WO2007030852A1 - Fuel container - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a fuel container (1) comprising an optical warning element (7) which is located on at least one container wall (6), is fixed in a recess (9) of the container wall (6) as an independent warning element body (8), and is or can be covered by means of a removable protective cover (12).

Description

 Fuel can

The invention relates to a fuel canister with an optical warning element provided on at least one canister wall.

From DE 61 52 351 U and DE 67 53 159 a from bottom to top tapering fuel canister made of plastic is known, which is provided on a wall with a triangular warning element. This warning element, called a warning triangle for short, is illuminated by a luminous element attached to the top of the canister so that it is clearly visible from a distance. Moreover, according to DE 67 52 351 U on the handle, provided at the top of the canister, a hazard warning light. The warning triangle should be mounted on the canister surface without lateral protrusion in this embodiment, so as to avoid damage to the warning triangle. Obviously, it is intended to paint the warning triangle or make it from a reflective foil and stick it to the canister surface. However, such a warning element is subject to a relatively early wear due to abrasion, etc., so that the desired warning function after a relatively short time can not be met if the canister is to be used as a warning device. It is also disadvantageous that the protruding holder, which receives the lighting element for illuminating the warning element, brings with it a risk of injury or even breaks off easily. Finally, the known warning triangle in the dark despite illumination only on relatively short distances recognizable.

DE 1 951 917 U describes a "puncture warning triangle" which is formed by one side of a triangular spare canister, here again the warning triangle is mounted on the outside of the canister wall, so that it is likely to be damaged soon Canister hinged to allow the installation of the warning triangle at a height above the wire frame bottom, but a stable state of the canister is not possible.

Finally, DE 1 944 741 U shows another reserve canister in triangular form with a warning triangle on a side wall, the warning triangle also being located directly on the wall here. is applied. Again, there is the already explained disadvantage that the warning triangle can be easily damaged, especially if it is considered that a spare canister is carried in the trunk of a vehicle without fixing at a certain place, so that it can easily slip, apart from that When carrying luggage, the luggage may damage the warning triangle.

It is an object of the invention to form a canister as mentioned at the beginning in such a way that it can fulfill its function as a warning device for its entire service life, over long periods of time, with the optical warning element in particular being subjected to practically no wear. Another object of the invention is to be able to form the canister in a conventional, substantially cuboidal shape (instead of in a triangular, bulky shape in view of view) despite the attachment of the optical Warnelements. Furthermore, it is desirable that the optical warning element is additionally equipped in such a way that it can be perceived particularly well from greater distances and at night.

To solve the above-mentioned main object, the fuel canister according to the invention has the features cited in claim 1. In order to achieve further, in particular below resulting effects advantageous embodiments and developments are provided, as defined in the subclaims.

In the fuel canister according to the invention, hereinafter referred to as canister, the warning element is formed by a separate body which is mounted in a recess or bead in a canister wall. It is of course possible to attach to both main canister walls warning elements in the described embodiment, although it is usually sufficient and is preferred due to the lower cost when a warning element is provided on only one wall. The attachment can thereby releasably, for example by means of screws, done so that, if necessary, should a warning element but be damaged, or in the case of electrical lighting elements, an exchange of the latter or a battery o be required, even a decrease in the warning element is easily possible. To protect the warning element when the canister is stowed in a motor vehicle or in a garage, it is advantageously provided that the warning element is covered or coverable by means of a detachable protective cover. This protective cover can be screwed on, for example, it can also be attached by means of a snap fixation on the canister wall, but preferably it is simply releasably held by means of a magnetic holder on the canister or preferably on the warning element. Such a magnet holder is particularly advantageous if the protective cover, as is preferred, consists of metal (iron metal).

For a stable installation of the canister, it is advantageous if a can be connected to the bottom of the canister, for example via pin-slot guides releasably connectable pedestal base is provided. In this connection, the protective cover can preferably fulfill a further function when it is removed from the canister wall, by then forming the base which can be connected to the underside of the canister. The connection can be easily formed by a positive and / or frictional engagement, such as a block-shaped projection on the canister base engages in a matching recess of the protective cover stand, but it can also with the help of pins that engage in slots implemented become. In practical tests has proved to be particularly advantageous when the protective cover is provided with two generally centrally arranged slots, with widened ends, in which preferably in a central collection of the underside of the canister arranged hook elements, for example in the form of pins with widened heads, are insertable. In this embodiment, by inserting the pin heads through the widened ends of the slots and by slightly relative displacement or twisting of canister and pedestal, a positive connection between canister and pedestal is achieved, wherein the pedestal by means of the pin heads on the underside of the canister is held, even if the canister is lifted from the ground, so that beyond the lateral stabilization of the canister in the raised on the ground state solid connection between the canister and the Stand is achieved.

