DE102009043622B4 - Fuel tank - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel tank (10) comprising: at least two fixing means (24) for fixing a member (22) adapted to come into contact with a tank main body (12) at a predetermined position inside the tank main body (12), characterized in that: the at least two fastening means (24) each comprise a Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91), a guide tube (26, 52, 97) and a biasing element (40; 58; 41; 26, 52, 97) is mounted on one side of the component (22) within the tank main body (12), the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) is formed of metal and has a guide rod (34, 51c, 94) wherein the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) is attached at one end thereof by means of a bolt (28) and a nut (29; 56), an E-ring or snap pin on one side within the tank main body (12) on which the member (22) contacts the tank main body (12), and on the the other end thereof is attached to the member (22) by means of the guide rod (34, 51c, 94) inserted in the guide tube (26, 52, 97), the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 95) is inserted between the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) and the guide tube (26, 52, 97), and the component (22) against the tank main body (12) in the predetermined position on the side on which the Member (22) contacts the tank main body (12), is urged by a force of the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 95).

Description

The present invention relates to fuel tanks installed mainly on vehicles.

From the DE 35 14 594 A1 is known for effective noise damping an inner tank fuel pump, which is elastically mounted on all sides in a bell-shaped outer casing.

The DE 601 11 861 T2 discloses a fuel tank for a vehicle having a reserve compartment and an aspirator that draws fuel from a low intake point outside the reservoir and delivers it to a higher fill point in the reservoir.

From the US 5,931,353 A For example, a plastic hollow body in which a module is mounted is known for storing a liquid.

Other fuel tanks, which have a fastening device for fastening a component are known from DE 11 2009 000 843 T5 , of the US Pat. No. 7,201,151 B2 , of the US 2003/0044553 A1 , of the US 5,308,427 A , of the JP 2005-120884 A , of the US 5,044,526 A , which teaches the generic preamble of claim 1, and the US 5,394,902 A known. The DE 10 2006 006 469 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a plastic container.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-8006 discloses a known fuel tank. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the known fuel tank. As it is in 15 is shown, has a fuel tank 200 a tank main body 211 , a cover 210 , a first supporting surface 211b , a second supporting surface 211c , a pump module 214 , a support element 215 and a spring 234 on. The tank main body 211 has an upper opening 211 , The cover 210 is detachable on the tank main body 211 attached to the opening 211 close. The first supporting surface 211b and the second supporting surface 211c are on an inner wall of the tank main body 211 formed and face each other. The fuel pump module 214 has a storage tub 216 that the first supporting surface 211b can touch. The support element 215 is with the storage tub 216 connected that towards the storage tank 216 to and from the storage sink 216 can move, and the support element 215 can be the second supporting surface 211c touch. A feather 234 loads the support element 215 in a sense that the support element 215 off the storage sink 216 is moved. Due to a spring force of the spring 234 become the storage tank 216 of the fuel pump module 214 and the support element 215 against the first supporting surface 211b or the second supporting surface 211c pressed.

The well-known fuel tank 200 has a problem in that the spring force of the spring 234 in other words a compressive load acting on the storage tank 216 is applied depending on the change in a distance (height) between the first supporting surface 211b and the second supporting surface 211c (which face each other) of the tank main body 211 can change. This is unfavorable because reliability in resistance to vibration, resistance to shock, creep resistance, and reduction of NV (noise and vibration) can be lost.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a fuel tank that allows for a constant compressive load of a resilient member applied to a fastener without being affected by changes in a distance between a component contacting side and an opposing side to the component contacting side ,

The above object is achieved by a fuel tank having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

An aspect according to a fuel tank of the present invention includes at least two fastening means for fixing a component adapted to contact the tank main body at a predetermined position inside the tank main body. The at least two fastening devices each include a Z-shaped bracket (also referred to as: a holding portion), a guide tube (also referred to as: a pressing portion) and a biasing member. The guide tube is mounted on one side of the component (hereinafter, component side) inside the tank main body. The Z-shaped bracket is formed of metal and has a guide bar, the Z-shaped bracket at one end thereof by means of a bolt and a nut, an E-ring or a snap pin on a side inside the tank main body on which the component the tank main body is touched (hereinafter: component contact side), attached and attached to the component at the other end thereof by means of the guide rod, which is inserted into the guide tube. The biasing element lies between the Z-shaped bracket and the guide tube. The component may be pressed against the tank main body in the predetermined position on the component contacting side by a force of the biasing member. The The biasing element may be either a resilient element or an elastic element.

Therefore, the pressing force applied to the component by the biasing member can be kept constant without being affected by a change in the distance between the component contacting side and the side opposite thereto inside the tank body. The change in pitch may be caused by the change in pressure within the tank main body or by other factors.

