DE102007061808A1 - Tank removal system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank removal device (1) having a cold start heater (6) for frozen liquids (11) from a motor vehicle tank system having at least one main tank (2), with at least one heat delivery element (13, 27, 33) connected to at least one heating element (19 ) is thermally conductively connected and conducts the heat generated in the heating element (19) into the frozen liquid (11), whereby a cold start volume (5) is melted, and a method for removing a frozen liquid (11) from the motor vehicle tank system. In order to be able to remove the liquid (11) of the cold start volume (5) from the motor vehicle tank system without requiring an additional aeration device (10) or a separate withdrawal line (20, 20 '), it is provided according to the invention that the cold start volume (5) from a gas volume (12) above the frozen liquid (11) to the discharge opening (4), and a method in which the cold start volume (5) is surrounded by a liquid level (O) of the frozen liquid (11) adjacent to a gas volume (12) ) is melted to a removal opening (4) of the tank system.

Description

The The invention relates to a tank removal system for a motor vehicle with at least one removal opening having Tank system comprising at least one main tank, with a is filled with frozen liquid, taking above the liquid in the main tank is a gas volume, a arranged in the main tank cold start heating, the at least a heating element and at least one thermally conductive with the heating element connected by the heat dissipation element, by the in operation the frozen liquid can be at least partially abschmelzbar is, and with a formed of molten liquid, the heat-emitting element at least partially surrounding and from this melted cold start volume, its volume one within a cold start period one to the removal opening connectable liquid consumers available corresponding volume of molten liquid corresponds.

The The invention further relates to a method for withdrawing liquid from one to a liquid level with frozen Liquid filled main tank of a tank system at a vehicle cold start, in which within a predetermined Cold start time a predetermined cold start volume of the liquid melted in the tank system and at a discharge opening the tank system is made available.

at Fluid systems, which is a liquid from a reservoir through pipes to a liquid consumer, The problem arises that the liquids in the tanks freeze when the ambient temperatures are below freezing the liquids to be pumped sink. So frozen especially in winter the cleaning solution of the windscreen washer system in the reservoir, leaving the rear and windshields not cleaned immediately after the cold start of the vehicle can be.

The Cleaning fluids of windscreen or headlight washers In motor vehicles, antifreeze is added for this reason. However, the antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the windscreen wiper water only up to about -20 ° C, leaving the liquid despite antifreeze at temperatures below -20 ° C in the tank and the lines of the windscreen washer.

Around the nitrogen oxide emissions in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, For example, diesel engines, to lower, can exhaust purification after the so-called SCR process (Selective Catalytic Reduction: Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic reduction). In the SCR process will be the nitrogen oxides in a catalyst with a suitable reducing agent chemically converted into the harmless substances nitrogen and water. As a reducing agent is vapor or gaseous Ammonia used that from an aqueous urea solution generated and introduced into the exhaust stream. The aqueous urea solution freezes with, for example, a urea content of 32.5 wt .-% at a temperature of below -11 ° C and can so are no longer promoted to the catalyst.

Therefore the storage tanks of SCR plants or or headlight washers equipped with heating systems, which the melt frozen liquids in the storage container.

Around the frozen liquids with a high efficiency melt, it is known from the prior art that the heating systems housed in the tank with their heating and / or heat-emitting elements are. However, since the available heating capacity as well as the thermal conductivity of the heating systems finally can be limited in a limited time Volume to be melted. Would an unlimited heat output available and would be the heat conduction between the heating system and the frozen liquid ideally infinitely large, that would be Problem that so does not the entire volume of the tank in a given Period would be melted off, but that in the area of the First melt the heating system liquid and then it would evaporate, causing gas bubbles arise, which reduce the heat conduction.

additionally lead to temperatures of over 60 ° C aqueous urea solution to a thermal Decomposition of urea, leaving this maximum temperature not exceeded on the surfaces of the heat-emitting elements may be.

In order to melt at least one cold start volume required by a liquid user in a predetermined cold start time, the prior art teaches that only a corresponding partial volume of the frozen liquid present in the storage container is thawed. This is in the DE 10 2006 027 487 A1 described that a motor vehicle tank has a functional unit, which consists inter alia of an inner container with an integrated electric heater. During a cold start, the fluid present in the inner container is first thawed with the aid of the electric heater. The thawed liquid is removed via a suction line from the inner container aspirated. In addition to this suction line there is another suction line, which sucks the liquid from the rest of the vehicle tank as soon as it has thawed.

