DE102006056490A1 - Multi-chamber fluid container e.g. saddle tank, for motor vehicle, has detecting device of one of chambers arranged in area such that device is mounted and demounted via mounting opening, where container resides in area of one chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has fill level detecting devices (9) which are separated from each other by a base recess (4) and connected with each other by a bypass channel (6) defined by a saddle (5), where the recess is formed by the saddle. The device of one of chambers (2, 3) is arranged in an area of the channel such that the device is mounted and demounted in the container via a mounting opening (20), where the container resides in an area of the chamber (2). The device has a float assembly lever (11) coupled with a transducer (12) such that the transducer is controlled by a float assembly (10).

Description

The The invention relates to a multi-chamber liquid container with a filling height detecting device per chamber.

Liquid container with several, fluid-conducting interconnected chambers are for example as fuel tanks known for motor vehicles. Such liquid containers are especially designed as a saddle tank under a rear seat of the motor vehicle can be mounted. The saddle tank has such in a middle floor area, a tunnel forming a recess, so that the saddle tank around a drive shaft of a rear axle drive of the motor vehicle can be settled around. The indentation forms in the saddle tank at least two chambers, which via one above the Tunnel-based bypass channel connected to each other.

In each chamber is provided with a fuel delivery device, with the located in the saddle tank fuel to an internal combustion engine of the Motor vehicle eligible is. The fuel conveyor For example, it may be a pump, in particular a suction jet pump.

in the Case of different fuel delivery rates of fuel conveyors can in the course of operation of the motor vehicle in the chambers, the fuel levels differ Assume levels once the fuel levels are below the upper rim the dent have sunk.

It is known the fuel levels for each chamber individually by means of fuel level detection devices to capture each one for them assigned chamber are assigned. With these observations, the delivery rates the individual fuel conveyors dependent on the fuel level the individual chambers are controlled in particular so that the delivery rate that fuel conveyor is reduced or set to zero, whose chamber is fuelless contains more.

to Recording the filling heights in the Chambers are filling height detecting devices known, which are based on a float principle. These filling height detecting devices are equipped with a float, which is in the fuel floating, so that a current vertical position of the float based on the bottom of the bottom of the respective Chamber can be tapped. From this vertical position of Floaters is the fuel level in the respective chamber deducible and thus detectable.

In known Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtungen can detect the vertical position of the float by the float position-controlled transmitter, in particular a potentiometer provided are. In particular, the float can attach to him via one Lever to control the transmitter.

Known Saddle tanks point in their outer wall for every Chamber a lockable and openable mounting hole on. Through the respective open mounting hole There is access to the interior of the respective chamber, so that through this mounting hole into the chamber an associated fuel delivery device and an associated level detection means can be mounted and / or through this mounting hole from the chamber in these located facilities are optionally removable.

Known are such mounting holes with a flange which is closed, for example with a disc, to the flange by means of, for example, screw connections attachable.

at the manufacture of the saddle tank, it is consuming this with such Mounting holes too Mistake. For example, in the wall of the saddle tank a Recess to be made to attach to the recess of the flange, make the disc and with a corresponding sealing device to equip for sealing against the flange. All these measures are costly and time consuming.

is the saddle tank used in the motor vehicle, so is particular in the underbody of the motor vehicle for each mounting hole one corresponding opening provide, through which the mounting opening from the outside accessible is when the saddle tank is mounted in the vehicle.

at Failure of the seal between the disc and the flange occurs a leak on, so that, for example, in the saddle tank itself located gases and / or vapors out of the saddle tank to the outside can escape although the mounting holes are properly closed by means of their discs.

in the Saddle tank is intended fuel for the Motor vehicle stored. For example, due to these potential leaks saturated with fuel Air to the outside get to the saddle tank. Such airborne air is usually harmful and harmful puts a burden on the Environment.

Remedy could create the omission of mounting holes for certain chambers. in this connection However, in particular, the filling height detection devices provided in these chambers would not be accessible from the outside, so that in the event of a defect in one of the filling height detection devices, the complete saddle tank would have to be exchanged.

task The invention is a multi-chamber liquid container with a filling height detecting device to create a chamber that is inexpensive and in production Low emissions during operation.

