Fuel tanks for work vehicles

Abstract

To provide a fuel tank of a work vehicle which can leave a specified quantity of fuel in a gate part while achieving reduction of an installation area of the gate part even if a vehicle body inclines in any direction when a residual fuel is low, and improves rigidity and can prevent deformation.SOLUTION: A fuel tank 40 comprises an upper surface part 42, a bottom surface part 44 and a peripheral wall part 50, and a gate part 60 which is erected on the bottom surface part 44 and can leave a specified quantity of fuel at a prescribed position of an interior when a vehicle body 10 inclines. The peripheral wall part 50 has a first wall 51, and a second wall 52 which is so continuous as to be orthogonal to one end side of the first wall 51. The gate part 60 has: a first gate 61 that also serves as the first wall 51; a second gate 62 that also serves as the second wall 52; a third gate 63 which is parallel to the first gate 61, and is relatively long; a fourth gate 64 which is parallel to the first gate 61, is located between the first gate 61 and the third gate 63, and is relatively short; and a fifth gate 65 which connects the third gate 63 and the fourth gate 64.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank, and more particularly to a fuel tank that is mounted on a work vehicle and stores fuel. [Background technology]

[0002] Known examples of work vehicles include loaders, excavators, carriers, etc., which are equipped with a traveling device having crawlers or tires, a body mounted on the traveling device, and a working device mounted on the body and operated hydraulically.

[0003] The above-mentioned work vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic pump that generates hydraulic pressure and a drive source that drives the hydraulic pump. For example, a configuration in which an engine (such as a diesel engine) is used as the drive source is widespread, and a fuel tank in which fuel for the engine is stored is mounted at a predetermined position on the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-006814 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in a work vehicle such as a loader, when performing tilting work (when performing work with the vehicle body tilted) or when the vehicle body sways significantly, there is a problem that fuel becomes unevenly distributed inside the fuel tank, exposing the fuel suction section, causing so-called air entrapment and stopping the fuel supply. In response to this, a fuel tank of a conventional work vehicle such as that shown in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2009-006814) has a dam section inside that allows fuel to remain inside during tilting work, etc., and a configuration is realized in which, when the vehicle body tilts forward or backward, fuel is left inside the dam section, preventing the fuel supply from being stopped due to air entrapment.

[0006] However, in particular in a work vehicle, because of its nature, tilting work in all directions (360°) may occur, it is important to be able to prevent the fuel suction section from being exposed regardless of the direction of tilt. If an attempt were made to realize a dam section that could be used in all directions (360°) using the configuration exemplified in Patent Document 1, a problem would arise in that the structure inside the fuel tank would become extremely complicated.

[0007] On the other hand, fuel tanks are often formed in a flat shape, which means that the rigidity of the large area parts (particularly the bottom surface) is low (weak), making them prone to deformation. In response to this problem, conventional fuel tanks have been designed to have many constrictions (inwardly protruding parts), particularly on the bottom surface, in order to increase (strengthen) the rigidity and prevent deformation.

[0008] However, in the case of such a configuration, the volume of the internal fuel storage space (i.e., the tank capacity) is reduced, which may pose a problem in that the maximum amount of fuel that can be stored is reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a fuel tank for a work vehicle that is configured to include a dam portion, which reduces the installation area (volume area) of the dam portion, and which can prevent fuel supply from being stopped due to air entrapment by allowing a predetermined amount of fuel to remain in the internal area of ​​the dam portion even when the dam portion is tilted in any direction (360°) when there is a small amount of remaining fuel, and which has increased rigidity to prevent deformation.

[0010] The present invention solves the above problems by the means described below.

