GB2615113A

GB2615113A - Tank device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2615113A
Application number: GB2201128.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joyce Andrew; Barnes Brandy; Miller Andrew; Tsirimiagos Vasilios; Lindquist Douglas; Box John; Stone Joshua
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2022-01-28
Filing date: 2022-01-28
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Also published as: GB202201128D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device 10 for a vehicle, comprising a reducing agent tank 12 for receiving a reducing agent, a fuel tank 14 for receiving a fuel, the fuel tank 14 comprising a shell 16 with first portion 18 and a second portion 20, a first end wall 28 arranged at and connected with a first end E1 of the first portion 18, and a second end wall 30 arranged at and connected with a second end E2 of the first portion 18, wherein the second portion 20, at its third end E3, is connected with the second end wall 30 and extends from its third end E3 to its fourth end E4, and wherein the second portion 20 forms a receptacle 32 in which the reducing agent tank 12 is received.

Description

TANK DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a tank device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] US 8 490 821 shows an apparatus for separately containing fuel and an exhaust gas treatment fluid on a vehicle. Furthermore, US 8 695 827 shows a combined DEF and fuel fill assembly, comprising a counterweight having a housing defining a DEF tank containment area and a fill area partitioned by a separator wall into a DEF fill area and a fuel fill area. Moreover, US 8 708 087 shows a fuel tank, which is constructed such that a front flange portion of a top surface plate of a second plate extends outside in relation to a front surface plate of a first plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tank device for a vehicle such that both a fuel and a reducing agent may be received in a particularly cost-effective way.

[0004] This object is solved by a tank device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient development of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a tank device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. In an embodiment, the tank device comprises a reducing agent tank for receiving a reducing agent. For example, the reducing agent may be a liquid. Preferably, the reducing agent may be an aqueous urea solution. In an embodiment, the tank device may comprise a fuel tank for receiving a fuel, in particular a liquid fuel. The fuel tank may comprise a shell which may comprise a first portion and a second portion. Preferably, the first and second portions may be configured as separately manufactured components. In an embodiment, the fuel tank may comprise a first end wall arranged at a first end of the first portion. Preferably, the first end wall is connected with the first end of the first portion. Thus, preferably, the first end wall and the portions may be configured as separately manufactured components. In an embodiment, the fuel tank may comprise a second end wall which may be arranged at a second end of the first portion. Preferably, the second end wall is connected with a second end of the first portion. Preferably, the first portion extends from its first end to its second end along a longitudinal direction of the fuel tank. Moreover, preferably, the first end of the first portion may be a first end of the fuel tank, and the second end of the first portion may be a second end of the fuel tank. For example, the reducing agent tank may comprise a first receiving space for receiving the reducing agent. Moreover, for example, the fuel tank may comprise a second receiving space for receiving the fuel. For example, the second receiving space is bounded by the first portion and the end walls. For example, the second receiving space, in particular at both of its ends, is bounded by the end walls in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank. Moreover, for example, the first portion may surround the second receiving space in a circumferential direction of the fuel tank, the circumferential direction of the fuel tank extending around the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank. Thus, for example, the first portion may bound the second receiving space in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank.

[0006] In an embodiment, the second portion may comprise a third end and a fourth end. For example, the second portion may extend from its third end to its fourth end along the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the second portion, at its third end, is connected with its second end wall. The second portion may extend from its third end to its fourth end, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the second portion forms or bounds a receptacle in which the reducing agent tank is received at least partially, in particular at least predominantly.

[0007] In an embodiment, the second portion is welded to the second end wall. Preferably, the second portion is welded to the second end wall using a weld that may be continuous along the second portion. In other words, preferably, the weld may extend continuously over 360 degrees in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank and thus in a circumferential direction of the second end wall. Thereby, a particularly high durability of a welded interface between the second end wall and the second portion may be realized.

[0008] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone may be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a tank device for a vehicle; [0011] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the tank device; [0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of the first embodiment of the tank device; [0013] Fig. 4 is part of a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the tank device; [0014] Fig. 5 is part of a schematic and perspective front view of the second embodiment of the tank device; [0015] Fig. 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a second portion of a shell of the tank device according to the second embodiment; [0016] Fig. 7 is part of a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of the second embodiment of the tank device on a frame of the vehicle.

