WO2020094315A1 - Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device - Google Patents

Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020094315A1
WO2020094315A1 PCT/EP2019/077077 EP2019077077W WO2020094315A1 WO 2020094315 A1 WO2020094315 A1 WO 2020094315A1 EP 2019077077 W EP2019077077 W EP 2019077077W WO 2020094315 A1 WO2020094315 A1 WO 2020094315A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultrasonic
ultrasound
reflector surface
carrier element
transducer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/077077
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Klaus-Volker Schuett
Andre Gerlach
Marko Liebler
Reinold Weinmann
Bernd SCHEUFELE
Karolina BACH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch Gmbh filed Critical Robert Bosch Gmbh
Publication of WO2020094315A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020094315A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/02—Analysing fluids
    • G01N29/024—Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
    • F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
    • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
    • F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
    • F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion ; Methods of operation or control of catalytic converters
    • F01N3/2066—Selective catalytic reduction [SCR]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/222—Constructional or flow details for analysing fluids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/223—Supports, positioning or alignment in fixed situation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/32—Arrangements for suppressing undesired influences, e.g. temperature or pressure variations, compensating for signal noise
    • G01N29/326—Arrangements for suppressing undesired influences, e.g. temperature or pressure variations, compensating for signal noise compensating for temperature variations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/44—Processing the detected response signal, e.g. electronic circuits specially adapted therefor
    • G01N29/4463—Signal correction, e.g. distance amplitude correction [DAC], distance gain size [DGS], noise filtering
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2560/00—Exhaust systems with means for detecting or measuring exhaust gas components or characteristics
    • F01N2560/12—Other sensor principles, e.g. using electro conductivity of substrate or radio frequency
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
    • F01N2610/02—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being ammonia or urea
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2900/00—Details of electrical control or of the monitoring of the exhaust gas treating apparatus
    • F01N2900/06—Parameters used for exhaust control or diagnosing
    • F01N2900/18—Parameters used for exhaust control or diagnosing said parameters being related to the system for adding a substance into the exhaust
    • F01N2900/1806—Properties of reducing agent or dosing system
    • F01N2900/1818—Concentration of the reducing agent
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/01—Indexing codes associated with the measuring variable
    • G01N2291/011—Velocity or travel time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/022—Liquids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/025—Change of phase or condition
    • G01N2291/0258—Structural degradation, e.g. fatigue of composites, ageing of oils
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/028—Material parameters
    • G01N2291/02809—Concentration of a compound, e.g. measured by a surface mass change
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/04—Wave modes and trajectories
    • G01N2291/045—External reflections, e.g. on reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/10—Number of transducers
    • G01N2291/101—Number of transducers one transducer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for determining the quality of a liquid, in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, with at least one test unit which can be arranged in a tank storing the liquid and which has at least one ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving a
  • Ultrasound signal and at least one first ultrasound reflector surface for reflecting back the emitted ultrasound signal to the at least one ultrasound transducer.
  • the invention relates to a tank device, in particular
  • Reductant tank device for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle, with a tank for storing and providing a liquid, in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, and with the above-mentioned device.
  • An aqueous urea solution is used in the reducing agent an exhaust line is introduced upstream of an S CR catalytic converter.
  • the urea solution forms ammonia before and or in the catalytic converter, which ultimately leads to the desired reduction in nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas with the aid of the S CR catalytic converter.
  • the reducing agent is available in sufficient quantity and quality in the tank. If the quality is too low, in particular due to the urea concentration of the aqueous urea solution being too low, the efficiency of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system decreases significantly. If the proportion of urea is too high or the concentration of urea is too high, the ammonia formed too much does not react with the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas and ammonia is emitted. It is therefore very important to be able to monitor the quality or concentration of the reducing agent, in particular the urea content in the aqueous urea solution, also in order to detect an impermissible refueling of the tank with water instead of reducing agents.
  • Ultrasonic transducer that is both a transmitter and a receiver.
  • Ultrasonic transducer first sends an ultrasonic signal into the liquid in the tank, the ultrasonic signal being transmitted by a
  • Ultrasound reflector surface of an ultrasound reflector is reflected back to the ultrasound transducer and the liquid passes through again. From the measured transit time of the ultrasonic signal between emitting and
  • the speed of sound of the liquid and thus the concentration of the reducing agent in the liquid are determined. Due to temperature-related, mechanical and age-related changes in the materials used in the system, however, there may be changes in the actual measuring path or the path of the ultrasound signal. whereby the measurement result can change. In order to take such a change into account, it is proposed in the published patent application DE 10 2015 212 622 A1 to physically model thermal deformations of the reflector and to take them into account when evaluating the measured transit time by means of a temperature-dependent correction factor.
  • the reflectors are each designed as a reflector cylinder, the outer surface of which forms a reflector surface, so that the respective reflector surface is arranged on a separate support element, the reflector cylinders being fastened to a separate base plate
  • the determination of the concentration is moreover not based on a transit time measurement of an ultrasound signal, but rather on the evaluation of the measured run difference between the two, which are arranged at different distances from the ultrasound transducer
  • Reflector cylinders Another device for quality determination is also known from the published patent application DE 10 2011 086 774 A1, in which case a reflector is arranged at an angle to the sound transducer.
  • the inventive device with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that it is inexpensive to manufacture, and that changes in
  • the device has a metal or ceramic support element which has the first ultrasound reflector surface and on which the ultrasound transducer is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasound reflector surface in such a way that the ultrasound signal passes between the ultrasound transducer and the first ultrasound reflector surface through an area free of the support element . So it's both the first
  • Ultrasonic reflector surface and the ultrasonic transducer on the carrier element arranged. Characterized in that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the first ultrasonic reflector surface
  • Ultrasound signal - at least when the device is installed in the tank and when there is sufficient liquid in the tank - the liquid passes through. Due to the metallic or ceramic design of the
  • the carrier element ensures that changes in the measuring section due to thermal or mechanical effects are minimized, so that the quality of the liquid, in particular regardless of the temperature of the liquid, can be determined reliably and correctly by the device.
  • the first ultrasonic reflector surface is formed by the carrier element.
  • Ultrasonic reflector surface thus has the same material as the carrier element. This results in a particularly simple to manufacture and inexpensive configuration of the carrier element or the device.
  • the first ultrasonic reflector surface has a different material than the carrier element and is applied to the carrier element.
  • the carrier element is preferably made from a stainless steel material, in particular essentially from stainless steel, particularly preferably from stainless steel. Because of their mechanical strength and their coefficient of thermal expansion, such materials are particularly advantageous for the formation of the carrier element. In addition, the above-mentioned materials are insensitive to aqueous urea solutions and are therefore suitable for use in a tank for providing a urea solution.
  • the carrier element preferably has one bottom section and two
  • Has ultrasonic reflector surface and is arranged on a second of the projections of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • Carrier element ensures that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the first ultrasonic reflector surface
  • the ultrasonic transducer passes through the area free of the support element.
  • the ultrasonic transducer glued to the second projection, for example using an epoxy resin adhesive.
  • the ultrasound transducer is preferably arranged on a side of the second projection facing away from the first projection. Accordingly, the ultrasound signal passes through before it is emitted by the
  • Ultrasound transducer first passes through the second projection.
  • a cover element which protects the side of the ultrasound transducer, through which the ultrasound signal is emitted in the direction of the first ultrasound reflector surface, from the urea solution can be dispensed with.
  • the ultrasound transducer preferably has a housing which covers only the sides of the ultrasound transducer which can be exposed to the liquid when the device is installed in the tank, so that the side through which the ultrasound transducer is arranged on the second projection is designed to be housing-free.
  • Carrier element has a U-shaped cross section. This is a particularly simple or easy to manufacture and robust embodiment of the carrier element.
  • the two legs of the U-shaped cross section preferably form the first or the second projection.
  • the device preferably has a protective element which is arranged on the carrier element in such a way that a closed receiving space is formed at least in sections between the carrier element and the protective element. Under a closed recording room is a
  • the elements of the device which can be damaged by the liquid, which, for example, is an aqueous urea solution as described, are arranged in the receiving space. These elements are thus protected from the liquid.
  • a temperature sensor and / or the ultrasound transducer is preferably arranged in the receiving space. As already described, the arrangement in the receiving space has the advantage that the temperature sensor and / or the ultrasound transducer are protected from the liquid.
  • the temperature sensor is preferably arranged directly on the carrier element.
  • the carrier element is preferably metallic. Such a carrier element has an advantageous thermal conductivity, so that a temperature of the liquid can be detected by the temperature sensor, although the temperature sensor is not in direct contact with the liquid.
  • the device preferably has a control device which is designed to control the test unit, in particular the ultrasound transducer, to generate the ultrasound signal, in particular a burst signal, and in
  • Mass concentration in the liquid especially one
  • Urea concentration of an aqueous urea solution can be determined.
  • the control device is preferably designed to also determine the mass concentration as a function of one detected by the temperature sensor
  • the speed of sound of a liquid changes depending on the temperature of the liquid. Accordingly, taking the temperature into account has the advantage that the measuring accuracy of the device is increased.
  • the carrier element preferably has a second ultrasonic reflector surface for reflecting the emitted ultrasonic signal back to the
  • the control device is preferably designed to determine the measurement path, that is to say the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the first ultrasound reflector surface, as a function of the second time period.