The base (the protective cover) may be provided with feet with a friction enhancing material, e.g. Rubber, provided or continuously coated with such a material to additionally counteract any slippage of the canister in the erected state. Advantageously, a setting up of the canister as a warning device on the roof of an automobile is possible, and in particular in such applications, it is extremely favorable for warning purposes, if the warning element and the warning element receiving recess of the canister wall and optionally the protective cover in view are formed cross-shaped ,

The warning element can of course be designed to be reflective, but it is (moreover) preferably equipped with light-emitting elements, in particular light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These lighting elements are also used with advantage as flashing lights, i. intermittently controlled and supplied with power / further, even in the case of the flashing function, a group-wise switching of lighting elements are provided to emit certain optical signals. Such a lighting warning element can already be perceived from extraordinarily long distances, from several kilometers; For this purpose, it is also advantageous if lens elements are provided above or in front of the luminous elements, in particular in a part of the warning element body.

The warning element may preferably be simply made of plastic, namely with at least one injection molded part, wherein a reflective formation can be obtained on one side by a corresponding shaping in the injection mold, as known per se.

In particular, it is favorable for manufacturing and assembly reasons, if the warning element is hollow, for example, with two interconnected plastic parts executed. It is further advantageous if the lighting elements and their electrical power supply and control circuit are housed inside the hollow Warnelements. Also can be provided with advantage that inside the hollow Warnelements holding magnet are housed for holding the metallic protective cover.

As already mentioned, an embodiment of the metal canister is preferably provided, and in particular it is advantageous if the depression in the canister wall is formed by deep-drawing.

It is advantageous further when the warning element is screwed to provided in the wall recess, (threaded) bores containing pin-shaped or sleeve-shaped projections.

Finally, it is advantageous if the protection of the canister, in particular the Warnelements, against shocks, shocks and the like. , At least in an edge region of the canister, a protective cover made of rubber material is provided.

The invention will be further explained with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawing, to which, however, it should not be restricted. In detail in the drawing:

1A, 1B, IC and ID a fuel canister according to the invention in a view, in a plan view, in a side view and in an oblique view /

Figure 2 shows this canister in an oblique view with attached protective cover for the warning element, and with screwed refill;

Fig. 3 in an exploded view of the container body of the canister, the cruciform warning element and fixing screws to its Schraubfixierung on the container body and further the outer protective cover;

4 shows a cross section through an arm of the cruciform warning element in the region of the screw fastening to the container wall;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section through part of the arm of the cross-shaped Warnelements to illustrate the arrangement of LEDs as lighting elements inside the warning element; and FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the electrical circuit for the lighting elements.

A fuel canister 1 in view, plan view, side view and oblique view is illustrated in FIGS. The canister 1 has a generally cylindrical container body 2, e.g. made of metal, namely steel, in particular stainless steel. In this container body 2 may be contained an explosion protection material (e.g., a slit and stretched aluminum foil) (not shown), and it is filled via a filling port 3 (see Fig. 2) covered by a cap 3 '. For refilling of fuel (eg gasoline, diesel oil, but also fuel oil) from the canister 1 in a tank, in particular a motor vehicle tank, is inserted in a hollow handle 4 at the top of the container body 2 from one side and there for example by means an only schematically indicated snap fix 5 'latched trunk 5 removed from the hollow handle 4 and after unscrewing the cap 3' on the opening 3, for example by screwing, fixed, see. also Fig. 2.

