An amphibious vehicle fuel tank seal

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of amphibious vehicle technology, specifically an amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure. A sealing component (4) is installed at the opening (7) of the fuel tank body (6). The sealing component (4) includes a waterproof and breathable membrane layer (4.1), a metal reinforcing layer (4.2), and a rubber sealing layer (4.3). The waterproof and breathable membrane layer (4.1) is adhered to the upper surface of the metal reinforcing layer (4.2), and the rubber sealing layer (4.3) is adhered to the lower surface of the metal reinforcing layer (4.2). A screw (8) passes through the sealing component (4) and connects to the fuel tank body (6). The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure described in this utility model is simple in structure, can automatically adjust the fuel tank pressure to an ideal range, ensures stable operation of the fuel supply system, improves vehicle operational reliability, and reduces fuel leakage and evaporation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of amphibious vehicle technology, and more specifically, it relates to a fuel tank sealing structure for amphibious vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Amphibious vehicles, as special transportation tools capable of operating in two drastically different environments—land and water—place extremely high demands on the performance of their components due to the complexity and uniqueness of their operating environments. The fuel tank, as a critical component for fuel storage, is particularly important because the performance of the sealing components at its opening directly impacts vehicle safety, fuel economy, and environmental impact. During operation, vehicles are affected by factors such as road bumps, vibrations, and temperature changes, exposing numerous problems with the sealing components. For example, mechanical seals are prone to loosening and wear under prolonged vibration, increasing the risk of fuel leakage. At high temperatures, they struggle to effectively regulate the pressure rise within the fuel tank due to fuel expansion, affecting the normal operation of the fuel supply system. Furthermore, with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, their ability to prevent fuel vapor leakage is limited, failing to meet environmental standards. Therefore, developing an intelligent negative pressure fuel tank sealing device with excellent sealing performance, pressure regulation capabilities, and environmental characteristics, capable of adapting to the complex operating environment of amphibious vehicles, is of great significance.

[0003] Currently, most common sealing components use simple structures such as rubber sealing rings. Under the frequent vibration and temperature changes of amphibious vehicles, rubber sealing rings are prone to aging and deformation, resulting in decreased sealing performance and increased risk of fuel leakage. At the same time, they lack an effective automatic pressure regulation mechanism. When the pressure inside the fuel tank fluctuates, excessive pressure can lead to fuel leakage, while excessive pressure can affect fuel supply. In addition, existing sealing components are mechanical structures and do not have intelligent monitoring and control functions. They cannot sense the pressure, temperature, and liquid level parameters inside the fuel tank in real time, nor can they automatically adjust the sealing and pressure regulation strategies according to the vehicle's operating status, making it difficult to meet the intelligent development needs of amphibious vehicles.

[0004] There is a prior art technology entitled "A Fuel Tank Structure for Amphibious Vehicles" with publication (announcement) number "CN221585108U". This technology belongs to the field of amphibious vehicle technology and pertains to the fuel tank structure of amphibious vehicles. It includes a fuel tank shell (1) and explosion-proof components (2). Multiple explosion-proof components (2) are arranged inside the fuel tank shell (1). The fuel tank shell (1) is a polymer rubber shell, and the explosion-proof components (2) are polymer explosion-proof components with a honeycomb structure. There are gap cavities (3) between adjacent explosion-proof components (2) inside the fuel tank shell (1). The honeycomb structure inside the explosion-proof components (2) forms an internal cavity (4). The amphibious vehicle fuel tank structure of this utility model is simple in structure. Based on the actual situation that a fuel tank will explode if it is hit or punctured by an external object, it effectively achieves fire prevention and energy absorption, preventing secondary damage caused by explosion and improving safety performance. This technology does not involve the technical problems and solutions of this application. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a fuel tank sealing structure for amphibious vehicles that is simple in structure, can automatically adjust the fuel tank pressure to the ideal range, ensure the stable operation of the fuel supply system, improve the reliability of vehicle operation, and reduce fuel leakage and evaporation emissions, in order to address the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model is a sealing structure for the fuel tank of an amphibious vehicle. A sealing component is provided at the opening of the fuel tank body. The sealing component includes a waterproof and breathable membrane layer, a metal reinforcement layer, and a rubber sealing layer. The waterproof and breathable membrane layer is adhered to the upper surface of the metal reinforcement layer, and the rubber sealing layer is adhered to the lower surface of the metal reinforcement layer. Screws pass through the sealing component to connect to the fuel tank body.

