JPH09263147A - Fuel tank for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To join baffle plates economically with sufficient strength and improve the appearance. SOLUTION: The tank is provided with a tank body 14 having a pair of end plates 14b sealed to both end opening parts of a tube part 14a and at least two baffle plates 16 formed respectively with a hole 16e or notch communicating to at least three cells partitioned in the interior of the tank body 14. The end plate 14b has on the whole peripheral edge a first flange 14d corresponding to both end opening parts of the tube part and moved toward both end opening parts. The baffle plate 16 has on the whole peripheral edge a second flange 16a having the outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of both end opening parts of the tube part and the inner surface of the first flange 14d. While the second flange 6a is arranged on the inner surfaces of both end opening parts and the inner surface of the first flange 14d, the first flange 4d, second flange 6a and both end opening parts are unitedly welded together. The welding positions are preferably those to which a pair of mounting bands for fixing the tank body to a vehicle are mounted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle fuel tank provided with a baffle plate that divides the inside of the tank body into a plurality of small chambers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A fuel tank of this type has a tank main body in which a pair of end plates are sealed in openings at both ends of a cylinder.
A baffle plate that divides the inside of the tank body into a plurality of small chambers is provided. The baffle plate is formed with holes or notches that connect the plurality of small chambers, and the fuel stored between the plurality of small chambers can move between the small chambers. As a method of fixing the baffle plate at a predetermined position in the tank body, a flange that is closely attached to the inner wall of the tank body is formed on the periphery of the baffle plate, and the flange is spot-welded to the predetermined position of the tank body, It is known that the baffle plate is fixed at a predetermined position in the tank body by crimping the flange on the tank body. These baffle plates protect the float of the fuel gauge installed in the tank main body by preventing the rapid flow of fuel due to sudden start, sudden braking or sharp turning while the vehicle is running, and also in the tank main body. It is designed to reduce the noise of fuel flow.

[0003]

However, sealing a pair of end plates by welding at the end edges of the openings at both ends of the tubular portion makes it possible to observe from the outside even when the welded portion is attached to the vehicle, and it looks good. There was an inferior defect. In addition, welding the flange on the peripheral edge of the baffle plate to a predetermined position of the tank body by spot welding, which is a joint at a predetermined position, tends to cause a decrease in the joint strength, and in order to secure the joint strength, a large number of welded spots are required. This was necessary and was a cause of increasing the number of steps for attaching the baffle plate to the tank body. Further, the caulking on the tank body impairs the appearance of the tank body, and there is a problem that the unit price of the fuel tank is increased due to the increased caulking work. An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive vehicle fuel tank in which the baffle plate is joined to the tank body with sufficient strength and the appearance can be improved.

[0004]

The invention according to claim 1 is
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a tank body 14 in which a pair of end plates 14b, 14b are sealed in openings at both ends of a tubular portion 14a, and the inside of the tank body 14 are divided into at least three small chambers 15, 15, 15. At least two baffle plates 1 each having a hole 16e or a cutout for partitioning and communicating at least three small chambers 15, 15, 15 with each other.
6 and 16 is an improvement of a vehicle fuel tank. The characteristic configuration is that the pair of end plates 14b, 14
Each of b has a first flange 14d on its entire periphery corresponding to both end openings of the tubular portion 14a and directed toward both end openings, and at least two baffle plates 16 and 16 are provided on both sides of both ends of the tubular portion 14a. The second flange 16a having an inner surface of the opening and an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the first flange 14d are provided, and the second flange 16a of the baffle plate 16 is connected to the inner surface of the opening at both ends of the cylindrical portion 14a and the first flange 16a.
The first flange 1 in a state of being arranged on the inner surface of the flange 14d
4d, the second flange 16a, and the openings at both ends are integrally welded.

