WO2013174460A1 - Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle and method for prodcucing such fuel tank - Google Patents

Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle and method for prodcucing such fuel tank Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013174460A1
WO2013174460A1 PCT/EP2013/000751 EP2013000751W WO2013174460A1 WO 2013174460 A1 WO2013174460 A1 WO 2013174460A1 EP 2013000751 W EP2013000751 W EP 2013000751W WO 2013174460 A1 WO2013174460 A1 WO 2013174460A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
strap
outer skin
anchor points
thermoplastic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/000751
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Timm Heidemeyer
Markus HÜTZEN
Stefan Lenz
Thomas Wagner
Original Assignee
Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg filed Critical Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg
Publication of WO2013174460A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013174460A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03177Fuel tanks made of non-metallic material, e.g. plastics, or of a combination of non-metallic and metallic material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/063Arrangement of tanks
    • B60K15/067Mounting of tanks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03032Manufacturing of fuel tanks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotational symmetrical geometry.
  • a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotational symmetrical geometry.
  • Such non- rotationally symmetrical geometries are usually not internal-pressure optimized, that is to say that boiler formulae are not applicable to these when calculating the pressure resistance.
  • Fuel tanks especially for diesel fuels, are usually designed as non-pressurized systems so that the dimensional stability of the plastic in relation to internal pressure-induced deformation hardly plays a role.
  • the pressure resistance of the fuel tank increases in importance since with such tank systems it is desirable to hermetically seal these in relation to atmosphere over longer time periods.
  • the necessity to hermetically seal the tank results from the fact that the internal combustion engine compared with conventional Otto engines has fewer or shorter operating cycles so that fewer or shorter backflushing cycles are made available for the fuel vapor filter of the fuel tank. Consequently, either the capacity of the fuel vapor filter has to be increased significantly or the tank has to be hermetically locked during non- running periods of the vehicle, for example.
  • Pillar-like supports or tie rods for example, which are provided in the tank and support or fix the large- area wall sections of the tank in relation to each other, are known as structure reinforcing measures on fuel tanks. It is also known to introduce metal structures into the tank wall. Finally, it is known to stiffen the tank in sections with so-called organo sheets, which is comparatively time-consuming and expensive.
  • Tanks consisting of plastic are frequently secured on the supporting structure of the vehicle by means of metal clamping straps, wherein these measures only have the effect of supporting the tank and prevent sagging of larger wall sections of the tank but do not actually reinforce or stiffen the structure of the tank.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of developing a plastic tank, as an operating fluid tank for a motor vehicle, especially a secondary fluid tank or fuel tank, in such a way that this is structurally reinforced against internal pressure-induced deformation using the simplest possible means.
  • a reinforcement is to be applied particularly easily, without being bulky, and to be inexpensive.
  • the object upon which the invention is based is achieved by means of a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, wherein the outer skin of the tank is provided with at least one tension-resistant strap, wherein the strap spans the tank and/or is fastened between at least two anchor points which are provided at a distance from each other on the outer skin of the tank, wherein the strap comprises an arrangement of tension-resistant fibers, which tension-resistant fibers are embedded into a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix and the strap is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin of the tank at least in the region of the anchor points.
  • Predetermined points or regions on the outer skin of the tank are regarded as anchor points within the sense of the invention, the predetermined points or regions being provided at least as fixing points for the strap which is to be welded to the outer skin of the tank, i.e. the strap is welded to the outer skin of the tank at least in these regions.
  • the strap as a longitudinal fiber-reinforced thermoplastic strap, can be completely or partially connected in a materially bonding manner to the outer skin of the tank, i.e. be welded.
  • the strap can encompass the tank by its full extent or be applied only in strips on specific wall sections of the tank. Both in the case of the strap encompassing the tank by its full and in the case of the strap being applied only in strips on specific wall sections of the tank, this strap can be laid or applied in a crosswise manner .
  • the welding of the strap between anchor points on the tank especially has the effect of large-area wall sections of the tank between the anchor points being virtually bridged so that in the event of a possible bulging of the tank the tensile forces which are introduced into the strap are directed into the anchor points of the tank.
  • the knowledge is based on the fact that in the case of a non-rotationally symmetrical tank geometry different sections of the tank wall have various degrees of stiffness. Particularly the corner regions of the tank, or of wall-to-wall welds, so-called "kissing points", or other projections in the tank geometry are structurally stiffer than large-area smooth-walled sections of the fuel tank. Since the strap, at least in the region of the anchor points, is preferably also connected in a materially bonding manner over its entire length to the outer skin of the tank, relative movements between the strap and the tank wall cannot occur, which represents the significant difference to a simple encompassing of the tank with a clamping strap which is not connected to the tank in a materially bonding manner.
  • the strap preferably extends rectilinearly between at least two anchor points so that this directly absorbs tensile forces in the event of internal pressure- induced occurrent deformation of the tank wall.