[0008] The metal reinforcing layer has a hollow structure and includes multiple reinforcing ribs. The rubber sealing layer has a square or ring structure.

[0009] The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure also includes a negative pressure regulating component, which includes a negative pressure pump and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is installed on the fuel tank body, and the vent hole of the fuel tank body is connected to the negative pressure pump through a pipeline.

[0010] The negative pressure pump and pressure sensor are respectively connected to the vehicle control components.

[0011] The fuel tank body is provided with a fuel filler port, and a fuel filler port cover is installed on the fuel filler port.

[0012] When a sealing component is installed at the opening of the oil tank body, the rubber sealing layer of the sealing component is in contact with the edge of the opening.

[0013] An opening is provided on the upper surface of the fuel tank body.

[0014] Multiple screws are provided, and the screws are positioned along the edge of the sealing assembly. The screws pass through the screw holes on the upper surface of the sealing assembly.

[0015] The pressure sensor is configured to provide real-time feedback of the pressure data inside the fuel tank to the vehicle control components.

[0016] The working principle and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure described in this utility model features an opening in the fuel tank body. The opening serves two purposes: first, it facilitates the installation of other components inside the fuel tank, reducing installation difficulty; second, it allows for the removal of impurities and dirt during regular cleaning of the fuel tank interior. However, when the fuel tank is used on an amphibious vehicle, the opening needs to be covered, necessitating the use of a sealing component. This invention employs a multi-layer composite sealing structure. The inner rubber sealing layer is a high-strength, oil-corrosion-resistant rubber layer that tightly adheres to the upper surface of the fuel tank body, effectively preventing fuel leakage from the opening. The middle layer is a metal reinforcement layer, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the sealing structure and resisting vibrations and external impacts during vehicle operation. The outer layer is a waterproof and breathable membrane layer, preventing water intrusion while allowing for minor pressure adjustments within a certain range through the breathable membrane, maintaining pressure balance inside and outside the fuel tank. The sealing component and the fuel tank body are reliably connected via multiple screws, and disassembly is convenient and quick. When the actual pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds the set upper pressure limit, the vehicle control unit activates the negative pressure pump to remove excess fuel vapor from the fuel tank, reducing the pressure to the normal range. When the actual pressure inside the fuel tank falls below the set lower pressure limit, the vehicle control unit stops the negative pressure pump. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following is a brief explanation of the contents depicted in the accompanying drawings and the markings therein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the fuel tank of the amphibious vehicle described in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the sealing structure of the fuel tank of the amphibious vehicle described in this utility model.

[0021] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Filler cap; 2. Vent hole; 3. Pressure sensor; 4. Sealing assembly; 4.1. Waterproof and breathable membrane layer; 4.2. Metal reinforcement layer; 4.3. Rubber sealing layer; 5. Liquid level sensor; 6. Fuel tank body; 7. Opening; 8. Screw; 9. Top surface. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provides a more detailed explanation of the specific embodiments of this utility model, including the shape and structure of each component, the relative positions and connections between the parts, the functions and working principles of each part:

