Tank car and valve operating box therefor

Abstract

The application provides a tank truck and a valve operating box thereof. The valve operating box comprises a box body, an energy absorption frame and a box door arranged in sequence from front to back. The inside of the box body and the energy absorption frame are communicated to form an operating space. The front end of the box body is used to be connected with a tank body, and the front end of the box body is provided with a mounting port used for a pipe valve structure on the tank body to pass through and extend into the inside of the box body. The box door is movably connected with the rear end of the energy absorption frame and is used to open and close the operating space. The energy absorption frame can be deformed along the front-rear direction thereof. The pressure that the box body can withstand is greater than the pressure that the energy absorption frame and the box door can withstand. The above design makes the energy absorption frame be deformed under the action of external force caused by accidental collision, gradually absorbs and disperses the impact energy of the collision by deformation, and only transmits the extra force to the box body connected with the front end of the energy absorption frame, so that the impact damage of the impact force to the box body can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of safety protection devices, and in particular to a tank truck and its valve control box. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industry, the sales volume of hazardous materials such as natural gas has surged, and the transportation volume has also increased dramatically. Currently, road transportation is the most economical mode of transportation, and tank trucks for transporting hazardous materials are widely used due to their advantages such as flexible transfer, large carrying capacity, high speed, high reliability, and good economy.

[0003] Currently, due to structural limitations, the pipelines and valves of tanker hazardous materials transport vehicles are generally located at the rear of the vehicle, and a protective valve control box is built outside the pipelines, valves, and other structures. Because the pipelines, valves, and valve control box are located at the rear of the vehicle and their structural strength is relatively weak, the valve control box at the rear of the vehicle is highly susceptible to deformation from impacts during road transportation, which can even damage the pipelines, valves, and other structures inside the control box, leading to safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tank truck with high structural strength and energy absorption and pressure reduction function, and its valve operation box.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a valve operating box is provided for covering the pipe valve structure on a tank; the valve operating box includes a box body, an energy-absorbing frame, and a box door arranged sequentially from front to back; The interiors of the box and the energy-absorbing frame are connected to form an operating space; The front end of the box is used to connect with the tank, and the front end of the box is provided with an installation port, which is used for the pipe valve structure on the tank to pass through and extend into the interior of the box; The box door is movably connected to the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame and is used to open and close the operating space; The energy-absorbing frame can deform along the front-to-back direction; The pressure that the enclosure can withstand is greater than the pressure that the energy-absorbing frame and the enclosure door can withstand.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing is made of a rigid material; The enclosure can withstand a pressure of not less than 750kN; the energy-absorbing frame and the enclosure door can withstand a pressure greater than 100kN.

[0008] In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing frame includes a plurality of energy-absorbing elements, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the rear end of the housing; each energy-absorbing element is capable of deformation in the front-rear direction. Each of the energy-absorbing elements has an opening on one side in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, forming at least one recess.

[0009] In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing member further has at least one protrusion, the protrusion and the recess are arranged on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing member along the circumference of the housing, and the protrusion and the recess are provided in a one-to-one correspondence; The protrusions and recesses on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing member are distributed in parallel at intervals.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the energy-absorbing components includes multiple energy-absorbing plates, which are spaced apart from each other. The opposite sides of each energy-absorbing plate are concave and convex, respectively, and the concave surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component face the same direction. The concave surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component constitute the concave portion, and the convex surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component constitute the convex portion. The energy-absorbing component also includes a connecting plate, which is connected to the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates and is flush with the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the energy-absorbing plates is fan-shaped or curved; the connecting plate is arc-shaped or curved. Each of the energy-absorbing plates is provided with multiple energy-absorbing holes spaced apart along the front-to-back direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer diameter of each energy-absorbing element gradually increases from back to front along the front-rear direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the energy-absorbing components includes a conical portion and a cylindrical portion connected front to back, the front end of the conical portion being connected to the housing, and the outer diameter of the conical portion gradually increasing from back to front; the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion being consistent from front to back; The cylindrical portion has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction, and the conical portion has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the energy-absorbing components includes at least one bending plate, the bending plate including a plurality of bending portions connected in sequence, the opposite sides of each bending portion being concave and convex respectively, and all the concave surfaces of the bending portions of the bending plate facing the same direction. The two adjacent bending portions are bent together, and the two opposite sides of the joint of the two adjacent bending portions are concave and convex respectively. The concave surface of the joint of the two adjacent bending portions and the concave surface of each bending portion face opposite directions. Any of the concave surfaces constitutes a concave portion, and any of the convex surfaces constitutes a convex portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the energy-absorbing elements includes a plurality of bent plates spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction; the bent portions of two adjacent bent plates are arranged opposite each other in a one-to-one correspondence. The energy-absorbing component also includes multiple reinforcing plates. Each of the front and rear ends of all the bent plates is connected to a reinforcing plate, and / or, the front and rear ends of any two adjacent bent portions are connected by the reinforcing plate; two adjacent reinforcing plates and two connected bent plates together form a pressure relief hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing frame further includes two mounting frames and enclosure members spaced apart at the front and rear, wherein one of the mounting frames is detachably connected to the rear end of the housing; and a plurality of the energy-absorbing members are spaced apart between the two mounting frames along the circumferential direction of the mounting frames. The enclosure is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the two mounting frames and all the energy-absorbing components, and the enclosure is fitted and fixed to the outer periphery of the two mounting frames.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve control box further includes at least four guide assemblies, all of which are located at opposite ends of the box body; Each of the guiding components includes a guide rail and a guide member. The guide rail is fixed on one of the housing and the energy-absorbing frame and extends in a front-to-back direction. The guide member is disposed on the other of the housing and the energy-absorbing frame, and the guide member and the guide rail are movablely engaged.