In one embodiment, the force of the biasing member acts to move the holding portion and the pressing portion away from each other. Therefore, the member can be pressed by a spring force or an elastic force acting to move the holding portion and the pressing portion away from each other.

In another embodiment, the spring force or elastic force of the resilient or elastic member acts to draw the holding portion and the pressing portion toward each other. Therefore, the component can be pressed by the spring force or elastic force acting to pull the holding portion and the pressing portion toward each other.

A predetermined space may be formed between a side opposite to the component contacting side inside the tank main body and the fixing means. With this arrangement, the same fixing means can be used for various tank main bodies as long as the predetermined space is formed between the side opposite to the component contacting side of each of the tank main body and the fixing means. In addition, the room can be used as a work space for laying cables or wiring.

The biasing member may be integrally molded with any of the members that form the holding portion or the pressing portion. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the number of components or the number of assembly steps.

Positioning means for positioning the component may be provided on the component contacting side within the tank main body. With this arrangement, the positioning device can prevent a possible displacement of the fixed component due to vibration or the like.

The positioning device for positioning the fastening device may be assembled with the fastening device.

• 1 eine Querschnittsansicht ist, die einen Kraftstofftank gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigende Einrichtung zeigt;
• 3 eine Seitenansicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung in einem Zustand zeigt, in dem eine Befestigung gelöst ist;
• 4 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigende Einrichtung gemäß einer zweiten beispielhaften Ausführungsform zeigt;
• 5 eine Seitenansicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung in einem Zustand zeigt, in dem eine Befestigung gelöst ist;
• 6 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigende Einrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 7 eine Seitenansicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung in einem Zustand zeigt, in dem eine Befestigung gelöst ist;
• 8 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigende Einrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 9 eine Seitenansicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung gemäß einer fünften beispielhaften Ausführungsform zeigt;
• 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht ist, die Hauptteile der befestigenden Einrichtung zeigt;
• 11 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigen Einrichtung gemäß einer sechsten beispielhaften Ausführungsform zeigt;
• 12 eine Seitenansicht ist, die eine befestigende Einrichtung gemäß einer siebten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 13 eine Draufsicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung zeigt;
• 14 eine Seitenansicht ist, die die befestigende Einrichtung in einem Zustand zeigt, in dem eine Befestigung gelöst ist; und
• 15 eine Seitenquerschnittsansicht ist, die einen bekannten Kraftstofftank zeigt.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be understood immediately after reading the following description together with the claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a side view showing a fastening device;
• 3 Fig. 11 is a side view showing the fastening means in a state in which a fixture is released;
• 4 Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fastening device according to a second exemplary embodiment;
• 5 Fig. 11 is a side view showing the fastening means in a state in which a fixture is released;
• 6 Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
• 7 Fig. 11 is a side view showing the fastening means in a state in which a fixture is released;
• 8th Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fastening device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
• 9 Fig. 10 is a side view showing the fastening device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment;
• 10 Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing main parts of the fixing means;
• 11 Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fastened device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment;
• 12 Fig. 10 is a side view showing a fastening device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
• 13 is a plan view showing the fastening device;
• 14 Fig. 11 is a side view showing the fastening means in a state in which a fixture is released; and
• 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing a known fuel tank.

Each of the additional features and additional teachings disclosed below and above may be used separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved fuel tanks. Representative examples of the present The invention, which examples utilize many of these additional features and teachings both separately and in conjunction with each other, will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is intended to provide more detail for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Now the claims define the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description may not necessarily practice the invention in its broadest sense, and instead are merely taught to specifically describe representative examples of the invention. Further, various features of the representative examples and the first embodiment may be considered

A first embodiment 1 The present invention will be explained below. In the present embodiment, as an example, a fuel tank for a vehicle will be explained. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel tank 10 shows. As it is in 1 is shown, the fuel tank has 10 a tank main body 12 which can be made of metal. The tank main body 12 contains a tubular peripheral wall 13 extending in a vertical direction and a bottom wall 14 for closing a bottom opening of the peripheral wall 13 , and a top wall 15 for closing an upper opening of the peripheral wall 13 , The upper wall 15 is positioned to be the bottom wall 14 opposite. An opening 16 can have a circular structure and is in the upper wall 15 educated. The opening 16 can be anywhere in the upper wall 15 be shaped. A cover 18 is detachable on the upper wall 15 mounted to the opening 16 close tightly. The cover 18 includes a feed line for establishing a connection between the interior and the environment of the tank main body 12 and a connector having terminals for electrical wiring (not shown). The tank main body 12 in the present embodiment, by welding together an upper half body and a lower half body of the tank main body 12 be formed.

