Fuel tank

Abstract

A fuel tank has an inbuilt component having a carrier portion (11A) and a plurality of supports (12A), wherein the carrier portion (11A) is a rigid body having a plurality of fitting portions (15A); the plurality of supports (12A) have fitting-accepted portions (30A) respectively fitted with the plurality of fitting portions (15A), the fitting-accepted portions (30A) of the supports (12A) have an upper contact surface and a lower contact surface formed separately in a height direction, and the fitting portions (15A) of the carrier portion (11A) have force applying portions (114) entering between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface when fitted with the supports (12A) and generating a force in a direction separating the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel tank. Background Technology

[0002] A method for manufacturing a fuel can is known in which, when molding a resin fuel can, an internal component is inserted between a pair of molding molds, and the internal component is fixed or welded to the inner surface of a parison (see Patent Document 1). The internal component consists, for example, of components such as a support, a valve, and a carrier portion on which these components are arranged. For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, after the support or the like is arranged on the carrier portion, a robot arm is used to transport the carrier portion between a pair of molding molds for mold closing to form the can. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-187853 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, a support column is provided in the carrier part. For example, if there is a gap between the carrier part and the support column, the support column may tilt during transport and may be fixed in a tilted state. Accordingly, there is a problem of reduced joint strength or poor jointing.

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fuel tank that can improve molding accuracy.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a fuel tank having an internal component, characterized in that the internal component has a carrier portion and a plurality of support columns, wherein the carrier portion is a rigid body having a plurality of fitting portions; the support columns have fitting portions that respectively fit with the plurality of fitting portions, the fitting portions of the support columns having an upper contact surface and a lower contact surface separated in the height direction, the fitting portions of the carrier portion having a force-applying portion, which, when fitted with the support column, enters between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface, and generates a force in the direction that separates the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface.

[0007] According to the present invention, the tilting of the support relative to the carrier can be suppressed by the force applied by the force-applying part. This improves the molding accuracy of the fuel tank.

[0008] In addition, preferably, it has a temporary locking structure, which is configured such that a temporary locking rib is provided in the force-applying part and a temporary locking part is provided in the fitted part. On the one hand, the temporary locking rib and the temporary locking part are temporarily locked. On the other hand, when relative displacement occurs between the support and the carrier part, the temporary locking is released, allowing relative displacement between the two.

[0009] When the fuel canister is being molded, the preform hardens and shrinks after molding, which may cause the support to deviate from the fuel canister and become fixed. However, according to the present invention, since there is relative displacement between the support column and the carrier portion, the position of the support column can also slide in response to shrinkage after molding. Furthermore, by providing a temporary engaging structure, positioning between the fitting portion and the support column can be achieved. Accordingly, the sliding distance of each support column is easily controlled, thereby further improving molding accuracy.

[0010] Alternatively, preferably, the force-applying portion of the fitting portion is a leaf spring that extends from the base along the height direction.

[0011] According to the present invention, the force-applying part can be easily constructed. Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a fuel can with high molding precision can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fuel tank according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the shrinkage of the fuel tank after molding of the built-in component involved in the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the built-in component according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a top view of the built-in component according to the first embodiment, showing the state with the support column removed. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the support column involved in the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state of the fitted portion of the sliding fitting portion of the support column according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A bottom view. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the support column during shrinkage after molding in the first embodiment. Figure 10This is a diagram illustrating the assembly of a support column into the slidable fitting portion according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 This is an explanation of the process. Figure 10 The diagram shows a situation where incorrect assembly occurs during assembly. Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Top view. Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A bottom view. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the fixed fitting portion according to the first embodiment. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Top view. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly of a support column into the fixed fitting portion according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 This is an explanation of the process. Figure 16 The diagram shows a situation where incorrect assembly occurs during assembly. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Top view. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the built-in component according to the second embodiment. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the support column involved in the second embodiment. Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly of the support column with the sliding fitting part according to the second embodiment. Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the state of the fitted portion of the sliding fitting portion of the support column according to the second embodiment. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Top view. Figure 24 yes Figure 22 XXIV-XXIV view. Figure 25 This is a top view of the state of the fitted portion of the fixed fitting portion and the fitted portion of the support column according to the second embodiment. Figure 26 This indicates the state of the support after it has slid. Figure 22 XXIV-XXIV view. Detailed Implementation

[0014] [First Implementation Method] The first embodiment of the present invention (this embodiment) will now be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following content and the illustrations, and can be arbitrarily modified and implemented without significantly impairing the effects of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented by combining different embodiments with each other. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts in different embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the same names are used for parts with the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fuel tank 1 according to the first embodiment. In the illustrated example, the fuel tank 1 is configured as a box-shaped structure with width in the X direction, depth in the Y direction, and height in the Z direction. The fuel tank 1 is, for example, a car fuel tank, capable of holding fuels such as gasoline and light oil. The fuel tank 1 has an opening 2 for installing a fuel pump (not shown). The fuel contained in the fuel tank 1 can be supplied to the engine (not shown) via the fuel pump.

[0016] The fuel tank 1 has an internal component 10 (described later). The internal component 10 can be disposed inside the fuel tank 1, for example, during blow molding of the fuel tank 1. That is, the internal component 10 can be disposed inside the fuel tank 1 by molding and cooling the preform with the internal component 10 disposed inside the cylindrical preform (not shown) or between a pair of sheet preforms.

