Vehicle tank holding part structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle tank holding part structure which can inhibit twisting of tank bands and a tank when an impulsive load is input.SOLUTION: A tank holding part structure holds a substantially cylindrical tank 10 disposed below a floor panel of a vehicle body. The tank holding part structure includes: a plurality of tank bands 15; and a plurality of connection members. The tank bands 15 are disposed at multiple positions spaced apart from each other in an axial direction of the tank 10 and restrain an outer surface of the tank 10. Each connection member extends along the axial direction of the tank 10 and connects the adjacent tank bands 15 at an outer periphery part of the tank 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank holding structure for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles that run on gas fuel such as hydrogen gas are known. In some cases, a roughly cylindrical tank for storing the gas fuel is disposed below the floor panel in this type of vehicle. In this case, the tank is firmly fixed to the frame of the vehicle body or the like by various holding means (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the tank holding structure described in Patent Document 1, tank bands are wound around a tank at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the tank is restrained by each tank band. In this state, the tank bands are each fixed to the vehicle body frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7237103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The tank holding structure described in Patent Document 1 is capable of suppressing displacement and vibration of the tank during vehicle travel because multiple tank bands are fixed to the vehicle frame while restraining the outer peripheral surface of the tank. However, when a large impact load is input to the vehicle, the tank holding structure described in Patent Document 1 may cause twisting in the fixing parts of each tank band depending on the input direction and input position of the load. In particular, in the case of this tank holding structure, multiple tank bands are individually fixed to the vehicle frame, so it is considered possible that torsional stress may be concentrated in a part of the tank band.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a tank holding structure for a vehicle that can suppress the twisting of the tank band and the tank when an impact load is applied, which will further improve traffic safety and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a tank holding portion structure for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, a vehicle tank holding portion structure according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle tank holding portion structure that holds a substantially cylindrical tank (e.g., tank 10 in the embodiment) that is arranged below a floor panel (e.g., floor panel 2 in the embodiment) of the vehicle body, and is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tank bands (e.g., tank band 15 in the embodiment) that are arranged at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction of the tank and each of which restrains the outer peripheral surface of the tank, and a plurality of connecting members (e.g., first connecting member 20A, second connecting member 20B, third connecting member 20C in the embodiment) that extend along the axial direction of the tank and connect adjacent tank bands to each other on the outer periphery of the tank.

[0008] In the tank holding structure of this configuration, the tank bands that hold the outer circumferential surface of the tank are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members. Therefore, when an impact load is input to the vehicle, the twisting of each tank band is mutually suppressed via the plurality of connecting members. In other words, when a torsional load acts on one part of the tank band due to the impact load, the torsional load is distributed to multiple points of the other tank bands via the plurality of connecting members. As a result, the concentration of torsional stress on one part of the tank band is suppressed. Furthermore, in this configuration, since the multiple tank bands are connected by the connecting members at multiple points around the circumference of the tank, twisting of the tank bands and the tank can be suppressed over a wide area around the tank.

[0009] The tank band is formed by connecting a plurality of band element pieces (e.g., band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c in the embodiment) arranged along the outer circumferential direction of the tank in a ring shape, and the plurality of connecting members may include a first connecting member (e.g., first connecting member 20A in the embodiment) that connects the connecting ends of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands to each other.

[0010] In this case, the first connecting member connects the connecting ends of the band element pieces of the adjacent tank bands to each other, so that the twisting of each tank band is suppressed by the first connecting member, and the rigidity of the connecting ends of the band element pieces is increased by the first connecting member. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, deformation of the connecting ends of the band element pieces during normal use is also suppressed.

[0011] The connecting portion of the band element pieces includes a first fixed piece (e.g., first fixed piece 16 in the embodiment) fixed to one of the band element pieces, a second fixed piece (e.g., second fixed piece 17 in the embodiment) fixed to the other of the band element pieces, and a spring function part (e.g., guide rod 18 and compression spring 19 in the embodiment) that connects the first fixed piece and the second fixed piece with spring elasticity, and the first connecting member may connect at least either the first fixed pieces or the second fixed pieces of adjacent tank bands at the connecting portions of at least some of the band element pieces.

