A FUEL FLOW LINE AND A LIQUID AGENT FLOW LINE JOINTED TOGETHER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly of a first and a second chute joined together. These two chutes supply two reservoirs of consumable fluids for motor vehicles, with a first reservoir equipped with the first filling chute and a second reservoir equipped with the second filling chute.

[0002] Each of the chutes is in fluidic connection with its respective reservoir and the fuel and liquid agent chutes open into the same filling area through openings forming filling heads, the second chute being fixed at least provisionally to the first chute in or near the filling area by a fastening piece.

[0003] In particular, but without limitation, the first fluid reservoir can be a reducing agent reservoir for a selective catalytic reduction system, also known as an SCR system, a term which may be used hereafter to refer to the system itself and its constituent parts, such as the SCR reservoir for the reducing agent reservoir. The second reservoir can be a fuel tank. However, in the automotive field, the fillers according to the present invention can supply any other type of reservoir containing a fluid.

[0004] Therefore, in what follows, an RCS tank will be used as an example to describe the present invention. This is not limiting, and the present invention may relate to a set of two tanks joined together for any fluid.

[0005] For example, in the non-exhaustive case of an RCS reducing agent tank, filling spouts have been developed that fit through a small hatch on the side of the vehicle, as well as RCS tanks located in the lower part of the vehicle's underbody. The RCS tank is situated near the fuel tank, and, importantly, the inlets of their spouts are housed in the same hatch or in adjacent hatches. As emissions standards become increasingly stringent, the RCS tank is designed to be refilled more and more frequently.

[0006] Using an RCS tank as an example, most diesel vehicles manufactured today will have at least one RCS tank. The filler neck(s) or pipe(s) connecting to the tank, and at least the filler neck, may be integral to the tank. Alternatively, they may be manufactured separately from the tank and attached to it later through a process known as sleeving.

[0007] The RCS tank, thus equipped, is then mounted on the vehicle at the final assembly plant using a process called "fitting." This involves placing the tank and its piping onto a platform, also called a sled, positioned under the vehicle's underbody, and then mounting the assembly onto the vehicle. The same procedure applies to the fuel tank. During the sled preparation process, the RCS piping can be clipped onto the RCS tank. The same applies to the fuel tank.

[0008] For example, in a passenger vehicle, the RCS tank containing the reducing agent might have a capacity of 10 to 20 liters, while the fuel tank has at least twice that capacity. The filler necks are also sized accordingly. As previously mentioned, it is common practice to install the fuel and RCS tanks in the vehicle so that their respective filler necks open into the same area, at the vehicle's fuel filler flap, thus requiring only one easily accessible filler flap for both types of fluid.

[0009] In this configuration, there was an increased risk of breakage, or at least collapse, of the RCS tank filling chute during the simultaneous capping operation of the two tanks, due in particular to its low resistance due to its small dimensions.

[0010] It is known to join the two chutes together in addition to securing them at their respective ends, which form the filling heads. This can be done with an interface tab and a screw. However, positioning the interface tab correctly is difficult, and the screwing process is time-consuming and requires the additional use of a screw. Furthermore, the screwing can be faulty due to the limited accessibility for the installer, resulting in a misaligned thread.

[0011] Document DE4023094 describes a fuel tank for automobiles, this tank being made of plastic. The plastic tank integrates the service and filling vent lines into the filling nozzle, thus avoiding the need for separate lines and simplifying the overall manufacturing process. Document FR-A-3 034 052 describes an assembly of fluid reservoirs, in which a first filler neck is attached to a second filler neck in the filling zone by fastening means comprising a first part fixed to the first filler neck and rigidly connected to a second part shaped like a clamp that grips the second filler neck around half its circumference. The first and second parts of the fastening means are respectively on the filling heads of the first and second filler necks. The clamp-shaped part is C-shaped and clips tightly onto the circumference of the second filler neck.

[0012] This fastening system concerns the openings of the chutes forming the filling heads and does not guarantee the positioning of the remaining chutes relative to each other. This is precisely what the present invention seeks to address, either in conjunction with or independently of such fastening of the filling heads. Furthermore, the latching means shown in this document can detach due to vibrations during vehicle movement, thereby separating the chutes from one another.

[0013] Therefore, the problem underlying the invention is, in a motor vehicle, for two chutes respectively for fuel and liquid agent extending close to each other, to join the two chutes at a distance from their respective opening serving as a filling head, the joining having to be easy to implement and resistant in position while the vehicle is moving.