[0017] The built-in component 10 absorbs the post-molding shrinkage of the fuel tank 1 during cooling after blow molding, or absorbs the expansion or contraction caused by positive or negative pressure inside the fuel tank 1 during use, or performs wave damping. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shrinkage after molding is explained.

[0018] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the shrinkage of the fuel tank 1 after molding, as described in the first embodiment, by means of the built-in component 10. Figure 2 For ease of illustration, the interior of fuel tank 1 is shown in the diagram. See the following for reference. Figure 3 The following appendix Figure 1 The specific structure of the built-in component 10 will be described below. The built-in component 10 is fixed to the constituent material of the fuel tank 1, namely the preform (not shown), by means of the upper surface 12a and lower surface (not shown) of each of the multiple fitting parts 15, which are fitted into the fitting parts 15. Therefore, when the preform shrinks after molding due to cooling, a force is applied to the fitting 12 along the shrinkage direction of the fuel tank 1.

[0019] Post-molding shrinkage is typically similar to deformation. Therefore, a force is applied to the slidable (movable) support 12 (the support 12 that engages with the slidable fitting part 13 described later) towards the fixed support 12 (the support 12 that engages with the fixed fitting part 14 described later). The direction of this force is... Figure 2 The black arrow in the upper part of the diagram indicates that when a force is applied to the support 12 due to the shrinkage after molding of length L1, the slidable support 12 slides toward the fixed support 12. The slidable built-in component 10 uses... Figure 2 The following diagram illustrates this.

[0020] In this way, by sliding the slidable support 12 toward the fixed support 12, post-forming shrinkage corresponding to similar deformation can be absorbed, thereby preventing the support 12 from peeling off or detaching from the inner wall of the fuel tank 1 due to post-forming shrinkage. As a result, even after post-forming shrinkage, the built-in component 10 can be retained inside the fuel tank 1, thereby suppressing deformation of the fuel tank 1 during use, etc., by the built-in component 10.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the built-in component 10 according to the first embodiment. The built-in component 10 includes a carrier portion 11, a support column 12, a slidable fitting portion 13, and a fixed fitting portion 14. For example, the distance between the support column 12 of the slidable fitting portion 13, which has the largest displacement in the XY plane, and the support column 12 of the fixed fitting portion 14 is a length L2. Furthermore, the distance between the supports 12, 12 refers to the distance between the centers P0, P0 of the columnar supports 12. In the illustrated example, the distances between the supports 12, 12 are partially the same and partially different, but they can also be all the same or all different.

[0022] The carrier part 11 is a rigid body having a fitting part 15. The fitting part 15 provides a mounting part 30 ( Figure 5 The carrier portion 11 is constructed of a rigid body, which prevents deformation of the carrier portion 11 during shrinkage after the fuel tank 1 is formed. Furthermore, when the built-in component 10 is placed inside the fuel tank 1, deflection of the built-in component 10 can be suppressed, thus allowing the built-in component 10 to be precisely positioned inside the fuel tank 1. Multiple fitting portions 15 are available; in the illustrated example, there are seven, but there can also be two or more, six or fewer, or eight or more.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the carrier portion 11 is configured as a frame extending along both the X and Y directions. By configuring it as a frame, the rigidity of the carrier portion 11 can be increased. The carrier portion 11 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polystyrene. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The shape of the carrier section 11 will be explained.

[0024] Figure 4This is a top view of the built-in component 10 according to the first embodiment, showing the state with the support column 12 removed. The built-in component 10, and more specifically, the fitting portion 15, has a slidable fitting portion 13 and a fixed fitting portion 14. The slidable fitting portion 13 is attached to the fuel tank 1 (… Figure 1 After molding, the support column 12 shrinks. Figure 3 , Figure 5 The mating part 30 () Figure 3 , Figure 5 The support column 12 is slidably fitted into the carrier portion 11 in a fitting portion 15 (here, the slidable fitting portion 13). In this specification, the sliding direction of the support column 12 during shrinkage after molding is defined as the slidable direction. The slidable direction is... Figure 4 The direction is indicated by the black arrow in the diagram. The slidable fitting part 13 has at least one, and in the example shown, it has six, but it can also have more than two and less than five, or more than seven.

[0025] The fixed fitting part 14 is the support column 12 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 The mating part 30 () Figure 3 , Figure 5 The fitting portion 15 (here, the fixed fitting portion 14) is fitted into the carrier portion 11 in a non-sliding manner. In the illustrated example, there is only one fixed fitting portion 14. Figure 4 The simplified representation is of the support column 12 fitted into the fixed fitting part 14. Point P is the axis center of the support column 12.

[0026] like Figure 4 As indicated by the black arrow, at least one (or possibly one) slidable fitting 13 is slidable in the direction toward the fixed fitting 14. In the illustrated example, the slidable directions of the plurality of slidable fittings 13 are respectively via the support 12 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 Point P in the ) indicates that the support 12 has a fitting portion 30 that is fitted into the fixed fitting portion 14. Figure 3 , Figure 5 By aligning the sliding direction toward the fixed fitting part 14, shrinkage after molding can be absorbed.

[0027] The slidable fitting portion 13 is such that at least one side of the slidable direction and the other side is open. An opening portion 21 is formed on the open side. By opening either side, the fitting portion 30 of the support column 12 can be made open. Figure 3 , Figure 5 The sliding engagement portion 13 is engaged from the open side. In the illustrated example, the side of the sliding engagement portion 13 opposite to the fixed engagement portion 14 is opened, forming an open portion 21. This allows the engagement portion 30 to be engaged even when shrinking after molding. Figure 4Sliding in the direction indicated by the black arrow can also prevent the fitted part 30 from falling off the open part 21.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the support column 12 according to the first embodiment. In the illustrated example, the support column 12 can be fitted into all the fitting portions 15 of the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14, but for example, the shape of the support column 12 fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13 and the shape of the support column 12 fitted into the fixed fitting portion 14 may be different.

