KR20230151368A - Steel fuel tank for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In a steel fuel tank of a vehicle in which an upper plate and a lower plate are combined to form an internal space in which fuel is stored, a portion of the upper plate made of steel is formed by being depressed downward toward the internal space, and a first end surface is formed at the lower end. The upper groove and the point corresponding to the upper groove in the lower plate made of steel are formed by indenting upward toward the internal space, and include a lower groove formed at the upper end with a second end section facing the first end section, and the first end A steel fuel tank for a vehicle is introduced, characterized in that the end surface and the second end end surface are joined through welding in mutual surface contact, and the upper and lower grooves are integrated and perform the function of a support for the internal space.

Description

Steel fuel tank of vehicle {STEEL FUEL TANK FOR VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to a steel fuel tank for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a steel fuel tank for a vehicle in which an upper groove and a lower groove are formed in surface contact with each other to perform a support function.

Typically, automobiles are equipped with tanks to store fluids, such as a fuel tank that stores fuel including gasoline or diesel fuel supplied to the cylinder of the engine, and a urea solution tank that stores urea water.

Since the tank that stores the fluid is a rectangular shape made of thin steel plates and has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined volume, when the vehicle suddenly brakes or starts suddenly, the fluid stored inside tends to spill.

In particular, in the case of fuel tanks, the slushing phenomenon of fuel caused by the above fluid concentration is becoming a problem. This slushing refers to a non-linear flow phenomenon that occurs due to vibration while the vehicle is running.

Slushing in the fuel tank is known to occur most often when the fuel amount is 50 to 70%, and due to slushing, the fluid stored in the fuel tank shakes and hits the inner wall of the tank, generating noise due to impact.

In other words, when shock is applied to the inner wall of the fuel tank due to the slushing phenomenon, deformation of the fuel tank, noise, and vibration occur, so it is necessary to alleviate the impact of fuel flow on the inner wall of the fuel tank or secure additional rigidity of the fuel tank itself. Several methods are needed to do this.

Additionally, as the fuel stored inside the fuel tank repeatedly expands or contracts, the fuel tank may also expand or contract, and as a result, the rigidity of the fuel tank may be weakened.

In order to solve this problem of fuel tank rigidity, conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a separate reinforcing pipe that serves as a support was additionally installed inside the fuel tank.

However, this method has the problem of excessive increase in manufacturing cost and weight due to the additionally installed reinforced pipe. Additionally, in order to assemble the reinforced pipe, two welding processes are required at the top and bottom, which complicates the manufacturing process.

The matters described as background technology above are only for the purpose of improving understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be taken as acknowledgment that they correspond to prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

KR 10-1994268 B1

The present invention was proposed to solve this problem. By forming upper and lower grooves that contact each other and perform a support function, the cost of the steel fuel tank of the vehicle is reduced and the weight of the fuel tank is reduced. , we aim to provide steel fuel tanks for vehicles that simplify the manufacturing process.

In order to achieve the above object, the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention is a steel fuel tank of a vehicle in which an upper plate and a lower plate are combined to form an internal space in which fuel is stored, and a portion of the upper plate made of steel is inside the steel fuel tank. It is formed by indenting downward toward the space, and the point corresponding to the upper groove on the lower plate made of steel and the upper groove with the first end section formed at the lower end is formed by indenting upward toward the internal space, and the first end section is formed at the upper end. It includes a lower groove formed with a second end section facing the surface, and the first end section and the second end section are joined through welding in a mutual surface contact state, so that the upper groove and the lower groove are integrated to function as a support for the internal space. It is characterized by performing.

The upper groove and lower groove of the steel fuel tank of the vehicle according to the present invention may be formed in an area where the thickness of the steel fuel tank is less than or equal to a preset thickness.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the first end surface of the upper groove and the second end surface of the lower groove may be circular.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, a first through hole is formed in the center of the first end of the upper groove, and a second through hole is formed in the center of the second end of the lower groove at a point corresponding to the first through hole. A hole may be formed.

The first through hole and the second through hole of the steel fuel tank of the vehicle according to the present invention may be characterized as being circular.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the diameter of the first through hole may be larger than the diameter of the second through hole.

The steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention may further include a finishing member formed to surround the circumference and inner surface of the first through hole and the second through hole.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the diameter of the first through hole is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the second through hole, and the end of the first through hole is bent and extended to surround the end of the second through hole. .

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, a protrusion protruding to one side or the other is formed on the contact surface between the first end surface and the second end surface, and the protrusion is formed at a certain distance from the first through hole and the second through hole. It can be.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the upper groove is formed with a first inclined surface extending upward from the first end surface, a first opening is formed at the end of the extended portion of the first inclined surface, and the cross-sectional area of the first opening is It may be characterized as being formed wider than the cross-sectional area of the first end cross-section.

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the lower groove is formed with a second inclined surface extending downward from the second end surface, a second open part is formed at the end of the extended portion of the second slope, and the cross-sectional area of the second open part is It may be characterized as being formed wider than the cross-sectional area of the second end cross-section.

According to the steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

First, by forming an upper groove and a lower groove that are in surface contact with each other and perform a support function, there is no need to provide a separate reinforced pipe that performs a support function in a conventional fuel tank, so manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced.

Second, by eliminating the reinforced pipe assembly process, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Third, the manufacturing process can be further simplified by reducing the two welding processes performed for each upper and lower section of the reinforced pipe to one welding process for the upper and lower grooves.

Fourth, corrosion of the fuel tank can be minimized by forming a through hole for water drainage in the center of the upper and lower grooves.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the internal support structure of a steel fuel tank of a conventional vehicle.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of area CC in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area D in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area E in Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a view showing that a finishing member is further included in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing another embodiment of area H of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a view showing that a protrusion is further included in Figure 6.

Throughout this specification, when a part “includes” a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In addition, terms such as first and/or second may be used to describe various components, but these terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, for example, from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention. Without exception, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operating principles of various embodiments of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the internal support structure of a steel fuel tank 1 of a conventional vehicle, Figure 2 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a steel fuel tank of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. (1) is a plan view, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of region C-C in Figure 3, Figure 5 is an enlarged view of region D in Figure 3, Figure 6 is an enlarged view of region E in Figure 4, and Figure 7 is an enlarged view of region E in Figure 4. is a view showing that the finishing member 300 is further included, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing another embodiment of area H of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a view showing that the protrusion 400 is further included in FIG. It is a drawing.

In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, a chronic problem in the field of a vehicle's fuel tank 1 will first be presented, and key features of the present invention to solve the problem will be sequentially explained.

In general, a vehicle engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical rotational force by rotating the crankshaft using explosive power generated by burning fuel in the combustion chamber. An engine requires a continuous supply of fuel to be burned in the combustion chamber, and for continuous supply of fuel, the vehicle is equipped with a fuel tank (1) that can store a certain amount of fuel.

This fuel tank (1) is generally formed by welding an upper plate (11) and a lower plate (12) made of thin steel plates to form an exterior, and between the upper plate (11) and the lower plate (12) is where fuel is stored. An internal space 13 is formed.

The fuel stored in the internal space 13 of the fuel tank 1 is tilted in an unspecified direction within the fuel tank 1 when the vehicle is running, which causes slushing, a non-linear flow phenomenon of fuel, to become a problem. .

In other words, due to the slushing phenomenon, the fuel in the fuel tank (1) flows, and when an impact is applied to the inner wall of the fuel tank (1), the steel plate of the fuel tank (1) is deformed or noise is generated due to the impact. There is a problem that needs to be addressed.

In addition, as the fuel stored inside the fuel tank 1 repeats expansion or contraction, the fuel tank 1 may also expand or contract, and as a result, the rigidity of the fuel tank 1 may be weakened.

In other words, various methods are needed to secure additional rigidity of the fuel tank 1, and in order to solve this rigidity problem of the fuel tank 1, the fuel tank 1 was conventionally used as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A separate reinforcing pipe (2) was additionally installed inside to serve as a support.

However, this method has the problem of increasing the weight due to the weight of the additionally installed reinforced pipe (2) itself, and if the material of the reinforced pipe (2) is changed to secure rigidity while reducing the weight, the cost increases. there is.