[0014] To achieve this objective, the invention provides an assembly of a fuel chute and a liquid agent chute, the chutes extending at least partially parallel to each other from a respective filling opening, the assembly being equipped with means for securing the two chutes together, such that, at a distance from the filling openings, the securing means are achieved, on the one hand, by a double clip passing through a first tab carried by a portion of a component attached to a first chute from among the fuel and liquid agent chutes and a portion of a component attached to a second chute from among the fuel and liquid agent chutes and, on the other hand, by a second tab attached to a portion of a component attached to the second chute penetrating into at least one groove carried by the periphery of a portion of a component attached to the first chute.the first and second legs being spaced apart.

[0015] The expression "the portion of or attached to a chute" means that the portion can be a portion of the chute or a portion attached to the chute, for example a degassing capacity attached to a respective chute.

[0016] The first and second legs are spaced apart. It follows that the portion of or attached to the second chute receiving the double clip and the portion of or attached to the second chute carrying the second leg can be the same if we consider the portion as an element in its entirety, for example a degassing capacity attached to the second chute, but the stapling and the support of the second leg are at different places on the element, for example the degassing capacity.

[0017] The technical effect is to achieve a simplified and robust connection between the two chutes once established. This connection is not equivalent to the snap-fit ​​connection that joins the two filling openings of the two chutes, but it can complement this connection.

[0018] The fastening according to the present invention is achieved remotely from the filling openings by two different fastening means, spaced apart from each other. The first fastening means consists of a double clip passing through a first tab carried by a portion of a component attached to a first filler neck (among the fuel and liquid agent filler necks) and a portion of a component attached to a second filler neck. This portion can be a section of the first filler neck or a section of an element attached to the first filler neck, for example, a degassing chamber of the first filler neck, but this is not a limiting factor.

[0019] The second method of attachment is a second tab attached to a portion of the first chute, or attached to the second chute, penetrating at least one groove carried by the periphery of a portion of the second chute, or attached to the first chute. The portions of the first and second chutes may be part of their respective chutes or be on an element attached to the first or second chute, for example, a degassing chamber of the second chute, but this is not a limiting factor.

[0020] The first and second means are arranged to reinforce the connection between the first and second chutes in different directions. The first means may allow limited play for the connection between the two chutes to compensate for differences in shape between, on the one hand, the first chutes and, on the other hand, the second chutes.

[0021] The second method, with securing by inserting the second leg into at least one groove, allows for responses to variations in the construction of the second chute and variations in the path of the first chute.

[0022] The fact that the first leg is attached to the first chute and that the second leg is attached to the second chute distributes the attachment over the two chutes by establishing a symmetry of attachment between the first and second means of attachment.

[0023] The present invention offers a one-point advantage over the prior art. This simplifies the stamping of the wheel arch by eliminating the need for a welded, watertight insert. Such an assembly can be mounted on a sled in a mechanical preparation area. This allows for easy disassembly and subsequent reassembly without tools during after-sales service.

[0024] The joining is achieved relatively quickly, on the one hand, by passing the clip through the first leg and through a portion of or joined to the second channel and, on the other hand, by inserting the second leg into at least one groove carried by a portion of or joined to the first channel.

[0025] Advantageously, the clip is elongated, comprising at each of two opposite ends a pointed head followed by a collar that is slightly more internal to the clip than the associated pointed head. A gap is provided between each collar and its associated pointed head, corresponding, at one end of the clip, to the thickness of the first leg and, at the other end, to the thickness of the portion of the clip attached to the second groove. The collar and the associated pointed head clamp together, respectively, the first leg or the portion of the clip attached to the second groove. Each collar bears against the part that the collar clamps with its associated pointed head. Consequently, the possibility of the clip moving perpendicularly to the clip's entry hole is very limited.

[0026] Advantageously, the first leg has an oblong hole for the staple to pass through. This oblong hole extends lengthwise parallel to the first groove, allowing for some adjustment along its length to position the staple correctly. The oblong hole also provides a length adjustment option.

[0027] Advantageously, the portion attached to the second chute is a portion of a degassing capacity integrated into the second chute. The degassing capacity is advantageously a single unit with the second chute, being obtained by blowing.

[0028] Advantageously, the pointed head is a conical or faceted slotted head. The two parts of the slotted head can retract towards each other when passing through the oblong hole and then move apart from each other by elastic return upon exiting the oblong hole.

[0029] Advantageously, the second leg attached to the second channel is inserted between and under two tabs extending at a distance from the periphery of the portion attached to the first channel, being open at their free end for insertion of the opposite longitudinal edges of the second leg under a respective tab, the distance of the tabs from the periphery of the first channel corresponding to a thickness of the second leg with the addition of just enough play for insertion of the second leg into the groove present under each of the tabs.

