DE202005021122U1 - Fuel tank for motor vehicle e.g. aircraft, has welding bolts or screws for fastening of tank at support device and arranged at head part of intermediate walls, where welding bolts or screws are designed as console - Google Patents

Abstract

The tank has a peripheral wall, two front walls (2, 3) and intermediate walls (4) that are arranged between the front walls. The intermediate walls are provided with a head part (7) at its outer periphery. Welding bolts or screws (11) for fastening of the tank at a support device are arranged at the part and are designed as a console. The bolts or screws are arranged at a distance from each other in a peripheral direction. The intermediate walls are manufactured from plastic and one of parts (1a-1c) of the peripheral wall from a metal e.g. steel, stainless steel, aluminum and aluminum alloy.

Description

The The invention relates to a fuel tank, in particular for motor vehicles, with a peripheral wall, two end walls and at least one between two end walls arranged intermediate wall.

From the practice and also from the DE 202 08 040 Fuel tanks are known for motor vehicles, wherein the fuel tanks are fastened to correspondingly shaped consoles of motor vehicles by fastening means. Are known for this purpose so-called tension bands or, as in the DE 202 08 040 proposed, form elements on the fuel tank such that they are at least partially positively connected with appropriately adapted counter-forming elements.

A Attach the fuel tank via tensioning straps a console is relatively expensive both in terms of the structural design as well as the assembly process. The connection between the fuel tank and the straps takes place by a liability or friction between the mutual Surfaces, why the tightening force or the tightening torque are selected to be correspondingly high got to.

One Another disadvantage of this type of attachment is that due the high torque and the high suit forces on strong deformation forces the fuel tank act, which is why this consequently constructed accordingly stable must be, so that these deformation forces can be compensated. in the Fuel tank additionally provided partitions, e.g. Baffles, reduce the surge of fuel in the fuel tank need to be formed accordingly stable, so that they through the deformation forces not be damaged.

One Another disadvantage with a fastening over straps is that at Moisture, e.g. in rainy weather, fog or snow, between the tension bands and the fuel tank moisture can penetrate, reducing the adhesion or friction between the straps and the fuel tank clear is reduced. To here a safe reserve against slippage To own, therefore, must be for a disproportionate high bias voltage when tensioning the straps are taken care of.

to Avoiding scratches on the contact surfaces to the fuel tank and for a high enough Tension is the tension bands generally made of an elastic material, e.g. Rubber, formed. However, such materials are susceptible to external influences, in particular to ozone or light that makes her brittle can be and thus reduce the tightening force or even tear.

By the at least one molding element on the fuel tank after the DE 202 08 040 Although the disadvantages described above are partially avoided, but is still disadvantageous, the relatively high production cost of such a fuel tank.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a fuel tank such to improve that in a relatively simple and safe way can be attached to a support device.

According to the invention this Task solved by that the at least one intermediate wall at its outer periphery is provided with a head part, on the wenigs least one fastening member for Attachment of the fuel tank is arranged on a support device.

According to the invention now with fuel tanks, which are provided with one or more partitions, which as separation or baffles and to stabilize the container serve, these intermediate wall or partitions in addition to the inclusion of one or more attachment members formed.

This means, instead of a separate console, on the one hand with the Fuel tank must be connected, unless they are with the fuel tank a Unit forms, and on the other hand with the support device can be by the embodiment according to the invention the fuel tank over the at least connect a fastener directly to the support. The elimination of the console as an item results in significant economical advantages. Preferably, from stability and security provided several fasteners.

alternative For this purpose, it can also be provided that the fastening members of the Partition are designed as a console, i. that the partition wall a console for connection to a support device has or the partition on its outside is designed so that the intermediate wall is the function of the console with takes over.

The Carrying device can depending on the application of the fuel tank a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle directly a part of the motor vehicle or its construction or a carrier attached to the structure.

If in an advantageous according to the invention Continuing education as fasteners bolts or screws provided are, so can the fuel tank in a simple way over the bolts or screws directly through holes in the support device via threaded nuts be connected to the support device.

there it can be provided that each intermediate wall a fastening member, e.g. a bolt or a screw is provided, or per headboard at least two bolts arranged one behind the other in the axial direction or screws as fastening members. Additionally or alternatively, too for stability reasons at least two circumferentially spaced from each other bolts or screws may be provided on a headboard.

The Connection of bolts or screws with the headboard of the partition can be on diverse Done way. An advantageous possibility consists in one Connection via Welding studs.

In a very advantageous embodiment of the invention can thereby the material for the welding stud (s) and for at least the head part of the intermediate wall are chosen so that during the welding an at least partial fusion of the welding stud enters with the headboard, creating an extremely stable connection becomes.

Out Stability reasons in general, in a fuel tank at least two in axial Direction of separation walls arranged on each other with the head parts according to the invention, in which the fastening members are arranged, provide. Depending on Size of the fuel tank can of course also still in the longitudinal direction several intermediate walls in a row with the head parts according to the invention be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the Headboards be designed like a tire, where, at least nearly flat bearing surfaces own, so when connected to a support means a correspondingly large bearing surface available at the headboard stands, with a corresponding mating surface on the support device for one secure connection interacts.

