DE102019206106A1 - Drainage device and housing arrangement for an electrical component of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drainage device (14) for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, the drainage device (14) having a closure device (16) for closing an opening (12b, 32a) in a housing (12) of the electrical component or in one with the housing (12) has coupled pipe (32), and a release device (20) which is designed to release the opening (12b, 32a) in the event that at least one specific liquid is located in at least one specific area (18). The release device (20) is designed to react chemically upon contact with the at least one specific liquid and, through this reaction, to release the opening (12b, 32a) by at least partially removing the closure device (16).

Description

The invention relates to a drainage device for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, the drainage device having a closure device for closing an opening in a housing of the electrical component or in a pipe coupled to the housing, and a release device which is designed to open the opening in the event that there is at least a certain liquid in at least a certain area within the housing and / or the tube to release. The invention also includes a housing arrangement for an electrical component of a motor vehicle with such a drainage device.

Known systems for draining electrical storage systems, for example battery systems, or in general of liquid-cooled electrical components, are often operated mechanically. Mechanically operated systems are normally closed and are opened mechanically in the event of an incident.

Such mechanically operated systems are for example in the DE 10 2011 015 926 A1 and the DE 10 2010 051 687 A1 described. As soon as in such systems a pressure on an opening closed by a corresponding device becomes large enough, this opening is exposed and liquid can escape from this opening. The threshold pressure is reached when a liquid column on the device closing the opening is high enough or the internal pressure within such a housing becomes sufficiently high due to natural pressure fluctuations, for example when driving up and downhill.

Mechanical systems, however, have the disadvantage that their function can be restricted due to aging, vibrations and contamination. In addition, mechanical systems typically consist of several components, which in turn makes each individual component susceptible to wear and tear and makes the system itself complex and expensive.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a drainage device and a housing arrangement which enable drainage to be as simple and efficient as possible.

This object is achieved by a drainage device and a housing arrangement with the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

A drainage device according to the invention for an electrical component of a motor vehicle has a closure device for closing an opening in a housing of the electrical component or in a pipe coupled to the housing, as well as a release device which is designed to open the opening in the event that at least to release a certain liquid located in at least a certain area. In this case, the release device is designed to react chemically upon contact with the at least one specific liquid, possibly only from a specific minimum amount of the specific liquid, and through this reaction to open the opening by at least partially removing the closure device.

The release of the opening by at least partial removal of the closure device is thus advantageously triggered according to the invention by the chemical reaction of the release device, which always takes place as soon as the release device comes into contact with the at least one specific liquid. As a result, the drainage device according to the invention is significantly less susceptible to wear, since the release mechanism for releasing the opening is at least not designed purely mechanically, but is based on a chemical reaction, the drainability of which can be influenced significantly less by vibration or contamination.

Furthermore, the drainage device according to the invention can be used particularly flexibly. The release device is preferably arranged in a position that is to be monitored for the presence of liquid. If liquid then collects undesirably at this position, this triggers the chemical reaction of the release device, which then releases the opening by partially removing or completely removing the closure device. The closure device or the opening in the housing and / or the tube is preferably arranged at a position that enables a liquid to exit this opening in the released state, in particular even if there is not yet much liquid inside the housing and / or or the pipe, or in general the particular area. Such positions preferably represent local or global minima of the housing and / or pipe in relation to a direction defined by gravity. If, for example, undesired liquid enters the housing at any point or liquid or coolant leaks from any part of a cooling device, so collects such a liquid typically within the housing or a pipe or conduit coupled to the housing, typically at such local or global minima. If the described opening in the housing or pipe is positioned in the area of such a minimum, the liquid can accordingly simply exit the housing or the pipe when this opening is opened.

The release device is also positioned at such a position, namely in the area of a local minimum or global minimum of the housing or pipe, in order to be able to chemically react with the specific liquid as quickly as possible in such a case and thereby release the opening.

Furthermore, the opening in the housing or the tube represents a transition area between an interior of the housing or the tube and an outside of the housing or the tube, in particular facing the environment. In this way, any undesired liquid present in the housing can be replenished discharge outside.

The electrical component of the motor vehicle can be, for example, a high-voltage component, in particular a high-voltage storage device of the motor vehicle, such as a high-voltage battery, but also any other electrical component, in particular a high-voltage component. For example, the electrical component can also represent an electrical air conditioning compressor, a DC / DC converter, power electronics for an electric motor, or the like. The use of the invention for a housing of a liquid-cooled electrical component is particularly advantageous, since such liquid cooling creates an increased risk of liquid, in particular coolant, penetrating into the housing, for example through a leak in the cooling device. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the electrical component is the high-voltage storage device already mentioned. Accordingly, the motor vehicle, which can have this electrical component, as well as its housing and / or pipe coupled to the housing, as well as the drainage device according to the invention, preferably represents a hybrid vehicle with an electric drive or an electric vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device comprises a material which is designed to dissolve on contact with the at least one specific liquid.

