High pressure tank

Abstract

The high-pressure tank is characterized by having: an inner liner having a cylindrical main body and hemispherical domes formed at both ends of the main body; a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced resin formed on the outer surface of the inner liner; and a protective member covering at least a portion of the domes of the inner liner from the outside of the reinforcing layer, the protective member having a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib protruding toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer toward the domes, the ribs being made of a rigid resin material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure tank having an inner liner, a reinforcing layer formed on the outer surface of the inner liner, and a protective member covering the reinforcing layer. Background Technology

[0002] As such a high-pressure vessel, the following high-pressure vessel is disclosed: having an inner liner, a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced resin formed on the outer surface of the inner liner, and a protective member, the protective member having a first layer covering the dome and a second layer disposed outside the first layer, the first layer being made of a material that is more easily deformed under the same load than the second layer (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-120263). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, high-pressure tanks require thinner reinforcing layers to reduce the amount of fiber-reinforced resin used. However, thinning the reinforcing layer reduces its mechanical strength, necessitating the installation of a protective member covering the reinforcing layer. This requires improving the impact absorption performance of the protective member and achieving weight reduction. In commonly used protective members made of flexible polyurethane, the impact absorption performance is insufficient. In the high-pressure tank described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-120263, the protective member is constructed with an integrated double structure consisting of a first layer made of soft resin and a second layer made of hard resin. This integral embedding of the first layer within the second layer presents a challenge in achieving weight reduction.

[0004] This invention was made to solve such a problem, and the objective is to provide a high-pressure tank that can achieve both lightweight design and improved shock absorption performance.

[0005] (1) The high-pressure tank of the present invention comprises: a liner having a cylindrical main body and hemispherical domes formed at both ends of the main body; a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced resin formed on the outer surface of the liner; and a protective member covering at least a portion of the domes of the liner from the outside of the reinforcing layer. The high-pressure tank is characterized in that the protective member has a plurality of ribs protruding toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer toward the domes, the ribs being made of a rigid resin material. According to this structure, since the protective member has a plurality of ribs protruding toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer toward the domes, and the ribs are made of a rigid resin material, impacts exerted on the protective member by the destruction of the ribs are absorbed, and the liner and reinforcing layer are protected against impact. Furthermore, since a space is formed inside the protective member by the plurality of ribs, the protective member is lightweight.

[0006] (2) In the high-pressure tank of the present invention, it is characterized by having a connector protruding from the dome, and the protective member having a fixing bracket fixed to the connector. According to this structure, since the fixing bracket is fixed to the connector and the protective member is assembled to the dome, even if the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer causes a positional shift in the shear direction between the reinforcing layer and the protective member due to the difference in rigidity, the protective member can be continuously positioned at the position covering the dome, and the protective member can be prevented from detaching from the dome.

[0007] (3) In the high-pressure tank of the present invention, the fixing bracket is fastened to the joint. Since the protective component is assembled on the dome by fastening it to the joint by the fixing bracket, the protective component can be assembled simply and reliably.

[0008] (4) In the high-pressure tank of the present invention, the fixing bracket is fixed by being clamped between the connector and the valve installed on the connector. According to this structure, since the fixing bracket is fixed by being clamped between the connector and the valve installed on the connector, the protective component can be assembled simply and reliably.

[0009] (5) In the high-pressure tank of the present invention, the fixing bracket is characterized by being formed by inserting a metal plate into the protective member. According to this structure, since the fixing bracket is formed by inserting a metal plate into the protective member, the metal plate and the protective member can be reliably and integrally fixed. Therefore, by fixing the metal plate to the joint, the protective member can be assembled simply and reliably.