A storage tub 22 may be in any position on the bottom surface of the tank main body 12 be positioned, ie the upper surface of the bottom wall 14 so the storage tub 22 the upper surface of the bottom wall 14 can touch in a surface-to-surface contact ratio to it. The storage tank 22 may be formed of resin and shaped to have a bottomed tubular shape having an upper opening. Thus, the upper surface serves the bottom wall 14 as a touch surface 14a to touch the storage tank 22 , Although not shown in the drawings, a motor-integrated fuel pump, a fuel filter, and a pressure regulating valve, etc. are inside the storage tank 22 added.

The fuel pump sucks the fuel inside the storage tank 22 via a suction filter, pressurizes the fuel and passes the fuel to a fuel filter. The fuel filtered by the fuel filter becomes the feed line of the cover 18 supplied via a fuel hose (not shown) and further supplied to an engine via a fuel delivery pipe (not shown). The fuel discharged from the fuel filter is adjusted to a predetermined value by the pressure regulating valve. The excess fuel is removed from the regulating valve into the storage tank 22 issued. A fluid level sensor for detecting the level of the in the tank main body 12 stored fuel is on the outside area of the storage tank 22 assembled. Lead connections for the fuel pump and the liquid level sensor (not shown) are to the terminal of the connector of the cover 18 connected. The motor-integrated fuel pump, the fuel filter, the pressure regulating valve, and the fluid level sensor are hereinafter referred to as "fuel supply components". The fuel supply components and the storage tank 22 form a fuel pump module 20 ,

Fastening facilities 24 for resiliently fixing the storage tank 22 are on the touch surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the fuel tank 10 arranged. A pair of fortifying facilities 24 is on the right and left sides of the storage tank 22 positioned so that it is symmetrical with respect to the storage tank 22 is. 2 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows, and 3 is a side view showing the state in which the attachment of the fastening devices 24 is solved. For simplicity, an explanation will only be given for one of the fasteners 24 provided on the left side of the storage tank 22 is positioned. The explanation for the fortifying device 24 on the right side is not given, because the same explanation as that for the fortifying device 24 can be applied to the left side as well.

As it is in 2 is shown is a guide tube 26 on the left side surface of the storage tank 22 shaped. The guide tube 26 has a hollow, cylindrical, tubular structure and has an axial hole extending through it in the vertical direction. A bolt 28 is vertical from the touch surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 in front and is adjacent to the left side of the storage tank 22 positioned. A clamp 31 is detachable to the touching surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 by means of the bolt 28 and a mother 29 assembled. The clip 31 has a staple main body 32 on, which is made of metal, and a guide rod 34 with head.

The staple main body 32 is formed of a band plate material. The upper and lower end portions of the staple main body 32 are folded, that a Z-shaped figure is formed. In particular, an upper piece 32a and a bottom piece 32b each formed at the folded upper and lower end. A rod insertion opening 36 is in the top piece 32a shaped. The guide rod 34 with head becomes from the upper side of the upper piece 32a into the rod insertion opening 36 introduced to the piece 32a is shaped. In this state, the head of the guide rod 34 to the top piece 32a welded and fixed. A screw insertion opening 37 is in the bottom piece 32b shaped so that the bolt 28 into the bolt insertion opening 37 can be introduced.

The bottom piece 32b of the staple main body 32 becomes detachable on the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 mounted by the screw insertion opening 37 with the bolt 28 on the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 and then the mother 29 against the bolt 28 engaged and tightened. The guide rod 34 gets into the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 introduced from its upper side and can be displaced in the axial direction, in other words the direction up and down, within the guide tube 26 , A coil spring 40 is around the guide rod 34 mounted and in a predetermined compressed state between opposite surfaces of the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 and the top piece 32a of the staple main body 32 arranged. Due to this, the elastic force of the coil spring moves 40 the clip 31 and the guide tube 26 away from each other, leaving the storage tub 22 resilient against the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 is pressed. In this way becomes a given space 42 (please refer 1 ) between the upper wall 15 opposite to the bottom wall 14 on a component contacting side of the tank main body 12 and the fortifying device 24 (Especially the upper end, which is the head portion of the guide rod 34 with head equals) as it is in 1 is shown.

The storage tank 22 serves as a "fastener", and the guide tube 26 serves as a "pushing area". The bolt 28 , the mother 29 and the clip 31 form a holding area 44 , The coil spring 40 serves as a "preload element". The guide tube 26 and the guide rod 34 with head serve to position the storage tank 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 (the direction to the left and right and the direction to the front and back of the drawing plane according to 2 ) and form a positioning device with the fastening device 24 assembled.

