Can holding device

Abstract

A tank holding device is provided with a belt configured to fasten a hydrogen tank. The belt has a belt-shaped base portion extending along an outer periphery of the hydrogen tank, and a plurality of pressing portions provided to respectively protrude from both sides of the base portion in a width direction orthogonal to a length direction of the base portion, and to apply a pressing force to an outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank by elastically deforming in a state of abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank. At least an elastic member is provided in a gap generated between the belt and the hydrogen tank in a manner of filling up the gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to tank holding devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a can holding device is known as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-070467. In this can holding device, a can is placed on a support member having a can-receiving recess, and the can is held in place by fastening the can with a strip-shaped belt from the side opposite to the support member. In this can holding device, one end of the belt is fixed to the support member by a bolt. The other end of the belt is fixed to the support member under the force of a helical spring. The belt is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the can by the force of the helical spring. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] Recently, in order to miniaturize can holding devices, research is underway on using a belt with a leaf spring structure instead of a coil spring to hold the can. However, when using a belt with a leaf spring structure to hold the can, a gap is created between the belt and the can. If solid foreign objects such as small stones enter this gap, the travel of the leaf spring (i.e., the deformation of the leaf spring) may be impeded. In addition, when liquid foreign objects such as mud or water enter the gap, both dry mud and frozen mud may also impede the travel of the leaf spring. To prevent foreign objects from entering the gap, for example, covering the entire belt with a rubber cover is considered. However, covering the entire belt with a rubber cover requires a large amount of rubber, which can sometimes lead to increased costs.

[0005] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0006] This disclosure provides a can retaining device capable of preventing foreign objects from entering the gap between the can and the can.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a can holding device comprising a band configured to fasten a can, the band having: a strip-shaped base extending along the outer periphery of the can; and a plurality of pressing portions arranged to protrude from both sides of the base in a width direction orthogonal to the length direction of the base, and capable of applying pressing force to the outer periphery of the can by elastically deforming in a state of contact with the outer periphery of the can, wherein at least one elastic member is provided in the gap created between the band and the can in such a way as to fill the gap.

[0008] In one aspect of the can holding device disclosed herein, an elastic member is provided in a manner that fills the gap between the belt and the can, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the gap between the belt and the can. Furthermore, since the gap is filled by an elastic member, the influence of the elastic member on the elastic deformation of the pressing part can be suppressed.

[0009] In the can holding device disclosed herein, the elastic component can also be an independent bubble foam. Independent bubble foam has the property of making it difficult for liquids to penetrate its interior. Therefore, independent bubble foam can not only suppress the gap between the solid foreign matter intrusion zone and the can, but also suppress the gap between the liquid foreign matter such as mud and water intrusion zone and the can.

[0010] In the can holding device disclosed herein, the elastic member can also be formed of polyurethane. Polyurethane is relatively inexpensive and has high elasticity. Therefore, by using polyurethane in the elastic member, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter into the gap between the strip and the can. In addition, by using polyurethane in the elastic member, it is possible to suppress the influence of the installation of the elastic member on the elastic deformation of the pressing part. Moreover, by using polyurethane in the elastic member, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost associated with the installation of the elastic member.

[0011] In the can holding device disclosed herein, the elastic member can also be configured to limit deformation of the pressing portion by a predetermined amount. Even assuming that a large stress is applied to the belt due to vibration, impact, etc., the elastic member can be used to limit deformation of the pressing portion by a predetermined amount, thereby suppressing irreversible deformation of the belt.

[0012] In the can holding device disclosed herein, a metal component or a hard resin component may be provided inside the elastic member. This allows the metal component or hard resin component provided inside the elastic member to limit deformation of the pressing portion by a predetermined amount. Even assuming that a large stress is applied to the belt due to vibration, impact, etc., the elastic member can be used to limit deformation of the pressing portion by a predetermined amount, thus suppressing irreversible deformation of the belt.

[0013] In the can holding device disclosed herein, a sliding plate may also be clamped between the pressing part and the outer peripheral surface of the can.

