Container system for a fluid and method for producing same

A container system, having a container with an outer wall and a cavity which has either a slotted-guide element or a sliding block, a sound transducer unit with a longitudinal axis, which includes the other of the sliding block or the slotted-guide element, and a coupling element for acoustically coupling the sound transducer unit with the container. A contour of the slotted-guide element is formed such that, when introducing the sound transducer unit into the cavity, a first path of movement of the sound transducer unit relative to the container occurs, without mechanical contact of the coupling element with either the sound transducer unit or the outer wall. A second path of movement occurs, where the sound transducer unit pivots relative to the container until the sound transducer unit reaches an end position, where the coupling element is pressed in between the outer wall and the sound transducer unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a container system for a fluid and a method for producing a container system for a fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To measure a fluid in a fluid container, in particular an acoustic measuring device may be used. A sound transducer of the acoustic measuring device may work both as a sound generator and as a sound receiver. To determine a height of a fluid surface or a concentration of the fluid in the fluid container, sound pulses may be emitted by the sound transducer into the fluid to be measured. The sound pulses may be reflected by an interface of the fluid to a further medium. Conclusions on properties of the fluid in the fluid container are drawn from the run time of the sound pulses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object on which the invention is based is to create a container system for a fluid which allows a precise and reliable measurement of the fluid. It is also an object of the invention to create a method for producing a container system for a fluid which allows a precise and reliable measurement of the fluid.

According to a first aspect, the invention is distinguished by a container system for a fluid which comprises a container for storing the fluid. The container has an outer wall and a cavity. Either a slotted-guide element or a sliding block is assigned to the container.

The container system furthermore comprises a sound transducer unit for measuring the fluid. The sound transducer unit has a longitudinal axis. The sliding block or the slotted-guide element respectively is assigned to the sound transducer unit.

Furthermore, the container system has a coupling element for acoustically coupling the sound transducer unit with the container. The slotted-guide element and the sliding block form a sliding block guide for guiding the sound transducer unit relative to the container. A contour of the slotted-guide element is formed such that, when the sound transducer unit is introduced into the cavity, a first movement travel of the sound transducer unit relative to the container takes place. The first movement travel is substantially free from a mechanical contact of the coupling element with either the sound transducer unit or the outer wall.

The contour of the slotted-guide element is furthermore configured such that thereafter, a second movement travel with a pivoting of the sound transducer unit relative to the container takes place until the sound transducer unit reaches an end position in which the coupling element is pressed between the outer wall and the sound transducer unit.

The coupling element allows compensation for production tolerances, which helps to avoid an air or moisture inclusion between the sound transducer unit and the outer wall of the container. This ensures a particularly efficient acoustic coupling of the sound transducer unit and the outer wall. The coupling element in this context contributes to a reliable and precise measurement of the fluid by the sound transducer unit.

Such a guidance of the movement of the sound transducer unit and container relative to each other makes it possible to avoid an undesirable deformation of the coupling element on production of the container system. Advantageously, a particularly reliable operation of the container system is thus possible. Furthermore, assembly of the container system is possible without additional components such as a wedge and screw.

In this context for example, the slotted-guide element is assigned to the container and the corresponding sliding block is assigned to the sound transducer unit. Alternatively for example, the slotted-guide element is assigned to the sound transducer unit and the corresponding sliding block is assigned to the container.

The slotted-guide element is for example configured as a slot, a web or a groove. The sliding block is for example configured as a pin or a peg. The sliding block is for example force-guided on both sides by the slotted-guide element. The path of the contour of the slotted-guide element predefines a transmission function of the sliding block guide formed by the sliding block and the slotted-guide element. Such guidance may also be called a sliding block guidance.

A force which acts on the coupling element on production of the container system, in the first movement travel of the sound transducer unit relative to the container, is substantially provoked by just one of the sound transducer unit and the outer wall, so that the coupling element experiences no undesirable deformation in the first movement travel. In particular, the force is provoked either only by the sound transducer unit or only by the outer wall.

In particular, the first movement travel of the sound transducer unit relative to the container takes place along the longitudinal axis. The coupling element is advantageously already arranged on the sound transducer unit.

Alternatively, the coupling element is already arranged on the outer wall.

The coupling element may also be designated as a coupling pad. The coupling pad is preferably made of a rubber-like material.

In an advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, either a pivot head or a pivot cup is assigned to the container. Furthermore, the pivot cup or the pivot head respectively is assigned to the sound transducer unit. The pivot head and the pivot cup form an articulation joint for guiding the sound transducer unit relative to the container in the second movement travel.

