US20180079299A1 - Fuel Tank - Google Patents
Fuel Tank Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180079299A1 US20180079299A1 US15/566,649 US201615566649A US2018079299A1 US 20180079299 A1 US20180079299 A1 US 20180079299A1 US 201615566649 A US201615566649 A US 201615566649A US 2018079299 A1 US2018079299 A1 US 2018079299A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- welded
- face
- fuel tank
- tank
- facing side
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/10—Forming by pressure difference, e.g. vacuum
- B29C51/105—Twin sheet thermoforming, i.e. deforming two parallel opposing sheets or foils at the same time by using one common mould cavity and without welding them together during thermoforming
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/03177—Fuel tanks made of non-metallic material, e.g. plastics, or of a combination of non-metallic and metallic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J35/00—Fuel tanks specially adapted for motorcycles or engine-assisted cycles; Arrangements thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/12—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor of articles having inserts or reinforcements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7172—Fuel tanks, jerry cans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
- B60K2015/03453—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling for fixing or mounting parts of the fuel tank together
- B60K2015/0346—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling for fixing or mounting parts of the fuel tank together by welding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
- B60K2015/0775—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation for reducing movement or slash noise of fuel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
- B60K2015/0777—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation in-tank reservoirs or baffles integrally manufactured with the fuel Tank
Definitions
- the invention relates to a fuel tank.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel tank having a fuel tank body and a columnar member. Both ends of the columnar member are welded to fix opposed inner faces of the fuel tank body.
- the columnar member is, for example, in a cylindrical shape or an elliptic shape in a cross section.
- Members that are welded in the fuel tank body are, in addition to the columnar member, for example, a wave-dissipation plate and a bracket.
- the members to be welded on the inner faces of the fuel tank body are referred to as “welded members” hereinbelow.
- Patent Document 1 U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,190
- the fuel tank is expanded or contracted due to a change in ambient temperature or a temperature change by heat from an exhaust system.
- the fuel tank is susceptible to such external factors. If the fuel tank is deformed, the welded faces between the welded members and the fuel tank receive stress. For example, in the case of the columnar member described in Patent Document 1, each welded face is in a ring shape. If the fuel tank is deformed, one point in the outer edge of the welded face may locally receive a large stress.
- the invention intends to solve such a problem and provides a fuel tank that effectively disperses a stress applied on welded members to have superior durability.
- the invention provides a fuel tank having a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body, wherein the welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and wherein the welded face includes a facing side in a concave shape that faces a given point determined based on a displacement of distance between the first tank face and the second tank face when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure.
- the “given point” is referred to as a point where distance varies between the first tank face and the second tank face according to expansion or contraction of the fuel tank.
- a stress applied on the welded face is dispersed. This prevents one point in the outer edge of the welded face from locally receiving the stress, to allow for obtaining a fuel tank having superior durability.
- the invention provides a fuel tank having a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body, wherein the welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face, which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and, wherein the welded face includes a linear facing side that faces a given point determined, when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure, based on a separation displacement between the first tank face and the second tank face.
- the linear facing side is arranged to face the given point, a stress applied on the welded face is dispersed. This prevents one point in the outer edge of the welded face from locally receiving the stress, to allow for obtaining a fuel tank having superior durability.
- the welded member preferably includes: a bottom; a cylindrical body continuous to the bottom; and an annular flange that extends laterally from an end of the body, wherein the bottom includes the welded face that is welded on one of the first tank face and the second tank face, and wherein the flange includes the welded face that is welded on the other of the first tank face and the second tank face.
- the strength of the fuel tank is improved.
- a welded area of the bottom is approximately the same as a welded area of the flange.
- the welded member is fixed in a well-balanced manner.
- a communication hole through which an inside and an outside of the body communicate to each other is preferably formed in the body.
- the inner space of the welded member is used as a reservoir space for a fuel.
- ribs that protrude from the welded face are preferably formed on the welded face before welding. According to the configuration, the welded area is increased compared with the case having no ribs, to give more increased welding strength.
- the respective ribs are preferably formed annularly outward from the center of the welded face, and an outermost rib is lower than the ribs formed inside the outermost rib.
- the outer edge of the welded face receives a large stress. Therefore, if the outer edge of the welded face is welded strongly, damage in an inner face of the fuel tank may be increased with damage in the welded face.
- setting the outermost rib to be lower than any other rib as in the invention allows the damage in the inner face of the fuel tank body to be decreased even if the welded face comes off due to the internal pressure in the fuel tank.
- the fuel tank of the invention effectively disperses a stress applied on the welded members to have superior durability.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank as viewed from above therethrough according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the fuel tank as viewed from above therethrough;
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a welded member
- FIG. 3B is a plan view of the welded member
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a fuel tank body and the welded member
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one of the welded members as viewed from above;
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the welded member as viewed from below;
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a stress applied on the welded member when the fuel tank is deformed
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of mounting a bracket
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view as viewed from above.
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view as viewed from below, of one of welded members provided in a fuel tank according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a bottom
- FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a flange
- FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view and FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view, both illustrating ribs formed on a welded face;
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view as viewed from above and
- FIG. 10B is a perspective view as viewed from below, both illustrating a welded member provided in a fuel tank according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- a fuel tank T shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted on a means of transportation such as an automobile, a motorcycle and a boat, and includes a fuel tank body 1 and a bracket 2 mounted in the fuel tank body 1 .
- a pump mounting hole 3 is formed in a first tank face 1 a of the fuel tank body 1 .
- a pump (not shown) that pumps out the fuel outside the tank is connected to the pump mounting hole 3 .
- the fuel tank body 1 is a hollow container for reserving a fuel such as gasoline, and, for example, is made of a thermoplastic resin.
- the fuel tank body 1 is produced, for example, by blow molding.
- the bracket 2 is mounted in the fuel tank body 1 when the fuel tank body 1 is produced, and, for example, is made of a thermoplastic resin.
- the bracket 2 includes a pair of columnar welded members 10 A, 10 B.
- a wave-dissipation plate 20 is arranged between the welded members 10 A and 10 B.
- the welded member 10 A includes a receiving portion 30 that supports an internal member such as a cut valve (not shown).
- the welded member 10 B includes a supported portion 40 that is used at the time of welding the bracket 2 on the fuel tank body 1 .
- the welded member 10 A has a substantially kidney shape as viewed from above, and has the central portion of one end recessed toward the other end.
- the welded member 10 A has a bottom 11 , a body 12 continuous to the bottom 11 , and a flange 13 continuous to the body 12 . Note that, in FIG. 3 , the welded member 10 A ( 10 B) is shown alone, and the wave-dissipation plate 20 and the receiving portion 30 attached to the welded member 10 A are omitted.
- the bottom 11 includes a flat welded face 11 A.