[0011] A fuel tank according to the present invention is a fuel tank mounted on a body of a work vehicle and in which fuel is stored, the fuel tank comprising: a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and a peripheral wall portion; and a dam portion erected on the bottom surface portion for causing a predetermined amount of the fuel to remain at a predetermined position inside the tank when the vehicle body is tilted, the peripheral wall portion having a first wall and a second wall perpendicularly continuing to one end side of the first wall, the dam portion having a first dam which also serves as the first wall, a second dam which also serves as the second wall, a third dam which is parallel to the first dam and relatively long, a fourth dam which is parallel to the first dam and disposed between the first dam and the third dam, and a fifth dam which connects the third dam and the fourth dam, the third dam extending from the second dam which also serves as the second wall, and the fuel tank is disposed closer to the first dam than the center of the fuel tank. The requirements are as follows. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the installation area (volume area) of the weir portion while allowing a predetermined amount of fuel to remain in the internal area of ​​the weir portion even if the weir portion is tilted in any direction (360°) when the remaining fuel is small. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously realize a configuration that can increase the volume of the fuel storage space and a configuration that does not cause fuel supply interruption due to air entrapment even if the weir portion is tilted in any direction when the remaining fuel is small. In addition, it is possible to increase rigidity while reducing the restriction provided on the bottom surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a work vehicle on which a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) illustrating a mounting position of a fuel tank in the working vehicle of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the fuel tank of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the fuel tank of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fuel tank of FIG. 3 is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view from above the left front) showing an example of a work vehicle 1 on which a fuel tank 40 according to this embodiment is mounted, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view with a part shown in cross section to explain the mounting position of the fuel tank 40. For convenience of explanation, arrows may be used in the drawings to indicate up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, members having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0015] First, there will be described the overall configuration of the working vehicle 1. Here, a loader that travels on crawlers (called a "crawler loader") will be described as an example, but the working vehicle is not limited to this.

[0016] 1, the working vehicle 1 is configured with a vehicle body 10, a traveling device 12 at the bottom, a working device 14 at the front, a cockpit 16 in the center, an engine room 18 in which an engine and the like are housed at the rear, and an arm post 26 to which an arm 24 for operating the working device 14 is attached. Note that, as an example, the traveling device 12 is configured to include a pair of left and right crawlers (endless tracks) 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle may be configured to travel on a pair of left and right tires (called a "skid steer loader") (not shown).

[0017] First, the working device 14 is configured to include a pair of left and right arms 24 pivotally connected to an arm post 26 so as to be swingable up and down, a bracket 28 pivotally connected to the tip of the arm 24 so as to be swingable up and down, and an attachment 30 (a bucket in this embodiment) detachably attached to the bracket 28. Here, a pair of left and right arm cylinders 32 are provided straddling the arm post 26 and the arm 24, and a pair of left and right attachment cylinders (commonly known as "bucket cylinders") 34 are provided straddling the bracket 28 and the arm 24.

[0018] According to this configuration, by extending and contracting the arm cylinder 32, the arm 24 can be swung up and down relative to the vehicle body 10. Also, by extending and contracting the attachment cylinder 34, the bracket 28, i.e., the mounted attachment 30, can be swung up and down relative to the arm 24.

[0019] In this embodiment, a configuration including a bucket as the attachment 30 is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the attachment 30 is appropriately selected and attached according to the work application. As another example, a hydraulically driven attachment such as a concrete cutter or trencher can be attached (not shown). The attachment 30 is configured to be replaced alone or as a set with the bracket 28. Alternatively, there is also a configuration in which the bracket and bucket are integrated (not shown). The work vehicle 1 is provided with a service oil passage (not shown) that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulically driven attachment.

[0020] It should be noted that other mechanisms (drive mechanism, control mechanism, etc.) for travel and work in the work vehicle 1 according to this embodiment are similar to those of a known work vehicle (here, a loader), and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

[0021] Next, the engine room 18 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 10 (at a position behind the cockpit 16), and an engine (not shown) serving as a drive source and its peripheral devices are mounted and housed therein. As an example, a diesel engine is used as the engine, but this is not limiting. The traveling device 12 and the working device 14 described above are configured to be driven by pressure oil delivered from each hydraulic pump driven by the engine. Note that the drive source may also be configured to use a battery together with the engine (not shown).