[0029] The support column 12 has a cylindrical support column 17 and a fitting portion 30. The fitting portion 30 is fitted into a plurality of fitting portions 15 of the carrier portion 11. The support columns 17 of the same shape extend toward the fitting portion 30 in the +Z and -Z directions, respectively. The fitting portion 30 has a rectangular or approximately rectangular plate 31 with notches 36 at the four corners. The fitting portion 30 has a rectangular or approximately rectangular plate 33, with notches 32 on two opposing sides of the four sides (only the notch 32 formed on one side is shown in the figure). The term "approximately rectangular" here means a shape that is approximately rectangular when viewed from above, although not strictly a rectangle. Specifically, for example, it is a shape in which the corners are not right angles but are, for example, R-shaped by chamfering.

[0030] The fitting portion 30 has a clamping portion 35. The clamping portion 35 is clamped and fitted into the fitting portion 15 by a group of plates 34 including a pair of opposing plates 31, 33. Figure 2 The clamping part 35 has a prism 18 between a pair of flat plates 31, 33, such as... Figure 6 As shown, all prisms 18 have the same dimensions as the opening 21, with length L3 in the X direction and length L4 in the Z direction.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the slidable fitting portion 13 fits the fitted portion 30 of the support column 12 according to the first embodiment. The length (width) of the open portion 21 in the X direction is length L3. The length of the slidable fitting portion 13 in the X direction (the portion clamped by the clamping portion 35) is length L3 over the entire Y direction of the slidable fitting portion 13. The length (height) of the open portion 21 in the Z direction is length L4. The length of the slidable fitting portion 13 in the Z direction (the portion clamped by the clamping portion 35) is also length L4. Therefore, by inserting the fitted portion 30 into the slidable fitting portion 13 via the open portion 21, the fitted portion 30 can be fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13.

[0032] The slidable fitting portion 13 has a sliding limiting member 41, which restricts the fitted portion 30 from sliding toward the open side where the open portion 21 is formed. By having the sliding limiting member 41, it is possible to prevent the fitted portion 30 fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13 from falling off the open portion 21.

[0033] The sliding limiting member 41 is a claw 42, which has an inclined surface 42a that rises from the open side (-Y direction) where the open portion 21 is formed towards the depth side (+Y direction). Notches are formed along the three sides of the claw 42 excluding the front edge, and the rear end of the claw 42 is a free end, allowing the claw 42 to elastically deform. With the claw 42, when the mating portion 30 is inserted from the open portion 21, the inclined surface 42a can be pressed in the -Z direction to slide the mating portion 30 in the +Y direction. Then, by passing the end 42b on the depth side of the claw 42, the inclined surface 42a is lifted in the +Z direction by a reaction force, thereby locking the mating portion 30 into the slidable mating portion 13.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view. Figure 7 Is Figure 6 The diagram shows the -Z direction viewed from the +Z direction. The engaged portion 30 is engaged with the slidable engaged portion 13 by contacting the end faces 36a of the two notches 36 on the open portion 21 with the end face 42b of the claw 42. When the claw 42 engages the notches 36, the Y-direction position of the end face 42b of the claw 42 is approximately the same as the Y-direction position of the front end face 18a of the prism 18.

[0035] In the slidable fitting portion 13, the distance between the end face 43 on the depth side (the side opposite to the opening portion 21) and the end portion 42b of the claw 42, viewed from the opening portion 21, is length L5. In the support column 12, the distance between the end face 18b of the prism 18 in the +Y direction and the end face 36a of the notch portion 36 in the -Y direction is length L6. Length L5 is longer than length L6. Therefore, the support column 12 slides within the slidable region formed between the end face 43 and the end portion 42b. The amount of sliding within the slidable region is the length obtained by subtracting length L6 from length L5.

[0036] The length of the plate 31 in the X direction is L7. The distance between the sliding limiting members 41 and 41 is L8. The length L7 is longer than the length L8. Therefore, even if the plate 31 wants to slide towards the open portion 21, the plate 31 is stopped by the sliding limiting members 41 and 41, thereby allowing the support column 12 to be positioned between the end face 43 of the slidable fitting portion 13 and the end 42b of the claw 42.

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A bottom view. Figure 8 Is Figure 6 The diagram is viewed from the -Z direction and observed from the +Z direction. Figure 8 This indicates the two notches 36 on the side of the open portion 21. Figure 7 end face 36a ( Figure 7 ) and the end 42b of claw 42 Figure 7 (The state of contact)

[0038] As described above, the plate 33 has notches 32 on two opposing sides of its four sides. The slidable fitting portion 13 has a locking portion 45, which locks the fitting portion 30 in a temporary state when it is fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13, in a position facing the notches 32. The so-called temporary state here refers to the state before shrinkage after molding, specifically, for example, the state before cooling of the preform after blow molding with the built-in component 10 disposed therein. Therefore, the slidable fitting portion 13 has a positioning mechanism configured by the locking portion 45 for positioning in the slidable direction (Y direction). The locking portion 45 is, for example, a leaf spring, configured such that the bending portion 45a engages with the notches 32 when no stress is applied. By having the locking portion 45, the support column 12 can be locked in the temporary state when the fitting portion 30 is fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13. Accordingly, the built-in component 10 can be disposed in the fuel tank 1 with the support column 12 locked.

