DE102012001194A1 - Functional module for coolant circuit of fuel cell system used in car, receptacle whose inner contour is in correspondence with outer contour of region of container provided with ion exchange and filter materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The functional module (1) has a container (2) that is provided with an ion exchange material (3) and a filter material (4) for mechanical retention of particles transported with the coolant. The inner contour of the receptacle (6) for region (7) of the container is in correspondence with the outer contour of region of the container. An independent claim is included for method for manufacturing functional module.

Description

The invention relates to a functional module for a coolant circuit of a fuel cell system provided in particular for a vehicle. The functional module comprises a container which has an ion exchanger material and a filter material designed for mechanical retention of particles transportable with the coolant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a functional module.

The coolant of a fuel cell system should be as pure as possible, in particular with regard to the conductivity, ie with regard to ions dissolved in the coolant. This is v. a. necessary because a fuel cell system for mobile applications, such as for a vehicle, is designed to generate a high voltage, so that a low conductivity of the coolant of a coolant circuit of the fuel cell system must be ensured with respect to the insulation resistance of the coolant relative to the vehicle body.

In order to ensure the purity of the coolant, a container with an ion exchange material is integrated in the coolant circuit of the fuel cell system. Furthermore, in the cooling circuit, a filter material may be integrated, which traps particles, so dirt, detachments and residues and thus in particular keeps away from the narrow coolant channels, which dissipate the heat from the fuel cell stack to prevent their clogging.

The DE 11 2004 001 059 T5 describes a fuel cell cooling system in which an ion filter loaded with an ion exchange resin ion filter is arranged in a cooling liquid sub-line. In addition, filters for removing fine particles are disposed on the end faces of the ion-exchange resin piping of the ion filter. Among other things, the filters prevent the leakage of the ion exchanger material into the coolant circuit.

Object of the present invention is to provide a functional module and a method of the type mentioned, by means of which can ensure a proper cleaning of the coolant in a particularly simple manner.

This object is achieved by a functional module having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 10 and by a container having the features of patent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The functional module according to the invention comprises a receptacle, wherein an inner contour of a receiving space formed by the receptacle is the same for at least one area of the receptacle at least in a region provided for connection to the receptacle to receive an outer contour of at least the area of the receptacle. By such a complementary shaping of the area of the container and the area of the receptacle provided for connection to the container, it can be ensured that only the ion exchanger provided for the respective coolant circuit, which at the same time acts as a particle filter, enters the functional module and thus into the coolant circuit of the fuel cell system can be installed. It is thus achieved that only the ion exchange material and filter material designed and adapted to the coolant circuit is used.

By combining the ion exchange function and the particle filter function in a common container results in a particularly compact design, which has an overall effect on the packaging and the weight advantageous. This is particularly favorable when the coolant circuit for the fuel cell system of a vehicle is to be used. For example, the number of coolant lines can be reduced, and there are fewer separation points than with separately arranged units for the ion exchange function and the particle filter function. In addition, by the proximity of the ion exchange material and the filter material a short line length can be realized, and in particular good accessibility for maintenance and repair work on the coolant circuit, for example as part of a customer service, can be ensured.

The container may for example have the shape of a cylinder or a cone, in which case the receiving space is also cylindrical or conical in shape to ensure that only the appropriate container finds room in the receiving space. However, the container may also be embodied in a variety of other geometric shapes, such as a ball, plates or the like. Also, cross-sectional areas of the same may be formed as a rectangle, a square, a circle or the like, in which case in each case the inner contour of the receiving space provided by the receptacle has a complementary shape. For additional security, the container and / or the receptacle may have a mechanical coding in the form of a defined key bit and / or keyhole. Such a mechanical coding can also be embodied as a fixing element or driving element or the like.

A positive and / or non-positive connection of the container may be provided for fixing in the intended for the container portion of the receptacle. Then the container can be mounted quickly and without further brackets, and even with typical for driving vibration (shaking), the container is securely held in the receptacle. Here, a spring, a thread, a lever, a clamp or the like can be used, and the container can be guided via grooves, rails or the like guided in the receptacle.