[0014] In the can holding device disclosed herein, the sliding plate has: a main body extending along the outer peripheral surface of the can; and a left upright portion and a right upright portion erected from two ends in a width direction orthogonal to the length direction of the main body.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign objects into the gap between the belt and the can. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1This is a top view of the can holding device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0020] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0021] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 An enlarged view of part C.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a partial three-dimensional view showing the belt and elastic components.

[0023] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0024] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view showing the belt and elastic components.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the holding component of the can holding device according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the holding member of the can holding device according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the can holding device according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, in the following description, the up-down and left-right directions are convenient directions corresponding to the states shown in the drawings, and do not limit the posture or configuration of the can holding device.

[0028] [First Implementation Method]

[0029] Figure 1 This is a top view of the can holding device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of line III-III. Figure 4 It means Figure 3 An enlarged view of part C. Figures 1-3To facilitate understanding of the structure of the tank holding device, a tank held by the tank holding device is also shown. The tank holding device 10 of the first embodiment is, for example, a device for holding a hydrogen tank 1 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle (not shown) and fixing the hydrogen tank 1 to the body of the fuel cell vehicle. Before describing the tank holding device 10, the structure of the hydrogen tank 1 will be briefly described.

[0030] [Hydrogen Tank]

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen tank 1 is a generally cylindrical container with dome-shaped, curved ends. The hydrogen tank 1 includes: an inner liner 2 having a storage space for storing high-pressure hydrogen; and a reinforcing layer 4, which is disposed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner liner 2. The inner liner 2 has a cylindrical main body 2a and generally hemispherical dome 2b respectively disposed at the left and right ends of the main body 2a. Openings are formed at the top of each of the two dome 2b, and metal connectors 3 are inserted into these openings.

[0032] The inner liner 2 is formed, for example, of a resin material that provides a gas barrier against hydrogen. Examples of resin materials used here include polyamide, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), thermoplastic resins such as polyester, and thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin. The connector 3 is formed, for example, of a metal material such as aluminum. A valve or similar component is mounted on the connector 3. The reinforcing layer 4 is formed, for example, by winding multiple fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin around the outer periphery of the inner liner 2. The fibers are, for example, formed of a composite material whose strength is increased by incorporating carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, etc., into the plastic.

[0033] The hydrogen tank 1, having such a structure, is held at two locations along the axial direction L by the tank holding device 10 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, the location of the hydrogen tank 1 held by the tank holding device 10 is not limited to two locations; for example, it may have three or more locations. When the neck assembly of the fixed connector 3 and the tank holding device 10 are used together, the location of the hydrogen tank 1 held by the tank holding device 10 may also be a single location.

[0034] [Can holding device]

[0035] The tank holding device 10 includes a pair of upper and lower holding members (a first holding member 11a and a second holding member 11b) for holding the hydrogen tank 1. Specifically, the first holding member 11a is disposed on the upper half of the hydrogen tank 1, and the second holding member 11b is disposed on the lower half of the hydrogen tank 1. In this state, the ends of the first holding member 11a and the second holding member 11b are fastened to each other by the fastening member 30. By fastening the hydrogen tank 1 between the first holding member 11a and the second holding member 11b in this way, the tank holding device 10 holds the hydrogen tank 1.

[0036] The first retaining member 11a and the second retaining member 11b are components with the same structure. The first retaining member 11a and the second retaining member 11b are respectively composed of a strip-shaped belt 13 and reinforcing plates 12 disposed at both ends of the belt 13.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the reinforcing plate 12 is, for example, made of a metal plate with a specified width. The width of the reinforcing plate 12 is approximately the same as the width of the strip 13. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing plate 12 extends from the outside of the strip 13 (in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The upper and lower sides of the reinforcing plate 12 are overlapped with the end of the reinforcing plate 13 by pressing it against the end of the reinforcing plate 13. Furthermore, the end 12c of the reinforcing plate 12 on the hydrogen tank 1 side is formed into an arc shape by warping outwards to match the curved shape of the reinforcing plate 13. This effectively suppresses interference between the end 12c of the reinforcing plate 12 and the reinforcing plate 13, and also prevents the end 12c from damaging the reinforcing plate 13.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing plate 12 has a smaller through hole 12a and a larger through hole 12b. The through hole 12a is for inserting a fastening member 30 that secures the first retaining member 11a and the second retaining member 11b. The fastening member 30 is, for example, a bolt and a nut. On the other hand, the through hole 12b is for inserting a bolt 6 used to fix the tank retaining device 10 to, for example, a vehicle body structural member 5. The through hole 12b, compared to the through hole 12a, is located on the hydrogen tank 1 side. The vehicle body structural member 5 is, for example, a longitudinal beam or floor panel of a fuel cell vehicle.

