JP7185427B2

JP7185427B2 - fuel tank cover

Info

Publication number: JP7185427B2
Application number: JP2018117432A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 孝哉手島
Original assignee: Inoac Corp
Current assignee: Inoac Corp
Priority date: 2018-06-20
Filing date: 2018-06-20
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-20
Also published as: JP2023018096A; JP2019217930A

Description

本発明は、自動車等の車体に設置される燃料タンクを被う燃料タンクカバーに関する。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fuel tank cover that covers a fuel tank installed on the vehicle body of an automobile or the like.

自動車等の車両には燃料タンクが設けられるが、この燃料タンクは通常、後部座席下やトランクルーム下の車体パネルに取付けられる。そのため、夏場に地面から照り返しの輻射熱により、燃料タンク内の燃料が温度上昇する虞があり、これを回避すべく、断熱性の高い燃料タンクカバーで被う発明がいくつか提案されている。 A vehicle such as an automobile is provided with a fuel tank, and this fuel tank is usually attached to a vehicle body panel under a rear seat or a trunk room. Therefore, there is a danger that the temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank will rise due to the radiant heat reflected from the ground in the summertime.

特開２００３－２８５３９３号公報JP-A-2003-285393 特開２０１６－１２４４３４号公報JP 2016-124434 A

特許文献１は、その請求項１に記載のごとく「…樹脂層と金属層とが肉厚方向に２層以上に積層された多層構造に形成されていることを特徴とするタンクプロテクター。」とし、さらに請求項２で、「前記樹脂層と前記金属層との間には隙間が形成されている請求項１に記載のタンクプロテクター。」とするが、隙間形成による断熱効果はあまり上げられない。特許文献１の段落００２３には「この隙間は、…連通しないものでもよいが、排水を良好に行うためには隙間がタンクプロテクター外部と連通していることが好ましい。」とし、実施例でも隙間がタンクプロテクター外部と連通している内容になっている。隙間に空気が流入し、隙間内の空気に動きがある構造では、断熱効果が低下する問題ある。
特許文献２は、燃料タンク下側の外面に沿って碗状に成形されたインシュレータ(特許文献２ではプロテクター)と、インシュレータの外面に沿って碗状に成形されたプロテクター(特許文献２ではアンダーカバー)で構成された燃料タンクカバーであるが、インシュレータが収まる領域全体を発泡体のインシュレータで満たす構造から、コスト高になっている。 Patent Document 1, as described in claim 1, describes "...a tank protector characterized by being formed in a multi-layered structure in which two or more layers of a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated in the thickness direction." Furthermore, in claim 2, "the tank protector according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the resin layer and the metal layer." . Paragraph 0023 of Patent Document 1 states, "This gap may not communicate, but it is preferable that the gap communicates with the outside of the tank protector in order to drain water well." is in communication with the outside of the tank protector. In a structure in which air flows into the gap and the air in the gap moves, there is a problem that the heat insulating effect is lowered.
Patent Document 2 discloses a bowl-shaped insulator (a protector in Patent Document 2) formed along the outer surface of the lower side of a fuel tank, and a bowl-shaped protector (undercover in Patent Document 2) formed along the outer surface of the insulator. ), the cost is high due to the structure in which the entire area where the insulator is accommodated is filled with the foam insulator.

本発明は、上記問題を解決するもので、インシュレータの使用量を減らしてコスト低減させながら、十分な断熱性能を備えた燃料タンクカバーを提供することを目的とする。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank cover having sufficient heat insulating performance while reducing costs by reducing the amount of insulator used.

