CA2693773A1 - Fuel tank baffle for vehicle - Google Patents

Fuel tank baffle for vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2693773A1
CA2693773A1 CA2693773A CA2693773A CA2693773A1 CA 2693773 A1 CA2693773 A1 CA 2693773A1 CA 2693773 A CA2693773 A CA 2693773A CA 2693773 A CA2693773 A CA 2693773A CA 2693773 A1 CA2693773 A1 CA 2693773A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
wall portion
baffle arrangement
wall
inlets
fuel
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
Application number
CA2693773A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Johnathan N. Hawks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Volvo Group North America LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2693773A1 publication Critical patent/CA2693773A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT 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
    • B60K15/00Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT 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
    • B60K15/00Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03328Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
    • B60K2015/0344Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling comprising baffles

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

A baffle arrangement for a vehicle fuel tank includes first and second wall portions, each having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees. The first wall portion and second wall portion are positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir, and with the respective outer ends spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir.

Description

"FUEL TANK BAFFLE FOR VEHICLE"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The invention relates to vehicle fuel tanks, and more specifically, to a reservoir baffle arrangement for a vehicle fuel tank that allows use of more of the fuel tank volume. The invention has advantageous use in cylindrical fuel tanks as are used in heavy duty trucks.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[002] Diesel powered trucks use externally mounted fuel tanks that are typically cylindrical in shape and mounted longitudinally on the truck frame. Because of the placement and length of the fuel filler neck, an upper portion of the tank volume is lost. In addition, depending on mounting of the draw tube, the orientation of the tube and the location of the tube mouth, a residual amount of fuel must remain in the tank to cover the draw tube mouth, so that the fuel pump can deliver fuel under all conditions. The residual amount of fuel in the bottom of the tank must accommodate tilting of the tank when the vehicle climbs or descends a grade.
[003] Thus, the useful volume of the fuel tank is less than the total volume defined by the walls of the tank.
[004] A disadvantage is that for a given fuel tank the range -of the vehicle is less than it would be if more of the residual fuel volume could be used. From another point of view, the fuel tank may be considered to be larger than would be necessary if more of the residual volume could be used. Another disadvantage is that the vehicle weight may unnecessarily include the weight of the residual fuel volume and the added weight of the larger fuel tank.
[005] The invention provides a device that allows the vehicle to use more of the residual fuel than a conventional fuel tank. Accordingly, a small fuel tank-may be used which can save space on the frame, and the vehicle weight can be reduced.
[006] A device according to the invention includes a first wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and'formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a first directiorn and a second wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first wall portion and second wall I

portion are positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central -reservoir, and the respective outer ends are spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir.
[007] According to another aspect of the invention, a plane defining an interface between the inner end of the first wall portion and the inner end of the second wall portion is perpendicular to planes defining the inlets.
[008] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a distance between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is greatest where the respective outer ends form the inlets and narrows as the passageways lead to the central reservoir.

[oo9] According to the invention, the first wall portion and second wall portion are formed of sheet material and are perpendicular to a bottom of the baffle arrangement.

[010] The invention also contemplates a fuel tank arrangement for a vehicle, including, a tank having a cylindrical outer wall defining an interior having an axial direction. A baffle arrangement is mounted in a bottom of the tank, the baffle arrangement having a first wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a first direction, a second wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first wall portion and second wall portion positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir, and with the respective outer ends spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir, the baffle arrangement being is oriented so that the inlets open in the axial direction, and, a draw tube mounted to extend with a mouth in the central reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[O11] The invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a baffle arrangement in accordance with the invention;

[013] Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1; and, [014) Figure 3 is an end view of a fuel tank showing schematically the orientation of a fuel draw tube with a baffle arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] Figure I shows a perspective view of a baffle arrangement 5 for a fuel tank in accordance with the invention and Figure 2 is a top view of the baffle arrangement of Figure 1. The arrangement 5 includes a first wall 10 and a second wal120 that are positioned vertically with respect to a floor or bottom 30. The first wall 10 is formed as a spiral of about 270 turning in a first direction from an outer edge 12 to an inner edge 14. The second wall 20 is formed also formed as a spiral of about 270 , but turning in a second direction opposite the first direction from an outer edge 22 to an inner edge 24.