In particular, the container can be guided, plugged in and / or screwed and / or locked into the receiving space, so that the reaching of a desired installation position for an operator is noticeable, audible and / or communicable via an end stop of the operator. It may also be a defined revolution of the container - about a quarter or half a full turn - necessary to achieve the intended installation position. The container which integrates the ion exchanger function and the particle filter function can also be designed as a maintenance component or maintenance-free, so that its functionality is ensured over the entire service life of the coolant circuit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container has a coolant inlet, which is fluidically coupled to a coolant outlet of the container, wherein the filter material is arranged upstream of the coolant outlet. In this case, the coolant can flow through and / or bypass the ion exchanger material on a flow path from the coolant inlet to the filter material. Thus, the - preferably deionized - coolant flows into the container via the coolant inlet, and a portion of the coolant then flows through the ion exchanger material or flows past the ion exchanger material before the coolant leaves the container via the coolant outlet after flowing through the filter material. It is favorable that the container has only two connections and the construction is thus very compact and connecting lines can be omitted.

The container may, however, also have a coolant inlet which is fluidically coupled to a first coolant outlet and to a second coolant outlet of the container, wherein upstream of the first coolant outlet the ion exchange material and upstream of the second coolant outlet the filter material is arranged. In this case, in particular, the ion exchange material and the filter material can be arranged in a common base body. Again, a particularly compact design of the container is realized, and connecting lines can be omitted.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ion exchange material is accommodated in a receiving space within the container, wherein at least one of the coolant can flow through the wall region of the receiving space is formed by the filter material. It can thus be ensured that the ion exchanger material is retained in a volume with a comparatively large surface area, which results in a particularly low pressure drop as it flows through the ion exchanger material. It is also possible to provide a comparatively large wall area on which the filtering out of particles transportable with the coolant takes place through the filter material.

The filter material forming the wall region of the receiving space can in particular have an ion exchange function, so that not only particles, impurities, detachments and residues are retained there, but also a deionization of the coolant takes place as it flows through the filter material.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in which the ion exchanger material is accommodated in a receiving space within the container, at least one wall area of the receiving space through which the coolant can flow is essentially trough-shaped. By such a trough-shaped formation of the receiving space containing the ion exchange material, a homogeneous flow through the ion exchange material can be ensured.

As a further advantage, it has been shown, when a cover element is provided, by means of which the container is shielded towards an environment, wherein between the cover member and the container, a spring element is arranged, by means of which the container is at least partially engageable with the recording system , So on the one hand ensures a tight-fitting connection of the container in the recording, and on the other hand, the container is particularly well protected from environmental influences.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one coolant inlet and / or at least one coolant outlet of the container has a separating layer, which can be destroyed by an introduction of the container into the receiving space by means of an actuating element. Thus, contamination of the ion exchange material is prevented by introducing the container into the receiving space through the separating layer, and only when introducing the container in the Receptacle space is provided for the coolant to the ion exchange material. In particular, the avoidance of an access of atmospheric moisture to the ion exchange material prevents its aging and thus allows a particularly long storage period before the use of the container in the coolant circuit. The same applies to an escape of moisture from the ion exchange material, which can lead to its excessive drying and thus aging.

The separating layer or membrane can also enclose the complete container in the manner of a protective cover and thus shield the ion exchange material, in particular an ion exchange resin, against external influences such as moisture and contamination. However, it may also be provided to prevent unwanted aging of the ion exchange material, a vacuum in the container. Instead of the separating layer, it is also possible to provide plugs and / or removable or tearable films or the like. Alternatively, the destruction of the release layer can alternatively be done by an operator, such as by peeling or tearing, if no actuator is provided, which ensures the installation of the container for destroying the separation layer.

So that the separating layer releases in a particularly simple and targeted manner at least one passage for coolant, in particular a perforation and / or a weakening of the separating layer can be provided. Such a perforation can for example be designed star-shaped or it can be swung open a portion of the release layer in the manner of a flap when marginal boundaries of the flap are designed as weakenings of the release layer.

In order to destroy the separating layer, the actuating element formed approximately as a cone or mandrel or the like can be arranged, in particular on the side of the receptacle, so that the separation layer is automatically destroyed when the receptacle is introduced into the receptacle.

It is furthermore advantageous if a pressurizing element is provided which exerts a pressure on the ion exchanger material in the container. Thus, the optimal functionality of the ion exchange material can be permanently guaranteed. The pressurizing element may be designed in the manner of a spring, which prevents a void volume from forming in the volume occupied by the ion exchanger material. This allows a homogeneous flow through the ion exchange material can be achieved and the formation of preferred flow channels can be prevented by the ion exchange material. This improves the effect of the ion exchange material in the coolant circuit.