Such a device is also called "tank in tank" system DE 10 2006 027 487 A1 In such systems, the liquid is emptied from the tank and from the inner container via at least two sampling points. The first sampling point, from which the liquid is removed from the reservoir itself, is usually at one of its lowest points. If you were to accommodate the electric heater here and would thus create a closed volume of molten liquid, which has no connection to the liquid level of the frozen liquid, the thawed liquid would be sucked against increasing negative pressure. This must be compensated via a separate vent valve in order to be able to extract the thawed liquid from the frozen liquid surrounding it.

alternative You can also use the electric heater in the upper part of the reservoir Provide so that the molten volume in direct contact to the gas volume above the frozen liquid, respectively the ventilation device is through which at a Suctioning the liquid resulting negative pressure can be compensated can. Here, however, a second sampling point should be provided because a volume so molten through the remaining frozen Liquid in the tank from one in the lower part of the tank provided removal opening is cut off.

The cold start volume can also, as in the DE 10 2005 046 029 A1 described, be present in a second and possibly smaller additional tank, which is connected to the first tank or main tank via a possibly heatable fluid line. Such an arrangement has the same disadvantages as the above-described "tank in tank" system, since the additional tank must be ventilated.

additional Ventilation valves and extraction lines must be heated. The additional parts as well as the increased Installation costs for, among other things, their wiring more expensive the device and complicate their use.

Therefore It is the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method of removing molten liquids to provide from a cold start volume in a motor vehicle tank system, in which a sampling line is sufficient for the removal, which does not have an additional vent valve must be ventilated.

The Task is for the device mentioned in the present invention solved that the cold start volume is consistent extends from the gas volume to the discharge opening. The task is characterized according to the invention for the above-mentioned method solved that cold start volume consistently from the discharge opening to the liquid level is melted off.

By This simple measure makes it possible for the thawed liquid of the cold start volume and also the optionally thawed liquid at a later time the remaining volume removed via a common discharge opening can be without the cold start volume or the Extraction line via a separate ventilation device must be vented, since the melted Cold start volume a ventilation duct through the frozen Liquid includes and it is a contiguous Area of molten liquid is formed, which differs from the gas volume extends to the removal opening.

The solution according to the invention can be each for themselves advantageous, any combinable with each other Embodiments will be further improved. On these embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

According to one First embodiment, the cold start volume in the main tank are located. It may, for example, essentially in the lower Area of the main tank, in which also the removal opening can be located as a cavernous bulge arranged be and with a channeled part of the melted off Cold start volume connected to a liquid level be.

Enough the ventilation channel of the liquid level through the cold start volume into the area of the removal opening and also creates a continuous melted area, so the additional volume can also be above the lower range of Reservoir be arranged. The coherent one Area molten liquid can be on the Edge of the container or in the middle or in an area in between. A suction pump can be used directly with the removal opening or in the course of an extraction line connected to the opening be connected.

The cold start heating or its possibly several heat-emitting elements may also comprise the heated extraction line, so that here the continuous area of molten liquid is formed and the removal opening of the tank system is at the end of the extraction line. Among other things, the shape of the heat-dissipating elements influences the resulting For men the cold start volume, ie the formation of a cavernous bulge, a channel-shaped ventilation duct or a different shaped area thawed liquid.

are the cavernous bulge and the ventilation duct over at least two separately formed heat-dissipating elements or heating elements melted, their combined effect is as a multi-part Molded cold start heater for the emergence of the coherent Area of molten liquid crucial.

The Cold startup volume can be at least partially horizontal or vertical partitions, with a wall of the main tank connected to be separated from the remaining volume of the tank. In this case, at least the horizontal partition at least one opening have a drain of the thawed liquid preferably also allowed when the cold start heater at least partially into the opening into or through it. The partitions can be made of a heat-conducting Material consist and thermally conductive with the cold start heating be connected.

The Thermal energy can be generated electrically in the heating element or by supplying hot exhaust gases or of heated cooling liquids of the internal combustion engine be introduced. The heat-generating Elements or the exhaust gas or the cooling liquid conducting elements through the entire cold start heating or only in a subarea.

