CA2268598A1 - Motor vehicle tank of plastic material - Google Patents
Motor vehicle tank of plastic material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2268598A1 CA2268598A1 CA 2268598 CA2268598A CA2268598A1 CA 2268598 A1 CA2268598 A1 CA 2268598A1 CA 2268598 CA2268598 CA 2268598 CA 2268598 A CA2268598 A CA 2268598A CA 2268598 A1 CA2268598 A1 CA 2268598A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- pipe portion
- sheathing
- set forth
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/03177—Fuel tanks made of non-metallic material, e.g. plastics, or of a combination of non-metallic and metallic material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
- B60K2015/03453—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling for fixing or mounting parts of the fuel tank together
Abstract
A motor vehicle tank of plastic material has at least one opening for a connecting means which comprises a pipe portion of a plastic material which is at least substantially impermeable to the fuel and which is enclosed by a sheathing of a different plastic material which can be joined to the tank wall. At its end towards the tank the pipe portion has a part which projects beyond the sheathing and extends into the opening in the tank wall. The region of the tank wall which defines the opening is sealed with respect to the outside peripheral surface of the projecting part of the pipe portion.
Description
The invention concerns a motor vehicle tank of plastic material.
Particularly for reasons of combating environmental pollution, there is a need for the evaporation losses of fuel disposed in the tank system of a motor vehicle to be kept at as low a level as possible. Accordingly, when manufacturing a tank from a material which is permeable in relation to the fuels which are usually employed, for example polyethylene, it has long been the usual practice for the tanks to be subjected to a particular treatment.
for example by fluorination, with the aim of noticeably reducing the level of permeability of the tank wall. Another possible way of attaining this end involves making the wall of the tank of a multi-layer or laminate structure and including a barrier layer for example of polyamide which is impermeable in relation to the fuel to be contained in the tank.
As time has gone past however the regulations relating to the admissible level of evaporation losses have become so strict that even the evaporation losses which occur at tank connections, for example for valves.
conduits and the like, have become significant in terms of keeping the losses within the permitted limits.
One way of moving towards that aim is to mount a valve internally to the wal 1 of a motor vehi cl a tank usi ng a connecti ng ni ppl a whi ch compri ses polyamide and which is surrounded on the outside by a casing or sheathing of polyethylene. The latter can be applied by means of injection molding.
Polyamide and other plastic materials which afford little permeability in relation to fuels cannot be welded to polyolefins, for example polyethylene.
Therefore, the operation of fixing the valve to the nipple on the tank which consists of polyethylene is implemented by making a welded connection between the sheathing of the nipple and the external surface of the tank wall. A valve housing projects into the interior of the tank through the opening in the tank wall, without however affording a fluid-tight closure for the openi ng outsi de the va 1 ve housi ng . The consequence of thi s i s that liquid fuel and fuel vapors can pass into the space which is defined by the sheathing of the nipple and the region of the tank wall, which surrounds the opening. As the sheathing which consists of polyethylene is permeable in relation to the fuel, substantial evaporation losses through that region of the nipple sheathing are inevitable. Furthermore, with that arrangement, the core of the nipple of polyamide is provided with ribs extending therearound, which engage into corresponding recesses in the sheathing of the nipple, in order thereby to provide a positively locking connection and sealing integrity as between the core and the sheathing.
The present invention aims to provide a motor vehicle tank of plastic material which affords a reduced level of evaporation losses attributable to the presence of a pipe connecting portion, such as to comply with the relevant regulations. and which has a connecting portion comprising a pipe portion surrounded by a sheathing, wherein a firm strong connection between the pipe portion and the sheathing is guaranteed under substantially all operating conditions which normally occur in a practical context.
The invention seeks to provide enhanced sealing integrity, including more particularly in respect of evaporation losses, in relation to a connection between the tank body and a connecting or mounting portion carried thereon.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a motor vehi cl a tank of pl asti c materi al i ncl udi ng : a tank wal 1 , an openi ng i n the tank wall, a connecting means mounted to the tank wall at the opening for communication with the opening and comprising a pipe portion of a plastic material with low permeability for fuel and a sheathing enclosing the pipe portion and comprising a different plastic material adapted to be connected to the tank wall, the sheathing having a first end towards the tank and at said first end extending at a spacing from said pipe portion and being joined to the outside surface of the tank wall, wherein at its said first end the pipe portion of the connecting means has a part which projects beyond said sheathing and extends into said opening, and means sealing the tank wall region delimiting the opening with respect to the outside peripheral surface of said projecting part of said pipe portion.
Embodiments of the present i nventi on wi 11 now be descri bed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Particularly for reasons of combating environmental pollution, there is a need for the evaporation losses of fuel disposed in the tank system of a motor vehicle to be kept at as low a level as possible. Accordingly, when manufacturing a tank from a material which is permeable in relation to the fuels which are usually employed, for example polyethylene, it has long been the usual practice for the tanks to be subjected to a particular treatment.
for example by fluorination, with the aim of noticeably reducing the level of permeability of the tank wall. Another possible way of attaining this end involves making the wall of the tank of a multi-layer or laminate structure and including a barrier layer for example of polyamide which is impermeable in relation to the fuel to be contained in the tank.