  • the strap can extend in this case either in sections, projecting from the tank wall, rectilinearly between two or more anchor points, but can also be arranged in at least one groove or strap channel of the tank which is provided in the outer skin.
  • the tank can be adapted in an altogether geometrically comparatively simple manner to the position of a strap or of a plurality of straps. This can have a strap channel, or a plurality of possibly even crossing strap channels, for accommodating straps.
  • Structurally stiffer sections of the tank wall for example corners or corner regions of the tank wall, are expediently provided as anchor points.
  • the strap expediently extends between at least two anchor points which form structurally stiffer sections of the tank geometry, and in the process bridge and/or encompass comparatively less stiff sections of the tank geometry between the anchor points.
  • means for structural stiffening of the tank wall are additionally provided at least in the region of the anchor points of the strap or of the tank.
  • suitable profilings of the tank wall, reinforcing inserts, for example consisting of metal, which are integrated into the tank wall, or supports/tie rods or the like provided in the interior of the tank can be provided as such additional means for the structural stiffening of the tank wall.
  • the tank wall can be provided for example at least in sections with grooves and/or ribs which extend parallel to each other, wherein the strap expediently fits over the ribs and for example on the outwardly projecting ribs in the region of abutment against the ribs is welded to these.
  • the ribs and/or grooves can have different or the same cross sectional profiles.
  • At least two anchor points are provided at a distance from each other in the corner regions of the tank geometry, or are arranged so that the strap spans at least one corner region of the tank structure.
  • a large-area side of the tank can be provided for example with two straps which are seated in each case in the corner region of the tank structure and cross over roughly at the area center of gravity of the tank wall in question, which straps are welded to the tank wall either only in the corner region or over their entire length.
  • two anchor points can be provided in the region of the support of a tank wall by means of structure-reinforcing elements in the interior of the tank or in the tank wall.
  • the strap advantageously supports large-area tank walls between structurally stiffer tank wall geometries against bulging and/or sagging.
  • One variant of the tank according to the invention is distinguished by fastening structures for the body connection, wherein the fastening structures form anchor points for the strap.
  • Fastening plates or fastening angle brackets for example, which are formed in one piece and preferably encompassed by one strap or by a plurality of straps can be provided as fastening structures.
  • the strap is expediently provided as a so-called "prepreg strap” which comprises glass fibers or carbon fibers or aramide fibers or basalt fibers in a thermoplastic matrix based on polyethylene.
  • the fibers can alternatively be embedded into a duroplastic matrix, for example on an epoxy resin base.
  • the glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramide fibers or basalt fibers are expediently formed as endless fibers.
  • the object upon which the invention is based is also achieved by means of a method for producing a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank for a motor vehicle by producing a non-rotationally symmetrical hollow body consisting of thermoplastic, wherein at least one tension-resistant strap with tension-resistant fibers in a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix is applied to the outer skin of the hollow body so that this spans the tank or extends between structurally and/or geometrically stiffer sections of the tank, wherein the tank, at least in the region of the stiffer sections of the tank, is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin of tank at predetermined anchor points of the outer skin of the tank, wherein the strap is arranged on the outer skin of the tank so that this absorbs tensile forces in the event of internal pressure-induced deformation.
  • the tank according to the invention can be produced by means of extrusion-blow molding, for example, wherein the strap is welded to the tank preferably after the forming of this.
  • the welding can be carried out for example by fusing and pressing a prefabricated strap, for example a so- called "prepreg strap", onto the outer skin of the tank .
  • the strap can be welded by means of a laser, infrared radiation or hot air, for example.
  • the tank in a rotating device and to unwind a strap from the roll.
  • the strap for example in the region of its abutment against the tank, can be softened or fused by means of a laser and pressed onto the outer skin of the tank using a press-on roller.
  • the strap is welded over its entire contact surface or over its entire length to the outer skin of the tank.
  • Such an attachment of the strap onto the outer skin of the tank has the advantage that for example by means of the strap flat reinforcing elements or insulation mats can be fixed on the outer skin of the tank. If the reinforcing elements also comprise at least one outer layer of thermoplastic material, the strap can also be welded to this right across the reinforcing elements.
  • the strap according to the invention can be in a single layer or multilayered, for example, in the region of thin points of the tank wall in order to be wound around this or to be applied to this.
  • the strap can, for example, also fit over functional components which are provided on the tank on the outside or lines which are laid there so that these are fixed by means of the strap .
  • the fixing points or anchor points on the outer skin of the tank serve virtually as locating bearings between which the strap can transmit tensile forces.
  • the corner regions or structurally stiffer regions of the tank geometry are considered to be virtually stiff.
  • organo sheets can also be fixed on the outer skin of the tank, for example.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tank according to the invention with a strap which is partially attached to the outer skin of the tank, specifically during the attaching of the strap,
  • Figure 2 - shows a sectional view along the lines I - I in Figure 1
  • Figure 3 shows a cross section through the tank along the lines III - III
