U.S. patent application number 15/526875 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank of a motor vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH. The applicant listed for this patent is PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH. Invention is credited to Stephane LEONARD.
Application Number | 20170326975 15/526875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52102415 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170326975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEONARD; Stephane |
November 16, 2017 |
ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT IN A TANK OF A MOTOR
VEHICLE
Abstract
An assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a
motor vehicle, the tank including a wall portion and an attachment
portion projecting outward from the wall portion, the attachment
portion defining an opening in the wall portion, the assembly
including: a mounting module configured to carry the at least one
component and to close the opening in the wall portion; the
mounting module including an outer side configured to be accessible
from outside the tank; at least one connector arranged on the outer
side of the mounting module, the at least one connector being
connected to the at least one component; a clamp configured to
clamp the mounting module to the attachment portion; and a cover
attached to the clamp and covering at least partially the at least
one connector.
Inventors: |
LEONARD; Stephane;
(Brussels, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH |
Brussels |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION
AND RESEARCH
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
52102415 |
Appl. No.: |
15/526875 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
September 30, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/072631 |
371 Date: |
May 15, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/03177 20130101;
B60K 2015/03421 20130101; B60K 2015/03467 20130101; B60K 2015/03453
20130101; B60K 15/03 20130101; B60K 15/067 20130101; B65D 25/20
20130101; B60K 2015/03493 20130101; B60K 2015/0319 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60K 15/067 20060101
B60K015/067 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 27, 2014 |
EP |
14195268.9 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. An assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for a
motor vehicle, the tank including a wall portion and an attachment
portion projecting outward from the wall portion, the attachment
portion defining an opening in the wall portion, the assembly
comprising: a mounting module configured to carry the at least one
component and to close the opening in the wall portion; the
mounting module including an outer side configured to be accessible
from outside the tank; at least one connector arranged on an outer
side of the mounting module, the at least one connector being
connected to the at least one component; a clamp configured to
clamp the mounting module to the attachment portion; a cover
attached to the clamp and covering at least partially the at least
one connector.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the mounting module includes
a mounting flange at an outer circumference thereof, and wherein
the clamp is configured to engage around the mounting flange and
around a corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the
tank.
18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one connector
comprises any one of the following connectors, or a combination
thereof: a hydraulic connector, an electrical connector.
19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp includes a
plurality of fixation points for attaching the cover.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein in the mounted position the
clamp is substantially circular and fixation points are provided in
a form of outwardly protruding ears.
21. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising an electronic
control unit mounted on the outer side of the mounting module, and
the cover at least partially covers the electronic control
unit.
22. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp is a plastic
clamp.
23. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp includes at least a
first clamp shell and a second clamp shell, the first clamp shell
including a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the
second clamp shell; wherein the first clamp shell includes a second
end configured to be connected to a second end of the second clamp
shell.
24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the second end of the first
clamp shell is connected to the second end of the second clamp
shell through a snap-fit connection.
25. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp comprises at least
one attachment strip including a first end including a toothed
portion; and a second end including at least one head, the head
comprising a complementary toothed portion, the head being
configured to receive and lock the strip by the complementary
toothed portion; wherein the clamp engages and is closed onto the
mounting module and the attachment portion by pulling tight the
strip through the head.
26. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp comprises at an
inner surface thereof at least one internal mouth configured to
receive a mounting flange of the mounting module and a
corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank.
27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the or each internal mouth
includes a tapered inner surface; and/or wherein the clamp
comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs extending radially
between the or each internal mouth and an outer surface of the
clamp.
28. A tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a tank and an
assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tank is a fuel tank or
an ammonia precursor tank.
29. The tank assembly of claim 28, wherein the tank comprises an
attachment portion in which a ring-shaped member is partially
embedded; the ring shaped member comprising a top flange, a bottom
flange and a side wall connecting the top flange and the bottom
flange; the bottom flange and a portion of the side wall being
embedded in the attachment portion; wherein the ring shaped member
comprises a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the top
flange or created in the top flange; wherein the clamp comprises a
plurality of engaging claw parts, each engaging claw part being
configured to engage one of the plurality of peripheral tabs and to
press the mounting module against the attachment portion.
