A fuel tank and engineering vehicle designed to prevent air suction
By installing a baffle and an anti-vacuum box inside the fuel tank, the problem of fuel fluctuation when climbing or descending slopes in articulated dump trucks is solved, achieving a stable fuel supply, avoiding engine shutdown and component damage, and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LINGONG GROUP (JINAN) HEAVY MACHINERY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
When articulated dump trucks are climbing or going downhill, the fuel level in the fuel tank fluctuates greatly, which can easily lead to fuel cavitation, causing the engine to stop or its performance to decline, or even damage critical components.
Design an anti-vacuum fuel tank, including a fuel tank body, a baffle assembly and an anti-vacuum unit. By setting baffles and an anti-vacuum box in the fuel chamber, it is divided into multiple fuel storage chambers. The design of the inclined bottom plate and the anti-vacuum box ensures a stable fuel supply to the engine.
It effectively prevents fuel cavitation, reduces the risk of downtime, maintains fuel system stability, extends the life of key components, and reduces maintenance costs and frequency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224427110U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel tank technology for engineering machinery equipment, and in particular to an anti-air-sucking fuel tank and engineering vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Engineering vehicles are mainly used for transportation operations in mines, water conservancy projects, ports, and docks. Their working environment is extremely harsh, frequently operating on soft, potholed, muddy, and long, sloping surfaces. When a vehicle suddenly starts or climbs a steep incline over a short distance, the vehicle's pitch angle changes abruptly, which can affect the fuel level in the fuel tank. Articulated dump trucks, on the other hand, have a split frame, consisting of front and rear frames. The front frame primarily houses the power traction unit, such as the engine, transmission, cooling, intake and exhaust systems, and fuel system; the rear frame houses the cargo unit.
[0003] Because of the frame arrangement of articulated dump trucks, the front and rear wheelbases are relatively long. When the vehicle is climbing or descending a long distance, the overall pitch angle is large, resulting in large fluctuations in the fuel level in the fuel tank. This makes the engine more prone to fuel cavitation, which can cause the vehicle to suddenly stop on a slope and fail to start. Fuel cavitation can also lead to a decrease in engine performance and, in severe cases, damage to critical components (such as fuel injectors, spark plugs, and fuel pumps), increasing repair costs and time.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fuel tank that prevents air intake, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a fuel tank and engineering vehicle that prevents air suction.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in the first aspect, this utility model provides an anti-air-suction fuel tank, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] An anti-vacuum fuel tank includes a fuel tank body and a baffle assembly. The fuel tank body includes a side baffle, a bottom plate, and a cover plate. The side baffle, the bottom plate, and the cover plate form a fuel chamber. The fuel tank body is provided with a filler port. The baffle assembly includes an anti-vacuum unit, which is fixedly connected to the bottom plate and forms an anti-vacuum cavity with the bottom plate. The anti-vacuum cavity communicates with the fuel chamber. The anti-vacuum unit has a suction port on the side near the bottom plate.
[0008] Furthermore, the baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate, which is fixedly installed in the fuel chamber and divides the fuel chamber into at least two fuel storage chambers. The baffle plate is provided with fuel passage holes and / or fuel passage notches.
[0009] Furthermore, the anti-vacuum unit is an anti-vacuum box, which is a semi-sealed structure, and the anti-vacuum box has an opening that communicates with the fuel tank.
[0010] Furthermore, the side baffle includes a front baffle, a rear baffle, and a left baffle and a right baffle respectively connected to the front baffle and the rear baffle. The bottom plate is an inclined plate, and the rear edge of the bottom plate is lower than the front edge of the bottom plate.
[0011] Furthermore, the anti-vacuum box is located on the side of the bottom plate near the rear edge, and the opening is positioned opposite to the rear baffle.
[0012] Furthermore, the partition includes at least a front partition and a rear partition, and the oil passage notch is distributed in the upper and lower regions of the front partition and the rear partition.
[0013] Furthermore, the anti-air-suction fuel tank is also equipped with a maintenance plate, which is arranged one-to-one with the multiple oil storage chambers and is detachably connected to the cover plate.
[0014] Furthermore, the anti-vacuum box includes a top plate and side plates, with at least a portion of the top plate extending rearward and upward.
[0015] Furthermore, the fuel tank is also provided with a discharge unit, which includes a drain port and a drain cap that cooperates with the drain port. The drain port is located on the side of the fuel tank away from the vehicle's central axis, and the drain cap is a magnetic component.
[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides an engineering vehicle, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0017] An engineering vehicle includes the anti-vacuum fuel tank described in the first aspect, the fuel tank being mounted on the front end of the front frame, and the fuel inlet being connected to the engine fuel system via a fuel pipe.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] 1. By installing an anti-vacuum unit in the fuel chamber, the fuel in the fuel chamber can be stored in a centralized manner. When the vehicle is climbing or descending a long distance, the anti-vacuum chamber still has a certain amount of fuel to provide the engine with enough fuel to complete the continuous climbing or descending action, effectively preventing fuel vacuuming and greatly reducing the risk of vehicle shutdown due to fuel supply interruption.