- the welded face 11 A is welded on the first tank face 1 a (see FIG. 1 ) of the fuel tank body 1 .
- the welded face 11 A is defined by a first facing side 11 a in a concave shape, second facing sides 11 b in a convex shape continuous to both sides in the extending direction of the first facing side 11 a , and a connecting side 11 c that connects the second sides 11 b to each other.
- the first facing side 11 a is curvedly recessed toward the connecting side 11 c . That is, the first facing side 11 a protrudes toward the connecting side 11 c .
- the second facing sides 11 b peripheral to the first facing side 11 a protrude in a direction away from each other.
- the connecting side 11 c is formed in a curved shape in the same orientation as the first facing side 11 a . Note that the first facing side 11 a corresponds to a “concave facing side” in claims.
- the body 12 is in a curved outer shape to follow the curved shapes of the sides defining the welded face 11 A.
- a concave face 12 C is formed that follows the first facing side 11 a of the welded face 11 A.
- convex faces 12 D that follow the second facing sides 11 b of the welded face 11 A are formed to be continuous to the concave face 12 C.
- a curved face 12 E that follows the connecting side 11 c of the welded face 11 A is formed to be continuous to the convex faces 12 D.
- the body 12 has an outer peripheral face that slightly inclines in a skirt shape from the bottom 11 toward the flange 13 .
- a vertical convex rib 12 a and a vertical concave rib 12 b are formed that extend in the axial direction of the body 12 so as to be spaced apart circumferentially.
- a communication hole 12 a 1 is formed at the upper end of the vertical convex rib 12 a .
- a communication hole 12 b 1 is formed at the lower end of the vertical concave rib 12 b .
- the space outside the body 12 (space in the fuel tank body 1 ) is communicated with the space inside the body 12 through the communication holes 12 a 1 , 12 b 1 .
- the flange 13 includes a flat annular welded face 13 A on its bottom face (see FIG. 3C and FIG. 4B ).
- the welded face 13 A is welded on the second tank face 1 b (see FIG. 1 ) of the fuel tank body 1 .
- the flange 13 is integrally formed with the body 12 at the lower end of the body 12 , and includes an annular protruding portion 13 a and an upright portion 13 b .
- the protruding portion 13 a substantially evenly extends from the lower end of the body 12 outward to form the welded face 13 A on its lower face. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG.
- the protruding portion 13 a includes a first facing side 13 a 1 in a concave shape that follows the concave face 12 C of the body 12 , second facing sides 13 a 2 in a convex shape that follow the convex faces 12 D of the body 12 , and a connecting side 13 a 3 that follows the curved face 12 E of the body 12 .
- the upright portion 13 b continues to the upright portion 13 a and extends upward.
- a vertical reinforcing rib may be arranged between the protruding portion 13 a and the outer face of the body 12 .
- a welded area of the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 as described above is set to be substantially equal to a welded area of the welded face 13 A of the flange 13 .
- the welded member 10 A is welded between the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b of the fuel tank body 1 .
- the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 is welded to a stepped portion 1 a 1 that is formed sunken on the first tank face 1 a .
- the welded face 13 A of the flange 13 is welded to a stepped portion 1 b 1 that is formed raised on the second tank face 1 b .
- the welded member 10 A is welded across the stepped portions 1 A 1 , 1 b 1 that are formed to reinforce the fuel tank body 1 .
- the welded member 10 A is mounted in the fuel tank body 1 so that the first facing side 11 a and the second facing sides 11 b face a given point P in the fuel tank body 1 .
- the second facing sides 11 b are arranged to relatively protrude toward the given point P more than the first facing side 11 a.
- the given point P in FIG. 2 is a point where a distance between the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b , which face each other, varies according to expansion or contraction of the fuel tank T.
- the given point P is appropriately determined based on a displacement of the distance between the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b .
- the given point P is set to a point at the substantially central position of the fuel tank body 1 where the displacement is relatively large.
- the given point P is not necessarily set to a point having the maximum displacement.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a stress distribution on the welded member 10 A in a state that the welded member 10 A is welded on the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b .
- portions that receive a large stress are shown with dot patterns.
- the welded face 11 A since the first facing side 11 a of the welded member 10 A is arranged so as to face the given point P and the second facing sides 11 b to be peripheral to the first facing side 11 a , the welded face 11 A receives a larger stress along the second facing sides 11 b respectively than along the first facing side 11 a .
- the welded face 11 A has the stress dispersed on the second facing sides 11 b across the first facing side 11 a.
- the second facing sides 13 a 2 receive a larger stress than the first facing side 13 a 1 . That is, the welded face 13 A has the stress dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 across the first facing side 13 a 1 .
- the welded member 10 B has the second facing sides 11 b arranged so as to have a different positional relationship (different distance) from each other to the given point P. Also in this case, since the second facing sides 11 b are peripheral to the first facing side 11 a , as with the welded member 10 A, the welded face 11 A of the welded member 10 B has its stress dispersed on the second facing sides 11 b . Further, the welded face 13 A of the welded member 10 B has its stress dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ).
- the welded member 10 B is arranged so that the given point P is positioned in an oblique direction as viewed from above. In other words, the welded member 10 B is arranged so that the lengths of the two imaginary lines connecting the given point P with the pair of second facing sides 11 b , 11 b are different.
- the welded member 10 A is arranged so that the given point P is positioned at the front viewed from above. In other words, the welded member 10 A is arranged so that the lengths of the two imaginary lines connecting the given point P with the pair of second facing sides 11 b , 11 b are the same. If the welded member 10 B is arranged in front of the given point P as with the welded member 10 A, the stress will be dispersed in a well-balanced manner.
- the welded member 10 A supports one end of the wave-dissipation plate 20 . Further, the receiving portion 30 is attached to the welded member 10 A.
- the wave-dissipation plate 20 includes a plate-shaped base portion 21 and plate-shaped wave-dissipation members 22 that are attached to the base portion 21 at both ends. Both ends in the extending direction of the wave-dissipation plate 22 respectively extend toward the welded member 10 A and the welded member 10 B.
- One end of the wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed on the convex face 12 D of the body 12 of the welded member 10 A. Further, the other end of the wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed on the convex face 12 D of the body 12 of the welded member 10 B.
- the wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed by welding, with an adhesive, or the like.
- the receiving portion 30 includes legs 31 and an annular support portion 32 formed at the distal ends of the legs 31 .
- the base ends of the legs 31 are fixed on the outer face of the body 12 of the welded member 10 A. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the distal ends of the legs 31 are fixed across the convex faces 12 D of the body 12 .
- the legs 31 are fixed by welding, with an adhesive, or the like.
- the support portion 32 supports a cut valve or the like (not shown) to be arranged in the fuel tank body 1 .