30. The tank assembly of claim 29, wherein the clamp is an annular
lock plate comprising the plurality of engaging claw parts.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates to assemblies for
mounting at least one component in a tank of a motor vehicle, and
to tanks comprising such an assembly. Particular embodiments relate
to the field of ammonia precursor tanks and fuel tanks.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Liquid and gas tanks carried on board vehicles generally
have to satisfy sealing and permeability standards related to the
type of use for which they are designed and the requirements in
terms of environmental considerations that they have to meet.
Incorporating one or more components into such tanks presents the
problem of attaching them in a sealed and impermeable way in an
opening made in these tanks. To that end it is known to use a
mounting module, also called baseplate, which carries the one or
more components, and to attach the mounting module to an attachment
portion of the tank.
[0003] Typically, it is also desirable that the one or more
components be mounted to the tank so as to be removable for service
and repair purposes. Various techniques for attaching a mounting
module to a tank are already known. For example, cam lock systems
or mason jar systems are well known by the skilled person.
Generally, these known systems use a ring or a lock nut configured
to be screwed onto a thread on the tank side. In such embodiments,
the attachment operation of the component to the tank is typically
complex, time-consuming and expensive. Further, an adequate
protection of any components arranged at an outer side of the
mounting module is difficult to achieve.
[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved
attachment assembly which is easy to use and improves the
protection of the components.
SUMMARY
[0005] The objects of embodiments of the invention is to provide an
improved assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank for
a motor vehicle, said tank having a wall portion and an attachment
portion projecting outward from said wall portion, said attachment
portion defining an opening in said wall portion. More in
particular it is desirable to provide an assembly which improves
the protection of any components arranged at an outer side of the
mounting module, and to limit or avoid turbulence caused by such
components when the assembly is used in a motor vehicle.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is
provided an assembly for mounting at least one component in a tank
for a motor vehicle, comprising a mounting module, a clamp and a
cover. The mounting module is configured for carrying said at least
one component and for closing of the opening in the wall portion of
the tank. The mounting module has an outer side intended for being
accessible from outside the tank. At least one connector is
arranged at the outer side of the mounting module. The at least one
connector is connected to the at least one component. The clamp is
configured for clamping the mounting module to the attachment
portion of the tank. The cover is attached to the clamp and covers
at least partially the at least one connector.
[0007] By attaching the cover to the clamp, there is provided an
assembly which is easy to mount: the mounting module can be
attached to the attachment portion using the clamp, and the one or
more connectors can be protected using the cover, by attaching the
cover to the clamp after the connectors have been suitably
connected to other parts, e.g. a power source, an exhaust line,
etc. mounted in the motor vehicle. Also the cover will limit any
turbulence caused by the one or more connectors. Finally by
attaching the cover to the clamp no special fixation points are
needed on the tank.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting module is
provided with a mounting flange at an outer circumference thereof,
and the clamp is configured for engaging around said mounting
flange and around a corresponding flange of the attachment portion
of the tank. In that manner a good attachment and impermeability
can be obtained. It is noted that the corresponding flange of the
attachment portion of the tank may either be a flange which is
formed integrally with the tank or a flange created by fixing a
ring-shaped member to the tank, e.g. by overmolding.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment the at least one
connector comprises any one of the following connectors, or a
combination thereof: a hydraulic connector, an electrical
connector. A first electrical connector can be connected to an
electronic control unit to provide power to the control unit and/or
to exchange data between the control unit and other components in
the vehicle. A further electrical connector may be connected to any
components on/in the mounting module that need to be fed by an
electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, etc. A hydraulic
connector may be an outlet of the tank and may be connected to a
hydraulic line for evacuating liquid, e.g. fuel or an ammonia
precursor out of the tank.