[0020] 2. By installing a front baffle and a rear baffle in the fuel chamber, the fuel chamber can be divided into multiple fuel storage chambers, which can effectively reduce the liquid level fluctuation caused by fuel sloshing during vehicle operation and help maintain the stable operation of the fuel system.
[0021] 3. The floor is designed with a higher front and lower rear, which helps to allow the fuel to flow naturally to the rear of the fuel tank by gravity during vehicle operation. This ensures that the vehicle's engine system can always draw fuel from the lowest point, avoiding cavitation caused by insufficient fuel. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-empty box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] In the diagram, 100 is the fuel tank; 110 is the side panel; 111 is the front panel; 112 is the rear panel; 113 is the right panel; 120 is the bottom plate; 130 is the cover plate; 200 is the filler neck; 300 is the baffle assembly; 310 is the anti-vacuum unit; 301 is the opening; 302 is the top plate; 303 is the side plate; 320 is the partition; 321 is the front partition; 322 is the rear partition; 400 is the fuel inlet; 500 is the fuel passage notch; 600 is the inspection plate; 700 is the drain cover; and 800 is the fuel line. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 4 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0029] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this application.
[0033] This utility model discloses an anti-vacuum fuel tank, including a fuel tank body 100 and a baffle assembly 300. The fuel tank body 100 includes a side baffle 110, a bottom plate 120, and a cover plate 130. The side baffle 110, the bottom plate 120, and the cover plate 130 form a fuel chamber. The fuel tank body 100 is provided with a filler port 200. The baffle assembly 300 includes an anti-vacuum unit 310. The anti-vacuum unit 310 is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 120 and forms an anti-vacuum cavity with the bottom plate 120. The anti-vacuum cavity communicates with the fuel chamber. The side of the anti-vacuum unit 310 near the bottom plate 120 is provided with a suction port 400.
[0034] For engineering vehicles such as articulated dump trucks, due to their long wheelbase, the vehicle experiences a large pitch angle when driving on slopes. This leads to significant fluctuations in the fuel level in the fuel tank during long uphill or downhill driving, making the engine prone to fuel cavitation. In one embodiment of this invention, the fuel tank 100 is surrounded by a side baffle 110, a bottom plate 120, and a cover plate 130, forming a fuel chamber. The bottom of the anti-vacuum unit 310 is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 120 and forms an anti-vacuum cavity with it. The anti-vacuum cavity communicates with the fuel chamber, and the engine fuel system is connected to the anti-vacuum cavity through the fuel intake port 400.
[0035] By installing an anti-vacuum unit 310 in the fuel chamber, the fuel in the fuel chamber can be centrally stored. When the vehicle is climbing or descending a long distance, the fuel tank 100 is tilted with the vehicle frame. The anti-vacuum chamber still has a certain amount of fuel to provide the engine with enough fuel to complete the continuous climbing or descending action, effectively preventing fuel vacuuming and greatly reducing the risk of vehicle shutdown due to fuel supply interruption. It has been verified that it can be driven on a downhill road of 3 kilometers, protecting the engine from damage. It can also extend the service life of related components (such as fuel injectors, spark plugs, fuel pumps, etc.) and reduce maintenance costs and frequency.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the partition assembly 300 further includes a partition plate 320, which is fixedly installed in the fuel chamber and divides the fuel chamber into at least two fuel storage chambers. The partition plate 320 is provided with fuel passage holes and / or fuel passage notches 500. The partition plate 320 is fixed in the fuel tank 100 by welding, bolting, or other connection methods, thereby ensuring its stability during vehicle operation. In addition, the fuel passage holes and / or fuel passage notches 500 on the partition plate 320 connect multiple fuel storage chambers, ensuring that fuel can flow freely between different fuel storage chambers.
