Connection device between a liquid tank made of plastic material and a liquid supply module on board a vehicle

Abstract

To provide a connection device between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle.SOLUTION: The connection device 1 comprises a tubular member 10 provided for insertion into the liquid tank and having a first end and a second end 101 provided for constituting a swirl pot, and a flange 11 arranged outside the tubular member 10 and to be welded to the outer surface of the wall of the tank; The connecting device 1 comprises a connecting means 12 at a first end of the tubular element 10, which first end is arranged on the tubular element 10 opposite a flange surface 110 to be welded to the liquid tank, wherein the connecting means 12 is provided for fastening a liquid supply module to the tubular element 10, wherein a second end 101 of the tubular element 10 comprises an opening 1010 provided for the inflow of liquid into the tubular element 10, and wherein the first end comprises an opening provided for the insertion of the liquid supply module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device between a liquid tank made of plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle, said connection device being provided for forming a swirl pot. The present invention also relates to a liquid tank made of plastic material comprising said connection device, and to a method for manufacturing a liquid tank made of plastic material comprising said connection device. [Background technology]

[0002] The liquid delivery module (LDM) installed in a vehicle is typically equipped with a swirl pot that keeps the liquid close to the pump inlet. In an automobile, the swirl pot ensures a constant supply of liquid under heavy cornering and braking forces, minimizing the risk of liquid pump failure due to lack of liquid and ensuring the supply of liquid to other parts of the vehicle, such as the engine and decontamination system.

[0003] Due to the high development costs of LDMs, manufacturers tend to standardize this component. When standardizing, the swirl pot of the LDM has a fixed design and may not fit the tank shape. For example, the tank height may be too low compared to the height of the standardized swirl pot. Lowering the swirl pot height specifically for these low-profile tanks would reduce the performance of the LDM. Alternatively, an LDM without a swirl pot can be used in combination with an injection tank. In an injection tank, the swirl pot and the tank form a monoblock assembly, and the swirl pot is part of the tank obtained during the manufacturing of the tank shell. Nevertheless, investing in an injection tank is very expensive and is not always a viable option given the business case.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a specific swirl pot inserted into the blow molding process, which requires a specific blow molding machine. Unfortunately, the disclosed method and machine lead to a large investment that reduces the profitability of such a solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0134175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a swirl pot and a tank made of plastic material containing said swirl pot that does not exhibit the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In particular, a first object of the present invention is to provide a connection device between a liquid tank made of plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle, said connection device being arranged to form a swirl pot.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is also to provide a liquid tank made of plastic material containing said connecting device.

[0009] A third object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid tank made of plastic material that includes the above-mentioned connecting device.

[0010] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, these objects are achieved with a connection device between a liquid tank made of plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle, said connection device comprising a tubular member intended for insertion into the liquid tank, the tubular member having a first end and a second end intended for forming a swirl pot, and a flange arranged on the outer part of the tubular member, the surface of the flange being intended for welding to the outer surface of the wall of the tank, said connection device comprising connection means at the first end of the tubular member, said first end being arranged on the tubular member relative to the flange, opposite the flange surface intended for welding to the tank, said connection means being intended for fixing the liquid supply module to the tubular member, the second end of the tubular member comprising an opening provided for allowing the inflow of liquid into the tubular member, and the first end comprising an opening provided for insertion of the liquid supply module.

[0011] The connection device according to the invention makes it possible to create a swirl pot containing a liquid supply module that is adaptable to various tank sizes.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection means at the first end of the tubular member provided for fixing the liquid supply module to the tubular member is an assembly means including a seal. Preferably, the assembly means including a seal is selected from the group consisting of a mason jar, a cam lock and a reverse cam lock. The connection means provided for fixing the liquid supply module to the tubular member including assembly means including a seal ensures maintainability of the liquid supply module since said module can be removed from a tank made of plastic material.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flange of the connection device is located near the first end of the tubular member. The flange located near the first end allows for a compact assembly including the tank, the connection device, and the liquid supply module. Furthermore, the liquid supply module can be less protruding from the outside of the tank, which is made of plastic material. The expression "near the first end" means that the flange can be located directly at the first end of the tubular member or near said first end.

