• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    urea container comprising an ultrasound sensor. the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the filling level (17) of a urea container (1) by determining the distance using sound waves (15) (ultrasound) that are emitted by a sensor (5) and the echo (16) of the same, said apparatus comprising a base of urea container (2) and a collector (3) with a physical height (9), in which the collector (3) is adjunct to the base urea container (2) and is located below the level (14) of the urea container base (2) and the collector (3) which, in addition, is openly connected to the urea container (1) and which it is connected at the bottom by a collector base (4). the sensor (5) is accommodated in the area of the collector (3) and, with a sound emitting surface (6) for transmitting sound waves (15) and for receiving echoes (16) of said sound waves (15 ), is fitted into the urea container (1) so that the sound-emitting surface (6) of the sensor (5) is as close as possible, at the level (14) of the urea container base (2).
    公开号:BR112013004017B1
    申请号:R112013004017
    申请日:2011-08-15
    公开日:2020-05-19
    发明作者:Hodgson Jan；Schepers Sven
    申请人:Continental Automotive Gmbh；Emitec Ges Emissionstechnologie Mbh；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for “APPLIANCE FOR MEASURING THE FILLING LEVEL OF A UREA CONTAINER IN A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE”.
    [0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the level of filling of a urea container (also referred to as an SCR tank) by determining the distance using a sound emission sensor (also referred to as a sensor ultrasound). In particular, such urea containers are required for treatment of exhaust gas as a reservoir for technically simple storage of a water / urea solution for ammonia formation.
    [0002] Exhaust gas treatment devices have long been used to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. Exhaust gas treatment devices with a supply of a reducing agent have been customary for some time in order to effectively reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. It has been found that, particularly in the case of low-combustion combustion engines, it may be advantageous to add a reducing agent to the exhaust gas. In particular, the proportion of nitrogen oxide (NOx) compounds in the exhaust gas is increased in the case of low-combustion combustion engines and can be reduced in conjunction with a reducing agent in a gas treatment apparatus exhaust. The term selective catalytic reduction method (SCR method) is used. [0003] For example, ammonia can be used as the reducing agent. Ammonia is converted with the nitrogen oxide compounds in the exhaust gas into non-hazardous constituents, namely, nitrogen and water and carbon dioxide. Ammonia is not normally
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    2/23 stored directly on the motor vehicle. Typically, a reducing agent precursor that is converted on demand to the actual reducing agent is stored and / or supplied. For example, urea can be used as a precursor to reducing agent. An aqueous solution of water / urea is particularly preferred. This type of aqueous water / urea solution with a urea content of 32.5% is available, for example, under the trade name AdBlue ® . [0004] A reducing agent can be supplied to an exhaust gas treatment apparatus of an internal combustion engine in liquid and / or gaseous form. Typically, a reducing agent is stored in liquid form in a motor vehicle. Such liquid storage is possible in a way that, particularly, saves space. According to current legal specifications, according to the Euro V emission standard, the pollutant output is reduced to a maximum permissible limit value of 2.0 g / kWh of NOx. It is therefore necessary for the driver of the vehicle always be informed about the filling level of the urea container. When the urea container is empty and therefore no reducing agent can be supplied to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus, the engine power must be accelerated. In order to avoid this, it is important for the vehicle driver to be informed about the level of filling of the urea container. Since the aqueous solution of water / urea with a pH of about 9.0 is slightly alkaline, non-contact measurement of fill level is recommended. It was found that, for this purpose, the measurement of the fill level by determining the distance using a sound emission sensor is particularly suitable. In this case, in particular, use is made of the effect in which the sound is reflected at interfaces between gases and liquids or between gases and solids or otherwise between liquids and solids. With proper sensor orientation, the distance can be determined using
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    3/23 of the flight time, in a similar way to an echo sounder, with an emitted sound wave and reflected echo. The filling level of the urea container can therefore be determined indirectly.
    [0005] Until now, measurement structures have been proposed that have a high demand for space. Since a urea container in the motor vehicle is an additional component, in which there is already a very limited space for new components, a space-saving configuration of a urea tank with fill level measurement using a sound sensor is desirable. In particular, as a remodeling system and for urea consumption increases further in the future due to more stringent emission standards and therefore an increased volume of urea container, a space-saving design is highly convenient.
