Patent Description:
The invention can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described with respect to a truck, the invention is not restricted to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles such as buses, marine vessels or working machines.

A vehicle may comprise a tank assembly comprising a plurality of tanks. For instance, a tank assembly may be used for storing fuel for a propulsion system of the vehicle. In order to furnish a vehicle with a tank assembly in a time efficient manner, the tank assembly may be assembled separately and the thus assembled tank assembly may thereafter be attached to the vehicle, for instance to a frame of the vehicle.

An example of vehicle fuel tank assembly is disclosed in <CIT>. However, the <CIT> fuel tank assembly cannot be assembled in an efficient manner.

An object of the invention is to provide a method for assembling a tank assembly, which method implies a flexible assembling procedure.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a method according to claim <NUM>.

As such, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a tank assembly for a vehicle. The tank assembly comprises a plurality of tanks comprising a plurality of tank subsets comprising a first tank subset and a second tank subset. The first and second tank subsets are adapted to be adjacent in the tank assembly.

By virtue of the fact that the first side bracket assembly is attached to the first intermediate bracket assembly before the second tank subset is connected to the second side of the first intermediate bracket assembly, an assembling method is obtained in which the first tank subset is fixed between the first side bracket assembly and the first intermediate bracket assembly before a subsequent assembling step, such as adding a second tank subset, needs to be performed. This in turn implies a flexible assembling method since assembling can be performed with a low amount of loose parts during each step of the assembly.

Optionally, the following is performed for the last tank subset to be added to the tank assembly:.

Optionally, the method further comprises the following procedure sequentially for each tank subset adapted to be located between the first tank subset and the last tank subset, wherein the first intermediate bracket assembly forms a previously attached intermediate bracket assembly for the second tank subset :.

Owing to the fact that each tank subset is fixed between the first previously attached intermediate bracket assembly and the further intermediate bracket assembly during the above assembly method embodiment, a flexible assembly method is obtained wherein the number of tank subsets may be varied between different tank assemblies without the need for changing assembly tools and/or assembling procedures.

Optionally, the tanks are arranged in parallel and each one of the tanks is elongate and extends along a main extension direction. The first and second sides of each tank subset extend in a plane comprising the main extension direction.

Optionally, each tank subset comprises at least two tanks.

Optionally, the method further comprises fluidly connecting the tanks of said tank subsets to each other.

The fluid connection of the tanks to each other may preferably be made before the tank assembly is attached to a vehicle. By way of example, the fluid connections may be obtained by fluidly connecting tanks of the tank assembly by pipes.

Optionally, each tank is a fuel tank, preferably each tank is adapted store fuel at a pressure exceeding <NUM> bar, preferably exceeding <NUM> bar, more preferred exceeding <NUM> bar.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for attaching a tank assembly to a vehicle, wherein the tank assembly has been assembled according to the first aspect of the present invention before being connected to the vehicle. The method comprises:.

Optionally, the step of connecting the tank assembly to the mounting bracket assembly using one or more straps comprises connecting the first side bracket assembly to the mounting bracket assembly.

Optionally, the method comprises connecting the tank assembly to the mounting bracket assembly using one or more straps enclosing the tank assembly.

Optionally, the one or more straps are connected to the second side bracket assembly.

Optionally, the stiffness of the mounting bracket assembly is substantially lower than the stiffness of a vehicle frame of the vehicle.

Arranging the stiffness of the mounting bracket assembly to be substantially lower than the stiffness of a vehicle frame of the vehicle implies that the tank assembly will have an appropriately small influence on the overall stiffness of the vehicle.

Optionally, the mounting bracket assembly comprises a mounting bracket and a mounting bracket attachment member for attaching the mounting bracket to the vehicle. The mounting bracket is elongate with a main extension and the mounting bracket has a mounting bracket length along the main extension. The length of the mounting bracket attachment member along the main extension is less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>%, of the mounting bracket length.

A length in any one of the above ranges implies that the stiffness of the mounting bracket assembly will be relatively low as compared to the stiffness of the vehicle frame.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a kit for assembling a tank assembly for a vehicle. The kit comprises a first side bracket assembly, a second side bracket assembly and one or more intermediate bracket assemblies, the kit being adapted to be used in a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

The invention will be described below for a vehicle in the form of a truck <NUM> such as the truck illustrated in <FIG>. The truck <NUM> should be seen as an example of a vehicle which could comprise a tank assembly that has been assembled in accordance with the present invention. However, a tank assembly assembled in accordance with a method embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in a plurality of different types of vehicles. Purely by way of example, a tank assembly could be connected to a truck, a tractor, a car, a bus, a work machine such as a wheel loader or any other type of construction equipment.