[0030] Advantageously, the portion attached to the first chute carrying the tabs is a degassing capacity attached to the first chute by removable snap-on means.

[0031] In this embodiment, unlike the degassing capacity integrated into the second chute, which can be the fuel chute, the degassing capacity of the first chute, which can be the liquid agent chute, is removably attached to the first chute. The degassing capacity of the second chute can be larger than that of the first chute, hence the need for a reinforced connection between the second chute and its associated degassing capacity.

[0032] Advantageously, the first chute is the liquid agent chute and the second chute is the fuel chute.

[0033] The invention relates to a system comprising a fuel supply device and a liquid supply device in a motor vehicle, each device including a reservoir fed by a chute, characterized in that the two chutes are joined together and form such an assembly. The system is thus compact and capable of withstanding vibrations during the movement of the motor vehicle, as well as maintaining the position of the two chutes relative to each other during assembly.

[0034] Advantageously, the liquid agent supply device is a reducing agent supply device for selective catalytic reduction.

[0035] Other features, purposes, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows and from the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting examples and on which: there figure 1 is a schematic representation of a two-point connection between a fuel chute and a liquid agent chute forming an assembly according to the present invention, the figure 2 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a degassing capacity attached to the first chute, a liquid agent chute having a first attachment tab to the second chute, a fuel chute, by stapling, creating the first attachment point according to the present invention, the figure 3 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a portion of the degassing capacity shown in the figure 2 from another angle and enlarged with a staple positioned in an oblong hole made on the first leg, the figure 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a degassing capacity attached to the second chute, a fuel chute, and a degassing capacity attached to the first chute, a liquid agent chute. The degassing capacity of the second chute has a second fastening tab inserted into at least one groove carried by the degassing capacity attached to the first chute. The second tab and said at least one groove constitute the second fastening point according to the present invention. figure 5 is a schematic representation of a perspective view from a different viewpoint and enlarged compared to the figure 4 of the bonding between the second leg and said at least one groove.

[0036] It should be borne in mind that the figures are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the dimensions of the various elements illustrated are not representative of reality.

[0037] In what follows, reference is made to all figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated numerical references.

[0038] With reference to all the figures, the present invention relates to an assembly of a fuel chute 2 and a liquid agent chute 1. Each chute can form a unit already assembled with a respective tank or a respective tank can be subsequently attached to each chute, the tanks not being shown in the figures.

[0039] The chutes 1 and 2 extend substantially parallel to each other at least along a portion of their length from their respective filling openings or filling heads. It is possible for the filling heads of the two chutes 1 and 2 to be joined together, advantageously by snap-fit ​​means such as two open rings joined together by partially surrounding a respective filling head, but this is not necessarily required within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The assembly is equipped with means for securing the two chutes 1, 2 together to maintain the chutes 1, 2 along at least part of their length relative to each other. According to the invention, at a distance from the filling openings, and therefore different from possible means for securing the filling openings, the means for securing the chutes 3 to 6, 6a are achieved, firstly, by a double clip 3 passing through a first tab 4 carried by a portion 1a of a joint attached to a first chute 1 among the fuel 2 and liquid agent 1 chutes, and a portion 2a of a joint attached to a second chute 2 among the fuel 2 and liquid agent 1 chutes.

[0041] The means of securing 3 to 6, 6a are also made, secondly, by a second leg 5 secured to a portion 2a of or secured to the second chute 2 penetrating into at least one groove 6 carried by the periphery of a portion 1a of or secured to the first chute 1.

[0042] There are therefore two points of attachment between the two channels 1 and 2, the attachment points being spaced apart to maintain the two channels 1 and 2 relative to each other over as long as possible, advantageously parallel to each other. As previously mentioned in the description of the invention, the word "portion" refers to an element in its entirety that is attached to a respective channel. The two spaced attachment points are located at different points along the portion, that is, the element attached to a respective channel.

[0043] The fastening means 3 to 6, 6a can directly fasten the chutes 1, 2 together by means of chute sections. Alternatively, the fastening can involve an element associated with the chute. For example, this element can be a degassing chamber, whether or not it is part of the chute, being either integral with one of the two chutes 1, 2, such as a degassing chamber for a fuel chute 2, or being fastened, advantageously in a removable manner, to one of the two chutes 1, 2.

[0044] This may be the case for a liquid agent chute degassing capacity which has a smaller capacity than the fuel chute degassing capacity 2 and which can be secured by snap-fit ​​means 8 with the liquid agent chute, these means being visible at the figure 1 This is not exhaustive.