- the welded member 10 A has a plate-shaped wave-dissipation member 25 attached on the curved face 12 E of the body 12 on a side opposite to the side where the receiving portion 30 is attached.
- the supported portion 40 is supported by a lifting device 5 (see FIG. 6 ) to be described later so as to assemble the bracket 2 at the time of producing the fuel tank body 1 .
- the supported portion 40 includes a pair of base portions 41 , 42 spaced apart from each other, a plurality of wave-dissipation portions 43 that connect the pair of base portions 41 , 42 together, and a connecting portion 44 that is connected on the body 12 of the welded member 10 B.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B a method of mounting the bracket 2 by a manufacturing device will be described.
- the lifting device 5 is used to mount the bracket 2 .
- Directions referred to in the following description are set for convenience in describing the configuration of the lifting device 5 , and are not intended to identify the configuration of the lifting device 5 .
- the lifting device 5 includes a support rod 51 , a seat 52 and a clamp mechanism 53 .
- the lifting device 5 detachably supports the bracket 2 and moves up and down.
- the support rod 51 is a rod-shaped member that extends vertically.
- the support rod 51 is supported by a slide mechanism 54 so as to be vertically slidable.
- the clamp mechanism 53 fixes the bracket 2 on the upper face of the seat 52 .
- the bracket 2 is mounted in the fuel tank body 1 when the fuel tank body is blow-molded.
- the manufacturing device for the fuel tank body 1 includes a pair of molds 55 a , 55 b , a pair of chucks 56 a , 56 b , and a pair of expansion pins 57 a , 57 b , in addition to the lifting device 5 described above.
- the molds 55 a , 55 b are arranged so as to be movable along an inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds). Molding faces 58 a , 58 a for molding the fuel tank body 1 are formed recessed on the inner faces of the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- Joining cylinders 59 a that are expandable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds) are arranged at approximately central portions of the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- the right and left joining cylinders 59 a , 59 a makes a set. In the example, two sets are arranged apart from each other vertically.
- the joining cylinders 59 a extend mutually to press a parison 6 from outside so as to join (weld) the bracket 2 inside the parison 6 (see FIG. 6B ).
- a pair of pinches 55 a 1 , 55 b 1 that is expandable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds) is arranged at the lower end of the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- the pinches 55 a 1 , 55 b 1 extend mutually to press and close the lower end of the parison 6 .
- the mold 55 b includes a first blow pin 61 through which air is supplied into the parison 6 and a second blow pin 62 through which the air in the parison 6 is discharged outside.
- the first blow pin 61 is arranged retractably at the central portion of the mold 55 b .
- the second blow pin 62 is arranged retractably at the lower corner of the mold 55 b.
- the chucks 56 a , 56 b are arranged above the molds 55 a , 55 b so as to be movable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds).
- the chucks 56 a , 56 b hold the upper end of the cylindrical or sheet-shaped parison 6 to suspend the parison 6 between the molds 55 a , 55 b . Further, the chucks 56 a , 56 b approach mutually to press and close the upper end of the parison 6 .
- the expansion pins 57 a , 57 b are arranged below the molds 55 a , 55 b so as to be movable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds).
- the expansion pins 57 a , 57 b move away from each other to expand the lower end of the parison 6 .
- the method of mounting the bracket 2 using such a manufacturing device includes an setting step, a prison arranging step, a bracket arranging step, a joining step, a removing step and a blowing step.
- the setting step sets the bracket 2 on the lifting device 5 .
- the support rod 51 is slid upward by a given length to set the bracket 2 on the upper face of the seat 52 .
- the supported portion 40 of the bracket 2 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 53 to fix the bracket 2 on the seat 52 .
- the parison arranging step arranges the parison 6 between the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- the chucks 56 a , 56 b hold the upper end of the parison 6 to suspend the parison 6 between the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- the expansion pins 57 a , 57 b disposed inside the suspended parison 6 are moved away from each other to expand the lower end of the parison 6 so that the lower end is kept open.
- the bracket arranging step moves the bracket 2 upward by the lifting device 5 to arrange the bracket 2 at a given position between the molds 55 a , 55 b .
- the support rod 51 is slid upward to insert the bracket 2 from below between the molds 55 a , 55 b and inside the parison 6 .
- the joining step joins the bracket 2 to the parison 6 .
- the joining cylinders 59 a are extended inward (closing direction of molds) to clamp and press the bracket 2 from outside the parison 6 .
- the distal ends of the joining cylinders 59 a mutually press, and weld pressed portions of the parison 6 and the bracket 2 .
- the bracket 2 is attached inside the parison 6 (fuel tank body 1 ) via the welded members 10 A, 10 B.
- the removing step removes the bracket 2 from the lifting device 5 .
- the supported portion 40 of the bracket 2 is released from the clamp mechanism 53 , and the support rod 51 is slid downward to retract the seat 52 .
- the blowing step mold-clamps the molds 55 a , 55 b for blow molding. Accordingly, the fuel tank T is formed.
- the welded members 10 A, 10 B are welded inside the parison 6 with the use of the lifting device 5 and the joining cylinders 59 a , 59 a , but the method is not limited thereto.
- the welded members 10 A, 10 B may be welded inside the parison 6 with the use of a robot arm.
- the stress is dispersed in the welded face 11 A onto the second facing sides 11 b peripheral to the first facing side 11 a , one point in the outer edge of the welded face 11 A does not locally receive a large stress. Accordingly, an internal member such as the bracket 2 is prevented from coming off and falling off the fuel tank body 1 , so that the fuel tank T having superior durability is obtained.
- the welded member 10 A ( 10 B) includes the bottom 11 , the body 12 and the flange 13 , and the bottom 11 of the welded member 10 A ( 10 B) is welded on the first tank face 1 a and the flange 13 is welded on the second tank face 1 b , respectively. Therefore, the strength of the fuel tank T is improved. Further, in the welded face 13 A formed on the flange 13 , since the stress is dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 that face the given point P, one point in the outer edge of the welded face 13 A does not receive a large stress. Accordingly, the fuel tank T having more superior durability is obtained.
- the welded area in the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 is approximately the same as the welded area in the welded face 13 A of the flange 13 , to make the difference in weld strength small between the bottom 11 and the flange 13 . Therefore, a good welding balance is provided between the first tank surface 1 a and the second tank surface 1 b.
- the communication holes 12 a 1 and 12 b 1 that communicates inside and outside the body portion 12 are formed in the body 12 , through which the fuel is led into the body 12 . Therefore, the inner spaces in the welded members 10 A, 10 B are suitably used as reservoir spaces for the fuel. Thus, the decrease in volume of the fuel tank body 1 due to arranging the welded members 10 A, 10 B is minimized, to suitably secure the volume of the fuel tank body 1 .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B A second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that annular ribs 11 R are formed on the welded face 11 A before welding. Further, annular ribs 13 R are formed on the welded face 13 A before welding.
