JPH02162123A - Fuel tank for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To strengthen the stiffness of a tank as well as to control thermal expansion and contraction so as to contrive to prevent deformation by transversely arranging a supporting member connecting a right and a left car body frame with each other, within a tank shell made of synthetic resin. CONSTITUTION:In a tank 3 which is housed in parallel with an axle in a space between car body frames 1, a supporting member 4 (rod made of iron) the both ends of which are engaged with the car body frames 1 so as to be connected, is transversely inserted in order to be embedded along the bottom section within a tank shell 3a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a tank, and more particularly to a vehicle fuel tank made of synthetic resin that can improve the toughness of the tank itself and also improve the ease of attaching the tank.

[Prior Art] Among the tanks used in automobiles, industrial machinery, etc., synthetic resin tanks for vehicles that store fluid fuels such as gasoline and diesel oil have a "tank" characteristic that was previously proposed by the applicant. There is one disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 143560/1983.

The outline of this proposal is that a tank d as shown in FIG. 9 is placed between a pair of vehicle body frames 5 having a U-shaped cross section, which are placed opposite each other at a predetermined distance a as shown in FIG. It is inserted by rotating it. Of course, it goes without saying that this tank d has the necessary shape and dimensions to be fitted into the frame 6 while being rotated.

When fitting this tank d between the frames 6, first,
One end of this tank d is supported by one of the vehicle body frames b, and the other end of the tank d is rotated using that as a fulcrum to fit between the vehicle body frames 5, and then this tank d is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the vertical axis. By rotating the frame 6, the frame 6 will be securely connected as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the vertical width e and the horizontal width f of this tank d are
And the frame interval a is such that a=f>e.

That is, the horizontal width f of this tank d is longer than the vertical width e, and since the horizontal width f and the frame interval a are configured to be the same length, the vertical width e of this tank d is longer than the vertical width e.
While there is a gap between the tank d and the vehicle body frame 5 when the gap is across, this tank d
In FIG. 9, in which the tank d has been rotated 90 degrees and the width f extends across the frames 5, there is no gap and the tank d is firmly seated between the vehicle body frames 5.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, this tank d is housed tightly between a pair of strong vehicle body frames 5 so that the two sides of the tank d are in close contact with the frame b, and One side of the tank d is also in close contact with the cross member C provided so as to cross the tank d.

The advantages of this tank d are as follows.

First, since the tank d is configured to be protected between the sturdy vehicle body frames 5, the tank d itself will not be damaged even if an impact is applied to the vehicle body frame b, such as during a vehicle collision. Safety can be improved.

Further, since the space between the vehicle body frames 5 is a space shielded from sunlight, rainwater, etc., the appearance and durability of the tank d can be ensured, and material costs can be reduced.

Since the tank d is disposed between the vehicle body frames 5 disposed at the center of the vehicle in the forward direction, the weight balance in the vehicle width direction can be easily and accurately ensured.

This tank d is able to exhibit such excellent effects because, as shown in Fig. 8, the two opposing sides of the tank d, which are sandwiched between a pair of sturdy vehicle body frames b, are firmly attached to the frames b. , it is possible to secure the fixation of the tank d here.

Therefore, this method of fixing the tank d involves fixing one side of the tank d in close contact with the cross member d, and the tank d facing it.
It would be better to focus on the fixing method in one aspect.

Since the direction in which these body frames b are extended usually corresponds to the traveling direction of the vehicle, the method for fixing the tank d should mainly consider fixing the vehicle in the traveling direction. Therefore, as a fixing method in this direction, the applicant has adopted a fixing method using a steel band g, taking into consideration the lightness of the fixing parts, the restraining force of the tank, and the ability to hold the tank in the event of a strong impact. Ta.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, this steel band g has -#lh of the band g attached to the cross member C with a bolt.
It is fixed with a fastener l such as a nut, and the other end j is fixed with a fastener j in the same way as the one end to an L-shaped cross-section stay k attached across a pair of frames b, and the upper half of the tank d It has a structure that envelops it. A rubber m for protecting the tank d made of synthetic resin is interposed on the contact surface between the steel band g and the tank d. The above configuration restricts the movement of the tank d in the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, only one steel band g is provided, but of course there may be a plurality of steel bands g.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when the tank d was fixed using the steel band g, the following problems occurred.

