WO2008037175A1

WO2008037175A1 - Vibration-isolated,machine-mounted,fluid tank

Info

Publication number: WO2008037175A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/002575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yafeng Li; Xudong Zhang; Li Chen; Lu Dong; Xiping Chen
Original assignee: Caterpillar Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Caterpillar Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2007-08-27
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2009-02-28
Also published as: CN101134475A; CN101134475B

Abstract

A fluid tank is provided for a mobile machine having a first fender (16b) and a second fender (16c). The fluid tank may have at least one enclosed fluid vessel (22) and a first mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel (22) to the first fender (16b). The fluid tank may further have a second mount (38) mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel (22) to the second fender (16c).

Description

VIBRATION-ISOLATED, MACHINE-MOUNTED. FLUID TANK

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a machine-mounted fluid tank and, more particularly, to a machine-mounted fluid tank substantially isolated from terrain and machine induced vibrations.

Background

[0002] Machines such as, for example, track-type tractors, wheel loaders, on and off-highway haul trucks, motor graders, and other heavy equipment are used to perform many tasks. To effectively perform these tasks, the machine requires an engine that provides significant torque to propel the machine and/or to power various hydraulic systems (e.g., implement systems, steering systems, braking systems, etc.). The engine may be a diesel engine, gasoline engine, or gaseous fuel-powered engine and, when the machine is mobile, requires a machine- mounted fuel tank. Similarly, because of the mobility of the machine, a supply of hydraulic fluid for use with the implement system must also be located onboard the machine.

[0003] During operation of the machine, it is possible for machine-mounted fluid tanks (i.e., a fuel tank and/or a hydraulic tank) to be damaged from external sources, vibration, flexing of machine and/or tank mounting, and other sources, resulting in tank leakage or rupture. Specifically, high frequency vibration induced from engine or implement system operation can travel through a frame of the machine to the tank. In addition, low frequency vibrations associated with travel of the machine over rough terrain can be transmitted by traction devices of the machine through the frame to the tank. These vibrations, if left unchecked, can cause tank material fatigue over time or even sudden failure of the tank, if the vibrations are severe. [0004] One attempt at preventing vibration in a fluid tank of a tractor is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,268,048 (the '048 patent) issued to Teraoka et al. on May 19, 1981. In particular, the '048 patent discloses a small garden tractor having a seat, a transmission case located rearward of the seat, and left and right fenders located to each lateral side of the transmission case. A stay bar connects the left and right fenders to minimize vibration thereof. A fuel tank is located in a space between the fenders, rearward of the seat. The fuel tank is connected to the fenders at a forward location, by way of the stay bar, and to the transmission case at an aft location. The common connection between the fenders, stay bar, and transmission case is intended to prevent vibration in the fenders and fuel tank. [0005] Although this configuration may be suitable for some applications, it may be inappropriate for larger machines having greater levels of induced vibrations. Specifically, the '048 patent does not describe any method for isolating the fuel tank from vibrations transmitted to the tank by the fenders or the transmission case. The levels of vibration present in the fenders and transmission case of large construction and/or earth moving machines may be excessive.

[0006] Further, although the mounting configuration described in the '048 patent may be suitable for use with small, symmetrically-shaped, fluid tanks, it may not adequately support large or asymmetric fluid tanks. Specifically, because the tank of the '048 patent is only mounted at two locations and only in the fore/aft direction of the tank, side-to-side motion and transverse rotational tendencies may be only minimally restricted. That is, a large tank having great momentum may exert great force on the mounting structure as the machine lurches side-to-side. If the mounting configuration is not properly located to resist this force, tank damage may be possible. In addition, an asymmetric tank may produce asymmetric forces that can not be adequately supported with only two, symmetrically-located mounts.

[0007] The disclosed fluid tank is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid tank for a mobile machine having a first fender and a second fender. The fluid tank may include at least one enclosed fluid vessel and a first mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the first fender. The fluid tank may further include a second mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the second fender.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to another fluid tank for a mobile machine. The fluid tank may include at least one enclosed fluid vessel. The fluid tank may further include only three mounts securing the at least one enclosed fluid vessel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed machine;

[0011] Fig. 2 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed tank arrangement for use with the machine of Fig. 1 ;

[0012] Fig. 3 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary disclosed tank support structure for use with the tank arrangement of Fig. 2;

[0013] Fig. 4 is a front view illustration of an exemplary disclosed fluid tank for use with the tank arrangement of Fig. 2;

[0014] Fig. 5 A is a cut-away exploded view illustration of the fluid tank of Fig.

4; and

[0015] Fig. 5B is a cut-away assembled view illustration of the fluid tank of Fig.

4.

