, although other fastenings are also conceivable, e.g., a plug connection. The sorbent activation element 130 can comprise a corresponding fastening device 136, for example, corresponding thereto, which is shown in Fig. 1A as a corresponding or corresponding internal thread 136. The fastening devices 118, 136 can be used to fasten the sorbent activation element 130 to the housing body 110 and / or to enclose the sorbent 120 in the housing body 110, e.g.,by screwing and / or screwing. The (detachable) connection or assembly of the sorbent activation element 130 to or with the housing body 110 is illustrated in Fig. 1A by the arrow 140, wherein Fig. 2 shows a state in which the sorbent activation element 130 is connected or fastened to or with the housing body 110, for example completely.

[0081] The sorbent activation element 130 can further comprise an engagement portion 138, which is configured to realize the connection 140 on or with the housing body 110 and / or to bring the device 100 into a final assembly position (see, for example, Fig. 3B). The engagement portion 138 can, as indicated in Fig. 1, be designed, for example, as a hexagon, in order to mount the device 100, for example to mount, insert, and / or screw the device 100 via a corresponding threaded portion 137, e.g., into a gas exchange container 200 (see Fig. 2). The housing body 110 can further comprise a projection 119, in particular an elongated one, which can be used, for example, as a stop or rotation lock during assembly of the device 100, e.g., in the gas exchange container 200 (see Fig.2; particularly in conjunction with the corresponding rotation lock 209), for example, to determine a maximum insertion length of the device and / or the final assembly position. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0082] Fig. 1B shows a device 100 according to the invention for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular from an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, in which the components shown in Fig. 1A are connected to one another, in particular assembled or mounted. In Fig. 1B, the device 100 is in the closed position. As can also be seen in Fig. 1B, the sorbent activation element 130 is connected to the housing body 110, e.g., completely screwed on, whereby the device has not yet reached the final assembly position. Fig. 1B therefore shows the state of the device 100, e.g., as a cartridge 110, before the final assembly of the device 100 and / or before reaching the final assembly position, e.g., in the gas exchange tank 200 (see Fig. 2). The components shown in Fig.The device shown in Figure 1B is suitable, for example, for transport, whereby premature loading of the sorbent 120 is prevented.

[0083] In the closed position of Fig. 1B, the closure section 132 rests against the sorbent receiving opening 116 (see Fig. 1A) and / or the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent 120 in such a way that the sorbent 120 is enclosed, in particular hermetically, in the housing body 110. The ventilation connection 114 is in the closed position according to Fig. 1B, e.g. completely, intact, whereby the sorbent 120 can be hermetically enclosed or sealed, for example in order to prevent a fluid connection, e.g. an onward, inward, throughward and / or outward flow of a gas stream, in particular initially, e.g. until an assembly end position is reached.

[0084] The device 100 may further comprise one or more sealing elements, for example, a primary sealing element 152 and a secondary sealing element 154, in particular for sealing during assembly of the device 100, e.g., in the gas exchange container 200 (see Fig. 2). The primary sealing element 152 may additionally ensure a hermitic seal of the sorbent 120 within the housing body 110, e.g., preventing ambient air 150 from reaching the sorbent 120, e.g., via the fastening devices 118 / 136. The primary sealing element 152 may be exposed or released within the gas exchange container 200 (see Fig. 2 or 3B), for example, to enable a fluid connection, e.g., to allow the gas stream to contact and / or pass through the sorbent 120 only within the gas exchange container 200 (see Figs. 4-5).The secondary sealing element 154 can, for example, be configured to seal an interior of the gas exchange container from an external environment, in particular when introducing or during or during assembly of the device in the gas exchange container 200. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows a gas exchange tank 200 which can be connected to an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank (not shown). The gas exchange tank 200 can have a housing 202. The housing 202 can have a receiving opening 204, for example for receiving, inserting and / or fastening the device 100, for example via the fastening device 137 (see Figs. 1A and 1B). The housing 200 can have an expansion tank connection 206 for connecting to the expansion tank to be vented, in particular the oil expansion tank. As shown in Fig. 2, the expansion tank connection 206 can be closed before assembly with the oil expansion tank, e.g. of a vehicle, for example with a plug 208, which can prevent gas exchange, e.g. inflow and / or outflow. The plug 208 may, for example, be a sealing plug 208 which can be removed shortly before connection to the oil expansion tank.

