System for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle (2), comprising a tank (3), in which the operating fluid is stored, and a dispensing point (4), at which the operating fluid can be provided, and comprising a delivery module (5), which is designed to deliver and / or meter the operating fluid from the tank (3) to the dispensing point (4), wherein the delivery module (5) has a first delivery module unit (6) and a second delivery module unit (7), wherein the first delivery module unit (6) is arranged on the tank (3) and wherein the second delivery module unit (7) is arranged at a distance from the tank (3) and is connected to the first delivery module unit (6) via at least one line (8), wherein the delivery module (5) has a delivery pump (9) for delivering the operating fluid, wherein the delivery pump (9) is arranged in the second delivery module unit (7).

Description

[0001] System for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle

[0002] The provision of operating fluids in motor vehicles is necessary for many functions. The most important operating fluid in motor vehicles today is usually the fuel for an internal combustion engine. Other operating fluids are required, for example, for the operation of exhaust systems in internal combustion engines. Such operating fluids include urea-water solutions for selective catalytic reduction. In other applications (e.g., to improve exhaust gas purification in the exhaust system and / or to improve fuel combustion in the internal combustion engine), water is required as an operating fluid in motor vehicles.

[0003] The supply of operating fluids typically requires delivery modules and / or metering modules, which pump the operating fluid from a storage tank and provide it in metered quantities. Such delivery modules typically incorporate pumps. Such pumps are frequently critical sources of noise in motor vehicles. The structure of a motor vehicle, and in particular storage tanks for the operating fluid, often act as resonators. Even relatively quiet pump noises can be perceived as highly disturbing by vehicle occupants. For this reason, structures for delivery modules that enable improved sound insulation are desirable.

[0004] Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. This object is achieved by the invention according to the features of the independent patent claims. In particular, a system for providing operating fluid in a motor vehicle is to be presented, which system has a delivery module designed particularly advantageously from a noise protection point of view. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims as well as in the description and in particular also in the description of the figures. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art can combine the individual features in a technologically expedient manner and thus arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

[0005] What is to be described here is a system for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle, comprising a tank in which the operating fluid is stored and a dispensing point at which the operating fluid can be provided, as well as a conveying module which is designed to convey and / or meter the operating fluid from the tank to the dispensing point, wherein the conveying module has a first conveying module unit and a second conveying module unit, wherein the first conveying module unit is arranged on the tank and wherein the second conveying module unit is arranged at a distance from the tank and is connected to the first conveying module unit by at least one line, wherein the conveying module has a conveying pump for conveying the operating fluid, wherein the conveying pump is arranged in the second conveying module unit.

[0006] The delivery module comprises all components used to convey and / or meter the operating fluid from the tank to the dispensing point. This includes, in particular, the delivery pump, but also lines, valves for controlling the delivery, filters, sensors, etc.

[0007] The concept of this system is that the conveyor module is divided into two spatially spaced-apart conveyor module units, which together form the conveyor module. All of the components used to convey and / or meter the operating fluid are divided between the first conveyor module unit and the second conveyor module unit. Particularly preferably, a hydraulic layout of the conveyor module is constructed in such a way that, in principle, a configuration with just one conveyor module unit is also possible. The hydraulic layout here refers to the system of components of the conveyor module that carry operating fluid. The division of the conveyor module into the first conveyor module unit and the second conveyor module unit is intended to provide improved measures for soundproofing individual components of the conveyor module. Components that cause higher noise emissions are preferably placed in the second conveyor module unit.This includes, in particular, the feed pump, which regularly generates the most noise emissions from the feed module.

[0008] Preferably, the first conveyor module unit and the second conveyor module unit are connected to each other (only) via flexible lines carrying operating fluid, via which no or only a very low transmission of sound emissions is possible.

[0009] The arrangement of the first delivery module unit on the tank includes, in particular, the arrangement within the tank, in particular the arrangement in a chamber at the bottom of the tank. The tank regularly acts as a resonator for sound. The spacing of the second delivery module unit from the first delivery module unit on the tank thus makes it possible to keep sound emissions from the delivery pump away, in particular from the tank for the operating fluid.

[0010] A spatial distance between the first delivery module unit and the second delivery module unit in the system in the state installed in the motor vehicle is preferably at least 50 cm [centimeters]. A line length of a line for operating fluid from the first delivery module unit to the second delivery module unit is also preferably at least 50 cm.