[0018] In some embodiments, the door is provided with multiple pressure relief holes; The door includes two door bodies, which are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame. The two door bodies can rotate relative to the energy-absorbing frame to cooperate in opening and closing the operating space.

[0019] According to another aspect of this application, a tank truck is also provided, comprising: Frame; The tank body is mounted on the vehicle frame; The valve control box as described in any of the above embodiments is connected to the rear end of the tank body and covers the valve structure of the tank body; the valve control box is detachably connected to the vehicle frame; the valve control box and the rear end of the vehicle frame are spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distance between the rear end of the valve operating box and the front end of the rear guard of the vehicle frame along the front-rear direction is not less than 300mm.

[0021] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages and positive effects: In this application, the operating space is composed of a housing and an energy-absorbing frame. Since the housing can withstand greater pressure than the energy-absorbing frame and door, these components create a low-strength zone at the rear of the valve operating box. Because the energy-absorbing frame can deform along the front-to-back direction, this low-strength zone deforms under the force of an accidental impact, gradually absorbing and dispersing the impact energy. The additional force is transferred only to the housing connected to its front end, and then to the tank. This prevents the impact force from being directly transferred to the housing connected to the tank, reducing impact damage to the housing. Furthermore, this design allows the housing to form a high-strength zone at the front of the valve operating box, ensuring sufficient strength to maintain rigidity, resist deformation from impacts, and provide adequate protective space, thus enhancing the protection of the valve structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve control box in one direction in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve control box in another direction in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the valve control box in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-absorbing component in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of the energy-absorbing components in some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams of the energy-absorbing elements in other embodiments.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the tanker truck in this embodiment.

[0029] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 100. Chassis; 110. Rear protection; 200. Tank body; 210. Pipe and valve structure; 300. Valve control box; 1. Box body; 11. Mounting port; 12. Frame; 121. Side frame; 122. Connecting beam; 13. Enclosure panel; 131. Clearance section; 14. Back panel; 141. Expansion port; 15. Ventilation component; 2. Energy-absorbing frame; 21. Energy-absorbing component; 211. Recess; 212. Protrusion. ; 213, Energy-absorbing plate; 2131, Energy-absorbing hole; 214, Connecting plate; 215, Conical part; 216, Cylindrical part; 217, Bending plate; 2171, Bending part; 218, Reinforcing plate; 22, Mounting frame; 3, Box door; 31, Door body; 311, Door panel; 312, Reinforcing frame; 4, Lock; 41, Lock rod; 42, Lock seat; 5, Guide assembly; 51, Guide rail; 52, Guide component. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the indications of direction or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, etc.) are merely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the valve operating box or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. These descriptions are appropriate when these components are in the positions shown in the accompanying drawings. If the description of the positions of these components changes, these directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] According to one aspect of this application, a valve operating box is provided for covering the pipe valve structure on the tank body to protect the pipe valve structure.

[0034] The pipe and valve structure is located at the axial end of the tank and includes pipes, valves, and monitoring instruments. In practical applications, the pipe and valve structure is located at the rear end of the tank.

[0035] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides a specific embodiment of the valve control box of this application.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve control box in one direction in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve control box in another direction in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a side view of the valve control box in this embodiment.

[0037] refer to Figures 1-3 The valve control box 300 includes a box body 1, an energy-absorbing frame 2, and a door 3 arranged sequentially from front to back. The interiors of the box body 1 and the energy-absorbing frame 2 are interconnected to form an operating space. The front end of the box body 1 is used to connect to the tank 200, and the front end of the box body 1 is provided with a mounting port 11 for the pipe valve structure 210 on the tank 200 to pass through and extend into the interior of the box body 1. The door 3 is movably connected to the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame 2 for opening and closing the operating space. The energy-absorbing frame 2 can deform in the front-to-back direction. The pressure that the box body 1 can withstand is greater than the pressure that the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the door 3 can withstand.