[0022] Meanwhile, the fuel tank 40, which stores fuel (diesel, etc.) to be supplied to the engine, is mounted on the front of the vehicle body 10 (below the cockpit 16) as shown in Fig. 2. As an example of the fuel tank 40 according to this embodiment, an external perspective view is shown in Fig. 3, an internal perspective view (as viewed from the front) is shown in Fig. 4, and an internal perspective view (as viewed from the rear) is shown in Fig. 5. As an example, the fuel tank 40 is made of a resin material (polyethylene, etc.), but is not limited to this and may be made of a metal material, etc.

[0023] The fuel tank 40 is formed in a hollow box shape including an upper surface portion 42, a bottom surface portion 44, and a peripheral wall portion 50 surrounding the space between the upper surface portion 42 and the bottom surface portion 44. As an example, the peripheral wall portion 50 includes a first wall 51 disposed on the front side, a second wall 52 disposed on the right side having a configuration that is perpendicular to one end side (the right end in this example) of the first wall 51 and continues therefrom, a third wall 53 disposed on the left side having a configuration that is perpendicular to the other end side (the left end in this example) of the first wall 51 and continues therefrom, and a fourth wall 54 disposed on the rear side having a configuration that is continuous with the rear end of the second wall 52 and the rear end of the third wall 53. The front-rear, left-right arrangements may be appropriately interchanged. In addition, for design reasons, the fourth wall 54 is provided with a recess to prevent interference with other equipment mounted on the work vehicle 1, but this is not an essential configuration and may be omitted or changed as appropriate.

[0024] The fuel tank 40 also includes a weir section 60 that is erected on the bottom surface section 44 (inner side) and allows a predetermined amount of fuel to remain in a predetermined position (inner region) during a tilting operation (i.e., when the vehicle body 10 is tilted). As an example, the weir section 60 includes a first weir 61 to a fifth weir 65, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Specifically, the first weir 61 has a configuration that also serves as the first wall 51. The second weir 62 has a configuration that also serves as the second wall 52. The third weir 63 has a configuration that is formed relatively long in parallel with the first weir 61 (i.e., the first wall 51), and is disposed between the first wall 51 and the fourth wall 54 (closer to the first wall 51 than the center in this example). The fourth weir 64 is arranged between the first weir 61 and the third weir 63, being parallel to the first weir 61 (i.e., the first wall 51) and relatively short. The fifth weir 65 is arranged to be continuous with one end side (the left end in this example) of the third weir 63 and one end side (the left end in this example) of the fourth weir 64. The bottom surface portion 44 has a fuel suction portion 66 in an internal region surrounded by the third weir 63, the fourth weir 64, and the fifth weir 65, and a drain portion 68 in an external region. A fuel pipe (not shown) communicating with a fuel pump (not shown) is connected to the fuel suction portion 66. A plug (not shown) is screwed into the drain portion 68, and fuel and dirt can be discharged to the outside by removing the plug.

[0025] According to this configuration, by devising a configuration in which the first wall 51 and the second wall 52 are directly used as part of the dam section 60, it is possible to reduce the installation area (volume area) of the dam section 60. Furthermore, by realizing such a simple configuration, even if the dam section 60 is tilted in any direction (360°) when the remaining fuel is small (a specified amount or less), a predetermined amount of fuel can be left in a predetermined position (specifically, the internal area of ​​the dam section 60 including the position of the fuel suction section 66).

[0026] Here, Fig. 6 shows a state where fuel remains in the internal region of the weir portion 60 when the vehicle body 10 is tilted. Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 3) showing a state where the vehicle body 10 is tilted forward, and Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 3) showing a state where the vehicle body 10 is tilted backward. Fig. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 3) showing a state where the vehicle body 10 is tilted rightward, and Fig. 6(d) is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 3) showing a state where the vehicle body 10 is tilted leftward. As shown by these diagrams of four representative directions (front, rear, left, right), the action of fuel remaining in the internal region of the weir portion 60 including the position of the fuel suction portion 66 can be obtained regardless of the direction in which the vehicle body 10 is tilted.