    [0006] Based on this prior art, it is an objective of the invention presented in this document to further mitigate the technical problems explained in connection with the prior art. In particular, a device must be supplied, which, on the one hand, saves installation space and at the same time allows for simpler assembly. In addition, it must be ensured that, after the sound emission sensor indicates that the filling level has reached a minimum limit value or approaches zero, there is, however, still a sufficient residual volume of urea to enable it to a filling station is reached with the motor vehicle with optimum engine power and legally permitted pollutant outlet and, there, refill the urea container.
    [0007] These objectives are achieved by an apparatus according to the invention. The resources mentioned individually can be combined with each other in any technically sensitive and su
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    4/23 supplemented with explanatory facts from the description, particularly in connection with the figures, additional alternative modalities of the invention are presented.
    [0008] The apparatus according to the invention for measuring the level of filling of a urea container by determining the distance using sound waves emitted by a sensor and its echo comprises a bottom of the urea container and a collector that has a physical height, the collector being adjacent to the bottom of the urea container and located below the level of the bottom of the urea container and, furthermore, the collector is openly connected to the urea container and is connected from below by a collector bottom. In addition, it is established that:
    - the sensor is accommodated in the collector region, and
    - the sensor with a sound-emitting surface for emitting sound waves and for receiving echoes of the same sound waves is fitted in the urea container so that the sound-emitting surface of the sensor is with the maximum adjacency at the bottom level of the urea container.
    [0009] The filling level measurement is based, in particular, on a measurement of flight time. In this case, use is made of the fact that an acoustic wave propagates at a finite speed that is known by the respective propagation medium (in this case, water / urea solution). When the sensor emits a sound wave, that wave requires a certain amount of time in order to reach the interface between the liquid water / urea solution and the surrounding air. A large part of the sound wave is reflected at this interface and travels at the same wave speed back to the sensor (or ultrasound sensor). The latter records the flight time from the moment of emission to the reception of the echo, that is, the reflected sound wave. This flight time, multiplied by the known propagation speed of the sound wave, gives a
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    5/23 length. Since the sound wave has to travel once forward and once back in order to be registered by the sensor, the decrease in half of the determined length gives the distance between the sensor and the interface. So that the level of filling of the urea container can be inferred from that determined distance, the sound wave should reach the interface as perpendicularly as possible. If the sound wave reaches the interface too obliquely, the reflected wave will corrupt the measurement result due to the extended distance. Also, with an orientation perpendicular to the interface, the propagation path is optimally short and, therefore, a more accurate measurement result is not only achieved, but is achieved in an optimally short time, in addition, attenuation effects in the water solution / urea are thereby minimized. In order to determine exact results, it is necessary to adapt the known speed of propagation of the sound wave to the temperature of the water / urea solution. In this way, it is also possible to determine the expansion effects of the water / urea solution due to the temperature and filling levels for a frozen water / urea solution.
    [0010] A urea container is any container or tank that is suitable for containing urea. In particular, it is made of a material that is insensitive to alkaline substances. For example, plastics are suitable for this purpose, in particular those of hot-setting, for example, epoxy resins. The shape of the urea container is essentially determined by the volume to be contained, the space allocated in the motor vehicle, simple filling and maintenance, but also by functional units of the urea container for frictionless operation. Functional units include, but are not limited to, a collector, a filling level measurement unit, a urea extraction device and often also a heating device to combat the freezing of the water solution.
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    6/23 water / urea and to combat the generation of steam for various operating states of the internal combustion engine or exhaust gases.
    [0011] The sensor for filling level measurement has a dual function. On the one hand, it emits sound waves and, on the other hand, it is adapted to receive its echo. For this purpose, it is possible to use commercially available sensors that are adapted in an appropriate way to register interfaces between liquids and gases. In order to avoid disturbing noise, the sensor should emit sound waves in the inaudible ultrasound range, in addition, the sensor should operate in a way that saves energy, since the number of instruments that consume electricity in motor vehicles is already very high and that the number of such instruments is expected to increase further. It is also prudent to additionally equip the sensor with a thermometer, as this makes it possible to compensate for the expansion of the water / urea solution as a function of temperature. Inference of the actual amount of reducing agent is therefore possible at high temperatures. In particular, at low temperatures, it is possible to suppress false indications in the event of partial ice formation. This is because a multiplicity of interfaces are formed by ice crystals and pieces of ice in the water / urea solution in the event of partial ice formation. In this way, unwanted false indications can occur from a floating level monitor for engine acceleration. The sensor may possibly consist of merely a sound recording diaphragm and a sound generator, but may even physically comprise the entire measuring device. For the generation and recording of sound, the so-called piezofilms are conventional in the prior art. These have the ability to directly convert an input voltage signal to mechanical strain and thereby generate a sound. The deformation me
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    7/23 can be converted very accurately by means of AC voltage to a frequency oscillation frequency, usually the natural frequency of the piezofilm. Likewise, piezofilms have the ability to convert mechanical deformations into tension. The use of piezofilms, therefore, not only represents a technically very simple modality of a sound sensor, but it is also particularly economical.
