Mounting for a fuel tank on a motor vehicle

• US 20010020622A1
• Filed: 02/09/2001
• Published: 09/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Technology Center GmbH
• Original Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Technology Center GmbH
• Inventors: Schmidt, Rainer, Boecker, Albert
• Granted Patent: US 6,578,727 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/562
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/067 Mounting of tanks
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 27/065 using screwthread connection of crossbeam to A- pillars B62D25/147; mounting load bearing surfaces B62D21/09; securing mudguards B62D25/163; connections for synthetic parts B62D29/048

Abstract

A device for mounting a plastic fuel tank on the body of a motor vehicle with a carrier which is shaped to fit at least partially to the outer contour of the tank and at least one coupling disposed between the carrier and the tank. The coupling is releasably connected with a snap fit to the carrier and preferably is made of a thermoplastic material that is heat welded to the plastic tank.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a plastic fuel tank on a motor vehicle, comprising:

a carrier which is shaped to fit at least partially to the outer contour of the tank, at least one coupling disposed between the carrier and the tank, the coupling being made at least in part of a thermoplastic material that is adapted to be welded to the tank, and the coupling having at least one connector configured to be releasably connected to the carrier at a position generally opposite to the portion of the tank adjacent the coupling.

2. The device of

claim 1

wherein the connector has a finger with an undercut head configured to be snap-fitted into an opening of the carrier.

3. The device of

claim 1

wherein the coupling comprises at least one rib-like projection on a surface thereof oriented toward the tank.

4. The device of

claim 1

wherein the coupling is injection-molded of an elastic thermoplastic material adapted to be welded to high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.

5. The device of

claim 1

wherein the coupling comprises a plurality of depressions at a side thereof oriented toward the carrier.

6. The device of

claim 1

wherein at least part of the carrier underlying the tank has a channel shape with spaced-part edges and the coupling has a generally rectangular shape and overlaps at least partially and in assembly bears on the edges of the carrier.

7. The device of

claim 1

wherein the carrier comprises a longitudinally aligned channel in which at least one coupling member is disposed in a form-fitting manner.

8. A fuel tank assembly comprising:

a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle, a carrier which is shaped to fit at least partially to the outer contour of the tank, at least one coupling disposed between the carrier and the tank, the coupling being made at least in part of a thermoplastic material heat welded to the tank, and the coupling having at least one connector configured to be and releasably connected to the carrier at a position generally opposite to the portion of the coupling welded to the tank adjacent the coupling.

9. The assembly of

claim 8

wherein the connector has a finger with an undercut head configured to snap-fit into an opening of the carrier.

10. The assembly of

claim 8

wherein the coupling is injection-molded of an elastic thermoplastic material weldable to a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.