[0017] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0019] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises" or "comprise" does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0021] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic side view, a first embodiment of a tank device 10 for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. This means that, in a completely manufactured state of the vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with the tank device 10. The vehicle may comprise a frame which may be configured as a ladder frame. For example, the tank device 10 may be attached to the ladder frame. The tank device 10 comprises a reducing agent tank 12 for receiving a reducing agent. The reducing agent may be introduced into an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle which may be driven by the internal combustion engine. The reducing agent may be used to remove nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas. For example, the reducing agent may be configured as a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), in particular if the internal combustion engine is a diesel engine. Preferably, the reducing agent tank 12 may comprise or may bound a first receiving space for receiving the reducing agent. Preferably, the reducing agent is a liquid such as, for example, an aqueous urea solution. In an embodiment, the tank device 10 may comprise a cylinder-type contour.

[0023] The tank device 10 further comprises fuel tank 14 for receiving a fuel, in particular a liquid fuel. Preferably, that engine may be operated by said fuel. For example, the fuel tank 14 may comprise or may bound a second receiving space in which the fuel may be received.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the fuel tank 14, comprises a shell 16 which comprises a first portion 18 and a second portion 20. The first portion 18 is also referred to as a fuel tank shell. The second portion 20 is also referred to as a DEF support shell. In the first embodiment, the portions 18 and 20 are separately manufactured components. Moreover, in the first embodiment, the portions 18 and 20 are arranged one after another in a longitudinal direction of the tank device 10 and thus the fuel tank 14. The longitudinal direction is illustrated by a double arrow 22. A double arrow 24 illustrates a radial direction of the tank device 10 and thus the fuel tank 14, the radial direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. Moreover, a double arrow 26 illustrates a circumferential direction of the tank device 10 and thus the fuel tank 14, wherein the circumferential direction extends around the longitudinal direction.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the fuel tank 14 comprises a first end wall 28 and a second end wall 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the end walls 28 and 30 are spaced away from each other in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. The end walls 28 and 30 are separately manufactured parts. Moreover, the end walls 28 and 30 and the shell 16 are separately manufactured parts. The second receiving space is bounded by the first portion 18 in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14. Moreover, the second receiving space, at both of its ends, is bounded by the end walls 28 and 30 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. In the first embodiment, the first end wall 28 is arranged at and connected with a first end El of the first portion 18. The second end wall 30 is arranged at and connected with a second end E2 of the first portion 18. As shown in Fig. 1, the first portion 18 extends in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14 from the first end El to the second end E2. In the first embodiment, the second portion 20 has a third end E3 and a fourth end E4, wherein the second portion 20 extends from the third end E3 to the fourth end E4 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. In the first embodiment, the third end E3 coincides with the second end E2, or the ends E2 and E3 may spaced away from each other in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. At its third end E3, the second portion 20 is connected with the second end wall 30. For example, at its third end E3, the second portion 20 may be welded to the second end wall 30. The second portion 20 extends from the third end E3 to the fourth end E4 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. Moreover, the second portion 20 forms or bounds a receptacle 32 in which the reducing agent tank 12 is received. Preferably, the reducing agent tank 12 is supported on the second portion 20, in particular in the radial direction of the fuel tank 14 such that the portion 20 is also referred to as a DEF support shell.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tank device 10 has an integrated DEF tank design allowing for serviceability of the reducing agent tank 12, in particular of a header of the reducing agent tank 12, in particular by turning the reducing agent tank 12 within the DEF support shell (i.e., within the receptacle 32 and thus the second portion 20). This may enable service without removing the entire reducing agent tank 12 from the receptacle 32.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the DEF support shell (i.e. second portion 20) is welded to the end wall 30 using a weld that is continuous along the DEF support shell and the end wall 30. In other words, preferably, said weld extends continuously over 360 degrees in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14 and thus the end wall 30 and the second portion 20. In other words, said weld travels 360 degrees around the DEF support shell and end wall 30. This improvement was made to improve the durability of a welded interface between the end wall 30 and the DEF support shell. For example, the end walls 28 and 30 also refer to as end caps or tank end caps. Moreover, in the first embodiment, the DEF support shell wraps continuously around the end wall 30 allowing for said improvement to be made. This means that, in the first embodiment, the second portion 20 comprises a first length area L1 connected with the second end wall 30. In the first embodiment, the first length area L1 may be welded to the second end wall 30, in particular by said weld. The first length area L1 extends continuously over 360 degrees in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14 and thus the second end wall 30. Thereby, said weld may extend continuously over 360 degrees in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the second portion 20 may comprise a second length area L2 adjoining the first length area L1 in a direction facing away from the second end wall 30. Said direction is illustrated by an arrow 34. Said direction may be parallel to the longitudinal direction or said direction coincides with the longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 1, in the first embodiment the receptacle 32 is formed or bounded at least predominantly by the second length area L2.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the receptacle 32, per se, is open at the fourth end E4 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. This means that the receptacle 32, when viewed alone, is open in said direction running in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14 and pointing away from the end wall 30. The receptacle 32, per se, is limited by the second end wall 30 along the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. This means that the receptacle 32, when viewed alone, is limited by the second end wall 30 in a second direction which runs in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14 and points away from the fourth end E4 and towards the end wall 30. Said second direction is opposite of said direction illustrated by the arrow 34. Moreover, the second direction is illustrated by an arrow 36. In the first embodiment, the second length area L2 extends in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14 over a first angular region around the receptacle 32 and the reducing agent tank 12 in such a way that the second length area L2 comprises two ends 38 and 40 (Figs. 2 and 3) which are spaced away from each other in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14. Thereby, the two ends 38 and 40 of the second length area L2 bound, in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14, a through opening 42 which may be formed by a cut-out of the second length area L2 of the second portion 20. The through opening 42 extends, in the circumferential direction of the fuel tank 14, over a second angular region around the receptacle 32 and thus the reducing agent tank 12. For example, the first angular region and the second angular region may be equal. Moreover, for example, the second angular region may be greater than the first angular region. Thereby, the reducing agent tank 12 may be arranged in the receptacle 32 in a particularly easy way.