  • the ultrasound signal preferably passes between the
  • Ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface an area that has a low thermal or mechanical deformability.
  • Ultrasonic transducers and the second ultrasonic reflector surface are arranged such that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface only passes through the carrier element.
  • the carrier element has an advantageous resistance to thermal and mechanical influences. Accordingly, depending on the ultrasound signal that has only passed through the carrier element between the ultrasound transducer and the second ultrasound reflector surface, the measurement path can be determined precisely.
  • the ultrasound signal that has only passed through the carrier element between the ultrasound transducer and the second ultrasound reflector surface
  • ultrasonic transducers are arranged such that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface passes through the bottom portion of the carrier element.
  • the metallic support element for electrically contacting the ultrasonic transducer is preferably electrically conductive with the
  • Ultrasonic transducer can be dispensed with. As already mentioned, the
  • Ultrasonic transducer in particular glued to the carrier element or to the second projection.
  • Embodiment used for electrically contacting an electrically conductive adhesive.
  • tank device according to the invention with the features of claim 13, in particular reducing agent tank device for a
  • Exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle is characterized by a tank for storing and providing a liquid, in particular one Exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, and by the device according to the invention for determining the quality of the liquid.
  • FIG. 1 shows a tank device with an advantageous device for determining the quality of a liquid stored in a tank of the tank device according to a first exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 2 The tank device with the device according to a second embodiment
  • FIG. 3 The tank device with the device according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified illustration of an advantageous tank device 1 for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle.
  • Tank device 1 has a tank 2 in which a liquid
  • Exhaust gas treatment agent in the present case an aqueous urea solution 3, is stored.
  • the tank 2 has a removal module 4, which is on a
  • the removal module 4 has one
  • Conveyor 6 by means of which the urea solution 3 is sucked out of the tank 2 and conveyed by means of a line 7, for example to a metering valve or an injection valve.
  • the tank device 1 has a device 8 arranged in the tank 2 for determining a mass concentration of the urea solution 3.
  • device 8 has a test unit 9, which has an ultrasound transducer 10 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal 11 and at least one first ultrasound reflector surface 12 for reflecting back the emitted Ultrasound signal 11 to the ultrasound transducer 10 comprises.
  • the device 8 has a carrier element 13 which has the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and on which the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 such that the ultrasound signal 11 passes between the ultrasound transducer 10 of the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and a region 14 free of the carrier element.
  • the carrier element 13 forms a component of the test unit 9.
  • the test unit 8 is arranged in the tank 2 such that the aqueous urea solution 3 is located in the region 14 that is free of the carrier element. So one runs through the
  • Ultrasonic transducer 10 emitted ultrasonic signal 11 before it hits the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12, the aqueous urea solution 3.
  • Carrier element 13 is metallic in the present case.
  • the carrier element 13 designed in this way has a high stability against thermal and / or mechanical stress.
  • Carrier element 13 not or only slightly.
  • the carrier element 13 is ceramic.
  • the carrier element 13 has a U-shaped cross section in the present case.
  • the carrier element 13 has a base section 16 and two projections 17 and 18, which extend at a distance from one another in the same direction from the base section 16. According to that shown in Figure 1
  • the embodiment is the bottom section 16 on an inside of the
  • the first projection 17 has the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 10 is arranged on the second projection 18. In the present case, the ultrasound transducer 10 is glued to a side 29 of the second projection 18 facing away from the first projection 17.
  • the device 8 has a control unit 19 which is connected to the
  • Ultrasonic transducer 10 is connected.
  • the control unit 19 is designed to control the ultrasound transducer 10 to control the ultrasound signal 11 send out.
  • the emitted ultrasound signal 11 passes through the aqueous urea solution 3, is reflected on the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and, after passing through the aqueous urea solution 3 again, strikes the ultrasound transducer 10.
  • the control unit 19 is designed to be dependent on a running time of the ultrasound signal 11, that is to say in dependence a time difference between the emission of the ultrasound signal 11 by the ultrasound transducer 10 and the reception of the reflected ultrasound signal 11 by the ultrasound transducer 10 to determine the urea concentration of the urea solution 3.
  • Figure 2 shows the tank device 1 with the device 8 according to a second embodiment.
  • the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged on the second projection 18 and on a first side 20 of the base section 16.
  • Ultrasonic transducer 10 also emits the ultrasonic signal 11 into the bottom section 16. A part 21 of the ultrasound signal 11 emitted into the bottom section 16 passes through the bottom section 16 and is connected to a second one
  • Ultrasound reflector surface 22 reflected back to the ultrasound transducer 10.
  • the second ultrasonic reflector surface 22 is formed by a second side 30 facing away from the first side 20 of the bottom section 16.
  • the control unit 19 is designed to measure the mass concentration of the urea solution 3 on the one hand as a function of the time period between the transmission of the ultrasound signal 11 and the reception of the ultrasound signal 11 after the reflection on the first ultrasound reflector surface 12, and on the other hand as a function of the time period between the transmission of the ultrasound signal 11 and the reception of the ultrasound signal 11 after the reflection on the second ultrasound reflector surface 22, that is to say a second time period
  • control device 19 is designed to determine the length of the measurement section 15 as a function of the second time period. Due to the metallic or ceramic design of the carrier element 13, the ultrasound signal 11 in the carrier element 13 has a significantly higher propagation speed than in the urea solution 3. This ensures that the ultrasonic signal 11 after the reflection on the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12 on the later
  • Ultrasonic transducer 10 hits as after the reflection on the second
  • FIG. 3 shows the tank device 1 with the device 8 according to a third embodiment.
  • the differences between the device 8 shown in FIG. 3 and that in FIG. 1 are essentially as follows
  • the device 8 shown in FIG. 3 has a protective element 23 which is arranged on the carrier element 13.
  • the protective element 23 is arranged at least in sections at a distance from the carrier element 13, so that a closed receiving space is at least in sections between the carrier element 13 and the protective element 23
  • the receiving space 24 is formed.
  • the receiving space 24 is separated in terms of fluid technology from the area inside the tank 2 in which the urea solution 3 is stored. Thus, elements that are arranged in the receiving space 24 are in front of the
  • the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged in the receiving space. There is also an optional second ultrasound transducer 25 in the receiving space 24.
  • the control device 19 is connected to the second ultrasound transducer 25 and is designed to do so as a function of a time period between the transmission of the second one
  • a temperature sensor 28 is arranged in the receiving space 24.
  • Temperature sensor 28 is arranged directly on the carrier element 13. Due to the advantageous thermal conductivity of the metallic support element 13, the temperature sensor 8 can determine the temperature of the aqueous urea solution 3 without coming into direct contact with the aqueous urea solution 3.
  • the control unit 19 is connected to the
  • Temperature sensor 28 connected and designed to determine the concentration of the aqueous urea solution 3 as a function of the To determine temperature sensor 28 detected temperature.
  • the control device 19 is arranged outside the tank 2.
  • the tank device 1 or the device 8 according to which the control device 19 inside the tank 2, in particular within the
  • Recording room 24 is arranged.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Exhaust Gas After Treatment (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (8) for determining the quality of a liquid (3), in particular of an exhaust gas aftertreatment medium, comprising at least one test unit (9) which can be arranged in a tank (2) that stores the liquid, said test unit having at least one ultrasonic transducer (10) for emitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal (11) and at least a first ultrasonic reflector surface (12) for reflecting back the emitted ultrasonic signal (11) to the at least one ultrasonic transducer (10). According to the invention, the device (8) has a metallic or ceramic carrier element (13) which has the first ultrasonic reflector surface (12) and on which the ultrasonic transducer (10) is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasonic reflector surface (12) in such a way that the ultrasonic signal (11) passes through a region (14) free of carrier elements between the ultrasonic transducer (10) and the first ultrasonic reflector surface (12).

Description

Beschreibung  description
Titel title
Vorrichtung zur Qualitätsbestimmung einer Flüssigkeit, Tankvorrichtung,  Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device,
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Qualitätsbestimmung einer Flüssigkeit, insbesondere eines Abgasnachbehandlungsmittels, mit zumindest einer in einem die Flüssigkeit aufbewahrenden Tank anordenbaren Prüfeinheit, die zumindest einen Ultraschallwandler zum Aussenden und Empfangen eines The invention relates to a device for determining the quality of a liquid, in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, with at least one test unit which can be arranged in a tank storing the liquid and which has at least one ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving a
Ultraschallsignals und zumindest eine erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche zum Zurückreflektieren des ausgesandten Ultraschallsignals zu dem zumindest einen Ultraschallwandler aufweist. Ultrasound signal and at least one first ultrasound reflector surface for reflecting back the emitted ultrasound signal to the at least one ultrasound transducer.
Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung eine Tankvorrichtung, insbesondere Furthermore, the invention relates to a tank device, in particular
Reduktionsmitteltankvorrichtung für ein Abgasnachbehandlungssystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs, mit einem Tank zur Aufbewahrung und Bereitstellung einer Flüssigkeit, insbesondere eines Abgasnachbehandlungsmittels, und mit der oben genannten Vorrichtung. Reductant tank device for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle, with a tank for storing and providing a liquid, in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, and with the above-mentioned device.