[0038] In this application, the operating space is jointly formed by the housing 1 and the energy-absorbing frame 2. Since the pressure that the housing 1 can withstand is greater than that that of the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the door 3, the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the door 3 can form a low-strength zone at the rear end of the valve operating box 300. Because the energy-absorbing frame 2 can deform along the front-to-back direction, the low-strength zone can deform under the force of an accidental impact, gradually absorbing and dispersing the impact energy. Only the additional force is transferred to the housing 1 connected to its front end, and then to the tank 200. This avoids the impact force being directly transferred to the housing 1 connected to the tank 200, reducing the impact damage to the housing 1. Furthermore, the above design allows the housing 1 to form a high-strength zone at the front end of the valve operating box 300, giving the housing 1 sufficient strength to maintain rigidity, resist impact deformation, and thus providing sufficient protective space, which is beneficial for improving the protection of the valve structure 210.

[0039] It should be noted that the horizontal extension in the front-back direction mentioned in this article is consistent with the axial direction of the tank 200 in actual application. For ease of description, the left-right direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the front-back direction within the same horizontal plane.

[0040] In this embodiment, the pressure that the housing 1 can withstand is greater than the pressure that the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the door 3 can withstand. This allows the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the door 3 to form a low-strength zone at the rear end of the valve operating box 300, and the housing 1 to form a high-strength zone at the front end of the valve operating box 300. This gives the housing 1 sufficient strength, which helps maintain rigidity and prevents deformation from impacts, thus leaving enough protective space and improving the protection of the valve structure 210.

[0041] Optionally, the pressure that the housing 1 can withstand is not less than 750kN, and the pressure that the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the housing door 3 can withstand is greater than 100kN.

[0042] In this embodiment, the material of the box 1 is rigid, which gives the box 1 high strength and high pressure resistance.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The front end of the housing 1 is provided with an installation port 11, and the rear end of the tank 200 is open. The installation port 11 is used for the pipe valve structure 210 on the tank 200 to pass through and extend into the housing 1. Optionally, the peripheral wall of the installation port 11 is adapted to the axial end of the tank 200. That is, the installation port 11 is used for the axial end of the tank 200 and the pipe valve structure 210 on the tank 200 to pass through and extend into the housing 1. This allows the peripheral wall of the installation port 11 of the housing 1 to fit circumferentially with the axial end of the tank 200, completely covering the pipe valve structure 210 and enhancing the protection of the pipe valve structure 210.

[0044] The front end of the housing 1 is used to connect with the tank 200. Specifically, the peripheral wall of the mounting port 11 is fitted and fixed to the axial end of the tank 200. Since the peripheral wall of the mounting port 11 is adapted to the axial end of the tank 200, this helps to increase the contact area between the housing 1 and the tank 200 and improve the connection strength between them.

[0045] Specifically, the peripheral wall of the mounting port 11 is welded and fixed to the tank body 200 in the circumferential direction, which can achieve an effective fixed connection between the box body 1 and the tank body 200.

[0046] refer to Figures 1-3 The box body 1 includes a frame 12 and multiple enclosure panels 13.

[0047] The frame 12 is made of rigid material. The frame 12 includes two side frames 121 and multiple connecting beams 122. The two side frames 121 are spaced apart along the front-to-back direction, and the multiple connecting beams 122 are spaced apart along the circumference between the two side frames 121, so that the two side frames 121 are continuous in the front-to-back direction. A connecting beam 122 is connected between each of the four corners of the two side frames 121, thus forming a rectangular frame 12.

[0048] In this configuration, after the box body 1 is connected to the tank body 200, the frame 12 extends backward beyond the rear end of the pipe valve structure 210. That is, the frame 12, which has high rigidity, completely covers the pipe valve structure 210. This provides sufficient protective space and can prevent collisions with the pipe valve structure 210 when deformation occurs in the low-strength area, thereby improving the protection of the pipe valve structure 210.

[0049] Multiple enclosure panels 13 are circumferentially arranged around the periphery of the frame 12 to cover the periphery of the frame 12 and provide circumferential protection for the internal space of the frame 12. Specifically, there are four enclosure panels 13, which are respectively attached and fixed to the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the frame 12. Exemplarily, multiple fasteners are spaced apart along the periphery on each enclosure panel 13, and each fastener is connected and fixed to the frame 12.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Optionally, the enclosure 13 located at the top of the frame 12 has a clearance portion 131 with a front opening. The clearance portion 131 is adapted to the axial end of the tank body 200, and the peripheral wall of the clearance portion 131 is used to fit and fix with the axial end of the tank body 200.

[0051] Optionally, multiple ventilation openings are provided at intervals on the left and right side panels 13, and each ventilation opening is connected to the inside of the box 1. This can increase the air convection inside the box 1 and prevent the flammable gas from reaching the flammable concentration.

[0052] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 The enclosure 1 also includes ventilation components 15, with multiple ventilation components 15 protruding at intervals on the left and right side panels, each ventilation component 15 corresponding to a ventilation opening. Each ventilation component 15 has an opening at its bottom and an opening on the side facing the side panel, forming a ventilation channel that connects to the corresponding ventilation opening. This design utilizes the ventilation components 15 to extend the airflow channel, ensuring air convection inside and outside the enclosure 1 while preventing external rainwater, splashes, etc., from entering the enclosure 1 to a certain extent.

[0053] In other embodiments, the side panels 13 located on the left and right sides can directly adopt a louver structure.