[0045] With particular reference to figures 1 à 3 , in one embodiment of the clip 3, the clip 3 can be elongated in shape by comprising at each of two opposite ends a pointed head 3a followed by a collar 3b more inside the clip 3 than the associated pointed head 3a.

[0046] In this case, a gap can be provided between each collar 3b and the associated pointed head 3a. This gap can correspond, at one end of the clip 3, to the thickness of the first leg 4 and, at the other end of the clip 3, to the thickness of the portion 2a attached to the second channel 2. The collar 3b and the associated pointed head 3a can respectively clamp the first leg 4 or the portion 2a attached to the second channel 2.

[0047] The clip 3 is a fastening method as effective as a screw but easier to install. The two collars 3b, acting as a lock in opposite directions, prevent the clip 3 from coming out of the first part at one end and the portion 2a attached to the second channel 2 at its other end.

[0048] The first leg 4 can be pierced with an oblong hole 7 for the passage of the staple 3 through it, visible at the figure 1 without the presence of the clip. The oblong hole 7 can extend lengthwise parallel to the first channel 1, allowing for some adjustment along its length to position the clip 3 inside it. This facilitates assembly, as the clip 3 can have some positioning play within the oblong hole 7, taking into account manufacturing variations between different first channels 1 or different second channels 2.

[0049] As previously mentioned, portion 2a of or attached to the second chute 2 may be a portion of a degassing capacity 2a integrated into the second chute 2. The degassing capacity 2a of the second chute 2 may undergo shape adaptation with a portion of the degassing capacity 2a locally flattened to form a flat receiving surface 9 for the passage of the clip 3, this receiving surface being visible at the figure 1 by being covered by the first leg 4.

[0050] Portion 2a can also be removably attached to the second channel 2. Channels 1 and 2 are advantageously cylindrical and have thin walls. Therefore, it is preferable to connect channels 1 and 2 using at least one element 1a, 2a attached to one of the two channels 1 and 2.

[0051] In this context, it is preferred to secure the degassing capacity 1a of one of the two chutes 1, 2 with the degassing capacity 2a of the other chute 2 in order to have more space to achieve a connection, on the one hand, by a clip 3 and, on the other hand, by a second tab 5 carried by the degassing capacity 2a of the second chute 2 which fits into at least one groove 6 as a housing carried by the degassing capacity 1a of the first chute 1.

[0052] For the clip 3, the pointed head 3a at each end of the clip 3 is a conical or faceted slotted head. The slotted head 3a reduces the size of the head when it is inserted into a passage provided in the first tab 4 carried by the first channel 1 or a portion 1a attached to the first channel 1 and into a portion 2a attached to the second channel 2. The end portions of the pointed head 3a move apart from each other after passing through the first tab 4 or the portion 2a attached to the second channel 2.

[0053] For the second point of fixation, referring more specifically to figures 1 , 4 et 5 , the second leg 5 attached to the second chute 2 or to a portion 2a attached to the second chute 2 can be inserted between and under two tabs 6a extending at a distance from the periphery of the first chute 1 or of a portion 1a attached to the first chute 1.

[0054] A groove 6, visible at the figure 5 , may be present under each of the two tabs 6a. Each of the two tabs 6a covers a portion of a longitudinal edge of the second tab 5. The attachment of the second tab 5 to the second chute or to a portion 2a of the second chute can be achieved by welding.

[0055] The two tabs 6a can be opened at their free end to allow the insertion of the opposite longitudinal edges of the second leg 5 under a respective tab 6a. The distance separating each of the tabs 6a from the periphery of the first channel 1 or from the portion 1a attached to the first channel 1 can correspond to the thickness of the second leg 5 with the addition of just enough clearance to allow the second leg 5 to be inserted under each of the tabs 6a so that the longitudinal edges of the second leg 5 are held by friction under a respective tab 6a.

[0056] This joint with two tabs 6a and a second leg 5 is similar to a sliding joint which may have a slight possible pivoting to take into account the dispersions of the path of the first chute 1.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion 1a of or attached to the first chute 1 carrying the tabs 6a can be a degassing chamber 1a attached to the first chute 1. This degassing chamber 1a can be attached to the first chute 1 by removable snap-on means 8, the snap-on means being visible at the figure 1 .

[0058] The first chute 1 can be the liquid agent chute and the second chute 2 can be the fuel chute 2. Both chutes 1 and 2 can be cylindrical, with the fuel chute 2 having a larger diameter than the liquid agent chute. When venting chambers 1a and 2a are present, the venting chamber 2a of the fuel chute 2 can be larger than the venting chamber 1a of the liquid agent chute 1.