As time has gone past however the regulations relating to the admissible level of evaporation losses have become so strict that even the evaporation losses which occur at tank connections, for example for valves.
conduits and the like, have become significant in terms of keeping the losses within the permitted limits.
One way of moving towards that aim is to mount a valve internally to the wal 1 of a motor vehi cl a tank usi ng a connecti ng ni ppl a whi ch compri ses polyamide and which is surrounded on the outside by a casing or sheathing of polyethylene. The latter can be applied by means of injection molding.
Polyamide and other plastic materials which afford little permeability in relation to fuels cannot be welded to polyolefins, for example polyethylene.
Therefore, the operation of fixing the valve to the nipple on the tank which consists of polyethylene is implemented by making a welded connection between the sheathing of the nipple and the external surface of the tank wall. A valve housing projects into the interior of the tank through the opening in the tank wall, without however affording a fluid-tight closure for the openi ng outsi de the va 1 ve housi ng . The consequence of thi s i s that liquid fuel and fuel vapors can pass into the space which is defined by the sheathing of the nipple and the region of the tank wall, which surrounds the opening. As the sheathing which consists of polyethylene is permeable in relation to the fuel, substantial evaporation losses through that region of the nipple sheathing are inevitable. Furthermore, with that arrangement, the core of the nipple of polyamide is provided with ribs extending therearound, which engage into corresponding recesses in the sheathing of the nipple, in order thereby to provide a positively locking connection and sealing integrity as between the core and the sheathing.
The present invention aims to provide a motor vehicle tank of plastic material which affords a reduced level of evaporation losses attributable to the presence of a pipe connecting portion, such as to comply with the relevant regulations. and which has a connecting portion comprising a pipe portion surrounded by a sheathing, wherein a firm strong connection between the pipe portion and the sheathing is guaranteed under substantially all operating conditions which normally occur in a practical context.
The invention seeks to provide enhanced sealing integrity, including more particularly in respect of evaporation losses, in relation to a connection between the tank body and a connecting or mounting portion carried thereon.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a motor vehi cl a tank of pl asti c materi al i ncl udi ng : a tank wal 1 , an openi ng i n the tank wall, a connecting means mounted to the tank wall at the opening for communication with the opening and comprising a pipe portion of a plastic material with low permeability for fuel and a sheathing enclosing the pipe portion and comprising a different plastic material adapted to be connected to the tank wall, the sheathing having a first end towards the tank and at said first end extending at a spacing from said pipe portion and being joined to the outside surface of the tank wall, wherein at its said first end the pipe portion of the connecting means has a part which projects beyond said sheathing and extends into said opening, and means sealing the tank wall region delimiting the opening with respect to the outside peripheral surface of said projecting part of said pipe portion.
Embodiments of the present i nventi on wi 11 now be descri bed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 shows a plan view of a part of a motor vehicle tank with a pipe connection mounted thereon, Figure 2 is a view in section taken along line II-II in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 of a second embodiment of the invention, and Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 of a third embodiment of the invention.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes the wall of a motor vehicle tank 12, the wall 10 being provided with an opening 14 which is generally produced in the wall 10 of the tank 12 after manufacture of the tank 12 and to which a connection generally indicated at 16 is connected. The connection 16 has a pipe or tube portion 18, referred to herei nafter as the pi pe porti on , whi ch forms the actua 1 condui t or duct formi ng a communi cati on between the i nteri or and the exteri or of the tank .
and which comprises a plastic material which is not only virtually impermeable in relation to fuel but is also relatively rigid in terms of shape . The pl a sti c materi a 1 may be for exampl a pol yami de . The pi pe port i on 18 is enclosed by a sheathing indicated at 20, which at the two ends of the substantially right-angled connection 16, is shorter than the pipe portion 18.
It will be noted at this point that, in all the embodiments illustrated by way of example herein, the connection 16 is of a right-angled configuration although that is not an essential aspect of the invention.
Thus, the connection 16 may also be of a linear or straight configuration or it may be curved or bent at a different angle or it may be of some other configuration.
As can be seen in particular from Figure 2, the pipe portion 18 has a section 24 which extends perpendicularly to the tank wall 10 and thus substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, indicated at 22, of the opening 14 through the tank wall 10. The section 24 has a part 26 which projects with respect to the sheathing 20 and extends through the opening 14 into the interior of the tank 12. The annular end region of the sheathing 20, which is towards the tank 12, forms a foot 23 which serves for securing the connection 16 to the outside surface of the wall 10 of the tank 12. That is generally implemented by means of a welding operation as the sheathing 20 comprises a material which can be welded at any event to the material forming the outside surface of the tank 12. Normally this will be the above-mentioned material polyethylene. In this arrangement, the annular end region 23 is disposed at a radial spacing from the adjoining part of the pipe portion 18 so that there is an annular space 21 defined between the pipe portion 18 and the end region 23 of the sheathing 20.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the arrangement is such that the outside diameter of the pipe portion 18 in the region of the opening 14 is matched to the diameter of the opening 14 in such a way that the peripheral surface of the part 26 bears against the wall region of the tank wall 10, that defines the opening 14, and thus provides a fluid-tight closure at that location.