[0012] In this case, the band element pieces of the tank band are connected to each other via the spring function parts, so the spring function parts can tolerate expansion and contraction of the tank due to heat, changes in content, etc. Also, at least either one of the first fixed pieces and the second fixed pieces of adjacent tank bands are connected to each other by the first connecting member, so twisting of each tank band can be suppressed and the rigidity of the connecting ends of the band element pieces (the first fixed pieces and the second fixed pieces) can be efficiently increased.

[0013] 4. The tank holding portion structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting member is formed integrally with at least one of the first fixed piece and the second fixed piece.

[0014] In this case, since the first connecting member is formed integrally with at least one of the first fixed piece and the second fixed piece, it is possible to improve the torsional rigidity of each tank band and the rigidity of the connecting ends of the band element pieces while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0015] The first connecting member may include a band fixing wall (e.g., band fixing wall 20Aa in the embodiment) that is overlapped and fixed to the outer surface of each of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands, and an upright wall (e.g., upright wall 20Ab in the embodiment) that stands radially outward from the band fixing wall of the tank, and the spring function component may be connected to the upright wall.

[0016] In this case, the upright wall that stands outward in the radial direction from the band fixing wall of the first connecting member can efficiently receive the expansion and contraction load of the spring function component that acts between the band element pieces. In addition, since the first connecting member has a band fixing wall that follows the outer surface of the band element piece and an upright wall that is approximately perpendicular to the band fixing wall, the rigidity against the torsional load can be further increased. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the torsion of the tank band and the tank can be more reliably suppressed.

[0017] The multiple connecting members may include a second connecting member (for example, the second connecting member 20B in the embodiment) that connects the portions of the band element pieces of the adjacent tank bands together other than the connecting ends.

[0018] In this case, adjacent tank bands have their connecting ends connected to each other by a first connecting member, and the portions of the band element pieces other than the connecting ends are connected to each other by a second connecting member. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to increase the rigidity of a wider area around the circumference of the multiple tank bands.

[0019] The second connecting member is formed of a plate-shaped member that roughly conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the tank, and a lightening hole (e.g., lightening hole 20Ba in the embodiment) may be formed between adjacent tank bands at a position of the second connecting member that does not overlap with the tank band.

[0020] In this case, the plate-shaped second connecting member having the lightening hole can increase the torsional rigidity of the adjacent tank band while suppressing the increase in weight. Also, the plate-shaped second connecting member having the lightening hole formed therein can maintain high rigidity against torsion by the two sides sandwiching the lightening hole.

[0021] The multiple connecting members may include a pair of third connecting members (e.g., third connecting member 20C in the embodiment) that connect the portions of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands other than the connecting ends and are respectively fixed to a first body frame (e.g., front cross member 4 in the embodiment) and a second body frame (e.g., rear cross member 5 in the embodiment) that are arranged at a distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the tank.

[0022] In this case, adjacent tank bands are connected to each other by a pair of third connecting members, one of which is fixed to the first body frame and the other of which is fixed to the second body frame. This increases the torsional rigidity of adjacent tank bands by the pair of third connecting members, and also fixes the tank bands and the tank to the first body frame and the second body frame by the same third connecting members.

[0023] The tank holding portion structure of a vehicle as described in claim 8, characterized in that the connecting portions of the band element pieces having the spring functional parts are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of a pair of the third connecting members.

[0024] In this case, when the tank expands or contracts due to heat or the like, the upper and lower spring functional parts of the third connecting member fixed to the vehicle body frames (first and second vehicle body frames) expand and contract, respectively. This allows the multiple tank bands to expand and contract more evenly around the periphery, making it difficult for the center of the tank to move significantly up and down. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it becomes possible to stably position the tank below the floor panel.

[0025] The tank holding portion structure of a vehicle as described in claim 8, characterized in that the connecting members other than the pair of third connecting members are arranged only on the side of the center point (e.g., center point o in the embodiment) of the tank with respect to a straight line (e.g., straight line L1 in the embodiment) connecting the upper and lower ends of the band fixing portions (e.g., band fixing portion 30 in the embodiment) of the pair of third connecting members.

