DE102013011342A1 - Tank and method of manufacturing a tank - Google Patents

Abstract

Tank (1d) comprising a base body (1a) having at least one passage, wherein the boundary of the tank (1d) in the region of the at least one passage is formed by a sleeve (2a), said one axial end (2b) of the Sleeve (2a) has a contact surface (10) for applying the sleeve (2a) to an environment (12) and wherein the other axial end (2c) of the sleeve (2a) has a further contact surface (9) for applying a fastening element (11a) form the sleeve (2a).

Description

The invention relates to a tank, preferably a fuel tank, according to the independent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a tank, preferably a fuel tank, according to claim 6.

State of the art

Conventional fuel tanks for vehicles are attached, among other things hanging over tabs or with straps on the vehicle. Favorable points of application of force sometimes lie in areas of the vehicle body or of the vehicle substructure which are hidden by the fuel tank. Thus, it requires more attachment points than theoretically necessary. In addition, a subsequent replacement of a usually arranged under the vehicle tank through concealed attachment points is complicated and time consuming.

The Utility Model DE 20 2009 000 254 U1 describes a suitable for retrofitting multi-chamber tank, in particular Radmuldentank. This has at the central point on a cylindrical, passing through the tank and surrounded by the housing implementation in the housing body. This serves to receive a usually provided in a spare wheel well fastener, z. B. a threaded rod. A lying in a spare wheel well tank is subject to criteria other than crash-proof mounting as well as the structural design as a usually attached to the base of a vehicle tank attached. The multi-chamber tank described is thus not usable as arranged under the vehicle main tank. In addition, the production of the multi-chamber tank described is very expensive due to the large number of items used.

The publication DE 10 2005 033 661 A1 discloses a fuel tank attachment to a vehicle chassis, wherein the fuel tank has a lower shell and an upper shell that are shaped such that at local inlets the upper shell contacts the lower shell. Through recesses at the points of contact, the tank is attached by means of a screw connection to a fastening device fastened to the body. The disadvantage is the use of an additional fastening device on the vehicle body and the loss of tank volume through the geometric design of the indentations by taking into account the fastening device.

Object of the invention

On the other hand, the object of the present invention is to provide a tank having a sturdy structure, enabling crash-proof attachment while minimizing the attachment points, easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, in which the usable tank volume is maximum in consideration of the attachment and its Production is easy and automatable.