Stand der Technik State of the art
Vorrichtungen und Tankvorrichtungen der eingangs genannten Art sind aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt. Um die immer strenger werdenden gesetzlichen Vorgaben für Abgasemissionen von Kraftfahrzeugen mit Verbrennungsmotoren zu erfüllen, ist es erforderlich, insbesondere bei Dieselmotoren, die Stickoxide (NOx) im Abgas zu reduzieren. Hierfür sind Abgasnachbehandlungssysteme im Einsatz, die Stickoxide selektiv mithilfe von Ammoniak zu Stickstoff reduzieren. Insbesondere die sogenannte selektive katalytische Reduktion (SCR = Selective Catalytic Reduction) hat sich dabei als besonders effizient erwiesen. Als Devices and tank devices of the type mentioned are known from the prior art. In order to meet the increasingly stringent legal requirements for exhaust gas emissions from motor vehicles with internal combustion engines, it is necessary, particularly in the case of diesel engines, to reduce the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. Exhaust gas aftertreatment systems are used for this, which selectively reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen using ammonia. In particular, the so-called selective catalytic reduction (SCR) has proven to be particularly efficient. As
Reduktionsmittel wird dabei eine wässrige Harnstofflösung eingesetzt, die in einen Abgasstrang stromaufwärts eines S CR- Katalysators eingebracht wird. Die Harnstofflösung bildet vor und oder in dem Katalysator Ammoniak, der letztendlich zur gewünschten Verringerung der Stickoxide im Abgas mit Hilfe des S CR- Katalysators führt. An aqueous urea solution is used in the reducing agent an exhaust line is introduced upstream of an S CR catalytic converter. The urea solution forms ammonia before and or in the catalytic converter, which ultimately leads to the desired reduction in nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas with the aid of the S CR catalytic converter.
Um einen sicheren Betrieb des Abgasnachbehandlungssystems zu To ensure safe operation of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system
gewährleisten, ist das Reduktionsmittel in ausreichender Menge und Qualität in dem Tank bereitzustellen. Bei einer zu geringen Qualität, die sich insbesondere durch eine zu geringe Harnstoffkonzentration der wässrigen Harnstofflösung darstellt, nimmt der Wirkungsgrad des Abgasnachbehandlungssystems deutlich ab. Bei einem zu hohen Harnstoffanteil beziehungsweise bei einer zu hohen Harnstoff ko nzentration reagiert das zu viel gebildete Ammoniak nicht mit den Stickoxiden im Abgas und es wird Ammoniak emittiert. Es ist daher von hoher Bedeutung, die Qualität beziehungsweise Konzentration des Reduktionsmittels, insbesondere den Harnstoffanteil in der wässrigen Harnstofflösung, überwachen zu können, auch um ein unzulässiges Nachbetanken des Tanks mit Wasser anstelle von Reduktionsmitteln zu erfassen. ensure that the reducing agent is available in sufficient quantity and quality in the tank. If the quality is too low, in particular due to the urea concentration of the aqueous urea solution being too low, the efficiency of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system decreases significantly. If the proportion of urea is too high or the concentration of urea is too high, the ammonia formed too much does not react with the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas and ammonia is emitted. It is therefore very important to be able to monitor the quality or concentration of the reducing agent, in particular the urea content in the aqueous urea solution, also in order to detect an impermissible refueling of the tank with water instead of reducing agents.
Aus dem Stand der Technik sind bereits unterschiedliche Vorrichtungen bekannt, die berührungsfrei mithilfe von Ultraschallsignalen die Qualität beziehungsweise Konzentration eines Reduktionsmittels überwachen. So offenbart beispielsweise die Offenlegungsschrift US 2016/041024 A eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art. Diese weist einen piezo-elektrischen Schallwandler als Various devices are already known from the prior art which monitor the quality or concentration of a reducing agent in a contact-free manner using ultrasound signals. For example, the published US 2016/041024 A discloses a device of the type mentioned at the beginning. This has a piezoelectric sound transducer
Ultraschallwandler auf, der zugleich Sender und Empfänger ist. Der Ultrasonic transducer that is both a transmitter and a receiver. The
Ultraschallwandler sendet zunächst ein Ultraschallsignal in die in dem Tank befindliche Flüssigkeit aus, wobei das Ultraschallsignal durch eine Ultrasonic transducer first sends an ultrasonic signal into the liquid in the tank, the ultrasonic signal being transmitted by a
Ultraschallreflektorfläche eines Ultraschallreflektors zu dem Ultraschallwandler zurückreflektiert wird und die Flüssigkeit erneut durchläuft. Aus der dabei gemessenen Laufzeit des Ultraschallsignals zwischen Aussenden und Ultrasound reflector surface of an ultrasound reflector is reflected back to the ultrasound transducer and the liquid passes through again. From the measured transit time of the ultrasonic signal between emitting and
Empfangen und der als bekannt angenommenen Länge des Laufwegs werden die Schallgeschwindigkeit der Flüssigkeit und damit die Konzentration des Reduktionsmittels in der Flüssigkeit ermittelt. Aufgrund temperaturbedingter, mechanisch bedingter und alterungsbedingter Änderungen der im System verwendeten Materialen kann es jedoch zu Veränderungen der tatsächlichen Messstrecke, beziehungsweise des Laufwegs des Ultraschallsignals, kommen, wodurch sich das Messergebnis verändern kann. Um eine derartige Veränderung zu berücksichtigen, wird in der Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2015 212 622 Al vorgeschlagen, thermische Verformungen des Reflektors physikalisch zu modellieren und bei der Auswertung der gemessenen Laufzeit mittels eines temperaturabhängigen Korrekturfaktors zu berücksichtigen. Receiving and the length of the travel path assumed to be known, the speed of sound of the liquid and thus the concentration of the reducing agent in the liquid are determined. Due to temperature-related, mechanical and age-related changes in the materials used in the system, however, there may be changes in the actual measuring path or the path of the ultrasound signal. whereby the measurement result can change. In order to take such a change into account, it is proposed in the published patent application DE 10 2015 212 622 A1 to physically model thermal deformations of the reflector and to take them into account when evaluating the measured transit time by means of a temperature-dependent correction factor.
Aus der Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2013 219 643 Al ist es außerdem bekannt, zwei Reflektoren vorzusehen, um thermische und alterungsbedingte Änderungen der Messstrecke, die sich negativ auf die Genauigkeit der Prüfeinheit auswirken, zu reduzieren. Dabei sind die Reflektoren jeweils als Reflektorzylinder ausgebildet, dessen Mantelfläche eine Reflektorfläche bildet, sodass die jeweilige Reflektorfläche an einem separaten Trägerelement angeordnet ist, wobei die Reflektorzylinder auf einer separaten Grundplatte befestigt From the published patent application DE 10 2013 219 643 A1 it is also known to provide two reflectors in order to reduce thermal and aging-related changes in the measuring section which have a negative effect on the accuracy of the test unit. The reflectors are each designed as a reflector cylinder, the outer surface of which forms a reflector surface, so that the respective reflector surface is arranged on a separate support element, the reflector cylinders being fastened to a separate base plate
beziehungsweise gehalten sind. Die Konzentrationsbestimmung basiert dabei außerdem nicht auf einer Laufzeitmessung eines Ultraschallsignals, sondern auf der Auswertung des gemessenen Laufunterschieds zwischen den zwei verschieden weit von dem Ultraschallwandler entfernt angeordneten or are held. The determination of the concentration is moreover not based on a transit time measurement of an ultrasound signal, but rather on the evaluation of the measured run difference between the two, which are arranged at different distances from the ultrasound transducer
Reflektorzylindern. Eine weitere Vorrichtung zur Qualitätsbestimmung ist auch aus der Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2011 086 774 Al bekannt, wobei hier ein Reflektor in einem Winkel zum Schallwandler angeordnet ist. Reflector cylinders. Another device for quality determination is also known from the published patent application DE 10 2011 086 774 A1, in which case a reflector is arranged at an angle to the sound transducer.