[0054] Optionally, at least a portion of the side panels 13 located on the left and right sides may be made of transparent material to form observation windows for observing the interior of the valve control box 300.

[0055] Each enclosure panel 13 can be made of metal or non-metal materials, and the selected materials can withstand the atmospheric environment and the erosion of flying stones on the road.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Optionally, the housing 1 further includes a back plate 14, which is located at the front end of the frame 12. The top opening of the back plate 14 forms an extension port 141, which communicates with the clearance portion 131 and the front end of the frame 12 to jointly form an installation port 11. The peripheral wall of the extension port 141 is adapted to the axial end of the tank 200 for fitting and fixing to the axial end of the tank 200. In actual application, the back plate 14 is located at the bottom of the tank 200.

[0057] refer to Figures 1-3 The energy-absorbing frame 2 is connected to the rear end of the box 1. The front and rear ends of the energy-absorbing frame 2 are connected and can communicate with the interior of the box 1. The energy-absorbing frame 2 and the box 1 together constitute the operating space.

[0058] In this embodiment, the energy-absorbing frame 2 can deform along the front-to-back direction. Utilizing this deformation under the influence of external forces from accidental impacts, it gradually absorbs and disperses impact energy, transferring only the additional force to the box 1 connected to its front end, and subsequently to the tank 200. This prevents the impact force from being directly transmitted to the box 1 connected to the tank 200, reducing impact damage to the box 1 and improving the protection of the valve structure 210. Furthermore, since the frame 12 connected to the tank 200 extends rearward beyond the rear end of the valve structure 210, sufficient protective space is provided. This prevents the valve structure 210 from colliding with the deformed energy-absorbing frame 2 or colliding with the valve structure 210 during deformation, further enhancing the protection of the valve structure 210.

[0059] For example, the energy-absorbing frame 2 can undergo plastic deformation or elastic deformation, etc.

[0060] refer to Figures 1-3 The energy-absorbing frame 2 includes multiple energy-absorbing components 21, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the rear end of the housing 1. Each energy-absorbing component 21 can deform in the front-back direction. That is, each energy-absorbing component 21 can undergo plastic deformation or elastic deformation.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-absorbing element 21 in this embodiment.

[0062] refer to Figures 1-4 Each energy-absorbing component 21 has an opening on one side in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, forming at least one recess 211. When the energy-absorbing frame 2 is impacted, the design of the recess 211 allows each energy-absorbing component 21 to deform in the front-back direction in order to gradually absorb and disperse the impact energy.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Optionally, among the multiple energy-absorbing components 21, the recesses 211 of the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the top and bottom of the rear end of the housing 1 face left or right, while the recesses 211 of the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the left and right ends of the rear end of the housing 1 face upward or downward. In this design, upon impact, the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the top and bottom of the rear end of the housing 1 can gradually deform along the direction of the recesses 211, simultaneously matching the deformation directions of the forces applied in the left-right and front-back directions, thus stably absorbing the impact energy in the left-right and front-back directions. Simultaneously, the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the left and right ends of the rear end of the housing 1 can gradually deform along the direction of the recesses 211, simultaneously matching the deformation directions of the forces applied in the up-down and front-back directions, thus stably absorbing the impact energy in the up-down and front-back directions.

[0064] That is, in this embodiment, all the energy-absorbing components 21 can form a complete multi-directional energy-absorbing network. The energy-absorbing components 21 at different positions bear the load in the corresponding direction, which can evenly distribute the collision force, avoid the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the box 1 from collapsing due to overload in a single direction, reduce the impact force on the box 1 after the collision, prevent the box 1 from deforming, and help improve the protection safety of the valve structure 210.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Optionally, at least two energy-absorbing elements 21 located at the top, bottom, and left and right ends of the rear end of the housing 1 are arranged with their recesses 211 facing each other, and these two energy-absorbing elements 21 are distributed adjacent to each other. Upon impact, the opposing recesses 211 of adjacent energy-absorbing elements 21 can form a bidirectional pressure buffer, absorbing more energy than recesses 211 facing the same side. This improves the energy absorption effect of the energy-absorbing frame 2 and significantly reduces the impact force transmitted to the housing 1.

[0066] For example, in the energy-absorbing member 21 located at the top or bottom of the rear end of the housing 1, in two adjacent energy-absorbing members 21, the recess 211 of the energy-absorbing member 21 located on the left faces to the right, and the recess 211 of the energy-absorbing member 21 located on the right faces to the left. Similarly, in the energy-absorbing member 21 located at the left or right end of the rear end of the housing 1, in two adjacent energy-absorbing members 21, the recess 211 of the upper energy-absorbing member 21 faces downward, and the recess 211 of the lower energy-absorbing member 21 faces upward.

[0067] refer to Figures 1-4Optionally, the energy-absorbing component 21 also has at least one protrusion 212, with the protrusion 212 and the recess 211 located on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing component 21 along the circumference of the housing 1. In this design, when subjected to a collision, regardless of whether the collision force comes from the protrusion 212 side or the recess 211 side, the structure of the protrusion 212 and the recess 211 can play an energy-absorbing role, absorbing more energy, which is beneficial to improving the uniformity of the overall force on the energy-absorbing component 21 and enhancing the energy-absorbing effect of the energy-absorbing frame 2.