Dissolving this material of the release device can generally be understood to mean a change in its structure and / or shape and / or strength and / or geometry, so that the release device releases the opening by at least partially removing the closure device. For example, this material can also be liquid-soluble, in particular water-soluble and / or coolant-soluble with respect to at least one specific coolant used for cooling the electrical component. Such a material can be, for example, polyvinyl alcohol. The dissolution of this material upon contact with the at least one specific liquid can then automatically lead to an at least partial removal of the closure device and thus to the opening of the opening. Contact with a small amount of liquid is sufficient to cause this material to dissolve. The contact point can also be positioned as desired in order to also have a certain tolerance to condensate, but can also be positioned in the area of the earliest contact with a specific liquid. This in turn has the advantage that this does not lead to the opening being released only when a liquid column of a certain minimum height has accumulated in the area of the closure device. A particularly early release of the opening can thus be triggered by the release device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed as a holder, by means of which the closure device can be mechanically fastened in a position that closes the opening in the event that the release device does not come into contact with at least one specific liquid. For example, the release device can be designed as a clip and / or screw and / or rivet and / or Christmas tree and / or latch connection. For example, the closure device, which in the simplest case can be designed as a cap or the like, can be clipped into the opening of the housing and / or the tube by means of such a release device, designed for example as clips. If the release device, which can in particular consist entirely of the above-described material, which is designed to dissolve upon contact with the at least one specific liquid, then comes into contact with such a specific liquid, this release device and the clips provided thereby dissolve , whereby the flap provided by the closure device automatically falls off the opening. This advantageous embodiment of the invention makes it possible, through the release device, to provide numerous different mechanical mounting options for holding the closure device at the opening or in a state that closes the opening. The opening, on the other hand, is not released purely mechanically, but instead by means of the liquid which is determined upon contact with the at least one triggered chemical reaction, according to which the release device and the holder provided thereby simply dissolves, whereby the opening is released accordingly. As already described at the outset, this provides a particularly reliable and low-wear release mechanism.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release device is designed as an adhesive, by means of which, in the event that the release device does not come into contact with at least one specific liquid, the closure device can be glued to a part of the housing and / or the pipe to close the opening. In this case, too, it is advantageous if the release device is formed with a material described above or also consists entirely of such a material which dissolves on contact with the at least one specific liquid. Here, too, the closure device can again be designed, for example, in the form of a simple cover, which is glued to an outside of the pipe and / or housing so as to cover the opening by means of the release device designed as an adhesive. This adhesive is preferably arranged very close to the edge area of the opening, so that in turn undesired liquid collecting in the housing and / or tube automatically wets this adhesive, which in turn leads to the dissolution of this adhesive, whereby the closure device in turn falls off the opening and thereby the Releases opening. This also makes it possible in turn to provide a particularly reliable, simple and particularly low-wear drainage device.

In order to continue in these examples, in which the closure device is held by the release device in a position closing the opening, be it by designing the release device as a mechanical holder and / or as an adhesive, to enable the release device to be triggered upon contact with the at least a certain liquid and a resulting dissolution of the release device does not lead to a complete fall and loss of the closure device, the drainage device can also have a locking device coupled to the closure device, via which the closure device can be coupled to the housing and / or pipe, which nevertheless allows at least partial removal of the closure device from the opening. As a result, the closure device can also advantageously be recycled in that it is in turn stuck to the opening again by a correspondingly designed release device or is fastened again to and / or in the opening by a release device designed as a holder.

The solubility of the release device when it comes into contact with the at least one specific liquid represents a chemical reaction that enables a particularly advantageous, simple and low-wear release mechanism for releasing the opening, as well as numerous different design options for the release device as such, resulting in a particularly high degree of flexibility is provided with regard to the numerous possible uses. Nevertheless, the release device can alternatively or additionally react chemically in a different manner when it comes into contact with the at least one specific liquid.

For example, it represents a further advantageous embodiment of the invention if the release device comprises a material which is designed to heat up on contact with the at least one specific liquid and to at least partially destroy the closure device through the heat generated during heating, especially to melt and / or burn. Such a reactant with the particular liquid can be calcium carbide, for example. The closure device can for example be designed as a thin membrane which is arranged to cover the opening. The release device, which comprises the material described, or can again consist entirely of this material, is preferably arranged in certain proximity or also in direct contact with this closure device, in particular in such a way that the heat generated during heating at least partially destroys this closure device sufficient. The membrane provided by the closure device is furthermore preferably formed from a material which melts and / or burns from a certain temperature, which is at most in the low three-digit range. For example, such a material can be formed from a plastic and / or from paper or the like. This advantageously enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the closure device, which in turn can be replaced in a particularly cost-effective manner in the event of the release device being triggered and the closure device being destroyed as a result. Such a simple and inexpensive design of the closure device as a membrane is also possible if the release device is designed as a holder or adhesive with which this membrane is glued, for example, over the opening.