上記目的を達成すべく、請求項１に記載の発明の要旨は、燃料タンク下側の外面に沿って碗状形成された発泡体からなるインシュレータと、碗状に樹脂成形されて、該インシュレータの外面を被うプロテクターと、を具備する燃料タンクカバーにおいて、前記インシュレータを介して、前記燃料タンクの下部外面と対向する前記プロテクターの底壁内面に隆起形成された複数の第一リブをさらに具備し、前記プロテクターが、その碗内に前記インシュレータを収めて、燃料タンクを被って車体に組付けられることにより、前記インシュレータの底部下面が該第一リブに受け止められ、該インシュレータの底部下面と前記プロテクターの底壁内面との間に第一空間が形成されてなることを特徴とする燃料タンクカバーにある。請求項２の燃料タンクカバーは、請求項１で、インシュレータの発泡体が、独立気泡性発泡プラスチックにして、オレフィン系合成樹脂又はその複合材で形成されたことを特徴とする。
請求項３の燃料タンクカバーは、請求項１又は２で、インシュレータが軟質の発泡体で、該インシュレータの底部下面に前記第一リブを食い込ませて前記第一リブに受け止められ、該インシュレータの底部下面と前記プロテクターの内面との間に前記第一空間が形成されたことを特徴とする。請求項４の燃料タンクカバーは、請求項３で、インシュレータを収める前記プロテクターの車体への組付けに伴って、軟質発泡体からなる前記インシュレータの側部が前記燃料タンクの側部外面と干渉するよう設けられ、該組付けで、該インシュレータの側部が、該燃料タンクによる押圧を受けて弾性圧縮変形していることを特徴とする。請求項５の燃料タンクカバーは、請求項１～３で、燃料タンクの側部外面と対向する前記プロテクターの側壁内面に隆起形成された第二リブをさらに具備し、前記プロテクターが、その碗内に前記インシュレータを収めて、燃料タンクを被って車体に組付けられることにより、前記インシュレータの側部外面が該第二リブに受け止められ、該インシュレータの側部外面と前記プロテクターの側壁内面との間に、第二空間が形成されたことを特徴とする。請求項６の燃料タンクカバーは、請求項１～５で、プロテクターに係る碗状部の外周縁から水平外方に張り出す環状の外鍔が形成されると共に、該外鍔の上面側で外鍔の周方向に走る第三リブが形成される一方、前記プロテクターに収められた前記インシュレータが前記プロテクターの前記外周縁を越えて第三リブ上に載置する周縁部を有して、前記プロテクターが、その碗内に前記インシュレータを収めて、燃料タンクを被って車体に組付けられることにより、前記インシュレータの周縁部下面が該第三リブに受け止められたことを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the invention described in claim 1 is an insulator made of a foam formed in a bowl shape along the outer surface of the lower side of the fuel tank, and a bowl-shaped resin-molded insulator. a protector that covers the outer surface of the fuel tank cover, the fuel tank cover further comprising a plurality of first ribs protuberantly formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the protector that faces the lower outer surface of the fuel tank through the insulator. The insulator is housed in the bowl, and the protector is assembled to the vehicle body while covering the fuel tank, so that the lower bottom surface of the insulator is received by the first rib, and the lower bottom surface of the insulator and the protector are assembled. The fuel tank cover is characterized in that a first space is formed between the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cover. According to claim 2, the fuel tank cover according to claim 1 is characterized in that the foamed body of the insulator is a closed-cell foamed plastic and is formed of an olefinic synthetic resin or a composite material thereof.
The fuel tank cover according to claim 3 is the fuel tank cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulator is a soft foam, and is received by the first rib by making the first rib bite into the lower surface of the bottom of the insulator. The first space is formed between the lower surface and the inner surface of the protector. In the fuel tank cover of claim 4, the side portion of the insulator made of a soft foam interferes with the side outer surface of the fuel tank as the protector housing the insulator is attached to the vehicle body. In the assembly, the side portion of the insulator is elastically compressed and deformed by being pressed by the fuel tank. The fuel tank cover according to Claim 5 is the fuel tank cover according to Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second rib protuberantly formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the protector facing the outer side surface of the fuel tank, and the protector is positioned inside the bowl. The insulator is housed in the body and assembled to the vehicle body with the fuel tank covered, so that the side outer surface of the insulator is received by the second rib, and is between the side outer surface of the insulator and the side wall inner surface of the protector. , a second space is formed. The fuel tank cover according to claim 6 is the fuel tank cover according to claims 1 to 5, in which an annular outer flange is formed to project horizontally outward from the outer peripheral edge of the bowl-shaped portion related to the protector, and the upper surface side of the outer flange is outside. A third rib running in the circumferential direction of the collar is formed, and the insulator housed in the protector has a peripheral edge portion placed on the third rib beyond the outer peripheral edge of the protector. However, it is characterized in that the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the insulator is received by the third rib by housing the insulator in the bowl and attaching the fuel tank to the vehicle body.

本発明の燃料タンクカバーは、プロテクターの内面に設けた第一リブ、さらに第二リブの嵩上げ構造による熱伝導度小の空気層の空間を形成することによって、インシュレータの厚みを減らしても十分な断熱効果を得ることができ、低コスト化,軽量化等に優れた効果を発揮する。 In the fuel tank cover of the present invention, the thickness of the insulator can be sufficiently reduced by forming an air layer space with low thermal conductivity by raising the first rib and the second rib provided on the inner surface of the protector. A heat insulation effect can be obtained, and excellent effects such as cost reduction and weight reduction can be achieved.

本発明の燃料タンクカバーの一形態で、その分解斜視図である。1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a fuel tank cover of the present invention; FIG. 図１の分解断面図である。2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of FIG. 1; FIG. 燃料タンクを燃料タンクカバーで被って車体に組付けた断面図である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the fuel tank covered with a fuel tank cover and assembled to the vehicle body; 図３で、プロテクターの底壁と側壁の角部周りの部分拡大図である。FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view around the corners of the bottom wall and side walls of the protector. 図１のプロテクターに代わる他態様のプロテクターの斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a protector that replaces the protector of FIG. 1; 図５に代わる別態様のプロテクターの斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the protector in place of FIG. 5; 図６のプロテクターを用いたタンクカバーで、燃料タンクを被って車体に組付けた断面図である。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tank cover using the protector of FIG. 6 covering the fuel tank and assembled to the vehicle body; 図７で、プロテクターの底壁と側壁の角部周りの部分拡大図である。FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view around corners of the bottom wall and the side wall of the protector. 断熱性能試験で得た従来品と本発明品との対比グラフである。It is a comparison graph of the conventional product obtained by the heat insulation performance test and the product of the present invention.

以下、本発明に係る燃料タンクカバーについて詳述する。
図１～図９は本発明の燃料タンクカバーの一形態で、図１はその分解斜視図、図２は図１の断面図、図３は燃料タンクを燃料タンクカバーで被って車体に組付けた断面図、図４は図３の部分拡大図、図５は他態様のプロテクターの斜視図、図６は別態様のプロテクターの斜視図、図７は図６のプロテクターを用いたタンクカバーで、燃料タンクを被って車体に組付けた断面図、図８は図７の部分拡大図、図９は断熱試験結果グラフを示す。各図は発明要部を強調図示し、また本発明と直接関係しない部分を省略する。 The fuel tank cover according to the present invention will be described in detail below.
1 to 9 show one embodiment of the fuel tank cover of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view thereof, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the protector, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the protector, FIG. 7 is a tank cover using the protector of FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a graph of the insulation test results. Each drawing emphasizes the essential parts of the invention, and omits parts that are not directly related to the invention.