Additionally, in order to assemble the reinforced pipe 2 within the fuel tank 1, a welding process must be performed in area B as shown in FIG. 2. That is, there is a problem that the manufacturing process becomes complicated because two welding processes are required at the top and bottom of the reinforced pipe 2, respectively.

Accordingly, the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention has an upper groove 100 and a lower groove (100) that contact each other with the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 of the fuel tank 1 and perform a support function By forming 200), the rigidity of the fuel tank 1 is secured without the need for a separate reinforcement pipe 2, the manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, and the conventional complex manufacturing process is simplified.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, we will look at the key features of each component of the present invention in more detail.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of area C-C in Figure 3, Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area D in Figure 3, and Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area E in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a view showing that the finishing member 300 is further included in FIG. 6.

3 to 7, the steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle according to the present invention is a steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle in which an upper plate 11 and a lower plate 12 are combined to form an internal space 13 in which fuel is stored. In the fuel tank (1), a portion of the upper plate (11) made of steel is formed by being depressed downward toward the internal space (13), and an upper groove (100) with a first end surface (110) formed at the lower end, and In the lower plate 12 made of steel, a point corresponding to the upper groove 100 is formed by being indented upward toward the internal space 13, and a second end section 210 is interviewed at the upper end of the first end section 110. ) includes a lower groove 200 formed, and the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 are joined through welding in a mutual surface contact state to form an upper groove 100 and a lower groove 200. This is characterized in that it functions as a support for the internal space (13).

Specifically, an upper groove 100 and a lower groove 200 are formed on the upper plate 11 and lower plate 12, which form the internal space 13 where fuel is stored, respectively. The upper groove 100 is formed by a portion of the upper plate 11 being depressed downward toward the internal space 13, and the lower groove 200 is formed at a point corresponding to the upper groove 100 on the lower plate 12. It is formed by indenting upward toward the space 13. The shapes of the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200 can be easily seen through area E of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

A first end face 110 and a second end face 210 are formed in the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200, respectively, and the first end face 110 and the second end face 210 have mutual surfaces. They are joined through welding while in contact. Here, the first end section 110 is shown in FIG. 5, and the second end section 210 is shown in FIG. 7. And Figures 4 and 6 show the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 being joined through welding in a state of surface contact with each other.

In this way, the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 are welded together, thereby integrating the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200. And the integrated upper groove 100 and lower groove 200 are formed inside a certain area from the outside of the fuel tank 1, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 are integrated into one structure to form a single structure, which can serve as a support.

Accordingly, there is no need to provide a separate reinforced pipe (2) that performs a support function as in the conventional fuel tank (1).

Therefore, the manufacturing process is simplified by eliminating the assembly process of the reinforced pipe (2), and only the structure or shape of the upper plate (11) and lower plate (12), which are the basic components of the fuel tank (1), is changed to make the fuel tank (1) ), while securing the rigidity, it has the effect of reducing manufacturing costs and weight.

Meanwhile, the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 of the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention may be formed in an area where the thickness of the steel fuel tank 1 is less than a preset thickness.

In forming the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200 of the present invention, a press processing method may be used for the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12. Press processing is one of the metal processing methods. It refers to all types of processing methods that process steel plates by pressing them with strong force, such as removing the shape of a product from a thin metal plate or bending the metal to obtain the desired shape.

When using this press processing method, if pressure or impact exceeding the ductility limit of steel is applied to the upper plate 11 and lower plate 12 made of steel, plastic deformation may occur, causing the steel plate to break or burst.

Therefore, the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200 of the present invention are formed in an area where the thickness of the fuel tank 1 is relatively thin based on the cross-sectional view of the side of the fuel tank 1, as shown in FIG. 4. It is desirable to do so.

In other words, 'preset thickness' can be understood to mean the maximum thickness that satisfies the level at which plastic deformation of the steel sheet does not occur even when press processing is used.

In this way, the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 are formed in an area less than a preset thickness, and the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 are welded and joined in a state of surface contact with each other. By doing so, there is an effect of securing a steel fuel tank (1) structure in which rigidity is secured only with the basic components of the fuel tank (1) without providing a separate reinforcement pipe (2).