The Use of hot exhaust gases or heated liquids from the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle avoids in an advantageous manner on the one hand a further increase in the consumption of electrical Energy and another cabling and increased On the other hand, the effectiveness of the motor vehicle, since waste heat, which would otherwise be released into the environment, useful in the motor vehicle is being used.

however are heated liquids, such as the coolant, only after a certain period of operation of the internal combustion engine with a temperature necessary for melting available. In the internal combustion engine resulting exhaust gases have immediately after the Start a high temperature. The temperature of the media, however, can be so high that the thawed liquid evaporates or thermally decomposed.

Therefore can when using hot media from the internal combustion engine Both a temperature measurement and control be necessary. The measurement can be realized via temperature sensors, for example, in an advantageous manner in the cold start heating are integrated or in or on the supply lines of the hot media or mixable cold media be provided. The temperature control is difficult, because the supply of hot media optionally via valves must be controlled or the media by mixing with cooler Media or other cooling must be tempered. In addition, the supply of media for cold start heating is expensive, because the media through pipes or pipes through the engine compartment must be led.

Around such a complicated feeder and temperature control To avoid it can be advantageous if sufficient electrical energy be to generate the heat of the cold start heater electrically. Also Here, the temperature of the cold start heating via temperature sensors be measured, their signal to control the cold start heating can be used.

there may be the use of an electrical PTC thermistor for heat generation be advantageous because PTC thermistor only up to a predetermined limit temperature heat up, in which their electrical resistance leaps and bounds increased, thereby preventing further heating becomes. Thus, a measurement of the temperature of the cold start heater not absolutely necessary for their control. temperature sensors however, they can also be used here, for example to detect impending icing or the level in the tank system. This can be done by the temperature sensors also in or on the cold start heater, on the inside of the tank system or be provided in the liquid. As a temperature sensor can a cold or a thermistor or another Sensor can be used. For measuring the level can also sensors for pressure measurement or optical sensors used become.

Heat dissipation elements conduct the heat from the heating element into the frozen liquid. These heat-dissipating elements can be shaped, or be materially connected to the heating element. there it is particularly advantageous if the heat-emitting elements one, compared to their volume, large surface area exhibit.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the heat-dissipating elements are formed in the shape of a dish. The plate-shaped heat-emitting elements may be round or have a polygonal basic shape. Also, the heat-emitting elements may be configured rod-shaped and point away in a plane perpendicular to the heating element or be star-shaped or arbitrarily aligned. These rod-shaped heat-emitting elements may have a straight basic shape, they can each but also in its course have one or more changes in direction, curved or coiled run. It is advantageous if as many rod-shaped heat transfer elements are provided and they extend to the edge of the cold start volume.

The Heat transfer elements can be in their middle Area be connected to the heating element or off-center. The heat-emitting elements can be parallel to each other stand or be aligned arbitrarily.

The Heat emission element of the cold start heater and here in particular However, the part that melts the ventilation duct may also formed as a substantially cylindrical rod which simplifies the production and installation of the duct heating system. This duct heater can, like the rest of the cold start heating, hollow in their interior and in particular tubular designed be. This has the advantage that the thus configured cold start heating continues the function of the extraction line inside the main tank. The tubular heat-dissipating element can be straight, curved, coiled or arbitrarily shaped and in have at least one change of direction along its course.

Around a good thermal conductivity of the heat-emitting elements and the heating element not only by their geometry, It may be advantageous if the elements are made of a material with high thermal conductivity exist. Here you can Metal, such as copper, are used. If the liquid For example, reacts with copper, which is corrosive, can the elements also made of another metal, such as stainless steel, For example, Cr-Ni steel exist.

in the Essentially, the cold start volume can at least partially in the form of an additional tank outside the reservoir be arranged. The additional tank can directly with the main tank connected to its underside, to a side panel or the top be at least one discharge opening in the wall of the Enable main tanks and an intake opening in auxiliary tank with a corresponding arrangement of the two tanks, a fluid-conducting Connection between the tanks, in which the openings at least partially overlap.

is the auxiliary tank arranged so that the removal opening the main tank is not provided in its lower area can a tubular shaped conduit whose upper end connected to the outflow opening, in the lower area of the main tank protrude. With the line, the thawed liquid also be sucked off, even if the tank is not up to its maximum is filled.

The tubular pipe can also be used as a flexible suction hose or formed as a solid tube of metal or plastic. The line may be provided with heating elements and / or heat delivery surfaces or even a heat dissipation surface of the cold start heater be.