[0037] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the fuel tank 100 has a front partition 321 and a rear partition 322 inside, and the fuel inlet 500 is distributed in the upper and lower areas of the front partition 321 and the rear partition 322. By setting the front partition 321 and the rear partition 322, the fuel chamber can be divided into multiple fuel storage chambers. By setting at least two partitions 320, the liquid level fluctuation caused by fuel sloshing during vehicle operation can be effectively reduced, which helps to maintain the stability of the fuel system. In addition, by opening the fuel inlet 500 in the upper and lower areas of the front partition 321 and the rear partition 322, that is, the fuel inlet 500, together with the bottom plate 120 and the cover plate 130, forms a fuel passage hole. The fuel passage hole and / or the fuel inlet 500 can ensure that fuel can flow in multiple fuel storage chambers, balance the fuel flow rate and pressure difference between each fuel storage chamber, and allow the fuel to smoothly transition between each fuel storage chamber, avoiding the situation where the fuel flows rapidly or oscillates in multiple chambers, forming air bubbles that cause the fuel to be sucked into the air. Meanwhile, the structure of the partition 320 and the oil passage notch 500 and oil passage hole opened in the partition 320 is simple and easy to inspect and clean later.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the anti-vacuum unit 310 is an anti-vacuum box, which is a semi-sealed structure, and the anti-vacuum box has an opening 301 communicating with the fuel tank 100. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the anti-air intake box adopts a semi-sealed structure, and its opening 301 is connected to the fuel tank 100. This design ensures that even if the fuel level fluctuates significantly during vehicle operation, air can be effectively prevented from directly entering the engine fuel system. This design ensures a continuous fuel supply to the engine, avoiding engine shutdown or component damage caused by air intake.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the side baffle 110 includes a front baffle 111, a rear baffle 112, and a left baffle (not shown) and a right baffle 113 respectively connected to the front baffle 111 and the rear baffle 112. The front baffle 111 and the rear baffle 112 are arranged opposite to each other along the bottom plate 120 and are fixedly connected to the bottom plate 120. The opposite ends of the front baffle 111 and the rear baffle 112 connected to the bottom plate 120 are fixedly connected to the cover plate 130. The left baffle and the right baffle 113 are arranged opposite to the bottom plate 120 and are fixedly connected to the bottom plate 120. The opposite ends of the left baffle and the right baffle 113 connected to the bottom plate 120 are fixedly connected to the cover plate 130. The bottom plate 120 is an inclined plate, and the rear edge of the bottom plate 120 is lower than the front edge of the bottom plate 120.
[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the front baffle 111, rear baffle 112, left baffle, and right baffle 113 together form the four boundaries of the fuel tank 100. The fixed connection between the side baffle 110 and the bottom plate 120 and cover plate 130 must ensure high strength and airtightness. The bottom plate 120 is inclined, with the front edge higher than the rear edge. This design helps to allow the fuel to flow naturally to the rear of the fuel tank by gravity during vehicle operation, so that fuel can be continuously supplied to the engine.
[0041] Furthermore, since the fuel tank is located at the front of the articulated dump truck's frame, setting the floor plate 120 in a tilted position allows the fuel tank to conform to the streamlined design of the vehicle's overall shape, making the vehicle more aesthetically pleasing. Simultaneously, the tilted floor plate 120 increases the ground clearance of the front of the fuel tank, increasing the vehicle's approach angle and enabling the articulated dump truck to traverse steeper slopes, thus enhancing the vehicle's overall adaptability. The tilted floor plate 120 design allows fuel to more effectively accumulate at the rear of the fuel tank 100, helping to ensure that the vehicle's engine system always draws fuel from the lowest point, preventing cavitation due to insufficient fuel.
[0042] It should be noted that this utility model does not limit the connection method between the side baffles 110 and between the side baffles 110 and the bottom plate 120 and the cover plate 130. The side baffles 110 and between the side baffles 110 and the bottom plate 120 and the cover plate 130 can be connected by welding or high-strength bolts.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anti-vacuum box is disposed on the side of the bottom plate 120 near the rear edge, and the opening 301 is disposed opposite to the rear baffle 112. The anti-vacuum box includes a top plate 302 and a side plate 303, and at least a portion of the top plate 302 extends rearward and upward.
[0044] By placing the anti-air intake box on the side of the base plate 120 near the rear edge, with its opening 301 facing the rear baffle 112, this layout utilizes the design features of the inclined base plate 120, allowing fuel to flow naturally to the location of the anti-air intake box under gravity, ensuring effective fuel pump suction even when the fuel level is low. Furthermore, the design of the top plate 302 extending rearward and upward in at least a portion helps guide airflow and fuel flow direction, reducing air bubble formation and preventing rapid fuel loss. This design effectively mitigates the impact of fuel level fluctuations on fuel supply when the vehicle undergoes significant pitch changes (such as climbing or descending hills), ensuring the stability of the fuel system.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the anti-air-sucking fuel tank is further provided with a maintenance plate 600, which is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of oil storage cavities and is detachably connected to the cover plate 130.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in the anti-vacuum fuel tank of this invention, each fuel storage chamber is equipped with a corresponding access panel 600. When performing regular inspections or maintenance on the fuel tank, maintenance personnel can directly access specific fuel storage chambers for inspection or repair without disassembling the entire fuel tank or other unnecessary components, greatly simplifying the maintenance process and improving maintenance efficiency. Simultaneously, the detachable design of the access panel 600 allows for quick opening and closing, facilitating the timely detection of potential problems and the implementation of corresponding measures, extending the service life of the fuel tank and its related components, and maintaining the equipment in good operating condition.