Offenbarung der Erfindung Disclosure of the invention
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 hat den Vorteil, dass sie kostengünstig herstellbar ist, und dass Änderungen der The inventive device with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that it is inexpensive to manufacture, and that changes in
Messstrecke vermieden werden, die ansonsten durch Temperaturänderungen der Flüssigkeit oder der Umgebung, durch mechanische Spannungen oder durch materialbedingte Alterungseffekte bewirkt werden könnten. Erfindungsgemäß wird dies dadurch erreicht, das die Vorrichtung ein metallisch oder keramisch ausgebildetes Trägerelement aufweist, das die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche aufweist und an dem der Ultraschallwandler derart beabstandet zu der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche angeordnet ist, dass das Ultraschallsignal zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche einen trägerelementfreien Bereich durchläuft. Es sind also sowohl die erste Measurement path are avoided, which could otherwise be caused by temperature changes in the liquid or the environment, by mechanical stresses or by material-related aging effects. This is achieved according to the invention in that the device has a metal or ceramic support element which has the first ultrasound reflector surface and on which the ultrasound transducer is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasound reflector surface in such a way that the ultrasound signal passes between the ultrasound transducer and the first ultrasound reflector surface through an area free of the support element . So it's both the first
Ultraschallreflektorfläche als auch der Ultraschallwandler an dem Trägerelement angeordnet. Dadurch, dass das Ultraschallsignal zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche einen Ultrasonic reflector surface and the ultrasonic transducer on the carrier element arranged. Characterized in that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the first ultrasonic reflector surface
trägerelementfreien Bereich durchläuft, ist gewährleistet, dass das passes through the area free of the support element, it is guaranteed that the
Ultraschallsignal - zumindest wenn die Vorrichtung in den Tank eingebaut ist und wenn sich ausreichend Flüssigkeit in dem Tank befindet - die Flüssigkeit durchläuft. Durch die metallische oder keramische Ausbildung des Ultrasound signal - at least when the device is installed in the tank and when there is sufficient liquid in the tank - the liquid passes through. Due to the metallic or ceramic design of the
Trägerelementes wird dabei gewährleistet, dass Veränderungen der Messstrecke durch thermische oder mechanische Einwirkungen minimiert werden, sodass die Qualität der Flüssigkeit insbesondere unabhängig davon, welche Temperatur die Flüssigkeit aufweist, zuverlässig und korrekt durch die Vorrichtung ermittelbar ist. The carrier element ensures that changes in the measuring section due to thermal or mechanical effects are minimized, so that the quality of the liquid, in particular regardless of the temperature of the liquid, can be determined reliably and correctly by the device.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist vorgesehen, dass die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche durch das Trägerelement gebildet ist. Die erste According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first ultrasonic reflector surface is formed by the carrier element. The first
Ultraschallreflektorfläche weist somit das gleiche Material wie das Trägerelement auf. Daraus ergibt sich eine besonders einfach herstellbare und kostengünstige Ausgestaltung des Trägerelements beziehungsweise der Vorrichtung. Alternativ dazu weist die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche ein anderes Material als das Trägerelement auf und ist auf das Trägerelement aufgebracht. Ultrasonic reflector surface thus has the same material as the carrier element. This results in a particularly simple to manufacture and inexpensive configuration of the carrier element or the device. Alternatively, the first ultrasonic reflector surface has a different material than the carrier element and is applied to the carrier element.
Vorzugsweise ist das Trägerelement aus einem Edelstahlwerkstoff, insbesondere im Wesentlichen aus Edelstahl, besonders bevorzugt aus Edelstahl, gefertigt. Derartige Werkstoffe eignen sich aufgrund ihrer mechanischen Festigkeit und ihres Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten besonders vorteilhaft für die Ausbildung des Trägerelementes. Außerdem sind die oben genannten Werkstoffe unempfindlich gegenüber wässrigen Harnstofflösungen und deshalb zum Einsatz in einem Tank zum Bereitstellen einer Harnstofflösung geeignet. The carrier element is preferably made from a stainless steel material, in particular essentially from stainless steel, particularly preferably from stainless steel. Because of their mechanical strength and their coefficient of thermal expansion, such materials are particularly advantageous for the formation of the carrier element. In addition, the above-mentioned materials are insensitive to aqueous urea solutions and are therefore suitable for use in a tank for providing a urea solution.
Vorzugsweise weist das Trägerelement einen Bodenabschnitt und zwei The carrier element preferably has one bottom section and two
Vorsprünge auf, die beabstandet voneinander in eine gleiche Richtung von dem Bodenabschnitt ausgehen, wobei ein erster der Vorsprünge die erste Projections spaced from each other in the same direction from the bottom portion, a first of the projections being the first
Ultraschallreflektorfläche aufweist, und an einem zweiten der Vorsprünge der Ultraschallwandler angeordnet ist. Durch eine derartige Ausbildung des Has ultrasonic reflector surface, and is arranged on a second of the projections of the ultrasonic transducer. By such training the
Trägerelementes wird gewährleistet, dass das Ultraschallsignal zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche einen Carrier element ensures that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the first ultrasonic reflector surface
trägerelementfreien Bereich durchläuft. Insbesondere ist der Ultraschallwandler mit dem zweiten Vorsprung verklebt, beispielsweise unter Verwendung eines Epoxidharzklebers. passes through the area free of the support element. In particular, the ultrasonic transducer glued to the second projection, for example using an epoxy resin adhesive.
Vorzugsweise ist der Ultraschallwandler auf einer von dem ersten Vorsprung abgewandten Seite des zweiten Vorsprungs angeordnet. Demnach durchläuft das Ultraschallsignal bevor es nach dem Aussenden durch den The ultrasound transducer is preferably arranged on a side of the second projection facing away from the first projection. Accordingly, the ultrasound signal passes through before it is emitted by the
Ultraschallwandler den trägerelementfreien Bereich durchläuft zuerst den zweiten Vorsprung. Es ergibt sich daraus der Vorteil, dass auf ein Abdeckelement, das die Seite des Ultraschallwandlers, durch die das Ultraschallsignal in Richtung der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche ausgesendet wird, vor der Harnstofflösung schützt, verzichtet werden kann. Vorzugsweise weist der Ultraschallwandler ein Gehäuse auf, das nur die Seiten des Ultraschallwandlers abdeckt, die beim Einbau der Vorrichtung in den Tank der Flüssigkeit ausgesetzt werden können, sodass die Seite, durch die der Ultraschallwandler an dem zweiten Vorsprung angeordnet ist, gehäusefrei ausgebildet ist. Ultrasound transducer first passes through the second projection. This results in the advantage that a cover element which protects the side of the ultrasound transducer, through which the ultrasound signal is emitted in the direction of the first ultrasound reflector surface, from the urea solution can be dispensed with. The ultrasound transducer preferably has a housing which covers only the sides of the ultrasound transducer which can be exposed to the liquid when the device is installed in the tank, so that the side through which the ultrasound transducer is arranged on the second projection is designed to be housing-free.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist vorgesehen, dass das According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the
Trägerelement einen U-förmigen Querschnitt aufweist. Dabei handelt es sich um eine besonders einfache beziehungsweise einfach herstellbare und robuste Ausführungsform des Trägerelements. Dabei bilden die beiden Schenkel des U- förmigen Querschnitts vorzugsweise den ersten beziehungsweise den zweiten Vorsprung. Carrier element has a U-shaped cross section. This is a particularly simple or easy to manufacture and robust embodiment of the carrier element. The two legs of the U-shaped cross section preferably form the first or the second projection.
Vorzugsweise weist die Vorrichtung ein Schutzelement auf, das derart an dem Trägerelement angeordnet ist, dass zwischen dem Trägerelement und dem Schutzelement zumindest abschnittsweise ein geschlossener Aufnahmeraum gebildet ist. Unter einem geschlossenen Aufnahmeraum ist dabei ein The device preferably has a protective element which is arranged on the carrier element in such a way that a closed receiving space is formed at least in sections between the carrier element and the protective element. Under a closed recording room is a
Aufnahmeraum zu verstehen, der bei einem Einbau der Vorrichtung in den Tank fluidtechnisch von einem Bereich in dem Tank getrennt ist, in dem die Flüssigkeit aufbewahrt ist. Vorzugsweise sind die Elemente der Vorrichtung, die durch die Flüssigkeit, bei der es sich wie beschrieben beispielsweise um eine wässrige Harnstofflösung handelt, beschädigt werden können, in dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnet. Somit sind diese Elemente vor der Flüssigkeit geschützt. Vorzugsweise ist ein Temperatursensor und/oder der Ultraschallwandler in dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnet. Durch die Anordnung in dem Aufnahmeraum ergibt sich wie bereits beschrieben der Vorteil, dass der Temperatursensor und/oder der Ultraschallwandler vor der Flüssigkeit geschützt sind. Vorzugsweise ist der Temperatursensor direkt an dem Trägerelement angeordnet. Wie bereits erwähnt, ist das Trägerelement vorzugsweise metallisch ausgebildet. Ein derartiges Trägerelement weist eine vorteilhafte Wärmeleitfähigkeit auf, sodass durch den Temperatursensor eine Temperatur der Flüssigkeit erfasst werden kann, obwohl der Temperatursensor nicht direkt in Berührkontakt mit der Flüssigkeit steht. To understand the receiving space, which is separated fluidically from an area in the tank in which the liquid is stored when the device is installed in the tank. Preferably, the elements of the device, which can be damaged by the liquid, which, for example, is an aqueous urea solution as described, are arranged in the receiving space. These elements are thus protected from the liquid. A temperature sensor and / or the ultrasound transducer is preferably arranged in the receiving space. As already described, the arrangement in the receiving space has the advantage that the temperature sensor and / or the ultrasound transducer are protected from the liquid. The temperature sensor is preferably arranged directly on the carrier element. As already mentioned, the carrier element is preferably metallic. Such a carrier element has an advantageous thermal conductivity, so that a temperature of the liquid can be detected by the temperature sensor, although the temperature sensor is not in direct contact with the liquid.