[0010] According to a preferred embodiment the clamp is provided
with a plurality of fixation points for attaching the cover.
Preferably the clamp is substantially circular, at least in the
mounted position, and the fixation points are provided in the form
of radially outwardly protruding ears, optionally provided with
orifices for screws. Such fixation points on the clamp will allow
an easy attachment and removal of the cover, and will lead to a
very compact assembly. In further embodiments the one or more
fixation points may be used to fix other external elements, such as
a hydraulic line to the clamp.
[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment an electronic control
unit is mounted on the outer side of the mounting module, and the
cover at least partially covers said electronic control unit. Such
an electronic control unit and one or more electrical connectors
may be mounted on a PCB, wherein an electrical connector is
connected to the electronic control unit, and the PCB is fixed to
the outer side of the mounting module.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment the assembly further
comprising a sealing ring disposed between the mounting module and
the attachment portion, wherein the sealing ring is clamped between
the mounting module and said attachment portion by the clamp.
[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment the clamp is a plastic
clamp.
[0014] According to a first exemplary embodiment the clamp
comprises at least a first clamp shell and a second clamp shell,
said first clamp shell having a first end pivotally connected to a
first end of said second clamp shell. In further embodiments the
clamp may have more than two clamp shells which are pivotally
connected. By having various clamp shells which are pivotally
connected, each clamp shell can be relatively rigid, whilst still
allowing an easy mounting of the clamp around a flange of the
mounting module and a corresponding flange of the attachment
portion. The first clamp shell may have a second end configured for
being connected to a second end of the second clamp shell.
Preferably, the second end of the first clamp shell is connected to
the second end of the second clamp shell through a snap-fit
connection.
[0015] According to a second exemplary embodiment the clamp
comprises at least one attachment strip having a first end equipped
with a toothed portion; and a second end equipped with at least one
head, said head comprising a complementary toothed portion, said
head being configured to receive and lock the strip by means of the
complementary toothed portion; wherein said clamp engages and is
closed onto said mounting module and said attachment portion by
pulling tight the strip through the head. In an exemplary
embodiment thereof, the toothed portion and/or the complementary
toothed portion may comprise teeth obtained by overmolding metal
inserts with plastic material.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment the clamp comprises at an inner
surface thereof at least one internal mouth configured to receive a
mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding flange
of the attachment portion of the tank. Preferably, the or each
internal mouth has a tapered inner surface, narrowing towards the
interior of the mouth, to facilitate the centering of the clamp
around mounting flange of the mounting module and a corresponding
flange of the attachment portion of the tank. Preferably, the clamp
comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs extending radially
between the or each internal mouth and an outer surface of the
clamp.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment the clamp comprises at least one
integral injection molded part. In an embodiment with two clamp
shells, each shell may be an injection molded part.
[0018] According to embodiments of the invention the cover may
function as a protection cover and/or as a heatshield. When the
cover has a heat shield function it may comprises a layer of a heat
shielding material which is configured for reducing the transfer of
heat through the cover. The heat insulation material may be a foam
material. Preferably, the heat insulation material has a thermal
conductivity (K-value), which is lower than 0.06 W/mK preferably
lower than 0.04 W/mK.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a tank and
an assembly according to any one of the previous embodiments.
According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a fuel tank
assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a fuel tank and an assembly
according to any one of the previous embodiments. According to
another exemplary embodiment there is provided an ammonia precursor
tank assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an ammonia precursor
tank and an assembly according to any one of the previous
embodiments.
