DE4024493A1 - Water tank for fire engine - has trapezium-shaped cross=section with width of floor greater than width of roof - Google Patents

Abstract

The tank construction between the road axles of a fire engine is symmetrically formed in relation to the longitudinal central plane of the vehicle (3). It forms part of the vehicle floor. A tank (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle has a cross-section in the form of a trapeze such that the tank floor (7) is larger than the covering surface (6). USE/ADVANTAGE - Design of water tank suitable for many types of vehicle which has good driving dynamics whether full or empty.

Description

The invention relates to a tank structure between the driving Tool axles of a commercial vehicle, in particular extinguishing agents vehicle, which with respect to the vehicle longitudinal median plane is symmetrical and part of the vehicle soil forms.

From European patent application No. 86 890 203.2 a tank structure of the aforementioned type known in the Level of the rigid vehicle frame arranged and integrated into this vehicle frame, especially as Flat tank is welded in. It is very disadvantageous complex assembly of components, e.g. B. the cardan shafts in pipe guides. Maintenance and repair of the aggre gates are difficult due to maintenance hatches in the equipment room (after clearing the equipment) and from above (roof cutout). Another disadvantage is that in the event of a side impact (Accident) the tank is located directly in the impact zone, d. H. there is a great risk of delay. Possible Follow-up costs for a repair are considerable. At a possible corrosion of the tank is a partial replacement not given, d. H. it would have the entire chassis be replaced. A low storage of heavy counter stands in the side area is not possible. When driving it is particularly disadvantageous that a dynamic under different behavior when the tank is empty and full give is. The center of gravity moves when the tank is empty upwards, which means that the cheaper power / Ge weight ratio of the limit range when cornering is achieved faster. This disadvantage is also due to Do not turn off driver training.

The object of the invention is to improve the aforementioned state of the art in particular by creating a Tank structure of the type mentioned, the very simple built and can be used in many vehicle types and nevertheless with a vehicle both when empty and good dynamic handling behavior when the tank is full possible.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved indicated by the in the characterizing part of claim 1 characteristics.

The subject of the invention is advantageously further developed by the features of subclaims 2 to 13.

The essence of the invention is the formation of the in vehicle longitudinally extending tanks with a trapezoid shaped cross section, the tank bottom is larger than the ceiling of the tank.

In particular, the tank has a vertical front and a vertical rear wall, expediently the tank in the floor area a central one with a symmetrical cross section has longitudinal shaft.

Front wall and rear wall are at least in the lower side areas with plane-parallel reinforcement plates Mistake.

Between the front or rear wall and the tank bottom are suitable moderately spaced apart substantially vertically Kale inner and outer in the longitudinal direction of the tank Reinforcement ribs arranged, being on the reinforcement horizontal horizontal bolts are provided.  

A particularly advantageous embodiment characterizes that the tank structure as a self-supporting, one Tank module forming the vehicle center part is formed, on the reinforcing plates horizontal longitudinal bolts be are consolidated on which a self-supporting vehicle front module (e.g. vehicle cabin) and a self-supporting drive Tool rear module (e.g. rear-wheel drive part) can be attached.

The tank bottom is advantageously in the longitudinal direction with lowered and there at the central lowest point a drain.

In the deepest drainage area, the tank areas are on the right and to the left of the longitudinal shaft through at least one cross tube communicating connected.

The longitudinal shaft is preferably ver with substantially tical flat longitudinal wall areas formed.

In order to be able to attach additional units better, purpose moderately the sloping side walls of the tank as a whole th tank area protruding circumferentially. At the sloping side walls can be conveniently added laterally tanks and / or equipment boxes can be attached. Any addition tanks and the main tank itself are advantageous provided with an additional outer cladding.

A central (main) tank with a trapezoidal cross section between the vehicle axles takes advantage of the knowledge that comparatively large inclined side walls ge will create a great longitudinal stability of a Set up tanks. Nevertheless, with a main tank comparatively low center of gravity created for a good driving behavior of an extinguishing agent vehicle ensures.  