本燃料タンクカバー１は、燃料タンク下側の外面７ｂに碗部内面２ａが沿って碗状形成された発泡体からなるインシュレータ２と、該インシュレータ２の外側をカバーする碗状のプロテクター３と、該プロテクター３に設けた第一リブ４と第三リブ６と、を具備する(図１～図４)。本発明でいう「下側」，「下方」とは図３でいえば「紙面下側」，「紙面下方」を指す。 The fuel tank cover 1 includes an insulator 2 made of a foam formed in a bowl shape along an outer surface 7b on the lower side of the fuel tank and an inner surface 2a of the bowl portion, and a bowl-shaped protector 3 that covers the outside of the insulator 2. The protector 3 has a first rib 4 and a third rib 6 (FIGS. 1 to 4). The terms "lower side" and "lower side" in the present invention refer to "lower side of the paper surface" and "lower side of the paper surface" in FIG.

インシュレータ２は、断熱性を有する所定厚みの発泡体からなり、図３のごとく燃料タンク７の下側からこれを被うようにした碗状の立体形状部品である。インシュレータ２は次のようにして造られる。
燃料タンク７下側を被うインシュレータ２の形状になるよう、その展開された形状に合わせて、断熱性を有する所定厚みの板体から展開部材を切り取る。その後、該展開部材を接着加工によって碗状立体化させたインシュレータ２とする。また、所定厚みで碗状に発泡成形したインシュレータ２とすることもできる。例えば独立気泡タイプの熱可塑性フォームシートを加熱軟化させて型にセットした後、真空成形や圧空成形で燃料タンク下側の外面７ｂに沿う形状に成形してもよい。 The insulator 2 is made of a foam having a predetermined thickness and has a heat insulating property, and is a bowl-shaped three-dimensional part that covers the fuel tank 7 from below as shown in FIG. The insulator 2 is manufactured as follows.
A deployment member is cut out from a heat-insulating plate having a predetermined thickness so as to match the shape of the insulator 2 that covers the lower side of the fuel tank 7 . After that, the deployment member is made into the bowl-shaped three-dimensional insulator 2 by adhesion processing. Alternatively, the insulator 2 may be foam-molded into a bowl shape with a predetermined thickness. For example, a closed-cell type thermoplastic foam sheet may be heat-softened and set in a mold, and then formed into a shape along the outer surface 7b of the lower side of the fuel tank by vacuum forming or pressure forming.

ここでのインシュレータ２は、独立気泡性発泡プラスチックにして、オレフィン系合成樹脂又はその複合材で形成され、軟質の発泡体からなる真空成形品とする。「独立気泡性発泡プラスチックとは独立気泡で大部分を占めている発泡プラスチックをいう。」（図解プラスチック用語辞典第２版）。厚みが4mm～8mmの独立気泡タイプの発泡ポリエチレンシートを加熱軟化させ、該発泡ポリエチレンシートと型との間を真空状態にして真空成形でできたインシュレータ２になっている。
符号２３は、底部２１と側部２２でつくる碗部の開口縁からフランジ状に出っ張る周縁部を示す。 The insulator 2 here is made of a closed-cell foamed plastic, formed of an olefin-based synthetic resin or a composite material thereof, and is a vacuum-formed soft foamed product. "Closed-cell plastic foam refers to plastic foam in which closed cells occupy the majority" (Illustrated dictionary of plastic terms, 2nd edition). The insulator 2 is formed by vacuum molding by heating and softening a closed-cell foamed polyethylene sheet having a thickness of 4 mm to 8 mm and creating a vacuum between the foamed polyethylene sheet and the mold.
A reference numeral 23 denotes a peripheral edge portion projecting like a flange from the opening edge of the bowl portion formed by the bottom portion 21 and the side portion 22 .

プロテクター３は、前記インシュレータ２の碗部外面２ｂを被って碗状に樹脂成形された射出成形品で、その碗状部の外周縁３１１から水平外方に張り出す環状の外鍔３４が設けられる(図１)。ポリプロピレン樹脂製又はタルク入りポリプロピレン樹脂製で、1.5mm～2.5mm程の厚みで成形される。符号３５は外鍔３４の四方角部で耳状に延在させてなる突片、符号３５０は該突片３５に設けた通孔を示す。
プロテクター３に係る碗状部３１の底壁内面３２ａには、第一リブ４が形成される。 The protector 3 is an injection-molded product that is molded into a bowl-shaped resin so as to cover the outer surface 2b of the bowl portion of the insulator 2, and is provided with an annular outer flange 34 that protrudes horizontally outward from an outer peripheral edge 311 of the bowl-shaped portion. (Figure 1). Made of polypropylene resin or polypropylene resin containing talc, it is molded with a thickness of about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Reference numeral 35 denotes projecting pieces extending in the shape of ears from the four corners of the outer flange 34 , and reference numeral 350 denotes through holes provided in the projecting pieces 35 .
A first rib 4 is formed on the bottom wall inner surface 32 a of the bowl-shaped portion 31 of the protector 3 .

第一リブ４は、燃料タンク７を被った燃料タンクカバー１の車体８への組付けで、インシュレータ２を介して、燃料タンクの下部外面７１と対向する前記プロテクター３の底壁内面３２ａに隆起形成された突出部分である(図３)。図１,２のごとく碗状部３１の底壁３２を横長の楕円形状とするが、その底壁内面３２ａに、帯幅方向を起立させて横倒しの帯板状に隆起する第一リブ４が楕円形状の横長方向に所定ピッチで複数配設される。帯幅方向が起立する第一リブ４の帯幅高さは、底壁内面３２ａ側に設定する断熱用の第一空間Ｓ１の必要層高さが確保されるよう、その高さｈ１が5mm～15mmの範囲で設定される。 When the fuel tank cover 1 covering the fuel tank 7 is assembled to the vehicle body 8, the first rib 4 protrudes on the bottom wall inner surface 32a of the protector 3 facing the lower outer surface 71 of the fuel tank via the insulator 2. The protruding portion formed (Fig. 3). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom wall 32 of the bowl-shaped portion 31 has a horizontally long elliptical shape, and on the inner surface 32a of the bottom wall, there is a first rib 4 that protrudes in the shape of a sideways flat plate with the width direction raised. A plurality of them are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the laterally long direction of the elliptical shape. The band width height of the first rib 4 standing in the band width direction is such that the required layer height of the first space S1 for heat insulation set on the bottom wall inner surface 32a side is secured, and the height h1 is 5 mm or more. Set in the range of 15mm.