The articulation joint allows a reliable and precise guidance of the movement of the sound transducer unit and container relative to each other, so that an undesirable deformation of the coupling element is avoided on production of the container system.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the slotted-guide element and the sliding block are configured for fixing the sound transducer unit in the end position relative to the container.

This contributes to a durably reliable operation of the container system. Fixing the sound transducer unit relative to the container by means of the slotted-guide element and sliding block contributes to simple assembly of the container system.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, at least one additional guide wall is assigned to the container and comprises part of the sliding block guide.

In particular in the case of fixing of the sound transducer unit relative to the container by means of the slotted-guide element and sliding block, this allows the fixing to be configured accessible from the outside and hence easily releasable. Furthermore, a partial arrangement and/or fixing of the sound transducer unit outside the cavity minimizes any volume loss of the container due to the sound transducer unit.

For example, the outer wall comprises the at least one guide wall. Alternatively, the at least one guide wall is for example welded to the outer wall.

According to a second aspect, the invention is distinguished by a method for producing a container system for a fluid, which comprises a container for storing the fluid. The container has an outer wall and a cavity.

The container system furthermore comprises a sound transducer unit for measuring the fluid. The sound transducer unit has a longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, the container system comprises a coupling element for acoustically coupling the sound transducer unit with the container. The sound transducer unit is introduced into the cavity in a first movement travel relative to the container such that the coupling element is substantially free from mechanical contact with either the sound transducer unit or the outer wall.

Furthermore, in a second movement travel, the sound transducer unit is pivoted relative to the container until the sound transducer unit reaches an end position relative to the container in which the coupling element is pressed between the outer wall and the sound transducer unit.

Such a movement travel of the sound transducer unit and container relative to each other prevents an undesirable deformation of the coupling layer on production of the container system. Advantageously, this allows a particularly reliable operation of the container system.

The movement travel of the sound transducer unit and the container relative to each other may for example be guided mechanically. Alternatively and/or additionally, the container system in this context may for example comprise guide elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the second aspect, either a slotted-guide element or a sliding block is assigned to the container.

Furthermore, the sliding block or the slotted-guide element respectively is assigned to the sound transducer unit. The slotted-guide element and the sliding block are coupled into a sliding block guide for guiding the sound transducer unit relative to the container in the first movement travel and in the second movement travel.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the second aspect, on reaching the end position relative to the container, the sound transducer unit is fixed by the slotted-guide element and the sliding block.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the second aspect, either a pivot head or a pivot cup is assigned to the container.

Furthermore, the pivot cup or the pivot head respectively is assigned to the sound transducer unit. The pivot head and the pivot cup are coupled into an articulation joint for guiding the sound transducer unit relative to the container in the second movement travel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Elements of the same construction or function carry the same reference numerals across all figures.

FIG. 1shows a container system1for a fluid3in mounted state, including a container5for storing the fluid3. The container5has an outer wall7and a cavity9.

The container system1furthermore comprises a sound transducer unit11for measuring the fluid3. The sound transducer unit11is for example configured to emit an ultrasound signal into the container5, and/or to receive a reflected ultrasound signal from the container5. In this context, for example a concentration of the fluid3or a filling level of the fluid3in the container5is determined. The fluid3is for example a liquid medium for reduction of emissions in exhaust gases, which preferably comprises a reduction agent and/or a reduction agent precursor, for example a watery urea solution.

The cavity9of the container5is configured to receive the sound transducer unit11. In mounted state, the sound transducer unit11protrudes for example at least partially into the cavity9. In particular, the sound transducer unit11is configured such that a main radiation direction of the ultrasound signals runs parallel to a base portion of the container5. In mounted state, the sound transducer unit9is in this context arranged for example with its longitudinal axis13perpendicular to a base portion of the container5.

Furthermore, the container system1includes a coupling element15which is configured for acoustically coupling the sound transducer unit11with the container5. The coupling element15is for this arranged in a coupling region of the outer wall7. In particular, the coupling element15helps to avoid an air or moisture inclusion between the outer wall7and the sound transducer unit11, and/or to compensate for production tolerances.

The coupling element15is made from an elastic material. In particular, the coupling element15is made from a rubber-like material, such as for example silicone.

In order to guarantee a reliable and precise measurement of the fluid3, in particular it is necessary for the coupling element15to lie as evenly and tightly as possible against the outer wall7and the sound transducer unit11. Advantageously, for this the coupling element15is pressed between the outer wall7and the sound transducer unit11.

