WO2008034333A1

WO2008034333A1 - Machine-mounted multi-fluid tank

Info

Publication number: WO2008034333A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/002574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yafeng Li; Gongyu Shi; Li Chen; Lu Dong; Xiping Chen
Original assignee: Caterpillar Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2007-08-27
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Also published as: CN101134510A; CN101134510B

Abstract

A fluid tank is provided for a mobile machine. The fluid tank may have a first enclosed vessel and a second enclosed vessel. The second enclosed vessel may be joined to the first enclosed vessel such that a third enclosed vessel is created by the joining of the first and second enclosed vessels.

Description

MACHINE-MOUNTED MULTI-FLUID TANK

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a machine-mounted fluid tank and, more particularly, to a machine-mounted fluid tank configured to hold multiple dissimilar fluids.

Background

[0002] Machines such as, for example, track-type tractors, wheel loaders, on and off-highway haul trucks, motor graders, and other heavy equipment are used to perform many tasks. To effectively perform these tasks, the machines require an engine that provides significant torque to propel the machine and/or to power various hydraulic implement systems. The engine may be a diesel engine, gasoline engine, or gaseous fuel-powered engine and, when the machine is mobile, requires a machine-mounted fuel tank. Similarly, because of the mobility of the machine, a supply of hydraulic fluid for use with the implement system must also be located onboard the machine.

[0003] Historically, a fuel tank and a separate hydraulic oil tank have been mounted at different locations on the machine. One example of this arrangement is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,988,571 (the '571 patent) issued to Okamoto et al. on January 24, 2006. In particular, the '571 patent discloses a crawler tractor having rear fenders disposed on left and right sides of a cabin so as to shield the lower rear side of the cabin from debris shot upward by tracks of the crawler. A fuel tank is disposed within the left rear fender, and a pressure oil tank is disposed within the right rear fender. A refueling opening is provided in the upper portion of the fender on the left side of the vehicle body, and fuel is supplied to the fuel tank through the refueling opening. A similar opening is provided for the pressure oil tank. [0004] Although this configuration may be suitable for some applications, it may reduce design flexibility and increase system cost. Specifically, because space on both sides of the crawler tractor is consumed by the two separate tanks, there may be limited space remaining for other tractor components. In addition, because the tanks are separate, two sets of mounting hardware are required, and tractor assembly time may be increased. This additional hardware and extra assembly time translates to a greater cost of the tractor. [0005] The disclosed fluid tank is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid tank for a mobile machine. The fluid tank may include a first enclosed vessel and a second enclosed vessel. The second enclosed vessel may be joined to the first enclosed vessel such that a third enclosed vessel is created by the joining of the first and second enclosed vessels.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of providing fluids to a mobile machine. The method may include directing a first fluid into a tank of the mobile machine. The method may also includes directing a second fluid dissimilar to the first fluid into the tank of the mobile machine. The method may further include maintaining fluid separation between the first and second fluids during operation of the machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Fig. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed machine; [0009] Fig. 2 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed tank arrangement for use with the machine of Fig. 1;

[0010] Fig. 3 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed tank support structure for use with the tank arrangement of Fig. 2; [0011] Fig. 4 is a front view illustration of an exemplary disclosed fluid tank for use with the tank arrangement of Fig. 2;

[0012] Fig. 5 A is a cut-away exploded view illustration of the fluid tank of Fig.

4; and

[0013] Fig. 5B is a cut-away assembled view illustration of the fluid tank of Fig.

4.

Detailed Description

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 10. Machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. For example, machine 10 may be an earth moving machine such as a track-type tractor, a wheel loader, a motor grader, or any other earth moving machine. Machine 10 may alternatively be a passenger vehicle, or another suitable operation-performing machine. Machine 10 may include a power source 12, at least one traction device 14, a frame 16 connecting power source 12 to traction device 14, a work tool 18, an operator station 20, and a fluid supply tank 22.

[0015] Power source 12 may combust fuel to produce a mechanical power output, and may embody an internal combustion engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other type of engine apparent to one skilled in the art. Power source 12 may draw fluid from supply tank 22 and utilize the fluid for fuel, lubrication, cooling, work tool operation, or for any other purpose. The mechanical power output of power source 12 may be directed through traction device 14 to propel machine 10, and converted to hydraulic power for actuation of work tool 18. [0016] Traction device 14 may include one or more tracks located on each side of machine 10. Alternatively, traction device 14 may include wheels, belts, or other traction devices known in the art. Traction device 14 may be drivingly connected to power source 12 by way of a transmission unit (not shown) and/or torque converter (not shown).