The design of the closure device as such a thin membrane is also special advantageous because this enables, for example, the integration of further functionalities into the closure device, in particular the integration of a pressure compensation function. For example, this membrane can be designed to be at least partially elastic, so that this possible pressure fluctuations between the interior of the housing and / or pipe and the environment can correspondingly yield through elastic deformation. As an alternative or in addition, it can also be provided that this membrane is made air-permeable, which also provides a possibility of pressure compensation, for example when driving uphill and downhill, or in the event of an accident or other damage to the storage cells, which could lead to outgassing or Degassing of these cells can result.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drainage device comprises a pressure housing which is designed as an arrangement that closes the opening in the housing and / or pipe of the electrical component, the pressure housing having a pressure housing opening which, in the unreacted state of the release device, is opened by the closure device is closed, wherein the pressure housing has a liquid inlet opening through which liquid from the housing and / or the tube can penetrate into the pressure housing, in particular from the interior of the housing and / or the tube, and wherein the liquid inlet opening is designed such that at least a predetermined gas cannot escape from the pressure housing into the housing and / or tube, or can escape only in a predetermined slow manner, the release device further comprising a material which is designed to produce a pressure upon contact with the at least one specific liquid to generate cker elevation in the pressure housing and thereby at least partially remove the closure device from the pressure housing opening, for example to push it out of this pressure housing opening. Such a reactant with the particular liquid can be calcium carbide, for example.

The liquid inlet opening can be closed, for example, by a semipermeable membrane, or designed with such a membrane, wherein such a membrane can be made permeable in one direction, namely from the interior of the housing or tube in the direction of the pressure housing, but sealing in the other direction is trained. In this way, liquid can penetrate through this membrane into the pressure housing, contact the release device arranged therein, react accordingly with it, and thereby cause a pressure increase within the pressure housing, since the gas that is created cannot escape from the liquid inlet opening, or at least only slowly that a certain amount of overpressure inside the pressure housing cannot be prevented. This overpressure then accordingly leads to the closure device becoming detached from the opening, in particular from the pressure housing opening, and thereby at the same time also exposing the opening in the housing and / or tube. Such a pressure increase can take place very abruptly, in particular similar to the development of pressure in the event of an explosion, so that the closure device is quasi blown out of the opening. This enables a particularly safe and reliable removal of the closure device in the event of an undesired penetration of the at least one specific liquid into the housing and / or tube of the electrical component.

Furthermore, the release device can generally be designed to react chemically in the described ways with the at least one specific liquid if this liquid is, for example, water and / or coolant, or any other specific liquid. However, it is particularly advantageous if the release device is designed to react chemically on contact with a coolant liquid other than water, in particular in the ways described above, but not to react chemically on contact with water in such a way that the opening is released. This has the great advantage that the drainage device is not automatically triggered if the release device, for example, inadvertently comes into contact with certain environmental influences, such as spray or rain water and condensate. This in turn simplifies the design of the drainage device, because such water protection from the outside does not have to be provided for the release device. This then only reacts, for example, when it comes into contact with a specific coolant, in particular used for cooling the electrical component and different from water. The coolant does not necessarily have to be designed so that it does not include water. For example, the coolant can also be provided as a water-glycol mixture. In such a case, the release device can be designed in such a way that it only reacts chemically with glycol and can exhibit the behavior described above, while contact with pure water or water with other constituents, but without glycol, does not cause such a chemical reaction. As an alternative or in addition, it can also be provided that such a chemical reaction is nevertheless caused, but to a significantly lesser extent, so that the opening cannot be opened as a result. Appropriate materials for use as such a release device or as such by The material comprising the release device and having the properties described are known to a sufficient extent to the person skilled in the art from the prior art.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closure device has a seal which is designed to seal a transition area between the closure device and the housing and / or the pipe, in particular watertight and approximately gas-tight, when the closure device closes the opening. Such a seal can therefore prevent water from entering the housing or pipe from the outside, that is to say from the environment, such as splash water or rainwater. By providing such a seal, the release device can also be accommodated within the drainage device in a way that is clearly protected from environmental influences. This can then also be made correspondingly simpler, since it then no longer has to be designed to react only with the coolant used, but not with water, which comes into contact with the release device due to environmental influences from the outside, since the release device through the Providing the seal can be arranged in a much more protected position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drainage device has a sensor device which is designed to detect the opening of the opening by at least partial removal of the closure device and to output a sensor signal as a function of the detection of the opening. Such a sensor device can generally be designed as an active sensor system or as a passive sensor system. Such a sensor device can advantageously detect the triggering of the release device and, accordingly, also the release of the opening, so that a warning message can then be output and / or an entry can be written in a fault memory of the motor vehicle depending on the sensor signal provided by the sensor device , notification of a visit to the workshop as soon as possible, or something similar. The triggering of the drainage device does not go unnoticed and repair measures can be initiated as quickly as possible.

