Fuel tank

Abstract

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fuel tank capable of improving the rigidity of a carrier part and the configuration accuracy of built-in components. A fuel tank (1), wherein a built-in component (10) of the fuel tank is built into a tank body, the built-in component (10) having a carrier part (11) and a plurality of pillars (12), wherein the carrier part (11) connects the plurality of pillars (12) and is annular when viewed from above, the fuel tank (1) is characterized in that the carrier part (11) has a plurality of outer extension parts (11A to 11F) that connect the plurality of pillars (12) to each other in an annular shape; a plurality of inner extension parts (11L to 11N) that extend from a plurality of connection parts of the plurality of outer extension parts (11A to 11F) to the inner side of the annular shape; and a joint part (201) that joins the plurality of inner extension parts (11L to 11N).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank. Background Art

[0002] A fuel tank internal component is known, which includes a plurality of column members welded to the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank and a beam member (carrier part) integrally connecting the plurality of column members, and a valve is mounted on the upper portion of the column member (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-168022 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Technical problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above-mentioned built-in component is formed by connecting a plurality of column components through a beam component (carrier part) into a ring shape when viewed from above, but a heavy valve is mounted on the column component. Therefore, when manufacturing the fuel tank, there is a problem that the built-in component as a whole is easily deformed, making it difficult to weld the column component to a desired position in the fuel tank.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank capable of improving the rigidity of a carrier portion and improving the arrangement accuracy of internal components.

[0009] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0010] In order to solve the technical problem, the present invention provides a fuel tank, wherein a built-in component of the fuel tank is built into a tank body, the built-in component having a carrier portion and a plurality of pillars, wherein the carrier portion connects the plurality of pillars and is ring-shaped when viewed from above, and the fuel tank is characterized in that the carrier portion has: a plurality of outer extension portions connecting the plurality of pillars to each other into the ring shape; a plurality of inner extension portions extending from the plurality of connection portions of the plurality of outer extension portions to the inner side of the ring shape; and a joining portion joining the plurality of inner extension portions.

[0011] According to the present invention, the rigidity of the annular carrier portion is increased by the outer extension portion, the inner extension portion and the connection portion, thereby suppressing its deformation. Accordingly, a plurality of pillars connected by the carrier portion can be arranged at desired positions.

[0012] In addition, preferably, the plurality of inner extension portions extend inwardly and upwardly of the ring shape, and a component associated with a change in the liquid level of the liquid stored in the box body or a pressure control in the box body is installed at the joint.

[0013] According to the present invention, for example, components such as a full tank detection valve can be stably arranged at an upper portion in a fuel tank.

[0014] In addition, preferably, at least a part of the plurality of connection parts has a fitting part for fitting with the pillar, and at least a part of the plurality of inner extension parts is extended from the fitting part.

[0015] According to the present invention, the rigidity of the carrier portion can be further increased, and deformation can be further suppressed.

[0016] [Effects of the invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel tank in which the rigidity of the carrier portion is improved and the arrangement accuracy of the internal components is high. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of the fuel tank according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining that the internal component according to the first embodiment absorbs the post-molding shrinkage of the fuel tank.

[0020] Figure 3 It is an external perspective view of the internal component according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the built-in component according to the first embodiment, and is a plan view showing a state in which a support column is removed.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the support column according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the engaged portion of the support column is engaged with the slidable engaging portion according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the .

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Bottom view of .

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the movement of the support column during shrinkage after molding according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining the assembly of a support column to the slidable fitting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the fixing fitting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Top view of the .

[0030] Fig.13 It is a diagram for explaining the assembly of a support column to the fixing fitting portion according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [First embodiment]

[0032] Below, the first embodiment of the present invention (this embodiment) is described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following contents and the contents of the drawings, and can be arbitrarily deformed and implemented within the scope that does not significantly damage the effect of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented by combining different embodiments with each other. In the following description, the same parts are marked with the same figure numbers in different embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the same names are used for parts with the same functions, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0033] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a fuel tank 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in the figure, the fuel tank 1 is configured as a box-shaped structure with the width in the X direction, the depth in the Y direction, and the height in the Z direction. The fuel tank 1 is, for example, a fuel tank for an automobile, and can contain fuel such as gasoline and light oil. The fuel tank 1 has an opening 2 in which a fuel supply pump (not shown) can be installed. The fuel that can be contained in the fuel tank 1.