[0017] Frame 16 may include any structural unit that supports movement of work machine 10. For example, frame 16 may include a central stationary base member 16a connecting power source 12, traction device 14, and operator station 20; a right fender 16b fixedly connected to base member 16a; a left fender 16c also fixedly connected to base member 16a; a movable frame member (not shown) of a linkage system connecting base member 16a to work tool 18; or any other frame known in the art. As illustrated in Fig. 1, right and left fenders 16b, 16c may be connected to shield operator station 20 from flying debris and to support supply tank 22.

[0018] Numerous different work tools 18 may be attachable to a single machine 10 and controllable via operator station 20. Work tool 18 may include any device used to perform a particular task such as, for example, a ripper, a bucket, a fork arrangement, a blade, a shovel, a dump bed, a broom, a snow blower, a propelling device, a cutting device, a grasping device, or any other task- performing device known in the art. Although connected in the disclosed embodiment rearward of operator station 20 to lift and/or tilt relative to machine 10, work tool 18 may alternatively or additionally rotate, slide, swing, or move in any other manner known in the art.

[0019] Operator station 20 may include devices that receive input from a work machine operator indicative of a desired work machine steering, travel, or work tool maneuver. Specifically, operator station may include one or more operator interface devices (not shown) located proximate an operator seat 24. The operator interface devices may be configured to initiate movement of machine 10 or of work tool 18 by producing steering, position, and/or velocity control signals that are indicative of a desired work machine or work tool maneuver. As illustrated in Fig. 2, when an operator manipulates the interface devices, the operator may observe the lifting and tilting motion of work tool 18 through a rear window 26 of machine 10 along a line of sight designated by arrows 28. [0020] Supply tank 22 may facilitate line of sight 28. Specifically, supply tank 22 may be mounted to straddle right and left fenders 16b, 16c rearward of operator station 20, between seat 24 and work tool 18. Supply tank 22 may include a generally planar top surface 27, a generally planar base surface 29 disposed in opposition to top surface 27, a generally planar front surface 30 connected to base surface 29, a generally planar angled surface 32 connecting front surface 30 to top surface 27, and a generally planar back surface 33 connecting base surface 29 to top surface 27. Located within angled surface 32 may be a recessed portion 34, having an upper surface generally parallel with line of sight 28. Recessed portion 34 may be substantially transversely aligned with rear window 26 and symmetrically located relative to a machine plane of symmetry 36. The depth of recessed portion 34 into angled surface 32 may vary and be dependent on the application of machine 10 and/or which particular work tool 18 is intended for use with machine 10. Because of its location relative to operator station 20 and right and left fenders 16b, 16c, supply tank 22 may include handles, if desired, to facilitate access to supply tank 22 and/or to operator station 20.

[0021] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, supply tank 22 may be flexibly mounted to right and left fenders 16b, 16c. Specifically, supply tank 22 may be attached to each of right and left fenders 16b, 16c at a single peripheral location by way of a pair of load-bearing resilient mounts (LBRMs) 38. In addition, supply tank 22 may be attached by a pair of LBRMs 38 at a central location along a brace member 41, which extends from right fender 16b to left fender 16c. LBRMs 38 may embody elastomeric mounts designed to carry compressive and tensile loads, while at the same time allowing the supply tank 22 and right and left fenders 16b, 16c to translate and/or tilt relative to one another. These elastomeric mount may include a pad of an elastomeric material, for example, rubber, sandwiched between two mounting plates and/or disposed about a central rigid spacer, such that movement of supply tank 22 away from right and left fenders 16b, 16c is restricted, but some movement of supply tank 22 along a plane substantially parallel with an upper surface of right and left fenders 16b, 16c is allowed. It is contemplated that, rather than paired LBRMs, a single LBRM may be used at each mounting location, if desired. It is further contemplated that brace member 41 may alternatively or another brace member may additionally be located rearward of tank 22, if desired, for securing tank 22 and/or right and left fenders 16b, 16c.