[0086] The gas exchange container 200 can also have an engagement section 209, for example a projection or stop, which can act with the, in particular elongated, projection 119 of the device 100, for example as a rotation lock when the device 100 is inserted into the gas exchange container 200. This can, for example, determine an assembly end position and / or a maximum insertion length of the device 100, e.g., by appropriate alignment, dimensioning, and / or positioning of the projections 109 / 209. The projection 209 can, for example, be formed by the housing 202 or separately. The gas exchange container 200 can further comprise an exposure element 210. In Fig. 2, the exposure element 210 is formed by the housing 202 of the gas exchange container 200. The exposure element 210 is designed as a mandrel in Fig. 2, whereby alternatively a cutting tool, e.g. a blade and / or a breaking pin, which e.g. exerts pressure, etc., can be used.The exposure element 210 can be configured at least to release, expose, open, in particular to destroy, break through, and / or sever the ventilation port 114 of the housing body 110, in particular upon reaching the final assembly position, in order to expose the sorbent 120 at a first (or second) position and expose it to air. Alternatively, the exposure element 210 can be optional, for example, if a pressure application, in particular a pressure pulse, is used after assembly of the device to expose the sorbent and expose it to air. In this case, the ventilation port 114 can be configured as a membrane.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 2, the vent port 114 can be exposed, in particular, at a position within the sealed gas exchange vessel 200, e.g., within the housing 202, to prevent premature loading of the sorbent 120, e.g., before its intended use. The mandrel 210 can expose the sorbent 120 at a first (or second) position and expose it to air. This is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3B. As stated, a membrane and a pressure pulse and / or pressure application can alternatively be used.

[0088] The gas exchange container 200 may further comprise a holding device 212 for fixing the device 100, in particular at a region of the ventilation connection 114, within the gas exchange container 200. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the holding device 212 may be made of a homogeneous material and / or in one piece, for example, integrally formed with the housing 202 of the gas exchange container 200. The holding device 212 may, for example, be made of metal, a metal alloy, for example comprising steel, or plastic. The gas exchange container 200 may further comprise a supply and / or exhaust port 214, 216 to enable gas exchange. The supply and / or exhaust port 214, 216 may also each be sealed from an environment 150, for example, with a plug such as a sealing plug, e.g., similar to the sealing plug 208.The supply and / or exhaust connection 214, 216 can also be connected to or connected to other lines and / or ducts.

[0089] Fig. 3A shows a system 300 according to the invention for separating contaminants, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle. The system 300 according to the invention comprises a device 100 according to the invention (see Fig. 1A and / or 1B) and a gas exchange tank 200 (see Fig. 2) for connection to the expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank (not shown).

[0090] Fig. 3A shows the system 300 according to the invention in a state while the device 100 according to the invention is being assembled, ie before the device 100 according to the invention has reached the final assembly position, eg before the device 100 is completely installed in the gas exchange container 200.

[0091] As can be seen in Fig. 3A, the device 100 is in the closed position (see Fig. 1B), in which the closure section 132 rests against the sorbent receiving opening 116 and / or the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent 120 (see Fig. 1A) in such a way that the sorbent 120 is enclosed, in particular hermetically, in the housing body 110. As shown in Fig. 3A, the ventilation connection 114 is closed or intact in the closed position and / or before reaching the final assembly position, so that a gas exchange or a fluid connection with the sorbent 120 and the environment 150 is not yet possible.

[0092] The primary sealing element 152 may provide additional sealing against the environment 150 during the introduction of the device 100 into the gas exchange container 200, for example, ensuring that no further air from the environment 150 penetrates during assembly, e.g., into the housing 202. The secondary sealing element 154 may still be exposed at this time, as can be seen in Fig. 3A.

[0093] Fig. 3B shows the inventive system 300 from Fig. 3A, wherein the inventive device 100 in Fig. 3B has reached a final assembly position, e.g., the device 100 is completely inserted, for example, installed, in the gas exchange container 200, in particular in the receiving opening 204. As can be seen in Fig. 3B, the device 100 is in the open position.