Detailed Description

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 10. Machine 10 may be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. For example, machine 10 may be an earth moving machine -A-

such as a track-type tractor, a wheel loader, a motor grader, or any other earth moving machine. Machine 10 may alternatively be a passenger vehicle, or another suitable operation-performing machine. Machine 10 may include a power source 12, at least one traction device 14, a frame 16 connecting power source 12 to traction device 14, a work tool 18, an operator station 20, and a fluid supply tank 22.

[0017] Power source 12 may combust fuel to produce a mechanical power output, and may embody an internal combustion engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other type of engine apparent to one skilled in the art. Power source 12 may draw fluid from supply tank 22 and utilize the fluid for fuel, lubrication, cooling, work tool operation, or for any other purpose. The mechanical power output of power source 12 may be directed through traction device 14 to propel machine 10, and converted to hydraulic power for actuation of work tool 18. [0018] Traction device 14 may include one or more tracks located on each side of machine 10. Alternatively, traction device 14 may include wheels, belts, or other traction devices known in the art. Traction device 14 may be drivingly connected to power source 12 by way of a transmission unit (not shown) and/or torque converter (not shown).

[0019] Frame 16 may include any structural unit that supports movement of work machine 10. For example, frame 16 may include a central stationary base member 16a connecting power source 12, traction device 14, and operator station 20; a right fender 16b fixedly connected to base member 16a; a left fender 16c also fixedly connected to base member 16a; a movable frame member (not shown) of a linkage system connecting base member 16a to work tool 18; or any other frame known in the art. As illustrated in Fig. 1, right and left fenders 16b, 16c may be comiected to shield the operator station 20 and to support supply tank 22. [0020] Numerous different work tools 18 may be attachable to a single machine 10 and controllable via operator station 20. Work tool 18 may include any device used to perform a particular task such as, for example, a ripper, a bucket, a fork arrangement, a blade, a shovel, a dump bed, a broom, a snow blower, a propelling device, a cutting device, a grasping device, or any other task- performing device known in the art. Although connected in the disclosed embodiment rearward of operator station 20 to lift and/or tilt relative to machine 10, work tool 18 may alternatively or additionally rotate, slide, swing, or move in any other manner known in the art.

[0021] Operator station 20 may include devices that receive input from a work machine operator indicative of a desired work machine steering, travel, or work tool maneuver. Specifically, operator station 20 may include one or more operator interface devices (not shown) located proximate an operator seat 24. The operator interface devices may initiate movement of machine 10 or of work tool 18 by producing steering, position, and/or velocity control signals that are indicative of a desired work machine or work tool maneuver. As illustrated in Fig. 2, when an operator manipulates the interface devices, the operator may observe the lifting and tilting motion of work tool 18 through a rear window 26 of machine 10 along a line of sight designated by arrows 28. [0022] Supply tank 22 may facilitate line of sight 28. Specifically, supply tank 22 may be mounted to straddle right and left fenders 16b, 16c rearward of operator station 20, between seat 24 and work tool 18. Supply tank 22 may include a generally planar top surface 27, a generally planar base surface 29 disposed in opposition to top surface 27, a generally planar front surface 30 connected to base surface 29, a generally planar angled surface 32 connecting front surface 30 to top surface 27, and a generally planar back surface 33 connecting base surface 29 to top surface 27. Located within angled surface 32 may be a recessed portion 34, having an upper surface generally parallel with line of sight 28. Recessed portion 34 may be substantially transversely aligned with rear window 26 and symmetrically located relative to a machine plane of symmetry 36 (i.e., a vertical plane extending fore/aft through machine 10 about which machine 10 is substantially transversely symmetric). The depth of recessed portion 34 into angled surface 32 may vary and be dependent on the application of machine 10 and/or which particular work tool 18 is intended for use with machine 10. Because of its location relative to operator station 20 and right and left fenders 16b, 16c, supply tank 22 may include handles, if desired, to facilitate access to supply tank 22 and/or to operator station 20. [0023] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, supply tank 22 may be flexibly mounted to straddle right and left fenders 16b, 16c. Specifically, supply tank 22 may be attached to each of right and left fenders 16b, 16c at a single peripheral location by way of a pair of load-bearing resilient mounts (LBRMs) 38. In addition, supply tank 22 may be attached by a pair of LBRMs 38 at a central location along a brace member 41, which extends from right fender 16b to left fender 16c. It is contemplated that a second brace member 41 may also extend from right fender 16b to left fender 16c at a distance forward of the first brace member to dampen vibrations within right and left fenders 16b, 16c, if desired. [0024] LBRMs 38 may embody elastomeric mounts designed to carry compressive and tensile loads, while at the same time allowing the supply tank 22 and right and left fenders 16b, 16c to translate and/or tilt relative to one another (i.e. LBRMs 38 may prevent substantial movement in an axial direction of LBRMs 38, but only restrict motion in a transverse direction). These elastomeric mount may include a pad of an elastomeric material, for example, rubber, sandwiched between two mounting plates and/or disposed about a central rigid spacer, such that movement of supply tank 22 away from right and left fenders 16b, 16c is restricted, but some movement of supply tank 22 along a plane substantially parallel with an upper surface of right and left fenders 16b, 16c is allowed. It is contemplated that, rather than paired LBRMs, a single LBRM may be used at each mounting location, if desired. It is further contemplated that brace member 41 may alternatively or another brace member (not shown) may additionally be located rearward of tank 22, if desired, for securing tank 22 and/or right and left fenders 16b, 16c.