  • Figure 4 shows a view of the details IV in Figure 3
  • Figure 5 shows a view of the detail V in .
  • Figure 3 shows a view of the detail V in .
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 shows a cross section through the tank according to Figure 7
  • Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a tank wall which is reinforced in sections and is encompassed by two straps.
  • the tank 1 according to the invention can be designed as a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, for example. This is shown in greatly simplified form in the figures, just as the geometry/contour of the tank 1 is simplified .
  • the tank 1 comprises tank walls 2 consisting of thermoplastic based on HDPE (high density polyethylene) and was obtained for example by means of extrusion-blow molding or injection molding from thermoplastic.
  • the tank walls 2 can consist of a laminated extrudate or co-extrudate consisting of thermoplastic, for example.
  • the tank 1 which is shown in Figure 1 has an approximately cubic geometry, wherein this has larger side walls 3 and smaller end walls 4 and also edges 5 which delimit the side walls and end walls.
  • the outer skin of the tank 1, i.e. the outwardly pointing surfaces of the tank walls and side walls, are encompassed by a strap 6 which, for example, is connected over its entire length in a materially- bonding manner to the outer skin of the tank 1.
  • the strap 6 comprises, for example, tension-resistant fibers, oriented in its longitudinal direction, in the form of carbon fibers, aramide fibers or glass fibers, which are embedded into a thermoplastic matrix.
  • the strap 6 is prefabricated as a so-called "prepreg strap” and is welded to the outer skin of the tank 1 after the forming of said tank 1.
  • prepreg strap the strap 6 from a roll 7 is laid flat on the outer skin of the tank 1, is locally heated and fused during application by means of infrared radiation, laser radiation or hot air, for example, in the region of the abutment against the outer skin of the tank 1, and by means of a press-on unit, which is not shown, is pressed with a press-on roller, for example, against the tank walls 2, 3, 4 in the region of the softened point so that on account of the pressure which is applied in the region of the contact line welding of the strap 6 to the tank wall 2, 3, 4 is carried out.
  • the strap 6, as already mentioned in the introduction, is welded to the outer skin of the tank 1 over its entire length, but a weld can be provided at just a few points of the outer skin, which are subsequently referred to as anchor points 10.
  • Such anchor points 10 can be sections of the tank walls 2 which either directly adjoin edges 5 or corners 8 of the tank walls 2 or are formed by the corners 8 or edges 5 themselves.
  • the recess 9 is spanned by the strap 6, wherein the strap 6 itself is laid in a channel 11, which is formed as a groove, provided in the tank 1.
  • the strap 6 is shown spanning the recess 9 at a distance.
  • the effect of the strap 6 which is referred to in the introduction is now provided when the strap 6 extends at least between the anchor points rectilinearly over the tank wall 2 in question.
  • a favorable extent of the strap 6 over one side wall, or over a plurality of side walls 3, of the tank 1 may result for example if the strap 6, differing from the view in Figure 1, were to extend diagonally over the side wall 3 in question and were to be welded to the tank in the corners 8 or behind the corners of said tank 1.
  • the strap 6 can also encompass the tank by its full extent, for example, as is shown in Figure 1.
  • FIG. 6 A further variant of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 6, wherein the tank 1 is encompassed by two straps 6 in a crossover arrangement.
  • FIGs 7 and 8 Another design of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8.
  • This tank 1 is provided with a dome-shaped indentation 12, in the region of which the side walls 3 are welded to each other.
  • This wall-to-wall weld, or this "kissing point" constitutes a structure which altogether stiffens the tank geometry, wherein the side wall 3 of the tank 1 (on the side facing the viewer in Figure 7) is reinforced by altogether four straps 6 which extend in each case between the indentation 12 and an edge 5 of the tank 1.
  • the straps 6 are laid in each case in the region of their deflection around the edges 5 and around the periphery 13 of the indentation 16, wherein in this case a weld can again be provided over the entire length of the straps 6 or only in the region of the deflection of said straps 6.
  • a further variant of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown finally in Figure 9. Inside the tank, provision is made for a support element 14 which extends between the end walls 4.
  • the anchor points 10 on the outer skin of the tank 1 for the strap 6 are provided for example on the end faces 4 in the region of the inner-side abutment of the support element 14, wherein the strap 6 supports the bottom side walls 3 of the tank 1.
  • the result of bulging of the tank 1 in this region would be that the tension upon the strap 6 would have the effect of the end walls 4 of the tank shifting towards each other, wherein this possible degree of freedom of the end walls 4 is resisted via the support element 14.
  • structure- reinforcing measures may be provided in the end walls 4 in question of the tank, for example the end walls 4 may have a corresponding cross- sectional profile, or the end walls 4 may be of an inwardly curved design with a cylindrical or semi- cylindrical contour. The curvature may also extend only over sections of the end walls. For example, inwardly and/or outwardly projecting ribs may also be provided, extending over the height of the tank 1 into the side walls .
  • the tank wall which is shown in Figure 10 is provided for example as part of the tank bottom surface or as the entire tank bottom surface with a rib profile 15 which is spanned by two straps 6.
  • the rib profile may have for example ribs and grooves extending parallel to each other, with a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, for example, and forms a structural stiffening of the tank bottom surface, for example.
  • the straps 6 are welded in each case to these ribs in the region of the outwardly projecting tops of said ribs.
  • the area moment of inertia of the tank wall 2 in question is increased and sagging of the tank wall 2 in question is reduced by means of the straps which are loaded exclusively under tension.
  • a force absorption is displaced into the adjoining tank walls 2.