The storage tank 22 can from the fortifying device 24 be removed and out of the opening 16 be removed, which is covered by the cover 18 from the tank main body 12 is removed (see 1 ). In particular, as it is in 3 shown is the mother 29 loosened and from the bolt 28 removed, and then the bottom piece 32b of the staple main body 32 the bracket 31 upwards from the bolt 28 removed and at the same time becomes the guide rod 34 from the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 removed. That way, the storage tub can 22 from the fortifying device 24 be removed. The storage tank 22 can be resilient by the fastening device 24 be attached by performing the above steps in reverse order (see 1 and 2 ).

According to the above-described fuel tank 10 contains the fastening device 24 the holding area 44 , the guide tube 26 and the coil spring 40 , The holding area 44 is on the bottom wall 14 on the component contacting side inside the tank main body 12 appropriate. The guide tube 26 is on the side of the storage tank 22 appropriate. The coil spring 40 lies between the holding area 44 and the guide tube 26 , The storage tank 22 becomes in a predetermined position of the tank main body 12 due to the spring force of the coil spring 40 against the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 pressed. Therefore, a compression load of the coil spring 40 against the storage tank 22 be set constant without being affected by changes in the distance between the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 and the upper wall 15 opposite to the bottom wall 14 due to the change of the internal pressure within the tank main body 12 being affected. This may be useful for improving reliability, such as resistance to vibration, resistance to shock, resistance to creep, and reduction of NV (noise and vibration).

The elastic force of the coil spring 40 works in one direction, that is the holding area 44 (the clip 31 has) and the guide tube 26 moved away from each other. Accordingly, the storage tank 22 against the bottom wall 14 are pressed due to the spring force of the coil spring 40 that affects the holding area 44 and the management 22 be moved away from each other.

A given space 42 is between the top wall 15 on the side opposite to the bottom wall 14 on the device touch side and the fastening device 24 shaped. Accordingly, the same fastening means 24 for any of fuel tanks 12 be used as long as the same predetermined spaces 42 are formed, even if there are differences in the distances between the bottom walls 14 and the upper walls 15 gives. The space 42 can also be used as a space for laying cables, wiring, etc.

The positioning device for positioning the storage trough 22 (The positioning device, through the guide tube 26 and the guide rod 34 is formed with head) is with the fastening device 24 assembled. Accordingly, due to the positioning with the guide tube 26 and the guide rod 34 with head a possible offset of storage tank 22 due to vibrations are prevented.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment not according to the invention will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Therefore, only a description regarding the modified parts is provided to avoid repetition of the description. Similarly, in the following descriptions of the other embodiments, a description will be provided only for the modified components. 4 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows, and 5 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows when the attachment is released.

As it is in 4 is shown, according to the second embodiment, the holding areas 44 the first embodiment by holding areas 46 replaced. For simplicity, an explanation will only be given for the fastener 24 given on the left side of the storage tub 22 is placed as the same explanation for the fortifying device 24 that's true on the right side of the storage tub 22 is placed.

The holding area 46 is described below. A support bar 48 extends vertically from the touch surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 and is adjacent to the left side of the storage trough 22 positioned. An external thread area 48 is at the top of the support bar 48 shaped. The support bar 48 is axially or vertically displaceable in the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 from the lower side of the guide tube 26 introduced. The guide tube 26 can be displaced in the axial direction, in other words in the vertical direction. A coil spring 40 is around the top of the support bar 48 put on around, being up from the guide tube 26 extends, and a mother 49 is with the male thread area 48a the support rod 48 engaged. The coil spring 40 is in a predetermined compressed state between the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 and the mother 49 , Due to this, the spring force of the coil spring acts 40 in one direction that they are the holding area 46 and the guide tube 26 moved away from each other. Accordingly, the storage tank 22 resilient against the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 pressed. The support bar 48 and the mother 49 form the holding area 46 , The guide tube 26 and the support bar 48 form a "positioning device with the fastening device 24 assembled in this embodiment and serve to position the storage trough 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 (The direction to the left and right and the direction to the front and back of the drawing plane, in the 4 is shown).

As it is in 4 is shown, is for removing the storage tank 22 from the fortifying device 24 the mother 49 loosened and from the support rod 48 removed, and then the coil spring 40 and the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 from the support rod 48 away. This way, the storage tank becomes 22 from the fortifying device 24 removed (see 5 ). The storage tank 22 can through the fastening device 24 be resiliently fixed by performing the above steps in the reverse order (see 4 ).

This embodiment can also provide the same function and effect as the first embodiment. As the holding area 46 through two components, or the support rod 48 and the mother 49 is formed, in addition, the number of required components for the holding area 46 smaller, and the number of steps required to assemble can be compared to the holding range 44 shortened in the first embodiment. A positioning device for positioning the storage bucket 22 (The positioning with the guide tube 26 and the support rod 48 ) is with the fastening device 24 assembled. Accordingly, a possible offset of the storage trough 22 due to vibrations by the positioning device with the guide tube 26 and the support rod 48 be prevented.