[0034] The fuel tank 1 has an internal component 10 (described later) inside. The internal component 10 can be arranged inside the fuel tank 1, for example, when the fuel tank 1 is blow-molded. That is, the internal component 10 can be arranged inside the fuel tank 1 by molding and cooling the parison in a state where the internal component 10 is arranged inside a cylindrical parison (not shown) or between a pair of sheet-shaped parisons.

[0035] The internal component 10 absorbs the post-molding shrinkage of the fuel tank 1 that occurs during cooling after blow molding, or absorbs or dampens the expansion or contraction caused by the positive or negative pressure inside the fuel tank 1 that occurs during use. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shrinkage after molding will be described.

[0036] Figure 2FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how the post-molding shrinkage of the fuel tank 1 is absorbed by the internal component 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 In the figure, for the convenience of illustration, the interior of the fuel tank 1 is visualized. Figure 3 The following attachment Figure 1 The specific structure of the built-in component 10 will be described. The built-in component 10 is fixed to the parison (not shown) which is the constituent material of the fuel tank 1, by the upper surface 12a and the lower surface (not shown) of each support 12 fitted in the plurality of fitting portions 15. Therefore, when the parison shrinks after molding due to cooling, a force is applied to the support 12 in the shrinking direction of the fuel tank 1.

[0037] The shrinkage after molding is usually similar to deformation. Therefore, a force acts on the slidable (movable) support 12 (the support 12 that fits with the slidable fitting part 13 described later) toward the fixed support 12 (the support 12 that fits with the fixed fitting part 14 described later). The direction of this force is indicated by Figure 2 The black arrow in the figure above indicates that when a force is applied to the pillar 12 due to the post-molding shrinkage of the length L1, the slidable pillar 12 slides toward the fixed pillar 12. The built-in component 10 after sliding is Figure 2 The following figure shows.

[0038] Thus, by sliding the slidable support 12 toward the fixed support 12, the post-molding shrinkage corresponding to the 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 the post-molding shrinkage. As a result, the internal component 10 can be held inside the fuel tank 1 even after the post-molding shrinkage, thereby preventing the internal component 10 from deforming the fuel tank 1 during use.

[0039] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the built-in component 10 involved in the first embodiment. The built-in component 10 has a carrier portion 11, a support 12, a slidable fitting portion 13, and a fixed fitting portion 14. For example, the distance between the support 12 of the slidable fitting portion 13 and the support 12 of the fixed fitting portion 14 having the largest displacement on the XY plane is a length L2. In addition, the distance between the supports 12, 12 refers to the distance between the centers P0, P0 of the columnar supports 12. In the example shown in the figure, the distance between the supports 12, 12 is partly the same and partly different, but it can also be all the same or all different.

[0040] The carrier part 11 is a rigid body having a plurality of fitting parts 15. The fitting parts 15 are the fitting parts 30 ( Figure 5 There are a plurality of the fitting parts 15, and in the example shown in the figure, there are seven of them, but there may be more than two and less than six, or there may be more than eight.

[0041] In the example shown in the figure, the carrier part 11 is formed into a frame shape extending in both the X direction and the Y direction. By forming the frame shape, the rigidity of the carrier part 11 can be increased. The carrier part 11 is formed of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Figure 4 The shape of the carrier portion 11 will be described.

[0042] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a top view of the built-in component 10 according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the support 12 is removed. The built-in component 10, more specifically, the fitting portion 15 includes a slidable fitting portion 13 and a fixed fitting portion 14. The slidable fitting portion 13 is provided along with the fuel tank 1 ( Figure 1 ) shrinks after molding, the support 12 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) of the engaged portion 30 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) is slidably engaged with the engaging portion 15 (here, the slidable engaging portion 13) of the carrier portion 11. In this specification, the sliding direction of the support 12 during shrinkage after molding is defined as the slidable direction. Figure 4 The direction indicated by the black arrow in FIG. There are at least one slidable fitting portion 13, and in the example shown in the figure, there are six slidable fitting portions 13, but there may be two or more and five or less, or seven or more.