[0039] Belt 13 is a component used to fasten hydrogen tank 1. Belt 13 has a leaf spring construction to hold hydrogen tank 1 and to follow the expansion and contraction of hydrogen tank 1 (particularly the radial expansion and contraction of hydrogen tank 1). Belt 13 has a strip-shaped base 14, and extensions extending from both sides of the base 14 in the width direction of the base 14 (in... Figure 1 Multiple pressing portions 15 protrude from the left and right sides of the base 14. Furthermore, the width direction of the base 14 is orthogonal to the length direction of the base 14.

[0040] The base 14 extends along the outer periphery of the hydrogen tank 1 and has a wide portion and a narrow portion. The wide portion is relatively wide. The narrow portion is relatively narrow. The wide portion is the portion that forms both ends of the base 14 in the longitudinal direction and overlaps with the aforementioned reinforcing plate 12. The narrow portion is the portion between the wide portions and is the portion along the outer periphery of the hydrogen tank 1 when the belt 13 holds the hydrogen tank 1. In addition, although not shown, through holes are provided in the wide portion of the base 14 at positions corresponding to the through holes 12a and 12b of the reinforcing plate 12, respectively.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a partial three-dimensional view showing the belt and elastic components. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line VI-VI. (See example...) Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple pressing portions 15. Each pressing portion 15 extends from the narrow portion of the base 14 to the left and right sides. These pressing portions 15 are symmetrical about the left and right sides of the base 14 and are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the base 14. Furthermore, the pressing portions 15 are configured to apply pressure to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 by elastically deforming while in contact with it.

[0042] Specifically, the pressing portions 15 located on the left and right sides of the base 14 are bent diagonally downward from the base 14 (i.e., towards the hydrogen tank 1 side). For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the pressing part 15 located on the left side of the base 14 is bent diagonally downward to the left, and the pressing part 15 located on the right side of the base 14 is bent diagonally downward to the right. The connection between the left and right pair of pressing parts 15 and the base 14 constitutes a leaf spring.

[0043] The pressing portion 15 has the same thickness as the base 14. The pressing portion 15 is formed such that its width gradually narrows from the root 15a toward the front end 15b. The root 15a is connected to the base 14. The front end 15b has a free end. A portion of the front end 15b has a claw portion 15c parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. By forming a claw portion 15c parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 in a portion of the front end 15b, the contact area between the pressing portion 15 and the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 can be maximized. Therefore, it is expected that the pressing portion 15 will be able to suppress damage to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, a plurality of ridge portions 17 are formed on the base 14. These ridge portions 17 make the belt 13 fit more closely to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. The ridge portions 17 are formed by bending the base 14 little by little at predetermined intervals in accordance with the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. When the portion connecting the left and right pair of pressing portions 15 and the base 14 is a leaf spring, the ridge portions 17 are formed between adjacent leaf springs.

[0045] The strip 13 is formed, for example, by punching a stainless steel sheet into a shape having a base 14 and a pressing portion 15, and then bending it at a specified position. Furthermore, the material used for the strip 13 is not limited to stainless steel; it can also be other metallic materials with excellent strength and elastic deformation.

[0046] When using a hydrogen tank 1 with a spring-loaded fastener 1 having such a leaf spring construction, as Figure 6 As shown, the claw portion 15c of the pressing part 15 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1, and the base portion 14 floats off the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. That is, the claw portion 15c of the pressing part 15 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. The base portion 14 is supported by the pressing part 15, and therefore does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 but floats off the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1.