[0026] In this case, the pair of third connecting members are supported with high rigidity by the body frames (first body frame and second body frame). The center point side portion of the tank is relatively farther away from the straight line connecting the band fixing parts of the pair of third connecting members than the portion opposite the center point. In this configuration, connecting members other than the third connecting members are arranged only on the side where the distance from the straight line connecting the band fixing parts of the pair of third connecting members is greater. This makes it possible to efficiently suppress twisting of the multiple tank bands and the tank while minimizing the increase in weight due to the addition of connecting members. Effect of the Invention

[0027] In the tank holding structure for a vehicle according to the present invention, since the tank bands that restrain the outer circumferential surface of the tank are connected to each other by the connecting members, it is possible to efficiently suppress the twisting of the tank bands and the tank when an impact load is input. Therefore, when the tank holding structure for a vehicle according to the present invention is adopted, it is possible to further improve the safety of transportation and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a lower portion of a vehicle that employs a tank holding portion structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a vehicle that employs a tank holding portion structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the lower part of the vehicle in which the tank holding portion structure of the embodiment is adopted. [Figure 4] 5 is a side view showing the behavior of the tank holding portion of the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms front, back, up, down, left and right refer to directions relative to the forward direction of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the appropriate places of the drawings, an arrow FR pointing to the front of the vehicle, an arrow UP pointing to the top of the vehicle, and an arrow LH pointing to the left side of the vehicle are indicated.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the lower part of a vehicle 1 that employs the tank holding structure of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lower part of the vehicle 1 that employs the same holding structure as seen from the front side, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lower part of the vehicle 1 that employs the same holding structure as seen from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 1, a floor panel 2 is disposed below a vehicle 1. A tank storage groove 3 is formed in the floor panel 2, the lower surface of which is recessed upward. The tank storage groove 3 is a groove in which a main part of a tank 10 is stored from below, and has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape extending along the vehicle width direction. The front-rear width of the tank storage groove 3 is set to be wider than the maximum outer diameter of the tank 10. The tank storage groove 3 has a front wall 3f and a rear wall 3r that stand vertically upward, and a top wall 3t that connects the upper ends of the front wall 3f and the rear wall 3r. A front inclined portion 3sf that inclines downward from the top wall 3t toward the front wall 3f is provided between the top wall 3t and the front wall 3f, and a rear inclined portion 3sr that inclines downward from the top wall 3t toward the rear wall 3r is provided between the top wall 3t and the rear wall 3r.

[0031] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a gas fuel-driven vehicle that runs on gas fuel such as natural gas or hydrogen gas, or a fuel cell vehicle that runs on electricity generated by fuel gas. The tank 10 is filled with high-pressure liquefied fuel or gas. The tank 10 is a substantially cylindrical fuel filling container with both axial ends sealed. The tank 10 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 10a and end walls 10b that close both axial ends.

[0032] The floor panel 2 is mounted on side sills (not shown) that are arranged below both sides of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. A front cross member 4 and a rear cross member 5 are arranged in front of and behind a tank storage groove 3 of the floor panel 2. The front cross member 4 and the rear cross member 5 extend along the vehicle width direction, and both ends are connected to the left and right side sills. The tank 10 is arranged below the tank storage groove 3 so that its axial direction is along the vehicle width direction, and in this state, its front end is fixed to the front cross member 4 and its rear end is fixed to the rear cross member 5. The front end of the tank 10 is fixed to the front cross member 4 via a thick lower plate 6 that covers the bottom of the tank 10. In this embodiment, the front cross member 4 constitutes a first vehicle body frame, and the rear cross member 5 constitutes a second vehicle body frame.

[0033] The tank holding portion of this embodiment includes a pair of tank bands 15 wound around the outer peripheral surface of the tank 10 (the outer surface of the peripheral wall 10a) to restrain the outer peripheral surface of the tank 10, and a first connecting member 20A, a second connecting member 20B, and a third connecting member 20C that connect the pair of tank bands 15 to each other. The first connecting member 20A, the second connecting member 20B, and the third connecting member 20C extend along the axial direction of the tank 10 and configure connecting members that connect the left and right tank bands 15 to each other. The left and right tank bands 15 are arranged at two positions (two places) spaced apart in the axial direction of the tank 10, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The left and right tank bands 15 are arranged, for example, at positions that are symmetrical with respect to a middle line that passes through the middle position of the axial direction of the tank 10.