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, wherein the outer skin of the tank (1) is provided with at least one tension-resistant strap (6), wherein the strap (6) spans the tank (1) and/or is fastened between at least two anchor points (10) which are arranged at a distance from each other on the outer skin of the tank (1), wherein the strap comprises an arrangement of tension-resistant fibers, which tension-resistant fibers are embedded into a thermoplastic matrix and the strap (6) is welded to the outer skin of the tank at least in the region of the anchor points (10).

Description

Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotational symmetrical geometry. Such non- rotationally symmetrical geometries are usually not internal-pressure optimized, that is to say that boiler formulae are not applicable to these when calculating the pressure resistance.
Especially in the case of fuel tanks consisting of thermoplastic but also in the case of other operating fluid tanks or secondary fluid tanks for motor vehicles it is desirable to design these to be essentially dimensionally stable against the occurrence of internal pressure/overpressure, for example, in the tank in relation to atmospheric pressure. Such tanks, as regards their shape, are frequently adapted to the installation situation in the motor vehicle so that it is often not possible to design the tank in a correspondingly pressure-resistant manner due to the external contour. By their geometry, cylindrical or spherical tanks are suitable for absorbing an increased internal pressure, as is generally known. Such a design of fuel tanks, operating fluid tanks or other secondary fluid tanks, such as oil tanks, windscreen wash tanks, urea tanks or the like is usually not possible owing to the limited available installation space in a motor vehicle.
Particularly in the case of fuel tanks consisting of thermoplastic, it is known and desirable to structurally partially stiffen these in order to ensure a certain volume constancy of the tank during pressure fluctuations in order to avoid sagging of large-area wall sections in the case of larger completely filled tanks and in order to avoid creeping of the plastic during long-term internal pressurization . Moreover, butting of the plastic fuel tank against the body of the motor vehicle is to be avoided. These previously described measures attend essentially to various problems which to a greater or lesser extent are concerned with the lower material strength of the plastic compared with metal, for example, and with the creep tendency of specific thermoplastics.
Fuel tanks, especially for diesel fuels, are usually designed as non-pressurized systems so that the dimensional stability of the plastic in relation to internal pressure-induced deformation hardly plays a role. In the case of hybrid vehicles with Otto engines, however, the pressure resistance of the fuel tank increases in importance since with such tank systems it is desirable to hermetically seal these in relation to atmosphere over longer time periods. The necessity to hermetically seal the tank results from the fact that the internal combustion engine compared with conventional Otto engines has fewer or shorter operating cycles so that fewer or shorter backflushing cycles are made available for the fuel vapor filter of the fuel tank. Consequently, either the capacity of the fuel vapor filter has to be increased significantly or the tank has to be hermetically locked during non- running periods of the vehicle, for example. Apart from these special problems, it is naturally desirable to install altogether smaller fuel vapor filters.
Pillar-like supports or tie rods, for example, which are provided in the tank and support or fix the large- area wall sections of the tank in relation to each other, are known as structure reinforcing measures on fuel tanks. It is also known to introduce metal structures into the tank wall. Finally, it is known to stiffen the tank in sections with so-called organo sheets, which is comparatively time-consuming and expensive.
Tanks consisting of plastic are frequently secured on the supporting structure of the vehicle by means of metal clamping straps, wherein these measures only have the effect of supporting the tank and prevent sagging of larger wall sections of the tank but do not actually reinforce or stiffen the structure of the tank.
The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a plastic tank, as an operating fluid tank for a motor vehicle, especially a secondary fluid tank or fuel tank, in such a way that this is structurally reinforced against internal pressure-induced deformation using the simplest possible means. Such a reinforcement is to be applied particularly easily, without being bulky, and to be inexpensive.
The object upon which the invention is based is achieved by means of a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle, with a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, wherein the outer skin of the tank is provided with at least one tension-resistant strap, wherein the strap spans the tank and/or is fastened between at least two anchor points which are provided at a distance from each other on the outer skin of the tank, wherein the strap comprises an arrangement of tension-resistant fibers, which tension-resistant fibers are embedded into a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix and the strap is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin of the tank at least in the region of the anchor points. Predetermined points or regions on the outer skin of the tank are regarded as anchor points within the sense of the invention, the predetermined points or regions being provided at least as fixing points for the strap which is to be welded to the outer skin of the tank, i.e. the strap is welded to the outer skin of the tank at least in these regions.
The strap, as a longitudinal fiber-reinforced thermoplastic strap, can be completely or partially connected in a materially bonding manner to the outer skin of the tank, i.e. be welded. The strap can encompass the tank by its full extent or be applied only in strips on specific wall sections of the tank. Both in the case of the strap encompassing the tank by its full and in the case of the strap being applied only in strips on specific wall sections of the tank, this strap can be laid or applied in a crosswise manner .
Apart from the fact that such a strap which is welded to the outer skin of the tank achieves a slight increase of the surface bending moment of the tank wall, the welding of the strap between anchor points on the tank especially has the effect of large-area wall sections of the tank between the anchor points being virtually bridged so that in the event of a possible bulging of the tank the tensile forces which are introduced into the strap are directed into the anchor points of the tank.
The knowledge is based on the fact that in the case of a non-rotationally symmetrical tank geometry different sections of the tank wall have various degrees of stiffness. Particularly the corner regions of the tank, or of wall-to-wall welds, so-called "kissing points", or other projections in the tank geometry are structurally stiffer than large-area smooth-walled sections of the fuel tank. Since the strap, at least in the region of the anchor points, is preferably also connected in a materially bonding manner over its entire length to the outer skin of the tank, relative movements between the strap and the tank wall cannot occur, which represents the significant difference to a simple encompassing of the tank with a clamping strap which is not connected to the tank in a materially bonding manner.