[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment the tank comprises
an attachment portion in which a ring-shaped member is partially
embedded. The ring shaped member may comprise a top flange, a
bottom flange and a side wall, preferably a frustoconical side
wall, connecting the top flange and the bottom flange. The bottom
flange and a portion of the side wall may be embedded in the
attachment portion. The ring shaped member may further comprise a
plurality of peripheral tabs extending outwardly from the top
flange, and the clamp may comprises a plurality of engaging claw
parts, each engaging claw part being configured to engage one of
said plurality of peripheral tabs and to press the mounting module
against said attachment portion of the tank. In an alternative
embodiment the tabs may be created in the top flange, by providing
suitable cut-outs in the top flange, and the engaging claw parts
may be inserted in the cut-outs to engage the tabs. The side wall
may comprise a plurality of through-holes in the portion which is
embedded in the attachment portion to improve the fixation of the
ring-shaped member in the attachment portion. In an embodiment the
clamp may be an annular lock plate comprising the plurality of
engaging claw parts. In such an embodiment a plurality of fixation
points for attaching the cover may be provided in the form of
peripheral extension parts of the annular lock plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently
preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the
present invention. The above and other advantages of the features
and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a
first exemplary embodiment of a clamp;
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a
first exemplary embodiment of an assembly comprising the clamp of
FIG. 1 fixed to an attachment portion of a tank;
[0024] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate schematically an exemplary embodiment
of a method for fixing the assembly of FIG. 2 on a tank;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of an assembly similar to the assembly of FIG.
2;
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a perspective view of the
exemplary embodiment of the assembly of FIG. 4 with a cover
attached to the clamp;
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate schematic perspective views of a
second exemplary embodiment of a clamp in an open and a closed
position;
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of a
third exemplary embodiment of an assembly fixed to an attachment
portion of a tank;
[0029] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate schematically a perspective view
of a lock plate and a clamp of the third exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 7, respectively; and
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary
embodiment of a tank assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 represents an exemplary embodiment of a plastic clamp
according to a first embodiment. The plastic clamp 1100 comprises a
strip 1111 equipped with a toothed section 1120 and two heads 1131,
1132 formed onto an outer surface of the strip 1111, at one end
thereof. The toothed section 1120 comprises a tab 1121 equipped
with two series of teeth 1222, 1223. The first series of teeth 1222
is used for pre-closing operation and the second series of teeth
1223 is used for final closing operation. It is an advantage to
have a flat section (i.e. section with no teeth) between the first
and second series of teeth 1222, 1223, since the pull force for
intermediate closing of the plastic clamp 1100 can be reduced. The
heads 1131, 1132 are configured to receive and lock the tab 1121.
Each head 1131, 1132 accommodates complementary teeth (not
illustrated) which cooperate with the first and second series of
teeth 1222, 1223. In this particular embodiment, the plastic clamp
1100 comprises twelve internal mouths 1115 regularly spaced along
the strip 1111. As illustrated, each internal mouth 1115 has a
contact surface having a conical like structure. Such a structure
will facilitate the centring of the clamp 1100 around the flanges
of an attachment portion of the tank and of the mounting module,
see further. Advantageously, the plastic clamp 1100 comprises a
plurality of ribs 1116 placed between the internal mouths 1115 and
the strip 1111. In this particular embodiment, the plastic clamp
1100 comprises six ribs 1116, three on the top side and three other
on the bottom side, per internal mouth 1115.
[0032] FIG. 2 represents a partial cross-section of a first
exemplary embodiment of a tank assembly attached to an attachment
portion 1220 of a tank. The assembly comprises the clamp 1100 of
FIG. 1. The tank assembly is attached to a tank having a wall
portion 1210 and a tubular attachment portion 1220 projecting
outward from said wall portion 1210. The attachment portion 1220
defines an opening 1230 in the wall portion 1210 of the tank. The
tank assembly comprises a mounting module 1300 which is attached to
the attachment portion 1220 by means of the plastic clamp 1100. 2.
The mounting module 1300 is provided with a mounting flange 1310 at
an outer circumference thereof, and the clamp 1100 is configured
for engaging around mounting flange 1310 and around a corresponding
flange 1222 of attachment portion 1220 of the tank. In the
illustrated embodiment the corresponding flange 1222 is a radially
outwardly protruding upper part of attachment portion 1220. The
flange 1222 of attachment portion 1220 comprises a groove 1225. An
0 ring seal 1400 is arranged in the groove 1225. Alternatively an
O-ring may be arranged in flange 1310 of mounting module 1300. In
FIG. 2, the plastic clamp 1100 is in a final closing position.