It will be seen that the above-described design configuration prevents fluid from passing into the annular space 21 which at the outside is delimited only by the end region 23 of the sheathing 20, said end ,region 23 being disposed at a spacing from the part 26 of the core-forming pipe portion 18, that projects beyond the end of the sheathing 20. This is important for the reason that, as already mentioned, the sheathing 20 generally comprises a plastic material, for example polyethylene, which on the one hand is weldable to the tank wall 10 but which on the other hand is permeable in relation to fuel to be contained in the tank 12. The possibility of fuel diffusing through the tank wall 10 in substantial quant i ti es does not need to be taken i nto consi derati on as ei ther the tank wall has been suitably treated at its inward side, for example by means of fluorination, or it is of a multi-layer or laminate structure, in which case at least one of the layers thereof is substantially impermeable to the fuel.
The pipe portion 18 in any case comprises a material, for example polyamide, which is impermeable or only negligibly permeable in relation to the fuel and thus forms a barrier to resist the ingress of fuel in gaseous form into the annular space 21.
Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 of a second embodiment of the invention, and Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 of a third embodiment of the invention.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes the wall of a motor vehicle tank 12, the wall 10 being provided with an opening 14 which is generally produced in the wall 10 of the tank 12 after manufacture of the tank 12 and to which a connection generally indicated at 16 is connected. The connection 16 has a pipe or tube portion 18, referred to herei nafter as the pi pe porti on , whi ch forms the actua 1 condui t or duct formi ng a communi cati on between the i nteri or and the exteri or of the tank .
and which comprises a plastic material which is not only virtually impermeable in relation to fuel but is also relatively rigid in terms of shape . The pl a sti c materi a 1 may be for exampl a pol yami de . The pi pe port i on 18 is enclosed by a sheathing indicated at 20, which at the two ends of the substantially right-angled connection 16, is shorter than the pipe portion 18.
It will be noted at this point that, in all the embodiments illustrated by way of example herein, the connection 16 is of a right-angled configuration although that is not an essential aspect of the invention.
Thus, the connection 16 may also be of a linear or straight configuration or it may be curved or bent at a different angle or it may be of some other configuration.
As can be seen in particular from Figure 2, the pipe portion 18 has a section 24 which extends perpendicularly to the tank wall 10 and thus substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, indicated at 22, of the opening 14 through the tank wall 10. The section 24 has a part 26 which projects with respect to the sheathing 20 and extends through the opening 14 into the interior of the tank 12. The annular end region of the sheathing 20, which is towards the tank 12, forms a foot 23 which serves for securing the connection 16 to the outside surface of the wall 10 of the tank 12. That is generally implemented by means of a welding operation as the sheathing 20 comprises a material which can be welded at any event to the material forming the outside surface of the tank 12. Normally this will be the above-mentioned material polyethylene. In this arrangement, the annular end region 23 is disposed at a radial spacing from the adjoining part of the pipe portion 18 so that there is an annular space 21 defined between the pipe portion 18 and the end region 23 of the sheathing 20.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the arrangement is such that the outside diameter of the pipe portion 18 in the region of the opening 14 is matched to the diameter of the opening 14 in such a way that the peripheral surface of the part 26 bears against the wall region of the tank wall 10, that defines the opening 14, and thus provides a fluid-tight closure at that location.
It will be seen that the above-described design configuration prevents fluid from passing into the annular space 21 which at the outside is delimited only by the end region 23 of the sheathing 20, said end ,region 23 being disposed at a spacing from the part 26 of the core-forming pipe portion 18, that projects beyond the end of the sheathing 20. This is important for the reason that, as already mentioned, the sheathing 20 generally comprises a plastic material, for example polyethylene, which on the one hand is weldable to the tank wall 10 but which on the other hand is permeable in relation to fuel to be contained in the tank 12. The possibility of fuel diffusing through the tank wall 10 in substantial quant i ti es does not need to be taken i nto consi derati on as ei ther the tank wall has been suitably treated at its inward side, for example by means of fluorination, or it is of a multi-layer or laminate structure, in which case at least one of the layers thereof is substantially impermeable to the fuel.
The pipe portion 18 in any case comprises a material, for example polyamide, which is impermeable or only negligibly permeable in relation to the fuel and thus forms a barrier to resist the ingress of fuel in gaseous form into the annular space 21.
The section 24 of the connection 16, which extends perpendicularly to the tank wall 10, is provided in the region of the sheathing 20 with strip-shaped or bar-shaped projections 32 which extend therearound in a rib-like configuration and between which engages the material of the sheathing 20 which is generally applied around the pipe portion 18 by means of an injection molding procedure. That provides a positively locking connection between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20, which in addition acts in the manner of a labyrinth seal and prevents fuel in the liquid or gaseous phase, which may possibly nonetheless still penetrate between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20, from passing the region provided with the ribs or projections 32, towards the free end 34 of the connection 16.