The strap preferably extends rectilinearly between at least two anchor points so that this directly absorbs tensile forces in the event of internal pressure- induced occurrent deformation of the tank wall. The strap can extend in this case either in sections, projecting from the tank wall, rectilinearly between two or more anchor points, but can also be arranged in at least one groove or strap channel of the tank which is provided in the outer skin.
The tank can be adapted in an altogether geometrically comparatively simple manner to the position of a strap or of a plurality of straps. This can have a strap channel, or a plurality of possibly even crossing strap channels, for accommodating straps.
Structurally stiffer sections of the tank wall, for example corners or corner regions of the tank wall, are expediently provided as anchor points.
The strap expediently extends between at least two anchor points which form structurally stiffer sections of the tank geometry, and in the process bridge and/or encompass comparatively less stiff sections of the tank geometry between the anchor points.
In an advantageous variant of the tank according to the invention, it is provided that means for structural stiffening of the tank wall are additionally provided at least in the region of the anchor points of the strap or of the tank. For example, suitable profilings of the tank wall, reinforcing inserts, for example consisting of metal, which are integrated into the tank wall, or supports/tie rods or the like provided in the interior of the tank, can be provided as such additional means for the structural stiffening of the tank wall.
The tank wall can be provided for example at least in sections with grooves and/or ribs which extend parallel to each other, wherein the strap expediently fits over the ribs and for example on the outwardly projecting ribs in the region of abutment against the ribs is welded to these. The ribs and/or grooves can have different or the same cross sectional profiles.
In a preferred variant of the tank according to the invention, at least two anchor points are provided at a distance from each other in the corner regions of the tank geometry, or are arranged so that the strap spans at least one corner region of the tank structure. A large-area side of the tank can be provided for example with two straps which are seated in each case in the corner region of the tank structure and cross over roughly at the area center of gravity of the tank wall in question, which straps are welded to the tank wall either only in the corner region or over their entire length. For example, two anchor points can be provided in the region of the support of a tank wall by means of structure-reinforcing elements in the interior of the tank or in the tank wall.
The strap advantageously supports large-area tank walls between structurally stiffer tank wall geometries against bulging and/or sagging. One variant of the tank according to the invention is distinguished by fastening structures for the body connection, wherein the fastening structures form anchor points for the strap. Fastening plates or fastening angle brackets, for example, which are formed in one piece and preferably encompassed by one strap or by a plurality of straps can be provided as fastening structures. The strap is expediently provided as a so-called "prepreg strap" which comprises glass fibers or carbon fibers or aramide fibers or basalt fibers in a thermoplastic matrix based on polyethylene. The fibers can alternatively be embedded into a duroplastic matrix, for example on an epoxy resin base. The glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramide fibers or basalt fibers are expediently formed as endless fibers.
The object upon which the invention is based is also achieved by means of a method for producing a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank for a motor vehicle by producing a non-rotationally symmetrical hollow body consisting of thermoplastic, wherein at least one tension-resistant strap with tension-resistant fibers in a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix is applied to the outer skin of the hollow body so that this spans the tank or extends between structurally and/or geometrically stiffer sections of the tank, wherein the tank, at least in the region of the stiffer sections of the tank, is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin of tank at predetermined anchor points of the outer skin of the tank, wherein the strap is arranged on the outer skin of the tank so that this absorbs tensile forces in the event of internal pressure-induced deformation.
The tank according to the invention can be produced by means of extrusion-blow molding, for example, wherein the strap is welded to the tank preferably after the forming of this.
The welding can be carried out for example by fusing and pressing a prefabricated strap, for example a so- called "prepreg strap", onto the outer skin of the tank .
The strap can be welded by means of a laser, infrared radiation or hot air, for example.
For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, to clamp the tank in a rotating device and to unwind a strap from the roll. During the winding off process, the strap, for example in the region of its abutment against the tank, can be softened or fused by means of a laser and pressed onto the outer skin of the tank using a press-on roller.
In a preferred variant of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the strap is welded over its entire contact surface or over its entire length to the outer skin of the tank. Such an attachment of the strap onto the outer skin of the tank has the advantage that for example by means of the strap flat reinforcing elements or insulation mats can be fixed on the outer skin of the tank. If the reinforcing elements also comprise at least one outer layer of thermoplastic material, the strap can also be welded to this right across the reinforcing elements.
The strap according to the invention can be in a single layer or multilayered, for example, in the region of thin points of the tank wall in order to be wound around this or to be applied to this. The strap can, for example, also fit over functional components which are provided on the tank on the outside or lines which are laid there so that these are fixed by means of the strap .
The fixing points or anchor points on the outer skin of the tank serve virtually as locating bearings between which the strap can transmit tensile forces. In this case, for simplicity the corner regions or structurally stiffer regions of the tank geometry are considered to be virtually stiff. By means of the strap or by means of a plurality of straps so-called organo sheets can also be fixed on the outer skin of the tank, for example.
The invention is explained below based on exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings.
In the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tank according to the invention with a strap which is partially attached to the outer skin of the tank, specifically during the attaching of the strap,
Figure 2 - shows a sectional view along the lines I - I in Figure 1,
Figure 3 shows a cross section through the tank along the lines III - III, Figure 4 shows a view of the details IV in Figure 3,
Figure 5 shows a view of the detail V in .Figure 3,