[0043] The fixed fitting portion 14 is formed by the support 12 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) of the engaged portion 30 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) is fitted into the carrier portion 11 in a non-slidable manner. In the example shown in the figure, there is only one fixed fitting portion 14. Figure 4 2 , the support column 12 is shown in simplified form and is fitted in the fixed fitting portion 14 . Point P is the axial center of the support column 12 .

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown by the black arrow in the figure, the sliding direction of at least one (or more than one) slidable fitting part 13 is toward the fixed fitting part 14. In the example shown in the figure, the sliding directions of the plurality of slidable fitting parts 13 are controlled by the support 12 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), the support column 12 has a fitted portion 30 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) By making the slidable direction toward the fixed fitting portion 14, the post-molding shrinkage can be absorbed.

[0045] The slidable fitting portion 13 is open on at least one side of the sliding direction and the other side. An opening portion 21 is formed on the open side. By opening either side, the fitting portion 30 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ) is engaged with the slidable engaging portion 13 from the empty side. In the example shown in the figure, the side of the slidable engaging portion 13 opposite to the fixed engaging portion 14 is opened to form an opening 21. In this way, even if the engaging portion 30 is moved toward the fixed engaging portion 14 due to shrinkage after molding, the opening 21 is not Figure 4 Even if the engaged portion 30 is slid in the direction indicated by the black arrow, it is possible to prevent the engaged portion 30 from falling off from the opening portion 21 .

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the carrier portion 11 includes: outer extension portions 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, and 11F, which connect the pillars 12 to each other to form a ring; a plurality of inner extension portions 11L to 11N, which extend from a plurality of connection portions of the plurality of outer extension portions 11A to 11F toward the inner side of the ring; and a joining portion 201, which joins the plurality of inner extension portions 11L to 11N.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer extension parts 11A to 11F are parts that connect the outer side of the carrier part 11 into a ring shape when viewed from above. More specifically, the outer extension parts 11A to 11F form a ring part by connecting adjacent interlocking parts 15 to each other. The outer extension parts 11A to 11F are plate-like parts in a straight or curved shape and are provided with reinforcing ribs. In this embodiment, six outer extension parts are provided, but the number can be appropriately set according to the number of interlocking parts 15 (pillars 12).

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the joint 201 is provided on the inner side of the carrier part 11 when viewed from above. A flat base is provided on the joint 201. In the present embodiment, the joint 201 is circular when viewed from above, but may be in other shapes. The joint 201 is, for example, a part (for example, a shutoff valve for detecting the full tank liquid level of the fuel) associated with the change of the liquid level of the liquid (fuel) stored in the tank body or the control of the pressure (vapor pressure of the fuel) in the tank body.

[0049] The inner extension parts 11L to 11N are parts that connect the joint 201 and the plurality of interlocking parts 15. The inner extension parts 11L to 11N are plate-like parts that are linear or curved and are provided with reinforcing ribs. The inner extension parts 11L to 11N extend approximately radially from the outer periphery of the joint 201. In addition, the ends of the inner extension parts 11L to 11N are connected to the interlocking parts 15 in the present embodiment, but may also be connected to the pillars 12 or the outer extension parts. The "connecting part" in the technical solution refers to the part where a part of the annular part of the carrier part 11 is connected to the inner extension part.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the inner extension parts 11L to 11N are extended upward from the inner side of the carrier part 11. Accordingly, the joint part 201 is located inside and above the annular carrier part 11. In other words, the joint part 201 is located at the upper part of the box body. In addition, in the present embodiment, three inner extension parts 11L to 11N are provided, but it can be appropriately set to two or more.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, a through hole Q penetrating in the Z direction may be provided in any of the outer extensions 11A to 11F, the inner extensions 11L to 11N, and the fitting 15. By providing the through hole Q, it is possible to prevent the fuel from accumulating in the outer extensions 11A to 11F, the inner extensions 11L to 11N, and the fitting 15. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer extensions 11A to 11F and the inner extensions 11L to 11N are indirectly connected to the support 12 via the fitting 15, but they may be directly connected to the support 12.

[0052] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the support column 12 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in the figure, the support column 12 can be engaged with all the engaging portions 15 of the slidable engaging portion 13 and the fixed engaging portion 14, but for example, the shape of the support column 12 engaged with the slidable engaging portion 13 and the shape of the support column 12 engaged with the fixed engaging portion 14 may be different.