[0029] The fuel tank 14, in particular the shell 16 and very in particular the portion 18 may comprise a first inlet and a fuel supply outlet. For example, via the first inlet, the fuel may be introduced into the second receiving space. For example, via the fuel supply outlet, the fuel may be discharged from the second receiving space. For example, at the first inlet, the fuel tank 14 may comprise a fuel tank fill neck 44. Moreover, in the first embodiment, the reducing agent tank 12 may comprise a reducing agent tank fill neck 46 via which the reducing agent may be introduced into the first receiving space.

[0030] Said direction illustrated by the arrow 34 is also referred to as a first direction. For example, in the second direction, the reducing agent tank 12 is retained in the receptacle 32 by the second end wall 30. In order to retain the reducing agent tank 12 in the receptacle 32 in the first direction, at least or exactly one strap 48 may be used. This strap 48 is arranged at and connected with the fourth end E4 of the portion 20 of the shell 16, the strap 48 overlapping at least a portion of a side 50 of the reducing agent tank 12, thereby retaining the reducing agent tank 12 and the receptacle 32 in the first direction. The side 50 facing away from the second end wall 30 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14, particularly in the first direction. The strap 48 may engage a recess 52 of the side 50. Preferably, the reducing agent tank 12 is uniquely designed to fit into the receptacle 32.

[0031] In an embodiment not shown in figures, the portions 18 and 20 may be formed by an integral part (i.e., by an integrally formed part). In other words, in said embodiment not shown in the figures, the portions 18 and 20 may be integral parts of an integrally formed component. In other words, in said embodiment not shown in the figures, the portions 18 and 20 may be formed in one piece. Thus, the ends El and E4 may be overall ends of the shell 16, wherein, for example, the ends El and E2 may be fuel tank ends of the fuel tank 14. In said further embodiment, at the first overall end, the shell 16 may comprise an outer end of the first end wall 28 of the fuel tank 14. For example, in said further embodiment, the second end wall 30 of the fuel tank 14 may be located inwardly relative to the second overall end of the shell 16 at some distance from the first overall end and the second overall end. For example, in said further embodiment, the shell 16, in particular the second portion 20, may extend beyond the fuel tank end at which the end wall 30 is arranged and thus beyond the end wall 30 such that the portion 20 which may be an elongated portion forms the receptacle 32. Furthermore, in said embodiment, the shell 16 is open at its second overall end. Thus, in said further embodiment, the portion 20 extending beyond the end wall 30 is an extending portion which may comprise the through opening 42 which may be configured as a cut-out of the extending portion. For example, the through opening 42 may generally face upwards such that, for example, the receptacle 32 is open, in particular in vertical direction of the commercial vehicle upwards.

