IP Library Granted Patent US 7,121,301
Granted Patent B2
US 7,121,301 · App. 10/829,774 · Granted Oct 17, 2006

Fuel tank

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,121,301
App. No.
10/829,774
Granted
Oct 17, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

A fuel tank ( 1 ) has a constructional unit which can be preassembled and comprises a surge chamber ( 3 ) and venting device ( 6 ). The constructional unit is fastened to the bottom of the fuel tank ( 1 ) and has spring arms for prestressing openings ( 12, 13 ), which are provided for venting the fuel tank ( 1 ), against the upper wall of the fuel tank ( 1 ). The fuel tank ( 1 ) can be fitted in a particularly simple manner.

Claims (9)

1. A fuel tank having a surge chamber ( 3 ) arranged in the bottom region, having a feed unit which sucks up fuel from the surge chamber, having a level sensor for detecting the fuel level in the fuel tank, and having a venting device ( 6 ) which is arranged in the upper region of the fuel tank and is intended for venting the fuel tank during operation and/or when replenishing the fuel, the surge chamber, the feed unit and the level sensor being designed as a module which can be fitted outside the fuel tank and can be inserted into the fuel tank, characterized in that the venting device ( 6 ) includes:

(a) a base part ( 7 ) mounted on the surge chamber ( 3 ), the base part having an interior that is vented to the outside of the tank;

(b) side parts ( 10 , 11 ) spaced from the base part ( 7 ) having openings ( 12 , 13 ) providing access into lines ( 8 , 9 ), whereby connection is established between the interior of the tank and the interior of the base part ( 7 ); and

(c) spring arms ( 30 , 31 ) extending between base part ( 7 ) and the side parts ( 10 , 11 ) to bias the openings ( 12 , 13 ) against the upper wall of the tank.

2. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the preassembleable unit is fastened to the bottom of the fuel tank ( 1 ).

3. The fuel tank as defined in claim 1 , wherein the venting device ( 6 ) is fastened on an attachment ( 5 ) of the surge chamber ( 3 ).

4. The fuel tank as defined in claim 3 , wherein the base part ( 7 ) of the venting device ( 6 ) or the attachment ( 5 ) of the surge chamber ( 3 ) has a connection ( 33 ) for a forward-flow line ( 23 ).

5. The fuel tank as defined in claim 3 , wherein the attachment ( 5 ) of the surge chamber ( 3 ) is designed as a housing for an electronic system ( 28 ).

6. The fuel tank as defined in claim 1 , wherein the venting device ( 6 ) has a base part ( 7 ) that covers the surge chamber ( 3 ).

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2020
From: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
To: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
Reel/Frame 053372/0083 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2011
From: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
To: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
Reel/Frame 027263/0068 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 5, 2004
From: KROGULL, CHRISTIAN; REITER, FRANK
To: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Reel/Frame 015652/0152 →