そして、前記突片３５の通孔３５０を用いて、プロテクター３は、図３のごとくインシュレータ２を介して燃料タンク７を被い、車体８（詳しくは車体パネル）とでインシュエータの周縁部２３を挟着して該車体８に組付け固定できるようになっている。図中、符号９はプロテクター３を車体８に組付け固定するための締結具、符号９１は車体８に設けたボルト、符号９２は該ボルト９１の雄ねじ部に螺合する雌ねじ部を有するナットを示す。 Using the through hole 350 of the projecting piece 35, the protector 3 covers the fuel tank 7 via the insulator 2 as shown in FIG. can be assembled and fixed to the vehicle body 8 by sandwiching the . In the drawing, reference numeral 9 denotes a fastener for assembling and fixing the protector 3 to the vehicle body 8, reference numeral 91 denotes a bolt provided on the vehicle body 8, and reference numeral 92 denotes a nut having a female thread portion screwed onto the male thread portion of the bolt 91. show.

前記プロテクター３は、その碗内３０に前記インシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられる。すると、インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂが図３のように第一リブ４に受け止められ、インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂとプロテクター３の底壁内面３２ａとの間に空気層の第一空間Ｓ１が形成される。さらに、インシュレータ２が軟質の発泡体で造られており、図４のごとく、燃料タンク７の荷重をその下部外面７１を通じて受け取ったインシュレータ２は、該インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂが第一リブ４に食い込んで第一リブ４に受け支えられる。インシュレータ２は、第一リブ４が在る地点で当初厚みｔ１よりも厚みｔ３へと小さくなる。インシュレータ底部下面２１ｂとプロテクター３の内面３ａとの間に、第一リブ４の嵩上げ構造による空気層の第一空間Ｓ１ができる。
また、燃料タンク７を被った燃料タンクカバー１（インシュレータ２を収めたプロテクター３）の車体８への組付けで、インシュレータ２の側部２２が燃料タンクの側部外面７２と干渉するよう設定される。その干渉域では、前記燃料タンクカバー１の車体８への組付けで、図４のごとく剛体の燃料タンク７による押圧を受けて、軟質のインシュレータ２が当初厚みｔ１からこれよりも厚み小の厚みｔ２へと弾性圧縮変形している。弾性圧縮変形するインシュレータ２の側部２２の部分は、図４のごとく該プロテクターの底壁３２寄りの側壁内面３３ａを一周する形で設けられる。第一空間Ｓ１内に在る空気の流出入を止めるためである。 The protector 3 accommodates the insulator 2 in the bowl 30, covers the fuel tank 7, and is assembled to the vehicle body 8. - 特許庁Then, the bottom lower surface 21b of the insulator 2 is received by the first rib 4 as shown in FIG. be. Further, the insulator 2 is made of a soft foam, and as shown in FIG. It bites in and is supported by the first rib 4 . The insulator 2 is reduced from the initial thickness t1 to a thickness t3 at the point where the first rib 4 is present. A first space S<b>1 of an air layer is formed between the lower surface 21 b of the insulator bottom portion and the inner surface 3 a of the protector 3 due to the raised structure of the first rib 4 .
Further, when the fuel tank cover 1 (protector 3 containing the insulator 2) covering the fuel tank 7 is assembled to the vehicle body 8, the side portion 22 of the insulator 2 is set so as to interfere with the side portion outer surface 72 of the fuel tank. be. In the interference region, when the fuel tank cover 1 is assembled to the vehicle body 8, pressure is applied by the rigid fuel tank 7 as shown in FIG. It is elastically compressively deformed to t2. The portion of the side portion 22 of the insulator 2 that is elastically compressed and deformed is provided so as to encircle the side wall inner surface 33a near the bottom wall 32 of the protector as shown in FIG. This is to stop the inflow and outflow of air existing in the first space S1.

第一リブ４は、図１～図４のように碗状部３１の底壁内面３２ａに複数の第一リブ４を所定ピッチで平行配設した縦リブ４Ａだけで構成したが、加えて、他態様の図５のごとくこれら縦リブ４Ａに交差させた横リブ４Ｂを設けて格子状の第一リブ４とするとより好ましくなる。横リブ４Ｂも底壁内面３２ａに帯幅方向を起立させて横倒しの帯板状に隆起する。帯幅方向が起立した縦リブ４Ａ，横リブ４Ｂの双方の起立上縁４１は同一面上にある。格子状の第一リブ４とすることによって断熱効果が一層高まる。 1 to 4, the first rib 4 is composed only of the vertical rib 4A in which a plurality of first ribs 4 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined pitch on the inner surface 32a of the bottom wall of the bowl-shaped portion 31. In addition, As shown in FIG. 5 of another embodiment, it is more preferable to provide a horizontal rib 4B that crosses these vertical ribs 4A to form a grid-like first rib 4. As shown in FIG. The lateral ribs 4B also rise in the band width direction on the inner surface 32a of the bottom wall and protrude in the shape of a sideways belt plate. The upright upper edges 41 of both the vertical rib 4A and the horizontal rib 4B, which are upright in the band width direction, are on the same plane. By forming the grid-like first ribs 4, the heat insulating effect is further enhanced.