Vorzugsweise weist die Vorrichtung ein Steuergerät auf, das dazu ausgebildet ist, die Prüfeinheit, insbesondere den Ultraschallwandler dazu anzusteuern, das Ultraschallsignal, insbesondere ein Burst-Signal, zu erzeugen und in The device preferably has a control device which is designed to control the test unit, in particular the ultrasound transducer, to generate the ultrasound signal, in particular a burst signal, and in
Abhängigkeit von einer Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des Dependence on a period of time between sending the
Ultraschallsignals und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals nach einer Reflexion des Ultraschallsignals an der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche eine Massenkonzentration in der Flüssigkeit zu bestimmen. Durch das Vorsehen des Steuergeräts wird gewährleistet, dass durch die Vorrichtung die Ultrasound signal and receiving the ultrasound signal after a reflection of the ultrasound signal on the first ultrasound reflector surface to determine a mass concentration in the liquid. The provision of the control device ensures that the device
Massenkonzentration in der Flüssigkeit, insbesondere eine Mass concentration in the liquid, especially one
Harnstoffkonzentration einer wässrigen Harnstofflösung, bestimmt werden kann. Vorzugsweise ist das Steuergerät dazu ausgebildet, die Massenkonzentration auch in Abhängigkeit von einer durch den Temperatursensor erfassten Urea concentration of an aqueous urea solution can be determined. The control device is preferably designed to also determine the mass concentration as a function of one detected by the temperature sensor
Temperatur zu ermitteln. Dabei wird davon ausgegangen, dass die Determine temperature. It is assumed that the
Schallgeschwindigkeit einer Flüssigkeit sich in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur der Flüssigkeit verändert. Demnach ergibt sich durch das Berücksichtigen der Temperatur der Vorteil, dass die Messgenauigkeit der Vorrichtung gesteigert wird. The speed of sound of a liquid changes depending on the temperature of the liquid. Accordingly, taking the temperature into account has the advantage that the measuring accuracy of the device is increased.
Vorzugsweise weist das Trägerelement eine zweite Ultraschallreflektorfläche zum Zurückreflektieren des ausgesandten Ultraschallsignals zu dem The carrier element preferably has a second ultrasonic reflector surface for reflecting the emitted ultrasonic signal back to the
Ultraschallwandler auf, wobei das Steuergerät dazu ausgebildet ist, die Ultrasonic transducer, wherein the control device is designed to
Massenkonzentration in Abhängigkeit von einer zweiten Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des Ultraschallsignals und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals nach einer Reflektion an der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche zu bestimmen. Daraus ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass die Messgenauigkeit der Vorrichtung weiter erhöht wird. Vorzugsweise ist das Steuergerät dazu ausgebildet, in Abhängigkeit von der zweiten Zeitdauer die Messstrecke, also die Entfernung zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche, zu ermitteln. Determine mass concentration as a function of a second time period between the transmission of the ultrasound signal and the reception of the ultrasound signal after a reflection on the second ultrasound reflector surface. This has the advantage that the measuring accuracy of the device is further increased. The control device is preferably designed to determine the measurement path, that is to say the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the first ultrasound reflector surface, as a function of the second time period.
Vorzugsweise durchläuft das Ultraschallsignal hierzu zwischen dem For this purpose, the ultrasound signal preferably passes between the
Ultraschallwandler und der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche einen Bereich, der eine geringe thermische beziehungsweise mechanische Verformbarkeit aufweist. Ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface an area that has a low thermal or mechanical deformability.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist vorgesehen, dass der According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the
Ultraschallwandler und die zweite Ultraschallreflektorfläche derart angeordnet sind, dass das Ultraschallsignal zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche nur das Trägerelement durchläuft. Wie bereits erwähnt, weist das Trägerelement eine vorteilhafte Widerstandsfähigkeit gegenüber thermischen und mechanischen Einflüssen auf. Demnach kann in Abhängigkeit von dem Ultraschallsignal, das zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche nur das Trägerelement durchlaufen hat, die Messstrecke genau ermittelt werden. Insbesondere ist der Ultrasonic transducers and the second ultrasonic reflector surface are arranged such that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface only passes through the carrier element. As already mentioned, the carrier element has an advantageous resistance to thermal and mechanical influences. Accordingly, depending on the ultrasound signal that has only passed through the carrier element between the ultrasound transducer and the second ultrasound reflector surface, the measurement path can be determined precisely. In particular, the
Ultraschallwandler dazu derart angeordnet, dass das Ultraschallsignal zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler und der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche den Bodenab schnitt des Trägerelements durchläuft. For this purpose, ultrasonic transducers are arranged such that the ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic reflector surface passes through the bottom portion of the carrier element.
Vorzugsweise ist das metallisch ausgebildete Trägerelement zur elektrischen Kontaktierung des Ultraschallwandlers elektrisch leitend mit dem The metallic support element for electrically contacting the ultrasonic transducer is preferably electrically conductive with the
Ultraschallwandler verbunden. Daraus ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass auf eine zusätzliche elektrische Leitung zur elektrischen Kontaktierung des Ultrasonic transducer connected. This has the advantage that an additional electrical line for electrical contacting of the
Ultraschallwandlers verzichtet werden kann. Wie bereits erwähnt, ist der Ultrasonic transducer can be dispensed with. As already mentioned, the
Ultraschallwandler insbesondere mit dem Trägerelement beziehungsweise mit dem zweiten Vorsprung verklebt. Vorzugsweise wird gemäß dieser Ultrasonic transducer in particular glued to the carrier element or to the second projection. Preferably according to this
Ausführungsform zur elektrischen Kontaktierung ein elektrisch leitender Kleber verwendet. Embodiment used for electrically contacting an electrically conductive adhesive.
Die erfindungsgemäße Tankvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 13, insbesondere Reduktionsmitteltankvorrichtung für ein The tank device according to the invention with the features of claim 13, in particular reducing agent tank device for a
Abgasnachbehandlungssystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs, zeichnet sich durch einen Tank zur Aufbewahrung und Bereitstellung einer Flüssigkeit, insbesondere eines Abgasnachbehandlungsmitels, und durch die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Qualitätsbestimmung der Flüssigkeit aus. Es ergeben sich daraus die bereits genannten Vorteile. Weitere bevorzugte Merkmale und Merkmalskombinationen ergeben sich aus dem zuvor Beschriebenen sowie aus den Ansprüchen. Exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle is characterized by a tank for storing and providing a liquid, in particular one Exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, and by the device according to the invention for determining the quality of the liquid. This results in the advantages already mentioned. Further preferred features and combinations of features result from what has been described above and from the claims.
Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert, wobei gleiche und entsprechende Elemente mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen sind. Dazu zeigen: The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, the same and corresponding elements being provided with the same reference symbols. To show:
Figur 1 Eine Tankvorrichtung mit einer vorteilhaften Vorrichtung zur Qualitätsbestimmung einer in einem Tank der Tankvorrichtung gelagerten Flüssigkeit gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, 1 shows a tank device with an advantageous device for determining the quality of a liquid stored in a tank of the tank device according to a first exemplary embodiment,
Figur 2 Die Tankvorrichtung mit der Vorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel und Figure 2 The tank device with the device according to a second embodiment and
Figur 3 Die Tankvorrichtung mit der Vorrichtung gemäß einem driten Ausführungsbeispiel. Figure 3 The tank device with the device according to a third embodiment.
Figur 1 zeigt in einer vereinfachten Darstellung eine vorteilhafte Tankvorrichtung 1 für ein Abgasnachbehandlungssystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs. Die FIG. 1 shows a simplified illustration of an advantageous tank device 1 for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle. The
Tankvorrichtung 1 weist einen Tank 2 auf, in dem ein flüssiges Tank device 1 has a tank 2 in which a liquid
Abgasnachbehandlungsmitel, vorliegend eine wässrige Harnstoff lösung 3, gelagert ist. Der Tank 2 weist eine Entnahmemodul 4 auf, das auf einem Exhaust gas treatment agent, in the present case an aqueous urea solution 3, is stored. The tank 2 has a removal module 4, which is on a
Tankboden 5 des Tanks 2 aufliegt. Das Entnahmemodul 4 weist eine Tank bottom 5 of the tank 2 rests. The removal module 4 has one
Fördereinrichtung 6 auf, mitels welcher die Harnstofflösung 3 aus dem Tank 2 angesaugt und mitels einer Leitung 7 beispielsweise zu einem Dosierventil oder einem Einspritzventil befördert werden kann. Conveyor 6, by means of which the urea solution 3 is sucked out of the tank 2 and conveyed by means of a line 7, for example to a metering valve or an injection valve.