[0014] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the tubular member includes at least a slit and / or a sloped top. The second end of the tubular member including at least a slit and / or a sloped top allows for supply of liquid from the tank when the liquid level falls below the second end of the tubular member. The phrase "the second end of the tubular member includes at least a slit" means that the slit begins at the second end of the tubular member, but is not limited to the second end.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular member of the connecting device has a circular cross section, which allows an ideal fit with the circular openings customarily made in tanks made of plastic material, which openings are usually made by a drilling operation.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid supply module includes a pump configured to pump the liquid from the swirl pot and deliver it to the supply line, preferably via a hydraulic connector. Preferably, the liquid supply module and / or the swirl pot include a heating element, preferably a flexible heating element. Such a heating element is capable of thawing the liquid contained in the swirl pot if the liquid is in a frozen state. The liquid supply module and / or the swirl pot incorporates (i.e., is equipped with) a heating element having at least one flexible portion. The qualifier "flexible" is understood in practice to mean "easily deformable", which is generally reversible. Generally, this means a bending stiffness (Eh) of less than 4000 N·m. 3 ) / (12(1-n 2)), where E corresponds to the Young's modulus of the flexible part measured according to the ASTM D790-03 standard, h is its thickness, and n is the Poisson's ratio of its constituent material. Preferably, in the context of the present invention, the stiffness of the flexible part is less than or equal to 1000 N·m, or less than or equal to 100 N·m, or even less than or equal to 10 N·m, and most particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 N·m. Preferably, this flexible part is a flexible heater, i.e., a heater comprising one or more resistive tracks attached to a film or arranged between two films (i.e., two substantially flat supports, the material and thickness of which are flexible). This film is preferably made of plastic (although other insulating materials may also be suitable), and in particular based on elastomers. Here, several resistive tracks are generally described. In this variant, in the calculation of the bending stiffness defined above, the Poisson's ratio is preferably considered as the ratio of the constituent materials of the one or more films. The resistive tracks can be based on metal, carbon, etc., or a combination of such conductive materials. They are typically made of metal (and most preferably, a urea-resistant metal such as stainless steel). They are typically sandwiched between two flexible films. They are applied to the flexible film (e.g., by jet printing) and then covered with another flexible film or overmolded with an insulating (preferably elastomeric) material. The two films are then firmly attached (e.g., by vulcanization) to ensure a tight seal around the resistor tracks. These tracks are preferably connected in parallel so that damage to one track does not interfere with the operation of the other tracks. The flexible films are made of silicone resin, polyolefin (polyethylene or polypropylene), thermoplastic elastomer (or TPE), polyester, polyimide (e.g., KAPTON® resin), etc. Preferably, they are based on silicone, polyolefin, or TPE, taking into account the fact that polyester and polyimide have low resistance to urea, especially at high temperatures.The flexible film may contain several superimposed layers of resistors (resistance tracks). They may also contain a glass fiber coating to improve their mechanical strength. Good results are obtained with a stainless steel resistance track sandwiched between two silicone resin films, one of which is covered with a glass fiber network.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection device, preferably the swirl pot, comprises an upper mechanical protection means for the flexible heater, preferably the flexible heater of the liquid supply module. Preferably, the upper mechanical protection means comprises an abutment.

[0018] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ribs are provided between the inner diameter of the first end and the inner diameter of the second end to enhance the structural strength of the connection device.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second end further comprises upper mechanical protection means, such as abutments or fingers. These upper mechanical protection means are provided to protect a part of the liquid supply module, preferably a heating element, which preferably has at least one flexible part. Thus, the upper mechanical protection means prevents the part of the liquid supply module, such as the heating element, from moving / vibrating and being damaged.

[0020] A second object of the present invention is also to provide a liquid tank made of plastic material that is provided with a connecting device according to the present invention.