[0034] Each tank band 15 is formed by connecting three (plural) band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c arranged along the outer circumferential direction of the tank 10 in an annular shape. One band element piece 15a is arranged in a range of a circumferential angle of about 90° on the front side of the tank 10, and another band element piece 15b is arranged in a range of a circumferential angle of about 90° above the front of the tank 10. The remaining band element piece 15c is arranged in a range of a circumferential angle of about 180° on the remaining outer circumferential angle of the tank 10. These band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c are formed with a substantially constant width by metal plates. The ends (connecting ends) of adjacent band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c are butted against each other, and the butted ends are connected to each other by a connecting part.

[0035] The connecting portion connecting the band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c includes a first fixed piece 16 fixed to an end of one band element piece, a second fixed piece 17 fixed to an end of the other band element piece, and a guide rod 18 and a compression spring 19 that connect the first fixed piece 16 and the second fixed piece 17 with spring elasticity. The guide rod 18 has one end connected to the second fixed piece 17 and the other end penetrating the first fixed piece 16, and holds an end of the compression spring 19. The compression spring 19 is compressed and displaced in response to an increase in the distance between the mutually abutted band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c, and exerts a spring reaction force between the abutted band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c in response to the compression displacement. In this embodiment, the guide rod 18 and the compression spring 19 constitute a spring function part.

[0036] The first fixing pieces 16 are provided individually on one end side of each of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c of the left and right tank bands 15. The first fixing pieces 16 include a band fixing wall 16a that is fixed to and overlaps the outer surface of the end of the corresponding band element piece, and an upright wall 16b that stands from the end of the band fixing wall 16a toward the radial outside of the tank 10. The band fixing wall 16a and the upright wall 16b are formed into a substantially L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the tank 10.

[0037] The second fixing piece 17, which is disposed at the connecting portion on the other end side (lower side) of the rear lower band element piece 15c, is provided individually for each of the left and right tank bands 15. Although a detailed description of the second fixing piece 17 provided at this portion will be omitted, it has a band fixing wall and a standing wall (both of which are not indicated by reference numerals) similar to those of the first fixing piece 16 described above.

[0038] On the other hand, the second fixing piece 17 arranged at the connecting portion on the other end side (upper side) of the front band element piece 15a and the second fixing piece 17 arranged at the connecting portion on the other end side (rear side) of the upper band element piece 15b are not provided individually for each of the left and right tank bands 15, but are formed integrally with the first connecting member 20A that connects the left and right tank bands 15. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the first connecting member 20A includes a band fixing wall 20Aa that is fixed to the outer surfaces of the corresponding band element pieces 15a, 15b of the left and right tank bands 15 in a superimposed manner, and an upright wall 20Ab that stands from the band fixing wall 20Aa to the radially outer side of the tank 10. The band fixing wall 20Aa and the upright wall 20Ab are formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the tank 10. The substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape formed by the band fixing wall 20Aa and the standing wall 20Ab extends continuously along the axial direction of the tank 10 so as to straddle the corresponding band element pieces of the left and right tank bands 15.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first connecting member 20A is formed integrally with each of the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15. However, the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 and the first connecting member 20A may be formed as separate members, and the first connecting member 20A may be fixed to the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 by welding or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 are connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A, but the first fixed pieces 16 of the left and right tank bands 15 may also be connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A. Furthermore, the first fixed pieces 16 and the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 may also be connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A, respectively. In these cases, the first fixed pieces 16 may be formed as an integral part with the first connecting member 20A, or each may be formed as a separate part and fixed together by welding or the like.

[0040] Here, the connecting portion between the front band element piece 15a and the upper band element piece 15b of the left and right tank bands 15 and the connecting portion between the upper band element piece 15b and the rear lower band element piece 15c are arranged to face the front and rear corners in the tank storage groove 3 of the floor panel 2 as shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, the connecting portion on the front upper side is arranged to face the front inclined portion 3sf in the tank storage groove 3, and the connecting portion on the rear upper side is arranged to face the rear inclined portion 3sr in the tank storage groove 3. This prevents the first fixing piece 16, the second fixing piece 17, the guide rod 18, the compression spring 19, etc. of each connecting portion from interfering with the floor panel 2 (tank storage groove 3).