Advantages of the invention

According to the invention this object is achieved by a tank according to the independent claims 1 and 6. Further advantages and refinements emerge from the subclaims. The invention relates to a tank. Tanks are mainly used in mobile applications for storing liquid media. Mobile use takes place in land, air and water vehicles. The liquid media are mainly fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, hydrogen, natural gas or LPG, as well as operating materials, such as urea-water solution, coolant, refrigerant or mop water. The tank according to the invention has crash-proof properties and is therefore preferably used for safety-critical liquid media, especially for fuels. The tank consists of a basic body, which consists of metal or plastic or a combination of both. To attach the tank to an environment such. B. hanging on a vehicle chassis or under a rear seat of a vehicle, at least one implementation is provided in the tank. Depending on the mounting environment as well as the geometry and capacity of the tank, several bushings may be provided for attachment. It may also be provided a yoke for connecting two or more attachment points on the side facing away from the environment of the body, which applies a planar force on the body and makes the attachment advantageously even more stable. The attachment points have the advantage of being positioned at particularly favorable force introduction points, whereby the number of attachment points can be reduced. By the displacement of the attachment points from the edge region of the tank projection surface in the interior of an optimal space utilization at the edges of the tank projection surface is possible and additionally attaching tabs for attachment can be omitted. The tank projection area is the area that the tank occupies on the contact surface of the environment, for example the vehicle substructure. Finally, the present invention advantageously allows an expense-reduced assembly and disassembly of the tank, since the attachment points are easily accessible and reduced in number. Conventional fasteners, such as straps, could be completely eliminated, what again assembly effort and material saves. To advantageously ensure the stability and thus crash safety of the tank, the bushings are formed by sleeves, which at the same time in the area of the bushings, the boundary of the tank with respect to the environment, so the tank wall. Preferably, the sleeve consists of a metallic material, for. As steel, which can absorb high axial pressure forces. However, you can also from the tank material, such as a plastic, z. As HDPE or a fiber-reinforced plastic, which improves the connectivity of the sleeve and the hollow body and contributes to a weight reduction. The axial ends of the sleeves advantageously form the contact surfaces of the tank in the environment and for the fastening elements on the tank, which exert a compressive force on the contact surfaces. This not only the stability of the tank in itself but also a determination of the tank in the environment by means of fasteners is possible, which allows high fastening forces. For this purpose, an approximately vertical position of the sleeve axis to the projection surface is advantageously preferred. The fasteners are arbitrary and known from the prior art. Preferably, the fastening elements consist of screw elements. Particularly preferred are screws which are screwed on one side of the one axial end of the sleeve in the environment, for. Example, in an existing internal thread or in the form of a counter-thread itself intersecting drive screw, and on the other side of the other axial end of the sleeve with the screw head, optionally with washer abut. Alternatively, an at least partially threaded bolt may be fixed to the environment, e.g. B. screwed or welded, wherein the bolt is within the passage formed by the sleeve and is screwed with a nut, which in turn rests on the other side of the other axial end of the sleeve, optionally with washer. By the choice of screw elements a simple and fast assembly and disassembly is possible. In the case of dispensing with the possibility of disassembly, the fasteners can also be used as a permanent attachment, z. B. by rivets, executed. The bearing surfaces formed by the one axial ends of the sleeves in the environment are preferably on a plane with the tank wall surrounding it or protrude beyond this, so are sublime. This allows an advantageous attachment to the environment, without having to provide appropriate surveys in the environment. Alternatively, the contact surfaces can also protrude as indentations in the tank, which in certain installation positions allows advantages in terms of stability, but requires additional surveys on the environment in order to allow the fastening according to the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve is materially connected to the base body. Preferably, the cohesive connection is produced by welding or soldering. Advantageously, this increases the stability and ensures the emission-tightness of the seam. Alternatively, the cohesive connection can also be made by gluing, which allows additional glue-specific advantages, such as a flexible seam.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sleeve and the base body made of different materials. Preferably, the sleeve made of a metallic material, eg. As steel, and the body of a plastic, for. B. HDPE. Thus, an advantageous combination of lightweight plastic for the body and stable metallic material for the sleeve is achieved. Alternatively, the base body also consist of a metallic material, for. As aluminum, and the sleeve also made of a metallic material, for. Steel. This also achieves an advantageous combination of a light metallic material (main body) and a stable metallic material (sleeve). The slightly higher weight of the light metallic material compared to the light plastic can be compensated in this case advantageously by a higher emission density.

In a further embodiment, the sleeve is truncated cone or cylindrical. When executed as a truncated cone, the diameter larger axial end of the sleeve is the one axial end, which acts as a contact surface in the environment. Advantageously, the contact surface is thereby increased and larger fastening forces can be applied. Alternatively, the sleeve is designed as a cylinder, which could advantageously allow an easier manufacture of the sleeve per se and takes less volume of the basic volume of the body to complete, thus allowing a higher filling volume. An optimization of both advantages is achieved by a frustoconical design with a small opening angle. Depending on the application, the embodiment of the invention allows the choice of the appropriate sleeve shape.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a tank. In the first step, a hollow body is produced, which forms the main body of the tank. The hollow body may be made of plastic, for. As HDPE, be prepared by inflating a preform in a shaping blow mold. Such forming processes, for example, by extrusion blow molding, for. As injection or stretch blow molding or Rotationsblasformen be effected. The hollow body may also be made of metal, for. As aluminum, from two sheet metal stampings, by z. B. rolling welding tongs are connected together, are produced. Subsequently, a treatment of the hollow body take place to achieve emission or corrosion resistance. In the next step of the process, a sleeve is pierced on one side of the hollow body. This can consist of different materials which can absorb a defined compressive force in the axial direction. Preferably, the sleeve consists of a metallic material, for. As steel, which can absorb a very high axial pressure force. However, you can also from the tank material, such as a plastic, z. As HDPE or a fiber-reinforced plastic, consist, which improves the connectivity of the sleeve and hollow body and contributes to a weight reduction. The sleeve is further guided in the hollow body until it touches the other, the one side of the hollow body opposite side and at least bulges out this side and preferably also pierces. Subsequently, the sleeve is materially connected to both opposite sides of the hollow body. The method advantageously enables a simple and automatable production of a stable tank and a preparation for a crash-proof attachment. Particularly advantageously, the individual steps are feasible with known and suitable for large-scale molding and bonding method, whereby a cost-effective production is possible. Subsequently, a repeated or initial treatment of the hollow body take place to achieve emission-tightness or corrosion resistance. The further finishing operations, such as the attachment of pipes for the supply and removal of air and fuel and the eventual arrangement of a fuel pump, can then be carried out as known in the art.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the bulging of the other side of the hollow body through the sleeve, a region of the hollow body is preferably pressed annularly around the outer circumference of the sleeve. Advantageously, the subsequently or simultaneously occurring cohesive joining is thereby facilitated and a wider connecting seam can be produced, which is advantageously more stable and emission-tight.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sleeve is retracted again after the bulging of the other side of the hollow body. In this case, an area of one side of the hollow body around the outer circumference of the sleeve in the direction of the withdrawal direction, ie in the direction of the outside of the hollow body, pitched. This can be assisted by re-hooking on the outside of the sleeve or other geometric shapes of the outside of the sleeve. Subsequently, a region of the hollow body is preferably pressed annularly around the outer circumference of the sleeve. Advantageously, the subsequently or simultaneously occurring cohesive joining is thereby facilitated and a wider connecting seam can be produced, which is advantageously more stable and emission-tight. Retraction of the sleeve and impacting a portion of the hollow body may occur prior to ring-pressing an area on the other side of the hollow body about the outer circumference of the sleeve, during the annular press-fitting or thereafter. Subsequently, a repeated or initial treatment of the hollow body take place to achieve emission-tightness or corrosion resistance.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cohesively connected to the hollow body axial ends of the sleeve by machining, z. B. by milling, formed to contact surfaces. In doing so any resulting welding caps are removed. Advantageously, the contact surfaces are thereby formed, wherein the one contact surface on the one side of one axial end of the sleeve in the environment where the tank is attached, and wherein a fastener rests on the other side of the other axial end of the sleeve. Particularly advantageous is the subsequent machining of the contact surfaces a large manufacturing tolerance during insertion and cohesive bonding of the sleeve with the hollow body allowed, whereby the manufacturing process is cheaper. Very particularly advantageous is the production of the stable tank and the preparation for a crash-proof attachment and the contact surfaces possible without the chips get inside the tank.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sleeve is preheated before piercing the hollow body. In a design according to the invention of the hollow body made of plastic, the piercing force of the sleeve can be reduced, whereby the tank wall formed by the hollow body is not greatly stretched, which in turn maintains the structural integrity and the emission density of the tank wall.