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention,
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention,
Figure 8 shows a cross section through the tank according to Figure 7, Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the tank according to the invention,
Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a tank wall which is reinforced in sections and is encompassed by two straps.
The tank 1 according to the invention can be designed as a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, for example. This is shown in greatly simplified form in the figures, just as the geometry/contour of the tank 1 is simplified .
The tank 1 comprises tank walls 2 consisting of thermoplastic based on HDPE (high density polyethylene) and was obtained for example by means of extrusion-blow molding or injection molding from thermoplastic. The tank walls 2 can consist of a laminated extrudate or co-extrudate consisting of thermoplastic, for example.
The tank 1 which is shown in Figure 1 has an approximately cubic geometry, wherein this has larger side walls 3 and smaller end walls 4 and also edges 5 which delimit the side walls and end walls.
In the case of the variant of the tank 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 1, it is provided that the outer skin of the tank 1, i.e. the outwardly pointing surfaces of the tank walls and side walls, are encompassed by a strap 6 which, for example, is connected over its entire length in a materially- bonding manner to the outer skin of the tank 1. The strap 6 comprises, for example, tension-resistant fibers, oriented in its longitudinal direction, in the form of carbon fibers, aramide fibers or glass fibers, which are embedded into a thermoplastic matrix.
The strap 6 is prefabricated as a so-called "prepreg strap" and is welded to the outer skin of the tank 1 after the forming of said tank 1. For this purpose, the strap 6 from a roll 7 is laid flat on the outer skin of the tank 1, is locally heated and fused during application by means of infrared radiation, laser radiation or hot air, for example, in the region of the abutment against the outer skin of the tank 1, and by means of a press-on unit, which is not shown, is pressed with a press-on roller, for example, against the tank walls 2, 3, 4 in the region of the softened point so that on account of the pressure which is applied in the region of the contact line welding of the strap 6 to the tank wall 2, 3, 4 is carried out.
In the case of the variant of the tank 1 shown in Figure 1, the strap 6, as already mentioned in the introduction, is welded to the outer skin of the tank 1 over its entire length, but a weld can be provided at just a few points of the outer skin, which are subsequently referred to as anchor points 10.
Such anchor points 10 can be sections of the tank walls 2 which either directly adjoin edges 5 or corners 8 of the tank walls 2 or are formed by the corners 8 or edges 5 themselves.
In Figure 1, in the side wall 3 of the tank facing the viewer, provision is made for a recess 9, the position and arrangement of which in the described exemplary embodiment serves only for reasons of illustration.
The recess 9 is spanned by the strap 6, wherein the strap 6 itself is laid in a channel 11, which is formed as a groove, provided in the tank 1.
Also for reasons of illustration, in Figure 3 the strap 6 is shown spanning the recess 9 at a distance. The effect of the strap 6 which is referred to in the introduction is now provided when the strap 6 extends at least between the anchor points rectilinearly over the tank wall 2 in question. A favorable extent of the strap 6 over one side wall, or over a plurality of side walls 3, of the tank 1 may result for example if the strap 6, differing from the view in Figure 1, were to extend diagonally over the side wall 3 in question and were to be welded to the tank in the corners 8 or behind the corners of said tank 1.
Welding of the strap 6 over its entire length is carried out only for reasons of a simpler production, the desired effect already being provided when the strap 6 is welded to the tank only at two anchor points 10, for example.
The strap 6 can also encompass the tank by its full extent, for example, as is shown in Figure 1.
A further variant of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 6, wherein the tank 1 is encompassed by two straps 6 in a crossover arrangement. Another design of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8. This tank 1 is provided with a dome-shaped indentation 12, in the region of which the side walls 3 are welded to each other. This wall-to-wall weld, or this "kissing point", constitutes a structure which altogether stiffens the tank geometry, wherein the side wall 3 of the tank 1 (on the side facing the viewer in Figure 7) is reinforced by altogether four straps 6 which extend in each case between the indentation 12 and an edge 5 of the tank 1. The straps 6 are laid in each case in the region of their deflection around the edges 5 and around the periphery 13 of the indentation 16, wherein in this case a weld can again be provided over the entire length of the straps 6 or only in the region of the deflection of said straps 6. A further variant of the tank 1 according to the invention is shown finally in Figure 9. Inside the tank, provision is made for a support element 14 which extends between the end walls 4. The anchor points 10 on the outer skin of the tank 1 for the strap 6 are provided for example on the end faces 4 in the region of the inner-side abutment of the support element 14, wherein the strap 6 supports the bottom side walls 3 of the tank 1. The result of bulging of the tank 1 in this region would be that the tension upon the strap 6 would have the effect of the end walls 4 of the tank shifting towards each other, wherein this possible degree of freedom of the end walls 4 is resisted via the support element 14.
Instead of such a support element 14, structure- reinforcing measures, for example, may be provided in the end walls 4 in question of the tank, for example the end walls 4 may have a corresponding cross- sectional profile, or the end walls 4 may be of an inwardly curved design with a cylindrical or semi- cylindrical contour. The curvature may also extend only over sections of the end walls. For example, inwardly and/or outwardly projecting ribs may also be provided, extending over the height of the tank 1 into the side walls .
The tank wall which is shown in Figure 10 is provided for example as part of the tank bottom surface or as the entire tank bottom surface with a rib profile 15 which is spanned by two straps 6. The rib profile may have for example ribs and grooves extending parallel to each other, with a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, for example, and forms a structural stiffening of the tank bottom surface, for example. The straps 6 are welded in each case to these ribs in the region of the outwardly projecting tops of said ribs. As a result of this, the area moment of inertia of the tank wall 2 in question is increased and sagging of the tank wall 2 in question is reduced by means of the straps which are loaded exclusively under tension. As a result of the spot welding of the straps 6 on the ribs, a force absorption is displaced into the adjoining tank walls 2.
List of designations
1 Tank
2 Tank walls
3 Side walls
4 End walls
5 Edges
6 Strap
7 Roll
8 Corners
9 Recess
10 Anchor points
11 Channel
12 Indentation
13 Periphery
14 Support element
15 Rib profile