In the illustrated configuration, reference 36 denotes a radial rib which is at the end of the array of projections or ribs 32, that is towards the tank 12 . The ri b 36 i s addi ti ona l ly provi ded wi th an extensi on porti on 38 which is bent over substantially through 90° to extend towards the tank 12 and which thus forms an annular sleeve portion which extends substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 22 of the opening 14 and the section 24 of the connection 16. The extension portion 38 defines a kind of undercut configuration as indicated at 40, into which plastic material passes when the sheathing 20 is produced around the pipe portion 18, thereby further improving the sealing action as between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20. That also applies in particular if, in the event of the materi al formi ng the sheathi ng 20 swel 1 i ng under the acti on of fuel , there is an increase in the volume of the sheathing 20 radially with respect to the longitudinal axis 22, in the region of the undercut configuration 40.
That would further enhance the sealing integrity between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20.
The pipe portion 18 also has at the other end indicated at 34 of the connection 16 an end part 33 which also projects beyond the sheathing 20. At a spacing from the above-mentioned free end 34, at a step or shoulder 35, the pi pe porti on 18 i s a 1 so provi ded wi th a ki nd of undercut conf i gurati on as indicated at 42 which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 of the angled part 46 of the pipe portion 18, and accommodates the end of the sheathing 20. This configuration also affords an improvement in sealing integrity, besides producing a positively locking connection between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20. In the event of swelling of the plastic material forming the sheathing 20, the pressure, produced thereby.
of the materi a 1 formi ng the sheathi ng 20 agai nst the pi pe porti on 18 whi ch involves a substantially higher level of rigidity, also improves the sealing action at this location. Moreover, the above-described configuration also provides, at the free end 34 of the connection 16, that the fuel which flows through the connection 16 does not come into contact with the sheathing.
At its angled part 46. the connection 16 is provided in the region of the sheathing 20 with a groove 48 which extends around the angled part 46 on the outside peripheral surface thereof, for receiving a seal illustrated in the form of an 0-ring 50. The ring 50 provides an additional sealing effect between the outside surface of the connection 16, or more specifically the sheathi ng 20 thereof , and an end porti on 52 of a duct or conduit whi ch i s connected to the free end of the connection 16 for forming the communication with the interior of the tank 12. That conduit is mounted to the connection 16 i n some sui tabl a fashi on , for exampl a by means of a cl amp or cl i p ( not shown). The sealing ring 50 is intended to ensure that fuel vapors which may possibly escape outwardly along the separation surface between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20 cannot issue into the atmosphere. On the contrary, by virtue of the barrier action formed by the sealing ring 50, such vapors are to be discharged into the conduit as indicated at 52, which is connected to the connection 16.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the end part 33 of the tube portion 18 is provided on the outside with sealing and/or holding rings of a sawtooth configuration, for the connection of the conduit 52 to the connecti on 16 . The fact that the end part 33 i s di rectly communi Gated wi th the condui t 52 whi ch i s not permeabl a i n rel ati on to fuel a 1 so provi des i n this region that only very small amounts of fuel can escape to the exterior by a diffusion effect. Furthermore, the more rigid material of the pipe portion 18 forms a supporting core for a clip or clamp or the like which is possibly used to fix the conduit 52 to the connection 16 by being clamped therearound, thereby to hold the conduit 52 on the connection 16.
Reference will now be made to Figure 3 showing a second embodiment of the present invention which is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in respect of all its essential features and details, so that the same parts wi 11 al so be denoted by the same references as those used i n Fi gures 1 and 2, but increased in each case by 100 in Figure 3. The difference in the Figure 3 embodiment is that the opening 114 in the wall 110 of the tank 112 is sealed with respect to the end part 126 of the pipe portion 118 by a sealing ring 160 which is disposed in the annular space 121 and which bears against the part 126. The sealing ring 160 is subjected to a compressive loading by a part of the sheathing 120, that is to say more specifically by the end surface 162 thereof, which is set back somewhat in the upward direction in Figure 3 with respect to the foot 123, thereby ensuring that the sealing ring 160 bears against both the outside peripheral surface of the part 126 of the pipe portion 118, the outside surface 164 of the tank wall 110, and against the end face 162 of the sheathing 120. That therefore provides for sealing integrity in relation to the opening 114 which, in the embodiment of Figure 3, is not completely closed by the part 126 outside same. It will be appreciated that it is also possible for the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 3 to be combined together and thus additionally also to provide a sealing ring which is advantageously in the form of an 0-ring, when the opening 14 in Figures 1 and 2 or 114 in Figure 3 in the tank wall is already closed in fluid-tight relationship by the part 26 or 126 of the pipe portion 18 or 118 respectively.