For example, the spring may press on a movable piston disposed within the container. However, it may also be the filter material, which is about as glass fiber fleece, membrane, plastic fabric, metal mesh or frit, z. B. borosilicate glass, may be formed, provide for the compression of the ion exchange material, such as by the filter material swells. Through the filter material, the ion exchange material is retained under pressure in the container. Contamination of components of the coolant circuit is thus prevented.

It is furthermore advantageous if the container has at least one actuating element by means of which a closing element designed to close at least one coolant inlet and / or at least one coolant outlet can be actuated. Namely, if the coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet has the closing element, the coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet are closed, if the container is not inserted into the receptacle. Such an automatic closing mechanism ensures that when the container is replaced, the closing element already closes the associated inlet or outlet immediately after it has been removed from the receptacle. Then no impurities can enter the coolant. The closure is effected simply by dismantling the container, and upon insertion of the container into the receptacle, the actuator ensures that the closure member is moved to an open position. The closing element also ensures that no loose ion exchange material as bulk material or ion exchange material packed in sachets or the like can be introduced into the coolant circuit. Only the installation of the container causes namely the opening of the closing element by the actuating element moves the closing element.

As a closing element, a bolt or a slider, a check valve, a movable flap, a turntable or the like can be used. Furthermore, a mandrel, a cone, an eccentric, a wedge, a ball or hemisphere or a cam can be provided as an actuating element for moving the closing element. Thus, a particularly reliable operation of the closing element can be effected.

In addition or as an alternative to the mechanical actuation of the closing element by means of an actuating element, a switch can be actuated during the assembly of the container, wherein the actuation of the switch then by means of an actuator for the Closing ensures by means of the closing element. For example, an electromechanical switch such as a micro contact switch or magnetic switch can open or close an electrical contact. The opening or closing of the contact can in this case bring about the release or blocking of the coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet. Such an electrical contact may be formed, for example, as a finger contact.

The opening and closing of the electrical contact may additionally or alternatively ensure that the electrical energy flow is influenced or interrupted to a functional unit of the coolant circuit. This can be done directly or via a control unit. A functional unit of the coolant circuit, which is activated in this case, can influence the coolant flow, such as an electric pump or an electrical control valve. This can ensure that there is no further promotion of coolant as soon as the container is removed from the receptacle.

Additionally or alternatively, a non-contact controllable switch may be provided, such as a magnetically passive switch, and / or the non-contact switch may comprise a chip, as used in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. Such non-contact switches or RFID chips can ensure that the coolant inlet and / or the coolant outlet is released or closed, depending on whether the container is installed in the receptacle or removed from the receptacle.

However, it can also be provided that is additionally ensured by such non-contact controllable switch that only the intended container can be installed in the receptacle and otherwise an operation of the coolant circuit is prevented. This is possible in particular by using an RFID chip. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate a signal which, for example, activates a warning message in the instrument cluster of the vehicle and / or prevents starting of the fuel cell system if a manipulation or the installation of an unidentifiable container in the receptacle is detected. The signal may also generate error codes for diagnostic purposes, such as troubleshooting or short tests.

By means of the signal which can be generated by a mechanical switch or a touchless switch, the time of insertion of the container into the receptacle and / or the duration of use of the receptacle can also be determined and a corresponding data value stored in a control unit. Thus, the state of the ion exchange material, in particular its effectiveness, can be deduced.

According to another aspect of the invention, the proper installation of the container into the receptacle can be determined by the presence of coolant in the receptacle. As long as the container is not in contact with the coolant and thus dry, the ion exchange material and the filter material are unused. By using or using the ion exchange material and the filter material, so when they come into contact with the coolant, there is a change in the state of these materials. The presence of coolant in the container can in this case be determined by means of a measuring device, for example by an inductive measuring process in which a coil arranged on or in the region of the receptacle generates a different magnetic field, depending on whether coolant is present in the receptacle or not.

Another way to assess the state of the ion exchange material and thus the duration of use of the same is to perform a wall of the container partially or completely transparent, so that the coolant and the ion exchange material are visible from the outside. Thus, a functional check and diagnosis can be made optically.

It may also be the ion exchange material in the container in the used, unsaturated state colorless or colored and in the saturated, so used state another, especially detectable by the human eye coloration. Such a saturation indicator of the ion exchange material is advantageous above all when flexible maintenance intervals are provided and / or when customer service inspects the container as part of repair work on the coolant circuit of the fuel cell system.