The invention also relates to a housing arrangement for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, preferably for a high-voltage storage device or high-voltage energy storage device, such as a high-voltage battery, the housing arrangement having a housing for the electrical component and a drainage device according to the invention or one of its configurations.

The advantages mentioned for the drainage device according to the invention and its designs apply in the same way to the housing arrangement according to the invention.

Furthermore, a pipe connected or connectable to a housing of such an electrical component in combination with a drainage device according to the invention or one of its configurations should also be regarded as belonging to the invention, as well as an electrical component, in particular a high-voltage component for a motor vehicle with such Drainage device according to the invention or one of its configurations, as well as a motor vehicle with such a drainage device or one of its configurations.

The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger vehicle or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische und perspektivische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse für eine elektrische Komponente eines Kraftfahrzeugs und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische und perspektivische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse für eine elektrische Komponente und mit einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische und perspektivische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Rohranordnung mit einem mit einem Gehäuse für eine elektrische Komponente eines Kraftfahrzeugs koppelbaren Rohr und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 4 eine schematische und perspektivische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung, die eine als Klebstoff ausgebildete Freigabeeinrichtung aufweist, und die zusätzlich eine Verliersicherung bereitstellt, gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 5 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung mit hitzeempfindlicher Freigabeeinrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 6 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung mit durch Überdruck auslösender Freigabeeinrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 7 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung, sowie mit einer aktiven Sensoreinrichtung zum Erfassen eines Auslösens der Entwässerungsvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 8 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Gehäuseanordnung mit einem Gehäuse und einer Entwässerungsvorrichtung, sowie mit einer passiven Sensoreinrichtung zum Erfassen eines Auslösens der Entwässerungsvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. This shows:

• 1 a schematic and perspective cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing for an electrical component of a motor vehicle and a drainage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a schematic and perspective cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing for an electrical component and with a drainage device according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 3 a schematic and perspective cross-sectional view of a pipe arrangement with a pipe that can be coupled to a housing for an electrical component of a motor vehicle and a drainage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 4th a schematic and perspective cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing and a drainage device, which has a release device designed as an adhesive, and which additionally provides a loss protection, according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing and a drainage device with heat-sensitive release device according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 6 a schematic cross-sectional representation of a housing arrangement with a housing and a drainage device with a release device triggered by excess pressure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 7th a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing and a drainage device, as well as with an active sensor device for detecting triggering of the drainage device according to a further embodiment of the invention; and
• 8th a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing arrangement with a housing and a drainage device, and with a passive sensor device for detecting a triggering of the drainage device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that also develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, the same reference symbols denote functionally identical elements.

1 shows a schematic and perspective cross-sectional illustration of a housing arrangement 10 with a housing 12 for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, not shown here, such as for a high-voltage storage or high-voltage energy storage of an electric or hybrid vehicle, such as a high-voltage battery, and with a drainage device 14th according to an embodiment of the invention. From the case 12 of the electrical component is only shown in part in this example. The illustrated part of the housing 12 can for example be part of a case back 12a represent a storage enclosure. Furthermore, the housing 12 an opening 12b on. The drainage device 14th comprises a closure device 16 to close the opening 12b in the case 12 . This locking device 16 can for example be designed as a kind of cover. Now undesirably liquid collects in a certain area 18th of the housing 12 or the drainage device 14th , so the by the locking device 16 closed opening 12b be released advantageously, whereby the at least one specific liquid from the housing 12 through the opening 12b can flow. This prevents the liquid level inside the housing 12 so far that the liquid in contact with the on the housing 12 housed electrical component occurs and leads to damage to this component or to a short circuit or a similar defect.

In order to clear this opening, the drainage device 14th advantageously a release device 20th on. This release device 20th is designed in such a way that it reacts chemically on contact with the at least one specific liquid and through this reaction the opening 12b by at least partial removal of the closure device 16 from this opening 12b releases. Depending on the design of the release device 20th , in particular depending on for this release device 20th material used, this chemical reaction on contact with the at least one specific liquid, which can in particular represent water and / or a coolant, can be different. It is also conceivable that such a chemical reaction is only brought about sufficiently after a certain minimum amount of the certain liquid that the opening is opened 12b is at least partially released. From what amount of liquid a release of the opening 12b should take place, but can not only through a suitable choice of material for the release device 20th but also, for example, by choosing their position and thus the specific area mentioned above 18th . The point of contact between the release device 20th and the specific liquid if it is in the housing 12 collects, can also be done arbitrarily by suitable positioning of the release device 20th be positioned, for example in such a way that a certain tolerance to condensate is also provided, so that a certain amount of condensate does not immediately trigger the release device 20th leads. On the other hand, the release device 20th and thus said contact point can also be positioned in this way, for example directly at a local or global minimum of the housing 12 that there is a contact between release device 20th and liquid comes as soon as there is even a minimal amount of liquid in the housing 12 collects.