Claims

Claims
A tank for a motor vehicle, as a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, with a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, wherein the outer skin of the tank (1) is provided with at least one tension-resistant strap (6), wherein the strap (6) spans the tank and/or is fastened between at least two anchor points (10) which are provided at a distance from each other on the outer skin of the tank (1), wherein the strap (6) comprises an arrangement of tension- resistant fibers, which tension-resistant fibers are embedded into a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix and the strap (6) is fastened, preferably welded and/or adhesively fastened, to the outer skin of the tank (1) at least in the region of the anchor points (10).
The tank as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strap (6) extends rectilinearly between at least two anchor points (10) .
The tank as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the strap (6) extends in at least one groove of the tank (1) which is provided in the outer skin.
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that structurally stiffer sections of the tank wall are provided as anchor points (10) .
5. The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the strap (6) extends between at least two anchor points (10) which form structurally stiffer sections of the tank geometry and in the process bridges and/or spans comparatively less stiff sections of the tank geometry between the anchor points (10).
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that means for the structural stiffening of the tank wall are additionally provided at least in the region of the anchor points (10) of the strap (6).
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two anchor points (10) are provided at a distance from each other in corner regions or edge regions of the tank geometry, or are arranged so that the strap (6) spans at least one corner region or edge region of the tank structure.
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least two anchor points (10) are provided in the region of the support of a tank wall by means of at least one structure- reinforcing element in the interior of the tank or in the tank wall.
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the strap (6) supports large-area tank walls between structurally stiffer tank wall geometries against bulging and/or sagging .
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by fastening structures for the body connection, wherein the fastening structures form anchoring points (10) for the strap.
The tank as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that fastening plates or fastening angle brackets, which are formed in one piece, are provided as a fastening structure.
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a prepreg strap, which comprises glass fibers or carbon fibers or aramide fibers in a thermoplastic matrix based on polyethylene, is used as the strap (6).
The tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the strap (6) comprises tension-resistant fibers which are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the strap.
A method for producing a fuel tank or secondary fluid tank for a motor vehicle by producing a non- rotationally symmetrical hollow body consisting of thermoplastic, wherein at least one tension resistant strap with tension-resistant fibers in a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix is applied to the outer skin of the hollow body so that this spans the tank or extends between structurally and/or geometrically stiffer sections of the tank, wherein the tank is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin at predetermined anchor points on the outer skin of the tank at least in the region of the stiffer sections of the tank, wherein the strap is arranged on the outer skin of the tank so that this absorbs tensile forces in the event of internal pressure-induced deformation .
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the tank is produced by means of extrusion-blow molding.
The method as claimed in either of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the strap is welded to the tank after the forming of said tank.
The method as claimed in one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the welding is carried out by fusing and pressing a prefabricated strap with a thermoplastic matrix onto the outer skin of the tank .
18. The method as claimed in one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the strap is welded by means of a laser, infrared radiation or by means of hot air .
19. The method as claimed in one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the strap is welded and/or adhesively fastened to the outer skin of the tank over the entire contact surface or length of the strap .
20. The method as claimed in one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that flat reinforcing elements or insulation mats are fixed on the outer skin of the tank by means of the strap.
PCT/EP2013/000751 2012-05-22 2013-03-14 Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle and method for prodcucing such fuel tank WO2013174460A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012010058A DE102012010058A1 (en) 2012-05-22 2012-05-22 Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank for a motor vehicle made of thermoplastic material
DE102012010058.2 2012-05-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013174460A1 true WO2013174460A1 (en) 2013-11-28

Family

ID=48044715

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/000751 WO2013174460A1 (en) 2012-05-22 2013-03-14 Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle and method for prodcucing such fuel tank

Country Status (2)

Country Link
DE (1) DE102012010058A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013174460A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9376013B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2016-06-28 KIRCHHOFF Van-Rob Automotive Composite fuel tank support
JP2017065308A (en) * 2015-09-28 2017-04-06 スズキ株式会社 Structure for fuel tank
CN108136698A (en) * 2015-09-29 2018-06-08 横滨橡胶株式会社 Flat repair liquid accommodates container and flat repair outfit packet
WO2018186067A1 (en) * 2017-04-06 2018-10-11 八千代工業株式会社 Fuel tank and method for molding fiber-reinforced resin member
CN109562687A (en) * 2016-06-01 2019-04-02 考特克斯·特克斯罗恩有限公司及两合公司 Working fluid container with reinforcement structure
EP3476641A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-05-01 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Structure for mounting a fuel tank to a vehicle