[0094] In the open position, the closure section 132, as can be seen in Fig. 3B, can be spaced from the sorbent receiving opening 116 in such a way that the sorbent 120 in the housing body 110 is at least partially, in particular sectionally, exposed, for example at the second (or first) position 320. This can result, for example, as a result of the assembly process of the device, e.g. when inserting the device 100. For example, this can be achieved if the fastening devices 118, 136 and 137 (see Fig. 1A) and 217 (see Fig. 2) are designed as corresponding counter threads, so that, for example, when inserting the device, the closure section 132 moves away from the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent receiving opening 116 and / or the sorbent 120.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 3B, the ventilation connection 114 is at least partially released in the open position, for example, it may be destroyed, e.g., as a result of or through assembly and / or upon reaching the final assembly position or as a result of pressure, in particular a pressure pulse, e.g., after assembly (not shown). The dome 210 pierces the ventilation connection 114, for example, during and / or through assembly, and thus exposes the sorbent 120 at a further, for example, first (or second), position 310. In this way, for example, a gas stream (see Fig. 4) can flow through the sorbent 120, for example, enter the sorbent 120 at the first 310 (or second 320) position and exit the sorbent 120 at the second 320 (or first 310) position, or vice versa. However, it is sufficient for the sorbent 120 to come into contact with air at the two positions 310, 320, e.g.A flow onto the sorbent 120, ie, the sorbent 120 does not necessarily have to be completely flowed through. A combination of flow onto and flow through is also possible.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 3B, the primary sealing element 152 is exposed in the final assembly position and / or the open position of the device 110, thereby enabling fluid communication, e.g., via the fastening devices 118 and 136 (see Fig. 1A). The secondary sealing element 150 can provide additional sealing against the environment, e.g., ensuring that no gas exchange is possible via the fastening devices 137 (see Fig. 1A) and 137 (see Fig. 2).

[0097] It should be noted that in Fig. 3B, the gas exchange container 200, with the device 100 arranged therein, i.e., the system according to the invention, is closed, in particular sealed against an environment 150, in particular hermetically. As shown in Fig. 3B, for example, the expansion container connection 206 is closed by the plug 208. The same applies to the supply and / or venting connections 214, 216, which are also closed by a plug (not shown). The device 100 is thus sealed against an environment 150 within the gas exchange container 200, in particular hermetically. In other words, when the device 100 according to the invention is introduced into the gas exchange container 200, ie, as can be seen in Fig. 3B, has reached the final assembly position, a new, sealed unit 300 results, eg the system according to the invention, which is separated from an environment 150, in particular hermetically.This can be used, for example, for transport in order to prevent the sorbent 120 in the gas exchange tank 200 from being loaded prematurely, for example before the gas exchange tank 200 is connected to the oil expansion tank (not shown), in particular before it is connected thereto, for example via the expansion tank connection 206.

[0098] It should be noted that a reference to the first (or second) position and / or the second (or first) position may be used interchangeably herein.

[0099] Fig. 4 shows a possible flow path of a gas stream GS, e.g., from the interior of an oil expansion tank (see streams 410-440), when the gas exchange tank 200 is connected to the oil expansion tank, e.g., via the expansion tank connection 206, and a fluid connection is established, in particular for venting the oil expansion tank. The gas stream GS is thus allowed to penetrate the gas exchange tank 200 and / or the device 100 or to contact the sorbent 120, e.g., via the expansion tank connection 206, in order to separate contaminants during venting.

[0100] Fig. 4 shows only one direction of the gas flow GS, for example, when venting the expansion tank. It should be understood that the gas flow GS can also flow in the opposite direction, for example, when venting the expansion tank (see Fig. 5). Furthermore, it should be understood that this can occur via the illustrated venting and / or venting ports 214, 216.

[0101] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the plug 208 has been removed so that the gas flow GS, in particular for venting and / or venting the oil expansion tank, can penetrate through the expansion tank connection 206 into the gas exchange tank 200, see flow 410. The gas flow 410 passes through the vent connection 114, which was destroyed by the mandrel 210, e.g. by reaching the final assembly position or by the pressure pulse and / or the pressure effect after assembly, for example at the first position 310 (see Fig. 3B), whereby the gas flow GS can come into contact with the sorbent 120 and can separate impurities, for example by flowing against it.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the gas stream GS can penetrate into and pass through the sorbent 120, see stream 420, for example, until it reaches the closure element 132. Since the device 100 is in the open position, the closure section 132 is spaced from the sorbent receiving opening 116 and / or the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent 120, so that the sorbent 120 in the housing body 110 is at least partially exposed, in particular in sections, for example at the second position 320 (see Fig. 3B).