In the in 1 to 4th This release device is shown in the examples 20th advantageously formed from a material which dissolves on contact with the at least one specific liquid.

In the in 1 The example shown is the release device 20th , which is formed from such a soluble material, at the same time as a holder 22nd , especially mechanical bracket 22nd for attaching the locking device 16 at the opening 12b or part of the housing 12 so that the locking device 16 the opening 12b locked, trained. Using this bracket 22nd is the locking device 16 outside, on one of the inside of the housing 12c outwardly directed flange-like extension 12d attachable or in this in 1 example shown attached. The release device 20th is on the one hand with locking elements 22a with the locking device 16 locked and on the other hand via corresponding lugs 22b with this flange-like extension 12d latched or clipped in. The release device comes 20th now in contact with the specific liquid, this dissolves as a result of a chemical reaction with this liquid and as a result the closure device falls 16 at least partially from the opening 12b from. This will make the opening 12b released and the liquid can flow out of the housing 12 through this opening 12b flow out.

This release mechanism advantageously allows a particularly low-wear drainage device 14th provide that is not subject to any wear and tear.

There is also a seal in this example 24 between the drainage device 14th , in particular between the closure device 16 and the bottom of the case 12 arranged so as to seal off the environment 26th to provide, in particular a seal with respect to liquids and preferably also approximately with respect to gases. Such a sealing element 24 can be arranged axially or radially and, for example, be designed as an O-ring, a molded seal, or the like. Such a sealing element 24 advantageously prevents contaminants and a wide variety of media, such as water and dust, from entering the interior of the housing 12 . Especially when the release device 20th is designed so that it also reacts chemically with water and not only with the coolant, so that it dissolves, is such a sealing element 24 particularly advantageous, since this can also prevent accidental release of this release mechanism through penetration of rainwater or splash water or through condensate or the like.

Under dissolving this material of the release device 20th can generally be understood as a change in its structure and / or shape, strength or geometry, so that the release device 20th the opening 12b by at least partial removal of the closure device 16 releases. For example, this release device 20th be formed from a material such as polyvinyl alcohol.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the release device 20th is formed from a material which only reacts with a certain coolant, but not with water as such. In this case, environmental protection is also not absolutely necessary, since at least small amounts of water come from the environment 26th into the drainage device 14th penetrate and with the release device 20th come into contact, are unproblematic.

2 shows a schematic and perspective cross-sectional illustration of a housing arrangement 10 with a housing 12 and a dewatering device 14th according to a further embodiment of the invention. In particular, the drainage device, as well as the housing 12 how to 1 described, be designed except for the differences explained below. In particular here is the housing 12 without an outwardly extending flange-like extension 12d educated. Instead, it now acts as a holder 22nd trained release device 20th through the opening 12b inside 12c of the housing 12 to turn using noses 22b the locking device 16 on the housing 12 to hold, especially so that the opening 12b again by the locking device 16 , which in turn is designed in the shape of a lid to hold. Now comes this release device 20th again in contact with at least one specific liquid, such as for example water and / or coolant, this in turn dissolves or changes its structure and / or shape or strength, which in turn results in the closure device 16 from the opening 12b falls and with it this opening 12b releases. This in turn allows liquid to come out of the interior 12c of the housing 12 through the now released opening 12b escape. In this example, such a reaction already takes place when such a liquid is in a certain area 18th which is now also inside the housing 12 may be in contact with part of this release device 20th device. In this example too, the drainage device 14th again with or without sealing elements 24 be executed.

3 shows a schematic and perspective cross-sectional illustration of a pipe arrangement 30th with a pipe 32 , which with a housing 12 an electrical component of a motor vehicle can be or is coupled, and with a drainage device 14th measured further embodiment of the invention. This arrangement also shown here 30th can how to 1 and or 2 be designed, except for the differences described below. From the pipe 32 this pipe arrangement is analogous to that in 1 and 2 housing shown 12 also shown only a part. This pipe too 32 has an opening 30a on by the drainage device 14th , in particular, in turn, by the closure device encompassed by this 16 is locked. This opening 32a of the pipe 32 can at the same time also provide an end or else be arranged on a side area of the tube. In this example too, the drainage device comprises 14th again as a bracket 22nd trained release device 20th which now in turn is the locking device 16 at the opening 32a of the pipe 32 attached. In particular, this release device is also here 20th again as a purely mechanical holder 22nd educated. The release mechanism for releasing the opening 32a however, is analogous to the examples 1 and 2 not carried out mechanically, but is again based on a chemical reaction of the material of the release device 20th with a certain liquid, such as water or a cooling motor, which on contact with this release device 20th according to this chemical reaction a dissolution of the holder 22nd conditional, which in turn the locking device 16 from the opening 32a falls off. This is analogous to the example 1 and 2 also for the pipe arrangement 30th this opening 32a of the pipe 32 Approved. Correspondingly, liquid can also come from the interior of the tube here 32 into the environment or the environment 26th flow away. The inside of the pipe 32b is preferably with the interior 12c a housing 12 connected to the electrical component. Correspondingly, this mechanism also provides a drainage option for the electrical component in the event of an undesired accumulation of fluid in the housing 12 this component or this pipe 32 which with this case 12 is coupled, provided. Also in this in 3 The example shown can optionally in turn be a sealing element 24 between the locking device 16 and the pipe 32 especially the outside of the pipe 32 , be arranged, making the interior 32b of the pipe 32 and accordingly the interior 12c of the housing 12 can be protected from the ingress of contaminants such as dust, dirt or water.