Third embodiment

A third embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. 6 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows, and 7 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows when the attachment is released. As it is in 6 shown are the brackets 31 in the first embodiment (see 2 ) by parentheses 51 replaced. For simplicity, an explanation will only be given for the parenthesis 51 given on the left side of the storage tub 22 is placed, since the same explanation on the bracket 51 applicable to the right side of the storage tank 22 is placed.

The clip 51 may be formed of a metal band plate material. The upper and lower end of the bracket 51 are folded, that a Z-shaped figure is formed. In particular, an upper piece 51a and a bottom piece 51b each formed on the folded upper end and the folded lower end. A leader 51c extends down from the end portion of the top piece 51a in a suspended way. Accordingly, the guide tube 26 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) through a guide tube 52 replaced, which has a hollow, square, tubular shape, with the guide piece 51c can be composed. An introduction opening 54 that is capable of having a tubular area 56a (will be explained later) of a modified mother 56 is used is in the bottom piece 51b shaped.

After the introduction opening 54 with the bolt 28 on the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 is joined, the modified mother 56 with the bolt 28 engaged and dressed. In this way, the bottom piece 51b the bracket 51 detachable on the bottom wall 14 be attached. The modified mother 56 has the tubular area 56a which has a hollow, cylindrical, tubular shape, and a hexagonal head 56b with an enlarged shape at the upper end of the tubular portion 56a , The tubular area 56a is axially or vertically displaceable in the insertion opening 54 of the bottom piece 51b inserted so that it touches the surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 is in contact. The coil spring 58 is around the tubular area 56a the deformed mother 56 put on around. The coil spring 58 is a predetermined compressed state between opposite surfaces of the bottom piece 51b the bracket 51 and the head area 56b the modified mother 56 ,

The leader 51c the bracket 51 is axially or vertically displaceable in the guide tube 52 the storage tank 22 inserted from the upper side. The upper piece 51a the bracket 51 is resilient with an upper surface of the guide tube 52 due to the spring force of the coil spring 58 in touch. Because of this, the storage tank becomes 22 resilient against the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 pressed.

The bolt 28 and the modified mother 56 form a holding area 60 , The clip 51 and the guide tube 52 form a pressing area 62 , The coil spring 58 serves as a "preload element". The leader 51c and the guide tube 52 serve to position the storage tank 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 (the right and left direction and the direction forward and backward of the drawing plane, in the 2 is shown), and constitute a "positioning device, which is assembled with the fastening device".

The storage tank 22 can from the fortifying device 24 be removed in the following order. First, as it is in 7 is shown, the modified mother 56 loosened and from the bolt 28 removed, and the coil spring 58 and the clip 51 being deleted. Then the leader becomes 51c the bracket 51 from the guide tube 52 the storage tank 22 removed. That way, the storage tub can 22 from the fortifying device 24 be removed. The storage tank 22 can also be resilient on the fastening device 24 be attached by performing the above steps in reverse order (see 6 ).

The same function and effect as in the first embodiment can also be achieved by the present embodiment. A positioning device for positioning the storage tank 22 (The positioning by the guide piece 51c the bracket 51 and the guide tube 52 is formed) with the fastening device 24 assembled. Accordingly, due to the positioning of the guide piece 51c the bracket 51 and the guide tube 52 a possible offset of the storage tank 22 due to vibrations are prevented.

Fourth embodiment

A fourth embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment. 8th is a side view showing the fasteners 24 of the fourth embodiment. As it is in 8th are shown, compared to the third embodiment, the length of the bolts 28 and the length of the tubular areas 56a modified nuts 56 elongated in the axial direction (in the vertical direction), and the length is in the vertical direction of the guide pieces 51c shortened. For simplicity's sake, only for the clip 51 on the left side of the storage tank 22 an explanation is provided as the same explanation for the parenthesis 51 which is placed on the right side applies.

According to this embodiment, by pulling the clip 51 up against the spring force of the coil spring 58 the leader 51c the bracket 51 from the guide tube 52 the storage tank 22 be taken out (see 8th , especially two-dot-dashed lines 51 . 51a . 51b and 51c ). On the other hand, the leader piece 51c in the guide tube 52 be used by the bracket 51 is held, that it is pulled up against the spring force of the coil spring 58 , by positioning the guide tube 26 the storage tank 22 in a position under the guide piece 51c the bracket 51 and releasing the pulling force on the bracket 51 is applied. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the storage tank 22 be mounted or removed without the modified nut 56 and the clip 51 must be removed.

