Variable Fuel Tank Baffle of Vibration Reduction Structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure that disperses the flow of fuel within a fuel tank to suppress shock and noise, comprising: a baffle plate (10) installed inside a fuel tank (1); a plurality of flow holes (11) formed through the baffle plate (10) at regular intervals; and a flow plate (14) installed in the flow holes (11) to open and close the flow holes (11) according to the flow of fuel. The present invention improves the driving stability of a means of transportation by absorbing or reducing the forward and backward flow of fuel filled in the fuel tank when the means of transportation is driving or stopped, thereby minimizing shock and vibration.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a baffle for a fuel tank, and more specifically, to a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure that disperses the flow of fuel within the fuel tank to suppress shock and noise. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a fuel tank is a safety container for storing combustible fluids such as gasoline, diesel, LPG, or LNG; it serves as a storage tank for fuel or to supply fuel to the engines of various vehicles. Fuel tanks vary in size and complexity, ranging from the small plastic tanks of butane lighters to the external fuel tanks of multi-chamber cryogenic space shuttles.

[0003] Conventionally, the fluctuation of fuel within the fuel tank during vehicle operation can impair maneuvering stability. Furthermore, excessive hydrodynamic pressure resulting from sudden vehicle movement imposes severe dynamic loads and moments on the vehicle body. Consequently, extensive research is being conducted to suppress fluid sloshing. As a method to suppress sloshing, baffles—also known as diaphragms—are the most widely applied due to their high effectiveness relative to their simple structure and installation. The principle behind sloshing suppression by baffles is to weaken surface sloshing by appropriately dispersing or diverting the fluid flow. Therefore, since the effectiveness of sloshing suppression is influenced by the baffle's shape, installation location and spacing, and internal cavity, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of these key design parameters. Prior art literature

[0004] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0440016 (Published July 14, 2004) Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0475804 (Published March 10, 2005) Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0061698 (Published June 13, 2012) Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2007-0040234 (Published April 16, 2007) The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problem by providing a baffle structure that prevents shock or noise from occurring as liquid fuel filled in a fuel tank flows according to the vehicle's starting or stopping. means of solving the problem

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is characterized by providing a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure comprising: a baffle plate installed inside a fuel tank; a plurality of flow holes formed through the baffle plate at regular intervals; and a flow plate installed in the flow holes to open and close the flow holes according to the flow of fuel.

[0007] In addition, the present invention may further include a hinge pin axially coupled to both ends of the flow plate and both inner ends of the flow hole; and a positioning groove formed at both inner ends of the flow hole to support the rotation of the hinge pin.

[0008] In addition, the present invention may further include a fixing member that supports and fixes the rotation of the hinge pin.

[0009] In addition, in the present invention, the flow plate is coupled to the horizontal center of the flow hole and can be opened and closed vertically.

[0010] In addition, in the present invention, the flow plate is coupled to the vertical center of the flow hole and can be opened and closed left and right.

[0011] In addition, in the present invention, the flow hole is formed as a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape, and the flow plate may be configured with a shape similar to that of the flow hole.

[0012] In addition, in the present invention, the fixing member may be welded to or screw-coupled to the baffle plate.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, a plurality of flow grooves may be formed at regular intervals on the upper and lower surfaces of the baffle plate.

[0014] In addition, in the present invention, the baffle plates may be installed in multiple numbers at regular intervals within the fuel tank.

[0015] In addition, in the present invention, the baffle plate may be installed in one or more directions, either horizontal or vertical, within the fuel tank. Effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the flow holes and flow plates of the baffle plates installed inside the fuel tank of various means of transportation absorb or reduce the sudden forward and backward flow of fuel filled in the fuel tank when the means of transportation is driving or stopped, thereby minimizing shock and vibration, and thus have the advantage of improving the driving stability of the means of transportation. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a fuel tank with a vibration-reducing baffle installed, as an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a variable fuel tank baffle of a vibration reduction structure according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a variable fuel tank baffle of a vibration reduction structure according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a variable fuel tank baffle having a vibration reduction structure according to the present invention installed inside a fuel tank.

[0020] The fuel tank (1) is configured with a case (2) capable of filling a certain amount of fuel, and the case (2) is connected to an inlet pipe (3) that supplies fuel introduced from the outside to fill the fuel, and a discharge pipe (4) that discharges the fuel filled in the case (2) to the engine. The fuel tank (1) can be installed inside a means of transportation such as a vehicle, ship, or aircraft that can operate by converting the filled fuel into mechanical energy.