Should Such an arrangement with additional tank, for example, lack of space in the area of the main tank, not be possible and still be resorted to an embodiment with additional tank want, so the additional tank can also be removed or spatially be arranged separately from the main tank. In this arrangement can a fluid conduit, for example a hose, the removal opening of the main tank with the influence opening of the additional tank connect liquid-conducting. The pipe can be heated be and have a separate heating element or by the heating of the additional tank or the cold start heating be heated. In particular, the cold start heating and the Heat additional tank and fluid line.

Of the Additional tank has at least one influence and a removal opening on and off with the main tank and with one of the tanks if necessary connecting fluid line the tank system.

In All mentioned embodiments with additional tank is a contiguous area between the liquid level in the main tank and at least the removal opening of the tank system in Additional tank melted.

The Suction pump can here in the course of the fluid line or behind the Removal opening either directly or in the course of the sampling line be arranged.

The Removal opening of the additional tank can, as well as the removal opening of the main tank, provided in different areas of the auxiliary tank be. If the removal opening is not in the lower position Area of the additional tank, so can also the above described tubular shaped conduit for removing the molten liquid be used.

If the additional tank should have no discharge opening can the fluid line between the two tanks in their course a Have branch, from which a branch line goes off. there forms part of the branch or the branch line the consumer-side removal opening. Here can or be provided before the removal opening, the suction pump. However, the additional tank is here optionally with a ventilation device to provide.

The cold start volume can at least partially wise consist of the contents of the heated extraction line, which may extend from the discharge opening to the optionally heated suction pump or to the liquid consumer and may optionally include the suction pump with. If the cold start volume reaches to the liquid consumer, then this can, if necessary, also be heated via the cold start heater.

The various components of the invention Device can in different advantageous sequences be combined with each other. The order of the individual elements is described here by way of example in the direction of flow of the liquid.

So It may be advantageous if the cold start heating a vent channel in the area between the liquid level and the caved melted Bulge of the cold start volume melts. The bulge is located in the lower part of the main tank. In the lower part of the cold start volume the sampling line opens at the discharge opening. It may be followed by the suction pump containing the thawed liquid promoted to a consumer.

The cavernous bulge can also be attached to the liquid level adjoin. The cold start heater can then at least the lower end this volume with the also melted area at the Connect the mouth of the sampling line in a channel and also here a continuous melted area between liquid level and removal opening produce.

Lies the cold start volume essentially in the extra tank outside of the main tank and are the tanks via the heated fluid line connected to each other, so the cold start heating can in the main tank be arranged that they put the frozen liquid between the liquid level and the mouth of the extraction line defrosts, the heated fluid line the frozen liquid between the melted area in the main tank and in the additional tank and the heater in the additional tank the liquid located there thaws. At the discharge opening of the additional tank may optionally directly or via a subsequent sampling line a pump connected to the thawed liquid can pump to the consumer.

kick the extraction line at the top of one of the tanks in this one and ends in its lower part, so can her coat one Part of the cold start heating include and the sampling line can both inside and outside on her coat Thaw adjoining liquid.

Either The main tank as well as the additional tank can be made of metal or made of plastic. You can choose from several items be composed, welded together, riveted, glued or otherwise liquid-tight with each other are connected. The tanks can also be one-piece formed and their removal opening may optionally be provided with a resealable lid, the can be screwed or screwed or with the help of a clip or another clamping element can be clamped. The tanks can be a rectangular, round, ellipsoid or even have a different cross section and formed as a rotational body be or have a cylindrical basic shape.

is the cold start heater at its upper end with a closure element, For example, a lid with internal or external thread, connected, it can be provided with corresponding to the tank counter-locking elements screwed and attached to the tank. In particular, the counter-closure element Be part of the filling hole. The cold start heating can also be different, for example, with a clamping element on the tank attached or pressed into an opening in the wall of the tank.

Both Tanks may have multiple pressure equalization devices exhibit. For example, a vacuum valve can be a gas, for example, air, into one of the tanks when the tank was emptied to a certain extent and in the gas volume a predetermined Negative pressure has arisen. The pressure compensation device can also a switching bares valve, which with the help of a signal of an in a pressure sensor provided in a tank is controlled. Also a vent of the tank system can be realized in this way.

in the The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to embodiments explained with reference to the drawings. The different ones Features of the embodiments can be independent be combined from each other, as is the case with the individual advantageous Embodiments has already been explained.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention, which differs from that in the 1 shown embodiment distinguished by the other arrangement of the cold start volume;

3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the invention;

4 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous embodiments by an additional tank;

5 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the auxiliary tank is arranged differently;

6 a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the invention with a protruding into the tank extraction line;

7 a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of the invention;

8th a schematic representation of an eighth embodiment of the invention with additional tank;

9 a schematic representation of a ninth embodiment of the invention, which shows a possible embodiment of the heat-emitting elements substantially;

10 a schematic representation of a tenth embodiment of the invention with respect to the heat-emitting elements;

11 a schematic representation of an eleventh embodiment of the invention.