First flange 14d and second flange 16a
By integrally welding and the opening portions at both ends, all the members can be welded by one welding operation, and the baffle plate can be securely fixed. Regarding the welding of the first flange 14d, the second flange 16a, and the openings at both ends, the baffle plate 16 is preliminarily fixed by spot welding or the like in a state in which the baffle plate 16 protrudes from the first flange 14d of the end plate 14b by a predetermined amount, and the protruding first Two
It is preferable that both ends of the tubular portion 14a be fitted into the flange 16a and integrally welded. However, as long as the first flange 14d and the openings at both ends are in contact with each other, the baffle plate 16 is temporarily fixed in a state in which the baffle plate 16 is protruded from the openings at both ends of the tubular portion 14a by a predetermined amount as shown in FIG. The first flange 14d of the end plate 14b may be fitted into the protruding second flange 16a by welding or the like, and the temporary fixing direction of the baffle plate 16 may be reversed as shown in FIG. May be. Further, the baffle plate 16 is preferably formed in a curved shape in order to prevent abnormal noise from being generated from the baffle plate 16 due to the force of the flowing fuel.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the first flange 14d and the second flange 16a are included.
Is a fuel tank for a vehicle in which a welding position between the opening portions at both ends is a mounting position of the pair of mounting bands 13, 13 for fixing the tank body 14 to the vehicle. Since the welding position is the mounting position of the pair of mounting bands 13 and 13, the mounting bands 13 and 13 cover the welding position of the fuel tank 12 when the fuel tank 12 is mounted to the vehicle 10. The appearance of the fuel tank is improved.

The invention according to claim 3 is, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a tank main body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the inside of the tank main body is divided into at least three small chambers and at least 3
It is an improvement of a fuel tank for a vehicle, which is provided with at least two baffle plates 16 each having a hole 16e or a cutout that communicates two small chambers. The characteristic structure is that the tank body is formed by welding the upper member 23 and the lower member 24 at their respective edges.
3 has a pair of side plates 23b, 23b vertically provided at both ends of the top plate 23a, and the lower member 24 has a pair of end plates 24b, 24b vertically provided at both ends of the bottom plate 24a. End plate 2
4b and 24b each have a third flange 24c directed inward on the entire peripheral edge of the bottom plate 24a excluding the upright portions, and the bottom plates 24a extend on both sides thereof in the same direction as the upright direction of the end plates 24b. It has a fourth flange 24d, and is located where the baffle plate 16 is welded to the inner surfaces of the top plate 23a and the pair of side plates 23b, 23b.

By forming the tank main body with the upper member 23 and the lower member 24, the structure of the tank main body can be simplified and the processing becomes easy. The upper member 23 and the lower member 24 are welded to each other by the top plate 23a, the third flange 24c, the side plate 23b, and the third plate 24a.
It is preferable that the flanges 24c are butted against each other and welded. Side plate 23b and fourth flange 24d
The welding of the side plate 23b is performed as shown in FIG.
It is preferable to weld the lower end of and the fourth flange 24d in a state of being overlapped with each other. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper end of the fourth flange 24d can be bent. By bending the fourth flange 24d, the strength of the fuel tank against external force from the side plate 23b direction can be improved.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the baffle plate 16 is the top plate 2
3a both ends and a pair of side plates 23b, 23b
Is a fuel tank for a vehicle, which is provided at both ends of the third flange 24c, the baffle plate 16, both ends of the top plate 23a, and both ends of the pair of side plates 23b, 23b are integrally welded. Third flange 24c
By integrally welding the baffle plate 16, the top plate 23a, and the side plates 23b, 23b, it is possible to further reduce the number of welding steps.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel tank 12 is attached to the chassis frame 11 of the truck 10 by a pair of attachment bands 13, 13. The fuel tank 12 includes a tank body 14 for storing fuel and a tank body 14
A baffle plate 16 that divides the inside into a plurality of small chambers 15 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the tank body 14 has a tubular portion 14a formed in a rectangular tubular shape, and two end plates 14b (which close the openings at both ends of the tubular portion 14a and seal the inside of the tubular portion 14a). (Only one sheet is shown in the figure). In this example, the number of baffle plates 16 is two, and the inside of the tank body 14 is divided into three small chambers 15 by these baffle plates 16 (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 5, the baffle plate 16
A plurality of holes 16e that are long in the vertical direction are formed in each of the holes, and the three small chambers 15 communicate with each other through these holes 16e. The air in the tank body 14 flows through the upper portion of these holes 16e, and the fuel in the tank body 14 flows through the lower portion thereof. The baffle plate 16 can suppress the flow of fuel in the tank body 14 caused by the vehicle 10 having the fuel tank 12 suddenly starting, suddenly braking, or suddenly turning during traveling.