- a plurality of ribs 11 R are formed to protrude on the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 .
- the ribs 11 R are formed at given intervals from the center toward the outer peripheral edge of the welded surface 11 A. Each rib 11 R is substantially in the same shape and is formed larger toward the outside. Each rib 11 R is, as shown in FIG. 8A , divided circumferentially by two notched grooves 11 m that are formed in the direction orthogonal to the ribs 11 R. Further, a plurality of long holes 11 h are formed in the welded face 11 A. Each long hole 11 h is formed open between the adjacent ribs 11 R. Each long hole 11 h serves as an air vent hole at the time of welding.
- the rib 11 R 1 at the outermost is lower than the ribs 11 R located closer to the center (inside) with respect to the outermost rib 11 R 1 .
- a plurality of ribs 13 R are formed to protrude on the welded face 13 A of the flange 13 .
- Three ribs 13 R are formed at given intervals near the inner peripheral edge of the welded face 13 A.
- Each rib 13 R is, as shown in FIG. 8B , divided into several pieces circumferentially by a plurality of notched grooves 13 m that are formed in the direction orthogonal to the rib 13 R.
- the rib 13 R at the outermost may be formed to be lower than the ribs 13 R at inner side with respect to the outermost rib 13 R.
- the welded area is increased compared with the case having no ribs 11 R, 13 R, to give more increased weld strength.
- the rib 11 R 1 at the outermost is lower than the ribs 11 R at the inner side with respect to the outermost rib 11 R 1 , to allow for reducing the amount of resin run at the outer edge of the welded face 11 A as compared with that at the inner side. That is, the strength at the outer edge of the welded face 11 A is formed intentionally weaker than that at the inner side. With such a configuration, even if the internal pressure of the fuel tank T is applied to damage the welded face 11 A, only the outer edge of the welded face 11 A comes off by the damage, to allow for making the damage on the inner face of the fuel tank body 1 small. Further, the notched grooves 11 m , 13 m improve the fluidity of the resin at the time of welding.
- a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B .
- the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a welded member 10 C is formed in a substantially D-shape as viewed from above.
- the welded face 11 A of the welded member 10 C is, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , defined by a linear facing side 11 e , substantially semicircular lateral sides 11 f continuous to both ends of the linear facing side 11 e , and a connecting side 11 c that connects the lateral sides 11 f to each other and faces the linear facing side 11 e.
- the welded member 10 C is attached in the fuel tank body 1 so that the linear facing side 11 e faces the given point P (see FIG. 2 ) of the fuel tank body 1 .
- the positional relationship between the given point P and the welded member 10 C is preferably set so that the given point P is positioned (faced) in an area defined by a normal line (not shown) passing through one end and a normal line (not shown) passing through the other end of the linear facing side 11 e.
- the stress is applied on the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 along the linear facing side 11 e facing the given point P, as shown by the dot patterns in FIGS. 10A and 10B .
- the stress is dispersed approximately all over the linear facing side 11 e.
- the stress is applied along the linear facing side 13 e .
- the stress is dispersed approximately all over the linear facing side 13 e.
- the welded face 11 A is welded on the first tank face 1 a and the welded face 13 A is welded on the second tank face 1 b .
- the position may be reversed to weld the welded face 13 A on the first tank face 1 a and to weld the welded surface 11 A on the second tank face 1 b.
- the stress described above may be dispersed on only the face to be welded on one of the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b.
- bracket 2 includes the welded members 10 A, 10 B connected by the wave-dissipation plate 20 , the configuration of the bracket 2 is not limited thereto and the welded members 10 A, 10 B alone may be arranged.
- both the welded members 10 A, 10 B are arranged to face the given point P
- the configuration is not limited thereto and only one of the welded members 10 A, 10 B may be arranged to face the given point P.
- first facing side 11 a the configuration is not limited thereto and a plurality of first facing sides 11 a may be formed.
- at least three second facing sides 11 b can be formed so as to be adjacent to each first facing side 11 a , to disperse the stress more suitably.
- at least four second facing sides 11 b can be formed so as to be adjacent to each first facing side 11 a , to disperse the stress still more suitably.
- the bracket 2 is illustrated as an internal member, but the invention may be applied when various valves or and/or internal members such as a wave-dissipation plate and a clip are welded on the inner face of the fuel tank body 1 .
- a welded face for welding may be provided on at least one of the first tank face 1 a and the second tank face 1 b that face with each other.
- the welded area in the welded face 11 A of the bottom 11 is set to have approximately the same welded area in the welded face 13 A of the flange 13 , the configuration is not limited thereto and either one may be set to have a larger welded area than the other.
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Abstract
A fuel tank has a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body. The welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and wherein the welded face includes a facing side in a concave shape that faces a given point determined based on a displacement of distance between the first tank face and the second tank face when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure.
Description
- The invention relates to a fuel tank.
- For example,
Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel tank having a fuel tank body and a columnar member. Both ends of the columnar member are welded to fix opposed inner faces of the fuel tank body. The columnar member is, for example, in a cylindrical shape or an elliptic shape in a cross section. Members that are welded in the fuel tank body are, in addition to the columnar member, for example, a wave-dissipation plate and a bracket. The members to be welded on the inner faces of the fuel tank body are referred to as “welded members” hereinbelow. - Patent Document 1: U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,190
- The fuel tank is expanded or contracted due to a change in ambient temperature or a temperature change by heat from an exhaust system. Especially, in a case where the fuel tank is made of resin, the fuel tank is susceptible to such external factors. If the fuel tank is deformed, the welded faces between the welded members and the fuel tank receive stress. For example, in the case of the columnar member described in
Patent Document 1, each welded face is in a ring shape. If the fuel tank is deformed, one point in the outer edge of the welded face may locally receive a large stress. - The invention intends to solve such a problem and provides a fuel tank that effectively disperses a stress applied on welded members to have superior durability.
- To solve the problem above, the invention provides a fuel tank having a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body, wherein the welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and wherein the welded face includes a facing side in a concave shape that faces a given point determined based on a displacement of distance between the first tank face and the second tank face when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure.
- The “given point” is referred to as a point where distance varies between the first tank face and the second tank face according to expansion or contraction of the fuel tank. According to the invention, since the concave facing side is arranged to face the given point, a stress applied on the welded face is dispersed. This prevents one point in the outer edge of the welded face from locally receiving the stress, to allow for obtaining a fuel tank having superior durability.
- In addition, the invention provides a fuel tank having a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body, wherein the welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face, which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and, wherein the welded face includes a linear facing side that faces a given point determined, when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure, based on a separation displacement between the first tank face and the second tank face.