[0053] The pillar 12 has a supporting pillar 17 configured as a cylindrical shape, and an engaged portion 30. The engaged portions 30 are respectively engaged with a plurality of engaging portions 15 of the carrier portion 11. The pillars 17 of the same shape extend in the +Z direction and the -Z direction of the engaged portion 30, respectively. The engaged portion 30 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular flat plate 31, and the flat plate 31 has notches 36 at four corners. The engaged portion 30 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular flat plate 33, and the flat plate 33 has notches 32 on two opposing sides of the four sides (only the notch 32 formed on one side is shown in the figure). The roughly rectangular shape mentioned here is not a rectangle in the strict sense, but refers to a shape that is roughly rectangular when viewed from above. Specifically, for example, the corners are not made right angles, but are made into an R-shaped shape, for example, by chamfering.

[0054] The engaged portion 30 has a clamping portion 35. The clamping portion 35 is engaged with the engaging portion 15 ( Figure 2 ).like Figure 6 As shown, the clamping portion 35 has a prism 18 between the pair of flat plates 31 and 33 , and the prism 18 has the same size as the length L3 in the X direction and the length L4 in the Z direction of the opening portion 21 .

[0055] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the engaged portion 30 of the support 12 according to the first embodiment is engaged with the slidable engaged portion 13. The length (width) of the opening 21 in the X direction is the length L3. The length of the slidable engaged portion 13 in the X direction (the portion held by the clamping portion 35) is the length L3 over the entire region in the Y direction of the slidable engaged portion 13. The length (height) of the opening 21 in the Z direction is the length L4. The length of the slidable engaged portion 13 in the Z direction (the portion held by the clamping portion 35) is also the length L4. Therefore, by inserting the engaged portion 30 into the slidable engaged portion 13 through the opening 21, the engaged portion 30 can be engaged with the slidable engaged portion 13.

[0056] The slidable fitting portion 13 has a slide restricting member 41 that restricts the sliding of the fitted portion 30 toward the opening side where the opening portion 21 is formed. The slide restricting member 41 can prevent the fitted portion 30 fitted into the slidable fitting portion 13 from falling off from the opening portion 21.

[0057] The slide restricting member 41 is a claw 42 having an inclined surface 42a, wherein the inclined surface 42a is an inclined surface that rises as it approaches the inner side (+Y direction) from the open side (-Y direction) where the open portion 21 is formed. By cutting off three sides of the claw 42 except the front side, the rear end of the claw 42 becomes a free end, and the claw 42 is elastically deformable. By having the claw 42, when the engaged portion 30 is inserted from the open portion 21, the engaged portion 30 can be slid in the +Y direction by pressing the inclined surface 42a in the -Z direction. In addition, when the engaged portion 30 passes over the inner end 42b of the claw 42, the inclined surface 42a is lifted in the +Z direction by the reaction force, so that the engaged portion 30 can be locked to the slidable engaging portion 13.

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the . Figure 7 is Figure 6 The figure is viewed from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. The engaged portion 30 is locked to the slidable engaging portion 13 by bringing the end faces 36a of the two notch portions 36 on the side of the opening portion 21 into contact with the end portions 42b of the claws 42. When the claws 42 are locked to the notch portions 36, the position of the end portions 42b of the claws 42 in the Y direction substantially coincides with the position of the end portions 18a of the front side of the prism 18 in the Y direction.

[0059] In the slidable fitting portion 13, the distance between the end surface 43 existing on the inner side (the side opposite to the opening portion 21) and the end 42b of the claw 42 when viewed from the opening portion 21 is the length L5. In the support column 12, the distance between the end surface 18b of the prism 18 in the +Y direction and the end surface 36a of the notch portion 36 in the -Y direction is the length L6. The length L5 is longer than the length L6. Therefore, the support column 12 slides in the slidable area formed between the end surface 43 and the end 42b. The amount of sliding when sliding in the slidable area is the length obtained by subtracting the length L6 from the length L5.

[0060] The length of the flat plate 31 in the X direction is length L7. The interval between the slide limiting members 41, 41 is length L8. Length L7 is longer than length L8. Therefore, even if the flat plate 31 is to slide toward the opening 21, the flat plate 31 is caught by the slide limiting members 41, 41, so that the support column 12 can be arranged between the end surface 43 of the slidable joint 13 and the end 42b of the claw 42.