The material of the locking device 16 itself is preferably also made environmentally resistant, for example made of plastic.

4th shows a schematic and perspective cross-sectional illustration of a housing arrangement 10 with a drainage device 14th according to a further embodiment of the invention. Here, too, the individual components such as for 1 to 3 be designed, except for the differences described below. In this example, too, the housing arrangement includes 10 again a housing 12 , of which only a part is shown. The drainage device 14th again comprises a closure device 16 to close the opening 12b in the housing 12 , as well as a release device 20th , by means of which the closure device 16 again on the outside of the housing 12 is attached. In this example, however, is the release device 20th as an adhesive 34 executed, in particular as a water-soluble and / or coolant-soluble adhesive 34 . The release device 20th can be designed as a completely circumferential adhesive layer, by means of which the closure device 16 on the underside of the housing 12 is glued on. This adhesive layer 34 is in particular arranged so that it comes from the inside 12c of the housing 12 is directly accessible, and therefore of liquid, such as water and / or coolant, which in the certain area 18th inside the case 12 or within the dewatering device 14th collects, can come into contact, causing this adhesive 34 dissolves and in turn the locking device 16 from the opening 12b falls and thereby this opening 12b releases.

In addition, a loss protection is also advantageous here 36 from the drainage device 14th includes. The adhesive loosens 34 on, this is the safeguard against loss 36 the locking device 16 on the housing 12 , however, so that a releasing the opening 12b is not disabled. In this example this is a loss protection 36 as an in particular integral with the closure device 16 formed T-shaped part running inside 12c of the housing 12 protrudes and a beam 36a which has a length which is greater than a diameter of the opening 12b . In the non-triggered state of the drainage device 14th has this bar 36a a certain distance to the bottom 12a of the housing 12 . Now releases the release device 20th upon contact with the specific liquid, the closure device falls accordingly 16 with the securing device arranged on it 36 a little way down until this bar 36a on the ground 12a of the housing 12 comes to the plant. In this way, the closure device 16 even when the release device is triggered 20th will not be lost, but will still be attached to the housing 12 held, albeit in a different position, preventing liquid from escaping from the interior 12c of the housing 12 through the now exposed opening 12b enables.

Incidentally, the examples can also be found in the same way 1 , 2 and 3 such a loss protection 36 include. For example, those explained in more detail later also show 7th and 8th respective drainage devices 14th similar to that from 1 and 2 , which each have such a loss protection 36 exhibit.

This is through the release device 20th advantageously the function of a dissolving bond 34 accepted. In this example, too, it is again conceivable that this adhesive 34 is designed so that it is against the liquid from the outside of the environment 26th is insensitive, such as, for example, to water, in particular rainwater or splash water, and, on the other hand, dissolves or dissolves when a certain liquid is applied from the inside, for example cooling liquid.

5 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a housing arrangement 10 with a drainage device 14th according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, too, the housing arrangement includes 10 again a housing 12 for an electrical component, which can be designed as described above. This case too 12 again has an opening 12b on which by a locking device 16 the drainage device 14th is locked. The drainage device also includes here again 14th a release device 20th , which in this example as material 38 is formed or at least comprises one which is designed to heat up on contact with the at least one specific liquid and the closure device through the heat generated during heating 16 at least partially to destroy, for example to melt and / or burn. The locking device 16 can accordingly be designed to be easily destructible, at least at a predeterminable minimum temperature or threshold temperature. In this example the locking device is 16 designed as a simple membrane, for example made of paper, plastic or the like. The release device 20th can also be in direct contact with the membrane 16 be. A container can also be used as heat protection 40 be provided in which the material 38 the release device 20th is arranged. Furthermore, part of the container 40 be cylindrical or with an opening 12d in the housing 12 corresponding geometry, and within this opening 12b be arranged so that through this part of the container 40 a border of this opening 12b is provided which by the closure device 16 is closed, at least in the non-triggered state of the drainage device 14th . In this container 40 can then appropriate openings 42 be provided to prevent the penetration of liquid, in particular coolant, into the floor area or the specific area 18th in which also the material 38 the release device 20th is arranged to enable, so that as a result of the penetration of such a liquid, the release mechanism by chemical reactions with the material 38 the release device 20th is triggered, and through the resulting heat, the membrane 16 gets destroyed. This can cause the unwanted in the housing 12 liquid through the opening 12b leak. And thereby the housing 12 be drained.