Accordingly, the mounting module 1300 is tightly pressed against
the attachment portion 1220. The O ring seal 1400 is compressed
axially between the attachment portion 1220 and the mounting module
1300.
[0033] In this example, the tank 1220 may be a urea tank and the
mounting module 1300, also called a baseplate or carrying
structure, may incorporate and/or support at least one component
such as, for example, a pump, a filter, a level sensor, a quality
sensor, a temperature sensor or a heater. A part of this mounting
module 1300 is positioned through the opening 1230. More in
particular one or more components may be provided at the inner side
or the outer side of the mounting module, or may be integrated in
the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in the mounting module.
[0034] FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrate an example of steps for attaching
the mounting module 1300 to the attachment portion 1220 by means of
the plastic clamp 1100. In a first step illustrated in FIG. 3A, the
O ring seal 1400 is arranged in the groove 1225. In a second step
illustrated in FIG. 3B, the plastic clamp 1100 is pre-closed while
being positioned on the attachment portion 1220 of the tank. In a
third step illustrated in FIG. 3C, the mounting module 1300 is
placed on the attachment portion 1220. In a fourth step illustrated
in FIG. 3D, an operator or a machine starts pulling the tab 1221 to
make the plastic clamp 1100 self-centering with respect to the
flange 1310 of the mounting module 1300 and the attachment portion
1220. At this step, the internal mouths 1115 start engaging the
flange 1310 of the mounting module 1300 and the flange 1222
attachment portion 1220. At a final step illustrated in FIG. 3E,
the tab 1221 is pulled tight such that the internal mouths 1115
close onto the mounting module 1300 and the attachment portion
1220. Accordingly, the mounting module 1300 is securely attached to
the tank. Further, the O ring seal 1400 is compressed axially
between the attachment portion 1220 and the mounting module
1300.
[0035] FIG. 4 represents a plastic clamp 1100 similar to clamp 1100
of FIG. 1 with this difference that clamp 1100 is provided with a
plurality of fixation points 1141, 1142, 1143 for attaching the
cover. The fixation points 1141, 1142, 1143 are provided in the
form of outwardly protruding ears. The plastic clamp 1100 is used
to attach a mounting module 1300 to an attachment portion (not
visible) on a wall portion 1210 of a tank, as has been described
above. Each extension or ear 1141, 1142, 1143 is provided with an
orifice 1145, 1146, 1147. These orifices 1145, 1146, 1147 can be
used to attach, for example, a cover functioning as protection
plate or as heatshield, clips for hydraulic lines or wiring
harnesses. Thus, these ears 1141, 1142, 1143 can advantageously be
used as fixation points.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 4 but with
components arranged on the outer side of the mounting module 1300
and with a cover 1500. The mounting module 1300 is configured for
carrying at least one component on an inner side intended for being
directed towards the interior of the tank, and/or on an outer side
intended for being directed towards the exterior of the tank, so
that this component is accessible from outside the tank. More
generally one or more components may be provided at the inner side
or the outer side of the mounting module, or may be integrated in
the mounting module, e.g. in a chamber in the mounting module.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment an electronic control unit
(ECU) 1700 is mounted on the outer side of the mounting module
1300, and the cover 1500 covers electronic control unit 1700.