    [0012] The urea container comprises a bottom of the urea container, although this does not constitute the sealing edge under the urea container, but merely delimits the main volume of the urea container and a collector is connected to the bottom of the urea container. . In most cases, the bottom of the urea container is tilted down from the walls of the urea container to the collector to ensure reliable delivery of the waste water / urea solution to the collector. In many cases, the bottom of the urea container merely constitutes a small protrusion up to a stage in the transition from the collector to the main volume of the urea container. Conventionally, a urea container cover and, laterally, a plurality of urea container side walls can be assigned to a urea container (at the top).
    [0013] The urea container collector is used primarily to contain the residual volume of the water / urea solution, so that this residual volume can continue to be used in a technically simple way. Thus, it is clear that the collector generally has a significantly reduced circumference or significantly less volume, compared to the main urea container. There is, therefore, also a significantly increased filling level in the collector compared to an equal volume in the main urea container. The residual volume can therefore be extracted more easily by a urea extraction device, in addition, the collector is suitable for the
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    8/23 receiving impurities in the form of sediments in the bottom region, so that they are not absorbed by a urea extraction device. The collector is connected from below by a collector bottom, which therefore forms the deepest bottom edge of the urea container. The collector is therefore, for example, a local recess in the bottom of the urea container. Furthermore, it is preferable that there is only a single collector and / or that the collector is positioned centrally or in the middle in relation to the bottom of the urea container.
    [0014] The collector is adjacent to the bottom of the urea container and, preferably, is totally below the level of the bottom of the urea container. Since the bottom of the urea container only constitutes a flat surface in rare cases, it is only in rare cases that the level should be equaled to a flat surface that is congruent with the bottom surface of the urea container. Preferably, the level is intended to be a flat surface that intersects the transition from the bottom of the urea container to the vertical walls of the collector. Possibly, even the transition from the vertical walls of the urea container to the sloping bottom of the urea container should be understood as this level. In each case, the level must be understood as orthogonal to the gravitational direction when the motor vehicle is stationary.
    [0015] The sound emitting surface of the sensor for emitting sound waves and for receiving the echo of the same sound waves can be the piezofilm already mentioned above. In most cases, however, this film is adjacent to an oscillating diaphragm that, for example, amplifies sound emissions or otherwise converts them to an appropriate frequency. In most cases, there will also be, in turn, a diaphragm located above that forwards the sound waves with less attenuation, but in return constitutes additional chemical and mechanical protection for the diaphragm or pi
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    9/23 ezofilm. Depending on the sensor structure and the design of the urea container, the oscillating diaphragm and / or protective diaphragm can be integrated into a film. Likewise, one of the properties may be unnecessary independently of the other properties for the respective modality.
    [0016] The sound-emitting surface of the sensor, moreover, is as adjacent as possible to the level of the bottom of the urea container. In this case, the level and the sound-emitting surface can be parallel, although the sound-emitting surface can be inclined with respect to the bottom level of the urea container. In particular, the sound-emitting surface may be below the level of the bottom of the urea container. In no case does the sound-emitting surface protrude beyond the bottom level of the urea container (significantly, that is, more than the standard manufacturing tolerances for that object). As already mentioned, the perpendicular to the sound-emitting surface in relation to the perpendicular directed upwards at the level of the bottom of the urea container can be inclined with respect to each other. Suitable angles to each other are, in this particular case, 45 °, 90 ° and 135 °. However, an opposite orientation, that is, 180 ° of the two perpendicular to each other, is also possible.
    [0017] Sound waves are essentially emitted upwards (from the direction of the urea container cover). It is clear that the sound waves propagate in the shape of an arc or circularly. However, in order to determine the distance / time of the sound wave trajectory, it is important that the sound wave essentially reaches the interface perpendicularly and is therefore reflected back to the sensor. Small deviations from the perpendicular geometry axis of ± 30 ° or even ± 20 °, possibly even even ± 10 °, greatly increase the measurement result, but can be compensated for
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    10/23 with proper configuration of the measuring device.