Figure 3 is a plan view of a steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area D in Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, the first end surface 110 of the upper groove 100 and the second end surface 210 of the lower groove 200 are It may be characterized as being circular.

The first end surface 110 of the upper groove 100 and the second end surface 210 of the lower groove 200 may be formed in various polygonal shapes such as triangles or squares. However, when forming into a polygon, an additional process is required to adjust the shapes of each end surface (110, 210) of the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200 to exactly match during the welding process, which reduces productivity and complicates the manufacturing process. There is a problem with termination.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 are preferably manufactured in a circular shape. In addition, as seen previously, a press processing method may be used in forming the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200. When the above processing method is applied, the angle of the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 It is appropriate to form the end surfaces (110, 210) in a circular shape.

Furthermore, as will be seen below, the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention has the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 to prevent the problem of water accumulating in the fuel tank 1 and rusting. A first through hole 111 and a second through hole 211 may be formed at each end surface (110, 210). At this time, when the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 are formed in a polygonal shape, water may frequently accumulate at the angled corners of each end surface 110 and 210.

In contrast, in the present invention, by forming the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 in a circular shape, the phenomenon of water accumulating at the corners of each end surface 110 and 210 is minimized, thereby minimizing the fuel tank (1). ) can further maximize the corrosion prevention effect.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area D in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area E in FIG. 4.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, a first through hole 111 is formed in the center of the first end surface 110 of the upper groove 100, and the lower A second through hole 211 may be formed in the center of the second end surface 210 of the groove 200 at a point corresponding to the first through hole 111.

In the design of the fuel tank 1 made of steel, preventing rust of the fuel tank 1 (i.e., corrosion of the fuel tank) is one of the important design factors that must always be considered.

Here, 'corrosion' refers to a phenomenon in which a material is decomposed into its constituent atoms due to a chemical reaction with the surrounding environment. In general, it can be defined as the unintentional electrochemical oxidation of a metal material by reacting with an oxidizing agent such as oxygen. there is.

In particular, in the case of steel products containing iron (Fe) as the main ingredient, acceleration occurs as corrosion progresses, causing more serious problems than in the case of other metals, such as greatly deteriorating the stability of the overall structure.

The main causes of this corrosion are water and oxygen. Specifically, through a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen and water in the atmosphere, iron is oxidized and oxygen is reduced, generating iron hydroxide (2Fe(OH) ₂ ) as a by-product. Iron hydroxide is dehydrated to iron oxide or further oxidized to rust (Fe ₂ O _3·X H ₂ O). Since additional redox reaction mechanisms related to this are well known in the art, further detailed description will be omitted.

If it rains or snows while driving the vehicle, moisture may condense or condense on the upper surface of the fuel tank (1), causing water to accumulate. As water accumulates on the surface of the steel fuel tank 1, corrosion of the fuel tank 1 may progress and rust may occur. This reduces the lifespan of the fuel tank (1) and may cause cracks on the surface, causing water to penetrate into the internal space (13) of the fuel tank (1).

If water penetrates into the internal space 13 of the fuel tank 1, it may cause engine wear and the engine will not start, or even if the engine does start, a knocking phenomenon will occur due to an abnormal ignition timing of the engine and the output will significantly decrease.

Therefore, the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention has a first through hole 111 for water drainage at the center of each end surface 110, 210 of the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200. By forming the second through hole 211, the purpose is to prevent water from accumulating on the surface of the fuel tank 1 and ultimately prevent corrosion of the fuel tank 1 to improve the above problems.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a first through hole 111 is formed in the central portion of the first end surface 110 of the upper groove 100. For reference, Figure 5 shows the first end section 110 viewed from above, and shows the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 at the same time.

In addition, a second through hole 211 may be formed in the central portion of the second end surface 210 of the lower groove 200 at a point corresponding to the first through hole 111. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the end surfaces 110 and 210 of the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 are in surface contact with each other, the first end formed in the center of the first end surface 110 The through hole 111 is located at the top, and the second through hole 211 formed in the center of the second end surface 210 is located at the bottom.