[0059] The degassing capacity 2a of the fuel chute 2 can be one piece with the fuel chute 2 by being obtained by blowing while the degassing capacity 1a of the liquid agent chute 1 can be fixed to the liquid agent chute by snap-fit ​​means 8, for example of the type of open ring partially surrounding the liquid agent chute, the ends of the open ring spreading apart when the ring is inserted around the outer wall of the liquid agent chute 1 and then the broken ring being held by elastic return against the wall of the liquid agent chute 1.

[0060] The invention also relates to a system comprising a fuel supply device and a liquid supply device in a motor vehicle, each device including a reservoir fed by a chute. In this system, the two chutes 1, 2 are joined together and form an assembly as previously described.

[0061] The system may include a degassing capacity 1a, 2a for each of the feeding devices, the degassing capacities being attached to or integrated with their respective chute 1, 2. The attachment between the two chutes 1, 2 may be made between the respective degassing capacities 1a, 2a.

[0062] In a preferred application, the liquid agent supply device is a reducing agent supply device for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides expelled from the internal combustion engine through the exhaust line.

[0063] The reducing agent supply device feeds a reducing agent injector into the exhaust line. The reducing agent, which preferably converts to ammonia, reduces nitrogen oxides in a catalytic reduction catalyst located downstream of the injector in the exhaust line, following the path of the exhaust gases.

[0064] The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example.

Claims

1. Assembly of a fuel chute (2) and a liquid agent chute (1), the chutes (1, 2) extending at least partially parallel to each other from a respective filling opening, the assembly being provided with securing means (3 to 6, 6a) of the two chutes (1, 2) between them, so that, at a distance from the filling openings, the securing means (3 to 6, 6a) are produced, on the one hand, by a double clip (3) passing through a first tab (4) carried by a portion (1a) of one or secured to a first chute (1) among the fuel chutes (2) and liquid agent (1) and a portion (2a) of one or integral with a second chute (2) among the fuel (2) and liquid agent (1) chutes and, on the other hand, by a second tab (5) secured to a portion (2a) of or secured to the second chute (2) penetrating into at least one groove (6) carried by the periphery of a portion (1a) of or secured to the first chute (1), the first and second legs (4, 5) being spaced from each other.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the clip (3) is elongated in shape comprising at each of two opposite ends a pointed head (3a) followed by a flange (3b) more interior to the clip (3) than the associated pointed head (3a), a spacing being provided between each flange (3b) and the associated pointed head (3a) and corresponding, at one end of the clip (3), to a thickness of the first tab (4) and, at the other end of the clip (3), to the thickness of the portion (2a) of or secured to the second chute (2), the collar (3b) and the associated pointed head (3a) clamping between they respectively the first tab (4) or the portion (2a) of or secured to the second chute (2).

3. Assembly according to Claim 2, in which the first tab (4) is pierced with an oblong hole (7) for a passage of the clip (3) in its interior, the oblong hole (7) extending in parallel length to the first chute (1), leaving a take-up play in its length for positioning the clip (3) inside it.

4. Assembly according to any one of the two preceding claims, in which the portion (2a) of or integral with the second chute (2) is a portion of a degassing capacity (2a) integrated in the second chute (2).

5. Assembly according to any one of the three preceding claims, in which the pointed head (3a) is a tapered or slotted head.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second tab (5) secured to the portion (2a) of or secured to the second chute (2) is inserted between and under two tongues (6a) extending at a distance of the periphery of the portion (1a) of or secured to the first chute (1) by being open at their free end for insertion of the opposite longitudinal edges of the second tab (5) under a respective tongue (6a), the distance tongues (6a) of the periphery of the portion (1a) or secured to the first chute (1) corresponding to a thickness of the second leg (5) with the addition of just sufficient play for insertion of the second tab (5) in the groove (6) present under each of the tongues (6a).

7. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the portion (1a) of or secured to the first chute (1) carrying the tabs (6a) is a degassing capacity (1a) secured to the first chute (1) by means of removable snap-locks (8).

8. Assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first chute (1) is the liquid agent chute and the second chute (2) is the fuel chute (2).

9. System formed of a fuel supply device and a liquid agent supply device in a motor vehicle, each device comprising a tank supplied by a chute (1, 2), characterized in that the two chutes (1, 2) are joined together and form an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. System according to the preceding claim, in which the liquid agent supply device is a reducing agent supply device for selective catalytic reduction.