First, the structure of a tank removal system according to the invention with reference to the embodiment of 1 described. Here is schematically the tank removal system according to the invention 1 with the main tank 2 shown. The main tank 2 has in its upper part a filling opening 3 on. In its lower part there is a removal opening 4 , In the area of the removal opening 4 is the designed as a substantially hollow bulge cold start volume 5 , Part of the cold start heating 6 is in the upper wall 7 of the main tank 2 mounted and extends into the cold start volume 5 ,

The main tank 2 can be made of a plastic or a metal and, as shown here, be made of one piece or even of several elements. If it is made of several elements, they can be welded together, riveted, screwed, glued or connected in any other way, so that a liquid-tight tank is formed. The main tank shown here 2 has a rectangular cross-section. However, the main tank can 2 also have a round, ellipsoidal or another cross-section and be formed as a rotational body or have a cylindrical basic shape.

The filling opening 3 here has a screw-on cap 8th on, with the filling opening 3 repeatedly openable and closable. Alternatively, instead of the cap shown 8th also be provided a quick coupling for connection of filling lines, which also with the designated elements of the filling opening 3 can be screwed.

The cold start heating 6 is here through the top wall 7 in the main tank 2 plugged in. It can through through the wall 7 and / or at the cold start heating 6 optionally provided sealing means, such as O-rings, are sealed. However, it is also possible, though not shown here, that the upper end 9 the cold start heating 6 is designed as a screw-on or screw-in element, so that the cold start heating 6 or her upper end 9 in the wall 7 can be screwed when a matching mating thread is provided in it. Is the upper end 9 shaped as a screw cap, so can the upper end 9 the channel heating 6 as a cap 8th serve. For this purpose, the filling opening 3 align accordingly. Next to the upper end 9 the channel heating 6 is the ventilation device 10 shown. It can also be used as part of the cap 8th or the upper end 9 the channel heating 6 be formed.

The ventilation device 10 may be a vacuum valve, which is a gas, such as the surrounding air, in the reservoir 2 gets in as soon as the liquid 11 to some extent from the reservoir 2 is removed, resulting in the gas volume 12 above the liquid 11 a negative pressure is created. Not shown here, but also possible, level or pressure sensors can be provided in or on the reservoir, through the signals and the ventilation device 10 can be controllable. A heat-dissipating element 13 the cold start heating 6 is here shown rod-shaped and protrudes through a to the gas volume 12 adjacent liquid level O to the bottom of the main tank 2 ,

The main tank heater 14 is here in the left area of the liquid 11 shown. The main tank heater 14 can generate heat by means of electrical energy or heated by hot exhaust gases or cooling fluids from the engine. Feeding or discharge lines 15 for the electrical energy or the hot media are here by a lateral wall 16 of the main tank 2 shown guided. Their arrangement can be varied as desired.

The coiled main tank heater shown here 14 may also be formed straight or arcuate and also other heat transfer surfaces 13 have, which may be formed, for example, plate or rod-shaped.

The cave-shaped part of the cold start volume 5 is with a vertical partition 17 on the lower wall 18 of the main tank 2 at least partially from the remaining volume of the main tank 2 separated. In the cavernous part of the cold start volume 5 is an additional part of the cold start heating 6 indicated that converts the electrical energy into thermal energy here with, for example, a PTC thermistor. Also this part of the cold start heating 6 can be heated via hot gaseous or liquid media from the engine, which is not shown here. The heating elements 19 the cold start heating 6 can work in a limited range of cold start heating 6 be arranged or arbitrarily distributed and in particular in the course.

In the lower part of the cold start volume 5 opens the removal opening 4 equipped with a heated extraction line 20 connected is. The sampling line 20 can, as shown here ge, have an electric heater or be heated by hot gaseous or liquid media. In the further course of the sampling line 20 is a pump 21 shown, which can also be heated.

All heaters mentioned and shown here 6 and 14 can have unrecognizable temperature sensors here, which detect heating to temperatures in the range of boiling points of the liquids or their components, and not shown here control electronics, the heating power can be reduced. In particular, with such a structure, heating of the urea solution to temperatures in the range of 60 ° C or higher can be prevented, thereby preventing thermal decomposition of the urea.