- According to the configuration, since the linear facing side is arranged to face the given point, a stress applied on the welded face is dispersed. This prevents one point in the outer edge of the welded face from locally receiving the stress, to allow for obtaining a fuel tank having superior durability.
- Further, the welded member preferably includes: a bottom; a cylindrical body continuous to the bottom; and an annular flange that extends laterally from an end of the body, wherein the bottom includes the welded face that is welded on one of the first tank face and the second tank face, and wherein the flange includes the welded face that is welded on the other of the first tank face and the second tank face.
- According to the configuration, since the bottom and the flange of the welded member are respectively welded on the first tank face and the second tank face, the strength of the fuel tank is improved.
- Still further, preferably, a welded area of the bottom is approximately the same as a welded area of the flange.
- According to the configuration, the welded member is fixed in a well-balanced manner.
- Furthermore, a communication hole through which an inside and an outside of the body communicate to each other is preferably formed in the body. According to the configuration, the inner space of the welded member is used as a reservoir space for a fuel.
- Moreover, ribs that protrude from the welded face are preferably formed on the welded face before welding. According to the configuration, the welded area is increased compared with the case having no ribs, to give more increased welding strength.
- The respective ribs are preferably formed annularly outward from the center of the welded face, and an outermost rib is lower than the ribs formed inside the outermost rib.
- For example, when the fuel tank receives an internal pressure, the outer edge of the welded face receives a large stress. Therefore, if the outer edge of the welded face is welded strongly, damage in an inner face of the fuel tank may be increased with damage in the welded face. However, setting the outermost rib to be lower than any other rib as in the invention, allows the damage in the inner face of the fuel tank body to be decreased even if the welded face comes off due to the internal pressure in the fuel tank.
- The fuel tank of the invention effectively disperses a stress applied on the welded members to have superior durability.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank as viewed from above therethrough according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the fuel tank as viewed from above therethrough; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a welded member; -
FIG. 3B is a plan view of the welded member; -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a fuel tank body and the welded member; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one of the welded members as viewed from above; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the welded member as viewed from below; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a stress applied on the welded member when the fuel tank is deformed; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of mounting a bracket; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view as viewed from above, and -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view as viewed from below, of one of welded members provided in a fuel tank according to a second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a bottom; -
FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a flange; -
FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view andFIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view, both illustrating ribs formed on a welded face; and -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view as viewed from above and -
FIG. 10B is a perspective view as viewed from below, both illustrating a welded member provided in a fuel tank according to a third embodiment of the invention. - Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the description of each embodiment, the same member is marked with the same reference numeral and its detailed description will be omitted.
- A fuel tank T shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted on a means of transportation such as an automobile, a motorcycle and a boat, and includes afuel tank body 1 and abracket 2 mounted in thefuel tank body 1. Apump mounting hole 3 is formed in afirst tank face 1 a of thefuel tank body 1. A pump (not shown) that pumps out the fuel outside the tank is connected to thepump mounting hole 3. - The
fuel tank body 1 is a hollow container for reserving a fuel such as gasoline, and, for example, is made of a thermoplastic resin. Thefuel tank body 1 is produced, for example, by blow molding. - The
bracket 2 is mounted in thefuel tank body 1 when thefuel tank body 1 is produced, and, for example, is made of a thermoplastic resin. Thebracket 2 includes a pair of columnar weldedmembers dissipation plate 20 is arranged between the weldedmembers member 10A includes a receivingportion 30 that supports an internal member such as a cut valve (not shown). Further, the weldedmember 10B includes a supportedportion 40 that is used at the time of welding thebracket 2 on thefuel tank body 1. - Since the pair of welded
members member 10A will be described in the following description and the weldedmember 10B will be described as necessary. As shown inFIG. 2 , the weldedmember 10A has a substantially kidney shape as viewed from above, and has the central portion of one end recessed toward the other end. As shown inFIG. 3A , the weldedmember 10A has a bottom 11, abody 12 continuous to the bottom 11, and aflange 13 continuous to thebody 12. Note that, inFIG. 3 , the weldedmember 10A (10B) is shown alone, and the wave-dissipation plate 20 and the receivingportion 30 attached to the weldedmember 10A are omitted. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , the bottom 11 includes a flat weldedface 11A. The weldedface 11A is welded on thefirst tank face 1 a (seeFIG. 1 ) of thefuel tank body 1. The weldedface 11A is defined by a first facingside 11 a in a concave shape, second facing sides 11 b in a convex shape continuous to both sides in the extending direction of the first facingside 11 a, and a connectingside 11 c that connects thesecond sides 11 b to each other. The first facingside 11 a is curvedly recessed toward the connectingside 11 c. That is, the first facingside 11 a protrudes toward the connectingside 11 c. On the other hand, the second facing sides 11 b peripheral to the first facingside 11 a protrude in a direction away from each other. The connectingside 11 c is formed in a curved shape in the same orientation as the first facingside 11 a. Note that the first facingside 11 a corresponds to a “concave facing side” in claims. - As shown in
FIG. 3A , thebody 12 is in a curved outer shape to follow the curved shapes of the sides defining the weldedface 11A. On one side of thebody 12, aconcave face 12C is formed that follows the first facingside 11 a of the weldedface 11A. Further, on both sides of theconcave face 12C,convex faces 12D that follow the second facing sides 11 b of the weldedface 11A are formed to be continuous to theconcave face 12C. Still further, on the other side of thebody 12, acurved face 12E that follows the connectingside 11 c of the weldedface 11A is formed to be continuous to theconvex faces 12D. - The
body 12 has an outer peripheral face that slightly inclines in a skirt shape from the bottom 11 toward theflange 13. On the outer peripheral face of thebody 12, a verticalconvex rib 12 a and a verticalconcave rib 12 b are formed that extend in the axial direction of thebody 12 so as to be spaced apart circumferentially. Acommunication hole 12 a 1 is formed at the upper end of the verticalconvex rib 12 a. Further, acommunication hole 12b 1 is formed at the lower end of the verticalconcave rib 12 b. The space outside the body 12 (space in the fuel tank body 1) is communicated with the space inside thebody 12 through the communication holes 12 a 1, 12b 1. - The