[0032] The shell 16, in particular the portion 20, may support the reducing agent tank 12 from below. The reducing agent tank 12 is a second tank which may hold a diesel exhaust fluid such that the second tank is also referred to as a DEF tank. The DEF tank may contain any fluid used for exhaust gas treatment, such as a urea solution. In some embodiment, the DEF tank has a portion that projects beyond the opening of the second overall end of the shell 16, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the shell 16, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. For example, the recess 52 may be formed by a groove of the DEF tank. The strap 48 and/or a different retainer for retaining the reducing agent tank 12 in the receptacle 32 may be placed in the groove or recess 52. The strap 48 or the retainer may be mounted to the second overall end of the shell 16 (i.e., to the fourth end E4) in order to fasten the DEF tank at its projected portion to the extended portion of the shell 16 (i.e., to the second portion 20). The groove or the recess 52 may prevent rotation of the DEF tank relative to the fuel tank 14.

[0033] In an embodiment, a body of the shell 16 may be continuous and/or streamlined. In another embodiment, the second overall end of the shell 16 or the end E4 may extend to an end of the DEF tank that is secured by the retainer or strap 48.

[0034] With respect to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the second portion 20, at the end E4, has an opening 54 which may be configured as a through opening. Thereby, the receptacle 32, per se, is open at the end E4 and in the first direction illustrated by the arrow 34. For example, the reducing agent tank 12 may end at the end E4 in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank 14. In another embodiment, the DEF tank may comprise a portion that projects beyond the opening 54 and thus beyond the end E4 of the second portion 20 of the shell 16. In another embodiment, the second portion 20 of the shell 16 may extend to an end of the DEF tank that is secured by the retainer or strap 48.

[0035] Figs. 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the tank device 10. As shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the DEF tank may comprise at least one recess 56 for receiving at least a portion of a chassis component 58 of the vehicle. The recess 56 may be a cut-out of the DEF tank. In other words, the recess 56 may allow the DEF tank to integrate with at least one other chassis component 58. Particularly, in the second embodiment the chassis component 58 may be a front suspension. As shown in Fig. 7, the second portion 20 of the shell 16 may have a shape to accommodate the recess 56. In other words, the shape of the shell 16 may be adapted to the DEF tank having the recess 56 such that, for example, the second portion 20 may have a second recess 60 in which at least a portion of the component 58 is arranged. Particularly, in the second embodiment, a shackle of the front suspension engages the recess 56 and, preferably, the recess 60. The shackle is also referred to as a front shackle. Said front shackle may move with suspension travel.

List of Reference Signs tank device 12 reducing agent tank 14 fuel tank 16 shell 18 first portion second portion 22 double arrow 24 double arrow 26 double arrow 28 first end wall second end wall 32 receptacle 34 arrow 36 arrow 38 end end 42 through opening 44 fill neck 46 fill neck 48 strap side 52 recess 54 opening 56 recess 58 component recess El first end E2 second end E3 third end E4 fourth end Li first length area L2 second length area

Claims

CLAIMSA tank device (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a reducing agent tank (12) for receiving a reducing agent; - a fuel tank (14) for receiving a fuel, the fuel tank (14) comprising a shell (16) with a first portion (18) and a second portion (20), a first end wall (28) arranged at and connected with a first end (El) of the first portion (18), and a second end wall (30) arranged at and connected with a second end (E2) of the first portion (18), wherein the second portion (20), at its third end (E3), is connected with the second end wall (30) and extends from its third end (E3) to its fourth end (E4), and wherein the second portion (20) forms a receptacle (32) in which the reducing agent tank (12) is received.The tank device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (20) comprises a first length area (L1) connected with the second end wall (30), and wherein the first length area (L1) extends continuously over 360 degrees in a circumferential direction (26) of the second end wall (30) The tank device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second portion (20) comprises a second length area (L2) adjoining the first length area (L1) in a direction (34) facing away from the second end wall (30), and wherein the receptacle (32) is formed at least predominantly by the second length area (L2).The tank device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end walls (28, 30) are spaced away from each other in a longitudinal direction (22) of the fuel tank (14).The tank device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle (32), per se, is open at the fourth end (E4) along the longitudinal direction (22) of the fuel tank (14).The tank device (10) according to claim 5, wherein a strap (48) is arranged at and connected with the fourth end (E4), the strap (48) overlapping a side (50) of the reducing agent tank (12) thereby retaining the reducing agent tank (12) in the receptacle (32) in the longitudinal direction (22), and wherein the side (50) faces away from the second end wall (30) in the longitudinal direction (22).The tank device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reducing agent tank (12) comprises at least one recess (56) for receiving at least a portion of a chassis component (58) of the vehicle.