The ion exchange material may fill the container completely or partially. It may be attached to the inside of a wall of the container, such as in pockets, or it may be inextricably embedded, for example, chemically bonded, in the wall material of the container. Furthermore, it may, for. B. be glued to the wall of the container. If the ion exchange material is not firmly bonded to the container, a simple replacement of the ion exchange material is possible.

In order to realize a simple and rapid replacement of the ion exchange material, this can for example be a separate container, such as a cartridge or cartridge housed. This container can turn in the for the Be installed ion exchange material and the filter material provided container. Then it is possible to remove the container containing both the ion exchange material and the filter material and to renew at a clean work station, especially under clean room conditions, the separate cartridge or cartridge or the like with the spent, saturated ion exchange material. But also possible is the direct replacement of the separate cartridge or cartridge with still built into the receptacle container.

Sealing interfaces, for example in the form of membranes and / or check valves, are preferably provided on the container and / or on the receptacle in order to prevent a coolant outlet during the installation or removal of the container. Thus, a simple, quick and clean installation of the new container can be ensured, as is for service work, such as in the context of maintenance and / or repair advantage. This is beneficial if the relationship packed dirt, transported and delivered, and if the coolant circuit is only briefly opened to install the container.

In the installation position, the container may be aligned perpendicular or inclined with respect to the horizontal, or it may be provided to the horizontal substantially parallel orientation of the container. Also favorable is a flow through the ion exchange material with the coolant from bottom to top, ie against gravity. So a particularly homogeneous flow can be guaranteed.

For example, plastics, rubber, stainless steel, fiber-reinforced plastics, in particular glass-fiber-reinforced plastics or the like, which are compatible with the usually deionized coolant, can be used for materials for the components of the functional module that are in contact with the coolant. This also applies to closing elements and actuating elements for moving closing elements as well as any separating layer, for example a film (eg sealing film or sealing film) or a membrane, which closes a coolant inlet and / or a coolant outlet of the container.

In the method according to the invention for manufacturing a functional module for a coolant circuit of a fuel cell system, a container which has an ion exchanger material and a filter material designed for mechanical retention of particles transportable with the coolant is introduced into the functional module. In this case, the container is introduced into a receptacle of the functional module, wherein an inner contour of a receptacle formed by the receptacle is the same for at least a region of the receptacle at least in a provided for connection to the container area of receiving an outer contour of at least the region of the container. This makes it possible to ensure proper cleaning of the coolant in a particularly simple manner.

In the container according to the invention for a coolant circuit of a, in particular provided for a vehicle, fuel cell system, the container comprises an ion exchange material and a mechanical retention of transportable with the coolant particles formed filter material. The container can be introduced into a receptacle of a functional module, wherein an inner contour of a receptacle formed by the receptacle is the same for at least one region of the receptacle at least in a region provided for connection to the receptacle to receive an outer contour of at least the region of the receptacle. The container is particularly compact and it can be with him in a particularly simple way to ensure proper cleaning of the coolant.

The preferred embodiments and advantages described for a particular aspect of the invention also apply to further aspects of the invention and vice versa. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments and advantages described for the functional module according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention.

The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings, in which the same or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Showing:

1 schematically a functional module for a coolant circuit of a fuel cell system, in which a container containing ion exchange material and a filter material, is attached to a coolant pump, wherein by means of a projection on the container and a complementary recess on the coolant pump according to the key / lock principle, the correct installation of the container is ensured;

2 schematically the functional module with an alternative shape of the outer contour of the container and the outer contour corresponding inner contour of a recording of a coolant pump;

3 the container having a coolant inlet and two coolant outlets, wherein upstream of the respective outlet, the filter material or the ion exchange material is arranged, and wherein the container is vertically aligned in its installed position with respect to the horizontal;

4 , the container according to 3 in a horizontal orientation;

5 the container with only one coolant inlet and only one coolant outlet in its installed position in a vertical orientation;

6 the container according to 5 in horizontal orientation;

7 the container having a trough-shaped receiving space for the ion exchange material, wherein walls of the receiving space are formed as a filter material, prior to coupling the container with a coolant pump;

8th the functional module according to 7 in the operating state, in which the container is connected to a coolant pump;

9 a functional module in which a lid which can be screwed to a coolant pump is formed by a wall of the container;

10 the attached to a coolant pump container in which a coolant inlet is arranged in the container on a side facing away from the coolant pump;

11 the container prior to its attachment to a coolant pump, wherein a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet of the container are closed by means of respective membranes;

12 the container with the ion exchange material and the filter material, on which an actuating element for actuating a closing element is arranged;

13 schematically the opening of a bolt by means of an arranged on the container actuating element, wherein the bolt releases a opening in a coolant pump coolant line;

14 the actuation of a shutter designed as a closing element by means of an arranged on the container alternative actuating element; and

15 Further exemplary forms of usable for the operation of a closing element actuators and / or actuators, by means of which can be pierced when inserting the container into the coolant circuit, a membrane or the like separation layer.