[0068] The protrusions 212 and concave portions 211 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and are distributed in parallel intervals on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing member 21. In this design, the impact force can be transmitted sequentially along the matching direction of the concave portions 211 and the protrusions 212. The impact force is transmitted to the next group only after each set of corresponding concave portions 211 and protrusions 212 has collapsed. This is beneficial for achieving layered and progressive energy absorption, enabling controllable deformation in sequence, and improving the stability of the energy absorption process.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 Each energy-absorbing component 21 includes multiple energy-absorbing plates 213, which are spaced apart. The opposite sides of each energy-absorbing plate 213 are concave and convex, respectively. The concave surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates 213 of the energy-absorbing component 21 face the same direction and together form a concave portion 211. The convex surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates 213 of the energy-absorbing component 21 face the same direction and together form a convex portion 212. The energy-absorbing component 21 is connected to the rear end of the housing 1 in a spaced-out manner with multiple energy-absorbing plates 213. This design allows the collision load to be evenly distributed among the multiple energy-absorbing plates 213 of the energy-absorbing component 21, which helps to eliminate the risk of fracture caused by stress concentration in the integral energy-absorbing component 21. Furthermore, even if one energy-absorbing plate 213 fails due to local overload, the remaining energy-absorbing plates 213 can still maintain structural integrity, forming a natural redundancy fault-tolerance mechanism, significantly improving the reliability of the energy-absorbing component 21 under complex conditions such as offset collisions and oblique impacts.

[0070] It should be noted that the "inward" direction refers to the direction towards the operating space of the valve control box 300, while the "outward" direction refers to the direction away from the operating space of the valve control box 300.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, in the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the top and bottom of the rear end of the housing 1, a plurality of energy-absorbing plates 213 of the energy-absorbing component 21 are distributed vertically at intervals; in the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the left and right ends of the housing 1, a plurality of energy-absorbing plates 213 of the energy-absorbing component 21 are distributed horizontally at intervals.

[0072] Optionally, each energy-absorbing component 21 may also include a connecting plate 214, which is connected to the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates 213. The connecting plate 214 is flush with the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates 213, which helps to improve the structural strength of the energy-absorbing component 21 itself and ensures that the connecting plate 214 has at least one convex surface, so that the connecting plate 214 can also absorb collision energy by deforming, which helps to enhance the energy absorption effect of the energy-absorbing component 21.

[0073] refer to Figure 4 Optionally, each energy-absorbing plate 213 is fan-shaped or curved. The connecting plate 214 is curved or curved.

[0074] Taking the convex surface of the energy-absorbing plate 213 as an example, the arc-shaped bending type is explained as follows: The convex surface includes an arc segment and two straight line segments located at opposite ends of the arc segment, with the planes containing the two straight line segments intersecting. That is, the bending point of the energy-absorbing plate 213 is transitioned by an arc, which can effectively eliminate stress concentration at right angles or sharp edges, transforming the local high stress field into a uniformly distributed stress gradient, which is beneficial to improving the energy absorption effect.

[0075] In other embodiments, when each energy-absorbing plate 213 includes a plurality of recesses 211 and a plurality of protrusions 212 distributed along the front and back, each side of each energy-absorbing plate 213 is alternately composed of recesses 211 and protrusions 212. That is, each energy-absorbing plate 213 can also be wavy, and the connecting plate 214 can also be wavy. This design can form a multi-level controllable collapse network in the front and back, realize layered progressive energy absorption, realize sequential controllable deformation, and thus help improve the stability of the energy absorption process.

[0076] Optionally, each energy-absorbing plate 213 is provided with a plurality of energy-absorbing holes 2131 spaced apart along the front-back direction. This is beneficial for guiding the deformation direction of each energy-absorbing plate 213 and for enhancing the energy absorption effect of the energy-absorbing plate 213.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy-absorbing element 21 in some embodiments.

[0078] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the outer diameter of each energy-absorbing element 21 gradually increases from rear to front along the front-rear direction. This design allows the impact force to be first yielded and compressed by the small rear section of the energy-absorbing element 21, and then the large front section of the energy-absorbing element 21 is activated in sequence, forming a self-triggered multi-stage collapse, which can significantly improve the energy absorption capacity of the energy-absorbing frame 2 in a collision.

[0079] Specifically, each energy-absorbing component 21 includes a conical portion 215 and a cylindrical portion 216 connected front to back. The front end of the conical portion 215 is connected to the housing 1, and the outer diameter of the conical portion 215 gradually increases from back to front. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 216 is consistent from front to back.

[0080] Optionally, the cylindrical portion 216 has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction, and the tapered portion 215 has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0081] Among them, Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the energy-absorbing member 21 faces inward, forming a recess 211 on its inner surface, and a protrusion 212 on its outer surface. Here, "inner side" refers to the direction towards the interior of the energy-absorbing member 21.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy-absorbing element 21 in some other embodiments.