[0027] As described above, it is possible to simultaneously realize a configuration that can increase the amount of fuel that can be stored (i.e., the maximum storage amount of fuel tank 40) and a configuration that does not cause fuel supply interruption due to air entrapment when the remaining fuel is small, regardless of the direction of inclination. Furthermore, verification results have been obtained that show that the amount of fuel remaining inside weir section 60 increases at the same inclination angle compared to the conventional configuration (when the external dimensions are the same), and a synergistic effect is obtained that leads to an extension of the operating time.

[0028] Here, as a more specific shape of the dam portion 60, the third dam 63, the fourth dam 64, and the fifth dam 65, excluding the first dam 61 which also serves as the first wall 51, and the second dam 62 which also serves as the second wall 52, have a starting end (the right end of the third dam 63) that is perpendicular to the second wall 52 and continues in a J-shape when viewed from above (or may be an inverted J-shape depending on the positional relationship between the second wall 52 and the third wall 53, etc.), and are formed into an inverted U-shape in cross section (i.e., an upwardly convex hollow shape). The dimensions of the third weir 63, the fourth weir 64, and the fifth weir 65 are not particularly limited, but as an example, the width in plan view is about 50 mm, the length (longitudinal dimension) of the third weir 63 is about 500 mm, the length (longitudinal dimension) of the fourth weir 64 is about 300 mm, and the distance between the third weir 63 and the fourth weir 64 is about 200 mm. Meanwhile, the height is all about 100 mm.

[0029] According to this configuration, the dam portion 60 not only serves to retain fuel when the vehicle body 10 is tilted, but also serves to reinforce the fuel tank 40 (particularly the bottom portion 44) and prevent deformation. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of constrictions (inwardly protruding convex portions) in the bottom portion that are often provided in conventional fuel tanks to prevent deformation, and it is possible to increase the amount of fuel that can be stored (i.e., the maximum storage capacity of the fuel tank 40) without increasing the external shape.

[0030] Moreover, the fuel tank 40 according to this embodiment is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 10 by using, as an example, two fixing bands 36, 38 made of a metal material. Here, the fuel tank 40 is provided with a fixing band insertion hole 46 through which one end of one of the fixing bands 36 is inserted. This fixing band insertion hole 46 is formed in a region between the second wall 52 and the tip end 64a of the fourth dam 64 in a plan view, penetrating the top surface portion 42 and the bottom surface portion 44 so as to communicate with the outside (the external region of the fuel tank 40) but not with the inside (the internal region of the fuel tank 40).

[0031] Here, the region corresponding to the opening position of the continuous J-shaped (or inverted J-shaped) third dam 63, fourth dam 64, and fifth dam 65 (i.e., the region between the second wall 52 and the tip 64a of the fourth dam 64 in a plan view) is a region where no components of the dam section 60 are arranged, which gives rise to the problem that the strength is relatively low and the region is easily deformed. In contrast, by arranging the fixing band insertion hole 46 in this region, the third dam 63, fourth dam 64, and fifth dam 65 and the fixing band insertion hole 46 can eliminate the uneven distribution of the strength-reduced portions in the bottom surface section 44, and a stronger reinforcing effect (deformation prevention effect) can be obtained.

[0032] In addition, the fuel tank 40 has a flow path 48 between the fixing band insertion hole 46 (specifically, the wall surface exposed to the inside of the fuel tank 40) and the tip 64a of the fourth dam 64, which opens toward the drain portion 68 and allows fuel remaining in the dam portion 60 when the vehicle body 10 is tilted to flow toward the drain portion 68 when the tilt is released.