[0021] A liquid tank made of a plastic material for automotive applications according to the present invention comprises an opening and a swirl pot disposed inside the opening, the swirl pot comprising a connection device according to any one of the previous embodiments, the flange of the connection device being welded to the edge of the opening in the tank wall on the outside of the tank, the wall tank being the bottom wall of the tank, and the tubular member of the connection device being fluidly connected to the tank through the opening at the second end of the tubular member. The tank according to the present invention has the ability to continuously supply the liquid contained in the tank (fuel, urea water) in small amounts to other parts of the vehicle, such as the engine or decontamination system. The connection device used with the tank according to the present invention makes it possible to create a swirl pot including a liquid supply module that can be adapted to various tank dimensions. Furthermore, a tubular swirl pot is more compact.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the section of the tubular member between the second end and the flange has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the opening in the tank wall. The section of the tubular member between the second end and the flange having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the opening in the tank wall allows for an optimized swirl pot capacity.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank of the present invention has an angle α between a plane containing the circumference of the upper part of the second end and a plane containing the bottom wall of the tank in the range of 0°≦α≦40°, preferably 0°≦α≦30°, more preferably 10°≦α≦20°, and even more preferably 16.7°. A swirl pot with a sloped upper part of the second end can ensure a minimum amount of liquid near the pump on a given slope of the vehicle, facilitating filling of the swirl pot and maintaining the orientation of the highest wall only on the most critical slope. Furthermore, the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the upper part of the second end and a plane containing the bottom wall of the tank should be no more than 40°, preferably no more than 30°, to avoid wasting the effective capacity of the swirl pot. The angle α depends on the diameter of the swirl pot, which depends on the diameter of the pump. The angle α further depends on the minimum amount of liquid desired to be held in the swirl pot for a given maximum slope of the tank.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention has an angle α between a plane containing the circumference of the upper part of the second end and a plane containing the bottom wall of the tank in the range of 0°<α≦40°, preferably in the range of 0°<α≦30°, more preferably in the range of 10°≦α≦20°, and even more preferably equal to 16.7°. At such an angle, when the tank is inclined perpendicular to the slit, the ability to fill the swirl pot is optimized.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the upper part of the second end and the plane containing the bottom wall of the tank is equal to 0°. With such an angle, the walls of the swirl pot are as high as possible, thus optimizing the internal volume of the swirl pot.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention has a volume of between 15 and 25 liters.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention has an elongated shape, preferably with a length / width ratio greater than 3 and a length / height ratio greater than 5, and preferably with a length greater than 1 meter. The connection device according to the invention is particularly useful with such liquid tanks, as the swirl pot ensures that, even with an elongated shape of the tank, a minimum amount of liquid is maintained that is available to supply the pump of the liquid supply module.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the swirl pot has a volume between 0.3 and 5 liters. A swirl pot with a volume in the range of 0.3 to 5 liters contains enough liquid to prevent discoloration of other parts of the vehicle (i.e., the engine or depollution system), while at the same time allowing for a long-lasting weld of the swirl pot to the tank.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the ratio between the length of the slit at the second end of the tubular element and the length of the wall of the swirl pot is in the range of 0.4 to 0.8, preferably 0.4 to 0.7. The expression "wall length of the swirl pot" means the length from the highest point at the top of the second end of the tubular element to the flange. A slit length of 0.4 to 0.8, preferably 0.4 to 0.7, allows for the selection of a slit swirl pot with a minimum required length while maintaining a minimum amount of liquid in the swirl pot at the most critical slope. Since these requirements may be contradictory, a compromise must be found, and such a compromise may vary from tank to tank.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the direction of the slit in the second end of the tubular member is perpendicular to the plane containing the bottom wall of the tank. The perpendicular slit allows to obtain a swirl pot whose liquid containment efficiency does not depend on the inclination.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that the liquid supply module is attached to a first end of the tubular member of the connecting device and forms the base of the swirl pot.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the present invention is such that the liquid contained therein is an aqueous solution. Typically, the aqueous solution is demineralized water or aqueous urea. Urea water typically contains approximately 32.5% by weight of high-purity urea (CAS number 57-13-6) and approximately 67.5% by weight of demineralized water. High-purity urea is defined according to ISO 22241. An example of such an aqueous ammonia solution is commercialized as AdBlue®. The term "demineralized water" refers to a deionized aqueous solution having a conductivity of 1.0 μS / cm or less at 25°C according to ISO 3696:1987. In fuel tanks, aqueous solutions are preferred over fuel because it is preferable to place the pump entirely within the tank, rather than through the tank wall, to avoid fuel leaks from seals that could constitute a fire hazard.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the present invention is made of polyethylene (PE) as well as the connecting device. In this way, the swirl pot can be easily welded to the wall of the liquid tank. Furthermore, polyethylene swirl pots can withstand temperatures above 100°C without damage. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for liquid tanks designed to contain aqueous solutions. Furthermore, this is particularly interesting when the liquid supply module is equipped with a heater.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid tank according to the invention is such that it is configured to be obtained by a blow molding process, so that it is possible to assemble the connection device with the swirl pot on a blow molded tank with an opening, since a swirl pot cannot be blown into a blow molded tank.