[0021] One or more baffle plates (10) are installed at regular intervals inside the fuel tank (1). The baffle plates (10) can be installed to partition the inside of the fuel tank (1) into volume units. Additionally, the baffle plates (10) can be installed in one or more directions, either horizontal or vertical, inside the fuel tank (1). That is, the baffle plates (10) can be installed horizontally with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle, or installed in both horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. This is intended to minimize noise by absorbing shocks caused by the driving and stopping of the vehicle, and can be installed in correspondence with the direction of driving and stopping of the vehicle, or in correspondence with the direction of left or right turns of the vehicle.

[0022] In the baffle plate (10) illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of flow holes (11) are formed through the baffle plate (10) at regular intervals across a roughly horizontal center. The diameter of the flow holes (11) may decrease or increase as they move from the center to the left or right. Additionally, the flow holes (11) may be formed in multiple numbers at regular intervals above and below the baffle plate (10).

[0023] The flow plate (14) shown in FIG. 3 is installed to block the front of the flow hole (11) and opens and closes the flow hole (11) according to the flow of fuel. The flow plate (14) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the flow hole (11). The flow plate (14) may be the same thickness as the baffle plate (10) in which the flow hole (11) is formed, but the thickness of the flow plate (14) may be greater or smaller than the thickness of the baffle plate (10) in which the flow hole (11) is formed.

[0024] Furthermore, the flow hole (11) may be formed as a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape, and the flow plate (14) may be configured with a shape similar to that of the flow hole (11).

[0025] The hinge pin (15) is axially connected to both ends of the flow plate (14) and both inner ends of the flow hole (11). One side of the hinge pin (15) is inserted into the interior of both ends of the flow plate (14) and fixedly connected, while the other side of the hinge pin (15) is inserted into the interior of the flow hole (11) and connected so as to be rotatable. Accordingly, the flow plate (14) is connected to the horizontal center of the flow hole (11), and the upper and lower parts are opened and closed around the hinge pin (15) with respect to the horizontal center.

[0026] Furthermore, the positioning groove (12) is formed at both inner ends of the flow hole (11) to support the rotation of the hinge pin (15). The positioning groove (12) can support the rotation of the hinge pin (15) formed at the inner upper and lower ends of the flow hole (11), and the flow plate (14) is coupled to the vertical center of the flow hole (11), so that the left and right sides open and close around the hinge pin (15) with respect to the vertical center. Furthermore, the positioning groove (12) may be formed diagonally at a certain angle on the inner side of the flow hole (11) so that the flow plate (14) is coupled to the hinge pin (15) so that it can rotate and open and close around the hinge pin (15).

[0027] In addition, the movable plate (14) may be connected to the hinge pin (15) vertically and horizontally, respectively, and configured to rotate like a water wheel.

[0028] The fixing member (16) is a bracket that supports the rotation of the hinge pin (15), and the fixing member (16) is intended to support and fix the hinge pin (15) inserted into the positioning groove (12). The fixing member (16) can be fixed to the surface of the baffle plate (10) by welding or screw-coupled using a fixing screw (17).

[0029] In addition, multiple flow grooves (13) are formed at regular intervals on the upper and lower surfaces of the baffle plate (10). The flow grooves (13) are intended to allow fuel filled in the fuel tank (1) to flow freely through the flow grooves (13) formed on the lower and upper parts of the baffle plate (10).

[0030] Meanwhile, the baffle plate (10) has fixed pieces (18) that are bent at the upper and lower ends, and at the left and right ends, respectively, and are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the case (2) of the fuel tank (1). At this time, the fixed pieces (18) may be fixedly connected by welding in close contact with the inner surface of the case (2), or may be screw-connected using fixing screws.

[0031] The operation of the variable fuel tank baffle of the vibration reduction structure according to the present invention, as described above, is explained.

[0032] First, an example is given of a vehicle, for instance, being operated while fuel is filled in the fuel tank (1). When the vehicle starts moving from a stationary state to drive, the fuel filled in the fuel tank (1) is pushed backward due to inertia. At this time, the fuel in front of the baffle plate (10) of the fuel tank (1) is pushed backward, and some of the fuel pushed backward rises due to the baffle plate (10) between the flow holes (11). Also, some of the fuel pushed backward pushes the flow plate (14) blocking the flow holes (11). The flow plate (14) rotates around the hinge pin (15) due to the pressure of the fuel, thereby mitigating the flow of the fuel and reducing shock and noise.