Of the has multi-chamber liquid container according to the invention one filling height detecting device per chamber on, wherein the chambers of a saddle forming a bottom recess of the Liquid container respectively are separated from each other and via a bridging channel defined by the saddle connected to each other, wherein the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung for a first the chambers in the area of the bypass channel is arranged, such that this Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung by a mounting hole in the Liquid container, the is located in the region of the second of the chambers, mountable and is removable.

The Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung is set up so that with it the filling level of the in the first chamber located liquid is detectable. Therefor stands the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung for the first chamber with the liquid in this contact. Thereby, that the filling height detecting device in the bypass channel is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, is the filling height detecting device accessible from the second chamber. Thus, the filling height detecting device through a mounting hole accessible; which is arranged in the region of the second chamber, so that to make available from outside of the liquid container ago no mounting opening for the filling height detection device provided in the region of the first chamber needs to be. Through this mounting hole can also be a possibly for the second chamber provided Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung assembled, dismantled and maintained.

Thereby, that for the filling height detecting device for the first chamber in the same area no mounting hole needs to be provided the liquid container according to the invention has a small number of mounting holes on. Therefore, the liquid container according to the invention is in the production cost and low emissions during operation.

Advantageous the filling height detecting device on the basis of the electrical capacitance measurement using a Working capacitor device. Preferably, the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung works according to the float principle. that is, the filling height detecting device has a transmitter, a float, and an attached one Float lever coupled to the transmitter such that the transmitter can be controlled by the float.

Advantageous can the transmitter in the bypass channel be housed. Preferably, the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung has a Arm on, at the middle section of the transmitter attached and at a first of its two free ends in the bypass channel is stored by means of a bearing, so that the arm with the transmitter and the float coupled to it via the float lever in the Interior of the first chamber protrudes.

Thereby, that the transmitter attached to the central portion of the arm is, the Meßwergeber vertically seen in the middle of the first chamber arranged. At full first chamber is the liquid level settled above the transmitter, wherein the distance from the transmitter to the liquid level that's about as big like the distance from the transmitter to the bottom of the first chamber. Consequently sink the filling height at Emptying the full first chamber and thus also the vertical position of the float of double the distance between the transmitter and the chamber bottom to zero. Since the float lever is hinged to the Messwergeber, the float lever protrudes with fully filled chamber upwards and with empty chamber down. This will ensure that the float lever when emptying the first chamber undergoes a large swivel angle range, wherein the length of the float lever shorter as the maximum fill level of the first Chamber can be. Thus, the float lever is designed to be particularly short and consequently the size of the filling height detecting device low, whereby the liquid container according to the invention be carried out a reduced size can.

Prefers the arm of the bearing is biased towards the ground of the liquid container pressed. This ensures that the filling height detection device stable placed in the first chamber.

alternative it is preferred that the arm is designed and mounted so elastically is that this is under bias towards the bottom of the liquid container depressed becomes.

It is preferred that the arm is pivotally supported in the bearing about its first end. This advantageously allows the arm to be raised, for example, during maintenance work, so that the Transmitter and the connected float are easily accessible. Alternatively, it is preferred that the arm in the bearing at its first end in the direction from the saddle to the opposite side of the saddle in the region of the bridging channel wall of the liquid container is reciprocally slidably held.

Prefers is in the bearing for applying the bias a pressure and / or a tension and / or a torsion spring provided.

Further it is preferred that at the second free end of the arm a Pump is attached to the promotion which can be stored in the liquid container liquid is submersible in this. This is the arm for submersion and for holding the pump in the one located in the first chamber Liquid, so that advantageously a separate device for holding down the Pump does not need to be provided.

Advantageous the arm can be made of profile material. It is preferred however, that arm as the conveyor pipe the pump is formed. This is through the arm through the pumped by the pump liquid delivered, leaving a separate delivery pipe for the pump within the first Chamber does not need to be provided. Thus, it is advantageous reduces the number of installed parts within the liquid container according to the invention.

Prefers the pump is of the type of a suction jet pump. The suction jet pump works without a drive unit integrated in it, so that the Size of the suction jet pump is advantageously low.

Advantageous can the mounting hole be designed as a hole in the wall of the liquid container. However, it is preferred that the liquid container to the mounting hole a mounting hole flange has, which is closable with a closure disc.