A further difference in the Figure 3 embodiment in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that the end part 113 of the connection 116 is of a configuration which is required for co-operation with a form of connector referred to as a quick connector. In this case, formed on the end part 113 on the outsi de thereof i s a 1 ocki ng ri ng i ndi Gated at 180 which co-operates with a locking member on the quick connector and behind which the locking member of the quick connector engages. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the locking ring 180 is mounted on the sheathing 120 at the outside surface thereof. Sealing integrity within the quick connector is effected however in the region marked by the dash-dotted line 182, that is to say in relation to the pipe portion 118 comprising a material which is not permeable or only slightly permeable in relation to fuel.
Looking now at Figure 4, shown therein is a further embodiment of the invention which is also substantially the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 so that the same components are also denoted by the same references but increased in each case by 200 in relation to Figures 1 and 2.
Referring therefore to Figure 4, the wall 210 of the tank 212 is shown at two different positions in respect of height. The part of the wall 210 to the right of the opening 214 shows the finished welded connection 230 between the tank wall 210 and the sheathing 220, while the part to the left of the opening 214 shows the position of the parts which co-operate in that si tuati on , bei ng therefore the wal 1 210 and the foot 223 , i n the posi ti ons immediately before the welded connection is formed. For the purposes of making the welded connection, the regions indicated in darkened form at 268 and 270 respectively are generally heated and plasticised in the course of the procedure which is referred to as surface-to-surface welding, whereupon the two parts are then pressed against each other to produce the welded connection indicated at 230. In regard to the embodiment of Figure 4, the i nventi on provi des i n thi s respect that a part of the pl asti ci sed materi a 1 in the regions 268 and 270 of the sheathing 220 and the tank wall 210 is displaced in such a way that, at the end of the operation for producing the welded connection 230, the annular space 221 is entirely or substantially filled by displaced material as indicated at 272, at any event to such an extent that the displaced material 272 closes off the opening 214 in the tank wall 210. In this respect, there is no need for the amount of plasticised material to be accurately matched to the volume of the annular space 221 as, when the parts which are to be joined together are pressed against each other, superfluous plasticised material can be displaced to the exterior from the region between the foot 223 and the outside surface 264 of the tank wall 210. It will be appreciated that in this case also it is possible, using the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, for the opening 214 to be completely closed off by the end part 226, by virtue of suitable dimensioning of the diameter of the opening 214 and the outside diameter of the part 226. Alternatively but also additionally, it would also be possible to provide a sealing ring as indicated at 160 in the embodiment of Figure 3.
in which case the displaced plastic material 272, at the peripheral surface of the part 226, forms an abutment for the sealing ring or a portion delimiting a seating for same.
The embodiment of Figure 4 also provides that the end part 233 is designed for connection to a quick connector, but in this case the locking ring 280 is carried by the pipe portion 218 or more specifically the region 233 thereof which extends beyond the sheathing 220. In this case also the dash-dotted line 282, corresponding to the line 182 in Figure 3. indicates the regi on i n wh i ch sea 1 i ng i ntegri ty i s effected i n rel at i on to the qui ck connector.
It will be seen from the foregoing description that the configuration in accordance with the invention, in terms of sealing integrity for the opening in the tank wall, provides that fuel in the form of liquid and/or gas in the region of that opening can only issue through the internal free cross-section of the connection 16, 116, 216, or the pipe portion 18. 118.
218 thereof, whereas fuel cannot escape through the opening outside the condui t or passage whi ch i s defi ned by the connecti on 16 . 116. 216 . As the plastic material, for example polyamide, which forms the pipe portion 18, 118, 218 constituting the core of the connection 16, 116, 216 has only a negl i gi bl a 1 evel of permeabi 1 i ty i n rel ati on to fuel and the wa 11 10 . 110 .
210 of the tank is also only very slightly permeable in relation to fuel, either by virtue of a suitable treatment applied to the tank, for example by means of fluorination, or by the provision of a barrier layer in the wall structure 10. 110, 210 of the tank, the amount of gaseous fuel which passes into the space defined by the sheathing 20, 120. 220 on the exterior thereof i s so sl i ght that the evaporati on 1 osses whi ch escape to the exteri or as a result are negligible. That improvement has been achieved using simple means as producti on of the connecti on 16. 116. 216 and preparati on or processi ng of the tank to produce the opening 14, 114. 214 therein and possibly arranging a seal at that location do not require any additional significant complication or expenditure. That is important for the reason that fuel tanks of this kind are articles which are produced in very large numbers, and the cost factor is therefore an important aspect.
It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments have been set forth solely by way of example and illustration of the principles of the invention and that various other modifications and alterations may be made therein without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In the illustrated configuration, reference 36 denotes a radial rib which is at the end of the array of projections or ribs 32, that is towards the tank 12 . The ri b 36 i s addi ti ona l ly provi ded wi th an extensi on porti on 38 which is bent over substantially through 90° to extend towards the tank 12 and which thus forms an annular sleeve portion which extends substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 22 of the opening 14 and the section 24 of the connection 16. The extension portion 38 defines a kind of undercut configuration as indicated at 40, into which plastic material passes when the sheathing 20 is produced around the pipe portion 18, thereby further improving the sealing action as between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20. That also applies in particular if, in the event of the materi al formi ng the sheathi ng 20 swel 1 i ng under the acti on of fuel , there is an increase in the volume of the sheathing 20 radially with respect to the longitudinal axis 22, in the region of the undercut configuration 40.