flange 13 includes a flat annular weldedface 13A on its bottom face (seeFIG. 3C andFIG. 4B ). The weldedface 13A is welded on thesecond tank face 1 b (seeFIG. 1 ) of thefuel tank body 1. Theflange 13 is integrally formed with thebody 12 at the lower end of thebody 12, and includes an annular protrudingportion 13 a and anupright portion 13 b. The protrudingportion 13 a substantially evenly extends from the lower end of thebody 12 outward to form the weldedface 13A on its lower face. As shown inFIG. 3A andFIG. 4B , the protrudingportion 13 a includes a first facingside 13 a 1 in a concave shape that follows theconcave face 12C of thebody 12, second facingsides 13 a 2 in a convex shape that follow theconvex faces 12D of thebody 12, and a connectingside 13 a 3 that follows thecurved face 12E of thebody 12. As shown inFIG. 3C , theupright portion 13 b continues to theupright portion 13 a and extends upward. Note that, though not shown, a vertical reinforcing rib may be arranged between the protrudingportion 13 a and the outer face of thebody 12. - In the embodiment, a welded area of the welded
face 11A of the bottom 11 as described above is set to be substantially equal to a welded area of the weldedface 13A of theflange 13. - As shown in
FIG. 3C , the weldedmember 10A is welded between thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b of thefuel tank body 1. In the example shown inFIG. 3C , the weldedface 11A of the bottom 11 is welded to a steppedportion 1 a 1 that is formed sunken on thefirst tank face 1 a. Further, the weldedface 13A of theflange 13 is welded to a steppedportion 1b 1 that is formed raised on thesecond tank face 1 b. In other words, the weldedmember 10A is welded across the stepped portions 1A1, 1b 1 that are formed to reinforce thefuel tank body 1. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the weldedmember 10A is mounted in thefuel tank body 1 so that the first facingside 11 a and the second facing sides 11 b face a given point P in thefuel tank body 1. The second facing sides 11 b are arranged to relatively protrude toward the given point P more than the first facingside 11 a. - The given point P in
FIG. 2 is a point where a distance between thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b, which face each other, varies according to expansion or contraction of the fuel tank T. The given point P is appropriately determined based on a displacement of the distance between thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b. For example, in the embodiment, the given point P is set to a point at the substantially central position of thefuel tank body 1 where the displacement is relatively large. The given point P is not necessarily set to a point having the maximum displacement. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a stress distribution on the weldedmember 10A in a state that the weldedmember 10A is welded on thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b. InFIGS. 5A and 5B , portions that receive a large stress are shown with dot patterns. As described above, since the first facingside 11 a of the weldedmember 10A is arranged so as to face the given point P and the second facing sides 11 b to be peripheral to the first facingside 11 a, the weldedface 11A receives a larger stress along the second facing sides 11 b respectively than along the first facingside 11 a. In short, the weldedface 11A has the stress dispersed on the second facing sides 11 b across the first facingside 11 a. - Further, also in the welded
face 13A of theflange 13, the second facing sides 13 a 2 receive a larger stress than the first facingside 13 a 1. That is, the weldedface 13A has the stress dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 across the first facingside 13 a 1. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the weldedmember 10B has the second facing sides 11 b arranged so as to have a different positional relationship (different distance) from each other to the given point P. Also in this case, since the second facing sides 11 b are peripheral to the first facingside 11 a, as with the weldedmember 10A, the weldedface 11A of the weldedmember 10B has its stress dispersed on the second facing sides 11 b. Further, the weldedface 13A of the weldedmember 10B has its stress dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B ). - Note that the welded
member 10B is arranged so that the given point P is positioned in an oblique direction as viewed from above. In other words, the weldedmember 10B is arranged so that the lengths of the two imaginary lines connecting the given point P with the pair of second facing sides 11 b, 11 b are different. On the other hand, the weldedmember 10A is arranged so that the given point P is positioned at the front viewed from above. In other words, the weldedmember 10A is arranged so that the lengths of the two imaginary lines connecting the given point P with the pair of second facing sides 11 b, 11 b are the same. If the weldedmember 10B is arranged in front of the given point P as with the weldedmember 10A, the stress will be dispersed in a well-balanced manner. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B , the weldedmember 10A supports one end of the wave-dissipation plate 20. Further, the receivingportion 30 is attached to the weldedmember 10A. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the wave-dissipation plate 20 includes a plate-shapedbase portion 21 and plate-shaped wave-dissipation members 22 that are attached to thebase portion 21 at both ends. Both ends in the extending direction of the wave-dissipation plate 22 respectively extend toward the weldedmember 10A and the weldedmember 10B. One end of the wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed on theconvex face 12D of thebody 12 of the weldedmember 10A. Further, the other end of the wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed on theconvex face 12D of thebody 12 of the weldedmember 10B. The wave-dissipation member 22 is fixed by welding, with an adhesive, or the like. - The receiving
portion 30 includeslegs 31 and anannular support portion 32 formed at the distal ends of thelegs 31. The base ends of thelegs 31 are fixed on the outer face of thebody 12 of the weldedmember 10A. In the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2 , the distal ends of thelegs 31 are fixed across theconvex faces 12D of thebody 12. Thelegs 31 are fixed by welding, with an adhesive, or the like. Thesupport portion 32 supports a cut valve or the like (not shown) to be arranged in thefuel tank body 1. - Note that, as shown in
FIG. 2 , the weldedmember 10A has a plate-shaped wave-dissipation member 25 attached on thecurved face 12E of thebody 12 on a side opposite to the side where the receivingportion 30 is attached. - The supported
portion 40 is supported by a lifting device 5 (seeFIG. 6 ) to be described later so as to assemble thebracket 2 at the time of producing thefuel tank body 1. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , the supportedportion 40 includes a pair ofbase portions dissipation portions 43 that connect the pair ofbase portions portion 44 that is connected on thebody 12 of the weldedmember 10B. - Next, referring mainly to
FIGS. 6A and 6B , a method of mounting thebracket 2 by a manufacturing device will be described. Note that thelifting device 5 is used to mount thebracket 2. Directions referred to in the following description are set for convenience in describing the configuration of thelifting device 5, and are not intended to identify the configuration of thelifting device 5. - As shown in
FIG. 6A , thelifting device 5 includes asupport rod 51, aseat 52 and aclamp mechanism 53. Thelifting device 5 detachably supports thebracket 2 and moves up and down. Thesupport rod 51 is a rod-shaped member that extends vertically. Thesupport rod 51 is supported by aslide mechanism 54 so as to be vertically slidable. Theclamp mechanism 53 fixes thebracket 2 on the upper face of theseat 52. - The
bracket 2 according to the embodiment is mounted in thefuel tank body 1 when the fuel tank body is blow-molded. The manufacturing device for thefuel tank body 1 includes a pair ofmolds chucks lifting device 5 described above. - The
molds fuel tank body 1 are formed recessed on the inner faces of themolds cylinders 59 a that are expandable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds) are arranged at approximately central portions of themolds cylinders cylinders 59 a extend mutually to press aparison 6 from outside so as to join (weld) thebracket 2 inside the parison 6 (seeFIG. 6B ). - A pair of
pinches 55 a 1, 55b 1 that is expandable along the inward and outward direction (opening and closing direction of molds) is arranged at the lower end of themolds pinches 55 a 1, 55b 1 extend mutually to press and close the lower end of theparison 6. - The