Fifth embodiment

A fifth embodiment not according to the invention will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. 9 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 this embodiment shows, and 10 FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a main portion of the fixing device. FIG 24 shows. As it is in 9 is shown, according to this embodiment, the brackets 31 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) through the brackets 64 replaced. For simplicity's sake, only for the clip 64 on the left side of the storage tank 22 is placed an explanation, given the same explanation for the parenthesis 64 which is placed on the right side applies.

The clip 64 is formed of metal strip plate material. The upper end portion and the lower end portion are folded horizontally, that is an upper piece 64a or a bottom piece 64b is formed. A screw insertion opening 65 for insertion of the bolt 28 is in the bottom piece 64b shaped. In the screw insertion opening 65 becomes the bolt 28 on the bottom wall of the tank main body 12 used, and then the mother 29 engaged with the bolt 28 and dressed. In this way, the bottom piece 64b on the bottom wall 14 assembled.

As it is in 10 is shown is a pair of bearing pieces 66 on the base of the upper piece 64a the bracket 64 educated. An L-shaped swiveling element 68 is for rotation through the bearing pieces 66 over a support shaft 69 supported. The swiveling element 68 has a vertical part 68a which extends in an upward direction and a horizontal part 68b which extends in the horizontal direction. A torsion coil spring 71 is around the support shaft 69 attached, and an end 71a the torsion coil spring 71 is with the top piece 64a the bracket 64 engaged and the other end 71b is with the vertical part 68a of the pivotable element 68 engaged. In this way, the spring force of the torsion coil spring loaded 71 the swiveling element 68 in such a direction that the horizontal part 68b moves down.

A guide bar 73 extends vertically from the bottom surface of the horizontal part 68b of the pivotable element 68 out. Accordingly, the guide tube 26 in the first embodiment (see 2 ) through a hollow, tubular guide tube 75 replaced that with the guide rod 73 can be assembled for the pivotal movement of the pivotable element 68 , The guide rod 73 is vertically displaceable in the guide tube 75 inserted from the upper side. The horizontal part 68b of the pivotable element 68 resiliently contacts an upper surface of the guide tube 75 due to the spring force of the torsion coil spring 71 , This way, the storage tank becomes 22 resilient against the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 pressed.

The bolt 28 , the mother 29 , the clip 64 and the support shaft 69 form a holding area 77 , The swiveling element 68 and the guide tube 75 form a pressing area 79 , The torsion coil spring 71 serves as a "preload element". The guide rod 73 and the guide tube 75 of the pivotable element 68 form a "positioning device, which is assembled with the fastening device". In particular, position the guide rod 73 and the guide tube 75 the storage tank 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall (the direction to the right and left and the direction forward and backward of the drawing plane, on the 9 is shown).

To the storage tank 22 from the fortifying device 24 to remove, becomes the pivoting element 68 against the spring force of the torsion coil spring 71 pivoted. Accordingly, the guide rod 73 from the guide tube 75 the storage tank 22 removed (see 9 , especially the two-dot dash lines 68 . 73 ). This way, the storage tank becomes 22 from the fortifying device 24 away. The storage tank 22 can through the fastening device 24 resiliently fixed by performing the above steps in the reverse order.

The same function and effect as in the first embodiment can also be achieved by this embodiment. In addition, according to this embodiment, the storage tank 22 at the fortifying device 24 be mounted and removed without the mother 29 and the clip 64 must be removed. The positioning device for the storage tank 22 (The positioning device, by the guide rod 73 of the pivotable element 68 and the guide rod 75 is formed) is with the fastening device 24 assembled. Accordingly, a possible offset of the storage trough 22 due to vibrations caused by the positioning, which are prevented by the guide rod 73 of the pivotable element 68 and the guide tube 75 is formed.

Sixth embodiment

A sixth embodiment not according to the invention will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. 11 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 according to the sixth embodiment. As it is in 11 is shown, according to this embodiment, the holding areas 44 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) by holding areas 81 replaced, and the coil springs 40 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) are by coil springs 84 replaced. For simplicity, an explanation will only be given for the holding area 81 and the coil spring 84 given, which are placed on the left side of the storage tank, as the same explanation for the holding area 81 and the coil spring 84 applies, which are placed on the right side.

The holding area 81 is by a hooking element 82 formed by welding on the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 is attached. A hooked opening 82a is in the hooking element 82 shaped.