[0083] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, each energy-absorbing component 21 includes at least one bent plate 217. The bent plate 217 includes a plurality of bent portions 2171 connected sequentially from front to back. The opposite sides of each bent portion 2171 are concave and convex, respectively, and the concave surfaces of all the bent portions 2171 face the same direction. Furthermore, adjacent bent portions 2171 are bent together, and the opposite sides of the junction of adjacent bent portions 2171 are concave and convex, respectively. The concave surfaces of the junction of adjacent bent portions 2171 and the concave surfaces of each bent portion 2171 face opposite directions. Any concave surface constitutes a concave portion 211, and any convex surface constitutes a convex portion 212.

[0084] That is, the bending plate 217 is wavy. This design can form a multi-level controllable collapse network on the front and back sides, realize layered and progressive energy absorption, and achieve sequential controllable deformation, thereby improving the stability of the energy absorption process.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 Each energy-absorbing component 21 includes multiple bent plates 217 spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, with the bent portions 2171 of adjacent bent plates 217 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Among them, in adjacent bent plates 217, the concave surfaces of the oppositely arranged bent portions 2171 face each other or are away from each other.

[0086] Specifically, in practical applications, each energy-absorbing component 21 is distributed with multiple bent plates 217 at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the inside and outside. That is, in the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the top and bottom of the housing 1, the multiple bent plates 217 of each energy-absorbing component 21 are distributed at intervals along the left and right directions, and in the energy-absorbing components 21 located at the left and right ends of the housing 1, the multiple bent plates 217 of each energy-absorbing component 21 are distributed at intervals along the up and down directions.

[0087] refer to Figure 6 Optionally, the energy-absorbing component 21 also includes multiple reinforcing plates 218, with each of the front and rear ends of all the bent plates 217 connected to a reinforcing plate 218.

[0088] Optionally, a reinforcing plate 218 may be connected between the front and rear ends of the two oppositely arranged bends 2171 of any two adjacent bends 217.

[0089] Among them, the two adjacent reinforcing plates 218 and the two connected bent plates 217 form a pressure relief hole.

[0090] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the above design enables the two opposing bends 2171 and the reinforcing plates 218 connected to their front and rear ends to form an independent energy-absorbing unit. In the event of a collision, the impact force will only be transmitted to the next set of energy-absorbing units after the set of energy-absorbing units at the rear end has collapsed. This is beneficial for achieving layered and progressive energy absorption, enabling controllable deformation in sequence, and improving the stability of the energy absorption process.

[0091] In some modified embodiments, each energy-absorbing member 21 has a recess 211 on each of its opposite sides. Alternatively, each energy-absorbing member 21 has a recess 211 on one side and a planar surface on the other side. Alternatively, each energy-absorbing member 21 has at least one recess 211 and at least one protrusion 212 alternately on one side and a planar surface on the other side.

[0092] In another modified embodiment, the energy-absorbing element 21 can be an elastic element, such as a compression spring or a tension spring. The energy-absorbing element 21 undergoes elastic deformation to absorb impact energy. Furthermore, after the impact energy is absorbed and dispersed, the above design can also cause each energy-absorbing element 21 to rebound and return to its natural extension and contraction state.

[0093] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The energy-absorbing frame 2 also includes two mounting frames 22 spaced apart at the front and back, and enclosure components.

[0094] One of the mounting frames 22 is detachably connected to the rear end of the housing 1. At this time, multiple energy-absorbing components 21 are circumferentially spaced between the two mounting frames 22. This facilitates quick disassembly and rapid installation between the energy-absorbing frame 2 and the housing 1. For example, the mounting frame 22 can be connected to the housing 1 using bolts or the like.

[0095] The mounting frame 22 can be shared with the rear side frame 121 of the housing 1, which can reduce the number of structures in the valve control box 300, thus reducing the weight of the valve control box 300 and achieving lightweighting.

[0096] The enclosure is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the two mounting frames 22 and all the energy-absorbing components 21. The enclosure is attached and fixed to the outer periphery of the two mounting frames 22. The enclosure is used to cover and enclose the outer periphery of the structure formed by the two mounting frames 22 and multiple energy-absorbing components 21, so as to prevent external debris from entering the operating space. It can adapt to the atmospheric environment and the erosion of road stones, and play a protective role.

[0097] The arrangement of the enclosure components can be referenced from the enclosure panel 13 mentioned above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0098] Optionally, the enclosure can be made of a flexible material, and the selected material can adapt to the atmospheric environment and the erosion of flying stones on the road surface, so that it can adapt to the deformation of the energy-absorbing component 21.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, the enclosure can also be made of rigid material. If it is deformed due to a collision, the enclosure can be replaced in time to ensure the protection of the interior of the operating space.

[0100] refer to Figure 1 The door 3 is movably connected to the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame 2 for opening and closing the operating space. Optionally, the door 3 is provided with multiple pressure relief holes to absorb collision energy.