1 shows a functional module 1 which is part of a coolant circuit, not shown in detail, of a fuel cell system for a vehicle. The functional module 1 includes a container 2 which is an ion exchange material 3 and a filter material formed for retaining particles transportable with the coolant 4 contains. The container 2 is at another component of the function module 1 attached, which in the present example as a coolant pump 5 is trained. Instead of a coolant pump but in principle other components, ie components of the coolant circuit in question. For the sake of clarity, however, reference will now be made exclusively to a coolant pump. To ensure that only the intended for the coolant circuit container 2 im with the coolant pump 5 coupled state the functional module 1 can form is an outer contour of the container 2 to an inner contour of a through a recording 6 the coolant pump 5 formed receiving space formed the same. Such a complementary shape of the container 2 and the recording 6 ensures that only provided for this coolant circuit container 2 can be introduced and used in the coolant circuit.

In the present case is due to the outer contour of the coolant pump 5 the receiving space formed in which the container 2 partially recorded. For this purpose corresponds to an inner contour of the recording 6 formed receiving space of the outer contour of the container 2 in one area 7 , In addition, the container indicates 2 in this area 7 for mechanical coding a head start 8th on, which may be trapezoidal in cross-section, for example, and in this case in a corresponding, in the recording 6 trained groove 9 is introduced.

A flow arrow 10 gives the direction of flow through the container 2 at. Accordingly, the container 2 a coolant inlet 11 and a coolant outlet 12 on, which in each case by a the container 2 hermetically sealing separating layer, such as a membrane 13 are closed. These membranes 13 when attaching the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 from corresponding actuators in the form of thorns 14 (see 11 ), so that then the filter material 4 and the ion exchange material 3 can be flowed through by the coolant. Another movement arrow 15 indicates the installation direction when fixing the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 at.

The filter material 4 in the area of the coolant outlet 12 has especially the function, the ion exchange material 3 in the container 2 to retain and thus a carryover of the ion exchange material 3 to prevent in the coolant circuit. In contrast, the filter material exercises 4 in the area of the coolant inlet 11 a double function: It also serves to the one, the ion exchange material 3 in the container 2 withhold. On the other hand, it also serves to filter out and retain any particles that are transported in the coolant from the coolant. Alternatively, in the coolant circuit, an additional filter material 4 be arranged, which takes over the function of filtering out of transported in the coolant particles (not shown), so in this case the filter material shown 4 in the area of the coolant inlet 11 just a simple function.

At the in 2 shown embodiment of the functional module 1 is the lead 8th on the container 2 hemispherical, with the projection here 8th at the same time for actuating a contact switch 16 is trained. Here can by closing the contact switch 16 displayed on a display, such as a combination instrument of the vehicle, that the correct container 2 properly in the functional module 1 is installed.

Also, by closing the contact switch 16 causes actuators such as those in 11 exemplified spines 14 the membranes 13 punctured. Also, directly or via a control unit, the supply of coolant to the container 2 depending on the operation of the contact switch 16 be ensured. Instead of or in addition to a mechanical contact may also be a non-contact switch 17 be provided, in particular a magnetically passive switch (MAPPS) and / or it may be a chip of an RFID system used.

At the in 1 and 2 Embodiments shown is the filter material 4 both on the input side and on the output side in the container 2 arranged, so both upstream of the ion exchange material 3 as well as downstream of the ion exchange material 3 ,

At the in 3 shown embodiment of the container 2 however, is just a coolant inlet 11 provided, however, the coolant may be the container 2 via a first coolant outlet 12 or via a second coolant outlet 18 leave. Accordingly, one branches from the coolant inlet 11 Outgoing coolant line in an (optional) base body 19 of the container 2 at a branching point 20 , Upstream of the first coolant outlet 12 Here is the ion exchange material 3 disposed and upstream of the second coolant outlet 18 the filter material 4 , In 3 indicated flow arrows 10 illustrate the flow through the container 2 operational. For retaining the ion exchange material 3 At the intended location, further filter material may be arranged on the coolant outlet side and branch point side (not shown).