[0061] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Bottom view of . Figure 8 is from Figure 6 The diagram is viewed from the -Z direction to the +Z direction. Figure 8 Indicates two notch portions 36 ( Figure 7 ) end surface 36a ( Figure 7 ) and the end 42b of the claw 42 ( Figure 7 ) contact status.

[0062] As described above, the flat plate 33 has the notch 32 on two opposing sides among the four sides. The slidable fitting part 13 has the stopper 45 at a position facing the notch 32, and the stopper 45 is stopped in a temporary state where the fitting part 30 is fitted into the slidable fitting part 13. The temporary state mentioned here refers to the state before shrinkage after molding, and specifically, for example, refers to the state before cooling of the parison after blow molding in a state where the built-in component 10 is arranged. Therefore, the slidable fitting part 13 has a positioning mechanism for positioning in the slidable direction (Y direction) composed of the stopper 45. The stopper 45 is, for example, a leaf spring configured such that the curved portion 45a is embedded in the notch 32 when no stress is applied. By having the stopper 45, the pillar 12 can be stopped in a temporary state where the fitting part 30 is fitted into the slidable fitting part 13. Accordingly, the built-in component 10 can be arranged in the fuel tank 1 in a state where the pillar 12 is stopped.

[0063] The locking portions 45 are provided in a pair so as to sandwich the pillar 12. The length of the pair of locking portions 45, 45 in the X direction is L9. In addition, the length of the notches 32, 32 provided on the two opposing sides in the X direction is also L9. In addition, the length of the flat plate 33 in the X direction is L10. The length L10 is longer than the length L9. Therefore, the pillar 12 having the flat plate 33 can be locked by the locking portions 45.

[0064] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the support column 12 during the post-molding shrinkage of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 The above picture (with Figure 8 In the temporary state, the notch 32 is stopped by the stopper 45. At this time, the interval between the stopper 45 and the notch 32 in the X direction is equal to the interval between the notch 32 and the notch 32 in the X direction, and the length is L9 ( Figure 8 ).

[0065] In the state where the locking portion 45 is locked, when the fuel tank 1 ( Figure 1 ) When shrinking after molding, as shown in the reference Figure 2 As described above, the support column 12 moves while maintaining the position (XY position) of the fitting portion 15, that is, while maintaining the position of the carrier portion 11. As a result, the locking of the locking portion 45 is released, and the support column 12 slides toward the fixed fitting portion 14 in the slidable area. Since the support column 12 is released from the locking when it shrinks after molding and slides toward the fixed fitting portion 14, the built-in component 10 configured in the state of locking the support column 12, as described above, Figure 2 As shown, it is possible to absorb the post-molding shrinkage corresponding to similar deformation.

[0066] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure below, the support 12 slides only by the sliding amount L11. The sliding amount L11 of the support 12 can be 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 parison (a component that shrinks after molding in the fuel tank 1) that accommodates the built-in component 10. The distance between the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14 is determined for each support 12 that determines the sliding amount L11, for example, as described above Figure 3 For example, the sliding amount of the support 12 of the slidable fitting portion 13 having the maximum displacement on the XY plane can be determined based on the distance on the XY plane between the support 12 and the fixed fitting portion 14, that is, the length L2. In addition, the shrinkage rate of the constituent material of the parison accommodating the built-in component 10 can be selected from known values ​​according to the constituent material, or can be determined by experiments, etc.

[0067] If the shrinkage rate before and after the post-molding shrinkage can be known, the magnitude of the post-molding shrinkage, that is, the sliding amount L11 of the support 12 can be calculated by multiplying the above distance by the above shrinkage rate. The length L5 ( Figure 7 ) slides in the slidable area. In addition, as described above, the length L6 (refer to Figure 7 ) is the distance between the end face 18b in the +Y direction of the prism 18 and the end face 36a in the -Y direction of the notch 36. Therefore, as long as the value obtained by subtracting the length L6 from the length L5 as the sliding portion is greater than the sliding amount L11, the restriction of the movement of the slidable fitting portion 13 during shrinkage after molding can be suppressed.

[0068] Thus, the length (length L5) of the slidable region in the slidable direction is preferably calculated based on the distance between the slidable fitting portion 13 and the fixed fitting portion 14 (in Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length L2 is used as the length L3, and the shrinkage rate of the constituent material of the parison that accommodates the built-in component is determined. Based on this, the amount of sliding during shrinkage after molding is estimated, so that a sufficient slidable area can be set.