    [0018] The sensor is preferably fully accommodated in the region of the collector. In particular, it totally means that the physical sensor unit, for example, as it is commercially available, is accommodated in the collector region - that is, it does not protrude into other internal regions of the urea container. In this case, the physical unit of the sensor can consist of only the sound-emitting surface mentioned above or it can also contain the necessary measuring devices, as well as, for example, a thermometer in addition to the measuring circuit. In many cases, the associated sensor cabling counts as a component part and is therefore, in these cases, accommodated in the collector region.
    [0019] With its bottom of the collector, the side walls and the transition to the bottom of the urea container, the collector constitutes a volume. In many cases, however, this volume is not only filled with the water / urea solution, but possibly also accommodates different physical units in the total urea container. These physical units can be built in the collector or, otherwise, introduced through the recesses and indentations in the collector's bottom or in the collector's walls. In this case, the physical units with the functional units, which can or must be in contact with the water / urea solution, can be formed so that they are open to the container volume. In this sense, in other words, it can also be provided so that the sensor is fully accommodated in the collector region when the sensor also extends partially outside the urea container.
    [0020] In particular, the sensor for level measurement is configured in two parts, in which case the individual parts can be arranged separately. The sound-emitting surface (transmitter) is, in this case, arranged separately from the receiver for
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    11/23 the echo. Comments regarding the sensor arrangement can, in this case, be applied to both the transmitter and the receiver. [0021] In another advantageous embodiment, a urea extraction device is connected to the collector and is located at a height between the level of the bottom of the urea container and the bottom of the collector. Advantageously, the urea extraction device can be fitted at a distance from the bottom of the collector, so that deposited particles are not absorbed by the urea extraction device. In particular, a corresponding volume for dirt and deposits in the collector is provided, in addition, the urea extraction device can advantageously be fitted below the bottom level of the urea container, so that the action of collecting the urea collector can be used. In other words, this means, in particular, that the only extraction opening for dosing urea in the collector is preferably located on a side wall of the collector. At least one filter, a pump, a control valve and a dosing unit, which optionally together form the urea extraction device, can then be connected to it.
    [0022] In a particularly preferred configuration, at least some of the components mentioned above are located, in this case, in the volume of the collector, for example, in a separate housing. In another advantageous configuration, the urea extraction device is fitted below the sound-emitting surface of the sensor. The effect achieved by this is that, after the urea container has been emptied by the sensor, there is still a residual volume of urea in order to guarantee a sufficient time in which the motor vehicle can, for example, reach a filling station. supply with optimal operation and emission of optimum pollutant, in which the urea container can be refilled. In particular, it should be ensured that the residual volume of urea is sufficient for a distance
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    12/23 directed that can be covered with half to a tank full of fuel for the internal combustion engine. In that case, in particular, a separation of the sound-emitting surface and the urea extraction device is configured so that an additional directed distance of about 50 km, in particular about 200 km, up to 400 km is ensured.
    [0023] In another advantageous mode, the sensor is fitted externally over the collector in a recess. This recess, which is arranged, for example, in the side wall and / or bottom of the collector, is configured so that the sensor is easily assembled and fully accommodated therein. The recess can therefore comprise a screw thread or / or be tapered. Other means of attachment can also be used. In particular, the recess may be suitable for adjusting the sensor easily and reliably to ensure an accurate level measurement. In this case, it may be advantageous to arrange the recess (which protrudes from the collector) so that the sensor can be mounted immobile before installation on the motor vehicle. In addition, the recess can allow the removal of the sensor, without the container of whole urea or parts of the urea container must be removed and also without the urea container having to be emptied. In another advantageous embodiment, the sensor is contained by an additional component on the collector or on the urea container, for example, a cover. A combination of the means of retaining the recess and, for example, a cover is also possible.
    [0024] In another advantageous mode, the sensor projects at least partially on the collector. In particular, this means that the sound-emitting surface of the sensor is in direct contact with the water / urea solution. This allows the use of a commercially available sound sensor without additional construction measures on the
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    13/23 collector. For additional economical and simple mounting of the sensor on the collector, merely an opening, for example, a hole, can be provided in the collector. The sensor can be inserted through that hole and fixed and adjusted using additional retaining means, for example, a cover. A recess, as described, can also be configured so that a part of the sensor is guided through the recess and a part with the sound-emitting surface protrudes into the water / urea solution. For leak-proof sealing of the system, corresponding seals must be provided.