本実施形態は、前記第一リブ４に加えて、第三リブ６が設けられている(図１,図２)。碗状部の外周縁３１１から外鍔３４を水平外方へ延在させるが、該外鍔３４の上面３４ａ側に、第三リブ６が外鍔３４の周方向に走るよう形成される。突条の第三リブ６が、外鍔上面３４ａで、碗状部３１の外周縁３１１に沿って周回するよう設けられる。プロテクター３の碗内３０にインシュレータ２の底部２１，側部２２が収められると、インシュレータ２の周縁部２３が該第三リブ６上に載る構成である(図３)。
プロテクター３の射出成形で、第三リブ６は、第一リブ４,碗状部３１,外鍔３４と一体成形されている。プロテクター３が、その碗内３０にインシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられることにより、インシュレータ２の周縁部下面２３ｂが第三リブ６に受け止められる。詳しくは、軟質発泡体のインシュレータ２が、その周縁部２３の下面２３ｂに第三リブ６を食い込ませて該第三リブ６に受け止められる。外鍔上面３４ａに堤状に隆起する第三リブ６の高さｈ３は、該第三リブ６でシールできる高さにする。符号Ｓ３はインシュレータ２の周縁部２３と第三リブ６と外鍔３４とに囲まれた第三空間を示す。 In this embodiment, a third rib 6 is provided in addition to the first rib 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The outer collar 34 extends horizontally outward from the outer peripheral edge 311 of the bowl-shaped portion, and the third rib 6 is formed on the upper surface 34a side of the outer collar 34 so as to run in the circumferential direction of the outer collar 34 . A third rib 6 of a projection is provided so as to go around along the outer peripheral edge 311 of the bowl-shaped portion 31 on the outer collar upper surface 34a. When the bottom portion 21 and the side portions 22 of the insulator 2 are accommodated in the bowl 30 of the protector 3, the peripheral portion 23 of the insulator 2 rests on the third rib 6 (Fig. 3).
In the injection molding of the protector 3, the third rib 6 is integrally formed with the first rib 4, the bowl-shaped portion 31, and the outer flange 34. The lower surface 23b of the peripheral edge portion of the insulator 2 is received by the third rib 6 by the protector 3 housing the insulator 2 in the bowl 30, covering the fuel tank 7 and being assembled to the vehicle body 8. - 特許庁Specifically, the soft foam insulator 2 is received by the third ribs 6 with the third ribs 6 biting into the lower surface 23b of the peripheral portion 23 thereof. The height h3 of the third rib 6 protruding like a bank on the upper surface 34a of the outer flange is set to a height that allows the third rib 6 to seal. Symbol S3 indicates a third space surrounded by the peripheral portion 23 of the insulator 2, the third rib 6, and the outer flange .

図６に別態様のプロテクター３を示す。図２の第一リブ４に加え、さらに第二リブ５を備えたプロテクター３になっている。インシュレータ２を介して、燃料タンクの側部外面７２と対向するプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａに、第二リブ５を隆起形成する。プロテクター３が、その碗内３０にインシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられることにより、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂが該第二リブ５に受け止められる(図８)。帯幅方向を起立させてプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａから横倒しの帯板状に隆起する第二リブ５は、底壁内面３２ａに対し起立し、上端が碗状部の外周縁３１１近くまで延在する。該第二リブ５は、碗状部３１の側壁３３の内周方向に所定ピッチで複数配設される。底壁内面３２ａに配した第一リブ４の縦リブ４Ａがある箇所では、図示のごとく該第一リブ４の縦リブ４Ａに第二リブ５が接続する。第二リブ５の帯幅方向高さｈ２は、第一リブ４の帯幅方向高さｈ１に合わせている。 FIG. 6 shows another protector 3 . The protector 3 has a second rib 5 in addition to the first rib 4 shown in FIG. A second rib 5 is protuberantly formed on the side wall inner surface 33 a of the protector 3 facing the side outer surface 72 of the fuel tank through the insulator 2 . The protector 3 accommodates the insulator 2 in the bowl 30, covers the fuel tank 7, and is assembled to the vehicle body 8, whereby the side outer surface 22b of the insulator 2 is received by the second rib 5 (Fig. 8). . The second rib 5, which rises in the band width direction and protrudes from the side wall inner surface 33a of the protector 3 in a sideways band plate shape, stands up against the bottom wall inner surface 32a, and the upper end extends to near the outer peripheral edge 311 of the bowl-shaped portion. do. A plurality of the second ribs 5 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the inner peripheral direction of the side wall 33 of the bowl-shaped portion 31 . At a position where the vertical rib 4A of the first rib 4 arranged on the inner surface 32a of the bottom wall is present, the second rib 5 is connected to the vertical rib 4A of the first rib 4 as shown in the drawing. The width-direction height h2 of the second rib 5 is matched with the width-direction height h1 of the first rib 4 .

そして、図６のプロテクター３が、その碗内３０に前記インシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられると、前述の第一空間Ｓ１を形成すると共に、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂが該第二リブ５に係る帯幅方向の起立上縁５１に受け止められて、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂとプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａとの間に空気層の第二空間Ｓ２を形成する(図７,図８)。本実施形態は、燃料タンク７を被った燃料タンクカバー１の車体８への組付けで、インシュレータ２と燃料タンク７との干渉部分を設ける。斯かる干渉部分によって、燃料タンクの側部外面７２を通じて干渉押圧力を受けた軟質発泡体のインシュレータ２は、自ら弾性圧縮変形して、その側部外面２２ｂが第二リブ５に食い込んで該第二リブ５に受け支えられる。そうして、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂとプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａとの間に、図８ごとくの第二空間Ｓ２を形成する。
第二リブ５によって形成された第二空間Ｓ２は、外周縁３１１側の開口が外鍔３４に載るインシュレータ２の周縁部２３によって塞がれて、閉空間となる。 When the protector 3 shown in FIG. 6 accommodates the insulator 2 in the bowl 30 and is assembled to the vehicle body 8 while covering the fuel tank 7, the first space S1 is formed and the insulator 2 side is formed. The outer surface 22b is received by the upright upper edge 51 in the width direction of the second rib 5 to form the second space S2 of the air layer between the outer surface 22b of the insulator 2 and the inner surface 33a of the side wall of the protector 3. form (FIGS. 7 and 8). In this embodiment, an interference portion between the insulator 2 and the fuel tank 7 is provided by assembling the fuel tank cover 1 covering the fuel tank 7 to the vehicle body 8 . The soft foam insulator 2, which receives an interference pressing force through the side outer surface 72 of the fuel tank due to such an interference portion, is elastically deformed by itself, and its side outer surface 22b bites into the second rib 5, thereby It is supported by the second rib 5. Thus, a second space S2 is formed between the side outer surface 22b of the insulator 2 and the side wall inner surface 33a of the protector 3 as shown in FIG.
The second space S<b>2 formed by the second rib 5 is closed by the peripheral edge portion 23 of the insulator 2 placed on the outer collar 34 at the opening on the side of the outer peripheral edge 311 .