That would further enhance the sealing integrity between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20.
The pipe portion 18 also has at the other end indicated at 34 of the connection 16 an end part 33 which also projects beyond the sheathing 20. At a spacing from the above-mentioned free end 34, at a step or shoulder 35, the pi pe porti on 18 i s a 1 so provi ded wi th a ki nd of undercut conf i gurati on as indicated at 42 which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 of the angled part 46 of the pipe portion 18, and accommodates the end of the sheathing 20. This configuration also affords an improvement in sealing integrity, besides producing a positively locking connection between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20. In the event of swelling of the plastic material forming the sheathing 20, the pressure, produced thereby.
of the materi a 1 formi ng the sheathi ng 20 agai nst the pi pe porti on 18 whi ch involves a substantially higher level of rigidity, also improves the sealing action at this location. Moreover, the above-described configuration also provides, at the free end 34 of the connection 16, that the fuel which flows through the connection 16 does not come into contact with the sheathing.
At its angled part 46. the connection 16 is provided in the region of the sheathing 20 with a groove 48 which extends around the angled part 46 on the outside peripheral surface thereof, for receiving a seal illustrated in the form of an 0-ring 50. The ring 50 provides an additional sealing effect between the outside surface of the connection 16, or more specifically the sheathi ng 20 thereof , and an end porti on 52 of a duct or conduit whi ch i s connected to the free end of the connection 16 for forming the communication with the interior of the tank 12. That conduit is mounted to the connection 16 i n some sui tabl a fashi on , for exampl a by means of a cl amp or cl i p ( not shown). The sealing ring 50 is intended to ensure that fuel vapors which may possibly escape outwardly along the separation surface between the pipe portion 18 and the sheathing 20 cannot issue into the atmosphere. On the contrary, by virtue of the barrier action formed by the sealing ring 50, such vapors are to be discharged into the conduit as indicated at 52, which is connected to the connection 16.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the end part 33 of the tube portion 18 is provided on the outside with sealing and/or holding rings of a sawtooth configuration, for the connection of the conduit 52 to the connecti on 16 . The fact that the end part 33 i s di rectly communi Gated wi th the condui t 52 whi ch i s not permeabl a i n rel ati on to fuel a 1 so provi des i n this region that only very small amounts of fuel can escape to the exterior by a diffusion effect. Furthermore, the more rigid material of the pipe portion 18 forms a supporting core for a clip or clamp or the like which is possibly used to fix the conduit 52 to the connection 16 by being clamped therearound, thereby to hold the conduit 52 on the connection 16.
Reference will now be made to Figure 3 showing a second embodiment of the present invention which is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in respect of all its essential features and details, so that the same parts wi 11 al so be denoted by the same references as those used i n Fi gures 1 and 2, but increased in each case by 100 in Figure 3. The difference in the Figure 3 embodiment is that the opening 114 in the wall 110 of the tank 112 is sealed with respect to the end part 126 of the pipe portion 118 by a sealing ring 160 which is disposed in the annular space 121 and which bears against the part 126. The sealing ring 160 is subjected to a compressive loading by a part of the sheathing 120, that is to say more specifically by the end surface 162 thereof, which is set back somewhat in the upward direction in Figure 3 with respect to the foot 123, thereby ensuring that the sealing ring 160 bears against both the outside peripheral surface of the part 126 of the pipe portion 118, the outside surface 164 of the tank wall 110, and against the end face 162 of the sheathing 120. That therefore provides for sealing integrity in relation to the opening 114 which, in the embodiment of Figure 3, is not completely closed by the part 126 outside same. It will be appreciated that it is also possible for the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 3 to be combined together and thus additionally also to provide a sealing ring which is advantageously in the form of an 0-ring, when the opening 14 in Figures 1 and 2 or 114 in Figure 3 in the tank wall is already closed in fluid-tight relationship by the part 26 or 126 of the pipe portion 18 or 118 respectively.
A further difference in the Figure 3 embodiment in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that the end part 113 of the connection 116 is of a configuration which is required for co-operation with a form of connector referred to as a quick connector. In this case, formed on the end part 113 on the outsi de thereof i s a 1 ocki ng ri ng i ndi Gated at 180 which co-operates with a locking member on the quick connector and behind which the locking member of the quick connector engages. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the locking ring 180 is mounted on the sheathing 120 at the outside surface thereof. Sealing integrity within the quick connector is effected however in the region marked by the dash-dotted line 182, that is to say in relation to the pipe portion 118 comprising a material which is not permeable or only slightly permeable in relation to fuel.
Looking now at Figure 4, shown therein is a further embodiment of the invention which is also substantially the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 so that the same components are also denoted by the same references but increased in each case by 200 in relation to Figures 1 and 2.