The end plate 14b has a reinforcing projection 14c and a first flange 14d formed on the entire periphery thereof by drawing a steel plate. The first flange 14d is formed on the tubular portion 1b.
It is formed toward both end openings of 4a and corresponding to the both end openings. On the other hand, the baffle plate 16 has a second flange 1 having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surfaces of the opening portions at both ends of the tubular portion 14a and the inner surface of the first flange 14d on the entire peripheral edge thereof.
6a is formed by drawing a steel plate. With the second flange 16a of the baffle plate 16 thus formed arranged on the inner surface of the opening at both ends of the tubular portion 14a and the inner surface of the first flange 14d, the first flange 14d
The second flange 16a and the openings at both ends are integrally welded together.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical portion 14a is
The length thereof is formed to correspond to the mounting position of the pair of mounting bands 13, 13 for fixing to the vehicle 10. The welding position of the first flange 14d, the second flange 16a, and the openings at both ends is set to the mounting position of the pair of mounting bands 13, 13 for fixing the tank body 14 to the vehicle. In the state where the first flange 14d and the opening at both ends are welded to each other, the welded portion cannot be observed from the outside. In manufacturing such a vehicle fuel tank, as shown in FIG. 1, the baffle plate 16 is previously attached to the first flange 1 of the end plate 14b.
4d is projected by a predetermined amount and temporarily fixed by spot welding or the like, and the cylindrical portion 14 is attached to the protruding second flange 16a.
As shown in FIG. 2, by inserting the openings at both ends of a, the first
It is performed by integrally welding the flange 14d, the second flange 16a, and the tubular portion 14a.

7 to 11 show another embodiment of the present invention. Of the reference numerals in the drawings, the same reference numerals as those used in the above-described embodiments indicate the same components. The fuel tank 22 in this mode is formed by welding the respective ends of the upper member 23 and the lower member 24 to the tank body. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper member 23 has a pair of side plates 23b and 23b vertically provided at both ends of the top plate 23a. on the other hand,
The lower member 24, as shown in FIG.
4a, a pair of end plates standing upright on both ends of 4a,
24b. This pair of end plates 24b, 2
4b each have a third flange 24c directed inward on the entire peripheral edge of the bottom plate 24a excluding the upright portion, and the bottom plate 24a has on both sides thereof a fourth flange 24d directed in the same direction as the upright direction of the end plate 24b. Have. Returning to FIG. 8, the two baffle plates 16, 16
Is inserted and welded to the inner surfaces of the top plate 23a and the pair of side plates 23b, 23b, as indicated by the arrows in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fuel tank 22 for a vehicle is manufactured by drawing the first plate material 26, which is a material, on the peripheral edge of the rising portion 26a as shown in FIG.
Then, the lower member 24 is formed by bending both ends in the direction in which the rising portions 26a are formed, as shown by the broken lines. By processing in this manner, the central portion of the first plate member 26 forms the bottom plate 24a, and the bent ends form the pair of end plates 14b, 14b, respectively. Further, the rising portion 26a initially formed is an inward third plate and a fourth flange 2 on both sides of the bottom plate 24a.
4d is formed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper member 23 is formed by bending a second plate material 27, which is a material, into a substantially U shape by sheet metal working, as shown in FIG. 16 is temporarily fixed. By this processing, the central portion of the second plate member 27 forms the top plate 23a, and both sides form the pair of side plates 23b, 23b. The structure of the baffle plate 16 is the same as the structure described above, and repeated description is omitted. Although not shown, the baffle plate 16 is temporarily fixed to both ends of the upper member 23 in a state in which the baffle plate 16 is protruded by a predetermined amount from the ends. The temporary fixing is performed with the second flange 16a of the baffle plate 16 arranged on the inner surface of the upper member 23, the second flange 16a, the top plate 23a, and the pair of side plates 23.
It is performed by spot welding b and 23b.
The first and second plate members 26 and 27 may be steel plates, for example.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tank body is formed by combining the upper member 23 and the lower member 24 and welding the respective edges. Top plate 23a
And the third flange 24c and each side plate 2
3b and the third flange 24c are butted against each other and integrally welded together with the second flange 16a of the baffle plate 16 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 10, the lower end of the side plate 23b and the fourth flange 24d of the lower member 24 overlap each other and the lower end of the side plate 23b is welded to the fourth flange 24d. In addition to the above, the upper member 23 includes a supply pipe 22b for supplying fuel into the tank and a discharge pipe 22 for supplying fuel to the engine.
c is provided separately, and the fuel tank 22 is completed.