[016] The first wall 10 and second wa1120 are positioned in a nested arrangement with the respective inner ends 14, 24 in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir 40. The respective outer ends 12, 22 are spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets 50, 52 on opposite sides of the baffle arrangement 5. The respective walls 10, 20 between the inner ends and outer ends define passageways from the inlets 50, 52 to the central reservoir 40.

[017] As shown in Figure 3, the baffle arrangement 5 provides a reservoir at a bottom of a fuel tank 60, represented here as an end section of a cylindrical tank. A draw tube 62 is positioned with an inlet or mouth 64 disposed in the central reservoir 40 to draw fuel from the tank.

[018] As will be recognized, the floor 30 of the baffle arrangement 5 will be formed with a curvature to fit without a gap on the bottom of the tank 60. Alternatively, the first wall 10 and second wall 20 may be mounted directly to the wall of the fuel tank 60.

[o19] The baffle arrangement 50 is mounted in a fuel tank (for example, the fuel tank 60) so that the inlets 50, 52 are open in the longitudinal or axial direction of the tank, which normally coincides with the front to back direction of the vehicle on which the tank is rriounted. The broken line A in Figure 2 indicates the longitudinal direction for mounting purposes.

[020] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the baffle arrangement of the invention may be used in a cylindrical tank as shown, or.in tanks of other shapes, for example, D-shaped, rectangular, oval and the rest. The baffle arrangement will function optimally in a tank shaped so,that fuel collects in or near the place the baffle is installed, for example, a tank that has a longitudinal dimension greater than a lateral dimension. The dimensions of the baffle itself, particularly the lateral dimensions, may be selected to optimize the collection of fuel, as will be understood. .
[021] As a vehicle moves, climbing or descending grades, accelerating or braking, turning left or right, fuel will move in the tank. If the fuel level is low, the baffle arrangement 5 will ensure that the mouth 64 of the draw tube 62 is covered so that fuel and not air is drawn into the fuel system. The curvature of the first wall 10 and second wall 20 and their respective positions form traps for moving fuel.

[022] For example, when fuel may move forward and back, that is, along the axis A because of the vehicle is on a grade or is experiencing acceleration forces, one of the walls 10, 20 will act as a cup to trap fuel. The cup may be understood to be the portion between the outer edge 22 and inner edge 24, using the second wall 20 as an example. The first wall 10 between the outer edge 12 and inner edge 14 acts as a cup for fuel moving in the opposite direction.

[023] It will be understood that fuel will fill the cup formed by a wall until the volume of fuel spills over the respective inner edge 14, 24 and out through the opposing passage. The working volume of the baffle arrangement 5 may be adjusted by changing the height of the walls 10, 12, the curvature of the spiral, and the relatively spacing between the walls.

[024] For lateral movements of fuel in the tank, for example, during a tu.m, the portion of the wall 10 to the left of the axis A in Figure 2, that is, between the inner edge 14 and where the axis A intersects the first wall 10 acts as trap fuel from flowing out of the reservoir 40.
Correspondingly, the second wal120 forms a trap for lateral fuel movements of the opposite direction between the inner edge 24 and the point where the axis A intersects the second wall 20.
[025] The first wall 10 and second wall 20 are formed as smooth curves to facilitate the flow of fuel through and for simplicity in manufacturing. Alternatively, a baffle arrangement 105 may include walls 110, 120 formed as straight segments joined at corners as shown in Figure 4. Note that the inner segment 114, 124 of each wall 110, 120 is generally perpendicular to the outer segment 112, 122 of the respective wall so that the same fuel trap arrangement is provided.