[0047] When the fastening member 30 fastens the first retaining member 11a and the second retaining member 11b, the belt 13, which has a leaf spring structure, elastically deforms. As a result, the pressing part 15 applies a pressing force to the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. When the belt 13 elastically deforms, the elastic deformation of the pressing part 15 is greater than that of the base 14.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the belt 13, except for the claw portion 15c of the pressing portion 15, does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 and floats off the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. Therefore, a gap is created between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1. In the first embodiment, in order to suppress the intrusion of foreign objects, an elastic member 16 is provided in a way that fills the gap between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1.

[0049] The elastic member 16 is in the shape of a trapezoidal cross section to accommodate the gap between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1 (see reference). Figure 6 The elastic member 16 is integrally formed from one end of the narrow portion of the belt 13 to the other end (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 3 The elastic component 16 is embedded in the gap between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1. The elastic component 16 can be a free-floating foam or formed of free-floating polyurethane.

[0050] like Figure 7As shown, the elastic member 16 is manufactured in a manner that conforms to the curved shape of the belt 13 and has a prescribed curvature. The elastic member 16 is attached to the back side of the belt 13 (i.e., the surface facing the hydrogen tank 1) by means of adhesive or the like.

[0051] In the can holding device 10 configured as described above, an elastic member 16 is provided to fill the gap between the belt 13 and the hydrogen can 1. This elastic member 16 helps to prevent foreign objects from entering the gap between the belt 13 and the hydrogen can 1. Furthermore, since the gap is filled by the elastic member 16, it helps to prevent the elastic member 16 from affecting the elastic deformation of the pressing part 15.

[0052] Furthermore, the elastic component 16 is formed of individually bubbled polyurethane. Individually bubbled polyurethane has the property of making it difficult for liquids to penetrate its interior. Therefore, individually bubbled polyurethane can not only suppress the intrusion of solid foreign matter into the gap between the strip 13 and the hydrogen tank 1, but also suppress the intrusion of liquid foreign matter such as mud into the gap between the strip 13 and the hydrogen tank 1. In addition, individually bubbled polyurethane is relatively inexpensive and has high elasticity. Therefore, by using individually bubbled polyurethane in the elastic component 16, the influence of the installation of this elastic component 16 on the elastic deformation of the pressing part 15 can be suppressed. By using individually bubbled polyurethane in the elastic component 16, the increase in cost associated with the installation of the elastic component 16 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, the can holding device of the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described contents, and various modifications can be considered. For example, the elastic member 16 may also be an independent bubble foam other than independent bubble polyurethane.

[0054] [Second Implementation]

[0055] In the second embodiment, the can holding device 10, in addition to the elastic member 16 having the function of inhibiting the intrusion of foreign objects as described above, is also configured such that the elastic member 16 also has the function of limiting excessive deformation of the pressing part 15. In this respect, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, this difference will be mainly explained.

[0056] For example, if a protrusion on the road surface interferes with the vehicle and causes large vibrations, or if a large impact is input to the vehicle, there may be a situation where a large stress is applied to the belt 13, which has a leaf spring structure. As a result, if the pressing portion 15 of the belt 13 deforms excessively, the deformation of the leaf spring may sometimes exceed the elastic region and reach the plastic region. In order to suppress this situation, in the second embodiment, a relatively hard material such as polyurethane rubber is selected as the material of the elastic member 16 to limit the excessive deformation of the pressing portion 15.

[0057] According to the can holding device 10 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In the can holding device 10 of the second embodiment, the elastic member 16 is formed to have the function of limiting excessive deformation of the pressing part 15. Therefore, excessive deformation of the pressing part 15 can be limited, thereby suppressing irreversible deformation of the belt 13. Furthermore, as the material of the elastic member 16, for example, a material that can limit the deformation of the pressing part 15 by a predetermined amount or more can be selected. As the material of the elastic member 16, a material that can be used in the elastic region of the pressing part 15 can also be selected.