This applies to both a full and an empty one Tank, since the side equipment boxes to the vehicle floor pulled down can be arranged on the side of the vehicle nen (in contrast to the known extinguishing agent tank according to European patent application mentioned above). The trapeze cross-sectional shape, which sloping side walls of a tank directs, prevents that when cornering at partial filled tank the liquid swings up to the side inadmissibly. Especially together with additional curling walls the uncontrolled movements of the liquid fiction dismantled faster.

Through the longitudinal shaft, the sloping side walls, the ver Reinforcement ribs, reinforcement plates, etc. can in particular re a comparatively lightweight self-supporting Tank module can be created, which in many vehicles types can be used.

The invention results in comparison with the tank module Vehicle of the European patent application mentioned at the beginning following advantages:

• 1. The same dynamic behavior when the vehicle is full and empty Vehicle because the center of gravity of the entire vehicle the tank focus remains unchanged.
• 2. Good device removal possible in the side area.
• 3. Low maintenance due to compact and clear construction way of aggregates.
• 4. Due to the dissolved construction of the tank is a part wise replacement (e.g. in the event of a side accident or aging conditional failure of a component) possible.
• 5. The side elements with their smooth and relatively "soft"  Outside surface form an ideal, energy-consuming zone between the axes (greatest possible safety for feet pedestrians and two-wheelers).
• 6. Complete suction of the tank contents (even in an inclined position) guaranteed by a simple, physical principle. A complex design of the suction line and the order switching at an inclined position can be omitted.
• 7. The main tank can accommodate different vehicle sizes be built in series. Adaptation to the norm or different vehicle equipment is carried out by the side parts, the front and rear unit.

Further details and advantages of the invention emerge itself from the following description of the figures.

The invention will now be described by way of example len explained with reference to the drawing; it demonstrate:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle-extinguishing agent with a concealed by a panel box blind Tanker between the vehicle axles,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section through the Tankauf construction according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the (main) tank of Fig. 2 (omitting the unit box),

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the main tank of FIGS. 2 and 3,

Fig. 5 is a side view similar to FIG. 1 of another fire extinguishing vehicle with the invention when using a larger vehicle cabin, and

Fig. 6 is a side view similar to Figs. 1 and 5 of another vehicle of the lower weight class with the invention.

According to the drawing with special reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, in a fire extinguishing vehicle ( 2 ) a tank construction ( 1 ) is arranged between the vehicle front axle ( 4 ) and the vehicle rear axle ( 5 ).

The (main) tank ( 10 ) extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has a trapezoidal cross-section, the larger tank floor ( 7 ) compared to the tank top surface ( 6 ) forming part of the vehicle floor. Longitudinal symmetry with respect to the median longitudinal plane ( 3 ) is given.

Thus, sloping side walls ( 2 ) are formed of a comparatively large area, which can be designed under different lengths depending on the vehicle type. Front wall ( 13 ) and rear wall ( 14 ), which are preferably of the same design, remain the same for the different vehicle types.

The basic load-bearing element thus forms a trapezoidal one Central tank with a compact rear-wheel drive unit at the rear (Rear engine with gearbox on the rear axle and directly attached flanged pump and additional units) is attached.

At the front there is a tubular support structure with planking with a suspended front axle as a large-capacity vehicle cabin ( 19 ) for the crew (see FIG. 1).

Another embodiment variant according to FIG. 5 provides a series vehicle cabin ( 19 ) with a shortened frame support instead of the tubular support structure.

For the vehicle class of 6-9 t, the tank according to the invention according to FIG. 6 can also be used as in a low-floor pallet truck or a cable drum transport vehicle in which a vehicle front module with a front drive head is located in front of the tank module.

The all-wheel drive can be used in the self-supporting tank construction in the case of the rear-wheel drive design through simple Drive axles, such as. B. in three-axle vehicles as Center axis, design.

Via a simple center differential, which the drive can be directly on the front axle consequences.

Both cardan shafts and the center differential are installed in a longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) in the bottom ( 7 ) of the tank.

Another advantage is that when using the tank ( 10 ) for vehicles with conventional single-axis drive the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) can be closed and the usable volume - the tank ( 10 ) is thus increased. In particular, there is a great rigidity of the tank body in the longitudinal direction.

The U-shaped longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) acts as a frame-like carrier.

In order to ensure the different tank volumes of the different vehicle types, the modular principle can be applied with the aid of a symmetrical tank ( 10 ) with a trapezoidal cross section.