[0039] The support column 12 is provided with a pair of locking portions 45. The length of the pair of locking portions 45 in the X direction is L9. In addition, the length of the notches 32 on the two opposing sides in the X direction is also L9. In addition, the length of the plate 33 in the X direction is L10. The length L10 is longer than the length L9. Therefore, the support column 12 with the plate 33 can be locked by the locking portions 45.

[0040] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the movement of the support column 12 during shrinkage after molding in the first embodiment. Figure 9 The image above (and) Figure 8 As shown in the same state), in the temporary state, the notch 32 is stopped by the locking part 45. At this time, the distance between the locking parts 45 and 45 in the X direction is equal to the distance between the notches 32 and 32 in the X direction, which is a length L9. Figure 8 ).

[0041] Fuel tank 1 (in the state of being locked by the locking part 45) Figure 1 When shrinkage occurs after molding, as shown in the following example... Figure 2As explained, the support column 12 moves while maintaining the position of the fitting portion 15 (XY position), that is, while maintaining the position of the carrier portion 11. As a result, the locking portion 45 is released, and the support column 12 slides towards the fixed fitting portion 14 within the sliding area. When the support column 12 shrinks after molding, it releases the locking and slides towards the fixed fitting portion 14. Accordingly, the built-in component 10, which is configured to lock the support column 12, as described above... Figure 2 As shown, it can absorb post-forming shrinkage corresponding to similar deformations.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown in the figure below, the support column 12 slides by a sliding amount L11. The sliding amount L11 of the support column 12 is determined based on the distance between the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14, and the shrinkage rate of the constituent material of the preform (the part that shrinks after molding in the fuel tank 1) that houses the built-in component 10. The distance between the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14 is determined for each support column 12 for which the sliding amount L11 is determined, for example, in the above... Figure 3 In the example, the sliding amount of the support 12 of the sliding fitting part 13, which has the largest displacement in the XY plane, is determined based on the distance, i.e., the length L2, between the support 12 of the sliding fitting part 13 and the support 12 of the fixed fitting part 14 in the XY plane. Furthermore, the shrinkage rate of the constituent material of the blank for housing the built-in component 10 can be selected from known values ​​based on the constituent material, or determined through experiments, etc.

[0043] If the shrinkage rates before and after molding can be determined, the magnitude of the shrinkage after molding, i.e., the sliding amount L11 of the support 12, can be calculated by multiplying the aforementioned distance by the aforementioned shrinkage rate. The length L5 of the support 12 in the Y direction between the end face 43 of the slidable fitting portion 13 and the end 42b of the claw 42 ( Figure 7 It can slide within the sliding area of ​​). Additionally, as mentioned above, the length L6 (refer to...) Figure 7 ) is the distance between the end face 18b of the prism 18 in the +Y direction and the end face 36a of the notch 36 in the -Y direction. Therefore, if the value obtained by subtracting the length L6 from the length L5, which is the sliding part, is greater than or equal to the sliding amount L11, it is possible to suppress the restriction on the movement of the slidable fitting part 13 during shrinkage after molding.

[0044] As described above, preferably, the length (length L5) of the slidable region in the slidable direction is based on the distance between the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14 (in Figure 3 In the example, the value is determined by the length L2 and the shrinkage rate of the constituent material of the preform that houses the built-in component. Based on this, the amount of sliding during shrinkage after molding can be estimated, and a sufficient sliding area can be set.

[0045] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the assembly of the support column 12 into the slidable fitting portion 13 according to the first embodiment. As shown by the black arrow, the support column 12 is assembled into the slidable fitting portion 13 by inserting it into the opening portion 21. The support column 12 is inserted into the opening portion 21 such that the arrangement direction (X direction) of the sliding limiting members 41, 41 and the length direction of the plate 31 having a length L5 are in the same direction. Accordingly, as Figures 6-8 As shown, the support column 12 is assembled in the sliding fitting part 13.

[0046] When assembling pillar 12, suppose that when you want to press and... Figure 10 When the support column 12 is assembled into the sliding fitting part 13 in a different orientation than shown, misassembly (assembly abnormality) occurs. This misassembly can be detected in the built-in component 10.

[0047] Figure 11 This indicates that something is in progress. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a situation where incorrect assembly occurs during assembly. Figure 11 The example shows how to get from Figure 10 The support column 12 is shown inserted into the open portion 21 with its orientation rotated 90° in the XY plane.

[0048] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The top view. In the illustrated example, the length of the plate 31 in the width direction is length L12. Length L12 is longer than the length L3 of the opening 21 in the X direction. Therefore, even from... Figure 10 The support column 12 is inserted into the open portion 21 with its orientation rotated 90° in the XY plane, and the fitted portion 30 also engages with the slidable fitted portion 13. Furthermore, the length L12 is longer than the length L8 of the distance between the sliding limiting members 41, 41. Therefore, even when... Figure 10 With the direction of the support column 12 rotated 90° in the XY plane, the support column 12 is inserted into the open part 21, and the sliding of the plate 31 toward the open part 21 is also restricted by the sliding restriction member 41.