[0103] In this way, the gas stream GS can flow through the sorbent 120, for example, entering or penetrating the sorbent 120 at the first position 310 and exiting the sorbent 120 at the second position 320, or vice versa. Contaminants can be separated out as it flows through 420 the sorbent 120. However, contact between the sorbent 120 and the gas stream GS at both positions 310 / 320 is sufficient to separate out contaminants, e.g., flowing against the sorbent 120, i.e., flowing through the sorbent 120 does not necessarily have to be complete, e.g., flowing against and through is also possible.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 4, the primary sealing element 152 is exposed in the final assembly position and / or the open position of the device 110, thereby enabling a fluid connection, e.g., via the fastening devices 118 and 136 (see Fig. 1A). The gas flow GS can thus pass via the fastening devices 118 and 136 (see Fig. 1A) in the direction of the aeration and / or venting connections 214, 216, see stream 430. The secondary sealing element 154 can provide additional sealing against the environment 150, e.g., for the fastening devices 137 (see Fig. 1A) and 217 (see Fig. 2), so that the gas flow GS can only leave the gas exchange container 200 via the aeration and / or venting connections 214, 216.

[0105] The gas flow GS can then leave the gas exchange tank 200 via one of the aeration and / or venting connections 214, 216, e.g. to vent the expansion tank and / or to equalize or compensate for a pressure or volume change.

[0106] Fig. 5 shows a possible flow path of a gas stream GS (e.g., streams 510-540), e.g., ambient air 150, when the gas exchange tank 200 is connected to an oil expansion tank, e.g., via the expansion tank connection 206, and a fluid connection is established, in particular for venting the oil expansion tank. The ambient air 150 is thus allowed to penetrate the gas exchange tank 200 and / or the device 100 or to contact the sorbent 120 to separate contaminants during venting.

[0107] Fig. 5 shows only one direction of the gas flow GS, for example, when venting the expansion tank. It should be understood that the gas flow GS can also flow in the opposite direction, for example, when venting the expansion tank (see Fig. 4). Furthermore, it should be understood that this can take place via the illustrated aeration and / or venting ports 214, 216.

[0108] As can be seen in Fig. 5, the plug 208 has been removed. Ambient air 150 can enter the gas exchange vessel 200, for example, via the vent port 214, see stream 510.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 5, the primary sealing element 152 is exposed in the final assembly position and / or the open position of the device 110, thereby enabling a fluid connection, e.g., via the fastening devices 118 and 136 (see Fig. 1A). The gas flow GS can thus pass via the fastening devices 118 and 136 (see Fig. 1A) toward the sorbent 120, see stream 520, and contact it, for example. The secondary sealing element 154 can provide additional sealing against the environment 150, e.g., for the fastening devices 137 (see Fig. 1A) and 217 (see Fig. 2), so that the GS can, for example, pass further toward the expansion tank, e.g., through the sorbent 120.Since the device 100 is in the open position, the closure section 132 is spaced from the sorbent receiving opening 116 and / or the housing body 110 and / or the sorbent 120, so that the sorbent 120 in the housing body 110 is at least partially exposed, in particular in sections, for example at the second position 320 (see Fig. 3B).

[0110] The gas stream GS can then flow through the sorbent 120, see stream 530, for example, entering the sorbent 120 at the second position 320 and exiting the sorbent 120 at the first position 310, or vice versa. Upon flowing through 420 the sorbent 120, contaminants can be separated, e.g., moisture from the ambient air 150. However, contact between the sorbent 120 and the gas stream GS at both positions 310 / 320 is sufficient to separate contaminants, e.g., flowing against the sorbent 120, i.e., flowing through the sorbent 120 does not necessarily have to be complete, e.g., flowing through is also possible.

[0111] The gas flow can pass through the vent connection 114, which was destroyed by the dome 210, e.g. by reaching the final assembly position or by the pressure pulse and / or the pressure effect after assembly, for example at the first position 310 (see Fig. 3B), whereby the gas flow GS can continue to the expansion tank, see flow 540, e.g. to vent the expansion tank and / or to equalize or compensate for a pressure or volume change.

[0112] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular of an expansion tank, in particular of an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing body which is designed to hermetically separate a sorbent from its surroundings and - only when the device is assembled, in particular when an assembly end position is reached or - after assembly of the device, to expose it to air by applying pressure, in particular a pressure pulse.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the sorbent is hermetically separated from its surroundings by the housing body.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the housing body is designed to automatically expose the sorbent and expose it to the air, in particular by reaching the final assembly position or by the pressure pulse.

4. Device according to one of claims 2-3, wherein the housing body has a vent port for releasing the sorbent.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation connection is designed to be released, in particular destroyed, in particular by mechanical force or by the pressure pulse in order to expose the sorbent and expose it to the air.