2 shows a further embodiment, wherein for elements that are in function and structure of the elements of the embodiment of 1 correspond, the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiment of the 1 received.

The cave-shaped part of the cold start volume 5 in the 2 is with the additional cold start heating 6 not in the lower part of the main tank 2 but just below the liquid level O. The vertical partition wall 17 is based here on a horizontal partition 22 , in turn, with the lateral wall 16 of the storage container 2 connected is. The horizontal partition 22 can also be connected to another sidewall. In the middle area of the partition 22 is a flow opening 23 provided by the rod-shaped cold start heating 6 can be performed and preferably additionally leaves room, so that molten liquid 11 from the top of the cold start volume 5 along the cold start heating 6 in the direction of the removal opening 4 can flow. The partitions 17 and 22 can consist of a thermally conductive material and with the cold start heating 6 thermally conductive connected and thus part of the cold start heating 6 be.

3 shows a third embodiment, wherein for elements that are in function and structure of the elements of the embodiments of the 1 or 2 correspond, the same reference numerals are used. For the sake of brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the 1 and 2 received.

In 3 ranges the cold start volume 5 from the bottom of the main tank 2 to the liquid level O of the liquid 11 , The vertical partition 17 separates the cold start volume 5 essentially on the entire height of the main tank 2 from its remaining major volume H. Only in the lower part of the partition 17 is a flow opening 23 shown by the non-frozen liquid 11 can flow. The sampling line 20 is here through the top wall 7 of the main tank 2 led and opens in the lower part of the cold start volume 5 , In addition to their transport function, the sampling line functions 20 here also as cold start heating 6 , The outside of the main tank 2 area of the sampling line 20 is shown here heated with a separate heater. However, even the cold start heating 6 outside the main tank 6 heating area, creating an additional heating element for the extraction line 20 can be omitted. In the further course of the sampling line 20 is again a pump 21 shown. The removal opening 4 is here through the lower end of the main tank 2 superior sampling line 20 educated.

4 shows a fourth embodiment, wherein for elements that correspond in function and structure to the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures, the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the already described figures will be discussed.

The 4 shows the tank removal system according to the invention 1 , where the cold start volume 5 essentially here in an additional tank 24 outside the main tank 2 located. The external auxiliary tank 24 is via the fluid or withdrawal line 20 with the main tank 2 connected. The sampling line 20 is also here through the upper wall 7 in the main tank 2 guided and flows into its lower area, passing through possibly fixed to the wall of the main tank 2 connected fuse elements 18 ' as two bulges of the lower wall 18 can be shown against a caused, for example by ice formation displacement and possibly resulting damage can be protected. The security elements 18 ' can the sampling line 20 in all in the installation situation of the main tank 2 Protect horizontally and / or vertically extending directions before the shift, but are so shaped or arranged that they affect a drainage or pumping out of non-frozen liquid at most insignificant.

Again, meets the sampling line 20 again the function of the cold start heating 6 , The auxiliary tank is with its auxiliary tank heater 25 shown, which is part of the cold start heater. At the removal opening 4 of the tank system is a pump 21 connected.

A fifth embodiment shows the 5 , wherein the same reference numerals are used here for elements that correspond in function and structure to the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the already described figures will be discussed.

In the 5 is the cold start volume 5 again essentially in the external additional tank 24 outside the main tank 2 shown arranged. The sampling line 20 leads from the additional tank 24 to the main tank 2 and flows into its lower wall 18 , In the area of the mouth of the sampling line 20 is the lower end of the cold start heater 6 , Both the cold start heating 6 as well as the sampling line 20 and the additional heating 25 can, as shown here, be electrically heated separately from each other or together via a single cold start heating or heated by gaseous or liquid media from the engine. In flow direction F behind the additional tank 24 is the pump 21 at the removal opening 4 connected shown.

The 6 shows a sixth embodiment, wherein also here for elements which correspond in function and structure to the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures, the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the already described figures will be discussed.