FIGS. 6ato 6cshow assembly steps of a further container system601with a container605which has an outer wall607and a cavity609. The further container system601also comprises a sound transducer unit611with a longitudinal axis613on which the coupling element615is arranged. When the sound transducer unit611is introduced into the cavity609, the coupling element615is compressed due to a predefined distance616between the outer wall607and the sound transducer unit611. An undesirable deformation of the coupling element615then results (seeFIG. 6b).

In this context, slotted-guide elements21,25,27are assigned to the container5of the container system1according toFIG. 1(seeFIG. 2a). Furthermore, sliding blocks31,35,37are assigned to the sound transducer unit11of the container system1according toFIG. 1(seeFIG. 2b). In particular, further slotted-guide elements corresponding to the slotted-guide elements21,25,27are arranged on a side of the cavity opposite the slotted-guide elements21,25,27, and further sliding blocks corresponding to the sliding blocks31,35,37are arranged on a side of the sound transducer unit11opposite the sliding blocks31,35,37.

In another exemplary embodiment, the slotted-guide elements21,25,27are for example assigned to the sound transducer unit11, and the sliding blocks31,35,37are assigned to the container5.

The slotted-guide elements21,25,27are configured to be able to be coupled with the sliding blocks31,35,37to form a sliding block guide for guiding the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5.

In addition and/or alternatively, a pivot head29for example is assigned to the container5(seeFIG. 2a). Furthermore, a pivot cup39is assigned to the sound transducer unit11(seeFIG. 2b). The pivot head29is for example a bulge of the outer wall7.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot head29is for example assigned to the sound transducer unit11, and the pivot cup39is assigned to the container5.

The pivot head29is configured to be able to be coupled with the pivot cup39to form an articulation joint for guiding the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5.

A contour of the slotted-guide elements21,25,27is configured such that on assembly of the container system1, a first movement travel of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5takes place in guided fashion such that the coupling element15is substantially free from mechanical contact with either the sound transducer unit11or the outer wall7.

In particular in this context, substantially only a force either from the sound transducer unit11or from the outer wall7acts on the coupling element, so that the coupling element15does not undergo any undesirable deformation in the first movement travel.

For example, a volume of the cavity9is increased in particular in relation to a volume of the cavity609of the further container system601. In particular, a side of the outer wall7opposite the coupling region of the outer wall7is chamfered in this context so that it encloses an angle with the coupling region of the outer wall7. The sound transducer unit11is introduced in the first movement travel for example parallel to the side of the outer wall7opposite the coupling region. In particular, the first movement travel takes place along the longitudinal axis13.

The contour of the slotted-guide elements21,25,27is furthermore configured such that on assembly, following the first movement travel, a second movement travel of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5takes place in guided fashion with a pivoting of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5, until the sound transducer unit11reaches an end position relative to the container5in which the coupling element15is pressed between the outer wall7and the sound transducer unit11.

Advantageously, this guarantees a controlled deformation of the coupling element15. This has the advantage that the coupling element15lies for example particularly evenly between the sound transducer unit11and the outer wall7. In particular, this allows a particularly reliable operation of the container system1.

The slotted-guide elements21,25,27are in particular configured as a recess, for example as a slot, web or groove. The sliding blocks31,35,37are in particular configured correspondingly as a protrusion, for example as a guide pin, peg or rail. The sliding block guide formed by the slotted-guide elements21,25,27and the sliding blocks31,35,37may also be designated as a slot-and-peg joint or a tongue-and-groove joint, and configured couplably together for guiding the sound transducer unit9relative to the container5.

The assembly steps for production of the container system1are described below with reference to the flow diagram ofFIG. 3, and toFIGS. 4a-4d.

In a step S1(FIG. 4a), the container5, the sound transducer unit11and the coupling element15are provided. The coupling element15is preferably attached to the sound transducer unit11, for example by means of an adhesive joint, injection moulding or by interference. In other exemplary embodiments, the coupling element15is for example attached to the coupling region of the outer wall7.

The sliding blocks35,37, configured as rails, are coupled to the slotted-guide elements25,27, configured as channels, and the sound transducer unit11is inserted guided thereby along the longitudinal axis13into the cavity9. A width of the sliding blocks35,37substantially corresponds to a width of the slotted-guide elements25,27. The sliding blocks35,39and the slotted-guide element25are for example arranged on the longitudinal axis13, so that in this first movement travel of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5, the sliding block39, configured as a pin, is also coupled to the slotted-guide element25and thus contributes to an axial guidance. A first diameter of the sliding block31in this context substantially corresponds to the width of the slotted-guide element25.