[0041] The second connecting member 20B connects the left and right tank bands 15 to each other except for the connecting ends of the band element pieces 15c at the rear lower. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second connecting member 20B is connected to the left and right band element pieces 15c at a position facing the vehicle rear side below the upper connecting ends. The second connecting member 20B is formed of a metal plate-like member that is approximately along the outer peripheral surface of the tank 10. The second connecting member 20B is formed with a width (width in the axial direction of the tank 10) that spans the outer surfaces of the left and right band element pieces 15c. In addition, a substantially rectangular lightening hole 20Ba is formed between the left and right band element pieces 15c (between the left and right tank bands 15) of the second connecting member 20B at a position that does not overlap with the band element piece 15c. The lightening hole 20Ba penetrates the rectangular plate-like second connecting member 20B in the thickness direction. Beam portions (sides) extending along the axial direction of the tank 10 remain on the upper and lower sides of the lightening hole 20Ba of the second connecting member 20B so as to connect the left and right band element pieces 15c.

[0042] Two third connecting members 20C are provided at the front and rear of the left and right tank bands 15. The front third connecting member 20C connects the parts of the front band element pieces 15a of the left and right tank bands 15 to each other except for the connecting ends, and is fixed to the front cross member 4 via the lower plate 6. The rear third connecting member 20C connects the parts of the rear lower band element pieces 15c of the left and right tank bands 15 to each other except for the connecting ends, and is directly fixed to the rear cross member 5. In the case of this embodiment, the cross section of each of the front and rear third connecting members 20C in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tank 10 is formed into an approximately V-shape. The approximately V-shaped cross section of each third connecting member 20C extends continuously along the axial direction. The rigidity of the third connecting member 20C in the bending direction and the twisting direction is increased by the approximately V-shaped cross section extending along the axial direction.

[0043] The front and rear third connecting members 20C have one side of the substantially V-shaped cross section fixed by welding or the like to the outer surfaces of the left and right tank bands 15. In this embodiment, this side of the third connecting members 20C fixed to the outer surfaces of the left and right tank bands 15 constitutes the band fixing portion 30 of the third connecting members 20C.

[0044] 1, the front and rear third connecting members 20C are fixed to the front cross member 4 and the rear cross member 5 so as to be lower than the center point o of the tank 10 (the center point of the peripheral wall 10a of the tank 10) when the tank 10 is held (restrained) by the left and right tank bands 15. Therefore, the center point o of the tank 10 installed on the vehicle body via the tank holding part of this embodiment is located above the straight line L1 connecting the upper ends of the front and rear third connecting members 20C.

[0045] In the tank holding structure of this embodiment, in a state in which the front and rear third connecting members 20C are fixed to the vehicle body as described above, the connecting portions of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c having the spring function parts (guide rod 18 and compression spring 19) are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the front and rear third connecting members 20C, respectively. Specifically, the connecting portion between the front band element piece 15a and the upper band element piece 15b and the connecting portion between the upper band element piece 15b and the rear lower band element piece 15c are both disposed on the upper side of the front and rear third connecting members 20C. In addition, the connecting portion between the rear lower band element piece 15c and the front band element piece 15a is disposed on the lower side of the front and rear third connecting members 20C. Therefore, when the tank 10 expands and contracts in the radial direction due to the influence of heat or the like, each tank band 15 expands and contracts almost evenly in the circumferential area due to the action of each spring function part (guide rod 18 and compression spring 19).

[0046] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing the deformation behavior of the tank holding portion of this embodiment. Fig. 4(a) shows the state before the tank 10 is expanded and deformed, and Fig. 4(b) shows the state after the tank 10 is expanded and deformed. The symbol o' in Fig. 4(b) is the center point of the tank 10 when the tank 10 is expanded and deformed. In the holding portion of the tank 10 in this embodiment, the connecting portions of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the front and rear third connecting members 20C, respectively, so that, as described above, when the tank 10 expands and deforms, each tank band 15 expands and contracts almost evenly around the periphery. Therefore, the tank 10 does not expand and contract significantly only in the upward direction, and the amount of movement of the center point o' of the tank 10 when the tank 10 expands is kept small, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0047] In addition, in the tank holding portion of this embodiment, the connecting members (first connecting member 20A and second connecting member 20B) other than the front and rear third connecting members 20C are arranged only on the side of the center point o of the tank 10 with respect to the straight line L1 connecting the upper ends of the band fixing portions 30 of the front and rear third connecting members 20C. In other words, no other connecting members are arranged below the band fixing portions 30 of the front and rear third connecting members 20C.