[0069] Fig.10 1 is a diagram for explaining the assembly of the support column 12 to the slidable fitting portion 13 according to the first embodiment. As shown by the black arrow, the support column 12 is inserted into the opening portion 21 to assemble the support column 12 to the slidable fitting portion 13. The support column 12 is inserted into the opening portion 21 in such a manner that the arrangement direction (X direction) of the slide restricting members 41, 41 is in the same direction as the length direction of the flat plate 31 having a length L5. Figure 6 to Figure 8 As shown, the support column 12 is assembled on the slidable fitting portion 13 .

[0070] Fig.11 1 is a perspective view of the fixed fitting portion 14 according to the first embodiment. Like the slidable fitting portion 13, the fixed fitting portion 14 includes a slide restriction member 41 for restricting the sliding of the clamping portion 35 of the support column 12. However, unlike the slidable fitting portion 13, the fixed fitting portion 14 includes a rib 51. The clamping portion 35 of the support column 12 is arranged between the rib 51 and the slide restriction member 41.

[0071] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A top view of the ribs 51 is provided in pair, and they are symmetrically arranged in a manner of clamping the flat plate 31. The rib 51 only needs to have a shape that can limit the position of the flat plate 31 in the Y direction, for example, it has an L-shape, and extends in two directions: the direction of the opening 21 (Y direction) and the direction parallel to the opening 21 (X direction). In the example shown in the figure, the rib 51 includes a rib 51c extending in the X direction and a rib 51b extending in the Y direction. Among them, the rib 51c can be used to position the pillar 12 in the X direction when fixing the pillar 12. The rib 51b can be used to guide the insertion in the +Y direction when inserting the pillar 12 from the opening 21.

[0072] The distance between the end 51a of the rib 51 in the -X direction and the end 51a of the other rib 51 in the +X direction is a length L14. The length L14 is slightly longer than the length L15 of the end surface 31a of the portion other than the notch 36 of the end surface of the flat plate 31 extending in the X direction. Therefore, a part of the flat plate 31 is arranged between the end portions 51a, 51a. Thus, the support column 12 having the flat plate 31 is positioned in the X direction.

[0073] The distance between the ribs 51b and 51b is a length L16. The length L16 is longer than the length L7 of the flat plate 31 in the X direction. Therefore, the flat plate 31 is arranged between the ribs 51b and 51b. The ribs 51b extending in the Y direction in the ribs 51 are respectively opposed to the end faces 31b of the flat plate 31, wherein the end faces 31b of the flat plate 31 extend in the same direction (Y direction) as the slidable direction. In addition, the ribs 51c are respectively opposed to the end faces 36a in the Y direction of the two notch portions 36 arranged on the side away from the opening portion 21. The ribs 51c are arranged on the side opposite to the opening portion 21 when viewed from the end faces 36a.

[0074] Unlike the slidable fitting portion 13, the pillar 12 having the flat plate 31 is fixed to the fixed fitting portion 14. Therefore, the fixed fitting portion 14 is configured such that one side is open to form the open portion 21, and the other end side is formed with an end face 43 (closed end face). The fixed fitting portion 14 has a slide restriction member 41 between the open portion 21 and the end face 43 for restricting the sliding of the clamping portion 35. The clamping portion 35 is locked with the slide restriction member 41 and the end face 43. In the example shown in the figure, the Y-direction position of the end face 18b of the prism 18 constituting the clamping portion 35 is substantially 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 notch portions 36 on the open portion 21 side is substantially consistent with the Y-direction position of the end 42b of the claw 42 constituting the slide restriction member 41. That is, the end 42b is in contact with the end face 36a. Thereby, the support column 12 can be fixed to the fixing fitting portion 14 .

[0075] The distance between the rib 51c and the end 42b of the slide restricting member 41 is a length L17. In addition, the length of the end surface 31b of the portion of the end surface of the flat plate 31 extending in the Y direction excluding the notch portion 36 is a length L18. The length L17 is longer than the length L18. Therefore, the flat plate 31 is arranged between the end 42b of the slide restricting member 41 and the rib 51c.