In 6 is the tank removal system according to the invention 1 with the main tank 2 and the removal opening 4 in its lower wall 18 shown. The cold start volume 5 is due to the tube-shaped cold start heating 6 melted down from the bottom through the removal opening 4 in the main tank 2 protrudes. Outside at the removal opening 4 is the withdrawal line 20 shown with the cold start heater 6 is firmly connected. withdrawal line 20 and removal opening 4 can also be braced with each other, be connected to each other via a quick coupling or in any other way. The cold start heating 6 is here electrically heated and melts the frozen liquid in the space enclosed by her and outside of her coat from the discharge opening 4 up to the liquid level O of the frozen liquid 11 on. In the lower part of the cold start heating 6 it has a flow opening 23 on, through the thawed liquid 11 outside the cold start volume 5 in the direction of the removal opening 4 can flow.

In the seventh embodiment, the 7 shows, for elements that correspond in function and structure to the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures, the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the already described figures will be discussed.

In 7 a similar embodiment is shown as in the 6 , However, the tubular cold start heater has 6 not a flow opening here 23 in its lower area but multiple flow openings 23 that extends to the full length of the cold start heater 6 to distribute.

An eighth embodiment shows the 8th , wherein the same reference numerals are used here for elements that correspond in function and structure to the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the already described figures will be discussed.

In the 8th is the tank removal system according to the invention 1 with a main tank 2 and one via a withdrawal or fluid line 20 with the main tank 2 associated additional tank 24 shown. The removal opening 4 is here in the fluid line 20 , From the opening is a sampling line 20 ' off, in the course of a suction pump 21 is shown connected. The cold start volume 5 is formed by three separately heated areas: by the volume in the additional tank 24 , by the volume in the fluid or withdrawal line 20 and through the channel-shaped melted volume in the main tank 2 , These three separately fusible areas are thus shown here as a three-part cold start heater, the cold start heater depending on the embodiment also more or less cold start heater parts.

The further embodiments show the 9 . 10 and 11 and are limited to the substantially rod-shaped channel heating 6 and their possible exemplary embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals are used here for elements that correspond in function and structure of the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures. The other components of the cold start heaters can also be configured in the variants described here and in particular with the different heat delivery surfaces.

In the 9 is the cold start heating 6 with a lid-shaped top 26 and with three additional plate-shaped heat-dissipating elements 27 shown. The heat emission elements 27 have substantially perpendicularly from here straight shaped rod-shaped body 28 the cold start heating 6 path. The heat delivery elements 27 can be integral with the main body 28 be formed or attached to this, on or screwed or otherwise connected to this. Plate-shaped heat-dissipating elements 27 can, as shown here, in their central area with the main body 28 be connected or off-center. Here are three heat dissipation elements 27 However, more or fewer heat-emitting surfaces may also be shown 27 to be available. At the lid-shaped end 26 wayward end 29 a part of the main body protrudes 28 from the lowest plate-shaped heat transfer surface 27 out.

The lid-shaped end 26 is shown here as a substantially rotationally symmetrical body whose disc-shaped base 30 essentially perpendicular to the propagation direction of the main body 28 is shown aligned. At the outer edge of the base 30 the lid-shaped end 26 is a collar 31 shown essentially perpendicular to the base 30 stands and in the direction of propagation of the body 28 the channel heating 6 has. At the inner edge 32 of the collar 31 is a thread indicated, with which the channel heating 6 on an outside of the main tank 2 provided receptacle can be screwed on. If a further sealing should be necessary, then in the area of the base 30 or in the main tank 2 to be provided recording further sealing means, such as O-rings may be present, which is not shown here.

The lid-shaped end 26 may have in its outer region surfaces or slots that allow its rotation by means of a tool. Electrical connections or hot media supply lines are not shown here.

10 shows a further embodiment, wherein for elements that are in function and structure of the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures, in particular the 9 correspond, the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiment of the 9 received.

In the 10 is the cold start heating 6 again with the lid-shaped top 26 shown. On the straight body 28 However, here are no plate-shaped heat transfer surfaces 27 but rod-shaped heat transfer elements 33 shown. The rod-shaped heat transfer elements 33 can be integral with the main body 28 be formed or screwed into this or otherwise connected to him. Here are the heat transfer elements 33 star-shaped from the main body 28 path. However, they can also be arbitrary, in particular perpendicular to the main body 28 or otherwise, and do not need to be in regular intervals, as shown here.

The heat delivery elements 33 of the 10 can as well as the heat dissipation elements 27 of the 6 include electrical heating elements or are flowed through by hot media.

Finally, the shows 11 a further embodiment, wherein for elements that in function and structure of the elements of the embodiments of the previous figures, in particular the 9 or 10 the same reference numerals are used. For brevity, the differences to the embodiments of the previous figures will be discussed.