The <FIG> vehicle <NUM> comprises a tank assembly <NUM>. Purely by way of example, the tank assembly <NUM> may be adapted to supply fuel to a propulsion system (not shown) for propelling the vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates that the vehicle comprises a frame <NUM> to which the tank assembly <NUM> may be connected.

The present invention relates to a method for assembling a tank assembly <NUM> for a vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the present invention wherein the complete tank assembly <NUM> is presented in the end of the <FIG> procedure.

As may be gleaned from <FIG>, the tank assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of tanks comprising a plurality of tank subsets comprising a first tank subset <NUM> and a second tank subset <NUM>. The first and second tank subsets <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to be adjacent in the tank assembly <NUM>.

Purely by way of example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the tanks may be arranged in parallel and each one of the tanks is elongate and extends along a main extension direction M.

<FIG> and <FIG> further illustrate an embodiment of the method for assembling the tank assembly <NUM>, which method comprises:.

As such, after steps S10 - S14 hereinabove have been carried out, an interim aggregate has been obtained comprising the first tank subset <NUM>, the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM>. The interim aggregate comprises components that have been connected to each other, thus making it possible to add further components to the tank assembly <NUM> in a straightforward manner.

As a non-limiting example, in order to prevent the first tank subset <NUM> from moving relative to each one of the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> when the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> are attached to each other, at least one of the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> may be shaped such that relative movement is prevented. In the <FIG> embodiment, the first side bracket assembly <NUM> is such that it prevents motions up, down and sideways, as seen in the plane of <FIG>, of the first tank subset <NUM> relative to the first side bracket assembly <NUM>. Moreover, relative motions along the main extension direction M may be prevented by frictional forces built up between the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and/or the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the first tank subset <NUM>. To this end, though purely by way of example, a high friction material, such as a rubber panel, may be located between the first side bracket assembly <NUM> and the first tank subset <NUM> and/or between the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the first tank subset <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the first side bracket assembly <NUM> may comprise one or more contact surfaces, adapted to contact the first tank subset <NUM>, which one or more surfaces are lined with a high friction material, such as a rubber material. Moreover, again as a non-limiting example, the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> may comprise one or more contact surfaces, adapted to contact the first tank subset <NUM>, which one or more surfaces are lined with a high friction material, such as a rubber material.

<FIG> and <FIG> further illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the present invention wherein the following is performed for the last tank subset <NUM> to be added to the tank assembly <NUM>:.

When steps S16 - S20 have been carried out, the tank assembly <NUM> has been obtained. The tank assembly is self-supporting which makes it easy connect the tank assembly <NUM> to a vehicle.

As a non-limiting example, in order to prevent the last tank subset <NUM> from moving relative to each one of the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the second side bracket assembly <NUM> when the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the second side bracket assembly <NUM>, at least one of the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the second side bracket assembly <NUM> may be shaped such that relative movement is prevented. In the <FIG> embodiment, the second side bracket assembly <NUM> is such that it prevents motions up, down and sideways, as seen in the plane of <FIG>, of the last tank subset <NUM> relative to the second side bracket assembly <NUM>.

Moreover, relative motions along the main extension direction M may be prevented by frictional forces built up between the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and/or the second side bracket assembly <NUM> and the last tank subset <NUM>. To this end, though purely by way of example, a high friction material, such as a rubber panel, may be located between the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> and the last tank subset <NUM> and/or between the second side bracket assembly <NUM> and the last tank subset <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the previously attached intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> may comprise one or more contact surfaces, adapted to contact the last tank subset <NUM>, which one or more surfaces are lined with a high friction material, such as a rubber material. Moreover, again as a non-limiting example, the second side bracket assembly <NUM> may comprise one or more contact surfaces, adapted to contact the last tank subset <NUM>, which one or more surfaces are lined with a high friction material, such as a rubber material.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of the method according to the invention may further comprise the following procedure sequentially for each tank subset adapted to be located between the first tank subset <NUM> and the last tank subset, and wherein the first intermediate bracket assembly <NUM> forms a previously attached intermediate bracket assembly for said second tank subset <NUM>:.