First, since this tank d is molded from a synthetic resin material, due to variations in the shrinkage rate of the synthetic resin material that occurs during cooling after molding, when fixing the tank d with the steel band g, the steel band g Sometimes it was too loose, or sometimes it was too tight, making the band G uncomfortable. If it is loose, the synthetic resin material that forms the outer shell of tank d will shrink at low temperatures, and as a result, tank d itself will shrink, causing looseness between steel band g and tank d, and a long period of time. The vibrations will cause problems such as damage to the tank d and noise.

On the other hand, if the steel band g is fixed tightly, stress will be concentrated in a certain part of the steel band g, and cracks will occur in the stress concentrated part of the steel band g due to fatigue due to long-term vibration, and eventually In this case, band g will be broken.

The purpose of the present invention, which was created to solve the above problems, is to
In addition to increasing the rigidity of the tank molded from synthetic resin material, it can control thermal expansion or contraction of the tank due to temperature changes, prevent deformation, and easily fix and attach to the vehicle frame. To provide a fuel tank for a vehicle that can

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention involves molding a tank from a synthetic resin material to be housed between the frames of a vehicle body, and tying the frame to the tank shell for storage. It consists of a vehicle fuel tank with a support member buried across it for installation.

[Function] The present invention having the above-mentioned configuration has the following advantages: First, a support member is embedded along a predetermined length inside a tank shell made of a synthetic resin material, so that the tank acid expands due to temperature changes. Alternatively, contraction is regulated to prevent its deformation. Further, the support member is embedded in the tank acid so as to cross the car body frame, and not only supports the load of the tank on the car body frame, but also plays the role of a reinforcing member and improves the locking properties of the tank. be able to.

Furthermore, since the support member is connected to the vehicle body frame, the tank can be easily attached to the vehicle body frame.

[Example] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle fuel tank 3 is formed so that its both ends are engaged and housed between vehicle body frames 1 that are provided parallel to each other at a predetermined interval along the axle. . The vehicle fuel tank 3 is made of a synthetic resin material by blow molding. Therefore, the tank acid 3a of the tank 3 is entirely made of synthetic resin material. in this way,
A support member 4 is embedded in the vehicle fuel tank 3 formed of a synthetic resin material so as to cross the tank acid 3a so that both ends thereof are connected to the vehicle body frame 1.

This support member 4 is formed of an iron rod, and is provided so as to cross between the opposing vehicle body frames 1 and to be buried in the tank shell a along the bottom of the tank 3.

In this embodiment, the support member 4 is buried along a baffle plate 5 formed inside the tank 3, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

Specifically, when performing blow molding, the support member 4 is supported in advance along the bottom of the tank 3 within the female mold, and while introducing the raw material as a synthetic resin material into the female mold. By blow molding, the outer part of the tank acid 3a wraps around the support member 4, as shown in FIG. 4, and is embedded in the tank shell a. In addition, the support member 4
is supported across the bottom of the tank 3 molded in the female mold at a predetermined height position, and then raw materials are introduced and blow molded to form a tank that encloses the support member 4. The acid 3a can be folded over from this and further hang down to the bottom to integrally form the buckle plate 5 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a part of the support member 4 is molded by being folded back in a substantially V-shape along the bottom of the tank 3 to be molded, and this is supported in advance in a female mold and blown. By molding, a 7-shaped groove is formed in the baffle plate 5 that is integrally formed along the support member 4, and the inside of the tank 3 partitioned by the baffle plate is communicated with the groove, and a single Fuel can be distributed with a distribution pump.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 4 that traverses along the tank 3 is sandwiched between the outside of the tank shell 3a and supported within the tank shell a. ,
It is located outside the tank acid 3a to be molded and does not penetrate inside the tank 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, both ends of the support member 4 extend to a predetermined length outside the tank 3, and screws are cut into these extensions 4a. A mounting portion to the vehicle body frame 1 is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the vehicle body frame 1 is formed with an engagement hole 6 through which the support member 4 is inserted and supported. As shown in the figure, the engagement hole 6 is constituted by a long hole opened to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body frame 1. By configuring the engagement hole 6 as a long hole in this way, when the tank 3 is rotated and held between the vehicle body frames 1, the support member 4
The extending portion 4a of the holder 4a is automatically engaged with the rotation.

The extending portion 4a extending through the engagement hole 6 of the vehicle body frame 1 is fixed by being screwed with a nut 8 via a washer 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a buffering elastomer member 9 is provided between the vehicle body frame 1 and the synthetic resin tank 3.
is interposed.