[0023] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 As shown, this utility model is a sealing structure for an amphibious vehicle's fuel tank. A sealing component 4 is installed at the opening 7 of the fuel tank body 6. The sealing component 4 includes a waterproof and breathable membrane layer 4.1, a metal reinforcing layer 4.2, and a rubber sealing layer 4.3. The waterproof and breathable membrane layer 4.1 is adhered to the upper surface of the metal reinforcing layer 4.2, and the rubber sealing layer 4.3 is adhered to the lower surface of the metal reinforcing layer 4. A screw 8 passes through the sealing component 4 and connects to the fuel tank body 6. This structure addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an improved technical solution. In the structural design, an opening 7 is provided in the fuel tank body 6. The purpose of the opening 7 is twofold: first, it facilitates the installation of other components inside the fuel tank body 6, reducing installation difficulty; second, it allows for the cleaning of impurities and dirt from the opening during regular cleaning of the fuel tank body 6. However, when the fuel tank body 6 is used on an amphibious vehicle, the opening 7 needs to be covered, which is where the sealing component 4 comes in. The sealing component 4 of this invention adopts a multi-layer composite sealing structure. The inner rubber sealing layer 4.3 is a high-strength, oil-corrosion-resistant rubber sealing layer that can tightly adhere to the upper surface of the fuel tank body 6, effectively preventing fuel leakage from the opening 7. The middle layer is a metal reinforcing layer 4.2, which enhances the overall strength and stability of the sealing structure and resists vibration and external impact during vehicle operation. The outer layer is a waterproof and breathable membrane layer 4.1, which not only prevents water intrusion but also allows the pressure inside the fuel tank to be slightly adjusted within a certain range through the breathable membrane, maintaining the pressure balance inside and outside the fuel tank body 6. The sealing component 4 and the fuel tank body 6 are reliably connected by multiple screws 8 passing through it, and disassembly is also convenient and quick. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure described in this utility model has a simple structure, can automatically adjust the fuel tank pressure to the ideal range, ensure the stable operation of the fuel supply system, improve vehicle operating reliability, and reduce fuel leakage and evaporation.

[0024] The metal reinforcing layer 4.2 has a hollow structure and includes multiple reinforcing ribs. The rubber sealing layer 4.3 has a square frame structure or a ring structure. In this structure, the metal reinforcing layer 4.2 forms a skeleton structure, effectively strengthening the tank while not affecting the outer waterproof and breathable membrane layer 4.1's ability to finely adjust the pressure within the tank body 5 within a certain range.

[0025] The amphibious vehicle's fuel tank sealing structure also includes a negative pressure regulating component, which comprises a negative pressure pump and a pressure sensor 3. The pressure sensor 3 is mounted on the fuel tank body 6, and the vent 2 of the fuel tank body 6 is connected to the negative pressure pump via a pipeline. In this structure, when the actual pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds the set upper pressure limit, the vehicle control unit activates the negative pressure pump to extract excess fuel vapor from the fuel tank, reducing the pressure to the normal range. When the actual pressure inside the fuel tank body 6 falls below the set lower pressure limit, the vehicle control unit stops the negative pressure pump and opens the air intake valve on the upper surface of the fuel tank body 6 to introduce an appropriate amount of outside air, stabilizing the pressure inside the fuel tank. The air intake valve then closes again.

[0026] The negative pressure pump and pressure sensor 3 are respectively connected to the vehicle control unit. In the above structure, the vehicle control unit is a mature technology in the prior art and is not the improvement point targeted by this invention. Alternatively, a separate control unit (controller) can be set up, using a microcontroller, such as an STM32H743VIT6. Microcontrollers are a mature technology in the field of electronic technology, and the control unit of this utility model is a direct application of a mature technology in the prior art, not an improvement point.

[0027] The fuel tank body 6 is provided with a fuel filler port, and a fuel filler port cover 1 is installed on the fuel filler port. With the above structure, after fuel is added to the fuel tank body through the fuel filler port, the fuel filler port cover is tightened to achieve closure.