On the apparent in Fig. IA and ID front main wall 6 of the canister 1, that is, the container body 2, a Andreas- cross-shaped warning element 7 is attached. In detail, this warning element 7 is formed by a separate Warnelement- body 8, which is housed in a better apparent from Fig. 3 and 4 recess 9 in the manner of a bead. This recess 9 in the canister wall 6 is in conformity with the warning element body 8 formed in a cross-shaped, and the warning element 7 is releasably secured in this recess 9 in a manner described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 by means of screws 10. The warning element body 8 is hollow, cf. Also, Fig. 4 and 5, for example, with two interconnected via a snap connection or adhesive connection injection molded parts, wherein in the interior of the warning element body 8, a subsequently described in more detail electric lighting device and further in the arms of the cross near the ends of the arms only schematically dashed , drawn holding magnet 11 for magnet holder of a in Fig. 2 visual, also St. Andrew's cross-shaped protective cover 12 are included. In this Fig. 2, the canister 1 in its prepared for refilling of fuel in a tank position, with over the warning element 7 attached protective cover 12 is illustrated.

In Fig. IA and ID, the canister 1 is shown standing on a pedestal. This stand is formed by the protective cover 12 for the warning element 7, so that the same reference numeral 12 is used for this protective cover or for the base (base). The protective cover 12 is designed as mentioned also St. Andrew's cross-shaped. The protective cover 12 further exists, for example, partially or preferably entirely of a magnetic metal (steel), so that it can be quickly and easily magnetically fixed to the canister 1 by means of the holding magnets 11 when the warning element 7 is attached to the canister wall 6.

As further shown in Figures 2 and 3, the protective cover 12 has in its central region two slots 13 with widened ends 14, the widened ends 14 being provided on the recessed bottom 15 (see Fig. 2) of the canister 1 attached hook-shaped elements 16, in particular pins 17 with widened heads 18 (see Fig. IA), can be passed. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 13 in the protective cover 12 are rectilinear and in line with one another, with the widened ends 14 being provided on mutually corresponding ones, eg the left ends of the slots 13, and the protective cover 12 being displaced linearly relative to the container body 2 or its bottom 15 with the hook elements 16 and thus positively connected to the container 2, that is, can be locked. Instead, it would also be conceivable to provide the keyhole-like slots 13 approximately parallel to each other, slightly curved, the widened ends 14 are provided once above and below the slot 13, so that by slight rotation of the protective cover 12 relative to the container 2, if this is placed with its hook elements 16 and pins 17 on the base formed by the protective cover 12, a positive connection is made. It is further apparent from FIGS. 1A, 1, 2 and 3 that a protective cover 19 made of relatively soft rubber material, which is for example U-shaped in cross-section, rests against the corresponding edge 20 of the container body 2 on the side of the wall 6 of FIG Canister 1 is applied so as to provide protection against shocks, shocks and the like. In the region of the container wall 6, where the warning element 7 is mounted. Further, it can be seen from Figures IA, IB and ID that the base or protective cover 12 is provided at the ends of the cross arms with angled feet 21, preferably with a cap-shaped cover 22 of relatively soft, high friction rubber or plastic material are provided.

Fig. 3 shows the warning element 7 and the warning element body 8 in the detached state of the canister 1, wherein also the recess 9, which is formed in the manner of a bead in a cross shape in the canister wall 6, for example by deep drawing, can be seen. In FIG. 3, the four screws 10, which can also be seen from FIGS. 1A and 1, can be seen, which are inserted through openings 23 in the warning element body 8 and, in particular in FIG. 4, in the form of sleeve-shaped or bush-shaped projections or projections Pin 24 are screwed, which are welded to the wall 6. To seal against moisture and for damping, an O-ring 25 may be inserted. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 3 and in particular from FIG. 4 that the warning element body 8 is formed from two parts, in particular made of plastic, namely a shell-shaped injection-molded part 26 as a lower part and an outer cover 27 designed as a conventional red reflector (from translucent red plastic material with appropriate screening for reflector formation) as the upper part. It can also be seen that the warning element 7 or the warning element body 8 is hollow, wherein in its interior already mentioned above electrical device with lighting elements, control and power supply is included. This device has been omitted for ease of illustration in Fig. 4, however, it will be explained below with reference to FIG. 6.

In Fig. IA and ID, at 28 are the positions of individual ones - Q -

Illustrated light-emitting elements in the form of LEDs, hereinafter simply the reference number 28 is also used for these light-emitting elements or LEDs. From Fig. 5 it can be seen that the LEDs 28 are mounted inside the warning element body 8, wherein in the upper part of the warning element body 8, in the reflector cover 27, at the locations of the LEDs 28 just before (over) these lens elements 28th ', For example, in the manner of Fresnel lenses, were molded in injection molding, so as to focus the light of the LEDs 28 and therefore the distance to which the LEDs 28 can be perceived to increase. It has been shown that at night, with clear conditions, the described warning element 7 can be perceived with the flashing LEDs 28 to a distance of several kilometers.