11 shows a basic form of duct heating 6 , The main body 28 is shown here as a straight, cylindrical rod formed at the same time as a heat delivery surface 13 serves. Its diameter increases in the upper area 34 , In the upper area 34 is a circulating area 35 shown, which can accommodate a seal. This seal can with the inner wall of an opening in the main tank 2 interact and so the opening through which the cold start heating 6 in the main tank 2 can be plugged in, close tightly. This or any other sealant may also be present at other suitable locations. Instead of or in addition to the sealant here can also be an internal thread for receiving through a wall 7 . 16 and 18 the tanks 2 and 24 provided counter thread be provided. Here is the top of the channel heater 6 plate-shaped. This here so-called end plate 36 may also have unrecognizable surfaces or slots here, which is a mounting or dismounting of the channel heating 6 with the help of a tool simplify. Instead of the end plate 36 can also be the lid here 26 are located.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102006027487 A1 [0009, 0010]
• DE 102005046029 A1 [0012]

Claims (16)

Tank removal system ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle with at least one removal opening ( 4 ) having at least one main tank ( 2 ) which at least partially reacts with a frozen liquid ( 11 ), wherein above the liquid ( 11 ) in the main tank ( 2 ) a gas volume ( 12 ), at least one arranged in the main tank cold start heating ( 6 ), which has at least one heating element ( 19 ) and at least one with the heating element ( 19 ) thermally conductively connected heat-dissipating element ( 13 . 27 . 33 ), by which in operation the frozen liquid ( 11 ) is at least partially meltable, and with a of molten liquid ( 11 ), the heat-dissipating element ( 13 . 27 . 33 ) at least partially surrounding and melted from this cold start volume ( 5 ), the volume of which within a cold start period one to the removal opening ( 4 ) connectable liquid consumers to be provided volume of molten liquid ( 11 ), characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) continuously from the gas volume ( 12 ) to the removal opening ( 4 ). Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) into one with the main tank ( 2 ) and the removal opening ( 4 ) additional tank ( 24 ). Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cold start heating ( 6 ) the cold start volume ( 5 ) melts substantially in the form of at least one cylindrical channel and the channel is straight or curved and / or has changes in direction in its course. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) in the main tank ( 2 ) a cavernous bulge of thawed liquid ( 11 ). Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that adjoin the bulge channel-shaped melted areas. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) from the remaining volume of the main tank ( 2 ) by at least one partition wall ( 22 . 17 ) is separated and the partition wall at least one flow opening ( 23 ) having. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the partitions ( 22 . 17 ) consist of a thermally conductive material and heat-conducting with the cold start heating ( 6 ) are connected. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the heat-emitting element ( 13 . 27 . 33 ) a substantially cylindrical basic body ( 28 ) having. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the basic body ( 28 ) is formed substantially tubular with at least two open ends, wherein at least one end through at least one in the upper region of the tank ( 2 . 24 ) projected outward opening, where it with at least one sampling line ( 20 ) connected is. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one other end of the basic body ( 28 ) down to the bottom of the tank ( 2 . 24 protrudes. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the basic body ( 28 ) is formed substantially tubular with at least two open ends, wherein at least one end through at least one in the lower region of the tank ( 2 . 24 ) projected outward opening, where it with at least one sampling line ( 20 ) connected is. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that at least one other end up to the liquid level (O) protrudes and the main body ( 28 ) in its lower region at least one flow opening ( 23 ) having. Tank removal system ( 1 ) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the motor vehicle tank system has an auxiliary tank ( 24 ) with a removal opening ( 4 ) comprising at least a portion of the cold start volume ( 4 ) and the one with the main tank ( 2 ) directly or via a fluid line ( 20 ) is fluid-conducting connected. Method for removing liquid ( 11 ) from one to a liquid level (O) with at least partially frozen liquid ( 11 ) filled main tank ( 2 ) of a tank system during a vehicle cold start, in which within a predetermined cold start time a predetermined cold start volume ( 5 ) of the liquid ( 11 ) melted in the tank system and at a removal opening ( 4 ) of the tank system, characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) continuously from the removal opening ( 4 ) is melted down to the liquid level (O). Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the cold start volume ( 5 ) by the cold start heating ( 6 ) is removed through. Method according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the level and the temperature of the liquid ( 11 ) and the temperature of the heating ( 13 ) and heat transfer elements ( 27 ) and the media supplied with temperature sensors are measured.