[0076] Fig.13 1 is a diagram for explaining the assembly of the support 12 to the fixed fitting portion 14 according to the first embodiment. As indicated by the black arrow, the support 12 is assembled to the fixed fitting portion 14 by inserting the support 12 into the opening portion 21. The support 12 is inserted into the opening portion 21 in such a manner that the arrangement direction (X direction) of the slide limiting members 41, 41 and the length direction of the plate 31 having a length L5 are in the same direction. At this time, as described above, the insertion of the support 12 in the +Y direction is guided by the rib 51b. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the support column 12 is assembled on the fixing fitting portion 14 .

[0077] As described above, according to the fuel tank 1 of this embodiment, since the base portion 11 is formed of a rigid body, deformation of the base portion 11 can be suppressed when the internal component 10 is arranged in the fuel tank 1 , so that the internal component 10 can be arranged inside the fuel tank 1 with high accuracy.

[0078] More specifically, in addition to the annular outer extensions 11A to 11F, the inner extensions 11L to 11N and the joint 201 are also connected on the inner side of the carrier 11, thereby increasing the rigidity of the carrier 11 and suppressing its deformation. Thus, the plurality of pillars 12 connected by the carrier 11 can be arranged at desired positions of the box body.

[0079] In addition, the plurality of inner extensions 11L to 11N extend inwardly and upwardly of the carrier portion 11, and a shutoff valve is disposed in the joint portion 201. This allows components such as a full tank detection valve to be stably disposed at an upper portion (desired position) in the fuel tank.

[0080] Furthermore, by providing the joining portion 201 inside the annular portion of the carrier portion 11 and connecting the joining portion 201 and the fitting portion 15 substantially radially via the inner extending portions 11L to 11N, the rigidity can be improved with a good balance.

[0081] In addition, the inner extensions 11L to 11N may be directly extended on the pillars 12, but are preferably extended from the plurality of interlocking portions 15 as in the present embodiment. This further improves the rigidity of the carrier portion 11 and further suppresses deformation. In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of connecting portions have the interlocking portions 15 interlocking with the pillars 12, and all the ends of the inner extensions 11L to 11N are connected to the interlocking portions 15, but it may also be a method of connecting at least one inner extension and the interlocking portion 15.

[0082] In addition, the sliding direction of the plurality of slidable fitting parts 13 is the direction toward the fixed fitting part 14. Therefore, compared with the prior art, it is possible to absorb the displacement caused by the post-molding shrinkage of the complicated fuel tank 1. According to this, it is possible to suppress the separation of the support 12 from the fuel tank 1 and the deformation of the carrier part 11 caused by the post-molding shrinkage, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel tank 1.

[0083] The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention, but the design can be appropriately changed within the scope of the main purpose of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, a structure in which the support slides when shrinkage occurs after molding is adopted, but the present invention can also be applied to a structure in which all the support does not slide relative to the carrier part.

[0084] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0085] 1: fuel tank; 10: built-in component; 11: carrier part; 11A~11F: outer extension part; 11L~11N: inner extension part; 12: pillar; 13: slidable fitting part; 14: fixed fitting part; 15: fitting part; 30: fitted part; 32: notch part; 33: flat plate; 35: clamping part; 36: notch part; 41: sliding limiting part; 42: claw; 42a: inclined surface; 42b: end part; 43: end face (closed end face); 45: locking part; 201: joining part.

Claims

1. A fuel tank, wherein an internal component of the fuel tank is internally mounted in a tank body, the internal component comprising a carrier portion and a plurality of struts, wherein the carrier portion connects the plurality of struts and is annular in a plan view, It is characterized in that The carrier portion has: Connecting the plurality of pillars to each other to form a plurality of outer extension portions of the ring shape; A plurality of inner extension portions extending from the plurality of connection portions of the plurality of outer extension portions toward the inner side of the ring; a joining portion for joining a plurality of the inner extension portions, The inner extension portion extends from each of the connecting portions toward the joining portion. The annular outer extension portion forms a rigid body through the inner extension portion and the joint portion.

2. The fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of inner extension portions are extended toward the inner side of the ring shape and upward. A component related to a change in the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank body or a pressure control in the tank body is mounted on the joint portion.

3. The fuel tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a part of the plurality of connecting parts has a fitting part for fitting the support column. At least a portion of the plurality of inner extension portions extend from the fitting portion.

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