While at the in 3 shown embodiment, the container 2 is aligned in the installed position substantially perpendicular to the horizontal, is in the embodiment according to 4 the spatial orientation of the container 2 in the installation position substantially horizontal. At the in 3 and 4 shown containers 2 If the coolant enters, it warms the coolant outlet 12 leaves, inevitably by the ion exchange material 3 therethrough. The ion exchange material 3 may also be located upstream and the filter material 4 may also be located downstream. For retaining the ion exchange material 3 At the intended location, further filter material may be arranged on the coolant outlet side and branch point side (not shown).

At the in 5 shown embodiment of the container 2 this is not the case. Again, the container 2 , analogous to in 1 shown container 2 , only one coolant inlet 11 and a coolant outlet 12 on. Upstream of the coolant outlet 12 is the filter material 4 arranged. The downstream of the coolant inlet 11 arranged ion exchange material 3 is in this embodiment of the container 2 whereas in a chamber 21 arranged, in which it can be flowed through by both the coolant and flow around. The ion exchange material 3 namely fills the chamber 21 not completely out. It can therefore a partial flow of the coolant to the filter material 4 arrive here and the ion exchange material 3 bypass. For retaining the ion exchange material 3 in chamber 21 can the chamber 21 have further filter material (not shown).

This in 6 shown container 2 is like that in 5 shown, but in contrast to the latter in its installed position is not substantially perpendicular, but substantially horizontal. For retaining the ion exchange material 3 in chamber 21 can the chamber 21 have further filter material (not shown).

At the in 7 shown function module 1 has the container 2 with the ion exchange material 3 and the filter material 4 a coolant inlet 11 and one around this coolant inlet 11 Outside circumference circulating coolant outlet 12 on. The coolant inlet 11 and the coolant outlet 12 are before mounting the container 2 to the coolant pump 5 with the container 2 hermetically sealing membranes 13 Mistake. If these membranes 13 are pierced, such as by actuators such as those in 11 shown spines 14 so the coolant can be in the container 2 hineinströmen.

From the coolant inlet 11 then the coolant flows into a chamber 22 , which are inside a trough-shaped receiving space 23 is formed, in which the ion exchange material 3 located. The inner walls and the outer walls of this trough-shaped receiving area 23 are through the filter material 4 formed, which may additionally have an ion exchange function. This allows the coolant over a particularly large area in the receiving space 23 in and out of this again.

From one between a housing 24 of the container 2 and the outer wall of the receiving space 23 trained chamber 25 which is annular around the coolant inlet 11 then the ion-cleaned and filtered coolant can then be returned to the coolant pump 5 hineinströmen. To protect the container 2 is a lid 26 provided which, for example, by screwing to the housing of the coolant pump 5 can be connected. Against a loosening the lid 26 be secured by a self-locking thread.

To a positionally accurate mounting of the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 can ensure the container 2 or the coolant pump 5 a pin 27 or the like guide element, which in this case in one in the housing 24 of the container 2 trained bore is introduced. seals 28 take care after screwing on the lid 26 for a tight fitting of the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 ,

support struts 29 are provided that the substantially trough-shaped shape of the receiving space 23 preserved. When stably fixing the ion exchange material 3 inside the container 2 may additionally or alternatively to the support struts 29 also in the container 2 retracted walls or formations on the housing 24 be provided.

A feather 30 or the like pressurizing element can ensure that the container 2 in the area of the coolant inlet 11 and the coolant outlet 12 sealing against the with the sealing rings 28 provided coolant lines is pressed, which in the housing of the coolant pump 5 are formed. A movement when mounting the container to the coolant pump 5 is in 7 through an arrow 31 illustrated. Another arrow 32 illustrates the rotation when screwing the lid 26 on the housing of the coolant pump 5 ,

8th shows that with the coolant pump 5 connected container 2 , where the flow arrows 10 the flow direction of the coolant through filter material 4 and the ion exchange material 3 specify.