    [0025] In another advantageous mode, the physical height of the collector corresponds to a height for installing the sensor. The height of the sensor installation depends on the physical unit of the sensor as described, as well as the way in which the sensor is mounted. In this case, the height of the sensor installation may differ from the height of the sensor due to the external containment means. The installation height can also be interpreted as the additional accommodation of the sensor cabling. The physical height of the collector extends, for example, from the bottom of the collector to the level of the bottom of the urea container, when the latter is arranged vertically. In this embodiment, the sound-emitting surface of the sensor is, in particular, parallel to the level of the bottom of the urea container or tilted 90 ° from it. In this way, a project that particularly saves space is usually achieved.
    [0026] In another advantageous variant, the perpendicular to the sound emitting surface of the sensor is oriented at an angle in relation to the essential sound direction, and a sound deflection means deflects the sound waves upwards essentially. Any angles are suitable in this case, between 0 and about 180 °. In particular, however, 45 °, 90 ° and 135 °. The sound deflection medium can be any surface that is suitable for reflection of sound waves. Since the waves
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    14/23 sound are similarly reflected in the interfaces between liquids and solids, all solid materials are generally suitable for this. In particular, however, it is recommended to form this sound deflection medium from the wall regions of the collector or the urea container. The sound deflection means thus constitutes an inclined surface of solid material which is configured to a suitable position at an angle corresponding to the perpendicular to the sound emitting surface, so that the sound is essentially deflected upwards. If the perpendicular is oriented at 90 ° in relation to the essential sound direction, for example, then the surface of the deflection medium is inclined by 45 °. The sound deflection means may, however, also consist of a plurality of inclined surfaces that are suitably configured so that the sound waves are actually deflected upward essentially after multiple deflection by the plurality of surfaces. Likewise, the echo of the emitted sound waves is deflected by means of sound deflection back to the sensor in the reverse direction on the same path. Although this unfavorably increases the measurement path, it allows more flexible adaptation to a restricted installation space on the motor vehicle, in particular, for remodeling systems. It is particularly more preferable, in this case, for the sensor to be arranged (laterally) horizontally and for the sound deflection medium to be positioned in the region of the collector so that the sound that arrives in an approximately horizontal direction is deflected in a direction for the urea container cover (or the urea surface).
    [0027] In particular, the sensor can also be used in conjunction with other measured value transducers, so that a plurality of physical characteristics of the water / urea solution can be recorded. In particular, a conductance sensor is additionally
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    15/23 supplied that can establish the conductivity of the water / urea solution. In this way, for example, the mixture of the water / urea solution with salt water can be detected and a corresponding indication can be checked.
    [0028] In addition, a method is provided that can be employed in a particularly advantageous way when using the sound emission sensor proposed in this document. The method is put into practice with devices that use a sensor that emits sound waves to determine distance, in order to measure the filling level of a urea container. In particular, the method is employed with the apparatus according to the invention. The method involves storing at least the filling level of the urea container before the appliance is deactivated, that is, before the electrical supply to the appliance is interrupted, for example, because the internal combustion engine has been deactivated. This stored value for at least the filling level must be supplied to a controller or switching device when the device is reactivated, that is, when the electrical supply is restored. In particular, other values can also be stored, for example, the quality of the water / urea solution (electrical conductance, density, etc.).
    [0029] Providing a value for the filling level is advantageous, in particular, when at least part of the water / urea solution freezes in the urea container after the device has been deactivated. In this case, under certain circumstances, a level measurement cannot be carried out by the sound emission sensor or a reliable value would be generated. The quality of the water / urea solution could already be measured after defrosting the water / urea solution in the vicinity of the sensor, but complete defrosting of the water / urea solution is necessary to stop
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    16/23 min. Of actual fill level. By providing a stored value for at least the fill level, the determination of lanes that the vehicle can reach with the available water / urea solution can be put into practice at any time by the controller or the switching device (even immediately after the device is activated again or put into operation). By providing additional stored values (for density, electrical conductance, etc.), even information about the quality of the water / urea solution can be obtained immediately after the device is switched on again, although the sensors and transducers of measurement cannot generate reliable values due to the frozen water / urea solution.
    [0030] A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an internal combustion engine and at least one exhaust gas treatment device, as well as a urea container that has a sound emission sensor for measuring the filling level of the urea container by means of distance measurement using sound waves, the sensor being accommodated according to the invention by the urea container collector. In particular, the motor vehicle is configured to implement the method according to the invention.