[0011] It is particularly preferred if the second conveyor module unit has sound insulation which separates the second conveyor module unit from the first conveyor module unit.

[0012] By arranging the feed pump in the second feed module unit, separate sound insulation of the feed pump is possible. Dividing the feed pump into two feed module units still allows for many feed module components to be installed in the tank or directly on the tank. As already mentioned, a tank often acts as a resonating body. In particular, mechanical decoupling is provided between the first and second feed module units.

[0013] A flexibility of the line between the first conveyor module unit and the second conveyor module unit is preferably set such that no forces can be transmitted from the first conveyor module unit to the second conveyor module unit.

[0014] The sound insulation is preferably formed from a material comprising insulating mats. The sound insulation is preferably designed such that the sound from the feed pump is reduced by at least 10 dB (decibels). The sound insulation preferably comprises a foam and / or a foam-like material. The sound insulation is preferably made from a plastic, and in particular from a plastic foam, e.g., a polyurethane foam. The second feed module unit is attached to a vehicle body with a sound-decoupling bracket. Particularly preferably, the sound insulation forms a casing that at least partially encloses the second feed module unit (preferably more than 80 percent and particularly preferably more than 90 percent). Particularly preferably, at least one line for connecting the first feed module unit and the second feed module unit to one another runs through the sound insulation.

[0015] It is also preferred if the delivery module has a valve which is arranged between the delivery pump and the tank and through which operating fluid can be selectively sucked out of the tank or pumped back into the tank, wherein the valve is designed with a first connection for the delivery pump and a second connection for sucking the operating fluid out of the tank and a third connection for pumping the operating fluid back into the tank.

[0016] The valve acts as a switch for the intake line and the return line. The valve is designed so that operating fluid is sucked in through the second port and discharged or returned to the tank through the third port. For this purpose, the valve preferably has at least one movable valve element, which is moved by the flowing operating fluid, depending on the direction of flow of the operating fluid, so that either the second port or the third port of the valve is closed.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred if the second connection of the valve is connected to a suction line for sucking liquid from the tank and the third connection of the valve is connected to a return line for returning liquid to the tank.

[0018] It is also preferred if the valve is arranged in the first conveyor module unit.

[0019] Such a structure makes it possible for only one connecting line carrying operating fluid to exist between the first conveyor module unit and the second conveyor module unit.

[0020] It is further preferred if the valve is arranged in the second conveyor module unit.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred if the suction line and the return line both run from the first conveyor module unit to the second conveyor module unit.

[0022] In this embodiment, the valve is also arranged in the second delivery module unit. In this case, there are preferably two connecting lines between the first delivery module unit and the second delivery module unit, one line forming an intake line and the other line forming a return line. By arranging the valve in the second delivery module unit, the valve can also be arranged within a sound insulation of the second delivery module unit. In this way, sound emissions from the valve can also be effectively suppressed by sound insulation of the second delivery module unit. In preferred embodiments, the delivery module is furthermore a filter module which is arranged on the first delivery module unit, wherein the delivery module is configured to suck the operating fluid through the filter module.

[0023] It is further preferred if the first conveyor module unit is inserted from below into an opening in the tank bottom of the tank.

[0024] This is a common arrangement of delivery modules for operating fluids in motor vehicles. Delivery modules installed in openings in the tank floor are usually accessible from the underbody of a motor vehicle without requiring a tank installed on the underbody to be completely removed from the vehicle. On the other hand, this arrangement is often problematic from a noise emission perspective. The proposal here is to divide such delivery modules arranged in the tank floor into a first delivery module unit (which remains in the tank floor) and a second delivery module unit, which is spaced from the tank floor and installed in a different position in the motor vehicle, in order to accommodate components for which better noise emission protection is advantageous – such as the delivery pump in particular.