6 shows a schematic representation of a housing arrangement 10 with a housing 12 for an electrical component and a drainage device 14th according to a further embodiment of the invention. The case 12 can again be designed as described above. The drainage device 14th comprises in this example a pressure housing 44 which partly in the opening 12b of the housing 12 is arranged, and in turn a pressure housing opening 44a includes, which by the closure device 16 the drainage device 14th is closed, at least in the non-triggered state of the drainage device 14th . Furthermore, the pressure housing 44 has at least one liquid inlet opening 44b on that with a membrane 46 or a differently designed closure mechanism is designed, which is designed such that liquid, in particular coolant, enters the interior of the pressure housing 44 can reach, conversely, a pressure equalization between the interior of the pressure housing 44 and the rest of the interior 12c of the housing 12 is not possible or only possible at a slower rate. Furthermore, the drainage device now again has the release device 20th on which in this example with a material 48 is formed, which in turn reacts chemically with a certain liquid, in particular again water and / or coolant, in this example in such a way that upon contact with such a certain liquid, a pressure increase due to this chemical reaction within the pressure housing 44 is produced. This increase in pressure causes the closure device 16 from the opening 12b and 44a removed, especially pushed out towards the environment 26th so that in turn the opening 12b , 44a is released and accordingly the liquid into the environment 26th can escape.

The release devices are corresponding in these examples 20th with materials 38 , 48 formed by contact with a liquid inside 12c of the housing 12 , for example water and / or coolant, reacts and thus releases thermal energy or pressure. The reaction has the consequence that the dewatering device 14th , in particular also in parts, in particular the locking device 16 , leaves its position or the locking device 16 their sealing or sealing function is no longer fulfilled, even in parts. So will the opening 12b in the housing 12 released and the liquid can flow out of the housing 12 Towards the environment 26th escape.

Thus there are numerous training opportunities of the release facility 20th provided that a particularly efficient and inexpensive active drainage of a housing 12 or one with such a housing 12 coupled pipe 32 enable. All these training possibilities of the drainage device 14th also provide advantageous further training, which also enables the integration of further functionalities. For example, the drainage device 14th can be expanded by the following additional functionalities: For example in the drainage device 14th Depending on the design, a functionality for degassing and / or pressure compensation can be integrated. This can be done, for example, by the membranes described 16 as locking devices 16 can be realized, for example, as corresponding air-permeable membranes 16 can be formed. Furthermore, the drainage device described 14th as a single unit or as part of an assembly, it also provides access to the interior 12c of the housing 12 , in particular the storage system or the relevant liquid-cooled, electrical component release or close in order to carry out maintenance, control or assembly work if necessary. In other words, the drainage device 14th or at least parts of it in a simple manner from the relevant opening 12b , for example manually or by means of a tool, are removed so as to through this opening 12b carry out appropriate assembly work. Then this opening 12b simply again through the drainage device 14th or at least parts of it are closed.

Incidentally, the opening 12b for example have a diameter in the range of 10 mm. The drainage device can accordingly 14th have maximum dimensions in the range of approx. 20 mm. In other words, this provides a particularly small and compact drainage option. In general, the opening can 12b in the housing 12 or in the pipe 32 have a diameter in the range between 5 mm and 20 mm, and the device 14th corresponding maximum dimensions in the range between 10 mm and 30 mm. For a case 12 and / or pipe 32 several of the same or different such drainage devices can also be used 14th be provided in different positions.

In addition, the drainage device 14th , as already described, also a loss protection 36 exhibit. This allows the closure device 16 when the drainage device is triggered 14th remain on the storage system or on the liquid-cooled electrical components and are not released into the environment 26th brought in or lost. In addition, the drainage device 14th Depending on the material selected, electrically conductive material, coating with conductive materials or conductive inserts have a positive effect on the electromagnetic compatibility of the overall system.

Furthermore, the drainage device 14th can also be supplemented by an active or passive sensor system in order to detect the triggering, as is now based on 7th and 8th is illustrated and is explained in more detail below.

7th again shows a schematic representation of a housing arrangement 10 with a drainage device 14th according to an embodiment of the invention. The drainage device 14th , especially that of the housing arrangement 10 included housing 12 , can be designed as described above. In this example, the housing assembly includes 10 , especially the drainage device 14th an active sensor system 50 , which are also in the area 18th , which is to be monitored for fluid accumulation, is arranged. This active sensor system 50 can for example directly with the release device 20th be coupled, so that a change in the structure and / or strength and / or shape of this release device 20th when triggered by chemical reaction with the specific liquid by means of this sensor system 50 can be detected. This is preferably an active sensor 50 but designed as a moisture sensor, which the in the certain area 18th can detect penetrating liquid. This active sensor system 50 then transmits a corresponding signal, for example to an evaluation device which, depending on this signal, outputs a warning message to a driver of the motor vehicle, for example, and / or makes an entry in an error memory and / or triggers some other measure.