[0025] The centrally-located LBRMs 38 may be located offset (i.e., forward) along plane 36 relative to the LBRMs 38 mounted directly to right and left fenders 16b, 16c. Specifically, as can be seen from Figs. 3, 5a, and 5b, supply tank 22 may be symmetrically formed about plane 36 running through first enclosed vessel 42, but asymmetrically formed about a transverse plane 40. Because of its asymmetric shape in the fore/aft direction of machine 10, when filled with fluid, supply tank 22 may have a tendency to rotate in the fore/aft direction. The centrally located LBRMs 38 may be offset along plane 36 such that a substantially triangular shape is formed (i.e., with LBRMs 38 located at the vertices of the triangular shape) to support supply tank 22 against this tendency to rotate. In addition, the fore/aft relationship between the LBRMs 38 of each pair may further support tank 22 against this tendency.

[0026] Supply tank 22 may be designed to contain two dissimilar fluids. In particular, supply tank 22 may include a first enclosed vessel 42, and a second enclosed vessel 44 joined together along a boundary 46. First enclosed vessel 42 may contain a supply of liquid fuel such as, for example, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, ethanol, a blend of different liquid fuels, or a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or a blend thereof. Second enclosed vessel 44 may include a supply of lubricant such as hydraulic oil used in the actuation of work tool 18 or engine oil used by power source 12, a coolant such as water, glycol, or a water/glycol mixture, or any other fluid known in the art that is dissimilar to the fluid contained within first enclosed vessel 42. Supply tank 22 may include a first opening 47 providing access to first enclosed vessel 42, and a second opening 48 providing access to second enclosed vessel 44. Additional openings may be included within supply tank 22, if desired, such as, for example, one or more air vents 52, one or more inlet and outlet ports connecting an external filtering device 50 to first or second enclosed vessels 42, 44, one or more drain ports associated with each of first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, and other such openings known in the art.

[0027] As illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, supply tank 22 may be modular, with first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44 first fabricated separately as independent fluid tanks in the general shape of an "L" (when viewed from top surface 27 toward base surface 29), and later joined together through a welding, threaded fastening, or other suitable joining process. Specifically, first enclosed vessel 42 may be fabricated to include a plurality of flange members 54 extending in the transverse direction from each of back, base, front, recessed, and top surfaces 27, 29, 30, 32, 33. Flange members 54 may be joined to second enclosed vessel 44 by way of a welded lap or butt joint, or threaded fastening such that a third enclosed vessel 56 is created. Third enclosed vessel 56 may be situated to maintain fluid separation between first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, even in the event of tank leakage or rupture. By providing an internal space (i.e., third enclosed vessel 56) between first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, any fluid that might leak from either of these vessels may be contained within that space, without contamination of first or second enclosed vessels 42, 44. A leak path 58 may be provided within base surface 29, if desired. It is contemplated that some or all of flange members 54 may alternatively be fabricated as part of second enclosed vessel 44, if desired. It is further contemplated that flange members 54 may be initially fabricated independent of first and second enclosed vessels 42, 44, and then later joined to both vessels to create third enclosed vessel 56, if desired.

[0028] First enclosed vessel 42 may include one or more baffles 60. Baffles 60 may form a partial partition within first enclosed vessel 42 to minimize the movement of fluid therein during irregular movement of machine 10 over rough terrain. It is contemplated that baffles 60 may also or alternatively be located within second enclosed vessel 44, if desired.

Industrial Applicability

[0029] The disclosed supply tank may be applicable to any mobile machine experiencing vibrations that can affect the integrity of the supply tank. Specifically, because the disclosed supply tank may be isolated from machine and terrain induced vibrations by way of multiple load-bearing resilient mounts (LBRMs), the integrity of the tank may be maintained, even when the machine is subject to excessive terrain-induced vibrations. In addition, the disclosed supply tank mounting configuration may be particularly suited to support large and/or asymmetrically shaped tanks. That is, by mounting the tank with three separate pairs of strategically placed LBRMs, the tank, regardless of size or symmetry, may be secure.