In the design of the functional module 1 according to 9 is not the container 2 to the environment shielding, additional cover available, which on the housing of the coolant pump 5 is screwed, but the housing 24 of the container 2 is by a screwing movement, which by the arrow 32 is illustrated, screwed on and so with the coolant pump 5 connected. In addition, the coolant flows from the coolant pump during operation of the coolant circuit 5 first in the chamber 25 and then through the filter material 4 , the ion exchange material 3 and again the filter material 4 in the inner chamber 22 , From there, the cleaned coolant returns to the coolant pump 5 one.

At the in 10 shown embodiment of the functional module 1 is inside the container 2 also a trough-shaped receiving space 23 with the ion exchange material 3 provided, whose walls through the filter material 4 are formed. Here, however, the coolant does not flow over one with the coolant pump 5 coupled coolant inlet 11 into the outer chamber 25 one, and from the inside chamber 22 then enters the coolant in a in the coolant pump 5 trained coolant line 33 one.

To attach the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 can be an eccentric 34 be provided and / or a thumbscrew 35 or the like fastening means. At the in 11 shown function module 1 are as actuating means for piercing the membranes 13 exemplary spines 14 shown. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the functional module 1 essentially the in 7 shown.

12 shows a further embodiment of the container 2 in which also the coolant inlet 11 and the coolant outlet 12 im not yet with the coolant pump 5 Connected state of the container 2 through a membrane 13 are closed. The coolant inlet 11 and the coolant outlet 12 are through a partition 36 separated from each other, which prevents a short circuit flow. Corresponding flow arrows 10 are in 12 shown.

Between the ion exchange material 3 and the membranes 13 is the filter material 4 interposed. In addition, a pressurizing element is in the form of a spring 37 or a cushion under an internal pressure, which opposes the volume of the ion exchange material 3 bounding, sliding wall 38 suppressed. Thereby, it can be prevented that in the ion exchange material 3 forms a void volume, which otherwise for forming preferred flow channels of the coolant through the ion exchange material 3 could lead.

To ensure that only the appropriate container 2 with the coolant pump 5 can be connected is in the embodiment according to 12 a mechanical coding 39 provided in the manner of a key bit. The coding 39 is on a pen 40 or the like actuator provided which when mounting the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 into the coolant pump 5 penetrates. This actuator, which may also be designed as a mandrel, opens when coupling the container 2 to the coolant pump 5 a closure element which is one in the coolant pump 5 closed coolant line closes. The closing element ensures that when not with the container 2 connected coolant pump 5 no coolant can escape from this.

Out 13 is an opening of such a closure element in the form of a bolt 41 schematically visible. Will the container 2 with the ion exchange material 3 and the filter material 4 fluidic with the coolant pump 5 coupled, so pushes a pen 42 , which on the container 2 is arranged, the bolt 41 (only partially shown) to the left aside, and a coolant line 43 will be released. Accordingly, then the coolant as in 13 through the flow arrows 10 illustrated from the coolant pump 5 in the container 2 flow. The mounting direction when attaching the container 2 on the coolant pump 5 in 13 is by another motion arrow 44 illustrated.

In the embodiment of the functional module 1 according to 14 is a slide as a closing element 44 provided, which the coolant line 43 can release or close. A return spring ensures that the bolt 41 or the slider 44 not with the coolant pump 5 coupled container 2 the coolant line 43 closes.

When hydraulically coupling the container 2 with the coolant pump 5 in contrast, actuates an actuating element 45 the slider 44 and gives the coolant line 43 free. The actuator 45 is at the in 14 shown embodiment in contrast to the embodiment according to 13 not in the area of the coolant inlet 11 in the container 2 arranged but offset to this coolant inlet 11 , When the slider 44 the coolant line 43 releases the coolant into the coolant pump 5 enter and then through the filter material 4 and the ion exchange material 3 after the coolant flows through the coolant pump 5 left again.

15 schematically shows other actuators, as for piercing the membranes 13 or such separating layers and / or for actuating a closing element, such as the bolt 41 or the slider 44 (see 13 and 14 ) or a check valve can be used. Thus, such an actuator as a mandrel 14 , Cone 46 , Eccentric 47 , Wedge 48 , Hemisphere or ball 49 or as a cam 50 be educated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

function module

2

container

3

ion exchange

4

filter material

5

Coolant pump

6

admission

7

Area

8th

head Start

9

groove

10

flow arrow

11

Coolant inlet

12

coolant outlet

13

membrane

14

mandrel

15

movement arrow

16

contact switch

17

switch

18

coolant outlet

19

body

20

branching point

21

chamber

22

chamber

23

accommodation space

24

casing

25

chamber

26

cover

27

spigot

28

seal

29

support strut

30

feather

31

arrow

32

arrow

33

Coolant line

34

eccentric

35

thumbscrew

36

partition wall

37

feather

38

wall

39

encoding

40

pen

41

bars

42

pen

43

Coolant line

44

pusher

45

actuator

46

cone

47

eccentric

48

wedge

49

Bullet

50

cam

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 112004001059 T5 [0004]