[0033] Meanwhile, the rotation direction of the flow plate (14) may vary depending on the amount and level of fuel filled in the fuel tank (1). That is, if the fuel level is below the flow hole (11), the fuel is allowed to flow along the flow groove (13) formed through the lower part of the baffle plate (10) while being pushed backward.

[0034] And if the fuel level is at a position that includes the flow hole (11) formed in the baffle plate (10), the flow plate (14) is pushed while the fuel is pushed backward so that it can flow through the flow hole (11).

[0035] Additionally, if the fuel level is positioned up to the upper part of the baffle plate (10), including the flow hole (11) formed in the baffle plate (10), the fuel is pushed backward and flows through the flow hole (11) by pushing the flow plate (14), and the fuel pushed to the upper part of the baffle plate (10) is allowed to flow along the flow groove (13) formed in the upper part of the baffle plate (10).

[0036] Furthermore, when the vehicle stops while driving with fuel filled in the fuel tank (1), the fuel filled in the fuel tank (1) is pushed forward due to inertia. At this time, the fuel in front of the baffle plate (10) of the fuel tank (1) is pushed forward, and some of the fuel pushed forward rises due to the baffle plate (10) between the flow holes (11). Also, some of the fuel pushed forward pushes out the flow plate (14) blocking the flow holes (11). The flow plate (14) rotates around the hinge pin (15) due to the pressure of the fuel, thereby mitigating the flow of the fuel and reducing shock and noise.

[0037] As described above, the variable fuel tank baffle of the vibration reduction structure according to the present invention, with the configuration and structure of the baffle plate and the installation structure within the fuel tank installed in a means of transportation, has the advantage of improving the driving stability of the means of transportation by absorbing or reducing the forward and backward flow of fuel filled in the fuel tank when the means of transportation is driving or stopped, thereby minimizing shock and vibration.

[0038] The embodiments described above in the present invention are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any configuration substantially identical to the technical concept described in the claims of the present invention and achieving the same functional effect is included within the technical scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0039] 1: Fuel tank 2: Case 3: Inlet pipe 4: Outlet pipe 10: Baffle plate 11: Flow hole 12: Positioning groove 13: Flow groove 14: Flow plate 15: Hinge pin 16: Fixing member 17: Fixing screw 18: Fixing piece

Claims

Claim 1 A variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure, characterized by comprising: a baffle plate (10) installed inside a fuel tank (1); a plurality of flow holes (11) formed through the baffle plate (10) at regular intervals; a flow plate (14) installed in the flow holes (11) to open and close the flow holes (11) according to the flow of fuel; a hinge pin (15) axially coupled to both ends of the flow plate (14) and both inner ends of the flow holes (11); and a positioning groove (12) formed at both inner ends of the flow holes (11) to support the rotation of the hinge pin (15). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A variable fuel tank baffle of a vibration-reducing structure, further comprising a fixing member (16) that supports and fixes the rotation of the hinge pin (15) in claim 1. Claim 4 A variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure, comprising a baffle plate (10) installed inside a fuel tank (1), a plurality of flow holes (11) formed through the baffle plate (10) at regular intervals, and a flow plate (14) installed in the flow holes (11) to open and close the flow holes (11) according to the flow of fuel; wherein the flow plate (14) is connected to the horizontal center of the flow holes (11) and opens and closes vertically. Claim 5 A variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure, comprising a baffle plate (10) installed inside a fuel tank (1), a plurality of flow holes (11) formed through the baffle plate (10) at regular intervals, and a flow plate (14) installed in the flow holes (11) to open and close the flow holes (11) according to the flow of fuel; wherein the flow plate (14) is connected to the vertical center of the flow holes (11) and opens and closes to the left and right. Claim 6 A variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure, wherein in any one of claims 1, 4, and 5, the flow hole (11) is formed as a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape, and the flow plate (14) is formed with the same shape as the flow hole (11). Claim 7 In paragraph 3, the fixed member (16) is welded to or screw-connected to the baffle plate (10), forming a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration-reducing structure. Claim 8 A variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure, wherein, in the first paragraph, a plurality of flow grooves (13) are formed at regular intervals on the upper and lower surfaces of the baffle plate (10). Claim 9 In claim 1 or 8, the baffle plate (10) is a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure installed in multiple numbers at regular intervals within the fuel tank (1). Claim 10 In claim 1 or 8, the baffle plate (10) is a variable fuel tank baffle with a vibration reduction structure installed in one or more directions, either horizontal or vertical, within the fuel tank (1).

Images