[0022] The centrally-located LBRMs 38 may be located offset (i.e., forward) along plane 36 relative to the LBRMs 38 mounted directly to right and left fenders 16b, 16c. Specifically, as can be seen from Figs. 3, 5a, and 5b, supply tank 22 may be symmetrically formed about plane 36 running through first enclosed vessel 42, but asymmetrically formed about a transverse plane 40. Because of its asymmetric shape in the fore/aft direction of machine 10, when filled with fluid, supply tank 22 may have a tendency to rotate in the fore/aft direction. The centrally located LBRMs 38 may be offset along plane 36 to support supply tank 22 against this tendency to rotate. In addition, the fore/aft relationship between the LBRMs of each pair may further support tank 22 against this tendency.

[0023] Supply tank 22 may be designed to contain two dissimilar fluids. In particular, supply tank 22 may include a first enclosed vessel 42, and a second enclosed vessel 44 joined together along a boundary 46. First enclosed vessel 42 may contain a supply of liquid fuel such as, for example, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, ethanol, a blend of different liquid fuels, or a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or a blend thereof. Second enclosed vessel 44 may include a supply of lubricant such as hydraulic oil used in the actuation of work tool 18 or engine oil used by power source 12, a coolant such as water, glycol, or a water/glycol mixture, or any other fluid known in the art that is dissimilar to the fluid contained within first enclosed vessel 42. Supply tank 22 may include a first opening 47 providing access to first enclosed vessel 42, and a second opening 48 providing access to second enclosed vessel 44. Additional openings may be included within supply tank 22, if desired, such as, for example, one or more air vents 52, one or more inlet and outlet ports connecting an external filtering device 50 to first or second enclosed vessels 42, 44, one or more drain ports associated with each of first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, and other such openings known in the art.

[0024] As illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, supply tank 22 may be modular, with first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44 first fabricated separately as independent fluid tanks in the general shape of an "L" (when viewed from top surface 27 toward base surface 29), and later joined together through a welding, threaded fastening, or other suitable joining process. Specifically, first enclosed vessel 42 may be fabricated to include a plurality of flange members 54 extending in the transverse direction from each of back, base, front, recessed, and top surfaces 27, 29, 30, 32, 33. Flange members 54 may be joined to second enclosed vessel 44 by way of a welded lap or butt joint, or threaded fastening such that a third enclosed vessel 56 is created. Third enclosed vessel 56 may be situated to maintain fluid separation between first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, even in the event of tank leakage or rupture. By providing an internal space (i.e., third enclosed vessel 56) between first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, any fluid that might leak from either of these vessels may be contained within that space, without contamination of first or second enclosed vessels 42, 44. A leak path 58 may be provided within base surface 29, if desired, to reduce pressure buildup within third enclosed vessel 56. It is contemplated that some or all of flange members 54 may alternatively be fabricated as part of second enclosed vessel 44, if desired. It is further contemplated that flange members 54 may be initially fabricated independent of first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, and then later joined to both vessels to create third enclosed vessel 56, if desired. [0025] First enclosed vessel 42 may include one or more baffles 60. Baffles 60 may form a partial partition within first enclosed vessel 42 to minimize the movement of fluid therein during irregular movement of machine 10 over rough terrain. It is contemplated that baffles 60 may also or alternatively be located within second enclosed vessel 44, if desired. Industrial Applicability

[0026] The disclosed supply tank may be applicable to any mobile machine where multiple dissimilar fluids must be contained in a space efficient, low cost, stable manner. Specifically, by providing multiple fluid vessels within a single integral tank, less space on the associated machine may be consumed by the vessels than separately possible, the single container may be easier to assemble to the machine, and less mounting hardware may be required. Reduced assembly time and component count may result in a lower cost machine. Further, by mounting the tank with three separate pairs of strategically placed resilient mounts, the tank, regardless of symmetry, may be secure and yet isolated from machine or terrain-induced vibrations.

[0027] Machine 10 may be replenished of fluid by approaching machine 10 from only a single direction, if desired. For example, when either additional fuel or oil is required, a maintenance technician may approach machine 10 from the rear, expose the appropriate one or both of first and second openings 47, 48, and fill the corresponding vessel with fluid. Following this filling process, the exposed opening may be re-sealed. Because first enclosed vessel 42 is separated from second enclosed vessel 44 by a space (i.e., third enclosed vessel 56), the two fluids contained therein may be maintained separate and uncontaminated, even if leakage from one or both of first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44 occurs. It is contemplated that the fluid of machine 10 may alternatively be replenished from the opposing sides of machine 10, if desired.