図９は、本発明品と特許文献２の従来品との断熱性能を比較した実験結果図である。ホットプレート上に、プロテクター３の底壁３２に相当する板(厚み1.5mm)を置き、該板上に厚み12mmのインシュレータ２用発泡シートを載せたものを従来品とした。一方、本発明品は、プロテクター３の底壁３２に相当する板(厚み1.5mm)と、図５のような高さｈ１が5mmの格子状第一リブ４と、を一体成形し、この第一リブ４上に厚み7mmのインシュレータ２用発泡シートを載せたもので、これがホットプレート上に載る。厚み12mm,厚み7mmのインシュレータ２用発泡シートは、共に、独立気泡タイプの発泡ポリエチレンシートを用い、プロテクター３の底壁３２に相当する板の面積と同じにした。 FIG. 9 is a graph showing experimental results comparing the heat insulation performance of the product of the present invention and the conventional product of Patent Document 2. In FIG. A plate (1.5 mm thick) corresponding to the bottom wall 32 of the protector 3 was placed on a hot plate, and a 12 mm thick foamed sheet for the insulator 2 was placed on the plate to prepare a conventional product. On the other hand, in the product of the present invention, a plate (thickness 1.5 mm) corresponding to the bottom wall 32 of the protector 3 and the grid-like first rib 4 having a height h1 of 5 mm as shown in FIG. A 7 mm-thick foamed sheet for the insulator 2 is placed on one rib 4, and this is placed on the hot plate. The foamed sheets for the insulator 2 having a thickness of 12 mm and a thickness of 7 mm were both closed-cell type foamed polyethylene sheets, and had the same area as the plate corresponding to the bottom wall 32 of the protector 3 .

そして、ホットプレートの温度を60℃に調整して、両インシュレータ２用発泡シートの上面中央地点の温度を、熱電対を使って測定した。図９は時間軸を横軸にして、測定温度の変化を縦軸に表している。本実験結果によれば、底壁内面３２ａから高さ5mmの第一リブ４と厚み7mmのインシュレータ２用発泡シートとの本発明品は、底壁内面３２ａから厚み12mmにした従来品と同程度の断熱性能を有する。インシュレータ２の厚みを減らし、その減らした分を第一リブ４に置き代えても断熱性能は略同じになる。 Then, the temperature of the hot plate was adjusted to 60° C., and the temperature at the central point of the upper surfaces of the foamed sheets for both insulators 2 was measured using a thermocouple. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents the time axis, and the vertical axis represents the change in the measured temperature. According to the results of this experiment, the first rib 4 having a height of 5 mm from the bottom wall inner surface 32a and the foamed sheet for the insulator 2 having a thickness of 7 mm are equivalent to the conventional product having a thickness of 12 mm from the bottom wall inner surface 32a. of heat insulation performance. Even if the thickness of the insulator 2 is reduced and the reduced amount is replaced with the first rib 4, the heat insulation performance is substantially the same.

このように構成した燃料タンクカバー１は、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられると、インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂが該第一リブ４に受け止められ、インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂとプロテクター３の底壁内面３２ａとの間に第一空間Ｓ１が形成されるので、該第一空間Ｓ１を埋める熱伝導度が小の空気層によって良好な断熱性を確保できる。
特に、夏場は地面からの照り返しが強く、その輻射熱をプロテクター３の外面３ｂ、とりわけ底壁３２がまともに受けるが、底壁内面３２ａに簡単な第一リブ４を設けるだけで、熱伝導度小の空気層が溜まる第一空間Ｓ１を形成して、温度上昇を抑える。断熱効果が高く且つ低コスト化できる。図９のごとく、インシュレータ２の減らした厚みを第一空間Ｓ１の厚みに置き換えることができ、インシュレータ２の使用量を減らして低コスト化を実現しながら、特許文献２の燃料タンクカバーと同様の十分な断熱効果を発揮できる。さらに、インシュレータ２の使用量を減らすことできるので、軽量化にも貢献する。 When the fuel tank cover 1 configured in this manner is assembled to the vehicle body 8 while covering the fuel tank 7, the bottom lower surface 21b of the insulator 2 is received by the first rib 4, and the bottom lower surface 21b of the insulator 2 and the protector 3 are fitted together. Since the first space S1 is formed between the first space S1 and the bottom wall inner surface 32a, good heat insulation can be ensured by the air layer with low thermal conductivity that fills the first space S1.
Especially in summer, the reflection from the ground is strong, and the radiant heat is received by the outer surface 3b of the protector 3, especially the bottom wall 32. However, the heat conductivity is small by simply providing the first rib 4 on the inner surface 32a of the bottom wall. A first space S1 is formed in which an air layer of is accumulated to suppress a temperature rise. High heat insulation effect and low cost. As shown in FIG. 9, the reduced thickness of the insulator 2 can be replaced with the thickness of the first space S1. It can exhibit sufficient heat insulation effect. Furthermore, the amount of insulator 2 used can be reduced, which contributes to weight reduction.