[0028] When the sealing assembly 4 is installed at the opening 7 of the fuel tank body 6, the rubber sealing layer 4.3 of the sealing assembly 4 fits against the edge of the opening 7. The opening 7 is located on the upper surface 9 of the fuel tank body 6. Multiple screws 8 are provided, positioned along the edge of the sealing assembly 4, and passing through the screw holes connecting the sealing assembly 4 to the upper surface 9. With this structure, the sealing assembly 4 ensures a seal at the opening 7, and can be easily removed for replacement.

[0029] The pressure sensor 3 is configured to provide real-time feedback of pressure data from inside the fuel tank 6 to the vehicle control components. This configuration, through real-time data feedback from the pressure sensor 3, enables automated start-up and stop control of the negative pressure pump, reliably regulating the pressure.

[0030] The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure of this utility model features an opening 7 in the fuel tank body 6. The opening 7 serves two purposes: first, it facilitates the installation of other components inside the fuel tank body 6, reducing installation difficulty; second, it allows for the removal of impurities and dirt during regular cleaning of the fuel tank body 6. However, when the fuel tank body 6 is used on an amphibious vehicle, the opening 7 needs to be covered, which is where the sealing component 4 comes in. The sealing component 4 of this invention employs a multi-layer composite sealing structure. The inner rubber sealing layer 4.3 is a high-strength, oil-corrosion-resistant rubber sealing layer that tightly adheres to the upper surface of the fuel tank body 6, effectively preventing fuel leakage from the opening 7. The middle layer is a metal reinforcing layer 4.2, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the sealing structure and resisting vibrations and external impacts during vehicle operation. The outer layer is a waterproof and breathable membrane layer 4.1, which prevents water intrusion while allowing for minor pressure adjustments within a certain range through the breathable membrane, maintaining pressure balance inside and outside the fuel tank body 6. The sealing assembly 4 and the fuel tank body 6 are reliably connected by multiple screws 8, and disassembly is quick and easy. When the actual pressure inside the fuel tank body is higher than the set upper pressure limit, the vehicle control unit activates the negative pressure pump to extract excess fuel vapor from the fuel tank body, reducing the pressure inside the fuel tank body to the normal range. When the actual pressure inside the fuel tank body 6 is lower than the set lower pressure limit, the vehicle control unit controls the negative pressure pump to stop working.

[0031] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for the fuel tank of an amphibious vehicle, characterized in that: A sealing assembly (4) is provided at the opening (7) of the tank body (6). The sealing assembly (4) includes a waterproof and breathable membrane layer (4.1), a metal reinforcing layer (4.2), and a rubber sealing layer (4.3). The waterproof and breathable membrane layer (4.1) is adhered to the upper surface of the metal reinforcing layer (4.2), and the rubber sealing layer (4.3) is adhered to the lower surface of the metal reinforcing layer (4.2). A screw (8) passes through the sealing assembly (4) to connect to the tank body (6).

2. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal reinforcing layer (4.2) has a hollow structure and includes multiple reinforcing ribs. The rubber sealing layer (4.3) has a square frame structure or a ring structure.

3. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure also includes a negative pressure regulating component, which includes a negative pressure pump and a pressure sensor (3). The pressure sensor (3) is installed on the fuel tank body (6), and the vent (2) of the fuel tank body (6) is connected to the negative pressure pump through a pipeline.

4. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The negative pressure pump and pressure sensor (3) are respectively connected to the vehicle control components.

5. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The oil tank body (6) is provided with an oil filling port, and an oil filling port cover (1) is installed on the oil filling port.

6. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When a sealing component (4) is provided on the opening (7) of the oil tank body (6), the rubber sealing layer (4.3) of the sealing component (4) fits against the edge of the opening (7).

7. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An opening (7) is provided on the upper surface (9) of the oil tank body (6).

8. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Multiple screws (8) are provided, and the screws (8) are positioned along the edge of the sealing assembly (4). The screws (8) pass through the screw holes of the sealing assembly (4) and connect to the upper surface (9).

9. The amphibious vehicle fuel tank sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure sensor (3) is configured to provide real-time feedback of pressure data inside the fuel tank (6) to the vehicle control components.

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