[0048] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, the left and right tank bands 15 that restrain the outer peripheral surface of the tank 10 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members (the first connecting member 20A, the second connecting member 20B, and the third connecting member 20C). Therefore, when an impact load is input to the vehicle 1, the twisting of each tank band 15 is mutually suppressed via the plurality of connecting members (the first connecting member 20A, the second connecting member 20B, and the third connecting member 20C). Specifically, when an impact load is input to the vehicle 1 and a torsional load acts on a part of the tank band 15, the torsional load is distributed to multiple parts of the other tank bands 15 via the multiple connecting members (the first connecting member 20A, the second connecting member 20B, and the third connecting member 20C). As a result, the torsional stress is not concentrated on a part of the tank band 15, and the torsion of each tank band 15 is suppressed.

[0049] Furthermore, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, the left and right tank bands 15 are connected at multiple points around the tank 10 by connecting members (first connecting member 20A, second connecting member 20B, and third connecting member 20C), so that twisting of the tank bands 15 and the tank 10 can be suppressed over a wide area around the tank 10. Therefore, when the tank holding structure of this embodiment is adopted, it is possible to efficiently suppress twisting of the tank band 15 and the tank 10 when an impact load is input. Therefore, when the tank holding structure of this embodiment is adopted, it is possible to further improve traffic safety and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0050] In addition, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, each tank band 15 is composed of a plurality of band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c, and some of the connecting ends of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c of the two tank bands 15 are connected by the first connecting member 20A. Therefore, the twisting of the left and right tank bands 15 is suppressed by the first connecting member 20A, and the rigidity of the connecting ends of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c is increased by the first connecting member 20A. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, not only can the twisting of the left and right tank bands 15 be suppressed when an impact load is input, but deformation of the connecting ends of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c during normal use can also be suppressed.

[0051] In addition, in the tank holding section structure of this embodiment, the connecting portion of each band element piece 15a, 15b, 15c includes a first fixed piece 16 fixed to one band element piece, a second fixed piece 17 fixed to another band element piece, and spring function parts (guide rod 18 and compression spring 19) connecting the first fixed piece 16 and the second fixed piece 17. The second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 are connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the expansion and contraction of the tank 10 due to heat, an increase or decrease in the content, etc. can be tolerated by the function of the spring function parts (guide rod 18 and compression spring 19), and the twisting of each tank band 15 can be suppressed and the rigidity of the second fixed pieces 17 of the band element pieces 15a, 15b can be efficiently increased. When the first fixed pieces 16 of the left and right tank bands 15 are connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A, the rigidity of the second fixed piece 17 can be efficiently increased. When the first fixed pieces 16 and the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 are connected to each other by the first connecting member 20A, respectively, the rigidity of both the first fixed piece 16 and the second fixed piece 17 can be efficiently increased.

[0052] Furthermore, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, the first connecting member 20A that connects the second fixed pieces 17 of the left and right tank bands 15 to each other is integrally formed (integrally formed) with the second fixed pieces 17. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to improve the torsional rigidity of each tank band 15 and the rigidity of the connecting ends of the band element pieces 15a, 15b while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. The same effect can also be obtained when the first connecting member 20A and the first fixed piece 16 are integrally formed.