Claims (11)

Function module for a coolant circuit of a, in particular provided for a vehicle, fuel cell system, with a container ( 2 ), which is an ion exchange material ( 3 ) and a for the mechanical retention of particles transportable with the coolant filter material ( 4 ), characterized in that the functional module ( 1 ) a recording ( 6 ), wherein an inner contour of a through the receptacle ( 6 ) recording space for at least one area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) at least in one for connection to the container ( 2 ) of the recording ( 6 ) an outer contour of at least the area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) is equal to. Function module according to claim 1, characterized in that the container ( 2 ) a coolant inlet ( 11 ) which is fluidically connected to a coolant outlet ( 12 ) of the container ( 2 ), the filter material ( 4 ) upstream of the coolant outlet ( 12 ), and wherein the ion exchange material ( 3 ) on a flow path from the coolant inlet ( 11 ) to the filter material ( 4 ) can be flowed through by the coolant and / or bypassed. Function module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container ( 2 ) a coolant inlet ( 11 ) which is fluidically connected to a first coolant outlet ( 12 ) and with a second coolant outlet ( 18 ) of the container ( 2 ), wherein upstream of the first coolant outlet ( 12 ) the ion exchange material ( 3 ) and upstream of the second coolant outlet ( 18 ) the filter material ( 4 ) is arranged. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ion exchange material ( 3 ) in a recording room ( 23 ) within the container ( 2 ), wherein at least one of the coolant can flow through the wall region of the receiving space ( 23 ) by the, in particular an ion exchange function, having filter material ( 4 ) is formed. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ion exchange material ( 3 ) in a recording room ( 23 ) within the container ( 2 ), wherein at least one of the coolant can flow through the wall region of the receiving space ( 23 ) is formed substantially trough-shaped. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a cover element ( 26 ), by means of which the container ( 2 ) is shieldable towards an environment, wherein between the cover element ( 26 ) and the container ( 2 ) a spring element ( 30 ) is arranged, by means of which the container ( 2 ) at least in some areas with the recording ( 6 ) can be brought into contact. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one coolant inlet ( 11 ) and / or at least one coolant outlet ( 12 ) of the container ( 2 ) a release layer ( 13 ), which by introducing the container ( 2 ) into the reception room by means of one, in particular on the side of the recording ( 6 ), actuating element ( 14 ) is destructible. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a pressurizing element ( 37 ), which depends on the ion exchange material ( 3 ) exerts a pressure. Function module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the container at least one, in particular as a mandrel ( 14 ) or cone ( 46 ) or eccentric ( 47 ) or wedge ( 48 ) or sphere ( 49 ) or cam ( 50 ) trained, actuating element ( 45 ), by means of which a closure element () formed to close at least one coolant inlet and / or at least one coolant outlet ( 41 . 44 ) is operable. Method for manufacturing a functional module ( 1 ) for a coolant circuit of a, in particular for a vehicle provided, fuel cell system in which a container ( 2 ), which is an ion exchange material ( 3 ) and a for the mechanical retention of particles transportable with the coolant filter material ( 4 ), into the functional module ( 1 ), characterized in that the container ( 2 ) into a recording ( 6 ) of the functional module ( 1 ), wherein an inner contour of a through the receptacle ( 6 ) recording space for at least one area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) at least in one for connection to the Container ( 2 ) of the recording ( 6 ) an outer contour of at least the area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) is equal to. Container ( 2 ) for a coolant circuit of a, in particular for a vehicle provided fuel cell system, wherein the container ( 2 ) an ion exchange material ( 3 ) and a for the mechanical retention of particles transportable with the coolant filter material ( 4 ) characterized in that the container ( 2 ) into a recording ( 6 ) of a functional module ( 1 ), wherein an inner contour of a through the receptacle ( 6 ) recording space for at least one area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) at least in one for connection to the container ( 2 ) of the recording ( 6 ) an outer contour of at least the area ( 7 ) of the container ( 2 ) is equal to.

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