In a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention be provided that directed at both to the end walls Sides of the tire-like headrest support shoulders are arranged, and that the peripheral wall in at least two peripheral wall parts is divided, wherein the at least two peripheral wall parts respectively connected to a support shoulder.

The Peripheral wall and the intermediate walls can e.g. made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum or corresponding alloys getting produced.

Is possible it also, the Umfangswandungsteile and the intermediate walls produce different materials, for example, the intermediate walls Plastic and peripheral wall parts of metal (e.g. Stainless steel, aluminum or equivalent alloys) or vice versa. From this you can for different applications (e.g. Weight, stability, Durability, absorption of dynamic or static forces, corrosion resistance, Optics).

A especially high stability can look for the partitions derive from this that a material mix of metal and Plastic (so-called hybrid design) are made. For this purpose can be provided that the intermediate wall elements with metal inserts or metal strips are provided, which of a plastic with high fiber filling level includes / are overmoulded. Experiments have shown that such partitions especially high support forces and dynamic forces be able to record.

Further yield advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention from the rest dependent claims and from the exemplary embodiment described in principle below with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

1 a schematic representation in perspective view of a fuel tank with three peripheral wall parts and two intermediate intermediate walls; and

2 an enlarged longitudinal section in plan view through the fuel tank after the 1 ,

The illustrated and described below embodiment shows a Fuel tank, the for Motor vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, is formed. Of course it is however, the invention is not limited to such containers. Under the name "fuel tank" are also such for land, Sea and air vehicles fall. Since fuel tank of this type is well known are, after following only on the essential for the invention Parts of the fuel tank discussed in more detail.

A peripheral wall 1 the fuel tank has according to 1 three peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c on. The peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c may be of any shape, such as round, oval, square or rectangular with or without rounded edges.

The peripheral wall parts 1a and 1c are frontally through two end walls 2 and 3 completed.

In the embodiment with the 3 Peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c is located in each case between the peripheral wall part 1a and 1b and between the peripheral wall part 1b and 1c an intermediate wall 4 , The number of partitions 4 of course depends on the number of peripheral wall parts. This means with only two peripheral wall parts 1a and 1b there is only one partition 4 in between, in an embodiment for a longer fuel tank with, for example, four peripheral wall parts, a total of at least three intermediate walls 4 arranged in between.

The illustrated partition walls 4 are in the embodiment as baffles with multiple through holes 5 educated. Of course, the partitions 4 but also be designed completely as a partition. In the latter case, instead of a single only provided in a peripheral wall part tank opening 6 additionally provided one or more further tank openings.

In the 2 are the in 1 only partitions shown in principle 4 shown in enlarged scale in longitudinal section. As can be seen, the intermediate wall 4 a hoop-shaped or annular head part 7 on, on both sides of support shoulders 8th are arranged. From one of the two support shoulders 8th can then be used as a baffle 4 (or as a partition wall) formed part which extends through the interior of the fuel tank, branch off with a right-angled bend.

Alternatively, however, an embodiment is possible to the effect that of both support shoulders 8th from the transversely through the interior extending part of the partition 4 emanates. It is also possible, this wall part of the partition 4 from the headboard 7 to branch off. In the first two cases it is possible to use the intermediate wall 4 in one piece form and produce for example from a deep-drawn part. As material for the partition 4 , the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b . 1c and the end walls 2 . 3 For example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy may be provided.

As continues from the 2 it can be seen that the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c each on the support shoulders 8th postponed from the side. For a sealing of the fuel tank to the outside is on both sides of the head part 7 according to a sealing agent 9 applied. As a sealant 9 For example, an orbital weld, ie, a circumferential weld, between the two to each of the end walls 2 and 3 directed sides of the headboard 7 and the end surfaces or the peripheral wall surfaces of the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c be made.

With a corresponding arrangement of the sealant 9 and its introduction between the headboard 7 and peripheral wall part 1a . 1b and 1c can the headboard 7 the partition 4 be formed in size so that the outer peripheral wall of the head part 7 over the outer peripheral walls of the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c survives. This should be the height of the support shoulder 8th to the top of the headboard 7 greater than the thickness D of the peripheral wall part 1a . 1b and 1c , As a result, a high stability for connection to a support device is achieved.

As in the enlarged view according to 2 shown right, can be in the area of the front wall 3 also a tire-like headboard 7 be provided on both sides with support shoulders 8th is provided on one side of the circumferential wall part 1c and from the other side the end wall 3 with a corresponding 90 ° bend is postponed.

Instead of such a configuration of the end wall 2 or 3 can of course also the peripheral wall part 1c respectively. 1a also with a front wall plate 2a welded (see left illustration).

Likewise, a pot-like configuration of the peripheral wall part 1a respectively. 1c possible, with the face plate 2a respectively. 3a is integral with the peripheral wall.