[0053] In addition, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, the first connecting member 20A includes a band fixing wall 20Aa that is fixed to the outer surfaces of the band element pieces 15a, 15b of the left and right tank bands 15 in a superimposed manner, and an upright wall 20Ab that stands from the band fixing wall 20Aa to the radially outer side of the tank. A spring function part (guide rod 18) disposed at the connecting part of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c is connected to the upright wall 20Ab. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the upright wall 20Ab that stands from the band fixing wall 20Aa of the first connecting member 20A to the radially outer side can efficiently receive the expansion and contraction load of the spring function part acting between the band element pieces 15a, 15b, 15c. In addition, the first connecting member 20A has a band fixing wall 20Aa that fits along the outer surfaces of the band element pieces 15a and 15b, and a standing wall 20Ab that is substantially perpendicular to the band fixing wall 20Aa, so that the rigidity against the torsional load can be further increased. Therefore, when the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment is adopted, the torsion of the tank band 15 and the tank 10 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0054] In addition to the first connecting member 20A, the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment includes a second connecting member 20B that connects the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c of the left and right tank bands 15 together at their portions other than the connecting ends. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to increase the rigidity of a wider area around the left and right tank bands 15. In particular, when the second connecting member 20B is installed in the center of the rear side of the tank 10 as in this embodiment, the rear of the tank 10 can be protected by the second connecting member 20B when an impact load is input from the rear of the vehicle, for example.

[0055] Furthermore, in the tank holding portion structure of this embodiment, the second connecting member 20B is formed of a plate-like member that is generally aligned with the outer circumferential surface of the tank 10, and a lightening hole 20Ba is formed in the second connecting member 20B between the left and right tank bands 15 at a position that does not overlap with the tank band 15. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the plate-like second connecting member 20B having the lightening hole 20Ba can increase the torsional rigidity of the left and right tank bands 15 while suppressing an increase in weight. In addition, in the case of this configuration, the upper and lower side portions of the second connecting member 20B, which sandwich the lightening hole 20Ba, can maintain high rigidity against torsion. Therefore, twisting of the left and right tank bands 15 can be effectively suppressed.

[0056] The tank holding structure of this embodiment also includes a front third connecting member 20C fixed to the front cross member 4 (first vehicle body frame) and a rear third connecting member 20C fixed to the rear cross member 5 (second vehicle body frame). The front and rear third connecting members 20C are connected to portions of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c of the left and right tank bands 15 other than the connecting ends. For this reason, when this configuration is adopted, the torsional rigidity of the left and right tank bands 15 can be increased by the front and rear third connecting members 20C, and the tank band 15 and the tank 10 can be firmly fixed to the front cross member 4 and the rear cross member 5 by the same front and rear third connecting members 20C.

[0057] In addition, in the tank holding structure of this embodiment, the connecting parts of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c having spring function parts (guide rod 18 and compression spring 19) are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the front and rear third connecting members 20C, respectively. Therefore, when the tank 10 expands and contracts due to heat or the like, the spring function parts (compression spring 19) expand and contract on the upper and lower sides of the front and rear third connecting members 20C fixed to the vehicle body frame (front cross member 4 and rear cross member 5), respectively. This allows the left and right tank bands 15 to expand and contract more evenly around the periphery. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the center point o of the tank 10 is less likely to move significantly up and down. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the tank 10 can be stably arranged below the floor panel 2.

[0058] Furthermore, in the tank holding structure of this embodiment, the first connecting member 20A and the second connecting member 20B are disposed above the center point o of the tank 10 and the front and rear third connecting members 20C. The first connecting member 20A and the second connecting member 20B (connecting members other than the third connecting member 20C) are disposed only on the center point o side of the tank 10 with respect to the straight line L1 connecting the upper ends of the band fixing parts 30 of the front and rear third connecting members 20C. In this case, the front and rear third connecting members are supported with high rigidity by the vehicle body frame (the front cross member 4 and the rear cross member 5), so the support rigidity of the tank band 15 at the band fixing parts 30 is also high. In addition, the distance between the center point o side part of the tank 10 and the straight line L1 is relatively large compared to the opposite side part of the center point o. For this reason, in the circumferential area of ​​the tank band 15, twisting is more likely to occur in the upper area than the straight line L1. In this configuration, the connecting members (first connecting member 20A and second connecting member 20B) other than the third connecting member 20C are arranged only on the side where the distance from the straight line L1 connecting the upper ends of the band fixing parts 30 of the front and rear third connecting members 20C is large, so that it is possible to efficiently suppress twisting of the parts of the circumferential area of ​​the tank band 15 that are prone to twisting. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to efficiently suppress twisting of the left and right tank bands 15 and the tank 10 while minimizing the increase in weight due to the addition of connecting members.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, two tank bands 15 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of the tank 10, but the number of tank bands 15 arranged around the periphery of the tank 10 is not limited to this. The number of tank bands 15 may be three or more. In this case, it is desirable that the connecting member be connected to all of the tank bands.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the guide rod 18 and the compression spring 19 are used as spring functional parts arranged at the connection parts of the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c, but the configuration of the spring functional parts is not limited to this. The spring functional parts may have any structure as long as they can apply a reaction force to the band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c when a tensile load acts between the adjacent band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c. The springs used in the spring functional parts are not limited to metallic coil springs, and may be plate-shaped metallic springs, rubber elastic members, or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the left and right tank bands 15 are composed of three band element pieces 15a, 15b, and 15c, but the number of band element pieces constituting the tank band 15 is not limited to three. The number of band element pieces may be two, four or more.