mold 55 b includes afirst blow pin 61 through which air is supplied into theparison 6 and asecond blow pin 62 through which the air in theparison 6 is discharged outside. Thefirst blow pin 61 is arranged retractably at the central portion of themold 55 b. Thesecond blow pin 62 is arranged retractably at the lower corner of themold 55 b. - The
chucks molds chucks parison 6 to suspend theparison 6 between themolds chucks parison 6. - The expansion pins 57 a, 57 b are arranged below the
molds parison 6. - The method of mounting the
bracket 2 using such a manufacturing device includes an setting step, a prison arranging step, a bracket arranging step, a joining step, a removing step and a blowing step. - The setting step sets the
bracket 2 on thelifting device 5. In the setting step, thesupport rod 51 is slid upward by a given length to set thebracket 2 on the upper face of theseat 52. At this time, the supportedportion 40 of thebracket 2 is clamped by theclamp mechanism 53 to fix thebracket 2 on theseat 52. - The parison arranging step arranges the
parison 6 between themolds chucks parison 6 to suspend theparison 6 between themolds parison 6 are moved away from each other to expand the lower end of theparison 6 so that the lower end is kept open. - The bracket arranging step moves the
bracket 2 upward by thelifting device 5 to arrange thebracket 2 at a given position between themolds support rod 51 is slid upward to insert thebracket 2 from below between themolds parison 6. - The joining step, as shown in
FIG. 6B , joins thebracket 2 to theparison 6. In the joining step, the joiningcylinders 59 a are extended inward (closing direction of molds) to clamp and press thebracket 2 from outside theparison 6. At this time, the distal ends of the joiningcylinders 59 a mutually press, and weld pressed portions of theparison 6 and thebracket 2. Thus, thebracket 2 is attached inside the parison 6 (fuel tank body 1) via the weldedmembers - The removing step removes the
bracket 2 from thelifting device 5. In the removing step, the supportedportion 40 of thebracket 2 is released from theclamp mechanism 53, and thesupport rod 51 is slid downward to retract theseat 52. - The blowing step mold-clamps the
molds members parison 6 with the use of thelifting device 5 and the joiningcylinders members parison 6 with the use of a robot arm. - According to the embodiment described above, since the stress is dispersed in the welded
face 11A onto the second facing sides 11 b peripheral to the first facingside 11 a, one point in the outer edge of the weldedface 11A does not locally receive a large stress. Accordingly, an internal member such as thebracket 2 is prevented from coming off and falling off thefuel tank body 1, so that the fuel tank T having superior durability is obtained. - Further, in the embodiment, the welded
member 10A (10B) includes the bottom 11, thebody 12 and theflange 13, and the bottom 11 of the weldedmember 10A (10B) is welded on thefirst tank face 1 a and theflange 13 is welded on thesecond tank face 1 b, respectively. Therefore, the strength of the fuel tank T is improved. Further, in the weldedface 13A formed on theflange 13, since the stress is dispersed on the second facing sides 13 a 2 that face the given point P, one point in the outer edge of the weldedface 13A does not receive a large stress. Accordingly, the fuel tank T having more superior durability is obtained. - Still further, the welded area in the welded
face 11A of the bottom 11 is approximately the same as the welded area in the weldedface 13A of theflange 13, to make the difference in weld strength small between the bottom 11 and theflange 13. Therefore, a good welding balance is provided between thefirst tank surface 1 a and thesecond tank surface 1 b. - Yet further, the communication holes 12 a 1 and 12 b 1 that communicates inside and outside the
body portion 12 are formed in thebody 12, through which the fuel is led into thebody 12. Therefore, the inner spaces in the weldedmembers fuel tank body 1 due to arranging the weldedmembers fuel tank body 1. - A second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 7A and 7B . The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in thatannular ribs 11R are formed on the weldedface 11A before welding. Further,annular ribs 13R are formed on the weldedface 13A before welding. - As shown in
FIG. 7A , a plurality ofribs 11R are formed to protrude on the weldedface 11A of the bottom 11. - The
ribs 11R are formed at given intervals from the center toward the outer peripheral edge of the weldedsurface 11A. Eachrib 11R is substantially in the same shape and is formed larger toward the outside. Eachrib 11R is, as shown inFIG. 8A , divided circumferentially by two notchedgrooves 11 m that are formed in the direction orthogonal to theribs 11R. Further, a plurality oflong holes 11 h are formed in the weldedface 11A. Eachlong hole 11 h is formed open between theadjacent ribs 11R. Eachlong hole 11 h serves as an air vent hole at the time of welding. - In the embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B , among the plurality ofribs 11R, the rib 11R1 at the outermost is lower than theribs 11R located closer to the center (inside) with respect to the outermost rib 11R1. - On the other hand, as shown in
FIG. 7B , a plurality ofribs 13R are formed to protrude on the weldedface 13A of theflange 13. Threeribs 13R are formed at given intervals near the inner peripheral edge of the weldedface 13A. Eachrib 13R is, as shown inFIG. 8B , divided into several pieces circumferentially by a plurality of notchedgrooves 13 m that are formed in the direction orthogonal to therib 13R. Note that, also in the weldedface 13A, therib 13R at the outermost may be formed to be lower than theribs 13R at inner side with respect to theoutermost rib 13R. - According to the embodiment, the welded area is increased compared with the case having no
ribs - Further, the rib 11R1 at the outermost is lower than the
ribs 11R at the inner side with respect to the outermost rib 11R1, to allow for reducing the amount of resin run at the outer edge of the weldedface 11A as compared with that at the inner side. That is, the strength at the outer edge of the weldedface 11A is formed intentionally weaker than that at the inner side. With such a configuration, even if the internal pressure of the fuel tank T is applied to damage the weldedface 11A, only the outer edge of the weldedface 11A comes off by the damage, to allow for making the damage on the inner face of thefuel tank body 1 small. Further, the notchedgrooves - A third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 10A and 10B . The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a welded member 10C is formed in a substantially D-shape as viewed from above. - The welded
face 11A of the welded member 10C is, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B , defined by a linear facingside 11 e, substantially semicircularlateral sides 11 f continuous to both ends of the linear facingside 11 e, and a connectingside 11 c that connects thelateral sides 11 f to each other and faces the linear facingside 11 e. - The welded member 10C is attached in the
fuel tank body 1 so that the linear facingside 11 e faces the given point P (seeFIG. 2 ) of thefuel tank body 1. Note that the positional relationship between the given point P and the welded member 10C is preferably set so that the given point P is positioned (faced) in an area defined by a normal line (not shown) passing through one end and a normal line (not shown) passing through the other end of the linear facingside 11 e. - In such the welding member 10C, the stress is applied on the welded
face 11A of the bottom 11 along the linear facingside 11 e facing the given point P, as shown by the dot patterns inFIGS. 10A and 10B . In short, the stress is dispersed approximately all over the linear facingside 11 e. - Further, also in the welded
face 13A of theflange 13, the stress is applied along the linear facingside 13 e. In short, the stress is dispersed approximately all over the linear facingside 13 e. - According to the embodiment described above, in the welded state, in the welded state, since the stress is dispersed on the linear facing
side 11 e that faces the given point P, one point in the outer edge of the weldedface 11A never receives a large stress locally. Similarly, the stress is also dispersed on the linear facingside 13 e of the weldedface 13A of theflange 13. Therefore, the fuel tank T having superior durability is obtained. - Though the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and, for example, the invention may be variously modified as follows.