[026] The invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, but those of skill in the art will understand that equivalents may be substituted without departing froin the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. A baffle arrangement for a vehicle fuel tank, comprising:

a first wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a first direction;

a second wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first wall portion and second wall portion positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir, and with the respective outer ends spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir.
2. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plane defining an interface between the inner end of the first wall portion and the inner end of the second wall portion is perpendicular to planes defining the inlets.
3. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the inlets is greater than a distance between the respective inner ends of the first wall portion and second wall portion.
4. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first wall portion and second wall portion are formed of sheet material and are perpendicular to a bottom of the baffle arrangement.
5. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distance between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is greatest where the respective outer ends form the inlets and narrows as the passageways lead to the central reservoir.
6 6. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each wall portion is formed as a smooth curve.
7. The baffle arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each wall portion is formed as a series of straight wall segments.
8. A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicle, comprising:

a tank having an outer wall defining an interior having an axial direction;

a baffle arrangement mounted in a bottom of the tank and having a first wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a first direction, a second wall portion having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees turning in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first wall portion and second wall portion positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir, and with the respective outer ends spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir;

wherein, the baffle arrangement is oriented so that the inlets open in the axial direction;
and, a draw tube mounted to extend with a mouth in the central reservoir.
CA2693773A 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Fuel tank baffle for vehicle Abandoned CA2693773A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/016257 WO2009011678A1 (en) 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Reservoir baffle arrangement for a vehicle fuel tank

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2693773A1 true CA2693773A1 (en) 2009-01-22

Family

ID=40259878

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2693773A Abandoned CA2693773A1 (en) 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Fuel tank baffle for vehicle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20110000921A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2007356502A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2693773A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009011678A1 (en)

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DE102009046956A1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2011-05-26 Robert Bosch Gmbh Reducing agent reservoir
WO2012016171A1 (en) * 2010-07-30 2012-02-02 Ferus Inc. Transport tank baffle assembly
JP5844603B2 (en) * 2011-10-25 2016-01-20 川崎重工業株式会社 Vehicle fuel tank
JP5996257B2 (en) * 2011-12-15 2016-09-21 本田技研工業株式会社 Saddle riding
US8727173B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2014-05-20 Caterpillar Inc. Fuel tank assembly
US9358878B2 (en) 2012-05-04 2016-06-07 TransNav Inc. Fluid energy reducing device
US9567954B2 (en) 2012-09-18 2017-02-14 Aeromotive, Inc. Compressible baffle for a fuel tank
US8783287B2 (en) 2012-09-18 2014-07-22 Aeromotive, Inc. Apparatus and method for modifying a fuel tank to accept an in-tank fuel pump
CN103241121A (en) * 2013-05-13 2013-08-14 广西柳工机械股份有限公司 Fuel tank
DE102013010872A1 (en) * 2013-06-28 2014-12-31 Daimler Ag Swirl pot and reservoir
DE102018208314A1 (en) * 2018-05-25 2019-11-28 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Intake chamber for a resource pump, equipment pump and equipment container
KR102292662B1 (en) * 2020-03-10 2021-08-24 (주)동희산업 Baffle apparatus for fule tank
CN114056085A (en) * 2021-12-26 2022-02-18 青岛罗泰克亿利汽车橡塑制品有限公司 Rotational molding integrated into one piece oil tank with keep off oily structure

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DE1066442B (en) * 1958-04-18 1959-10-01 Daimler Benz Ag Device in the fuel tank for internal combustion engines to accumulate the fuel
IT1077423B (en) * 1977-07-27 1985-05-04 Alfa Romeo Spa FUEL TANK FOR A VEHICLE
SE422301B (en) * 1979-04-06 1982-03-01 Volvo Ab DEVICE IN A FUEL TANK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
IT8153149V0 (en) * 1981-04-16 1981-04-16 Fiat Auto Spa FUEL TANK PARTICULARLY PARTLY FOR VEHICLES
US4708170A (en) * 1985-04-26 1987-11-24 Ford Motor Company Motor vehicle fuel tank with unitary fuel reservoir
US4638836A (en) * 1985-04-26 1987-01-27 Ford Motor Company Motor vehicle fuel tank with unitary fuel reservoir
US5127432A (en) * 1991-09-16 1992-07-07 Ford Motor Company Fuel tank reservoir
JP2955897B2 (en) * 1991-10-31 1999-10-04 本田技研工業株式会社 Vehicle fuel supply system
US5221021A (en) * 1991-12-16 1993-06-22 Ford Motor Company Fuel tank reservoir

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20110000921A1 (en) 2011-01-06
WO2009011678A1 (en) 2009-01-22
AU2007356502A1 (en) 2009-01-22

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20130718