Accordingly, the water condensed on the surface of the fuel tank (1) does not accumulate at the first end surface (110) of the upper groove (100) but passes through the first through hole (111) and the second through hole (211), thereby maintaining the fuel tank. (1) It is discharged downward.

As a result, by preventing water from piling up on the surface of the fuel tank (1) and preventing corrosion of the fuel tank (1), the lifespan of the fuel tank (1) is improved and the damage to the vehicle due to water infiltrating the internal space (13) is improved. It has the effect of preventing deterioration of starting performance and knocking phenomenon.

Meanwhile, the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 of the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention may be characterized as being circular.

This can be basically understood similarly to the reason why the first end section 110 and the second end section 210 are circular in shape, as discussed above.

That is, the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 may also be formed in a polygonal shape, but in order for the second through hole 211 to be formed accurately at a point corresponding to the first through hole 111, There is a problem in that additional processes are required, which reduces productivity and complicates the manufacturing process.

In addition, a press processing method (eg, punching processing) may be used to form each through hole (111, 211), and accordingly, it is preferable to form each through hole (111, 211) in a circular shape.

Furthermore, when the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211, which are supposed to perform a water draining function, are formed in a polygonal shape, water is not properly discharged due to the adhesion of water at the angle formed area, and a small amount of water accumulates. This phenomenon may occur.

Therefore, the present invention improves water discharge by forming the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 in a circular shape without forming an angle, thereby increasing the cohesion force rather than the adhesion force of water, and ultimately, the fuel tank (1) ) can be more effectively prevented from corrosion.

Meanwhile, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, the diameter of the first through hole 111 may be larger than the diameter of the second through hole 211.

In the manufacturing process of the fuel tank 1, a process of welding the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 is performed with the lower plate 12 located below and the upper plate 11 aligned above.

At this time, the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 must be formed at corresponding points to ensure smooth discharge of water, so it is necessary to unify the centers of each through hole 111 and 211 so that they coincide. there is.

And, as shown in FIG. 5, the worker performing the manufacturing process performs the work while looking down at the first end surface 110 of the upper groove 100 from above. For reference, in FIG. 5, F may be understood as meaning the diameter of the first through hole 111, and G may be understood as meaning the diameter of the second through hole 211.

Therefore, in order to more easily align the centers of the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 during the worker's work, the diameter of the first through hole 111 should be larger than the diameter of the second through hole 211. It is desirable to form

In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, when the diameter of the first through hole 111 is formed larger than the diameter of the second through hole 211, the worker moves through the second through hole 111 located below the first through hole 111. Since the center of the hole 211 can be easily confirmed, it is possible to more easily unify the centers of each through hole 111 and 211.

FIG. 7 is a view showing that the finishing member 300 is further included in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, the steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle according to the present invention has a finishing member 300 formed to surround the circumference and inner surface of the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211. More may be included.

As seen above, when the diameter of the first through hole 111 is formed larger than the diameter of the second through hole 211, there is an advantage in that the worker can easily perform work, while the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 have the advantage of being easier to perform. There is a problem in which a step is formed due to the difference in diameter of the two through holes 211. These steps can be understood as stair-like as shown in area H of FIG. 6.

When a step is formed in this way, a phenomenon may occur in which part of the water passing through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 stays in the step. In addition, water remaining in the step without passing through the through hole may flow into the gap between the first end face 110 and the second end face 210 due to capillary action. The inflow water may flow into the internal space 13 of the fuel tank 1, and as a result, additional problems may occur, such as reduced engine startability or knocking phenomenon, as previously seen.

Therefore, the present invention further includes a finishing member 300 formed to surround the circumference and inner surface of the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 to prevent the occurrence of additional problems as described above. .

In other words, primarily by eliminating the step, a portion of the water passing through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 is prevented from remaining in the step, and secondarily, each through hole 111, By forming it to surround the inner surface of 211), there is an effect of preventing a small amount of water from flowing into the gap between the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210.

Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing another embodiment of area H in Figure 6.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the steel fuel tank 1 of a vehicle according to the present invention, the diameter of the first through hole 111 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the second through hole 211, and the end 112 of the first through hole 112 ) may be characterized as being bent and extended to surround the end 212 of the second through hole.