[0062] In addition, in the above embodiment, the substantially cylindrical tank 10 is disposed below the floor panel 2 of the vehicle with its axial direction aligned with the vehicle width direction, but the arrangement of the tank 10 below the floor panel 2 is not limited to this. The tank 10 may be disposed, for example, with its axial direction facing the front-rear direction of the vehicle or obliquely with respect to the vehicle width direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 2. Floor panel 4...Front cross member (first body frame) 5...Rear cross member (second body frame) 10. Tank 15…Tank band 15a, 15b, 15c...Band element pieces 16...First fixed piece 17...Second fixed piece 18...Guide rod (spring function part) 19...Compression spring (spring function part) 20A…First connecting member (connecting member) 20Aa…Band fixing wall 20Ab…Standing wall 20B...Second connecting member (connecting member) 20Ba…Lightening hole 20C…Third connecting member (connecting member) 30…Band fixing part L1: Straight line connecting the ends o…Center point of tank

Claims

1. A tank holding structure for a vehicle that holds a substantially cylindrical tank disposed under a floor panel of a vehicle body, A plurality of tank bands are arranged at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the axial direction of the tank, each of which restrains an outer circumferential surface of the tank; a plurality of connecting members extending along the axial direction of the tank and connecting adjacent tank bands to each other on the outer periphery of the tank.

2. The tank band is formed by connecting a plurality of band element pieces arranged along the outer circumferential direction of the tank in an annular shape, 2. The tank retaining structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connecting members include a first connecting member that connects connecting ends of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands to each other.

3. The connection portion of the band element piece is A first fixed piece fixed to one of the band element pieces; A second fixed piece fixed to the other one of the band element pieces; a spring function component that connects the first fixed piece and the second fixed piece with spring elasticity, The tank holding portion structure of a vehicle as described in claim 2, characterized in that the first connecting member connects at least one of the first fixing pieces and the second fixing pieces of adjacent tank bands at the connection portions of at least some of the band element pieces.

4. 4. The tank holding structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting member is formed integrally with at least one of the first fixed piece and the second fixed piece.

5. The first connecting member is A band fixing wall is overlapped and fixed to an outer surface of each of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands; a rising wall rising from the band fixing wall toward a radially outer side of the tank, 5. The tank holding structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the spring functioning part is connected to the upright wall.

6. 4. The tank retaining structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of connecting members include a second connecting member that connects the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands to each other at portions other than the connecting ends.

7. The second connecting member is formed of a plate-like member that is substantially aligned with an outer circumferential surface of the tank, 7. The tank holding structure for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the second connecting member has a lightening hole formed between adjacent tank bands at a position where the second connecting member does not overlap the tank band.

8. 4. The tank holding portion structure of a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the multiple connecting members include a pair of third connecting members that connect the portions of the band element pieces of adjacent tank bands other than the connecting ends and are fixed to a first body frame and a second body frame that are arranged at a distance from each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the tank.

9. The tank holding structure for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting portions of the band element pieces having the spring functional parts are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the pair of third connecting members.

10. The tank holding portion structure of a vehicle as described in claim 8, characterized in that the connecting members other than a pair of the third connecting members are arranged only on the center point side of the tank with respect to a straight line connecting the upper and lower ends of the band fixing portions of the pair of the third connecting members.

Images