It it is preferred that the filling height detecting means having a latching head and in the wall of the liquid container in Area of the bypass channel a Einrastmulde is provided, so that under snapping the Einratskopfs in the Einrastmulde the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung in the bypass channel is locked in place. This is a simple and easy to produce Attachment of the filling height detecting device in the bypass channel provided so that extra Fastening devices are not provided in the bypass channel need to be.

It it is preferred that two latching heads and two, respectively associated Einrastmulden are provided, wherein the one pairing formed by the one latching head and the one latching recess in Range of the saddle and the other mating made of the other Snap-in head as well as the other latching recess in the area of the saddle in the area of the bypass channel opposite wall arranged the liquid container are.

Further it is preferred that the area of the wall of the liquid tank at. at least one of the Einrastmulden is designed such that he latching the associated Snap it evades this by elastic deformation and / or at least one of the heads so biased in the direction away from the associated latching recess displaced is that he escapes when snapping into the associated latching recess of this.

Prefers has the filling height detecting device a spring with which the latching head in the direction of the associated latching recess is pressed down. The spring may be the compression spring used in the bearing for application the bias toward the bottom of the liquid container is applied.

alternative indicates the liquid container in the area of the bypass channel a welded-in or in one piece made with the wall, in particular blown clip on which the filling height detecting device is attached.

in the The following are preferred embodiments a liquid container according to the invention based the attached Schematic drawings explained. It shows

1 a cross-section of a first embodiment of the liquid container and

2 a cross section of a second embodiment of the liquid container.

Like it out 1 it can be seen, the liquid container is a saddle tank 1 , which at its bottom a soil dent 4 having. By doing that, the bottom dent 4 is formed as a survey of the soil are in the saddle tank 1 a main chamber 2 and a side chamber 3 defined by one of the soil dents 4 trained saddle are separated from each other.

The above the saddle 5 settled interior area of the saddle tank 1 forms a bypass channel 6 out, which is the main chamber 2 with the side chamber 3 combines.

The saddle tank 1 is filled with fuel. There through that the main chamber 2 and the side chamber 3 In the bottom area are not connected to each other liquid-conducting, has in the in 1 illustrated saddle tank 1 in the main chamber 2 a fuel level 7 set vertically higher than a fuel level 8th who is in the side chamber 3 has set.

In the main chamber 2 is a filling height detecting means (not shown) for detecting the vertical position of the fuel level 7 intended. Further, in the main chamber 2 housed a fuel pump (not shown), with which the fuel from the main chamber 2 in the present case to an internal combustion engine (not shown) can be promoted when the saddle tank 1 is provided in a motor vehicle.

The secondary chamber 3 is with a Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung 9 for detecting the vertical position of the fuel level 8th Mistake. The filling height detecting device 9 has a transmitter 12 up, by a swimmer 10 via a float lever attached to it 11 is controlled. By doing that the float 10 in the fuel, which is in the side chamber 3 is located, inserted and on the fuel level 8th Floats is the vertical position of the float 10 relative to the bottom of the saddle tank 1 a measure of the filling level of the in the secondary chamber 3 located fuel or the vertical position of the fuel level 8th ,

The transmitter 12 is stationary in the side chamber 3 fixed so that when changing the vertical position of the fuel level 8th in the side chamber 3 the vertical distance of the float 10 related to the transmitter 12 changes. The float lever 11 is both with the transmitter 12 as well as with the swimmer 10 coupled pivotally. Alternatively, the float 10 firmly to the float lever 11 attached.

When changing the vertical position of the fuel level 8th the vertical position of the float changes 10 corresponding. Similarly, the angular position of the float lever changes 11 related to the transmitter 12 , which serves as a mail for the filling level of the auxiliary chamber 3 from the transmitter 12 is tapped and delivered for further processing to an external equipment (not shown), such as a fuel gauge.

To promote the in the secondary chamber 3 located fuel immersed in him a suction jet pump 13 intended. The suction jet pump 13 has a rigid conveyor tube 14 on, by that of the suction jet pump 13 pumped fuel outside the saddle tank 1 is transported. The conveyor pipe 14 runs from the bottom of the side chamber 3 located suction jet pump 13 to the upper area of the saddle tank 1 ,

At about half the length of the conveyor pipe 14 is at him the transmitter 12 attached, causing the transmitter 12 at about halfway up the saddle tank 1 located. This deflects at the maximum possible filling height change of the fuel level 8th in the side chamber 3 the swimmer 10 the float lever 11 opposite the transmitter 12 by a large angle, in particular more than 90 °, from. Thus, the length of the float lever 11 in about half the length of the conveyor tube 14 , This is the float lever 11 made short, whereby the size of the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung 9 is small.