- For example, in each embodiment described above, the welded
face 11A is welded on thefirst tank face 1 a and the weldedface 13A is welded on thesecond tank face 1 b. However, the position may be reversed to weld the weldedface 13A on thefirst tank face 1 a and to weld the weldedsurface 11A on thesecond tank face 1 b. - Further, in the welded
members 10A to 10C, the stress described above may be dispersed on only the face to be welded on one of thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b. - Note that, in the first and second embodiments, though the
bracket 2 includes the weldedmembers dissipation plate 20, the configuration of thebracket 2 is not limited thereto and the weldedmembers - Still further, in the first embodiment, though both the welded
members members - Yet further, in the first and second embodiments, though only one first facing
side 11 a is formed, the configuration is not limited thereto and a plurality of first facingsides 11 a may be formed. For example, in a case where two first facing sides 11 a are formed, at least three second facing sides 11 b can be formed so as to be adjacent to each first facingside 11 a, to disperse the stress more suitably. In addition, in a case where three first facingsides 11 a are formed, at least four second facing sides 11 b can be formed so as to be adjacent to each first facingside 11 a, to disperse the stress still more suitably. - Moreover, in the embodiments, the
bracket 2 is illustrated as an internal member, but the invention may be applied when various valves or and/or internal members such as a wave-dissipation plate and a clip are welded on the inner face of thefuel tank body 1. Also in this case, a welded face for welding may be provided on at least one of thefirst tank face 1 a and thesecond tank face 1 b that face with each other. - Finally, though the welded area in the welded
face 11A of the bottom 11 is set to have approximately the same welded area in the weldedface 13A of theflange 13, the configuration is not limited thereto and either one may be set to have a larger welded area than the other. - 1 fuel tank body
- 1 a first tank face
- 1 b second tank face
- 2 bracket
- 10A welded member
- 10B welded member
- 10C welded member
- 11 bottom
- 11R1 rib (at the outermost)
- 11A welded face
- 11R rib
- 11 a first facing side (facing side)
- 11 b second facing side
- 11 c connecting side
- 11 e linear facing side
- 12 body
- 12
b 1 communication hole - 12 a 1 communication hole
- 13 flange
- 13 a 2 second facing side
- 13A welded face
- 13R rib
- 13 e linear facing side
- P given point
- T fuel tank
Claims (7)
1. A fuel tank comprising a welded member that is welded inside a fuel tank body,
wherein the welded member includes a welded face that is welded on at least one of a first tank face and a second tank face which faces the first tank face, of the fuel tank body, and
wherein the welded face is in a kidney-shape defined by a first facing side in a concave shape that faces a given point determined based on a displacement of distance between the first tank face and the second tank face when the fuel tank body receives an internal pressure, a pair of second facing sides in a convex shape that are continuous to both ends in an extending direction of the first facing side and relatively protrude toward the given point with respect to the first facing side, and a connecting side that is curved in a same orientation as the first facing side and connects the pair of second facing sides to each other.
2. (canceled)
3. The fuel tank according to claim 1 ,
wherein the welded member includes:
a bottom;
a cylindrical body continuous to the bottom; and
an annular flange that extends laterally from an end of the body,
wherein the bottom includes the welded face that is welded on one of the first tank face and the second tank face, and
wherein the flange includes the welded face that is welded on the other of the first tank face and the second tank face.
4. The fuel tank according to claim 3 , wherein a welded area of the bottom is approximately the same as a welded area of the flange.
5. The fuel tank according to claim 3 , wherein a communication hole through which an inside and an outside of the body communicates to each other is formed in the body.
6. The fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein ribs that protrude from the welded face are formed on the welded face before welding.
7. The fuel tank according to claim 6 , wherein the ribs are formed in parallel to each other outward from a center of the welded face, and an outermost rib is lower than the ribs formed inside the outermost rib.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2015-083145 | 2015-04-15 | ||
JP2015083145 | 2015-04-15 | ||
PCT/JP2016/054648 WO2016167018A1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2016-02-18 | Fuel tank |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180079299A1 true US20180079299A1 (en) | 2018-03-22 |
US9937788B1 US9937788B1 (en) | 2018-04-10 |
Family
ID=57125848
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/566,649 Active US9937788B1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2016-02-18 | Fuel tank |
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US (1) | US9937788B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3284625B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6253848B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN107531144B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016167018A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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CN113246718A (en) * | 2021-06-30 | 2021-08-13 | 山东统亚模塑科技实业有限公司 | Urea case and oil tank assembly |
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DE102015003101A1 (en) * | 2015-03-11 | 2016-09-15 | Mann + Hummel Gmbh | filter element |
WO2016174936A1 (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2016-11-03 | 八千代工業株式会社 | Fuel tank |
CN105604693B (en) * | 2016-03-02 | 2018-08-31 | 苏州圆能动力科技有限公司 | A kind of portable power generation unit |
JP6923417B2 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2021-08-18 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel tank |
KR102169576B1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2020-10-23 | 주식회사 동희산업 | Baffle for fuel tank of vehicle |
JP7349825B2 (en) * | 2019-06-27 | 2023-09-25 | 株式会社Fts | Fuel tank and strut members |
KR102187051B1 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2020-12-04 | 주식회사 동희산업 | The tank and baffle for tank |
WO2023008206A1 (en) * | 2021-07-26 | 2023-02-02 | 八千代工業株式会社 | Fuel tank |
CN117642305A (en) * | 2021-07-26 | 2024-03-01 | 八千代工业株式会社 | Fuel tank |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP6253848B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 |
WO2016167018A1 (en) | 2016-10-20 |
CN107531144A (en) | 2018-01-02 |
EP3284625A4 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
US9937788B1 (en) | 2018-04-10 |
JPWO2016167018A1 (en) | 2017-12-14 |
CN107531144B (en) | 2018-10-30 |
EP3284625B1 (en) | 2020-04-08 |
EP3284625A1 (en) | 2018-02-21 |
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