    [0031] A motor vehicle can be any motor vehicle that has an internal combustion engine. This does not mean only motor vehicles that are powered or propelled by this internal combustion engine. For example, hybrid vehicles that use an internal combustion engine merely as a generator unit can also be designed. Motor vehicles that have auxiliary devices such as packaging or winch devices that are in turn driven (indirectly) by an internal combustion engine can likewise be designed.
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    17/23
    [0032] An internal combustion engine generally constitutes an energy conversion machine that is based on an open or closed cycle process. Suitable internal combustion engines, therefore, are anyone who uses a fuel that, during combustion to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy, generates emissions to the point that this leads, due to the appropriate reducing agent for purification, to a reduction in emissions unwanted. These are generally piston reciprocating engines and piston piston engines, as well as rotary piston and, in particular, Wankel engines. Suitable fuels are, among others, diesel fuels and gasoline fuels, but also fuels such as natural gas and liquid gas. The internal combustion engine can be accelerated by the signal from the sound emission sensor to measure the filling level of the urea container in order to reduce emissions in the event of an emptying indication.
    [0033] The at least one exhaust gas treatment apparatus is generally interposed in the exhaust gas line from the internal combustion engine to the exhaust pipe. At that point (upstream, that is, at the front), the water / urea solution or gaseous ammonia is injected into the exhaust gases. The exhaust gas treatment device is essentially controlled by emission measurements, although it can also be indirectly deactivated by the signal from the sound emission sensor to measure the level of filling of the urea container in the event of an indication of emptying.
    [0034] The device, which comprises a urea container with a sound emission sensor, corresponds in its design and functionality to the type described in the previous paragraphs.
    [0035] The invention and the technical content will be described in greater detail with the aid of the figures. The figures show modalities
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    18/23 particularly preferred examples in which the invention is not, however, restricted. The figures are schematic and denote identical components with identical references:
    [0036] Figure 1: shows a first alternative modality of a urea container that comprises a collector that fully accommodates a sound emission sensor,
    [0037] Figure 2: shows a second alternative modality of a urea container that has a collector that fully accommodates the sensor, with the sensor partially protruding from the collector,
    [0038] Figure 3: shows a third alternative modality of a urea container that has a collector, the sensor being fully accommodated in a recess in the collector,
    [0039] Figure 4: shows a fourth alternative modality of a urea container that has a collector, the perpendicular to the sound emitting surface of the sensor is oriented at an angle to the essential sound direction,
    [0040] Figure 5: shows a motor vehicle comprising an exhaust gas treatment apparatus and a urea container that is configured according to the device according to the invention, and
    [0041] Figure 6: shows an additional alternative modality of a urea container that has a collector, the bottom of the collector with a urea extraction device and a sensor forming a physical unit.
    [0042] References in individual figures always denote identical components or elements, even when this is not explicitly discussed in detail below. In this sense, reference can be made in addition to the corresponding disclosure in another figure.
    [0043] Figure 1 shows a urea container 1 that is filled with a water / urea solution 31 to a filling level 17.
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    19/23
    On the bottom of the urea container 2, a collector 3 having a physical height 9 and a bottom of the collector 4 is built below level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2. In the collector 3, the sound emission sensor 5 is extends from level 14 to the bottom of the collector 4. The sound-emitting surface 6 is exactly adjacent to level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2. The urea extraction device 7 is fitted in the region of the physical height 9 of the collector 3 in order to extract urea. The total urea filling level is the sum of the height of the filling level 17 and the physical height 9 of the collector 3. Sensor 5 records the filling level 17 (above the collector 3) by determining the distance / time of the sound waves 15 and echo 16 of sound waves 15. In this case, the perpendicular 10 to the sound emitting surface 6 of the sensor 5 and the essential sound direction 12 are congruent. If the filling level 17 drops to level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2, then the sensor 5 indicates an empty urea container 1. However, a residual volume of extractable urea remains in the collector 3 between the level 14 of the bottom of the container urea 2 and the extraction height by the urea extraction device 7.
    [0044] Figure 2 shows a urea container 1 similar to the one represented in Figure 1. In contrast to Figure 1, the sensor 5 is in a recess 8 in the collector 3 that protrudes from the bottom of the collector 4 in the region of the collector 3. The sensor 5 is furthermore configured in two parts, the sound emitting surface 6 and the receiver 28 being arranged directly next to each other, here also in a common housing 30 of the sensor 5. Furthermore, the sound-emitting surface 6 of sensor 5 (and receiver 28) protrudes into the collector 3, in addition, the sound-emitting surface 6 (and receiver 28) of sensor 5 is below level 14 of the bottom of the urea 2. In this way, the sensor measures a filling level 17 that extends from the interface of the water / urea solution (surface
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    20/23 of the water / urea solution) beyond level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2 to the sound-emitting surface 6 of the sensor 5. Here again, however, the urea extraction device 7 is fitted below the surface sound emitter 6 from sensor 5. Once again, there is an extractable residual volume from the water / urea solution 31 after sensor 5 indicates that filling level 17 is zero, plus a measured value transducer 29 , by which, for example, the electrical conductance of the water / urea solution 31 can be determined, is arranged in the collector 3 in this case.