embodiment

Further details of the invention are described in the drawings with reference to schematically illustrated embodiments.

Hereby show:

1 the sleeve during insertion into one side of the hollow body

2 the sleeve when bulging the other side of the hollow body

3 the hollow body during pressing and welding with the sleeve

4 the tank after milling the contact surfaces

5 the tank in the state attached to the underbody of a vehicle

1 shows a hollow body 1a with two opposite walls 1b and 1c , The injection points 13 symbolize the injection or pressure inlets of a hollow body produced by blow molding from HDPE 1a and are neither of scale nor functionally important. A preheated sleeve 2a Steel will be on one side 1b of the hollow body 1a in the direction 3 stabbed.

In 2 touches the sleeve 2a with its other axial end 2c the inside of the wall 1c of the hollow body 1a and moves further in the direction 3 until a bulge 5 on the outside of the wall 1c of the hollow body 1a arises. It is also possible the sleeve 2a continue in the direction 3 to move until the bulge 5 is punctured.

In 3 the sleeve is moved back in the direction 4 one side 1b of the hollow body 1a , This is an area 6 one side 1b of the hollow body pitched. This can be achieved by geometric shapes, not shown, of the sleeve 2a get supported. For example, barbs or circumferential sloping shoulders at least at one axial end 2 B the sleeve 2a the pierced material of one side 1b of the hollow body 1a when pulling back hit. Preferably at the same time as the withdrawal of the sleeve 2a and the serving of one side 1b of the hollow body 1a , alternatively before or after expiration, becomes an area 7b the other side 1c of the hollow body 1a annular around the circumference of the sleeve 2a pressed. Subsequently or in parallel, the area becomes 8b of the pressed-in area 7b on the outer circumference of the sleeve 2a pressed. Then the area 8b with the sleeve 2a welded. Preferably parallel to it, alternatively before or after it expires, becomes an area 7a one side 1b of the hollow body 1a annular around the circumference of the sleeve 2a pressed. Subsequently or in parallel, the area becomes 8a of the pressed and opened area 6 respectively. 7a on the outer circumference of the sleeve 2a pressed. Then the area 8a with the sleeve 2a welded.

In 4 are two contact surfaces 9 and 10 to recognize. These were on the one hand by milling the bulge 5 , Parts of the weld 8b and the other axial end 2c the sleeve 2a and on the other hand by milling the one axial end 2 B the sleeve 2a and parts of the weld 8a educated.