[0101] For example, the door 3 can be made of a honeycomb panel. The honeycomb structure of this panel can be one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional. In practical applications, the energy absorption capacity of the door 3 can be adjusted by controlling the number of pressure relief holes, the thickness of the door 3, and the material.

[0102] Optionally, the door 3 includes two door bodies 31, which are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame 2. The two door bodies 31 can rotate relative to the energy-absorbing frame 2 to cooperate with the opening and closing operation space.

[0103] In other embodiments, the door 3 can also be a single door, that is, one end of the door 3 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame 2 so that the door 3 can rotate relative to the energy-absorbing frame 2 to cooperate with the opening and closing operation space.

[0104] refer to Figure 2 Optionally, each door 31 includes a door panel 311 and a reinforcing frame 312. The door panel 311 is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 22 located at the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame 2, and the door panel 311 covers the outside of the reinforcing frame 312.

[0105] The reinforcing frame 312 includes multiple reinforcing beams, which can be spliced ​​together to form any shape such as a cross, grid, intersection, or star. Optionally, the reinforcing frame 312 may also include multiple strengthening beams, which are connected end to end to form a rhombus, rectangle, etc., and are fixed around the outer perimeter of the structure formed by splicing multiple strengthening beams.

[0106] refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the valve control box 300 also includes two locks 4, which are respectively set with the two doors 31 to fix the doors 31 on the mounting frame 22 and keep the doors 31 in a closed state.

[0107] The lock 4 includes a locking rod 41 and a locking seat 42. The locking rod 41 is movably mounted on the door panel 311, and the locking seat 42 is mounted on the mounting frame 22. The locking rod 41 can move relative to the door panel 311 to engage with the locking seat 42 to lock the door panel 311, or disengage from the locking seat 42 to unlock the door panel 311.

[0108] Optionally, the locking rod 41 extends vertically, and a locking seat 42 is provided at the top and bottom of the rear end of the mounting frame 22, respectively. Each locking seat 42 is provided with a locking hole, and the upper and lower ends of the locking rod 41 can be respectively locked into a locking hole.

[0109] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 The valve control box 300 also includes at least four guide components 5, all of which are located at opposite ends of the box body 1. Specifically, all the guide components 5 are located at the left and right ends of the box body 1.

[0110] Each guide component 5 includes a guide rail 51 and a guide member 52. The guide rail 51 is fixed on one of the housing 1 and the energy-absorbing frame 2 and extends in the front-back direction. The guide member 52 is provided on the other of the housing 1 and the energy-absorbing frame 2. The guide member 52 and the guide rail 51 move in coordination, so as to guide the movement of the energy-absorbing frame 2 in the front-back direction and guide the deformation direction of the energy-absorbing frame 2.

[0111] Specifically, each guide component 5 has two guide members 52, which are respectively arranged on the two mounting frames 22 of the energy-absorbing frame 2 in the front-back direction. Each guide member 52 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 51, which helps to improve the guiding effect.

[0112] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the tanker truck in this embodiment.

[0113] refer to Figure 7 According to another aspect of this application, this application also provides a tank truck, including a frame 100, a tank body 200, and a valve control box 300 as described above.

[0114] The tank body 200 is mounted on the frame 100. The valve control box 300 is connected to the rear end of the tank body 200 and covers the valve structure 210 of the tank body 200.

[0115] Optionally, the valve control box 300 is detachably connected to the frame 100. For example, the valve control box 300 and the frame 100 can be connected by bolts, rivets, etc.

[0116] refer to Figure 7 Optionally, the valve operating box 300 and the rear end of the frame 100 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. This design leaves a buffer gap between the rear end of the valve operating box 300 and the rear end of the frame 100, which can reduce the impact force on the valve operating box 300 to a certain extent.

[0117] Optionally, the rear end of the valve operating box 300 does not exceed the front end of the rear guard 110 of the frame 100. This provides a sufficient buffer space by reserving the width of the rear guard 110 in the low-intensity area of ​​the valve operating box 300, which can prevent the impact force acting directly on the rear guard 110 from being directly transmitted to the valve operating box 300.

[0118] In this embodiment, the distance between the rear end of the valve operating box 300 and the front end of the rear protection 110 of the frame 100 along the front-rear direction is not less than 300mm, which can prevent the collision force acting directly on the rear protection 110 from being directly transmitted to the box 1, while leaving a sufficient buffer gap between the two.

[0119] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages and positive effects: In this application, the operating space is composed of a housing and an energy-absorbing frame. Since the housing can withstand greater pressure than the energy-absorbing frame and door, these components create a low-strength zone at the rear of the valve operating box. Because the energy-absorbing frame can deform along the front-to-back direction, this low-strength zone deforms under the force of an accidental impact, gradually absorbing and dispersing the impact energy. The additional force is transferred only to the housing connected to its front end, and then to the tank. This prevents the impact force from being directly transferred to the housing connected to the tank, reducing impact damage to the housing. Furthermore, this design allows the housing to form a high-strength zone at the front of the valve operating box, ensuring sufficient strength to maintain rigidity, resist deformation from impacts, and provide adequate protective space, thus enhancing the protection of the valve structure.