Die Tankvorrichtung 1 weist eine in dem Tank 2 angeordnete Vorrichtung 8 zum Bestimmen einer Massenkonzentration der Harnstofflösung 3 auf. Die The tank device 1 has a device 8 arranged in the tank 2 for determining a mass concentration of the urea solution 3. The
Vorrichtung 8 weist hierzu eine Prüfeinheit 9 auf, die einen Ultraschallwandler 10 zum Aussenden und Empfangen eines Ultraschallsignals 11 und zumindest eine erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 zum Zurückreflektieren des ausgesandten Ultraschallsignals 11 zu dem Ultraschallwandler 10 umfasst. Außerdem weist die Vorrichtung 8 ein Trägerelement 13 auf, das die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 aufweist und an dem der Ultraschallwandler 10 derart beabstandet zu der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 angeordnet ist, dass das Ultraschallsignal 11 zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler 10 der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 einen trägerelementfreien Bereich 14 durchläuft. Das Trägerelement 13 bildet dabei einen Bestandteil der Prüfeinheit 9. Die Prüfeinheit 8 ist dabei derart in dem Tank 2 angeordnet, dass sich in dem trägerelementfreien Bereich 14 die wässrige Harnstofflösung 3 befindet. Somit durchläuft ein durch den For this purpose, device 8 has a test unit 9, which has an ultrasound transducer 10 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal 11 and at least one first ultrasound reflector surface 12 for reflecting back the emitted Ultrasound signal 11 to the ultrasound transducer 10 comprises. In addition, the device 8 has a carrier element 13 which has the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and on which the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 such that the ultrasound signal 11 passes between the ultrasound transducer 10 of the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and a region 14 free of the carrier element. The carrier element 13 forms a component of the test unit 9. The test unit 8 is arranged in the tank 2 such that the aqueous urea solution 3 is located in the region 14 that is free of the carrier element. So one runs through the
Ultraschallwandler 10 ausgesendetes Ultraschallsignal 11 bevor es auf die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 trifft die wässrige Harnstofflösung 3. Das Ultrasonic transducer 10 emitted ultrasonic signal 11 before it hits the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12, the aqueous urea solution 3. Das
Trägerelement 13 ist vorliegend metallisch ausgebildet. Das derart ausgebildete Trägerelement 13 weist eine hohe Stabilität gegenüber thermischer und/oder mechanischer Belastung auf. Somit verändert sich eine Messstrecke 15, also eine Länge des trägerelementfreien Bereichs 14, den das Ultraschallsignal 11 zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler 10 und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 durchläuft, bei thermischer und/oder mechanischer Belastung des Carrier element 13 is metallic in the present case. The carrier element 13 designed in this way has a high stability against thermal and / or mechanical stress. A measuring path 15, that is to say a length of the region 14 which is free of carrier elements and through which the ultrasound signal 11 passes between the ultrasound transducer 10 and the first ultrasound reflector surface 12, thus changes under thermal and / or mechanical loading of the
Trägerelements 13 nicht beziehungsweise nur geringfügig. Alternativ zu der metallischen Ausbildung ist das Trägerelement 13 keramisch ausgebildet. Carrier element 13 not or only slightly. As an alternative to the metallic design, the carrier element 13 is ceramic.
Das Trägerelement 13 weist vorliegend einen U-förmigen Querschnitt auf. Hierzu weist das Trägerelement 13 einen Bodenabschnitt 16 und zwei Vorsprünge 17 und 18 auf, die beabstandet voneinander in eine gleiche Richtung von dem Bodenabschnitt 16 ausgehen. Gemäß dem in Figur 1 dargestellten The carrier element 13 has a U-shaped cross section in the present case. For this purpose, the carrier element 13 has a base section 16 and two projections 17 and 18, which extend at a distance from one another in the same direction from the base section 16. According to that shown in Figure 1
Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Bodenabschnitt 16 an einer Innenseite des The embodiment is the bottom section 16 on an inside of the
Tankbodens 5 befestigt. Alternativ dazu ist der Bodenabschnitt 16 in den Tankboden 5 integriert, sodass der Bodenabschnitt 16 den Tankboden 5 mitbildet. Dabei weist der erste Vorsprung 17 die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 auf. An dem zweiten Vorsprung 18 ist der Ultraschallwandler 10 angeordnet. Vorliegend ist der Ultraschallwandler 10 mit einer von dem ersten Vorsprung 17 abgewandten Seite 29 des zweiten Vorsprungs 18 verklebt. Tank bottom 5 attached. Alternatively, the bottom section 16 is integrated into the tank bottom 5, so that the bottom section 16 also forms the tank bottom 5. The first projection 17 has the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12. The ultrasonic transducer 10 is arranged on the second projection 18. In the present case, the ultrasound transducer 10 is glued to a side 29 of the second projection 18 facing away from the first projection 17.
Außerdem weist die Vorrichtung 8 ein Steuergerät 19 auf, das mit dem In addition, the device 8 has a control unit 19 which is connected to the
Ultraschallwandler 10 verbunden ist. Das Steuergerät 19 ist dazu ausgebildet, den Ultraschallwandler 10 dazu anzusteuern, das Ultraschallsignal 11 auszusenden. Das ausgesendete Ultraschallsignal 11 durchläuft die wässrige Harnstofflösung 3, wird an der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 reflektiert und trifft nach erneutem Durchlaufen der wässrigen Harnstofflösung 3 auf den Ultraschallwandler 10. Das Steuergerät 19 ist dazu ausgebildet, in Abhängigkeit von einer Laufzeit des Ultraschallsignals 11, also in Abhängigkeit von einem Zeitunterschied zwischen dem Aussenden des Ultraschallsignals 11 durch den Ultraschallwandler 10 und dem Empfangen des reflektierten Ultraschallsignals 11 durch den Ultraschallwandler 10, die Harnstoffkonzentration der Harnstofflösung 3 zu ermitteln. Ultrasonic transducer 10 is connected. The control unit 19 is designed to control the ultrasound transducer 10 to control the ultrasound signal 11 send out. The emitted ultrasound signal 11 passes through the aqueous urea solution 3, is reflected on the first ultrasound reflector surface 12 and, after passing through the aqueous urea solution 3 again, strikes the ultrasound transducer 10. The control unit 19 is designed to be dependent on a running time of the ultrasound signal 11, that is to say in dependence a time difference between the emission of the ultrasound signal 11 by the ultrasound transducer 10 and the reception of the reflected ultrasound signal 11 by the ultrasound transducer 10 to determine the urea concentration of the urea solution 3.
Figur 2 zeigt die Tankvorrichtung 1 mit der Vorrichtung 8 gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel. Im Folgenden wird im Wesentlichen auf die Unterschiede zwischen dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung 8 und dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel eingegangen. Der Ultraschallwandler 10 ist gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel an dem zweiten Vorsprung 18 und an einer ersten Seite 20 des Bodenabschnitts 16 angeordnet. Somit sendet der Figure 2 shows the tank device 1 with the device 8 according to a second embodiment. In the following, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment of the device 8 and the second exemplary embodiment are dealt with essentially. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged on the second projection 18 and on a first side 20 of the base section 16. Thus the
Ultraschallwandler 10 das Ultraschallsignal 11 auch in den Bodenabschnitt 16 aus. Ein in den Bodenabschnitt 16 ausgesendeter Teil 21 des Ultraschallsignals 11 durchläuft den Bodenabschnitt 16 und wird an einer zweiten Ultrasonic transducer 10 also emits the ultrasonic signal 11 into the bottom section 16. A part 21 of the ultrasound signal 11 emitted into the bottom section 16 passes through the bottom section 16 and is connected to a second one
Ultraschallreflektorfläche 22 zum Ultraschallwandler 10 zurückreflektiert. Die zweite Ultraschallreflektorfläche 22 wird dabei durch eine von der ersten Seite 20 des Bodenabschnitts 16 abgewandte zweite Seite 30 gebildet. Das Steuergerät 19 ist dabei dazu ausgebildet, die Massenkonzentration der Harnstofflösung 3 einerseits in Abhängigkeit von der Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des Ultraschallsignals 11 und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals 11 nach der Reflektion an der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12, und andererseits in Abhängigkeit von der Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des Ultraschallsignals 11 und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals 11 nach der Reflektion an der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 22, also einer zweiten Zeitdauer, zu Ultrasound reflector surface 22 reflected back to the ultrasound transducer 10. The second ultrasonic reflector surface 22 is formed by a second side 30 facing away from the first side 20 of the bottom section 16. The control unit 19 is designed to measure the mass concentration of the urea solution 3 on the one hand as a function of the time period between the transmission of the ultrasound signal 11 and the reception of the ultrasound signal 11 after the reflection on the first ultrasound reflector surface 12, and on the other hand as a function of the time period between the transmission of the ultrasound signal 11 and the reception of the ultrasound signal 11 after the reflection on the second ultrasound reflector surface 22, that is to say a second time period
bestimmen. Vorliegend ist das Steuergerät 19 dazu ausgebildet, in Abhängigkeit von der zweiten Zeitdauer die Länge der Messstrecke 15 zu ermitteln. Aufgrund der metallischen beziehungsweise keramischen Ausbildung des Trägerelements 13 weist das Ultraschallsignal 11 in dem Trägerelement 13 eine wesentlich größere Ausbreitungsgeschwindigkeit als in der Harnstofflösung 3 auf. Dadurch wird gewährleistet, dass das Ultraschallsignal 11 nach der Reflektion an der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche 12 zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt auf den determine. In the present case, the control device 19 is designed to determine the length of the measurement section 15 as a function of the second time period. Due to the metallic or ceramic design of the carrier element 13, the ultrasound signal 11 in the carrier element 13 has a significantly higher propagation speed than in the urea solution 3. This ensures that the ultrasonic signal 11 after the reflection on the first ultrasonic reflector surface 12 on the later
Ultraschallwandler 10 trifft als nach der Reflexion an der zweiten Ultrasonic transducer 10 hits as after the reflection on the second
Ultraschallreflektorfläche 22. Ultrasonic reflector surface 22.