6. Device according to one of claims 4-5, wherein the housing body has a sorbent receiving opening on a side opposite the ventilation connection, in particular for receiving the sorbent.

7. Device according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the sorbent is exposed to the air in at least two positions in the final assembly position of the device.

8. Device according to one of claims 1-7, further comprising: a sorbent activation element configured to bring the device into the final assembly position and / or to expose the sorbent.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the sorbent activation element comprises a closure portion configured to hermetically enclose the sorbent within the housing body, in particular at the sorbent receiving opening; and / or to expose the sorbent, in particular at the sorbent receiving opening, at least in sections, and to expose it to the air, in particular upon reaching the final assembly position.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the sorbent activation element comprises a holding portion for attachment to the housing body.

11. Device according to one of claims 9-10, wherein the device is in a closed position before reaching the final assembly position, in which the closure section rests against the sorbent receiving opening in such a way that the sorbent is enclosed in the housing body, in particular hermetically, wherein in particular the ventilation connection is intact in the closed position.

12. Device according to one of claims 9-11, wherein the device is in the final assembly position in an open position in which the closure section is spaced from the sorbent receiving opening such that the sorbent in the housing body is at least partially, in particular sectionally, exposed, in particular in a second position, wherein in particular the ventilation connection is at least partially released, in particular destroyed, in the open position, in particular in a first position.

13. Device according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the sorbent is a drying agent for separating, in particular removing, moisture from the gas stream, in particular from the expansion tank, in particular when venting and / or venting the expansion tank.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the drying agent - an absorbent that separates the moisture from the gas stream through a chemical reaction; and / or - is an adsorbent that removes moisture from the gas stream due to a surface property and / or condition.

15. Device according to one of claims 1-14, wherein the sorbent comprises one or more of: silicon dioxide, in particular silica gel or silica gel; calcium chloride; sodium carbonate; potassium carbonate; sodium sulfate; magnesium sulfate; calcium sulfate; Montmorillonite; bentonite; calcium silicate; silicon nitride; zirconium oxide; titanium oxide; activated carbon; zeolite; aluminum oxide and / or a molecule ar sieve, in particular having a pore size in a range of substantially 3Å to substantially 10Å.

16. Device according to one of claims 1-15, wherein the device is substantially cylindrical, in particular designed as a cartridge.

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the cartridge is a self-opening cartridge in which the ventilation connection is released independently and / or automatically, in particular upon reaching the final assembly position, in order to expose the sorbent to the air.

18. A system, in particular according to one of claims 1-17, for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular from an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising: a device according to one of claims 1-17; and a gas exchange tank for connection to the expansion tank.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the gas exchange container comprises: a housing having a receiving opening for inserting the device and a surge tank connection for connecting to the surge tank to be vented.

20. System according to claim 19, wherein the final assembly position is reached when the device is completely inserted into the gas exchange container, in particular into the receiving opening.

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the gas exchange container with the device in the final assembly position is sealed from an environment, in particular hermetically.

22. System according to one of claims 18-21, wherein the gas exchange container further comprises an exposure element, in particular a dome, which is configured to expose, in particular to destroy, the ventilation connection of the housing body, in particular by reaching the final assembly position, in order to expose the sorbent at a first position and to expose it to the air.

23. System according to claim 22, wherein the sorbent activation element is configured to expose the sorbent, in particular during assembly, at least in sections at a second position and to expose it to the air.

24. System according to claim 23, wherein a flow path of the gas flow, in particular from a compensation tank to be vented, runs from the first position to the second position.

25. System according to one of claims 18-24, wherein the gas exchange container further comprises a holding device for fixing the device, in particular at a region of the ventilation connection, within the gas exchange container, wherein the gas exchange container in particular comprises a ventilation and / or venting connection to enable gas exchange.

26. Vehicle, in particular an electrified vehicle, which is equipped with a device according to one of claims 1-17, and / or a system according to one of claims 18-25.

27. Method for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular from an expansion tank, in particular from an oil expansion tank, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a device according to one of claims 1-17, and / or a system according to one of claims 18-25.

28. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1-17, and / or the system according to any one of claims 18-25, and / or a method according to claim 27 for separating impurities, in particular liquid and / or solid particles, from a gas stream, in particular an expansion tank, in particular an oil expansion tank, in particular in electrified vehicles, in particular electric vehicles; and / or in battery cooling systems.

29. Sorbent for use in a device according to any one of claims 1-17, and / or a system according to any one of claims 18-25, and / or a method according to claim 27.

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