[0033] As described above, the weir portion 60 is configured such that the third weir 63, the fourth weir 64, and the fifth weir 65 are formed in a J-shape (inverted J-shape), and therefore, when the vehicle body 10 is tilted, fuel is allowed to remain in the internal region. However, on the other hand, a problem occurs in that dirt is likely to remain in the enclosed internal region. In response to this, with the above-described configuration, fuel remaining in the weir portion 60 when the vehicle body 10 is tilted is passed through the flow path 48 when the tilt is eliminated, and dirt in the internal region can be discharged toward the drain portion 68 (the dirt can then be discharged to the outside of the fuel tank 40 by opening the drain portion 68).

[0034] As described above, the fuel tank according to the present invention can reduce the installation area (volume area) of the dam portion while allowing a predetermined amount of fuel to remain inside the dam portion even if the tank tilts in any direction (360°) when the remaining fuel is small. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously realize a configuration that can increase the volume of the fuel storage space (i.e., the maximum amount of fuel that can be stored) and a configuration that does not cause a fuel supply stop due to air entrapment even if the tank tilts in any direction when the remaining fuel is small. In addition, it is possible to increase rigidity while reducing the restriction provided on the bottom surface.

[0035] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the present invention has been described using a crawler loader as an example of a work vehicle, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to other work vehicles, such as skid steer loaders, crawler carriers, and excavators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1. Work vehicles 10. Body 12 Running gear 14 Work equipment 36, 38 Fixation band 40 Fuel Tank 42 Top part 44 Bottom part 46 Fixing band insertion hole 48 Flow Path 50 Peripheral wall section 60 Weir 66 Fuel intake 68 Drain section

Claims

1. A fuel tank that is mounted on a body of a work vehicle and stores fuel therein, a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and a peripheral wall portion; a dam portion that is erected on the bottom surface portion and causes a predetermined amount of the fuel to remain at a predetermined position inside the tank when the vehicle body is tilted, The peripheral wall portion has a first wall and a second wall that is perpendicular to and continuous with one end side of the first wall, the dam section includes a first dam which also serves as the first wall, a second dam which also serves as the second wall, a third dam which is parallel to the first dam and relatively long, a fourth dam which is parallel to the first dam and disposed between the first dam and the third dam and relatively short, and a fifth dam which connects the third dam and the fourth dam, The third dam extends from the second dam which also serves as the second wall, and is disposed closer to the first dam than the center of the fuel tank. A fuel tank for a work vehicle comprising:

2. The third dam, the fourth dam, and the fifth dam in the dam portion are formed in a continuous J-shape or a left-right inverted J-shape in a plan view.

2. The fuel tank for a work vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. A fuel tank mounted on a body of a work vehicle and storing fuel therein, a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and a peripheral wall portion; a dam portion that is erected on the bottom surface portion and causes a predetermined amount of the fuel to remain at a predetermined position inside the tank when the vehicle body is tilted, The peripheral wall portion has a first wall and a second wall that is perpendicular to and continuous with one end side of the first wall, the dam section includes a first dam which also serves as the first wall, a second dam which also serves as the second wall, a third dam which is parallel to the first dam and relatively long, a fourth dam which is parallel to the first dam and disposed between the first dam and the third dam and relatively short, and a fifth dam which connects the third dam and the fourth dam, The third dam extends from the second dam which also serves as the second wall, a fixing band insertion hole is further provided in a region between the second wall and the tip of the fourth dam, the fixing band insertion hole being formed through the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion so as to communicate with the outside but not with the inside; A fuel tank for a work vehicle comprising:

4. the bottom surface portion has a fuel suction portion in an inner region surrounded by the third weir, the fourth weir, and the fifth weir, and has a drain portion in an outer region; a flow passage is provided between the fixing band insertion hole and the tip of the fourth weir, the flow passage being open toward the drain portion and allowing the fuel remaining in the weir portion when the weir portion is tilted to flow toward the drain portion when the weir portion is no longer tilted.

4. The fuel tank for a work vehicle according to claim 3.

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