[0025] The delivery module described is particularly preferably designed such that the delivery pump can be used optionally (depending on the application) in the first delivery module unit or in the second delivery module unit. The first delivery module unit preferably comprises a space in which the delivery pump could theoretically also be accommodated. This space preferably contains an adapter assembly which enables the first delivery module unit to be connected to the second delivery module unit with the delivery pump arranged therein. This design makes it very easy to modify delivery modules with only one delivery module unit for installation in the tank floor in order to relocate the delivery pump to an (additional) second delivery module unit outside the tank or at a distance from the tank. It is also preferred if the first delivery module unit has a sensor with which a fill level and / or properties of the operating fluid in the tank can be measured.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred if the operating fluid is water. It has been found that noise emissions are particularly critical in connection with water supply systems in motor vehicles. This is especially true because the supply of water is regularly required continuously (throughout the entire operation of the motor vehicle), and noise emissions from a feed pump in a water supply system in a motor vehicle therefore also occur at times when no other noise sources mask these noises.

[0027] It is also preferred if the system has a control unit with which the feed pump can be controlled, wherein at least one further component with electrical functions is arranged in the first feed module unit and wherein the control unit is arranged outside the feed module and is connected to one of the two feed module units by a first electrical connection, wherein a second electrical connection further exists between the two feed module units.

[0028] Preferably, there is therefore only an electrical connection from the control unit to one of the delivery module units. From the perspective of the control unit, the division of the delivery module into two separate delivery module units is therefore not relevant. The same control unit can be used that is also used for delivery modules that are arranged entirely in the tank. Instead, the second electrical connection is purely a supply line, which is provided, for example, to supply the components located in the second delivery module unit (in particular the delivery pump) from the first delivery module unit. The reverse structure, in which the first delivery module unit or the components arranged therein are supplied from the second delivery module unit, is also possible. The invention and the technical environment of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.The figures show preferred embodiments to which the invention is not limited. It should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions depicted in the figures, are only schematic. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 : a first embodiment of a described system for

[0030] Providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle; and

[0031] Fig. 2: a first embodiment of a described system for

[0032] Provision of an operating fluid in a motor vehicle.

[0033] 1 and 2 show two different embodiments of a system 1 for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle 2. The systems 1 each have a tank 3 in which the operating fluid is stored. The systems 1 each also have a dispensing point 4 at which the operating fluid is made available to a consumer. The systems 1 also have a delivery module 5 with which the operating fluid is taken from the tank 3 and conveyed to the dispensing point and made available there (optionally in a metered manner). The delivery module 5 is in each case designed in two parts, with a first delivery module unit 6, which is arranged on the tank 3, and a second delivery module unit 7, which is arranged at a distance from the tank 3 and is connected to the first delivery module unit 6 by a line 8.

[0034] The first conveyor module unit 6 is preferably inserted into an opening 19 in the tank bottom 18 of the tank 3. The first conveyor module unit 6 preferably forms a chamber 24 in or on which the components of the conveyor module 5 are mounted and which separates a volume from the tank 3.

[0035] The second delivery module unit 7 has, in particular, sound insulation 10, which suppresses sound from components of the delivery module 5 in the second delivery module unit 7. A delivery pump 9 of the delivery module 5 is arranged in the second delivery module unit 7. A filter module 17, through which a suction line 15 removes the operating fluid from the tank 3, is part of the first delivery module unit 6. Sensors 20 for monitoring the fill level and the properties of the operating fluid in the tank 3 can also be arranged on the first delivery module unit 6.

[0036] The dispensing point 4 can optionally be equipped with an injector for dosing the operating fluid. A dosing sensor 25 can optionally be arranged in the area of ​​the dispensing point 4, with which, for example, the pressure of the operating fluid at the dispensing point 4 can be monitored to monitor the dosing.

[0037] The system 1 preferably has a control unit 21, with which the delivery and / or metering of operating fluid with the delivery module 5 can be monitored and controlled. The control unit 21 is preferably connected to one of the two delivery module units 6, 7 via a first electrical connection 22. Preferably, there is also a second electrical connection 23 between the two delivery module units 6, 7. The electrical connections 22, 23 are each preferably designed as combined lines for transmitting electrical energy for operating the components of the delivery module 5 and for transmitting data / control commands for operating these components.