The of the suction jet pump 13 remote end region of the conveyor tube 14 is in the area of the bypass channel 6 from a holddown camp 15 Swiveled in a vertical plane. The holddown camp 15 is with a torsion spring 17 formed, which has a biasing force on the delivery pipe 14 Apply that conveyor pipe 14 in the side chamber 3 is biased down against the ground. This will cause the bottom free end of the production tubing 14 attached suction jet pump 13 always below the fuel level 8th in the side chamber 3 from the torsion spring 17 pressed.

The torsion spring 17 is longitudinally formed and has at its longitudinal ends in each case a latching head 18 on. The longitudinal extent of the torsion spring 17 is chosen such that it corresponds to the vertical width of the bypass channel 6 equivalent. As counterparts to the snap-in heads 18 is in the area of the bypass channel 6 both in the upper wall of the saddle tank 1 as well as in the apex area of the saddle 5 one with the correspondingly assigned latching head 18 cooperating latching recess 19 intended. The latching troughs 19 are in the wall of the saddle tank 1 molded, so that additional components with which the latching recesses 19 could not be provided for.

The snap-in heads 18 the torsion spring 17 are each in their Einrastmulden 19 engaged, so by the torsion spring 17 that the bypass channel 6 Vertical direction bridged, the conveyor pipe 14 is biased downwards.

In the wall of the saddle tank 1 in the upper area of the main chamber 2 is a mounting hole 20 for mounting, demounting and servicing both the level detecting device 9 as well as the suction jet pump 13 intended. The Montageöff voltage 20 is provided with a mounting hole flange, that of a shutter disc 21 is releasably closed.

During assembly, disassembly or maintenance of the filling height detection device 9 or the suction jet pump 13 can the shutter disc 21 be removed, eliminating the mounting hole 20 opened and thus the interior of the saddle tank 1 accessible from the outside. Through the mounting hole 20 For example, a mechanic can place his hand inside the saddle tank 1 grab and the area of the bypass channel 6 to reach. The fitter can use the torsion spring 17 grab and the latching heads 18 from the Einrastmulden 19 disengage and thus the torsion spring 17 from the bypass channel 6 detach. This is the filling height detection device 9 and the suction jet pump 13 with her conveyor pipe 14 inside the saddle tank 1 loose. Characterized in that the filling height detecting means 9 and the suction jet pump 13 with her conveyor pipe 14 through the mounting hole 20 They are accessible from the outside, they can through the mounting hole 20 outside the saddle tank 1 to be brought.

Thus, all assembly, disassembly or maintenance work on the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung 9 and at the suction jet pump 13 via the mounting opening 20 be carried out in the area of the main chamber 2 and not in the area of the secondary chamber 3 is settled. Thus, in the area of the secondary chamber 3 a mounting opening for accessing the Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung 9 and the suction pump 13 unnecessary. This ensures that the number of necessary mounting holes on the saddle tank 1 is reduced compared to known solutions. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the saddle tank 1 reduced and possible emissions due to possible leaks at the mounting holes kept small.

Alternatively, the location of the transmitter 12 in the area of the bypass channel 6 be arranged, reducing the accessibility through the mounting hole 20 is increased through.

The in 2 shown saddle tank 1 has the suction jet pump 13 with a conveyor pipe 22 on, which is elastic. The conveyor pipe 22 is with his the suction jet pump 13 opposite end to the saddle 5 by means of a clip 23 attached, which is located at the sloping wall area, that of the main chamber 2 is facing. Thus, the delivery pipe has 22 from the clip 23 over the saddle 5 through the bypass channel 6 in the side chamber 3 a curved course.

The conveyor pipe 22 is curved so that it due to its elasticity, the suction jet pump 13 in the side chamber 3 restrained. The clip 23 is in the wall of the saddle 5 shrink wrapped.