As also from the enlarged view in plan view 2 it can be seen that are between the peripheral wall parts 1a and 1b and between 1b and 1c arranged partitions 4 with their headboards 7 each on the outer circumference in a peripheral portion with an at least partially planar bearing surface 10 Mistake. In the flat contact surface 10 is a screw or a bolt as a fastening member 11 introduced, with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12 of the fuel tank is located. Like from the 2 visible, thus extending bolts or screws 11 perpendicular to the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c away and can drill this way 13 one support means 14 (dashed line) plugged or inserted. The carrying device 14 may optionally also be part of a frame or structure of a motor vehicle. The connection of screws or bolts 11 with the carrying device 14 over the hole 13 can be done in any way. If a detachable connection is to be created, this will for example provide a screw or rivet connection. For a permanent solid connection can be a weld or gluing in the hole 13 be made.

For reasons of stability one will - as shown - at least two screws or bolts 11 arrange as fastening members at a distance from each other. This can eg - as shown - by an arrangement in the two head parts 7 between the peripheral wall parts 1a and 1b and 1b and 1c respectively. Of course you can also use a headboard 7 in the axial direction one behind the other two or more - depending on the size or axial length of the support surface 10 - screws or bolts 11 be provided.

The same applies to an arrangement of two or more screws or bolts 11 as fastening members on different peripheral portions of a head part 7 like this in the 1 is indicated. Such a configuration is particularly appropriate when the fuel tank is formed from peripheral wall parts, at least on the support device 14 facing side at least partially planar surfaces, through which over the bearing surfaces 10 the headboards 7 correspondingly large flat and thus stable connections to the support device 14 result.

In an embodiment of the fastening members 11 as welding stud, by welding to the associated headboard 7 be connected, results in a particularly stable connection of the fuel tank to the support device 14 , For this example, both the welding bolt 11 as well as at least the headboard 7 the partition 4 be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which results in a good fusion at the same time low total weight of the fuel tank.

Of course they are but also other types of welds with other materials, e.g. with stainless steel or stainless steel alloys possible.

There such welding methods are state of the art, is not at this point closer to it received.

If necessary, the peripheral wall parts 1a . 1b and 1c and the partition 4 - Depending on the material - still a surface coating or finishing, eg by painting or anodizing or passivation, received.

In usual Way has the fuel tank also still vents and drain holes (not shown).

The solution according to the invention is suitable especially for high volume Fuel tank with a capacity of more than 100 liters. Of course, however, the fuel tank according to the invention can be also for use smaller sizes.

Claims (16)

Fuel tank, in particular for motor vehicles, having a peripheral wall, two end walls and at least one between two end walls arranged intermediate wall, characterized in that the at least one intermediate wall ( 4 ) at its outer periphery with a head part ( 7 ) is provided on which at least one fastening member ( 11 ) for fastening the fuel tank to a carrying device ( 14 ) is arranged. Fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fastening member ( 11 ) is a bolt or a screw. Fuel tank according to claim 2, characterized in that on the head part ( 7 ) at least two in the axial direction at a distance from each other arranged bolts or screws ( 11 ) are provided. Fuel tank according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that on the head part ( 7 ) at least two circumferentially spaced bolts or screws (FIG. 11 ) are provided. Fuel tank according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two spaced apart longitudinally one behind the other intermediate wall ( 4 ) each with a head part ( 4 ) on the at least one fastening member ( 11 ), are provided. Fuel tank according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the bolts as welding studs ( 11 ) are formed. Fuel tank according to claim 5, characterized in that the material selection of the welding bolt ( 11 ) and at least the head part ( 7 ) of the partition ( 4 ) is made such that during the welding process at least partially a fusion between the welding bolt ( 11 ) and the head part ( 7 ) occurs. Fuel tank according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the welding stud ( 11 ) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and the head part ( 7 ) consists of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Fuel tank according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the head part ( 7 ) is formed like a tire. Fuel tank according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the head part ( 7 ) at least approximately a flat bearing surface ( 10 ) in a peripheral portion, on which the at least one fastening member ( 11 ) is arranged or connected thereto. Fuel tank according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at both to the end walls ( 2 . 3 ) facing sides of the tire-like headboard ( 7 ) Shoulder edition ( 8th ) are arranged, and that the peripheral wall ( 1 ) in at least two peripheral wall parts ( 1a . 1b . 1c ), wherein the at least two peripheral wall parts ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) each with a support shoulder ( 8th ) are connected. Fuel tank according to claim 10 and 11, characterized in that the peripheral wall parts ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) each with its inner peripheral wall on a support shoulder ( 8th ) rest. Fuel tank according to claim 12, characterized in that sealing means ( 9 ) on the outside between the peripheral wall parts ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) and the head part ( 7 ) of the partition ( 4 ) is applied. Fuel tank according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the outer circumference of the head part ( 7 ) at least approximately flush with the outer peripheries of the peripheral wall parts ( 1a . 1b . 1c ). Fuel tank according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the intermediate wall ( 4 ) is designed as a partition. Fuel tank according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the intermediate wall ( 4 ) as a baffle with at least one through hole ( 5 ) is trained.