At opposite ends of the coil spring 84 are an upper hook 84a or a lower hook 84b educated. The lower hook 84b gets into the hooking hole 82a of the hooking element 82 hooked. The guide tube 26 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) is by a hooking pipe 86 replaced, that the upper hook 84a the coil spring 84 can hook. Because the top hook 84a the coil spring 84 with the hooking pipe 86 is hooked, the spring force of the coil spring acts 84 in such a direction that they are the hooking element 82 of the holding area 81 and the hooking pipe 86 pull each other. Accordingly, the storage tank 22 resilient against the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 pressed. The coil spring 84 serves as a "preload element" in this embodiment. The hooking pipe 86 serves as a "pushing area".

On the touch surface 14a the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 stand positioning projections 88 for positioning the storage tank 22 in front. The positioning projections 88 interact with each other to vertically displaceable a lower portion of the storage tank 22 to engage, so the storage tank 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 can be positioned (with respect to the direction to the right and left and the direction to the front and back of the drawing plane on which 11 is shown). The positioning projections 88 can have a different shape than the ones in 11 shown, as long as they are the storage tank 22 can position. For example, the positioning projections 88 may be replaced by a single wall-like projection that is continuous in the circumferential direction, or may include a plurality of protrusions intermittently positioned in the circumferential direction. The positioning projections 88 serve as a "positioning device".

To the storage tank 22 from the fortifying device 24 The upper hook will be removed 84a from the hooking pipe 86 the storage tank 22 against the spring force of the coil spring 84 taken out (see 11 , Dash-two-dot lines 84 ). This way, the storage tank becomes 22 from the fortifying device 24 away. In addition, the storage tank 22 springy on the fastening device 24 be attached by performing the above steps in the reverse order.

The same function and effect as in the first embodiment can also be achieved by these Embodiment can be achieved. In addition, according to this embodiment, the storage tank 22 be mounted and removed without the hooking element 82 must be removed. Furthermore, the spring force of the coil spring acts 84 in such a direction that they are the hooking element 82 of the holding area 81 and the hooking pipe 86 towards each other. Accordingly, due to this spring force of the coil spring 84 that the holding area 81 and the hooking pipe 86 towards each other, the storage tank 22 against the touch surface 14a the bottom wall 14 be pressed.

The positioning projections 88 for positioning the storage tank 22 are on the bottom wall 14 on the component contacting side of the tank main body 12 appropriate. Accordingly, a possible offset of the storage trough 22 due to vibrations by the positioning projections 88 be prevented.

Seventh embodiment

A seventh embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. 12 is a side view, and 13 is a plan view showing the fasteners 24 the seventh embodiment shows, and 14 is a side view showing the fasteners 24 shows when the attachment is released. As it is in 12 is shown in this embodiment, the brackets 31 of the first embodiment (see 2 ) by parentheses 91 replaced. For simplicity, an explanation will only be given for the parenthesis 91 provided on the left side of the storage tank 22 is installed, because the same explanation for the bracket 91 that's true on the right side of the storage tub 22 is installed.

The clip 91 is formed of a metal band plate material. An upper piece 91a and a bottom piece 91b are each on the top and bottom of the bracket 91 Shaped in a Z-shape shaped. In the bottom piece 91b is a screw insertion hole 92 for insertion of the bolt 28 educated. The bolt 28 coming from the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 protrudes into the screw insertion opening 92 used, and then the mother 29 engaged and with the bolt 28 dressed. In this way, the bottom piece 91a on the bottom wall 14 attached.

As it is in 13 is the end portion of the top piece 91a forked into two branched ends. At one of the two branched ends is integrally therewith a guide rod 94 formed extending therefrom downward in the vertical direction (see 12 ). An elastically deformable area 95 folded into a U-shape is integrally formed with the other of the two branched ends. Because of this, the guide tube 26 (please refer 2 ) of the first embodiment through a hollow, square, tubular guide tube 97 replaced that with the guide rod 94 can be joined together. On the storage sink 22 is an oppressive area 98 provided with a curved portion (the lower end portion) of an elastically deformable portion 95 can be brought into contact.

The bolt 28 , the mother 29 , the clip 91 and the guide rod 94 form a holding area 99 , The elastically deformable area 95 serves as a "preload element". The guide rod 94 and the guide tube 97 the bracket 91 serve to position the storage tank 22 with respect to a direction parallel to the contact surface 14a the bottom wall 14 (The direction to the right and left and the direction to the front and back of the drawing plane, on the 2 shown) and form a "positioning device assembled with the fastening device".

As it is in 14 is shown, is to remove the storage tank 22 from the fortifying device 24 the mother 29 relative to the bolt 28 loosened around the guide rod 94 from the guide tube 97 the storage tank 22 exit. This way, the storage tank becomes 22 away. In addition, the storage tank 22 elastic at the fastening device 24 by performing the above steps in the reverse order (see 12 ) are attached.