[0047] It should be noted that this utility model does not limit the connection method between the inspection plate 600 and the cover plate 130. The inspection plate 600 and the cover plate 130 can be connected by bolts, clips, or other methods.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank is further provided with a discharge unit, the discharge unit including a drain port (not shown) and a drain cap 700 that cooperates with the drain port. The drain port is located on the side of the fuel tank away from the vehicle's central axis, and the drain cap 700 is a magnetic component.
[0049] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the drain plug is located on the side of the fuel tank away from the vehicle's centerline, allowing for thorough evacuation even with small amounts of fuel remaining. This reduces fuel residue in the fuel tank, improves fuel efficiency, and facilitates subsequent cleaning and maintenance. The drain plug 700 is made of magnetic material, which not only facilitates quick installation and removal but also effectively adsorbs metallic impurities. It effectively absorbs and removes metal debris and other impurities from the fuel, preventing these impurities from entering the engine's fuel system. This protects precision components such as the fuel pump and injectors, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. The drain plug 700 can be achieved by embedding a magnet or using a magnetic alloy material.
[0050] This utility model also provides an engineering vehicle, including the aforementioned anti-vacuum fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is installed at the front end of the front frame, and the fuel inlet 400 is connected to the engine fuel system via a fuel pipe 800. Figure 2 As shown, the anti-air-sucking fuel tank of this utility model is applied in the design of engineering vehicles. The fuel in the anti-air-sucking cavity flows to the engine fuel system through the fuel inlet 400 and the fuel pipe 800, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the vehicle.
[0051] The implementation principle of this utility model embodiment of a novel anti-air intake fuel tank and engineering vehicle is as follows: When the engineering vehicle is climbing a slope, the fuel in the fuel chamber flows with the vehicle's tilt to the rear of the fuel tank 100, and the fuel enters the engine fuel system through the fuel inlet 400 of the anti-air intake box; when the vehicle is going downhill, the fuel in the fuel chamber flows with the vehicle's tilt to the front of the fuel tank 100. At this time, there is still a certain amount of fuel stored in the anti-air intake box to provide the engine with enough fuel to complete the continuous downhill action, ensuring that the fuel inlet 400 is not exposed to the air, and that the engine can draw in the required fuel.
[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A fuel tank designed to prevent air suction, characterized in that, include: A fuel tank (100) includes a side baffle (110), a bottom plate (120) and a cover plate (130). The side baffle (110), the bottom plate (120) and the cover plate (130) form a fuel chamber. The fuel tank (100) is provided with a filler neck (200). A baffle assembly (300) includes an anti-vacuum unit (310), which is fixedly connected to the base plate (120) and forms an anti-vacuum cavity with the base plate (120). The anti-vacuum cavity is connected to the fuel chamber. The anti-vacuum unit (310) has an oil suction port (400) on the side near the base plate (120).
2. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle assembly (300) further includes a baffle (320), which is fixedly installed in the fuel chamber and divides the fuel chamber into at least two fuel storage chambers. The baffle (320) is provided with an oil passage hole and / or an oil passage notch (500).
3. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-vacuum unit (310) is an anti-vacuum box, which is a semi-sealed structure. The anti-vacuum box has an opening (301) that communicates with the fuel tank (100).
4. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side baffle (110) includes a front baffle (111), a rear baffle (112), and a left baffle and a right baffle (113) respectively connected to the front baffle (111) and the rear baffle (112). The bottom plate (120) is an inclined plate, and the rear edge of the bottom plate (120) is lower than the front edge of the bottom plate (120).
5. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-sucking empty box is located on the side of the bottom plate (120) near the rear edge, and the opening (301) is opposite to the rear baffle (112).
6. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The partition (320) includes at least a front partition (321) and a rear partition (322), and the oil passage notch (500) is distributed in the upper and lower regions of the front partition (321) and the rear partition (322) and is respectively enclosed by the cover plate (130) and the bottom plate (120) to form an oil passage hole.
7. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-air-suction fuel tank is also provided with a maintenance plate (600), which is provided in correspondence with a plurality of oil storage cavities and is detachably connected to the cover plate (130).
8. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The anti-vacuum box includes a top plate (302) and a side plate (303), wherein at least a portion of the top plate (302) extends rearward and upward.
9. The anti-vacuum fuel tank according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The fuel tank is also provided with a discharge unit, which includes a drain port and a drain cap (700) that cooperates with the drain port. The drain port is located on the side of the fuel tank away from the vehicle's central axis, and the drain cap (700) is a magnetic component.
10. An engineering vehicle, characterized in that: Includes an anti-vacuum fuel tank as described in any one of claims 1-9, the fuel tank being mounted at the front end of the front frame, and the fuel inlet (400) being connected to the engine fuel system via a fuel line (800).