Figur 3 zeigt die Tankvorrichtung 1 mit der Vorrichtung 8 gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel. Im Folgenden werden im Wesentlichen die Unterschiede zwischen der in Figur 3 dargestellten Vorrichtung 8 und der in Figur 1 Figure 3 shows the tank device 1 with the device 8 according to a third embodiment. The differences between the device 8 shown in FIG. 3 and that in FIG. 1 are essentially as follows
dargestellten Vorrichtung 8 erläutert. Die in Figur 3 dargestellte Vorrichtung 8 weist ein Schutzelement 23 auf, das an dem Trägerelement 13 angeordnet ist. Das Schutzelement 23 ist zumindest abschnittsweise beabstandet von dem Trägerelement 13 angeordnet, sodass zwischen dem Trägerelement 13 und dem Schutzelement 23 zumindest abschnittsweise ein geschlossener Aufnahmeraumillustrated device 8 explained. The device 8 shown in FIG. 3 has a protective element 23 which is arranged on the carrier element 13. The protective element 23 is arranged at least in sections at a distance from the carrier element 13, so that a closed receiving space is at least in sections between the carrier element 13 and the protective element 23
24 gebildet ist. Der Aufnahmeraum 24 ist fluidtechnisch von dem Bereich innerhalb des Tanks 2 getrennt, in dem die Harnstofflösung 3 gelagert ist. Somit sind Elemente, die in dem Aufnahmeraum 24 angeordnet sind vor der 24 is formed. The receiving space 24 is separated in terms of fluid technology from the area inside the tank 2 in which the urea solution 3 is stored. Thus, elements that are arranged in the receiving space 24 are in front of the
Harnstofflösung 3 geschützt. Vorliegend ist der Ultraschallwandler 10 in dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnet. Weiterhin befindet sich ein optionaler zweiter Ultraschallwandler 25 in dem Aufnahmeraum 24. Der zweite UltraschallwandlerProtected urea solution 3. In the present case, the ultrasound transducer 10 is arranged in the receiving space. There is also an optional second ultrasound transducer 25 in the receiving space 24. The second ultrasound transducer
25 ist dazu ausgebildet, ein zweites Ultraschallsignal 26 auszusenden und das zweite Ultraschallsignal 26 nach einer Reflexion des zweiten Ultraschallsignals25 is designed to emit a second ultrasonic signal 26 and the second ultrasonic signal 26 after reflection of the second ultrasonic signal
26 an einer Oberfläche 27 der Harnstofflösung 3 zu empfangen. Das Steuergerät 19 ist mit dem zweiten Ultraschallwandler 25 verbunden und dazu ausgebildet, in Abhängigkeit von einer Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des zweiten 26 on a surface 27 of the urea solution 3. The control device 19 is connected to the second ultrasound transducer 25 and is designed to do so as a function of a time period between the transmission of the second one
Ultraschallsignals 26 und dem Empfangen des zweiten Ultraschallsignals 26 eine Füllhöhe der wässrigen Harnstofflösung 3 in dem Tank 2 zu bestimmen. Ultrasound signal 26 and receiving the second ultrasound signal 26 to determine a fill level of the aqueous urea solution 3 in the tank 2.
Außerdem ist gemäß dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ein Temperatursensor 28 in dem Aufnahmeraum 24 angeordnet. Der In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a temperature sensor 28 is arranged in the receiving space 24. The
Temperatursensor 28 ist dabei direkt an dem Trägerelement 13 angeordnet. Aufgrund der vorteilhaften Wärmeleitfähigkeit des metallisch ausgebildeten Trägerelements 13 kann der Temperatursensor 8 die Temperatur der wässrigen Harnstofflösung 3 ermitteln ohne direkt in Berührkontakt mit der wässrigen Harnstofflösung 3 zu gelangen. Das Steuergerät 19 ist mit dem Temperature sensor 28 is arranged directly on the carrier element 13. Due to the advantageous thermal conductivity of the metallic support element 13, the temperature sensor 8 can determine the temperature of the aqueous urea solution 3 without coming into direct contact with the aqueous urea solution 3. The control unit 19 is connected to the
Temperatursensor 28 verbunden und dazu ausgebildet, die Konzentration der wässrigen Harnstofflösung 3 in Abhängigkeit von der durch den Temperatursensor 28 erfassten Temperatur zu ermitteln. Gemäß den in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen ist das Steuergerät 19 außerhalb des Tanks 2 angeordnet. Allerdings bestehen auch Ausführungsbeispiele der Tankvorrichtung 1 beziehungsweise der Vorrichtung 8, gemäß denen das Steuergerät 19 innerhalb des Tanks 2, insbesondere innerhalb des Temperature sensor 28 connected and designed to determine the concentration of the aqueous urea solution 3 as a function of the To determine temperature sensor 28 detected temperature. According to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the control device 19 is arranged outside the tank 2. However, there are also exemplary embodiments of the tank device 1 or the device 8, according to which the control device 19 inside the tank 2, in particular within the
Aufnahmeraums 24, angeordnet ist.  Recording room 24 is arranged.

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
1. Vorrichtung (9) zur Qualitätsbestimmung einer Flüssigkeit (3), insbesondere eines Abgasnachbehandlungsmittels, mit zumindest einer in einem die 1. Device (9) for determining the quality of a liquid (3), in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, with at least one in one
Flüssigkeit (3) aufbewahrenden Tank (2) anordenbaren Prüfeinheit (9), die zumindest einen Ultraschallwandler (10) zum Aussenden und Empfangen eines Ultraschallsignals (11) und zumindest eine erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) zum Zurückreflektieren des ausgesandten Ultraschallsignals (11) zu dem zumindest einen Ultraschallwandler (10) aufweist, gekennzeichnet durch ein metallisch oder keramisch ausgebildetes Trägerelement (13), das die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) aufweist und an dem der Ultraschallwandler (10) derart beabstandet zu der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) angeordnet ist, dass das Ultraschallsignal (11) zwischen dem Ultraschallwandler (10) und der ersten Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) einen trägerelementfreien Bereich (14) durchläuft.  Liquid (3) storage tank (2) which can be arranged with a test unit (9) which has at least one ultrasound transducer (10) for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal (11) and at least one first ultrasound reflector surface (12) for reflecting the emitted ultrasound signal (11) back to the at least one has an ultrasonic transducer (10), characterized by a metal or ceramic carrier element (13) which has the first ultrasonic reflector surface (12) and on which the ultrasonic transducer (10) is arranged at a distance from the first ultrasonic reflector surface (12) such that the ultrasonic signal (11) passes between the ultrasound transducer (10) and the first ultrasound reflector surface (12) through a region (14) free of support elements.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first
Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) durch das Trägerelement (13) gebildet ist.  Ultrasonic reflector surface (12) is formed by the carrier element (13).
3. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch 3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägerelement (13) aus einem Edelstahl- Werkstoff, insbesondere im Wesentlichen aus Edelstahl, besonders bevorzugt aus Edelstahl, gefertigt ist.  characterized in that the carrier element (13) is made of a stainless steel material, in particular essentially of stainless steel, particularly preferably of stainless steel.
4. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägerelement (13) einen Bodenabschnitt (16) und zwei Vorsprünge (17,18) aufweist, die beabstandet voneinander in eine gleiche Richtung von dem Bodenabschnitt (16) ausgehen, wobei ein erster der Vorsprünge (17) die erste Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) aufweist, und an einem zweiten der Vorsprünge (18) der Ultraschallwandler (10) angeordnet ist. characterized in that the carrier element (13) has a base section (16) and two projections (17, 18) which extend at a distance from one another in the same direction from the base section (16), a first of the projections (17) the first ultrasonic reflector surface ( 12), and the ultrasound transducer (10) is arranged on a second of the projections (18).
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the
Ultraschallwandler (10) auf einer von dem ersten Vorsprung (17) abgewandten Seite des zweiten Vorsprungs (18) angeordnet ist.  Ultrasonic transducer (10) is arranged on a side of the second projection (18) facing away from the first projection (17).
6. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägerelement (13) einen U-förmigen Querschnitt aufweist.  characterized in that the carrier element (13) has a U-shaped cross section.
7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch ein Schutzelement (23), das derart an dem Trägerelement (13) angeordnet ist, dass zwischen dem Trägerelement (13) und dem 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a protective element (23) which is arranged on the carrier element (13) such that between the carrier element (13) and the
Schutzelement (23) zumindest abschnittsweise ein geschlossener  Protection element (23) at least in sections a closed
Aufnahmeraum (24) gebildet ist.  Recording space (24) is formed.
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that a
Temperatursensor (28) und/oder der Ultraschallwandler (10) in dem  Temperature sensor (28) and / or the ultrasonic transducer (10) in the
Aufnahmeraum (24) angeordnet sind.  Recording space (24) are arranged.
9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch ein Steuergerät (19), das dazu ausgebildet ist, die Prüfeinheit (9), insbesondere den Ultraschallwandler (10), dazu anzusteuern, das 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (19) which is designed to control the test unit (9), in particular the ultrasound transducer (10), to the
Ultraschallsignal (11), insbesondere ein Burst-Signal, zu erzeugen und in Abhängigkeit von einer Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des  Generate ultrasonic signal (11), in particular a burst signal, and as a function of a time period between the transmission of the
Ultraschallsignals (11) und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals (11) nach einer Reflexion des Ultraschallsignals (11) an der ersten  Ultrasonic signal (11) and receiving the ultrasonic signal (11) after reflection of the ultrasonic signal (11) at the first
Ultraschallreflektorfläche (12) eine Massenkonzentration in der Flüssigkeit (3) zu bestimmen.  Ultrasonic reflector surface (12) to determine a mass concentration in the liquid (3).