インシュレータ２の発泡体を、独立気泡性発泡プラスチックにして、オレフィン系合成樹脂又はその複合材で形成されると、気泡がそれぞれ独立して並ぶ独立起泡性の発泡プラスチックによりインシュレータ２そのものも良好な断熱性が確保される。独立気泡ポリエチレンフォーム等のオレフィン系合成樹脂又はその複合材は、気泡がきめ細かく、柔軟性,復元性を有し、高弾性のものも存在する。インシュレータ２が、斯かる軟質の発泡体で、該インシュレータ２の底部下面２１ｂに第一リブ４を食い込ませて前記第一リブ４に受け止められると、インシュレータ２と第一リブ４との当接部でのシール性が高まるので、第一空間Ｓ１内の空気層の空気がその場所にとどまり、より断熱効果を高めることができる。 If the foam of the insulator 2 is a closed-cell foamed plastic and is formed of an olefin-based synthetic resin or a composite material thereof, the insulator 2 itself is also good because of the closed-cell foamed plastic in which the cells are arranged independently. Thermal insulation is ensured. Olefin-based synthetic resins such as closed-cell polyethylene foams and their composites have fine cells, flexibility, resilience, and high elasticity. The insulator 2 is such a soft foam, and when it is received by the first rib 4 with the first rib 4 biting into the bottom lower surface 21b of the insulator 2, the abutment portion between the insulator 2 and the first rib 4 Since the sealing performance at the first space S1 is improved, the air in the air layer in the first space S1 stays there, and the heat insulating effect can be further enhanced.

さらに、燃料タンク７を被った燃料タンクカバー１の車体８への組付けで、インシュレータ２の側部２２が燃料タンクの側部外面７２と干渉するよう設定されると、図４のごとく剛性の高い燃料タンク７側から干渉による押圧を受けて、インシュレータ２が当初厚みｔ１より厚み小の厚みｔ２へと弾性圧縮変形して封止するので、第一空間Ｓ１内の空気の出入りがなくなる。特許文献１のような隙間に空気が流入し、隙間（ここでは第一空間Ｓ１）内の空気に動きがある構造でないので、断熱効果が低下するといった問題も起こらない。
また、第一リブ４を縦リブ４Ａと横リブ４Ｂとで格子状にして第一空間Ｓ１を形成すると、縦リブ４Ａと横リブ４Ｂとで格子状に囲まれた第一空間Ｓ１の上面開口がインシュレータ２に塞がれて、格子枠に囲まれた第一空間Ｓ１の閉空間を形成して、断熱効果を一層高める。 Furthermore, when the fuel tank cover 1 covering the fuel tank 7 is assembled to the vehicle body 8, if the side portion 22 of the insulator 2 is set so as to interfere with the side portion outer surface 72 of the fuel tank, as shown in FIG. Since the insulator 2 is elastically compressed and deformed to have a thickness t2 smaller than the initial thickness t1 due to pressure from the side of the high fuel tank 7 due to interference and seals, air does not flow in and out of the first space S1. Since there is no structure in which air flows into the gap as in Patent Document 1 and the air in the gap (here, the first space S1) moves, the problem of lowering the heat insulating effect does not occur.
Further, when the first rib 4 is formed in a grid pattern by the vertical ribs 4A and the horizontal ribs 4B to form the first space S1, the upper surface opening of the first space S1 surrounded by the vertical ribs 4A and the horizontal ribs 4B in a grid pattern. is blocked by the insulator 2 to form the closed space of the first space S1 surrounded by the grid frame, thereby further enhancing the heat insulating effect.

燃料タンクの側部外面７２と対向するプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａに隆起形成された第二リブ５をさらに具備すると、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂとプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａとの間に、熱伝導度小の空気層が溜まる第二空間Ｓ２を形成できる。プロテクター３が、その碗内３０にインシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられることによって、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂが第二リブ５に受け止められ、インシュレータ２の側部外面２２ｂとプロテクター３の側壁内面３３ａとの間に断熱性の高い空気層の第二空間Ｓ２を設けることができる。
熱伝導度が小の空気層で満たされた第一空間Ｓ１及び第二空間Ｓ２が、図７のように燃料タンクの下部外面７１のみならず側部外面２２ｂを被うので、魔法瓶のように、断熱性に極めて優れた燃料タンクカバー１が出来上がる。 If the second rib 5 formed on the side wall inner surface 33a of the protector 3 facing the side outer surface 72 of the fuel tank is further provided, heat is prevented between the side wall inner surface 22b of the insulator 2 and the side wall inner surface 33a of the protector 3. A second space S2 in which an air layer with low conductivity is accumulated can be formed. The protector 3 accommodates the insulator 2 in the bowl 30, covers the fuel tank 7, and is assembled to the vehicle body 8, so that the side outer surface 22b of the insulator 2 is received by the second rib 5, and the insulator 2 side is received. A second space S2 of an air layer with high heat insulation can be provided between the outer surface 22b and the side wall inner surface 33a of the protector 3. As shown in FIG.
The first space S1 and the second space S2 filled with an air layer with low thermal conductivity cover not only the lower outer surface 71 of the fuel tank but also the side outer surface 22b as shown in FIG. , the fuel tank cover 1 having extremely excellent heat insulation is completed.