1

saddle tank

2

main chamber

3

secondary chamber

4

Bodeneinbuchtung

5

saddle

6

bypass channel

7

Fuel level in the main chamber

8th

Fuel level in secondary chamber

9

Füllhöhenerfassungseinrichtung in secondary chamber

10

swimmer

11

float lever

12

Transmitters

13

eductor

14

Arm / conveying pipe rigid

15

Hold-down bearings

17

torsion spring

18

latch head

19

Einrastmulde

20

mounting hole

21

Montageöffnungsflansch with a shutter disc

22

Arm / conveying pipe elastic

23

clip

Claims (16)

Multi-chamber liquid container with a filling height detecting device per chamber, which is separated from a saddle ( 5 ) forming soil indentation ( 4 ) of the liquid container ( 1 ) are separated from each other and via one of the saddle ( 5 ) bridging channel ( 6 ), wherein the filling height detecting device ( 9 ) for a first of the chambers ( 3 ) in the area of the bypass channel ( 6 ) is arranged such that this filling height detecting means ( 9 ) through a mounting opening ( 20 ) in the liquid container ( 1 ) in the area of a second of the chambers ( 2 ) Is settled, assembled and disassembled. A liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the filling height detecting means (15) 9 ) a transmitter ( 12 ), a float ( 10 ) and a float lever ( 11 ) connected to the transmitter ( 12 ) is coupled in such a way that the transmitter ( 12 ) from the float ( 10 ) is controllable. A liquid container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling height detecting means (15) 9 ) an arm ( 14 . 22 ), at whose middle section the transmitter ( 12 ) is attached and the ei a first of its free two ends in the bypass channel ( 6 ) by means of a warehouse ( 15 ) is mounted so that the arm ( 14 . 22 ) with the transmitter ( 12 ) and the it via the shimmer lever ( 11 ) coupled floats ( 10 ) into the interior of the first chamber ( 3 protrudes. A liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the arm ( 14 ) from the warehouse ( 15 ) biased towards the bottom of the liquid container ( 1 ) is pressed. A liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the arm ( 14 ) in the warehouse ( 15 ) is pivotable about its first end and / or slidably held in the direction from the saddle to the wall of the liquid container opposite the saddle in the region of the bridging channel. A liquid container according to claim 5, wherein in the warehouse ( 15 ) for applying the prestressing a pressure and / or a tension and / or a torsion spring ( 17 ) is provided. A liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the arm ( 22 ) is designed and mounted so elastically that it is biased towards the bottom of the liquid container ( 1 ) is pressed. A liquid container according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein at the second end of the arm ( 14 . 22 ) a pump ( 13 ), which are used to convey in the liquid container ( 1 ) storable liquid is immersed in this. A liquid container according to claim 8, wherein the arm ( 14 . 22 ) as the delivery pipe of the pump ( 13 ) is trained. A liquid container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the pump ( 13 ) of the type of a suction jet pump ( 13 ). Liquid container according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid container at the mounting opening ( 20 ) a Montageöffnungsflansch with a shutter disc ( 21 ), with which the Montageöffnungsflansch is closed. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the filling height detecting means (15) 9 ) a latching head ( 18 ) and in the wall of the liquid container ( 1 ) in the area of the bypass channel ( 6 ) a latching recess ( 19 ) is provided, so that when snapping the latching head ( 18 ) in the latching recess ( 19 ) the filling height detecting device ( 9 ) in the bridging channel ( 6 ) is locked in place. A liquid container according to claim 12, wherein two latching heads ( 18 ) and two, in each case associated latching cavities ( 19 ) are provided, wherein the one pairing formed by the one latching head ( 18 ) and the one latching recess ( 19 ) in the area of the saddle ( 5 ) and the other pairing formed by the other latching head ( 18 ) as well as the other latching recess ( 19 ) in the area of the saddle ( 5 ) in the area of the bypass channel ( 6 ) opposite wall of the liquid container ( 1 ) are arranged. A liquid container according to claim 13, wherein the region of the wall of the liquid container ( 1 ) on at least one of the latching troughs ( 19 ) is designed such that it engages when engaging the associated latching head ( 18 ) identifies this by elastic deformation and / or at least one of the latching heads ( 18 ) biased in the direction away from the associated latching recess is displaced so that it locks when snapped into the associated latching recess ( 19 ) escapes this. A liquid container according to claim 14, wherein said filling height detecting means (15) 9 ) has a spring with which the latching head is pressed in the direction of the associated latching recess. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid container ( 1 ) in the area of the bypass channel ( 6 ) a welded or integrally formed with the wall, in particular blown clip ( 23 ), on which the filling height detection device ( 9 ) is attached.