    [0045] Figure 3 shows a urea container 1 similar to the representation in Figure 1. In this case, the sensor 5 is fully inserted in a recess 8 in the region of the collector 4. Here, the recess that is introduced from the bottom of the collector 4 of collector 3 extends to level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2. The sound-emitting surface 6 of the sensor is directly adjacent to the region of the recess 8 which is congruent with the level 14 of the bottom of the urea container 2. As in Figure 2, here again, the physical height 9 of the collector 3 is greater than the installation height of the sensor 5.
    [0046] Figure 4 shows a urea container 1, the sensor 5 being fully accommodated in the collector 3 as in Figure 1. In contrast to the previous figures, the perpendicular 10 to the sound emitting surface 6 has an angle 11 in in relation to the essential sound direction 12. The sound waves 15 emitted by the sound-emitting surface 6 initially propagate along the perpendicular 10 to the sound-emitting surface 6. Through the sound deflection means 13 integrated with the collector 3, the waves sound 15 are deflected in the direction of the essential sound direction 12. The echo 16 first reflected in the reverse direction along the essential sound direction 12 to the sound deflection medium 13, in which echo 16 is, in turn, deflected back along perpendicular 10 to the sound-emitting surface 6. The measurement
    Petition 870190115868, of 11/11/2019, p. 23/33
    21/23 fill level is, in this case, connected from below by the uppermost end of the inclined sounding surface 6. If the filling level of the water / urea solution drops below that point, an interface is formed that interferes with the measurement by sound. Sensor 5 or sensor 5 measuring device is set to this lower limit.
    [0047] Figure 5 shows a motor vehicle 18 that has an internal combustion engine 19 and an exhaust gas treatment apparatus 20, with the reducing agent (here, liquid urea) being introduced through a nozzle. dosage 21 from the urea container 1 or from the collector 3 in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus 20 (for example, a hydrolytic catalytic converter and / or an SCR catalytic converter). The purified exhaust gas is fed through the exhaust gas line 23 and leaves the exhaust gas treatment apparatus 20 through the exhaust pipe 24. The sensor 5 in the urea container 1 or in the collector 3 indicates the filling level by means of signal line 25 for a switching device 22. Switching device 22 is configured so that it accelerates the internal combustion engine 19 by means of the engine accelerator signal line 26. Switching device 22 disables the dosing nozzle 21 via the dosing nozzle closing signal line 27. Deactivation or acceleration by switching device 22 takes place after an indirect period of time after indication that urea container 1 is empty, by sensor 5 by through signal line 25 to switching device 22.
    [0048] Figure 6 schematically represents another alternative embodiment of a urea container 1 that has a collector 3, the bottom of the collector 4 with a urea extraction device 7 and a sensor 5 forming a physical unit. As indicated, the provision
    Petition 870190115868, of 11/11/2019, p. 24/33
    22/23 urea extraction site 7 (eg with a filter, pump, supply lines, pressure and / or temperature sensors, return line, valve) and sensor 5 can be pre-assembled on a bottom of the separate collector 4 and, finally, sealingly sealed against leakage in the collector 3. The bottom of the collector 4 is, in this case, configured in the form of a modular (stable, for example, metallic) plate, in this case, components that are not in direct contact with urea can be encapsulated (with a housing). Correspondingly, the other variants of the apparatus, according to the invention, which are mentioned in this document can also be formed with pre-assembled physical units that are installed in a leak-proof seal in an opening of the urea container 1 .
    [0049] The technical problems explained in the introduction in connection with the prior art have therefore been further mitigated. In particular, a device has been provided that, on the one hand, saves installation space and, at the same time, allows for simpler assembly, in addition, it is thus guaranteed that, after the sound emission sensor indicates that the filling level has reached a value minimum limit or approaches zero, there is, however, still a sufficient residual volume of urea in order to enable a filling station to be reached with the motor vehicle with optimum engine power and legally permitted pollutant output and refill there the urea container.