[0028] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the fluid tank of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the fluid tank will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. LIST OF ELEMENTS

10. Machine

12. Power Source

14. Traction Device

16. Frame

16a. Base Member

16b. Right Fender

16c. Left Fender

18. Work Tool

20. Operator Station

22. Supply Tank

24. Operator Seat

26. Rear Window

27. Top Surface

28. Line of Site Arrow

29. Base Surface

30. Front Surface

32. Angled Surface

33. Back Surface

34. Recessed Portion

36. Plane of Symmetry

38. Load-Bearing Resilient Mount

40. Transverse Plane

41. Brace Member

42. First Enclosed Vessel

44. Second Enclosed Vessel

46. Boundary

47. First opening

Claims

48. Second Opening

50. Filtering Device

52. Air Vent

54. Flange Member

56. Third Enclosed Vessel

58. Leak Path

60. Baffle

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid tank for a mobile machine, comprising: a first enclosed vessel; and a second enclosed vessel joined to the first enclosed vessel such that a third enclosed vessel is created by the joining of the first and second enclosed vessels.

2. The fluid tank of claim 1 , further including: a first opening providing access to the first enclosed vessel; and a second opening providing access to the second enclosed vessel.

3. The fluid tank of claim 2, further including a third opening providing access to the third enclosed vessel.

4. The fluid tank of claim 3, wherein: at least one of the first and second access openings is disposed within a first surface of the fluid tank; and the third opening is disposed within a second surface opposite the first surface.

5. The fluid tank of claim 1, further including at least one baffle located within at least one of the first and second enclosed vessels.

6. The fluid tank of claim 1 , wherein the first and second enclosed vessels are joined by a welding process.

7. The fluid tank of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second enclosed vessels has a substantially L-shaped cross section.

8. The fluid tank of claim I₅ further including a handle mounted to at least one of the first and second enclosed vessels.

9. The fluid tank of claim I₅ wherein, when the first enclosed vessel is joined to the second enclosed vessel, the fluid tank becomes substantially externally symmetric about a plane through only the first enclosed vessel.

10. The fluid tank of claim 9, wherein, when the first enclosed vessel is joined to the second enclosed vessel: a common planar base portion is formed; a common planar back portion is formed that connects to the base portion; a common planar top portion is formed that connects to the back portion; and a common planar front portion is formed that connects to the base portion.

11. The fluid tank of claim 10₅ wherein, when the first enclosed vessel is joined to the second enclosed vessel, an angled surface of the first enclosed vessel is co-planar with an angled surface of the second enclosed vessel, each of the angled surfaces connecting the top portion to the front portion.

12. The fluid tank of claim 11 , further including a planar angled portion recessed within the angled surface of only the first enclosed vessel.

13. The fluid tank of claim 11 , wherein the planar angled portion is symmetric about the plane.

14. The fluid tank of claim 1, wherein the first enclosed vessel is intended for a first fluid and the second enclosed vessel is intended for a second fluid dissimilar from the first fluid.

15. A method of providing fluids to a mobile machine, the method comprising: directing a first fluid into a tank of the mobile machine; directing a second fluid dissimilar to the first into the tank of the mobile machine; and maintaining fluid separation between the first and second fluids during operation of the machine.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first fluid is fuel and the second fluid is oil.

17. The method of claim 15, further including filtering oil from the tank at a location external of the tank.

18. A mobile machine, comprising: an operator station having a seat facing in a forward direction of the mobile machine; a tool connectable to a rear portion of the mobile machine; and a single integral tank connected between the operator station and the tool, the single integral tank including: a fuel compartment; a first opening providing access to the fuel compartment; an oil compartment fluidly separated from the fuel compartment; a second opening providing access to the oil compartment; and a recessed area providing a line of site from operator station to the tool.

19. The fluid tank of claim 18, further including an empty compartment disposed between the fuel compartment and the oil compartment.

20. The fluid tank of claim 19, further including a third opening providing a leak path from the empty compartment.