[0049] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A bottom view. As described above, pillar 12 is positioned from... Figure 10 The plate 33 is inserted into the open portion 21 in a 90° rotation direction. The length of the plate 33 in the width direction is L13. Length L13 is shorter than the length L9 in the X direction of the pair of locking portions 45, 45. Therefore, the plate 33 does not contact the pair of locking portions 45, 45. Furthermore, the notch 32 of the plate 33 and the locking portion 45 of the slidable fitting portion 13 also do not contact each other. Therefore, in Figure 13In the shown state, the locking part 45 does not lock the plate 33 of the support column 12 and does not perform positioning. As a result, the support column 12 wobbles, and misassembly of the support column 12 of the sliding fitting part 13 can be detected.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the fixed fitting portion 14 according to the first embodiment. Similar to the slidable fitting portion 13, the fixed fitting portion 14 has a sliding limiting member 41 that restricts the sliding of the clamping portion 35 of the support column 12. However, unlike the slidable fitting portion 13, the fixed fitting portion 14 has a rib 51. The clamping portion 35 of the support column 12 is disposed between the rib 51 and the sliding limiting member 41.

[0051] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The top view shows a pair of ribs 51 symmetrically arranged to clamp the plate 31. The ribs 51 have a shape that can restrict the position of the plate 31 in the Y direction; for example, they have an L-shape and extend in both the direction towards the opening 21 (Y direction) and the direction parallel to the opening 21 (X direction). In the illustrated example, the ribs 51 include a rib 51c extending in the X direction and a rib 51b extending in the Y direction. Rib 51c allows for positioning of the support column 12 in the X direction when fixing it. Rib 51b guides insertion in the +Y direction when the support column 12 is inserted from the opening 21, as will be discussed later. Figure 16 Narrate the details.

[0052] The distance between the -X direction end 51a of one rib 51 and the +X direction end 51a of the other rib 51 is a length L14. The length L14 is slightly longer than the length L15 of the end face 31a of the plate 31 extending along the X direction, excluding the notch 36. Therefore, a portion of the plate 31 is positioned between the ends 51a, 51a. Accordingly, the support 12 having the plate 31 is positioned in the X direction.

[0053] The distance between ribs 51b and 51b is a length L16. Length L16 is longer than the length L7 of plate 31 in the X direction. Therefore, plate 31 is positioned between ribs 51b and 51b. Ribs 51b extending in the Y direction face the end face 31b of plate 31 extending in the same direction as the sliding direction (Y direction). Additionally, ribs 51c face the end face 36a in the Y direction of the two notches 36 located on the side away from the opening 21. Viewed from the end face 36a, ribs 51c are positioned on the side opposite to the opening 21.

[0054] In the fixed fitting portion 14, unlike the slidable fitting portion 13, the support column 12 with the flat plate 31 is fixed. Therefore, the fixed fitting portion 14 is formed with one side open to form an open portion 21, and the other end side formed with an end face 43 (closed end face). The fixed fitting portion 14 has a sliding limiting member 41 between the open portion 21 and the end face 43 to limit the sliding of the clamping portion 35. The clamping portion 35 is engaged with the sliding limiting member 41 and the end face 43. In the illustrated example, the Y-direction position of the end face 18b of the prism 18 constituting the clamping portion 35 is approximately consistent with the Y-direction position of the end face 43 of the fixed fitting portion 14. That is, the end face 18b is in contact with the end face 43. In addition, the Y-direction position of the end face 36a of the two notches 36 on the open portion 21 side is approximately consistent with the Y-direction position of the end portion 42b of the claw 42 constituting the sliding limiting member 41. That is, the end portion 42b is in contact with the end face 36a. In this way, the support column 12 can be fixed to the fixed fitting part 14.

[0055] The distance between rib 51c and end 42b of sliding limiting member 41 is length L17. Additionally, the length of end face 31b of the plate 31 extending in the Y direction, excluding notch 36, is length L18. Length L17 is longer than length L18. Therefore, plate 31 is positioned between end 42b of sliding limiting member 41 and rib 51c.

[0056] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the assembly of the support column 12 into the fixed fitting portion 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown by the black arrow, the support column 12 is assembled into the fixed fitting portion 14 by inserting it into the open portion 21. The support column 12 is inserted into the open portion 21 with the arrangement direction (X direction) of the sliding limiting members 41, 41 and the length direction of the plate 31 having a length L5 in the same direction. At this time, as described above, the support column 12 is guided into the +Y direction by the rib 51b. Accordingly, as... Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the support column 12 is assembled in the fixed fitting part 14.

[0057] When assembling pillar 12, assume that when you want to... Figure 16 When the support column 12 is assembled into the fixed fitting part 14 in different directions, misassembly (assembly abnormality) occurs. This misassembly can be detected in the built-in component 10.

[0058] Figure 17 This indicates that something is in progress. Figure 16 The diagram illustrates a situation where incorrect assembly occurs during assembly. Figure 17 In the example, it is shown that from Figure 16 The support column 12 is shown inserted into the open portion 21 with its orientation rotated 90° in the XY plane.

[0059] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The top view shows the sliding limiting members 41, 41 spaced apart by a length L8. Additionally, the width of the plate 31 is L12. Length L12 is longer than length L8. Therefore, when the support column 12 is inserted into the opening 21, the plate 31 is positioned above the sliding limiting members 41, 41.