[0058] [Third Implementation Method]

[0059] In the can holding device 10 of the third embodiment, the elastic member 16, in addition to its function of suppressing the intrusion of foreign objects as described above, is also configured to limit excessive deformation of the pressing part 15. In this respect, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, this difference will be mainly explained.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, a metal component 18 is provided inside the elastic component 16. Materials for the metal component 18 include, for example, aluminum or iron. The metal component 18 may also be formed as a strip with the same length as the elastic component 16 and inserted into the elastic component 16. Alternatively, the metal component 18 may be formed as a block and embedded inside the elastic component 16 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the location and thickness of the metal component 18 within the elastic component 16 can be appropriately set to limit deformation of the pressing part 15 by a predetermined amount, particularly to allow the pressing part 15 to be used in the elastic region.

[0061] According to the can holding device 10 of the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In the can holding device 10 of the third embodiment, the deformation of the pressing part 15 by a predetermined amount can be limited by the metal part 18 provided inside the elastic member 16. Therefore, even if a large stress is applied to the belt 13 due to vibration, impact, etc., irreversible deformation of the belt 13 can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a rigid resin component may be provided inside the elastic component 16 instead of the metal component 18. Examples of rigid resin components include polypropylene resin, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin.

[0063] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0064] The fourth embodiment of the tank holding device 10 differs from the first embodiment in that a sliding plate 19 is sandwiched between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1. Hereinafter, this difference will be mainly explained.

[0065] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the belt 13 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1 via the sliding plate 19. In the hydrogen tank 1, through repeated filling and releasing of hydrogen, expansion and contraction occur not only radially but also axially (L) in the hydrogen tank 1. In particular, as the hydrogen tank 1 becomes longer and thinner, the amount of expansion and contraction increases. Accompanying this expansion and contraction of the hydrogen tank 1, the elastic deformation of the belt 13, which has a leaf spring structure, in the tank holding device 10 increases or decreases. As a result, the amount of sliding of the belt 13 increases. To reduce the frictional resistance during the sliding of the belt 13 and to suppress the positional displacement caused by the sliding of the belt 13, a sliding plate 19 is sandwiched between the belt 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the sliding plate 19 has a main body 191, a left upright portion 192, and a right upright portion 193. The main body 191 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank 1. The left upright portion 192 rises from the left end of the main body 191. The right upright portion 193 rises from the right end of the main body 191. The distance between the left upright portion 192 and the right upright portion 193 (i.e., the width of the main body 191) is set considering the amount of sliding of the band 13 to follow the expansion and contraction of the hydrogen tank 1. For example, the distance between the left upright portion 192 and the right upright portion 193 is set to be slightly larger than the maximum sliding amount of the band 13 when the hydrogen tank 1 is full (i.e., the most expanded state of the hydrogen tank 1). The sliding plate 19 is formed of, for example, a metal material or a resin material.

[0067] According to the fourth embodiment of the can holding device 10, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In the fourth embodiment of the can holding device 10, a sliding plate 19 is sandwiched between the belt 13 and the hydrogen tank 1. Therefore, the frictional resistance when the belt 13 slides can be reduced. In addition, by using the left upright portion 192 and the right upright portion 193 to limit the sliding range of the belt 13, the positional displacement caused by the sliding of the belt 13 can be reliably suppressed.

[0068] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A can holding device, characterized in that, The can holding device includes a belt that serves to secure the can. The belt has: A strip-shaped base extends along the outer periphery of the can; and Multiple pressing portions are configured to protrude from both sides of the base in a width direction orthogonal to the length direction of the base, and apply pressing force to the outer peripheral surface of the can by elastic deformation while in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the can. An elastic member is provided in the gap between the belt and the can to fill the gap. A sliding plate is sandwiched between the pressing part and the outer peripheral surface of the can. The sliding plate has: a main body extending along the outer periphery of the tank; and a left upright portion and a right upright portion erected from two ends in a width direction orthogonal to the length direction of the main body.

2. The can holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic component is an independent bubble foam.

3. The tank holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic component is formed of polyurethane.

4. The tank holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic member is configured to limit the deformation of the pressing part by a predetermined amount.

5. The tank holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A metal component is disposed inside the elastic component.

6. The tank holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A rigid resin component is disposed inside the elastic component.

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