[0035] A third object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid tank made of plastic material and equipped with the above-mentioned connecting device.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the method for manufacturing a liquid tank made of plastic material for automotive applications according to the invention comprises the following steps: - Providing a tank made of plastic material. - Provide an opening in the tank. - welding the connection device according to the invention to the bottom wall of the tank via a flange. - Fixing the liquid supply module to the connection device according to the invention.

[0037] The method according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture liquid tanks made of plastic material for automotive applications in a flexible and adaptable way, providing adaptability for swirl pot tanks.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of providing a tank made of plastic material is achieved by a blow molding process.

[0039] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0040] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. This description is given by way of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The figures referenced below refer to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a connection device according to the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view of a third embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tank with a liquid supply module having a swirl pot. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tank with a liquid supply module having a swirl pot on an inclined surface. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tank with a liquid supply module without a swirl pot on a slope. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a vertical section through a low-height tank to which a liquid supply module having a fixed design swirl pot is fixed. [Figure 9] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tank with a liquid supply module having a swirl pot with a slit on an incline. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tank with a liquid supply module having a swirl pot with slits on an inclined surface. [Figure 11] 1 is a vertical section through a first embodiment of a tank according to the invention, showing the connection between a liquid supply module and a connection device according to the invention, and the welding of the connection device to the tank; FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a vertical section through a second embodiment of a tank according to the invention, showing the connection between the liquid supply module and the connection device according to the invention, and the welding of the connection device to the tank; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a detail of the tank according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a connection device and part of a liquid supply module according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In the different drawings, the same reference symbols refer to the same or similar elements.