[0120] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve control box for housing a valve structure on a tank; characterized in that, The valve control box includes a box body, an energy-absorbing frame, and a door arranged sequentially from front to back; The interiors of the box and the energy-absorbing frame are connected to form an operating space; The front end of the box is used to connect with the tank, and the front end of the box is provided with an installation port, which is used for the pipe valve structure on the tank to pass through and extend into the interior of the box; The box door is movably connected to the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame and is used to open and close the operating space; The energy-absorbing frame can deform along the front-to-back direction; The pressure that the enclosure can withstand is greater than the pressure that the energy-absorbing frame and the enclosure door can withstand.

2. The valve control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosure is made of a rigid material; The enclosure can withstand a pressure of not less than 750kN; the energy-absorbing frame and the enclosure door can withstand a pressure greater than 100kN.

3. The valve control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing frame includes multiple energy-absorbing components, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the rear end of the frame; each energy-absorbing component is capable of deformation in the front-back direction. Each of the energy-absorbing elements has an opening on one side in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, forming at least one recess.

4. The valve control box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing component also has at least one protrusion, and the protrusion and the recess are arranged on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing component along the circumference of the housing, with the protrusion and the recess being provided in a one-to-one correspondence; The protrusions and recesses on opposite sides of the energy-absorbing member are distributed in parallel at intervals.

5. The valve control box according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the energy-absorbing components includes multiple energy-absorbing plates, which are distributed at intervals between the inner and outer sides; the opposite sides of each energy-absorbing plate are respectively concave and convex, and the concave surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component face the same direction; the concave surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component form the concave portion, and the convex surfaces of the multiple energy-absorbing plates of the energy-absorbing component form the convex portion. The energy-absorbing component also includes a connecting plate, which is connected to the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates and is flush with the convex surface of all the energy-absorbing plates.

6. The valve control box according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the energy-absorbing plates is fan-shaped or curved; the connecting plate is arc-shaped or curved. Each of the energy-absorbing plates is provided with multiple energy-absorbing holes spaced apart along the front-to-back direction.

7. The valve control box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of at least a portion of each energy-absorbing element gradually increases from back to front along the front-rear direction.

8. The valve control box according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the energy-absorbing components includes a conical portion and a cylindrical portion connected front to back. The front end of the conical portion is connected to the housing. The outer diameter of the conical portion gradually increases from back to front. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion is consistent from front to back. The cylindrical portion has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction, and the conical portion has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction.

9. The valve control box according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the energy-absorbing components includes at least one bent plate, and the bent plate includes a plurality of bent portions connected in sequence from front to back. The opposite sides of each bent portion are respectively concave and convex, and the concave surfaces of all the bent portions of the bent plate face the same direction. The two adjacent bending portions are bent together, and the two opposite sides of the joint of the two adjacent bending portions are concave and convex respectively. The concave surface of the joint of the two adjacent bending portions and the concave surface of each bending portion face opposite directions. Any of the concave surfaces constitutes a concave portion, and any of the convex surfaces constitutes a convex portion.

10. The valve operating box according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the energy-absorbing components includes a plurality of bent plates spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction; the bent portions of two adjacent bent plates are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each other; The energy-absorbing component also includes multiple reinforcing plates. Each of the front and rear ends of all the bent plates is connected to a reinforcing plate, and / or, the front and rear ends of any two adjacent bent portions are connected by the reinforcing plate; two adjacent reinforcing plates and two connected bent plates together form a pressure relief hole.

11. The valve operating box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing frame also includes two mounting frames and enclosure members distributed at intervals at the front and rear, wherein one of the mounting frames is detachably connected to the rear end of the box; a plurality of the energy-absorbing members are connected between the two mounting frames at intervals along the circumference of the mounting frames. The enclosure is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the two mounting frames and all the energy-absorbing components, and the enclosure is fitted and fixed to the outer periphery of the two mounting frames.

12. The valve operating box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve control box also includes at least four guide components, all of which are located at opposite ends of the box body; Each of the guiding components includes a guide rail and a guide member. The guide rail is fixed on one of the housing and the energy-absorbing frame and extends in a front-to-back direction. The guide member is disposed on the other of the housing and the energy-absorbing frame, and the guide member and the guide rail are movablely engaged.

13. The valve operating box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door is equipped with multiple pressure relief holes; The door includes two door bodies, which are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the rear end of the energy-absorbing frame. The two door bodies can rotate relative to the energy-absorbing frame to cooperate in opening and closing the operating space.

14. A tanker truck, characterized in that, include: Frame; The tank body is mounted on the vehicle frame; The valve control box as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the valve control box is connected to the rear end of the tank body and covers the valve structure of the tank body; the valve control box is detachably connected to the frame; and the valve control box and the rear end of the frame are spaced apart along the front-rear direction.

15. The tanker truck according to claim 14, characterized in that, The distance between the rear end of the valve control box and the front end of the rear guard of the vehicle frame along the front-rear direction is not less than 300mm.

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