This can be understood as additionally implementing a shape that can implement the function of the finishing member 300 discussed above in the first through hole 111 itself.

That is, the end 112 of the first through hole is bent and extended to surround the end 212 of the second through hole, thereby preventing the formation of the step mentioned above. In addition, since water is discharged downward while passing only through the inner surface of the first through hole 111, the possibility of a small amount of water flowing into the gap between the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210 can be minimized. You can.

However, in order to form the end 112 of the first through hole to surround the end 212 of the second through hole, unlike previously seen, the diameter of the first through hole 111 is larger than the diameter of the second through hole 211. It should be formed smaller.

Therefore, in this case, it is desirable for workers performing the manufacturing process to perform work in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 5. That is, in this case, as an exception, the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 of the fuel tank 1 are turned over, the upper plate 11 is placed downward, and the lower plate 12 is aligned with the upper plate 11. It is desirable to weld the and lower plate 12.

When the work is performed in this way, the worker performs the work while looking down at the second end surface 210 of the lower groove 200 from above, thereby creating a first through hole located below the second through hole 211. Since the center of (111) can be easily confirmed, it is possible to easily unify the centers of each through hole (111, 211).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing that a protrusion 400 is further included in FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 9, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, a protrusion 400 protruding to one side or the other is formed on the contact surface of the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210. , the protrusion 400 may be formed at a certain distance from the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211.

In order to improve product quality by preventing worker safety accidents and minimizing miswelding when welding the end surfaces 110 and 210 of the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200, a welding line must be set up in advance before work. It is desirable to build.

Therefore, in the case of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, a protrusion 400 is formed on the contact surface of the first end surface 110 and the second end surface 210, and the first through hole 111 and the first through hole 111 are formed. It is formed to be spaced a certain distance away from the hole 111 so that the worker can visually identify the welding line.

These protrusions 400 may be formed on either the upper plate 11 or the lower plate 12, and may be formed on either of the two. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be formed to protrude from the bottom to the top, or conversely, it may be formed to protrude from the top to the bottom. That is, the shape of the protrusion 400 shown in FIG. 9 is only an example of the protrusion 400 of the present invention, and the content of the present invention should not be viewed as limited by the shape of the drawing.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of region C-C in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of region E in FIG. 4.

Referring to Figures 4 and 6, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, the upper groove 100 is formed with a first inclined surface 120 extending upward from the first end surface 110, A first open portion 130 is formed at the end of the extension of the first inclined surface 120, and the cross-sectional area of the first open portion 130 may be formed to be wider than the cross-sectional area of the first end surface 110. there is.

In addition, in the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, the lower groove 200 is formed with a second inclined surface 220 extending downward from the second end surface 210, and the second inclined surface 220 A second open portion 230 is formed at the end of the extension portion, and the cross-sectional area of the second open portion 230 may be formed to be wider than the cross-sectional area of the second end surface 210.

That is, the upper groove 100 extends upward from the first end surface 110 and has a pillar shape whose diameter increases upward, and the lower groove 200 extends downward from the second end surface 210. It can be understood as a pillar shape whose diameter increases as it goes downward.

Specifically, the upper groove 100 is composed of a first inclined surface 120 extending upward from the first end surface 110 and a first opening 130 formed at the end of the extension of the first inclined surface 120. , the lower groove 200 is composed of a second inclined surface 220 extending downward from the second end surface 210 and a second opening 230 formed at the end of the extension of the second inclined surface 220.

Additionally, the first open portion 130 has a larger cross-sectional area than the first end face 110, and the second open portion 230 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second end face 210.

Accordingly, the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 are integrated and perform a support function, and the first inclined surface 120 and the second inclined surface 120 are formed according to the flow of fuel in the internal space 13 of the fuel tank 1. This has the effect of dispersing the pressure gradient acting on the inclined surface 220.