[0043] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0044] It should be noted that the term "comprises" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter, nor as excluding other elements or steps. It should therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of a mentioned feature, integer, step or component, but not as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression "a device comprising (including) means A and B" should not be limited to a device containing only components A and B. It means that, in the context of the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0045] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0046] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0047] The present invention will now be described by detailed descriptions of some embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention can be constructed according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit or technical teaching of the present invention, and it is clear that the present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the invention between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle. The connection device 1 according to the invention comprises a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank, the tubular member 10 having a first end (not shown) and a second end 101 adapted to form a swirl pot, and a flange 11 arranged on the exterior of the tubular member 10, the surface 110 of which is adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall. The tubular member 10 has a circular cross section. The connection device 1 comprises a connection means 12 at the first end of the tubular member 10, the first end being arranged on the tubular member 10 against the flange 11, opposite the flange surface 110 adapted to be welded to the liquid tank. The flange 11 is arranged near the first end of the tubular member 10. The connection means 12, provided for securing the liquid supply module to the tubular member 10, is a cam lock. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 includes an opening 1010 that allows liquid to enter the tubular member 10. The first end includes an opening for inserting a liquid supply module. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 includes at least a slit 1011.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the present invention between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle. The connection device 1 includes a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank, the tubular member 10 having a first end (not shown) and a second end 101 adapted to form a swirl pot, and a flange 11 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular member 10, the surface 110 of the flange 11 being adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall. The tubular member 10 has a circular cross section. The connection device 1 includes a connection means 12 at the first end of the tubular member 10, the first end being arranged on the tubular member 10 opposite the flange surface 110 that will be welded to the liquid tank, and the flange 11 being arranged near the first end of the tubular member 10. The connection means 12, provided for securing the liquid supply module to the tubular member 10, is a cam lock. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 comprises an opening 1010 to allow liquid to enter the tubular member 10. The first end includes an opening for inserting a liquid supply module. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 comprises at least a slit 1011. The differences between the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 and the embodiment shown in Figure 2 are as follows: By reducing the length of the second end 101 of the tubular element 10, a lower height of the swirl pot can be obtained in the tank. The ratio of the distance between the highest point of the second end 101 of the tubular element 10 and the flange 11 to the length of the slit 1011 is smaller than that of the first embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the present invention between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle. The connection device 1 comprises a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank, the tubular member 10 having a first end 100 and a second end 101 adapted to form a swirl pot, and a flange 11 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular member 10, the surface 110 of the flange 11 being adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall. The tubular member 10 has a circular cross section. The connection device 1 comprises a connection means 12 at the first end 100 of the tubular member 10, the first end 100 being arranged on the tubular member 10 opposite the flange surface 110 that will be welded to the liquid tank, and the flange 11 being arranged near the first end 100 of the tubular member 10. The connection means 12, provided for securing the liquid supply module to the tubular member 10, is a cam lock. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 includes an opening 1010 that allows liquid to enter the tubular member 10. The first end 100 includes an opening 1000 for inserting a liquid supply module. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 includes a sloped upper portion 1012.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the present invention between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle. The connection device 1 comprises a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank, the tubular member 10 having a first end 100 and a second end 101 adapted to form a swirl pot, and a flange 11 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular member 10, the surface 110 of the flange 11 being adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall. The tubular member 10 has a circular cross section. The connection device 1 comprises a connection means 12 at the first end 100 of the tubular member 10, the first end 100 being arranged on the tubular member 10 opposite the flange surface 110 that will be welded to the liquid tank, and the flange 11 being arranged near the first end 100 of the tubular member 10. The connection means 12, provided for securing the liquid supply module to the tubular member 10, is a cam lock. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 has an opening 1010 that allows liquid to enter the tubular member 10. The first end 100 includes an opening 1000 for inserting a liquid supply module. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 has a sloped upper portion 1012. The differences between the third embodiment shown in Figure 3 and the embodiment shown in Figure 4 are as follows. the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the upper part 1012 of the second end 101 and the plane containing the surface 110 of the flange 11 provided for welding to the outer surface of the tank wall flange. the distance between the highest point of the second end 101 of the tubular member 10 and the flange 11;

[0052] It is clear that the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the upper part of the second end 101 and the plane containing the bottom wall of the tank 2 is equal to the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the upper part 1012 of the second end 101 and the plane containing the surface 110 of the flange 11 provided to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall flange.

[0053] 1 and 2, it goes without saying that the angle α between the plane containing the circumference of the top of the second end 101 and the plane containing the bottom wall of the tank 2 is equal to 0°.

[0054] 5 and 6 illustrate the role of the swirl pot 4 in the tank 2 made of plastic material and its effect on the sustainability performance of the liquid delivery module 3 in delivering liquid to other parts of the vehicle. The liquid delivery module 3 includes a pump configured to pump liquid from the swirl pot 4 and deliver it to a supply line, preferably via a hydraulic connector. Preferably, the liquid delivery module 3 and / or the swirl pot 4 include a heating element, preferably a flexible heating element. For example, the liquid delivery module 3 and / or the swirl pot 4 incorporate (i.e., are equipped with) a heating element having at least one flexible portion. The level of the liquid 5 in the tank 2 depends not only on the slope of the ground but also on the movement of the vehicle. The swirl pot 4 stores and keeps the liquid readily available near the liquid delivery module 3, allowing for liquid delivery that is independent of the orientation of the ground and the movement of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 6. The height of the swirl pot should be as high as possible to ensure good sustainability, especially on sloped terrain.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows the effect of the absence of a swirl pot on the ability of the liquid supply module 3 to deliver the liquid contained in the tank 2 and the effect of the slope of the ground on the presence of liquid 5 near the liquid supply module 3.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows the limitations of using a standardized swirl pot design 4 that includes a liquid supply module 3 that does not fit the dimensions of the tank 2, and the height of the swirl pot 4 exceeds the height of the tank 2.