The above steps S16 - S22 may be performed for each tank subset adapted to be located between the outermost tank subsets of a tank assembly <NUM>. A second side bracket assembly <NUM> may be connected to the last tank subset to be added to the tank assembly <NUM>, for instance using the procedure as outlined in steps S16 - S20 hereinabove.

Purely by way of example, and as indicated in <FIG>, each tank subset <NUM>, <NUM>, may comprise at least two tanks <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>', <NUM>". However, it is also envisaged that embodiments of the present invention may use tank subsets comprising only one tank (not shown) or three or more tanks (not shown).

As a non-limiting example, the method further comprises fluidly connecting the tanks <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>', <NUM>" of said tank subsets <NUM>, <NUM> to each other. Purely by way of example, and as indicated in <FIG>, such fluid connections may be achieved by attaching a conduit assembly <NUM> to the tanks <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>', <NUM>".

Purely by way of example, each tank <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>', <NUM>" is a fuel tank, preferably each tank <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>', <NUM>" is adapted store fuel at a pressure exceeding <NUM> bar, preferably exceeding <NUM> bar, more preferred exceeding <NUM> bar.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a method of a second aspect of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a method for attaching a tank assembly <NUM> to a vehicle <NUM>, wherein the tank assembly <NUM> has been assembled according to the first aspect of the present invention, for instance in accordance with the method embodiments presented hereinabove, before being connected to the vehicle <NUM>.

The method for attaching a tank assembly <NUM> to a vehicle <NUM> comprises:.

Purely by way of example, the step S32 of connecting the tank assembly <NUM> to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> using one or more straps <NUM> may comprise connecting the first side bracket assembly <NUM> to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM>.

As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the method may comprise connecting the tank assembly <NUM> to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> using one or more straps <NUM> enclosing the tank assembly <NUM>. Furthermore, as indicated by way of example in <FIG>, the one or more straps <NUM> may be connected to the second side bracket assembly <NUM>.

Purely by way of example, the stiffness of the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> may be substantially lower than the stiffness of the vehicle frame <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. To this end, with reference to <FIG>, as a non-limiting example, the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> may comprise a mounting bracket <NUM> and a mounting bracket attachment member <NUM> for attaching the mounting bracket <NUM> to the vehicle <NUM>. In the <FIG> embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> comprises two mounting bracket <NUM>, each one of which being connected to a mounting bracket attachment member <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> is elongate with a main extension and the mounting bracket <NUM> having a mounting bracket length <NUM> along the main extension, the length <NUM> of the mounting bracket attachment member along the main extension being less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>%, of the mounting bracket length <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a kit <NUM> for assembling a tank assembly for a vehicle. The kit <NUM> comprises a first side bracket assembly <NUM>, a second side bracket assembly <NUM> and one or more intermediate bracket assemblies <NUM>. The kit <NUM> is adapted to be used in a method according to the present invention. The kit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> further comprises a mounting bracket assembly <NUM> and a strap <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method for assembling a tank assembly (<NUM>) for a vehicle, said tank assembly (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of tanks comprising a plurality of tank subsets comprising a first tank subset (<NUM>) and a second tank subset (<NUM>), said first and second tank subsets (<NUM>, <NUM>) being adapted to be adjacent in said tank assembly (<NUM>), characterized in that said method comprises:
- connecting a first side bracket assembly (<NUM>) to a first side (<NUM>) of said first tank subset (<NUM>),
- connecting a first side (<NUM>) of a first intermediate bracket assembly (<NUM>) to a second side (<NUM>) of said first tank subset (<NUM>), wherein said first intermediate bracket assembly (<NUM>) comprises a second side (<NUM>) adapted to be connected to a first side (<NUM>) of said second tank subset (<NUM>), wherein said first side bracket assembly (<NUM>) and said first intermediate bracket assembly (<NUM>) are located on opposite sides of said first tank subset (<NUM>), and
- attaching said first side bracket assembly (<NUM>) to said first intermediate bracket assembly (<NUM>) before said second tank subset (<NUM>) is connected to said second side (<NUM>) of said first intermediate bracket assembly (<NUM>).