[0038] The feed pump 9 is preferably designed to feed bidirectionally and to feed operating fluid from line 8 back into the tank 3. The feed module 5 has a valve 11 with which the return of operating fluid to the tank 3 can be controlled. The valve 11 is preferably designed such that when operating fluid is withdrawn / suctioned from the tank 3, the operating fluid is sucked in through a suction line 15 and when operating fluid is returned to the tank 3, the operating fluid is pumped back into the tank 3 through a return line 16 separate from the suction line 15. The flow directions of the operating fluid in the suction line 15 and the return line 16 are preferably controlled by the valve 11. The valve 11 preferably has a first connection 12 to which the feed pump 9 is connected.The valve 11 preferably has a second port 13, to which the intake line 15 is connected. The valve 11 preferably has a third port 14, to which the return line 16 is connected.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the valve 11 is arranged in the first delivery module unit 6. In this embodiment, the first delivery module unit 6 and the second delivery module unit 7 are connected to each other only by a line 8, through which the operating fluid flows in different directions depending on the conveying direction (suction or return). Separate suction lines 15 and return lines 16 are formed only within the first delivery module unit 6 in this embodiment.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the valve 11 is arranged in the second delivery module unit 7. In this embodiment, the first delivery module unit 6 and the second delivery module unit 7 are connected to each other by two lines 8, namely a suction line 15 and a return line 16.

[0041] List of reference symbols

[0042] 1 system

[0043] 2 motor vehicles

[0044] 3 tanks

[0045] 4 Drop-off point

[0046] 5 conveyor module

[0047] 6 first conveyor module unit

[0048] 7 second conveyor module unit

[0049] 8 Line

[0050] 9 Feed pump

[0051] 10 Soundproofing

[0052] 11 Valve

[0053] 12 first connection

[0054] 13 second connection

[0055] 14 third connection

[0056] 15 Intake line

[0057] 16 Return line

[0058] 17 Filter module

[0059] 18 Tank bottom

[0060] 19 Opening

[0061] 20 sensors

[0062] 21 Control unit

[0063] 22 first electrical connection

[0064] 23 second electrical connection

[0065] 24 chambers

[0066] 25 Dosing sensor

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (1) for providing an operating fluid in a motor vehicle (2), comprising a tank (3) in which the operating fluid is stored and a dispensing point (4) at which the operating fluid can be provided, as well as comprising a conveying module (5) which is designed to convey and / or meter the operating fluid from the tank (3) to the dispensing point (4), wherein the conveying module (5) has a first conveying module unit (6) and a second conveying module unit (7), wherein the first conveying module unit (6) is arranged on the tank (3) and wherein the second conveying module unit (7) is arranged at a distance from the tank (3) and is connected to the first conveying module unit (6) by at least one line (8), wherein the conveying module (5) has a conveying pump (9) for conveying the operating fluid, wherein the conveying pump (9) is arranged in the second conveying module unit (7).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second conveyor module unit (7) has a sound insulation (10) which separates the second conveyor module unit (7) from the first conveyor module unit (6).

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed module (5) has a valve (11) which is arranged between the feed pump (5) and the tank (3) and through which operating fluid can be selectively sucked out of the tank (3) or pumped back into the tank (3), wherein the valve (11) is designed with a first connection (12) for the feed pump (5) and a second connection (13) for sucking the operating fluid out of the tank (3) and a third connection (14) for pumping the operating fluid back into the tank (3).

4. System (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second connection (13) of the valve (11) is connected to a suction line (15) for sucking liquid from the tank (3) and wherein the third Connection (14) of the valve (11) is connected to a return line (16) for returning liquid to the tank (3).

5. System (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the valve (11) is arranged in the first conveyor module unit (6).

6. System (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the valve (11) is arranged in the second conveyor module unit (7).

7. System (1) according to claim 6, wherein the suction line (15) and the return line (16) both run from the first conveyor module unit (6) to the second conveyor module unit (7).

8. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a filter module (17) which is arranged on the first conveying module unit (5), wherein the conveying module (5) is designed to suck the operating fluid through the filter module (17).

9. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor module unit (6) is inserted from below into an opening (19) of the tank bottom (18) of the tank (3).

10. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor module unit (6) has a sensor (20) with which a fill level and / or properties of the operating fluid in the tank (3) can be measured.

11. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating fluid is water.

12. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) comprises a control unit (21) with which the feed pump (3) can be controlled, wherein at least one further component with electrical functions is arranged in the first feed module unit (6) and wherein the control unit (21) is arranged outside the feed module (5) is arranged and is connected to one of the two conveyor module units (6,7) by a first electrical connection (22), wherein a second electrical connection (23) further exists between the two conveyor module units (6,7).

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