The same function and effect as in the first embodiment can also be achieved based on this embodiment. The elastically deformable area 95 is integral with the bracket 91 shaped the holding area 99 forms. Accordingly, the number of required components and the number of assembly steps can be reduced. The elastically deformable area 95 may be integrally formed on the elements / element forming the pressing region.

The positioning device for positioning the storage trough 22 (The positioning device, by the guide rod 94 the bracket 91 and the guide tube 97 is formed), with the fastening device 24 assembled. Accordingly, a possible offset of the storage trough 22 due to vibrations by the positioning means passing through the guide bar 94 the bracket 91 is prevented.

The present invention need not be limited to the embodiments disclosed above. Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the material of the tank main body 12 not limited to metal, but it can be made of resin. At least one component from the fuel filter and the pressure regulating valve in the storage tank 22 installed in the above embodiments, may be on the side of the cover 18 be positioned. A component to be fastened by the fixing means is not on the storage tray 22 limited. Every other component except the storage tank 22 can be fixed by the fastening means, as long as it is adapted, in abutment with the contact surface of the tank main body 12 to get. In the above embodiments, the fasteners are 24 provided in pairs and symmetrically on the right and left sides of the storage tank 22 positioned. The positions of the fasteners 24 however, they can be changed as needed. In addition, the number of fasteners 24 not limited to two, but it can be three or more. In the above embodiments, the contacting surface for contacting the component to be fixed is on the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 shaped. However, the contacting surface may be on an inner surface of the peripheral wall 13 be shaped. Although the bolt 28 , the guide rod 73 and the hooking element 82 directly on the bottom wall 14 of the tank main body 12 are provided, these elements can be provided indirectly via other elements. The preload elements are not on the coil springs 40 . 50 and 58 , the torsion coil spring 71 and the elastically deformable region 95 limited. These elements may be replaced by other elements having spring properties or elasticity, such as other types of springs or rubber-like elastic bodies. The positioning device can be used depending on requirements and can therefore be omitted. The positioning means may have any construction besides those disclosed in the above embodiments, as long as they allow a possible offset of the storage well 22 relative to the contact surface inside the tank main body 12 can prevent. The nuts 29 and 49 , and the modified mother 56 in the embodiments may be replaced by an E-ring or a snap-in pin.

Claims (12)

A fuel tank (10) comprising: at least two fastening means (24) for fixing a member (22) adapted to come into contact with a tank main body (12) at a predetermined position within the tank main body (12), characterized in that: the at least two fastening means (24) each comprise a Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91), a guide tube (26, 52, 97) and a biasing element (40; 58; 41; 26, 52, 97) is mounted on one side of the component (22) within the tank main body (12), the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) is formed of metal and has a guide rod (34, 51c, 94) wherein the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) is attached at one end thereof by means of a bolt (28) and a nut (29; 56), an E-ring or snap pin on one side within the tank main body (12) on which the member (22) contacts the tank main body (12) and on the other end thereof is attached to the member (22) by means of the guide rod (34, 51c, 94) inserted in the guide tube (26, 52, 97), the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 95) between the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) and the guide tube (26, 52, 97) is inserted, and the component (22) against the tank main body (12) in the predetermined position on the side on which the member (22) contacts the tank main body (12) by a force of the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 95). Fuel tank (10) after Claim 1 characterized in that the force of the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 95) acts to move the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) and the guide tube (26, 52, 97) away from each other. Fuel tank (10) after Claim 1 characterized in that the force of the biasing member (40; 58; 41; 84; 95) acts to pull the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) and the guide tube (26, 52, 97) toward each other , A fuel tank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined space (42) between a side opposite to the side inside the tank main body (12) on which the member (22) contacts the tank main body (12) and the attaching one Facilities (24) is formed. A fuel tank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing member (95) is integrally formed with the Z-shaped bracket (31, 51, 91) or the guide tube (26, 52, 97). Fuel tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide rod (34, 51c, 94) and the guide tube (26, 52, 97) have a positioning device (26, 34, 48; 51c, 52; 73, 75; 88; 94, 97) for positioning the member (22) on the side inside the tank main body (12) on which the member (22) contacts the tank main body (12). Fuel tank (10) after Claim 6 characterized in that the positioning means (26, 34; 48; 51c, 52; 73, 75; 88; 94, 97) for positioning the component (22) is assembled with the fastening means (24). Fuel tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preloading element exerts a spring force. Fuel tank (10) after Claim 8 characterized in that the biasing member is a coil spring (40; 58; 41; 84). Fuel tank (10) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the coil spring is a torsion coil spring (84). Fuel tank (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the biasing element exerts an elastic force. Fuel tank (10) after Claim 11 , characterized in that the biasing element is an elastically deformable region (95).

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