The LEDs 28 can be interconnected, for example, into two groups, namely, as shown in Fig. IA on the one hand, a left group 30, with the LEDs 28 in the two left cross arms, and in a right group 31, with the LEDs 28 in the two right cross arms. In Fig. 6, these two groups of LEDs 28 are also indicated at 30 and 31, respectively. In the example according to FIG. 1A, each group 30 or 31 contains nine LEDs 28, which symbolize an arrow in accordance with their arrangement in the cross arms. This can be used to "turn on" either one arrow or the other arrow by turning on one group 30 or the other group 31 of LEDs 28, so as to also give other road users information about the side at which they can pass by Of course, however, all the LEDs 28, that is to say of both groups 30, 31, can also be activated at the same time so that they are lit or flashed.

For these actuations, an electrical control circuit 32 is provided as shown in FIG. 6, which has a microprocessor 33 as an essential element. This microprocessor 33 is indexed from one switching state to the next by means of a push-button switch 34 (see Fig. 6, also Fig. IA) attached to the outside of the cruciform warning element 7, wherein, for example, the switching states are as follows: (1) press button switch 34 for the first time - right LED group flashes;

(2) press the button 34 a second time - the left LED group will flash;

(3) push the button 34 a third time - all the LEDs 28 are flashing, i. the entire warning element cross "flashes";

(4) when the button 34 is then pressed a quarter of a time, the original resting state or off state is reached again.

From Fig. 6, finally, a current source 35 can be seen, which on the one hand, optionally via a voltage divider (not shown), the microprocessor 33 feeds, and on the other hand, the LEDs 28 supplied with power. As power or voltage source 35 can serve, for example, replaceable batteries. These batteries, which form the power source 35 can be accommodated in their own from Fig. 3 apparent subjects in the middle of the cross-shaped warning element body 8, on its inner or underside.

Claims

claims 1. Fuel canister (1) with an at least one canister wall (6) provided optical warning element (7), characterized in that the warning element (7) as a separate Warnelement- body (8) in a recess (9) of the canister wall ( 6), and that the warning element (7) by means of a removable protective cover (12) is covered or coverable. 2. Canister according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective cover (12) by means of a magnetic holder, e.g. on the warning element (7), is releasably held. 3. Canister according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a with the canister bottom (15) connectable, e.g. via stand-slot guides releasably connectable, pedestal base (12). 4. Canister according to claim 1 or 2 and according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective cover (12) in the removed from the warning element (7) state forms the pedestal base (12). 5. Canister according to claim 4, characterized in that the protective cover (12) is provided with two generally centrally arranged slots (13) with widened ends (14) into which at the bottom (15) of the canister (1), preferably in a central collection, arranged hook elements (16), eg in the form of pins (17) with widened heads (18), are insertable. 6. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the warning element (7) and the warning element (7) receiving recess (9) of the canister wall (6) and optionally the protective cover (12) formed in view St. Andrew's cross-shaped are. 7. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the warning element (7) is designed as a reflective signal element. 8. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized records that the warning element (7) with light elements (28), preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs), equipped. 9. Canister according to claim 8, characterized in that the lighting elements (28) are controlled as flashing lights intermittently. 10. Canister according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lighting elements (28), optionally in groups (30, 31) are jointly switchable. 11. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the warning element (7) with at least one injection molded part (26, 27) is formed. Canister according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the warning element (7) is hollow, e.g. with two interconnected plastic parts (26, 27) is executed. 13. Canister according to claim 12 and any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that in the interior of the hollow Warnelements (7) the lighting elements (28) and their electrical power supply and control circuit (35, 32) are housed. 14. Canister according to claim 12 or 13 and according to claim 2, characterized in that in the interior of the hollow Warnelements (7) holding magnets (11) for holding the metallic protective cover (12) are housed. 15. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the recess (9) in the canister wall (6) of the metallic canister (1) is a deep-drawn depression. 16. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the warning element (7) in the wall recess (9) provided sleeve-shaped projections (24) is screwed. 17. Canister according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least in an edge region (20) of the Kanis- Ters (1) a protective cover (19) is provided of rubber material.