[0030] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the fluid tank of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the fluid tank will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

10. Machine

12. Power Source

14. Traction Device

16. Frame

16a. Base Member

16b. Right Fender

16c. Left Fender

18. Work Tool

20. Operator Station

22. Supply Tank

24. Operator Seat

26. Rear Window

27. Top Surface

28. Line of Site Arrow

29. Base Surface

30. Front Surface

32. Angled Surface

33. Back Surface

34. Recessed Portion

36. Plane of Symmetry

38. Load-Bearing Resilient Mount

40. Transverse Plane

41. Brace Member

42. First Enclosed Vessel

44. Second Enclosed Vessel

46. Boundary

47. First opening 48. Second Opening

50. Filtering Device

52. Air Vent

54. Flange Member

56. Third Enclosed Vessel

58. Leak Path

60. Baffle

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A fluid tank for a mobile machine having a first fender and a second fender, the fluid tank comprising: at least one enclosed fluid vessel; a first mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the first fender; and a second mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the second fender.

2. The fluid tank of claim 1 , further including a third mount centrally located between the first and second fenders and offset from the first and second mounts in a fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

3. The fluid tank of claim 2, wherein: the machine further includes a brace member connecting the first and second fenders; and the third mount indirectly connects the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the first and second fenders by way of the brace member.

4. The fluid tank of claim 2, wherein: the at least one enclosed fluid vessel includes a first enclosed fluid vessel rigidly connected to a second enclosed fluid vessel; and the second enclosed fluid vessel is directly connected by only one mount.

5. The fluid tank of claim 4, wherein: the at least one enclosed fluid vessel further includes a third enclosed fluid vessel disposed between the first and second enclosed fluid vessels; and the third enclosed fluid vessel is held in position by only the first and second enclosed fluid vessels.

6. The fluid tank of claim 1, wherein: each of the first and second mounts prevents substantial movement of the at least one enclosed fluid vessel in an axial direction of the first and second mounts; and each of the first and second mounts only restricts movement of the at least one enclosed fluid vessel in a transverse direction of the first and second mounts.

7. A fluid tank for a mobile machine, comprising: at least one enclosed fluid vessel; and only three mounts securing the at least one enclosed fluid vessel.

8. The fluid tank of claim 7, wherein each of the only three mounts includes a pair of mounting members.

9. The fluid tank of claim 8, wherein the pair of mounting members of only two of the only three mounts is aligned in a fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

10. The fluid tank of claim 9, wherein the pair of mounting members of the remaining one of the only three mounts is transversely aligned relative to the fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

11. The fluid tank of claim 9, wherein only two of the only three mounts are transversely aligned relative to the fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

12. The fluid tank of claim 8, wherein each of the mounting members includes an elastomeric material.

13. The fluid tank of claim 8, wherein all of the mounting members together are symmetrically disposed relative to a machine plane of symmetry.

14. A mobile machine, comprising: an operator station having a seat facing in a forward direction of the mobile machine; a first traction device located on a first side of the mobile machine; a first fender associated with the first traction device; a second traction device located on a second side of the mobile machine; a second fender associated with the second traction device; and a fluid tank straddling the first and second fenders, wherein the fluid tank is rigidly connected to the mobile machine at only three locations spaced apart in a fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

15. The mobile machine of claim 14, wherein the fluid tank includes: at least one enclosed fluid vessel; a first mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the first fender; a second mount connecting the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the second fender; and a third mount directly connected to the at least one enclosed fluid vessel and centrally located between the first and second fenders.

16. The mobile machine of claim 15, wherein: the machine further includes at least one brace member connecting the first and second fenders; the third mount indirectly connects the at least one enclosed fluid vessel to the first and second fenders by way of the at least one brace member; each of the first, second, and third mounts prevents substantial movement of the at least one enclosed fluid vessel in an axial direction of the first, second, and third mounts; and each of the first, second, and third mounts only restricts movement of the at least one enclosed fluid vessel in a transverse direction of the first, second, and third mounts.

17. The mobile machine of claim 16, wherein: the at least one brace member is a first brace member; and the mobile machine further includes a second brace member spaced apart from the first brace member in a fore/aft direction of the mobile machine, the second brace member also connecting the first and second fenders.

18. The mobile machine of claim 15, wherein: each of the first, second, and third mounts includes a pair of elastomeric mounting members; the pair of elastomeric mounting members of the first and second mounts are aligned in a fore/aft direction of the mobile machine; and the pair of elastomeric mounting members of the third mount are transversely aligned relative to the fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

19. The mobile machine of claim 15, wherein only two of the first, second, and third mounts are transversely aligned relative to the fore/aft direction of the mobile machine.

20. The mobile machine of claim 15, further including at least one handle directly connected to the fluid tank.