[0018]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first flange is formed on the end plate, the second flange is formed on the baffle plate, and the first flange, the second flange, and the opening at both ends of the tubular portion are formed. By integrally welding the parts and parts, all members can be welded by one welding operation, and the baffle plate can be securely fixed. As a result, the baffle plate can be joined to the tank body with sufficient strength, and an inexpensive vehicle fuel tank can be obtained. In addition, by making the welding position the mounting position of the pair of mounting bands, each mounting band covers the fuel tank in the state where the fuel tank is mounted on the vehicle, so that the appearance of the vehicle fuel tank is improved. Can be improved.

Further, if the tank main body is formed by the upper member and the lower member, the structure of the tank main body is simplified and the processing is facilitated. As a result, the number of steps can be further reduced. Further, by integrally welding the third flange, the baffle plate, the top plate, and the side plate, it is possible to further reduce the man-hours for the welding work and further improve the strength of the joint portion. As a result, the baffle plate can be joined to the tank main body with sufficient strength, and an inexpensive vehicle fuel tank with improved appearance can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 5 showing a state in which the baffle plate of the present invention is temporarily fixed to an end plate.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a state in which the end plate, the cylinder portion, and the baffle plate are integrally welded.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a state in which the baffle plate is temporarily fixed to the tubular portion.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a state in which the direction of the baffle plate is changed and temporarily fixed to the end plate.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the end plate, the cylinder portion, and the baffle plate.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with the fuel tank.

FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of a lower member of another fuel tank of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of an upper member of another fuel tank and a baffle plate.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another fuel tank.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9 showing another fuel tank.

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing still another welding state of the other fuel tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

 13 mounting band 14 tank body 14a cylinder part 14b end plate 14d first flange 15 small chamber 16 baffle plate 16a second flange 16e hole 23 upper member 23a top plate 23b side plate 24 lower member 24a bottom plate 24b end plate 24c third flange 24d 4th flange

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A tank main body (14) in which a pair of end plates (14b, 14b) are sealed in openings at both ends of a tubular portion (14a), and at least three small chambers (15) inside the tank main body (14). , 15,15)
Fuel tank for vehicles having at least two baffle plates (16, 16) each having a hole (16e) or a notch formed therein and communicating with the at least three small chambers (15, 15, 15) In the above, the pair of end plates (14b, 14b) each have a first flange (14d) corresponding to an opening at both ends of the tubular portion (14a) and directed toward the opening at both ends, on at least the entire periphery thereof, The two baffle plates (16, 16) have a second flange (16a) having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surfaces of the opening portions at both ends of the tubular portion (14a) and the inner surface of the first flange (14d) on the entire periphery thereof. Each of them has a second flange (16a) of the baffle plate (16) and an inner surface of an opening at both ends of the tubular portion (14a) and the first flange (14).
A fuel tank for a vehicle, wherein the first flange (14d), the second flange (16a), and the both end openings are integrally welded in a state of being arranged on the inner surface of d). 2. A first flange (14d) and a second flange (16a)
2. The vehicle fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein a welded portion between the opening and the openings at both ends is a mounting position of a pair of mounting bands (13, 13) for fixing the tank body (14) to the vehicle. 3. A tank body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and at least two sheets each having a hole (16e) or a notch that divides the inside of the tank body into at least three small chambers and connects the at least three small chambers with each other. In a vehicle fuel tank having a baffle plate (16), the tank body is formed by welding an upper member (23) and a lower member (24) at their respective edges, and the upper member (23 ) Has a pair of side plates (23b, 23b) vertically installed at both ends of the top plate (23a), and the lower member (24) is a pair of end plates erected at both ends of the bottom plate (24a). (24b, 24b), the pair of end plates (24b, 24b) each has a third flange (24c) directed inward on the entire peripheral edge of the bottom plate (24a) excluding the standing portion, And the bottom plate (24a) has the ends on both sides thereof. Rate a fourth flange toward the upright in the same direction as the direction of (24b) (24d), said baffle plate (16) said top plate (23a)
And a fuel tank for a vehicle, which is welded to the inner surfaces of the pair of side plates (23b, 23b). 4. The baffle plate (16) is a top plate.
Provided at both ends of (23a) and at both ends of the pair of side plates (23b, 23b), both ends of the third flange (24c), the baffle plate (16), and the top plate (23a) and a pair of sides. The plate (23b, 23b) and both ends of the plate are integrally welded together.
A fuel tank for a vehicle as described in the above.