8th shows a further example in a schematic representation for a housing arrangement 10 with a drainage device 14th and an integrated passive sensor system 52 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Here too, the housing arrangement 10 , especially the drainage device 14th be designed as described above. As already mentioned, the sensor system is now to detect a triggering of the drainage device 14th , in particular a triggering of the release device 20th as passive sensors 52 executed.

This passive sensor system 52 in this example has two electrical conductors 52a , 52b on. A first electrical conductor 52a this passive sensor system 52 is directly on the metallic housing 12 tied up. The second electrical conductor 52b however, is in the release device 20th integrated in such a way that one end of this second conductor 52b when the release device has not been triggered 20th also in contact with the metallic housing 12 stands. Now releases the release device through contact with the specific liquid 20th and if this dissolves, for example, the closure device then falls 16 turn off or otherwise give the opening 12b are also free in the untripped state with the housing 12 contacted end of second conductor 52b leaves its position and thereby the contact with the metallic housing 12 and the first electrical conductor directly coupled to it 52a is interrupted. This interruption of contact can in turn be detected by an evaluation device not shown here. This can be designed to connect to the two electrical conductors 52a , 52b to apply a voltage, either permanently or repeatedly at intervals, and to check whether a current is flowing through the two electrical conductors 52a , 52b is recorded. For example, this evaluation device can be connected to the other ends of these two conductors 52a , 52b be coupled that is not in the untripped state of the device 14th with the case 12 is in contact. Also through such a passive sensor system 52 the release device can then be triggered in a correspondingly simple manner 20th detect.

Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a device for active drainage of a storage system which uses a chemical reaction with at least one specific liquid, such as water and / or coolant, in order to open an opening for drainage. This allows such active drainage to be provided with significantly less effort in terms of material and costs compared to purely mechanical systems. In addition, such a device is significantly less susceptible to vibration and contamination. In addition, numerous additional functions, such as loss protection, integrated sensor elements, pressure compensation elements or the like, can be taken over by this device or integrated into it.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011015926 A1 [0003]
• DE 102010051687 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Drainage device (14) for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, the drainage device (14) having a closure device (16) for closing an opening (12b, 32a) in a housing (12) of the electrical component or in one coupled to the housing (12) Having tube (32), and a release device (20) which is designed to release the opening (12b, 32a) in the event that at least one specific liquid is in at least one specific area (18), characterized in that the release device (20) is designed to react chemically upon contact with the at least one specific liquid and through this reaction to release the opening (12b, 32a) by at least partial removal of the closure device (16). Drainage device (14) after Claim 1 characterized in that the release device (20) comprises a material which is designed to dissolve upon contact with the at least one specific liquid. Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (20) is designed as a holder (22), by means of which the closure device in the event that there is no contact between the release device (20) and at least one specific liquid (16) can be mechanically fastened in a position closing the opening (12b, 32a). Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (20) is designed as an adhesive (34) by means of which the closure device in the event that there is no contact of the release device (20) with at least one specific liquid (16) the opening (12b, 32a) can be glued to a part of the housing (12) and / or the tube (32) to close. Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (20) comprises a material (38) which is designed to heat up on contact with the at least one specific liquid and the heat generated during heating to heat the To at least partially destroy the closure device (16), in particular to melt and / or burn it. The drainage device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drainage device (14) comprises a pressure housing (44) which leads to the opening (12b, 32a) in the housing (12) and / or pipe (32) of the electrical component closing arrangement, the pressure housing (44) having a pressure housing opening (44a) which is closed by the closing device (16) in the unreacted state of the release device (20), the pressure housing (44) having a liquid inlet opening (44b) through which liquid from the housing (12) and / or the pipe (32) can penetrate into the pressure housing (44), the liquid inlet opening (44b) being designed in such a way that at least one predetermined gas does not or only predetermined slowly from the Pressure housing (44) can escape into the housing (12) and / or pipe (32), the release device (20) comprising a material (48) which is designed to i st to generate a pressure increase in the pressure housing (44) upon contact with the at least one specific liquid and thereby at least partially remove the closure device (16) from the pressure housing opening (44a). Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device (20) is designed to react chemically on contact with a coolant liquid other than water, but not to react chemically on contact with water in such a way that the Opening (12b, 32a) is released. Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (16) has a seal (24) which is designed to provide a transition area between the opening (12b, 32a) closing the closure device (16) to seal the closure device (16) and the housing (12) and / or the tube (32). Dewatering device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dewatering device (14) has a sensor device (50, 52) which is designed to enable the opening (12b, 32a) to be released by at least partial removal of the closure device (16 ) and to output a sensor signal depending on the detection of the release. Housing arrangement (10, 30) for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, the housing arrangement (10, 30) having a housing (12) for the electrical component and / or a pipe 32 that can be coupled to the housing (12) and a drainage device (14) one of the preceding claims.

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