Heat accumulator for vehicle

Abstract

In a heat accumulator for a vehicle having a double tank structure comprised of an outer tank and an inner tank, which define therebetween an evacuated space, each of the outer and inner tanks has an opening. The opening of the outer tank and the opening of the inner tank are welded to each other over the entire peripheries thereof. A means for restricting vibration of the inner tank is provided in the accumulator. At least when the vehicle is stopped, the outer tank and the inner tank are not in contact with each other at any portion other than the welded portion.

1 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle having a double tank structure comprised of an outer tank and an inner tank, which define therebetween an evacuated space, 
 wherein each of the outer and inner tanks has an opening;    the opening of the outer tank and the opening of the inner tank are welded to each other over the entire peripheries thereof;    a means for restricting vibration of the inner tank is provided on the inner tank or the outer tank; and    the outer tank and the inner tank are not in contact with each other at any portion other than the welded portion so as to prevent heat conduction, at least when the vehicle is stopped.    
     
     
         2 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said vibration restricting means comprises a stopper which is provided on the inner surface of the outer tank or on the outer surface of the inner tank so as to limit the amplitude of vibration of the inner tank to a small value.  
     
     
         3 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said vibration restricting means comprises a dynamic damper which is mounted to the inner tank.  
     
     
         4 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 1 , where in said vibration restricting means comprises a first magnet provided on the inner surface of the outer tank and a second magnet provided on the outer surface of the inner tank, the first magnet and the second magnet having the same poles opposed to each other. so as to restrict the amplitude of vibration of the inner tank due to magnetic repulsion.  
     
     
         5 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said vibration restricting means comprises a lock mechanism comprised of a first engagement portion provided on the outer tank and a second engagement portion provided on the inner tank, said second engagement portion being selectively engageable with and disengageable from the first engagement portion, the outer tank and the inner tank being mechanically connected to each other through the lock mechanism, when the first engagement portion is engaged by the second engagement portion.  
     
     
         6 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first and second engagement portions can be driven by a signal and the lock mechanism is mechanically locked by the engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, at least one of which has been driven.  
     
     
         7 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said signal comprises a signal issued in accordance with a moving state of a vehicle.  
     
     
         8 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the first engagement portion can be extendably and retractably driven so as to be engaged by the second engagement portion and the signal is comprised of a signal issued during driving of the vehicle.  
     
     
         9 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said stopper is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tank or on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tank and is comprised of members having parts which are opposed to each other in the radial direction of the inner tank.  
     
     
         10 . A heat accumulator for a vehicle as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said stopper is comprised of cylindrical members which are provided on the entirety of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tank or the outer peripheral surface of the inner tank.