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BR102014017296A2 (en) * 2014-07-14 2016-02-16 Aethra Sistemas Automotivos Sa high pressure fuel tank made of high strength steel plates or high strength advanced steels with organo-metallic coating
FR3086928B1 (en) * 2018-10-05 2020-12-18 Psa Automobiles Sa FLUID TANK, ESPECIALLY INTENDED FOR USE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2024664A1 (en) * 1970-05-21 1971-12-09 Dr.-Ing. h. c. F. Porsche KG, 7000 Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen Containers, in particular fuel storage tanks for motor vehicles
FR2879122A1 (en) * 2004-12-15 2006-06-16 Inergy Automotive Systems Res PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAVING IMPROVED FLOWING RESISTANCE
GB2430183A (en) * 2005-09-16 2007-03-21 Nissan Technical Ct Europ Ltd Tank assembly with embedded strap
WO2011113417A1 (en) * 2010-03-15 2011-09-22 Benteler Sgl Gmbh & Co. Kg Container and use thereof and method for wrapping a carbon fiber material around a body

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2272704A1 (en) * 2009-07-06 2011-01-12 Inergy Automotive Systems Research (SA) Process for reinforcing a plastic fuel tank

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2024664A1 (en) * 1970-05-21 1971-12-09 Dr.-Ing. h. c. F. Porsche KG, 7000 Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen Containers, in particular fuel storage tanks for motor vehicles
FR2879122A1 (en) * 2004-12-15 2006-06-16 Inergy Automotive Systems Res PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAVING IMPROVED FLOWING RESISTANCE
GB2430183A (en) * 2005-09-16 2007-03-21 Nissan Technical Ct Europ Ltd Tank assembly with embedded strap
WO2011113417A1 (en) * 2010-03-15 2011-09-22 Benteler Sgl Gmbh & Co. Kg Container and use thereof and method for wrapping a carbon fiber material around a body

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9376013B2 (en) 2014-08-05 2016-06-28 KIRCHHOFF Van-Rob Automotive Composite fuel tank support
JP2017065308A (en) * 2015-09-28 2017-04-06 スズキ株式会社 Structure for fuel tank
CN108136698A (en) * 2015-09-29 2018-06-08 横滨橡胶株式会社 Flat repair liquid accommodates container and flat repair outfit packet
CN108136698B (en) * 2015-09-29 2021-08-20 横滨橡胶株式会社 Puncture repair liquid container and puncture repair kit
KR102112462B1 (en) * 2016-06-01 2020-05-18 카우텍스 텍스트론 게엠베하 운트 콤파니 카게 Fuel tank having a stiffening structure
KR20190097329A (en) * 2016-06-01 2019-08-20 카우텍스 텍스트론 게엠베하 운트 콤파니 카게 Fuel tank having a stiffening structure
CN109562687B (en) * 2016-06-01 2020-01-14 考特克斯·特克斯罗恩有限公司及两合公司 Working liquid container with reinforced structure
CN109562687A (en) * 2016-06-01 2019-04-02 考特克斯·特克斯罗恩有限公司及两合公司 Working fluid container with reinforcement structure
US11104221B2 (en) 2016-06-01 2021-08-31 Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg Fuel tank having a stiffening structure
CN110494315A (en) * 2017-04-06 2019-11-22 八千代工业株式会社 The forming method of fuel tank and fiber-reinforced resin component
CN110494315B (en) * 2017-04-06 2021-02-26 八千代工业株式会社 Fuel tank and method for molding fiber-reinforced resin member
WO2018186067A1 (en) * 2017-04-06 2018-10-11 八千代工業株式会社 Fuel tank and method for molding fiber-reinforced resin member
EP3476641A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-05-01 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Structure for mounting a fuel tank to a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102012010058A1 (en) 2013-11-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2013174460A1 (en) Fuel tank or secondary fluid tank, consisting of thermoplastic, for a motor vehicle and method for prodcucing such fuel tank
US10076955B2 (en) Container of thermoplastic material
CN102341260B (en) Plastic fuel tank
JP6093123B2 (en) Battery pack case assembly for electric vehicle and manufacturing method thereof
RU2535360C2 (en) Reinforcement of stiff plastic fuel tank
EP2976228B1 (en) Operating-fluid container
US20150267866A1 (en) Cryogenic fluid storage tank and truck comprising such a tank
US11104221B2 (en) Fuel tank having a stiffening structure
CN112262495B (en) Electric storage device
WO2013174461A1 (en) Tank made of thermoplastic material, in particular fuel tank or auxiliary fluid tank for a motor vehicle
US11667188B2 (en) Operating fluid container having a compensation container for compensating for pressure fluctuations in the operating fluid container
KR20160021454A (en) Body center module
JP4332475B2 (en) Pressure vessel
WO2014131775A2 (en) Arrangement of a fuel container in a passenger vehicle
US20220371433A1 (en) Plastic tank for motor vehicles having at least one reinforcing structure
KR101880826B1 (en) Under cover for vehicle and method thereof
KR20230090640A (en) Battery Case for Electric car
JP2000109178A (en) Liquid storing bag

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13713351

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13713351

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1