    Listing Reference Numbers
    - urea container
    - urea container bottom
    - collector
    - collector bottom
    - sensor
    Petition 870190115868, of 11/11/2019, p. 25/33
    23/23 sound emitting surface urea extraction device physical height
    - perpendicular
    - angle
    - essential sound direction
    - sound deflection medium
    - level
    - sound waves
    - echo
    - fill level
    - motor vehicle
    - internal combustion engine
    - exhaust gas treatment apparatus
    - dosing nozzle
    - switching device
    - exhaust gas line
    - exhaust pipe
    - signal line
    - engine throttle signal line
    - dosing nozzle closing signal line
    - receiver
    - measured value transducer
    - accommodation
    - water / urea solution
    权利要求:
    Claims (9)
    [1]
    1. An apparatus for measuring the filling level (17) of a urea container (1) in a motor vehicle, comprising a urea container (1) with a bottom of the urea container (2) positioned on one level and one collector (3) positioned below the level of the bottom of the urea container (2), the collector (3) having a height and being limited in the inferior direction by a collector bottom (4), and the collector (3) being adjacent to the bottom of the urea container (2) and having an open connection with the urea container (1), characterized by the fact that the device comprises a sensor (5) disposed in the vicinity of the collector (3);
    the sensor (5) having a sound emitting surface (6) configured to emit sound waves (15) and receive echoes (16) from the sound waves (15) to measure the filling level of the urea container (1) by determining distance; and the sensor (5) positioned in the urea container (1) with the sound-emitting surface (6) of the transmitter (5) close to the maximum level of the bottom of the urea container (2), the sensor (5) being positioned externally to the collector (3) in a recess (8), and the sensor (5) projects at least partially into the collector (3).
    [2]
    2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a urea extraction device (7) connected to the collector (3) and located at a height between the level (14) of the bottom of the urea container (2) and the bottom of the collector (4).
    [3]
    3. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the physical height (9) of the collector (3) corresponds to an installation height of the sensor (5).
    [4]
    4. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the recess (8) protrudes into the collector (3)
    Petition 870190115868, of 11/11/2019, p. 27/33
    2/2 to the bottom of the urea container (2).
    [5]
    5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the collector (3) is only a collector (3) and is arranged in a central area at the bottom of the urea container (2).
    [6]
    6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor (5) is disposed externally on an external surface of the collector (3), and the sound-emitting surface (6) of the sensor (5) is exempt of contact with the urea solution.
    [7]
    7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor (5) is disposed externally on an external surface of the collector (3), in a liquid-tight manner so that the sensor (5) is removable without previously emptying the urea container (1).
    [8]
    8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sound-emitting surface (6) of the sensor (5) is positioned directly next to a region of the recess (8) that is congruent with a level of the bottom of the urea container (2).
    [9]
    9. Motor vehicle (18) comprising an internal combustion engine (19); a urea container (1); at least one exhaust gas treatment apparatus (20) receiving exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (19) and receiving urea from the urea container (1); characterized by the fact that it comprises an apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a sound emission sensor (5) for measuring the filling level (17) of the urea container (1) by means of measurement away with the use of sound waves (15, 16), and the sensor (5) is accommodated in the collector (3) of the urea container (1).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    JP2013539515A|2013-10-24|
    DE102010035008A1|2012-02-23|
    RU2559321C2|2015-08-10|
    KR20130058738A|2013-06-04|
    EP2606321A1|2013-06-26|
    RU2013112096A|2014-09-27|
    WO2012022721A1|2012-02-23|
    CN103097867A|2013-05-08|
    US20130160433A1|2013-06-27|
    BR112013004017A2|2016-06-28|
    CN103097867B|2016-11-23|
    US8943812B2|2015-02-03|
    JP5902684B2|2016-04-13|
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    法律状态:
    2016-09-27| B08F| Application fees: application dismissed [chapter 8.6 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE A 5A ANUIDADE. |
    2017-01-24| B08G| Application fees: restoration [chapter 8.7 patent gazette]|
    2018-06-19| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH (DE) |
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-08-13| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-03-10| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-05-05| B09W| Decision of grant: rectification|Free format text: RETIFIQUE-SE, POR INCORRECOES NO PARECER |
    2020-05-19| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 15/08/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE102010035008A|DE102010035008A1|2010-08-20|2010-08-20|Urea container with ultrasonic sensor|
    PCT/EP2011/064047|WO2012022721A1|2010-08-20|2011-08-15|Urea container comprising ultrasound sensor|
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