The sliding blocks35,37, configured as rails, and the slotted-guide elements25,27, configured as channels, are in particular parallel to each other to allow a particularly precise rectilinear guidance.

In a subsequent step S3(FIG. 4b), the sound transducer unit11reaches an axial end position in which the pivot cup39is coupled to the pivot head29. Furthermore, the sliding block31is coupled to the slotted-guide element21. The sliding blocks35,37are in particular configured elastic so that on reduced depth of the slotted-guide elements25,27, they are pressed away in the direction of the sound transducer unit11. Advantageously, the sliding blocks35,37are decoupled from the slotted-guide elements25,27when the sound transducer unit11reaches the axial end position, so that a subsequent pivoting of the sound transducer unit11is possible in a step S5.

In a step S5(FIG. 4c), in the second movement travel of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5, the sound transducer unit11is guided by the sliding block31in the slotted-guide element21, and the articulation joint29,39is pivoted about an axis of the articulation joint29,39.

Only in a subsequent step S7(see alsoFIG. 4d) does the coupling element15come into mechanical contact with the outer wall7, and is pressed between the sound transducer unit11and the outer wall7. In the end position of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5, the sound transducer unit11is arranged with its longitudinal axis13in particular parallel to the coupling region of the outer wall7.

The sound transducer unit11is fixed in the end position relative to the container5in particular for example by the sliding block31and the slotted-guide element21. For example, the sliding block31for this has a second diameter, on a side facing towards the sound transducer unit11, which is in particular greater than the first diameter of the sliding block31on a side facing away from the sound transducer unit11.

The slotted-guide element21has a widening corresponding to the end position of the sound transducer unit11relative to the container5, which substantially corresponds to the second diameter of the sliding block31.

The sliding block31furthermore comprises a spring element which presses the sliding block31away from the sound transducer unit11in the direction of the slotted-guide element21, so that the sliding block31engages with its second diameter in the widening when the sound transducer unit11reaches the end position relative to the container5.

For example, in this context a guide wall41is assigned to the container5(seeFIG. 2a), which comprises the slotted-guide element21so that this is accessible from the outside and the fixing may easily be released.

FIGS. 5a-5idepict components of a second container system.FIG. 5ashows a sound transducer unit from a side, front and top view, with a pair of vertical clips501for moving and blocking the sound transducer unit in an end position, and a pair of horizontal clips503,505,507for pivoting and fixing in the end position.FIG. 5bshows a detail view of the horizontal clips505,507from a front and top view.

FIG. 5cshows further perspective depictions of the sound transducer unit and a detail view of the vertical clip509.

FIG. 5dshows the sound transducer unit and its position in the container in an overall view, and from a side and front perspective, with a bulge511of an outer wall of the container.

FIG. 5eshows a first position of the sound transducer unit during assembly of the second container system, in each case with two opposing parallel channels513,515in the outer wall for movement of the sound transducer unit.

FIG. 5fshows a second position of the sound transducer unit during assembly of the second container system, in each case with two opposing parallel ribs517,519on the vertical clips, and a respective opposing protrusion521formed as a guide pin on the horizontal clip.

FIG. 5gshows a third position of the sound transducer unit during assembly of the container system, with a semicylindrical bearing523. Guide elements513,515,517,519are released so that the sound transducer unit is pivoted by means of the guide pin.

FIG. 5hshows a fourth position of the sound transducer unit during assembly of the second container system, in which the protrusion521formed as a guide pin on the horizontal clip is pivoted into a round gap.

FIG. 5ishows a fifth position of the sound transducer unit during assembly of the second container system, in which the horizontal clips are engaged in and released from cylindrical holes527, so that the end position of the sound transducer unit is guaranteed by means of the semicylindrical bearing523. A coupling element525is pressed tightly into a predefined gap in the end position.

In other exemplary embodiments, a container system is configured such that a sound transducer unit is introduced vertically into a cavity of a container (not shown). For example, for this a sliding block guide is assigned to the sound transducer unit and the container. Alternatively, the sound transducer unit is introduced for example free from guidance by the sliding block guide.

On production of this container system, the sound transducer unit is introduced vertically into the container and for example moved horizontally into an end position relative to the container by means of a wedge and screw.