[0060] Furthermore, the length of the end face 31a of the plate 31 extending along the X direction, excluding the notch 36, is L15 in the X direction. Additionally, the distance between the rib 51c and the end 42b of the sliding limiting member 41 is L17. Length L14 is longer than length L17. Therefore, even when the plate 31 is inserted to its innermost position from the opening 21, the plate 31 does not engage between the rib 51c and the end 42b of the sliding limiting member 41, but remains positioned above the sliding limiting members 41, 41. As a result, the support column 12 is not fixed, and it can be pulled out with relatively little force. Therefore, misassembly of the support column 12 in the fixed engagement portion 14 can be detected.

[0061] As explained above, in the built-in component 10 of the fuel tank 1, the fitting portion 30 of the support column 12 is slidably fitted into the fitting portion 15 of the carrier portion 11. Therefore, the non-rigidity of the carrier portion 11 itself can be suppressed, and the built-in component 10 can be precisely positioned within the fuel tank 1. Accordingly, the shrinkage after molding of the fuel tank 1 can be appropriately absorbed.

[0062] Furthermore, the sliding direction of the plurality of slidable fitting portions 13 is toward the fixed fitting portion 14. Therefore, compared with the prior art, it is possible to absorb the displacement caused by the complex post-molding shrinkage of the fuel tank 1. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the peeling of the support 12 from the fuel tank 1 accompanied by post-molding shrinkage, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel tank 1.

[0063] [Second Implementation] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fuel tank according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the fitting portion 15A has a force-applying portion (e.g., a leaf spring). In the second embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the built-in component 10A according to the second embodiment. The built-in component 10A has a carrier portion 11A, a support column 12A, a slidable fitting portion 13A, and a fixed fitting portion 14A. Similar to the first embodiment, the support column 12A is slidably fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13A (six locations in this example). The sliding direction of the support column 12A is approximately the same as in the first embodiment (see reference). Figure 4 On the other hand, the fixed fitting part 14A (here, one location) is fitted with the support column 12A in a non-sliding manner.

[0065] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the support column 12A according to the second embodiment. In the illustrated example, the support column 12A can be fitted into all the fitting portions 15A of the slidable fitting portion 13A and the fixed fitting portion 14A, but for example, the shape of the support column 12A fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13A and the shape of the support column 12A fitted into the fixed fitting portion 14A may be different.

[0066] The support column 12A has a cylindrical support column 17 and a fitting portion 30A. The fitting portion 30A is a part that fits into a plurality of fitting portions 15A of the carrier portion 11. The support columns 17, which are of the same shape, extend in the +Z direction (upward direction) and -Z direction (downward direction) in the height direction of the fitting portion 30A. The end face of each support column 17 is fixed to the opposing inner surface of the tank body. The fitting portion 30A has a flat plate 31A, and the flat plate 31A has notches 36A, 36A at the two corners on the +Y side (see also...). Figure 23 Temporary engaging portions (notches) 132 are formed on two of the four sides of the plate 31A that face each other in the X direction. The temporary engaging portions 132 are formed at the ends of the plate 31A in a manner that opens in the +X or -X direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the mating portion 30A has a separate plate 33A located below the plate 31A. Plate 33A is approximately the same size as plate 31A and is rectangular or roughly rectangular. Here, "roughly rectangular" means a shape that is roughly rectangular when viewed from above, although not strictly a rectangle. Specifically, it could be a shape where the corners are not right angles, but rather R-shaped, for example, by chamfering.

[0068] The mating portion 30A has a clamping portion 35A. The clamping portion 35A is mated to the mating portion 15A by clamping it with a group of plates 34A comprising a pair of opposing plates 31A and 33A. Figure 19 The clamping part 35A has a solid column 138 (see reference) in the gap between a pair of flat plates 31A and 33A. Figure 23 The dotted-line portion) and a plurality of intermediate ribs 139 (four in this case) extending from the column portion 138 in the Y direction. The intermediate ribs 139 are arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction. Figure 20 As shown, the two outer intermediate ribs 139A and 139B of the intermediate ribs 139 are extended in the -Y direction in a manner that is longer than the intermediate ribs 139B and 139B of the center.

[0069] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly of the support column 12A with the slidable fitting portion 13A according to the second embodiment. The slidable fitting portion 13A has a base 111, a recess 112, a guide portion 113 with a limiting portion, and a force-applying portion 114. The base 111 is a plate-shaped component, which is generally horseshoe-shaped when viewed from above. A sidewall 116 is provided at the periphery of the base 111, rising from the base 111. The recess 112 is a recess that opens towards the open portion 21 (-Y side) and is the part where the support column 12A fits. On the end face 112a of the +Y side of the recess 112, clearance portions 117, 117 are formed on both sides in the X direction. The clearance portion 117 is a portion that is slightly recessed towards the +Y side than the end face 112a of the recess 112. The avoidance portion 117 can be omitted, but as in this embodiment, by having the avoidance portion 117, interference with the support column 12A can be reliably avoided when the support column 12A slides. In addition, the base portion 111 is shown to be horseshoe-shaped when viewed from above, but it can also be other shapes.

[0070] A pair of guide portions 113 with limiting portions are provided on the -Y side of the base 111. The height dimension of the guide portion 113 with limiting portions is smaller than the gap dimension of the plates 31A and 33A. That is, it is formed so that the guide portion 113 with limiting portions can be inserted through the gap of the plates 31A and 33A.