The vehicle body frame 1 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the elastomer member 9 is interposed between the lower web 10 of the U-shaped vehicle body frame 1 and the tank 3. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an elastomer member 9 for buffering is similarly interposed between the tank 3 and the cross member 2 provided between the vehicle body frames 1 to connect them. has been done.

As shown by the imaginary line (-dotted chain line) in FIG. 4, the baffle plate 5 may be formed in the tank 3 by being inclined at a predetermined angle. In this case, when the tank 3 is blow-formed, The baffle plate 5 can be tilted and molded by simply tilting the female mold at a predetermined angle and allowing the tank acid 3a that folds back the support member 4 to hang down in the direction of gravity.

The operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, a support member 4 such as iron having a coefficient of linear expansion smaller than that of the tank acid 3a is attached to a predetermined length inside the tank shell a of the tank 3 made of synthetic resin material. By burying the support member 4 and fixing both ends of the support member 4 to the vehicle body frame 1, when the tank acid 3a expands or contracts due to temperature changes, this is regulated by the support member 4, thereby preventing the tank 3 from deforming. do.

Further, since the support member 4 is connected to the vehicle body frame 1 by crossing the bottom of the tank 3,
The vehicle body frame 1 supports this load.

Furthermore, the support member 4 is embedded in the tank acid 3a,
By having both ends connected to the vehicle body frame 1,
It plays the role of a reinforcing member for the tank 3 and increases the rigidity of the tank 3.

Furthermore, by connecting the support member 4 to the vehicle body frame 1, movement of the tank 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body frame 1 is completely restricted, and the tank 3 can be accurately fixed to the vehicle body frame 1.

Since the support member 4 is located outside the tank acid 3a' of the tank 3 and is surrounded by the tank acid 3a, and does not penetrate inside the tank 3, no sealing problem occurs.

Further, the tank 3 can be fixedly attached between the vehicle body frames 1 by simply engaging both ends of the support member 4 with the engagement holes 6 of the vehicle body frame 1, and the installation work can be facilitated.

Moreover, when providing the support member 4 in the tank 3, the baffle plate 5 can be easily formed integrally within the tank by blow molding.

Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 show modified embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment,
Both ends of the support member 4 are configured so as not to extend beyond the tank 3.

As shown in the figure, the support member 4 is formed of a hollow pipe of iron or the like having a small coefficient of linear expansion, as in the previous embodiment, and internal threads are cut into the inner walls of both ends of the support member 4.

On the other hand, an engagement hole 11 is formed in the vehicle body frame 1 to correspond to the female thread of the support member 4, and a bolt 12 is inserted into this engagement hole 11 via a washer 7 and screwed into the female thread. As a result, both ends of the support member 4 are fixedly attached to the vehicle body frame 1.

Further, as shown in the figure, a buffering elastomer member 9 is interposed between the vehicle body frame 1 and the tank 3.

In this embodiment, when the tank 3 is sandwiched and housed between the vehicle body frames 1, the support member 4 does not extend to the outside of the tank 3, so the engagement hole is closed as shown in FIG. 1
1 is not made into a long hole as in the previous embodiment. This modified embodiment also exhibits the same functions and effects as those of the previous embodiment.

Furthermore, a plurality of support members 4 may be provided on the tank acid 3a along the bottom of the tank 3 at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of baffle plates 5 may be provided inside the tank 3 corresponding to these support members 4. Of course, it may be integrally molded.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention exhibits the following excellent effects.

(1) The rigidity of a vehicle fuel tank made of synthetic resin can be increased.

(2) Thermal expansion and contraction of the tank can be regulated to prevent its deformation.

(3) The tank can be housed between the vehicle body frames and easily fixed and attached, improving workability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a vehicle fuel tank according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ of FIG. The diagram is IV-IV in Figure 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the engagement between the vehicle body frame and the support member, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the vehicle body frame and the support member in a modified embodiment. 7 is a side view showing the engagement between the vehicle body frame and the support member of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a top view showing the conventional example; FIG. The figure is a side sectional view of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a XX sectional view of FIG. 8. In the figure, 1 is a vehicle body frame, 3 is a tank, 3a is a tank acid, and 4 is a support member. Patent Applicant: Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney: Nobuo Kinutani...I Infu Shim Figure 2 4...UkeP HaruP Fox Figure 3Figure 6Figure 7Figure 8Figure 9 figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A fuel tank for a vehicle, in which the tank is molded from a synthetic resin material to be housed between the frames of a vehicle body, and a support member is buried across the tank shell to connect and attach the frame.