Further a hydraulic connector 1620, and two electrical connectors
1610, 1630 are arranged at the outer side of the mounting module
1300. The electrical connectors 1610, 1630 are typically connected
to the ECU 1700, and to any components that need to be fed by an
electrical power source, e.g. a pump, a heater, a sensor, etc. One
electrical connector 1610 may be used for signal communication
(typically Controller Area Network CAN signals) with the ECU 1700,
and the other electrical connector 1630 may be used for the power
supply of the ECU 1700 and of any other components. The hydraulic
connector 1620 is intended for connecting an outlet of the tank to
a hydraulic line for evacuating liquid out of the tank. The ECU
1700 and the electrical connectors 1610, 1630 may be mounted on a
printed circuit board (PCB, wherein at least one electrical
connector 1610, 1630 is connected to the ECU 1700.
[0038] The cover 1500 is attached to the clamp 1100 and covers at
least partially the various connectors 1610, 1620, 1630. More in
particular, the cover 1500 is attached to the plurality of fixation
points 1141, 1142, 1143 of clamp 1100 using screws 1151, 1152, 1153
or other fixations means. The cover functions here as a protection
plate protecting the connectors 1610, 1620, 1630 and the ECU 1700
against damage and/or the infiltration of dirt. In addition the
cover 1500 may have a heat shield function, e.g. to limit the
heating of the ECU 1700. Alternatively or in addition there may be
provided one or more fixation points for attaching e.g. a hydraulic
line to the clamp.
[0039] FIGS. 6A and 6B a second exemplary embodiment of a clamp
2100. The clamp 2100 is typically a plastic clamp. The clamp 2100
comprises a first clamp shell 2111 and a second clamp shell 2112.
First clamp shell 2111 has a first end pivotally connected to a
first end of second clamp shell 2112, see 2160. To that end the
first end of first clamp shell 2111 may be provided with a shaft
element which fits in a corresponding bearing element provided at
the first end of second clamp shell 2112. First clamp shell 2111
has a second end configured for being connected to a second end of
the second clamp shell 2112, see 2170. In the illustrated
embodiment the second end of the first clamp shell 2111 is
connected to the second end of the second clamp shell 2112 though a
snap-fit connection. The second end of the second clamp shell 2112
is provided with an arrow-like element 2171 which can be
snap-fitted in a corresponding passage 2172 provided at the second
end of the first clamp shell 2111.
[0040] The clamp shells 2111, 2112 each comprise at an inner
surface thereof at least one internal mouth 2115 configured to
receive a mounting flange of the mounting module and a
corresponding flange of the attachment portion of the tank, in a
similar manner as has been described above with reference to FIGS.
3A-3E. The internal mouth 2115 may have a tapered inner surface to
promote the self-centering of the clamp 2100 around the respective
flanges of the mounting module and attachment portion. Further the
clamp 2100 comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs 2116
extending radially between the internal mouth 2115 and an outer
surface of the clamp shells 2111, 2112.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment the clamp shells 2111, 2112 are
integral injection molded parts.
[0042] FIG. 7 represents a partial cross-section of an assembly
according to a third exemplary embodiment. The assembly is mounted
in an opening in a wall portion 3210 of a plastic tank. A ring
shaped member 3200, illustrated in FIG. 8A is embedded in wall
portion 3210 in order to form a portion of an attachment portion
3220. A clamp in the form of an annular lock plate 3100, see also
FIG. 8B, is used to attach a mounting module 3300 to attachment
portion 3220.
[0043] Tubular attachment portion 3220 projects outwardly from wall
portion 3210. In this example, the wall portion 3210 is formed by
injection moulding simultaneously with a circular support portion
3212 located within ring shaped member 3200. Ring shaped member
3200 together with circular support portion 3212 form attachment
portion 3220. Mounting module 3300 is supported against circular
support portion 3212.
[0044] FIG. 8A illustrates the ring shaped member 3200 which is
used for forming attachment portion 3220. The ring shaped member
3200 comprises a top flange 3221, a bottom flange 3222 and a
frustoconical side wall 3223 connecting the top flange 3221 and the
bottom flange 3222. The ring shaped member 3200 further comprises
peripheral tabs 3224 extending outwardly from the top flange 3221.