[0071] The guide portion 113 with a limiting portion has an arm portion 113a and a claw portion 113b. The arm portion 113a extends obliquely from the end of the side wall 116 on the -Y side towards the center, and its top end is a free end. The claw portion 113b is provided at the top end of the arm portion 113a and is a plate-shaped portion arranged parallel to the X direction. The arms 113a and 113a extend in the +Y direction and are obliquely inclined toward each other towards the center, thus guiding the support column 12A toward the recess 112. The distance between the guide portions 113 and 113 with limiting portions is smaller than the distance between the intermediate ribs (the distance between the outer intermediate ribs 139A and 39A). Accordingly, when the support column 12A overcomes the elasticity of the arms 113a and 113a and engages with the recess 112, the claw portions 113b and 113b face the intermediate ribs 139A and 139A, thus preventing the support column 12A from shifting toward the -Y side.

[0072] Alternatively, the support column 12A can be configured such that after the support column 12A is engaged with the slidable fitting part 13A, the guide parts 113, 113 with limiting parts can be pushed open to remove the support column 12A.

[0073] The force-applying portions 114 are formed on both sides of the base 111 in the X direction, separated by the recess 112. In this embodiment, the force-applying portions 114 are composed of a leaf spring that is rectangular in plan view when erected from the base 111 in the +Z direction. The force-applying portions 114 extend from the -Y side in the +Y direction and are formed at the opening 115 (see reference) in the base 111. Figure 23 The corresponding position. The top end side (+Y side) of the force-applying part 114 becomes a free end, therefore, the force-applying part 114 is elastic. The force-applying part 114 has: a base end 114a, which forms a large angle with the base 111 and is formed on the base end side; and a top end 114b, which forms a small angle with the base 111 and is formed on the top end side.

[0074] A temporary locking rib 118, extending in the X direction and convex in shape, is formed on the upper surface of the top portion 114b. The temporary locking rib 118 is formed to engage with the temporary engaging portion (notch portion) 132 of the flat plate 31A. Figure 21 As shown, before the support column 12A is fitted, the height dimension from the base 111 to the top end 114b is larger than the gap dimension between the plates 31A and 33A.

[0075] When the support column 12A is engaged with the slidable fitting part 13A, such as Figure 21 As shown, the notches 36A and 36A of the support column 12A are aligned with the slidable fitting portion 13A and fitted together. By having the notches 36A and 36A facing the slidable fitting portion 13A, the notches 36A and 36A serve as markers to prevent misassembly.

[0076] More specifically, the guide portions 113, 113 with limiting portions enter the gap between the flat plates 31A, 33A of the support column 12A and thus enter the slidable fitting portion 13A. Accordingly, the support column 12A is guided by the guide portions 113, 113 with limiting portions. When the support column 12A is further inserted, as... Figures 22-24 As shown, the temporary locking rib 118 of the force-applying part 114 enters the temporary engaging part 132 of the plate 31A and engages. This state is the "temporary engaging state". At this time, the guide parts 113, 113 with limit parts return to their original state and face the intermediate ribs 139A, 139A.

[0077] like Figure 23 As shown, the distance LA from the end face 112a of the recess 112 to the gap S of the intermediate rib 139 is the sliding amount of the support 12A during the molding of the fuel tank. This distance LA can be constant or variable in each slidable fitting portion 13A. The distance LA is preferably set appropriately according to the degree of shrinkage after molding. In addition, the length of the +Y side of each intermediate rib 139 is constant.

[0078] like Figure 24As shown, in the temporary engaged state, the lower surface 111b of the base 111 and the upper surface (lower contact surface) 33Aa of the plate 33A make contact or surface contact. Additionally, the top end 114b of the force-applying part 114, which acts as a leaf spring, makes contact or surface contact with the lower surface (upper contact surface) 31Aa of the plate 31A. The force-applying part 114 applies an upward force to the base 111, thus preventing the support column 12A from tilting relative to the base 111. In other words, the force-applying part 114 enters between the upper surface (lower contact surface) 33Aa of the plate 33A and the lower surface (upper contact surface) 31Aa of the plate 31A, generating a force in the direction that separates the upper surface (lower contact surface) 33Aa and the lower surface (upper contact surface) 31Aa, thus suppressing the swaying of the support column 12A relative to the base 111. Furthermore, the temporary locking rib 118 of the force-applying part 114 engages with the temporary engaging part (notch) 132 of the plate 31A, thus determining the position in the depth direction (Y direction). Accordingly, the positioning of the support column 12A relative to the slidable fitting part 13A can be easily performed.

[0079] In addition, preferably, the temporary locking rib 118 of the force-applying part 114 and the temporary engaging part 132 of the plate 31A are formed in a size and shape such that the temporary engaging state is released when shrinkage occurs after molding.

[0080] Figure 25 This is a top view showing the state in which the fixed fitting portion 14A of the second embodiment is fitted with the fitted portion of the support column 12A. The fixed fitting portion 14A differs from the slidable fitting portion 13A in that the support column 12A does not slide out of the temporary engagement state. When in the temporary engagement state, similar to the slidable fitting portion 13A, the support column 12A is fitted into the recess 112, and the temporary engagement portion 132 of the plate 31A and the temporary locking rib 118 of the force-applying portion 114 engage. At this time, the end face 112a of the recess 112 and each intermediate rib 139 abut or face each other with a slight gap. That is, in the fixed fitting portion 14A, the support column 12A is restricted and does not slide out of the temporary engagement state.