As in 5 can be seen, serves the contact surface 9 as a plant of a screw head 11c a fixing screw 11a over a washer 11d , Preferably, the contact surface 9 It is so deeply formed that the top of the screw head 11c below the line of the other side 1c of the hollow body 1a which causes the screw head within the outer contour of the tank 1d is protected. The further contact surface 10 serves as an attachment to the tank 1d about the one axial end 2 B the sleeve 2a on a vehicle chassis 12 , The fixing screw 11a know a cutting thread 11b on, which for bolting to the vehicle body 12 serves. By screwing the fixing screw 11a becomes a high clamping force on the sleeve 2a transfer. Because the sleeve 2a cohesively with the tank 1d or the hollow body 1a is connected, the tank is determined by the screw. In 5 is continuing to see that between one side 1b of the tank 1d or of the hollow body 1a a gap has arisen. The reason is that the contact surface 10 over the tank wall of one side 1b of the tank 1d or of the hollow body 1a protrudes. Alternatively, the contact surface 10 lying on the same level as the tank wall of one side 1b of the tank 1d or of the hollow body 1a , Finally, the contact surface 10 also in the tank wall of one side 1b of the tank 1d or of the hollow body 1a protrude. An inventive frictional attachment of a tank 1d sets in the case an increase in the vehicle body 12 advance, which can be given locally. Are in a tank according to the invention 1d multiple attachment points used, the respective contact surfaces 10 individually to the vehicle chassis 12 be adjusted. This can advantageously in the machining formation of the contact surfaces 10 be taken into account by appropriate CNC programming without additional effort.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a

hollow body

1b

one side of the hollow body

1c

the other side of the hollow body

1d

tank

2a

shell

2 B

the one axial end of the sleeve

2c

the other axial end of the sleeve

3

puncturing

4

retraction direction

5

bulge

6

Aufschlagung

7a

annular Einpressstellen on one side of the hollow body

7b

annular press-in points on the other side of the hollow body

8a

Pressing and welding of one side of the hollow body

8b

Pressing and welding points on the other side of the hollow body

9

Contact surface fastening element

10

Contact surface vehicle underbody

11a

fixing screw

11b

cutting thread

11c

screw head

11d

washer

12

vehicle underbody

13

injection point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202009000254 U1 [0003]
• DE 102005033661 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Tank ( 1d ) comprising a main body ( 1a ), which has at least one passage, wherein the boundary of the tank ( 1d ) in the region of the at least one passage through a sleeve ( 2a ), wherein the one axial end ( 2 B ) of the sleeve ( 2a ) a contact surface ( 10 ) for applying the sleeve ( 2a ) to an environment ( 12 ) and wherein the other axial end ( 2c ) of the sleeve ( 2a ) another contact surface ( 9 ) for applying a fastener ( 11a ) to the sleeve ( 2a ) form. Tank ( 1d ) according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve ( 2a ) with the basic body ( 1a ) is integrally connected. Tank ( 1d ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve ( 2a ) and the basic body ( 1a ) are formed of different materials. Tank ( 1d ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve ( 2a ) is truncated cone or cylindrical. Tank ( 1d ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element ( 11a ) is disposed within the passage, wherein an axial end ( 11b ) of the fastening element ( 11a ) in an environment ( 12 ) and another axial end ( 11c ) of the fastening element ( 11a ) on the tank ( 1d ) and the tank ( 1d ) by the fastener ( 11a ) frictionally connected to the environment ( 12 ) is determinable. Method for producing a tank ( 1d ) comprising the steps - producing a hollow body ( 1a ), - piercing a sleeve ( 2a ) in the hollow body ( 1a ) on one side ( 1b ) of the hollow body ( 1a ), - bulging one side ( 1b ) opposite other side ( 1c ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) through the sleeve ( 2a ) and - materially connecting both sides ( 1b . 1c ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) with the sleeve ( 2a ). Method according to claim 6, wherein after bulging the other side ( 1c ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) through the sleeve ( 2a ) an area ( 7b ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) around the outer circumference of the sleeve ( 2a ) and simultaneously or subsequently with the sleeve ( 2a ) is materially connected. Method according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the sleeve ( 2a ) after bulging the other side ( 1c ) of the hollow body ( 1a ), leaving an area ( 6 ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) around the outer circumference of the sleeve ( 2a ), an area ( 7a ) to the sleeve ( 2a ) and simultaneously or subsequently with the sleeve ( 2a ) is materially connected. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein after the cohesive joining of both sides ( 1b . 1c ) of the hollow body ( 1a ) with the sleeve ( 2a ) one contact surface each ( 9 . 10 ) is formed by machining. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sleeve ( 2a ) before piercing the hollow body ( 1a ) is preheated.

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