加えて、インシュレータ２に周縁部２３を有し、外鍔３４の周方向に走る第三リブ６を備えたプロテクター３が、該インシュレータ２を収めて、燃料タンク７を被って車体８に組付けられることにより、インシュレータ２の周縁部下面２３ｂが該第三リブ６に受け止められると、周縁部２３と第三リブ６との当接で、シール性を発揮する。
第三リブ６と周縁部２３とのシール性が発揮されることによって、第一空間Ｓ１内の空気、さらに第二空間Ｓ２が在る場合は、該空間の空気がインシュレータ２の外へ流出したり、インシュレータ２の外から例えば夏場の熱をもった空気がインシュレータ２内へ流入したりすることを、第三リブ６の地点で阻止する。さらに、軟質のインシュレータ２にして、周縁部下面２３ｂに第三リブ６を食い込ませて、該第三リブ６に周縁部２３が受け止められると、該周縁部２３がパッキンの働きをし、そこでのシール性がいかんなく発揮される。図１,図５のように、外鍔３４の周方向に周回させた第三リブ６であれば、シール性が盤石となり、より効果的な断熱性能を有する燃料タンクカバー１となる。 In addition, a protector 3 having a peripheral edge portion 23 on the insulator 2 and a third rib 6 running in the circumferential direction of the outer flange 34 accommodates the insulator 2 and is assembled to the vehicle body 8 while covering the fuel tank 7. As a result, when the lower surface 23b of the peripheral edge portion of the insulator 2 is received by the third rib 6, the contact between the peripheral edge portion 23 and the third rib 6 exhibits sealing performance.
Due to the sealing performance between the third rib 6 and the peripheral edge portion 23, the air in the first space S1 and, if there is a second space S2, flow out of the insulator 2. The point of the third rib 6 prevents the flow of hot air from outside the insulator 2 into the insulator 2, for example, in summer. Furthermore, when the soft insulator 2 is used and the third rib 6 is bitten into the lower surface 23b of the peripheral edge portion, and the peripheral edge portion 23 is received by the third rib 6, the peripheral edge portion 23 acts as a packing. Excellent sealing performance. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, if the third rib 6 is wound in the circumferential direction of the outer collar 34, the sealing performance becomes solid, and the fuel tank cover 1 having more effective heat insulating performance.

尚、本発明においては前記実施形態に示すものに限られず、目的,用途に応じて本発明の範囲で種々変更できる。インシュレータ２，プロテクター３，第一リブ４，第二リブ５，第三リブ６，燃料タンク７等の形状,大きさ,個数,材質等は用途に合わせて適宜選択できる。例えば、実施形態のプロテクター３に係る外鍔３４はその上面３４ａを同一水平面にしたが、碗状部の外周縁３１１に起伏を設け、この起伏にしたがって外周縁から水平に張り出した外鍔３４にもできる。 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those shown in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. The shape, size, number, material, etc. of the insulator 2, the protector 3, the first rib 4, the second rib 5, the third rib 6, the fuel tank 7, etc. can be appropriately selected according to the application. For example, the upper surface 34a of the outer collar 34 of the protector 3 of the embodiment is the same horizontal plane. can also

１燃料タンクカバー
２インシュレータ
２１ｂ底部下面
２２側部
２３周縁部
３プロテクター
３０碗内
３２ａ底壁内面
３３ａ側壁内面
４第一リブ
５第二リブ
６第三リブ
７燃料タンク
７１燃料タンクの下部外面
７２燃料タンクの側部外面
８車体
Ｓ１第一空間
Ｓ２第二空間 1 fuel tank cover 2 insulator 21b bottom lower surface 22 side portion 23 peripheral edge portion 3 protector 30 bowl interior 32a bottom wall inner surface 33a side wall inner surface 4 first rib 5 second rib 6 third rib 7 fuel tank 71 lower outer surface of fuel tank 72 fuel Side outer surface of tank 8 Vehicle body S1 First space S2 Second space

Claims

A fuel tank cover comprising: a bowl-shaped foam insulator formed along the outer surface of the lower side of the fuel tank; and a bowl-shaped resin-molded protector covering the outer surface of the insulator,
further comprising a plurality of first ribs protuberantly formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the protector facing the lower outer surface of the fuel tank through the insulator,
The protector accommodates the insulator in the cup, covers the fuel tank, and is assembled to the vehicle body, so that the bottom lower surface of the insulator is received by the first rib, and the insulator bottom lower surface and the protector bottom surface are received. A fuel tank cover, wherein a first space is formed between the cover and the inner surface of the bottom wall.

2. A fuel tank cover according to claim 1, wherein said foamed body of said insulator is a closed-cell foamed plastic and is formed of an olefinic synthetic resin or a composite material thereof.

The insulator is a soft foam, and is received by the first rib with the first rib biting into the lower bottom surface of the insulator, and the first space is formed between the lower bottom surface of the insulator and the inner surface of the protector. 3. A fuel tank cover according to claim 1 or 2 formed.

Along with the assembly of the protector containing the insulator to the vehicle body, the side portion of the insulator made of soft foam is provided so as to interfere with the side outer surface of the fuel tank. 4. The fuel tank cover according to claim 3, wherein the portion is elastically compressed and deformed by being pressed by the fuel tank.

further comprising a second rib protuberantly formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the protector facing the outer side surface of the fuel tank;
The protector accommodates the insulator in the cup, covers the fuel tank, and is assembled to the vehicle body so that the outer side surface of the insulator is received by the second rib, and the outer side surface of the insulator and the 4. The fuel tank cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second space is formed between the inner surface of the side wall of the protector.

A ring-shaped outer brim is formed to extend horizontally outward from the outer peripheral edge of the bowl-shaped portion of the protector, and a third rib is formed on the upper surface side of the outer brim and runs in the circumferential direction of the outer brim, The insulator housed in the protector has a peripheral edge portion placed on a third rib beyond the outer peripheral edge of the protector,
6. The insulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protector is assembled to the vehicle body with the insulator contained in the cup and covering the fuel tank so that the lower surface of the periphery of the insulator is received by the third rib. A fuel tank cover according to item 1.