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the
Trägerelement (13) eine zweite Ultraschallreflektorfläche (22) zum  Carrier element (13) a second ultrasonic reflector surface (22) for
Zurückreflektieren des ausgesandten Ultraschallsignals (11) zu dem  Reflecting back the emitted ultrasound signal (11) to the
Ultraschallwandler (10) aufweist, und dass das Steuergerät (19) dazu ausgebildet ist, die Massenkonzentration in Abhängigkeit von einer zweiten Zeitdauer zwischen dem Aussenden des Ultraschallsignals (11) und dem Empfangen des Ultraschallsignals (11) nach einer Reflexion an der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche (22) zu bestimmen. Ultrasonic transducer (10), and that the control device (19) is designed to measure the mass concentration as a function of a second time period between the emission of the ultrasonic signal (11) and the Receiving the ultrasound signal (11) after a reflection on the second ultrasound reflector surface (22).
11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 10 und 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ultraschallwandler (10) und die zweite Ultraschallreflektorfläche (22) derart angeordnet sind, dass das Ultraschallsignal (11) zwischen dem 11. The device according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer (10) and the second ultrasonic reflector surface (22) are arranged such that the ultrasonic signal (11) between the
Ultraschallwandler (10) und der zweiten Ultraschallreflektorfläche (22) nur das Trägerelement (13) durchläuft.  Ultrasonic transducer (10) and the second ultrasonic reflector surface (22) only passes through the carrier element (13).
12. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
gekennzeichnet, dass das metallisch ausgebildete Trägerelement (13) zur elektrischen Kontaktierung des Ultraschallwandlers (10) elektrisch leitend mit dem Ultraschallwandler (10) verbunden ist.  characterized in that the metallic support element (13) for electrically contacting the ultrasonic transducer (10) is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the ultrasonic transducer (10).
13. Tankvorrichtung (1), insbesondere Reduktionsmitteltankvorrichtung für ein Abgasnachbehandlungssystem eines Kraftfahrzeugs, mit einem Tank (2) zur Aufbewahrung und Bereitstellung einer Flüssigkeit (3), insbesondere eines Abgasnachbehandlungsmittels, und mit einer Vorrichtung (8) zur 13. Tank device (1), in particular reducing agent tank device for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of a motor vehicle, with a tank (2) for storing and providing a liquid (3), in particular an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent, and with a device (8) for
Qualitätsbestimmung der Flüssigkeit (3), wobei die Vorrichtung (8) zumindest eine in dem Tank (2) anordenbare Prüfeinheit (8) aufweist, gekennzeichnet durch die Ausbildung der Vorrichtung (8) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.  Quality determination of the liquid (3), the device (8) having at least one test unit (8) which can be arranged in the tank (2), characterized by the design of the device (8) according to one of Claims 1 to 12.
PCT/EP2019/077077 2018-11-07 2019-10-07 Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device WO2020094315A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102018218947.1 2018-11-07
DE102018218947.1A DE102018218947A1 (en) 2018-11-07 2018-11-07 Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020094315A1 true WO2020094315A1 (en) 2020-05-14

Family

ID=68210776

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2019/077077 WO2020094315A1 (en) 2018-11-07 2019-10-07 Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
DE (1) DE102018218947A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020094315A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113294411B (en) * 2021-04-29 2023-11-07 中国航空工业集团公司金城南京机电液压工程研究中心 Exhaust device and method based on voice coil element

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011086774A1 (en) 2011-11-22 2013-05-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device for simultaneous determination of level and quality of urea water solution for diesel engine, has ultrasonic transducers arranged in tank such that ultrasonic signals emitted by ultrasonic transducers overlap each other
DE102012205640A1 (en) * 2012-01-05 2013-07-11 Continental Automotive Gmbh level sensor
DE102013219643A1 (en) 2013-09-27 2015-04-02 Continental Automotive Gmbh ultrasonic sensor
DE102014109843A1 (en) * 2014-07-14 2016-01-14 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method for determining the level in a tank
US20160041024A1 (en) 2014-08-11 2016-02-11 Ssi Technologies, Inc. Through-wall tank ultrasonic transducer
KR101596410B1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-23 주식회사 화영 Urea water sender including urea concentration measuring device and urea water tank including the same
DE102015212622A1 (en) 2015-07-07 2017-01-12 Robert Bosch Gmbh A method and apparatus for correcting a quality signal of an ultrasonic quality sensor, controller program and controller program product used in a reagent dosing system
DE102016219834A1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2018-04-12 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method and device for monitoring the tank contents of a storage tank of an exhaust aftertreatment system
DE102017221261A1 (en) * 2017-11-28 2019-05-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Ultrasonic sensor, tank installation unit with an ultrasonic sensor

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011086774A1 (en) 2011-11-22 2013-05-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device for simultaneous determination of level and quality of urea water solution for diesel engine, has ultrasonic transducers arranged in tank such that ultrasonic signals emitted by ultrasonic transducers overlap each other
DE102012205640A1 (en) * 2012-01-05 2013-07-11 Continental Automotive Gmbh level sensor
DE102013219643A1 (en) 2013-09-27 2015-04-02 Continental Automotive Gmbh ultrasonic sensor
DE102014109843A1 (en) * 2014-07-14 2016-01-14 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method for determining the level in a tank
US20160041024A1 (en) 2014-08-11 2016-02-11 Ssi Technologies, Inc. Through-wall tank ultrasonic transducer
KR101596410B1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-23 주식회사 화영 Urea water sender including urea concentration measuring device and urea water tank including the same
DE102015212622A1 (en) 2015-07-07 2017-01-12 Robert Bosch Gmbh A method and apparatus for correcting a quality signal of an ultrasonic quality sensor, controller program and controller program product used in a reagent dosing system
DE102016219834A1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2018-04-12 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method and device for monitoring the tank contents of a storage tank of an exhaust aftertreatment system
DE102017221261A1 (en) * 2017-11-28 2019-05-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Ultrasonic sensor, tank installation unit with an ultrasonic sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102018218947A1 (en) 2020-05-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE102016219834B4 (en) Method and device for monitoring the tank contents of a storage tank of an exhaust aftertreatment system
EP2820261B1 (en) Delivery module for a liquid additif for use in an exhaust gas post treatment system
DE112014004566T5 (en) Reduction of ventilation-related disturbances in an ultrasound detection system for a fluid
DE102013108158A1 (en) Method of manufacturing a tank with a calibrated sensor
DE102009000062A1 (en) Filling level measuring device for liquid in tank, particularly for aqueous urea solution in reducing agent tank of reducing agent system of motor vehicle, has ultrasonic sensor arranged at tank bottom
DE10004614A1 (en) Liquid pressure sensor esp. for detecting reducing agent solution pressure for exhaust-gas treatment in combustion engine - includes spring element for holding pressure sensor element in defined position in receptacle part for pressure sensor element
EP3756000A1 (en) Apparatus for quality determination, tank apparatus
DE102011118711A1 (en) measuring device
EP2681519A1 (en) Arrangement and method for determining a concentration of a constituent of a fluid mixture
EP2863215B1 (en) Sensor device for measuring characteristics of fluid media
DE102017221261A1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor, tank installation unit with an ultrasonic sensor
DE102011076496A1 (en) Sensor for detecting the quality of a fluid
DE102012022376A1 (en) Method for determining pressure of fluid in container i.e. pipeline, of hydraulic system, involves determining flow velocity of fluid through container from measuring running time or measured Doppler shift of acoustic waves
WO2020094315A1 (en) Device for determining the quality of a liquid, tank device
DE102011018226A1 (en) Method for detecting quality of ammonia containing liquid or solid used in selective catalytic reduction system of diesel vehicle, involves determining reflection factor of electromagnetic waves in different frequency ranges
EP1460396B1 (en) Method and device for ultrasonic level sensing of a liquid in a container
DE102011119673A1 (en) Acoustic waveguide sensor for determining properties of liquid, has transmitter arranged in housing having housing wall having non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sectional shape whose diameters in radial directions are different
DE102007022513B4 (en) Air mass sensor
DE102010043928A1 (en) Method for monitoring discrete tank level sensor in e.g. fuel tank for detecting fuel level in e.g. diesel engine vehicle, involves determining sloshing range limitations, and evaluating level signal adapted to range limitations
DE102017218755A1 (en) Measuring device for determining the quality of a liquid reducing agent
DE202017104156U1 (en) Apparatus for measuring the concentration of a reducing agent
EP3737921B1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor and fluid tank comprising an ultrasonic sensor
DE102018200320A1 (en) Ultrasonic reflector, ultrasonic sensor and fluid tank with an ultrasonic sensor
DE102018205903A1 (en) Sound sensor and fluid tank with sound sensor
DE102018209745A1 (en) Sound sensor unit for fluid tank

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19786524

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19786524

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1