[0057] 9 and 10 show a swirl pot 4 including a slit 1011, said swirl pot 4 including a liquid supply module 3. The slit 1011 overcomes the problem of the liquid 5 level being lower than the height of the swirl pot 4, which would result in the interior of the swirl pot 4 not being fluidly connected to the tank 2. The location and height of the slit 1011 must be tailored to the specific tank application and is a compromise between sustainable supply performance and dynamic dead volume limitations, i.e., the volume that cannot be pumped by the liquid supply module 3 despite movement of the liquid 5 in the tank 2 created by vehicle movement and / or ground tilt. The slit 1011 should be oriented in a direction that is not critical with respect to the liquid level 5 in the tank 2.

[0058] 11 shows a vertical cross-section of a first embodiment of a tank 2 according to the invention, illustrating the connection between the liquid supply module 3 and the connecting device 1 according to the invention and the welding of the connecting device 1 to the tank's plastic material. The flange 11 of the connecting device according to the invention is welded to the edge of the opening in the bottom wall of the tank 2. The tubular member of the connecting device 1 is in fluid communication with the tank 2 through an opening in the second end of the tubular member. The liquid supply module 3 is attached to the first end of the tubular member of the connecting device 1, forming the base of the swirl pot 4. The liquid supply module 3 is fixed to a connecting means 12 arranged on the first end of the tubular member, which is arranged on the tubular member against the flange 11 on the side opposite the flange surface intended to be welded to the liquid tank 2. The connecting means comprises an assembly means including a seal, which is an O-ring 120, and an L-ring 121.

[0059] 12 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a tank 2 according to the invention, illustrating the connection between the liquid supply module 3 and the connecting device 1 according to the invention and the welding of the connecting device 1 to the tank's plastic material. The flange 11 of the connecting device according to the invention is welded to the edge of the opening in the bottom wall of the tank 2. The tubular member of the connecting device 1 is in fluid communication with the tank 2 through an opening in the second end of the tubular member. The liquid supply module 3 is attached to a first end of the tubular member of the connecting device 1, forming the base of the swirl pot 4. The liquid supply module 3 is fixed to a connecting means 12 arranged on the first end of the tubular member, which is arranged on the tubular member against the flange 11 on the side opposite the flange surface intended to be welded to the liquid tank 2. The connecting means comprises an assembly means including a seal, which is an O-ring 120, and a locknut 123.

[0060] FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing details of a tank 2 according to the present invention. The liquid tank 2, made of a plastic material suitable for automobiles, has an opening 5, a swirl pot disposed within the opening 5, and the swirl pot is provided with a connection device 1 according to the present invention. The connection device 1 comprises a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank 2. The tubular member 10 has a first end, a second end configured to form the swirl pot, and a flange 11 disposed on the outer portion of the tubular member 10, the surface of which is adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall 2. The connection device 1 comprises a connection means 12 at the first end of the tubular member, the first end being disposed on the tubular member relative to the flange 11 opposite the flange surface adapted to be welded to the liquid tank 2. The connection means 12 is provided for fastening a liquid supply module 3 to the tubular member 10, and the second end of the tubular member 10 comprises an opening provided to allow liquid to flow into the tubular member. The first end includes an opening for inserting the liquid supply module 3.

[0061] FIG. 14 shows a fifth embodiment of a connection device 1 according to the present invention between a liquid tank made of a plastic material and a liquid supply module mounted on a vehicle. The connection device 1 comprises a tubular member 10 adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank, the tubular member 10 having a first end 100 and a second end 101 adapted to form a swirl pot 4, and a flange arranged on the exterior of the tubular member 10, the surface 110 of the flange 11 being adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the tank wall. The tubular member 10 has a circular or approximately circular cross section. The connection device 1 comprises a connection means 12 at the first end 100 of the tubular member 10, the first end 100 being arranged on the tubular member 10 opposite the flange surface 110 to be welded to the liquid tank, and the flange 11 being arranged near the first end 100 of the tubular member 10. The connection means 12, provided for securing the liquid supply module to the tubular member 10, is a cam lock. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 has an opening 1010 through which liquid can enter the tubular member 10. The first end 100 includes an opening 1000 for inserting a liquid supply module. The second end 101 of the tubular member 10 has a slit 1011 and a sloped upper portion 1012. The angle α between a plane containing the circumference of the upper portion 1012 of the second end 110 and a plane containing the surface 110 of the flange 11 provided for welding to the outer surface of the tank wall flange is equal to 16.7°. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the first end 100 is smaller than the inner diameter of the swirl pot, i.e., the second end 101. The inner diameter of the swirl pot is, for example, approximately 128 mm, and the inner diameter of the first end is, for example, approximately 121 mm. A plurality of ribs 1030 are provided between the inner diameters of the first end and the second end 101. The second end 101 further comprises upper mechanical protection means, for example abutments or fingers 1032. These upper mechanical protection means are provided to protect a part of the liquid supply module 3, which part is preferably the heating element 3010, which preferably has at least one flexible part.