The tank forms the main element of the vehicles say the body.

The division and the resulting expansion modules result from the tactical use of the individual vehicle types or from the practical and legal conditions.

An adaptation of the individual modules allows a comparatively amazingly simple basic tank shape, in which the length is variable and in which the additional tanks ( 11 ) or the equipment boxes ( 12 ) can be designed as desired. The trapezoidal middle section has a width on the underside that does not correspond to the vehicle width. This means that additional side tanks, equipment boxes or the like can be attached mirror-symmetrically on the left and right. The length and height is adapted to the needs. The width is selected according to the respective vehicle type.

The central tank alone takes over the supporting function. In fire-fighting vehicles that are used as combination vehicles (extinguishing and technical assistance), an additional equipment box ( 12 ) can be installed instead of the additional tank ( 11 ). In vehicles of the 6 to 9 t class, a short main tank ( 10 ) is used, which is supplemented by corresponding additional tanks ( 11 ) or equipment boxes ( 12 ).

Regardless of the above, the wheelbase can be an intermediate frame on the front and rear of the tanks vary accordingly.

Main tanks ( 10 ) with correspondingly longer lengths can be used on vehicles in the 10-19 t weight class.

The aforementioned combination options make it possible to set up different tank volumes in a simple manner according to the requirements. The front wall ( 13 ) and rear wall ( 14 ) remain the same for all vehicle types.

The tank ( 10 ) contains on the rear wall ( 14 ) and on the sloping side walls ( 22 ) round cutouts in the form of man holes ( 23 ) for maintenance and cleaning of the tank ( 19 ) or as a connection to the additional tanks ( 11 ) or as an adaptation opening for pump and hydrant connection.

The individual tank components can be manufactured be designed from different materials. In detail These are:

• 1. Conventional sheet metal construction welded; as a mate Steel or aluminum alloys are advantageous.
• 2. Sheet metal construction as mentioned above, but screwed or riveted.
• 3. Pure plastic construction, e.g. B. GFK or Kevlarge tie.
• 4. Combination of tubular steel frame as truss structure structure, embedded in a plastic laminate.

The tank bottom ( 7 ) is lowered centrally in the longitudinal direction and has a deepest drainage area ( 8 ), the part to the left and right of the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) being connected by a cross tube ( 9 ). The entire tank is to be viewed as a longitudinal bending beam with its maximum moment in the middle. For this reason, the deepest drainage area ( 8 ) is advantageous. The greatest bending moment in the middle is absorbed in addition to the sloping side walls by vertical longitudinal wall areas ( 21 ) of the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ), which are comparatively high.

In order to make the usable tank content as large as possible in relation to the total content, the tank is funnel-shaped at the bottom. The above-described cross tube ( 9 ) forms the lowest point for a suction line ( 24 ) to the pump and is at the same time a reinforcement and a collision protection in this tank area, on which the center differential is located.

The manhole ( 23 ) in the rear wall ( 14 ) forms a connection between the tank and pump. Any pipe and line breakthrough can be designed within this manhole. This makes it possible to manufacture the tank ( 10 ) in series and to connect it to any rear part.

The manholes ( 23 ) in the sloping side walls ( 22 ) to connect the additional tanks ( 11 ) and for cleaning, repair or testing purposes.

For connecting the front parts of the vehicle and the rear parts of the vehicle, the side areas of the front and rear walls ( 13 and 14 ) to the left and right of the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) by supporting reinforcement plates ( 16 ) and three angular reinforcement brackets ( 17 ) and outer reinforcement angles ( 18 ) reinforced.

The connection to the front and rear attachments is made by screwing. For this purpose are bolts in the above Area used and welded.  

In order to be able to permanently attach front and rear attachments, who welded perforated plates to the frame ends of the cabin and engine mountings, which are screwed to the tank. In this way, adaptation to the most varied chassis widths in the individual weight classes is made possible. This measure also makes it possible to separate the parts from one another in the event of an accident or age-related failure of an assembly. This can also take into account future developments in the field of axles, engines and cabins. The sloping side walls ( 22 ) protrude in the entire tank area and enable the additional tanks ( 11 ) and / or the equipment boxes ( 12 ) to be screwed on. In the case of large-area tanks, it is additionally possible to screw the manholes ( 23 ) already described in the sloping side walls ( 22 ) of the main tank. An additional breakthrough through the tank walls for fastening the additional units can therefore be dispensed with, as a result of which leaks and complicated production are ruled out from the outset.