In this particular embodiment, the ring shaped member 3200
comprises six peripheral tabs 3224 regularly spaced along the top
flange 3221. In an advantageous embodiment, each peripheral tab
3224 can be equipped with a tooth or a series of teeth. In the
example of FIG. 8A, each peripheral tab 3224 is equipped with a
tooth having a V-shape profile. Advantageously, the frustoconical
side wall 3223 comprises a plurality of through-holes 3225. In this
particular embodiment, the top flange 3221 comprises a recess 3226
which is used as a point of reference for precisely positioning a
mounting module 3300 with respect to the ring shaped member 3200.
In this example, the ring shaped member 3200 is made of metal.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bottom flange 3222 and a
portion of the frustoconical side wall 3223 of the ring shaped
member 3200 are embedded, e.g. by overmolding, in the wall portion
3210. The attachment portion 3220 defines an opening in the wall
portion of the tank. The assembly comprises a mounting module 3300
which is attached to the attachment portion 3220 by means of a
clamp in the form of an annular lock plate 3100. The attachment
portion 3220 comprises a groove in which an O ring seal 3400 is
arranged. The groove is arranged such that the O ring seal 3400 is
positioned in-between a flange of the mounting module 3300 and the
attachment portion 3220. In FIG. 7, the ring shaped member 3200 and
the annular lock plate 3100 are in a final closing position. In
this final closing position, the engaging claw parts of the annular
lock plate 3100 are engaged with the peripheral tabs 3224 of the
ring shaped member 3200. Accordingly, the mounting module 3300 is
tightly pressed towards the attachment portion 3220. The O ring
seal 3400 is compressed axially between the attachment portion 3220
and the mounting module 3300. In this example, the tank may be a
urea tank and the mounting module 3300 may be a baseplate which
incorporates and/or supports at least one component such as, for
example, a pump, a filter, a level sensor, a quality sensor, a
temperature sensor or a heater. A part of this mounting module 3300
is positioned through the opening in the tank.
[0046] FIG. 8B represents the annular lock plate 3100. The annular
lock plate 3100 comprises six engaging claw parts 3160. Each
engaging claw part 3160 has a teethed portion adapted to engage
with one of the teeth illustrated in FIG. 8A. At least one of the
engaging claws 3160 comprise a stopper 3162 which is used to block
the rotation of the engaging claws once the teeth are matching with
the corresponding teeth of the ring shaped member 3200. The annular
lock plate 3100 comprises a flat portion 3110 adapted to contact
with a part of the mounting module 3300. In this particular
embodiment, the flat portion 3110 comprises a recess 3170 which is
used as a point of reference for precisely positioning the annular
lock plate 3100 with respect to the mounting module 3300. The
annular lock plate 3100 can optionally comprise one or several
peripheral extension part(s) 3141, 3142, 3143. Each extension 3141,
3142, 3143 is provided with an orifice 3145. These orifices 3145
can be used to attach, for example, a cover, one or more clips for
hydraulic lines or wiring harnesses. Thus, these extensions 3141,
3142, 3143 can advantageously be used as fixation points. In this
example, the annular lock plate 3100 is made of metal.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the annular
lock plate 3100 can be replaced by six independent engaging claw
parts 3160. In this alternative embodiment, each independent
engaging claw part 3160 comprises a teethed portion adapted to
engage a peripheral tab 3224 of the ring shaped member 3200 and a
flat portion 3110 adapted to press a part of the mounting module
3300 against the attachment portion 3220.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary
embodiment of a tank assembly. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the tank
assembly comprises a tank 4200, a mounting module 4300
incorporating a plurality of components 4350, a clamp 4100, and a
cover 4500 attached to the clamp 4100. To that end the clamp 4100
is provided with fixation points 4140. Screws 4150 fix the cover
4500 to fixation points 4140. It is noted that the mounting module
is shown to be mounted at a top face of the tank, but that it could
also be mounted at a bottom face of the tank.
[0049] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out
above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be
understood that this description is merely made by way of example
and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is
determined by the appended claims.
* * * * *