[0062] The method used to manufacture the tank 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 13 comprises the following steps: - Providing a tank 2 made of plastic material, for example by a blow molding process. - the tank 2 is provided with an opening 5; - welding the connection device 1 according to the invention via the flange 11 to the bottom wall of the tank 2; - Fixing the liquid supply module 3 to the connection device 1 according to the invention.

[0063] In the previous embodiment, the liquid tank 2 is preferably such that it is made of polyethylene (PE) as well as the connection device 1 .

[0064] The liquid tank 2 is such that the liquid contained therein is an aqueous solution. Typically, the aqueous solution is demineralized water or urea water. The capacity of the liquid tank 2 is, for example, 15 to 25 liters. For example, the liquid tank 2 has an elongated shape, and it is preferable that the length / width ratio is greater than 3, the length / height ratio is greater than 5, and the length is greater than 1 meter.

[0065] In the previous embodiment, the swirl pot 4 may include heating means.

[0066] For example, the swirl pot 4 may include an electric heating element embedded in the material of the swirl pot 4, thus allowing for heating of the liquid inside and outside the swirl pot 4. The swirl pot 4 may therefore be multi-layered, with one of the layers housing the electric heating element or the electric heating element being embedded in at least one layer. For example, a plastic layer with a heating conductor material may be extrusion-coated with a polyethylene (PE) material. If the plastic layer is also made of polyethylene, there is a secure connection between the plastic layer and the extrusion coating, optimizing the required heat transfer. For example, the electric heating conductor may be fixed to the plastic layer by embroidery. In this respect, the heating conductor may be a fiber.

[0067] Alternatively, the swirl pot 4 may preferably be made of a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) plastic material, thus being able to heat the liquid inside and outside the swirl pot 4. By providing electrodes such that the PTC plastic material is at least partially placed between two electrodes, the PTC plastic material can provide heat by supplying electricity to the electrodes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Connecting Device 2 liquid tanks 3 Liquid Supply Module 4 Swirl Pot 5 Opening 10 Tubular member 11 flange 12 Connection Methods 100 first end 101 second end 110 flange surface 120 O-rings 121 L-ring 123 Lock nut 1000 openings 1010 Opening 1011 Slit 1012 Upper 1030 Rib 1032 Finger 3010 heating element

Claims

[Claim 1] A connection device (1) between a liquid tank (2) made of plastic material and a liquid supply module (3) mounted on a vehicle, comprising: The connection device (1) comprises a tubular member (10) adapted to be inserted into the liquid tank (2), the tubular member (10) having a first end (100) and a second end (101) adapted to form a swirl pot (4), and a flange (11) arranged on the exterior of the tubular member (10), the surface (110) of the flange (11) being adapted to be welded to the outer surface of the wall of the tank (2); the connecting device (1) comprises a connecting means (12) at the first end (100) of the tubular member (10), the first end (100) being arranged on the tubular member (10) relative to the flange (11) on the side opposite a flange surface (110) adapted to be welded to the liquid tank (2), the connecting means (12) being adapted to fix the liquid supply module (3) to the tubular member (10), the second end (101) of the tubular member (10) comprising an opening (1010) adapted to allow the inflow of liquid into the tubular member (10), the first end (100) comprising an opening (1000) adapted for the insertion of the liquid supply module (3); A connection device (1) characterized in that the connection means (12) at the first end (100) of the tubular member (10) provided for fixing the liquid supply module (3) to the tubular member (10) is an assembly means equipped with a seal.

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