Referring therefore to Figure 4, the wall 210 of the tank 212 is shown at two different positions in respect of height. The part of the wall 210 to the right of the opening 214 shows the finished welded connection 230 between the tank wall 210 and the sheathing 220, while the part to the left of the opening 214 shows the position of the parts which co-operate in that si tuati on , bei ng therefore the wal 1 210 and the foot 223 , i n the posi ti ons immediately before the welded connection is formed. For the purposes of making the welded connection, the regions indicated in darkened form at 268 and 270 respectively are generally heated and plasticised in the course of the procedure which is referred to as surface-to-surface welding, whereupon the two parts are then pressed against each other to produce the welded connection indicated at 230. In regard to the embodiment of Figure 4, the i nventi on provi des i n thi s respect that a part of the pl asti ci sed materi a 1 in the regions 268 and 270 of the sheathing 220 and the tank wall 210 is displaced in such a way that, at the end of the operation for producing the welded connection 230, the annular space 221 is entirely or substantially filled by displaced material as indicated at 272, at any event to such an extent that the displaced material 272 closes off the opening 214 in the tank wall 210. In this respect, there is no need for the amount of plasticised material to be accurately matched to the volume of the annular space 221 as, when the parts which are to be joined together are pressed against each other, superfluous plasticised material can be displaced to the exterior from the region between the foot 223 and the outside surface 264 of the tank wall 210. It will be appreciated that in this case also it is possible, using the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, for the opening 214 to be completely closed off by the end part 226, by virtue of suitable dimensioning of the diameter of the opening 214 and the outside diameter of the part 226. Alternatively but also additionally, it would also be possible to provide a sealing ring as indicated at 160 in the embodiment of Figure 3.
in which case the displaced plastic material 272, at the peripheral surface of the part 226, forms an abutment for the sealing ring or a portion delimiting a seating for same.
The embodiment of Figure 4 also provides that the end part 233 is designed for connection to a quick connector, but in this case the locking ring 280 is carried by the pipe portion 218 or more specifically the region 233 thereof which extends beyond the sheathing 220. In this case also the dash-dotted line 282, corresponding to the line 182 in Figure 3. indicates the regi on i n wh i ch sea 1 i ng i ntegri ty i s effected i n rel at i on to the qui ck connector.
It will be seen from the foregoing description that the configuration in accordance with the invention, in terms of sealing integrity for the opening in the tank wall, provides that fuel in the form of liquid and/or gas in the region of that opening can only issue through the internal free cross-section of the connection 16, 116, 216, or the pipe portion 18. 118.
218 thereof, whereas fuel cannot escape through the opening outside the condui t or passage whi ch i s defi ned by the connecti on 16 . 116. 216 . As the plastic material, for example polyamide, which forms the pipe portion 18, 118, 218 constituting the core of the connection 16, 116, 216 has only a negl i gi bl a 1 evel of permeabi 1 i ty i n rel ati on to fuel and the wa 11 10 . 110 .
210 of the tank is also only very slightly permeable in relation to fuel, either by virtue of a suitable treatment applied to the tank, for example by means of fluorination, or by the provision of a barrier layer in the wall structure 10. 110, 210 of the tank, the amount of gaseous fuel which passes into the space defined by the sheathing 20, 120. 220 on the exterior thereof i s so sl i ght that the evaporati on 1 osses whi ch escape to the exteri or as a result are negligible. That improvement has been achieved using simple means as producti on of the connecti on 16. 116. 216 and preparati on or processi ng of the tank to produce the opening 14, 114. 214 therein and possibly arranging a seal at that location do not require any additional significant complication or expenditure. That is important for the reason that fuel tanks of this kind are articles which are produced in very large numbers, and the cost factor is therefore an important aspect.
It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments have been set forth solely by way of example and illustration of the principles of the invention and that various other modifications and alterations may be made therein without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A motor vehicle tank of plastic material including: a tank wall, an opening in the tank wall, a connecting means mounted to the tank wall at the opening for communication with the opening and comprising a pipe portion of a plastic material with low permeability for fuel and a sheathing enclosing the pipe portion and comprising a different plastic material adapted to be connected to the tank wall, the sheathing having a first end towards the tank and at said first end extending at a spacing from said pipe portion and being joined to the outside surface of the tank wall, wherein at its said first end the pipe portion of the connecting means has a part which projects beyond said sheathing and extends into said opening, and means sealing the tank wall region delimiting the opening with respect to the outside peripheral surface of said projecting part of said pipe portion.
2. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said part of said pipe portion which projects beyond said sheathing is of an outside diameter matched to the diameter of the opening in the tank wall that accommodates said pipe portion part, such that the outside surface of said pipe portion part bears in sealing relationship against said tank wall region defining said opening.
3. A tank as set forth in claim 1 and further including a sealing means in the region between the connection between the sheathing and the tank wall on the one hand and the pipe portion on the other hand.
4. A tank as set forth in claim 3 wherein an annular space is defined between said sheathing and said pipe portion, and a part of the plastic material which is plasticised when a welded connection between the sheathing and the tank wall is made fills at least a part of said annular space.
5. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said projecting part of said pipe portion extends into the interior of the tank.
6. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein the connection has a free end remote from said tank, wherein in the proximity of said free end said connection is provided at said sheathing with a groove extending therearound, and further including in said groove a seal adapted for sealing co-operation with a connecting conduit to be connected to said connecting means.
7. A tank as set forth in claim 6 wherein said seal is a sealing ring.
8. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pipe portion and said sheathing have mutually facing walls provided with shaped portions adapted to engage into each other in mutual co-operation in the manner of a labyrinth seal.
9. A tank as set forth in claim 8 wherein said shaped portions comprise mutually co-operating projections and recesses.
10. A tank as set forth in claim 8 wherein said shaped portions extend substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective part of said connecting means.
11. A tank as set forth in claim 8 wherein at least one of said shaped portions extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective part of said connecting means.
12. A tank as set forth in claim 11 wherein at least one of the shaped portions extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective part of said connecting means forms an extension on said shaped portion, said extension extending substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective part of said connecting means.
13. A tank as set forth in claim 11 wherein said wall portions extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis are arranged at least adjacent the ends of the sheathing.
14. A tank as set forth in claim 11 wherein the pipe portion of the connecting means has a second end adapted to be connected to a connection member, and wherein said second end of said pipe portion has a step configuration having a recess therein for accommodating the end of the sheathing.
15. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pipe portion of said connecting means has a second end providing an end part to be connected to a connection member, wherein at said second end part said pipe portion is provided outside said sheathing on the outside of the pipe portion with at least one ring portion of sawtooth configuration, and wherein said second end part co-operates directly with said connecting member.
16. A tank as set forth in claim 15 wherein said ring portion forms a sealing ring portion.
17. A tank as set forth in claim 15 wherein said ring portion forms a holding ring portion.
18. A tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting means has a second end providing an end part to be connected to a connection member, and wherein at said second end part said connecting means is provided on its outside with a locking ring extending therearound for connection to a quick connector member.
19. A motor vehicle tank of plastic material including a tank wall, an opening in the tank wall, and a connecting means mounted to the tank wall and communicating with said opening and comprising a pipe portion of a plastic material which is substantially impermeable to fuel and a sheathing of another plastic material adapted to be connected to the tank wall, wherein the sheathing has a first end towards the tank, said sheathing at said first end extending at a spacing from said pipe portion and being welded to the outside surface of the tank wall, and wherein the pipe portion and the sheathing have mutually facing wall surfaces provided with shaped portions co-operating in mutually interengaging relationship to afford a labyrinth seal configuration.
20. A tank as set forth in claim 19 wherein said shaped portions comprise a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses in mutually co-operating relationship.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE1998114958 DE19814958C2 (en) | 1998-04-03 | 1998-04-03 | Motor vehicle tank made of plastic |
| DE19814958.1 | 1998-04-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2268598A1 true CA2268598A1 (en) | 1999-10-03 |
Family
ID=7863481
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2268598 Abandoned CA2268598A1 (en) | 1998-04-03 | 1999-04-06 | Motor vehicle tank of plastic material |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0947368A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2268598A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19814958C2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7669900B2 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2010-03-02 | Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc. | Interface O-ring seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19957770C2 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2003-05-08 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Fuel supply system for a motor vehicle |
| EP1179445B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2006-10-25 | Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Plastic fuel tank having an arrangement for welding a component part in a fuel impermeable manner |
| AT4835U1 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2001-12-27 | Tesma Motoren Getriebetechnik | FUEL TANK WITH A PIPE |
| US7089952B2 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2006-08-15 | Ube Industries, Ltd. | Fuel parts and process for producing the same |
| US6669043B2 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2003-12-30 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Passthru device for internalized component fuel tanks |
| US6834771B2 (en) | 2002-10-28 | 2004-12-28 | Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd. | Resin component welding structure |
| DE102008036538A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-04-22 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co Kg | Motor vehicle fuel tank |
| DE102009007019A1 (en) * | 2009-01-31 | 2010-08-12 | Norma Germany Gmbh | Fuel line and method of making a fuel line |
| EP3418095B1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2019-04-24 | Magna Steyr Fuel Systems GesmbH | Bleed nipple and tank assembly |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5139043A (en) * | 1990-08-24 | 1992-08-18 | Ford Motor Company | Weldable vapor vent valve |
| US5404907A (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1995-04-11 | G. T. Products, Inc. | Weldable vapor vent valve for fuel tanks |
| US5568828A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1996-10-29 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Fuel-delivery control system |
-
1998
- 1998-04-03 DE DE1998114958 patent/DE19814958C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-03-31 EP EP99106584A patent/EP0947368A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-04-06 CA CA 2268598 patent/CA2268598A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7669900B2 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2010-03-02 | Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc. | Interface O-ring seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0947368A3 (en) | 2001-03-14 |
| EP0947368A2 (en) | 1999-10-06 |
| DE19814958C2 (en) | 2000-06-08 |
| DE19814958A1 (en) | 1999-10-14 |
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