After screwing the device boxes ( 12 ) to the tank ( 10 ) a sheet or a plastic plate is then attached as a panel.

Conductor, suction hose bearings and similar mounting parts on the roof of the vehicle are either attached to the side boxes or to the protruding tabs of the sloping side walls ( 22 ).

The roof lining is also on the side parts strengthens since the bridging of the tank in the roof area of approx. 70 cm does not lead to any significant deflection. The This space between the tank top and the roof skin serves as a sweat water zone and concealed accommodation at the same time of connecting lines for water and foam to the roof monitor.  

In other cases, a hidden ladder or Set up suction hose storage to ensure a smooth roof surface to obtain.

Overall, the overall focus is very low. In addition, weight can be in the area of the device holder can be saved because there is no need for unloading. Against about known series vehicles in a self-supporting module Construction also have advantages in terms of Cabin tilt hydraulics, which can be omitted here, as well as the long cardan shaft connection between pump and motor. Weight reduction also results from shortened Cables of the compact unit design in the rear. Further the team can compare in extinguishing vehicles wise to get in or out at a lower point. An optimal one Power transmission to additional units, e.g. B. on pump, compact design makes it possible.

All mentioned in the description and / or in the drawing new features presented alone or in meaningful ler combination are essential to the invention, also so far they are not expressly claimed in the claims.

Claims (13)

1. tank structure ( 1 ) between the vehicle axles ( 4 , 5 ) of a commercial vehicle, in particular extinguishing vehicle ( 2 ), which is symmetrical with respect to the vehicle longitudinal median plane ( 3 ) and forms part of the vehicle floor, characterized by a tank extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction ( 10 ) with a cross section in the form of an isosceles trapezoid, the tank bottom ( 7 ) being larger than the top surface ( 6 ) of the tank ( 10 ) ( FIG. 2). 2. Tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank ( 10 ) has a vertical front wall ( 13 ) and a vertical rear wall ( 14 ). 3. Tank structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tank ( 10 ) in the bottom region has a central longitudinal shaft symmetrical in cross section ( 15 ). 4. Tank structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the front and rear walls ( 13 , 14 ) at least in the unte ren lateral area have plane-parallel reinforcing plates ( 16 ). 5. Tank structure according to claim 4, characterized in that between the front wall ( 13 ) or rear wall ( 14 ) and tank bottom ( 7 ) spaced from each other substantially ver tical in the tank longitudinal direction extending inside and outside tank reinforcing ribs ( 17 , 18 ) are arranged. 6. Tank structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it is designed as a self-supporting, a vehicle middle part forming tank module, on the reinforcing plates ( 16 ) horizontal longitudinal bolts are attached to which a self-supporting vehicle front module (z. B. vehicle cabin 19th ) and a self-supporting vehicle rear module (e.g. rear drive section 20 ) can be attached. 7. Tank structure according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the tank bottom ( 7 ) is lowered centrally in the longitudinal direction and has a deepest drainage area ( 8 ) at a central point. 8. Tank structure according to claim 7, characterized in that in the deepest drainage area ( 8 ) the tank areas to the right and left of the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) are communicatively connected by at least one cross tube ( 9 ). 9. Tank structure according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the longitudinal shaft ( 15 ) has substantially vertical flat longitudinal wall areas ( 21 ). 10. Tank structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inclined side walls ( 22 ) in the entire tank area protrude circumferentially ( Fig. 3). 11. Tank structure according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the front wall ( 13 ), rear wall ( 14 ) and / or the oblique side walls ( 22 ) of the tank ( 10 ) have manholes ( 23 ). 12. Tank structure according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that on the inclined side walls ( 22 ) with the (main) tank ( 10 ) communicating additional tanks ( 11 ) and / or equipment boxes ( 12 ) can be attached. 13. Tank structure according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tank ( 10 ) including any additional tanks ( 11 ) have an additional outer lining.