In addition, when it rains or snows while the vehicle is running and water condenses on the surface of the fuel tank (1), the condensed water flows down the first slope (120) through the first opening (130) and reaches the first end. They are gathered at cross section 110. Thereafter, water is discharged into the lower groove 200 through the first through hole 111 formed in the center of the first end surface 110, thereby more effectively preventing water from accumulating on the surface of the fuel tank 1. There is an advantage to this.

Furthermore, the water discharged into the lower groove 200 is dispersed in all directions without any obstruction according to the structure of the lower groove 200 whose diameter increases downward. It is allowed to continuously flow into the second through hole (211) through the first through hole (111).

In conclusion, by providing the first slope 120 and the second slope 220 in the upper groove 100 and lower groove 200, respectively, a stable structure is secured when performing the support function of the fuel tank 1, and rigidity is increased. At the same time as the increase, the water drainage function through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 211 can be implemented more effectively.

Therefore, as described above, according to the steel fuel tank 1 of the vehicle according to the present invention, the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200 are formed in surface contact with each other to perform a support function, so that the conventional fuel tank 1 ), there is no need to provide a separate reinforcing pipe (2) that performs a support function, so manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced. In addition, the reinforcement pipe 2 assembly process is deleted, and the two welding processes performed for each upper and lower end of the reinforcement pipe 2 are reduced to one welding process for the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200, thereby manufacturing The process can be simplified. Furthermore, there is an advantage in preventing corrosion of the fuel tank 1 by forming a through hole for water drainage in the central portion of the upper groove 100 and the lower groove 200.

Although the invention has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it is commonly known in the art that the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as provided by the following claims. It will be self-evident to those with knowledge.

1: Steel fuel tank
2: Reinforced pipe
11: top plate
12: lower plate
13: Internal space
100: upper groove
110: first end section
111: 1st through hole
112: End of the first through hole
120: 1st slope
130: first opening part
200: lower groove
210: second end section
211: 2nd through hole
212: End of the second through hole
220: 2nd slope
230: 2nd opening part
300: Finishing member
400: protrusion

Claims (11)

In the steel fuel tank of a vehicle where the upper and lower plates are combined to form an internal space where fuel is stored,
An upper groove formed by a portion of the upper plate made of steel being indented downward toward the internal space and having a first end surface formed at the lower end; and
In the lower plate made of steel, a point corresponding to the upper groove is formed by being indented upward toward the internal space, and a lower groove is formed at the upper end with a second end face that faces the first end face;
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, characterized in that the first end surface and the second end surface are joined through welding in a mutual surface contact state, so that the upper groove and the lower groove are integrated and perform the function of a support for the internal space.
In claim 1,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, wherein the upper groove and the lower groove are formed in an area where the thickness of the steel fuel tank is less than a preset thickness.
In claim 1,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, wherein the first end surface of the upper groove and the second end surface of the lower groove are circular.
In claim 1,
A first through hole is formed in the center of the first end surface of the upper groove,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, characterized in that a second through hole is formed in the center of the second end surface of the lower groove at a point corresponding to the first through hole.
In claim 4,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, wherein the first through hole and the second through hole are circular.
In claim 4,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, characterized in that the diameter of the first through hole is larger than the diameter of the second through hole.
In claim 6,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, further comprising a finishing member formed to surround the circumference and inner side of the first through hole and the second through hole.
In claim 4,
The diameter of the first through hole is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the second through hole,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, wherein the end of the first through hole is bent and extended to surround the end of the second through hole.
In claim 4,
A steel fuel tank for a vehicle, characterized in that a protrusion protruding to one side or the other is formed on the contact surface of the first end surface and the second end surface, and the protrusion is formed at a certain distance from the first through hole and the second through hole.
In claim 1,
The upper groove is formed with a first inclined surface extending upward from the first end surface, a first opening is formed at the end of the extension of the first inclined surface, and the cross-sectional area of the first opening is formed to be wider than the cross-sectional area of the first end surface. Steel fuel tank of a vehicle, characterized in that.
In claim 1,
The lower groove is formed with a second inclined surface extending downward from the second end surface, a second open part is formed at the end of the extension of the second slope, and the cross-sectional area of the second open part is formed to be wider than the cross-sectional area of the second end surface. Steel fuel tank of a vehicle, characterized in that.