[0081] Figure 26 This indicates the state of support 12A after it has slid. Figure 22 Views XXIV-XXIV. Similar to the first embodiment, even in the second embodiment, when post-molding shrinkage occurs, the support 12A, which engages with the slidable fitting portion 13A, slides towards the fixed fitting portion 14A. As... Figure 26As shown, in this embodiment, the temporary locking rib 118 of the force-applying part 114 disengages from the temporary engaging part 132 of the flat plate 31A, and the support column 12A moves relative to the slidable fitting part 13A (carrier part 11A) in the +Y direction (the depth side of the slidable fitting part 13A). In other words, the fuel tank according to the second embodiment has a temporary engaging structure, which is released when relative displacement occurs between the support column 12A and the slidable fitting part 13A (carrier part 11A), allowing relative displacement between the two. When the shrinkage after molding is completed, the support column 12A is fixed (installed) to the preform (the opposing inner surfaces of the tank body) at this position.

[0082] In the prior art, such as the invention described in Patent Document 1, there is an initial gap (initial distance) between the carrier portion and the support column, or a gap may occur due to tolerances. Thus, when a gap exists between the carrier portion and the support column, for example, when transporting built-in components via a conveying device such as a robotic arm, the support column may tilt relative to the carrier portion or be fixed while tilted. Consequently, problems arise such as poor fit or failure to achieve the desired strength.

[0083] However, according to the fuel tank of this embodiment, the force of the force-applying part 114 can suppress the tilting of the support 12A relative to the slidable fitting part 13A (carrier part 11A). Accordingly, the molding accuracy of the fuel tank can be improved.

[0084] Furthermore, by forming the force-applying part 114 from a leaf spring, a force-applying structure can be easily constructed. Alternatively, the force-applying part 114 can also be in other forms. That is, the force-applying part 114 can be inserted between the plate 31A and the plate 33A, and can apply force to both in the direction of separation.

[0085] Furthermore, in the case of a molded fuel canister, post-molding shrinkage occurs when the preform hardens, which may cause the position of the built-in component (support) to be offset relative to the fuel canister and thus fixed. However, according to this embodiment, the support column 12A and the carrier portion 11A can be displaced relative to each other in the slidable fitting portion 13A. Therefore, the position of the support column 12A also slides in response to post-molding shrinkage. By setting the sliding amount in response to post-molding shrinkage, the support column 12A can be fixed at the desired position. In addition, by providing a temporary locking structure (temporary locking rib 118 and temporary locking portion 132), positioning between the fitting portion (slidable fitting portion 13A) and the support column 12A can be achieved. Accordingly, the sliding distance of each support column 12A is easily controlled, and molding accuracy can be further improved.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 24As shown, in the temporary engaged state, the upper surface of the top end portion 114b of the force-applying portion 114 and the lower surface (upper contact surface) 31Aa of the plate 31A make surface contact, thereby stably maintaining the temporary engaged state. In addition, by providing a pair of force-applying portions 114 on both sides of the recess 112 in the X direction, the engaged state can be maintained more stably.

[0087] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but design changes can be made appropriately without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the support column is configured to slide during post-molding shrinkage, but the present invention can also be used in a structure in which all support columns do not slide relative to the carrier portion. In this case, the temporary locking structure (temporary locking rib 118 and temporary locking portion 132) can be omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, the upper contact surface is the lower surface of the plate 31A, and the lower contact surface is the upper surface of the plate 33A. However, the upper and lower contact surfaces can also be planes in other locations. In this embodiment, the force-applying portion 114 extends from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, but it can also extend in other directions. Furthermore, multiple force-applying portions 114 can extend in the same direction or in different directions. Additionally, the force-applying portions 114 can be arranged to surround the support column 12A. In this embodiment, the top end 114b of the force-applying portion 114 abuts against the plate 31A, but the top end 114b of the force-applying portion 114 can also abut against the plate 33A. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] 1: Fuel tank; 10: Internal component; 11: Carrier part; 12: Support column; 13: Sliding fitting part; 14: Fixed fitting part; 15: Fitting part; 30: Fitted part; 32: Notch; 33: Flat plate; 35: Clamping part; 36: Notch; 41: Sliding limiting component; 42: Claw; 42a: Inclined surface; 42b: End; 43: End face (closed end face); 45: Locking part; 10A: Internal component Components; 11A: Carrier part; 12A: Support column; 13A: Sliding fitting part; 14A: Fixed fitting part; 15A: Fitting part; 31A: Plate; 31Aa: Lower surface (upper contact surface) of plate 31A; 33A: Plate; 33Aa: Upper surface (lower contact surface) of plate 33A; 111: Base; 114: Force-applying part (leaf spring); 118: Temporary locking rib; 132: Temporary locking part.

Claims

1. A fuel tank having built-in components, characterized in that, The built-in component has a carrier section and multiple support pillars, wherein, The carrier part is a rigid body with multiple fitting parts; The plurality of pillars have fitting portions that respectively engage with the plurality of fitting portions. The fitting portion of the support column has an upper contact surface and a lower contact surface that are separated in the height direction. The fitting portion of the carrier part has a force-applying portion that, when fitted with the support column, enters between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface and generates a force in the direction that separates the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface. It has a temporary locking structure, which is configured such that a temporary locking rib is provided at the force-applying part and a temporary locking part is provided at the fitted part. On the one hand, the temporary locking rib and the temporary locking part are temporarily locked; on the other hand, when relative displacement occurs between the support and the carrier part, the temporary locking is released, allowing relative displacement between the two. The force-applying part of the fitting part is a leaf spring that extends from the base along the height direction, and is configured such that the temporary engagement is released when the molding shrinkage occurs during the molding stage.

Images