[0010] (6) In the high-pressure vessel of the present invention, the protective member is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of protective blocks divided into multiple protective blocks, each having the ribs provided thereon, wherein the front end of each rib is bonded to the reinforcing layer. According to this structure, since the protective member is divided into multiple protective blocks, each of which is bonded to the reinforcing layer, each protective block can follow the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer. Therefore, the amount of positional offset in the shear direction between the reinforcing layer and the protective member caused by the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer can be reduced, and the shear stress acting on the bonding interface between the front end of the rib and the reinforcing layer can be made smaller than the adhesive force of the adhesive. Therefore, even if the protective member is made of a hard resin material that is difficult to deform with the expansion and contraction of the high-pressure vessel, the adhesive shear strength of the bonded portion with the reinforcing layer can be adjusted, preventing peeling of the bond between the reinforcing layer and the protective member due to the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer. Therefore, the protective member can be continuously positioned at the dome-shaped area, preventing the protective member from detaching from the dome.

[0011] (7) In the high-pressure tank of the present invention, the protective member is characterized in that it has a connecting portion that connects the plurality of protective blocks to each other, the connecting portion being elastically deformed or broken by a force smaller than the adhesive force between the reinforcing layer and the protective block. According to this structure, since the protective member is divided into a plurality of protective blocks, each provided with ribs, and the connecting portion is elastically deformed or broken by a force smaller than the adhesive shear strength between the reinforcing layer and the protective block, even if the protective member is made of rigid resin, it can, like a polyurethane protective member, allow the plurality of protective blocks to follow the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer respectively, preventing adhesive peeling between the reinforcing member and the reinforcing layer due to the expansion and contraction of the liner and the reinforcing layer. Furthermore, since the protective blocks are integrated by the connecting portion, the handling of assembling the protective member to the reinforcing layer at the dome is improved. Additionally, by adjusting the size of the protective blocks, the film thickness of the adhesive, and the adhesive shear strength, the adhesive shear strength can be adjusted so that even at the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank, the adhesive shear strength exceeds the shear force acting on the adhesive interface.

[0012] According to the present invention, a high-pressure tank that can achieve lightweighting and improve shock absorption performance can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1A This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a side view of the high-pressure tank.

[0015] Figure 1B This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the high-pressure tank when it is cut at point AA.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the section cut at point BB.

[0017] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the view as viewed from the outside.

[0018] Figure 3B This is a perspective view of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the view as viewed from the inside.

[0019] Figure 4A This is a diagram of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a top view.

[0020] Figure 4B This is a diagram of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in... Figure 4A A cross-sectional view when cut at CC.

[0021] Figure 5A This is a diagram of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown as a bottom view.

[0022] Figure 5B This is a diagram of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in... Figure 5A A cross-sectional view when cut at DD.

[0023] Figure 6A This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a partial cross-sectional view when a portion is cut off.

[0024] Figure 6B This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation of the second embodiment, Example 1.

[0025] Figure 6C This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 of the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6D This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation 3 of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7A This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a partial cross-sectional view when a portion is cut off.

[0028] Figure 7B This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention, and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation of the third embodiment, Example 1.

[0029] Figure 7C This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 of the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7D This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation of the third embodiment, 3.

[0031] Figure 8A This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partial cross-sectional view when a portion is cut off.

[0032] Figure 8B This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation of the fourth embodiment, Example 1.

[0033] Figure 8C This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8D This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9A This is a diagram of a high-pressure tank according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partial cross-sectional view when a portion is cut off.

[0036] Figure 9B This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation of the fifth embodiment, Example 1.

[0037] Figure 9C This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 of the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9D This is a high-pressure tank diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a variation 3 of the fifth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10A This is a diagram of the protective member of the high-pressure tank according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a perspective view when viewed from the outside.

[0040] Figure 10B This is a diagram of the protective component of the high-pressure tank according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional high-pressure tank, showing a state with an internal pressure of 0 MPa and a state with an internal pressure of approximately 70 MPa. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The high-pressure tanks 10 to 10E according to the first to sixth embodiments of the high-pressure tank of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] (First Implementation)

[0044] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment is composed of an inner liner 11, connectors 12 and 13, a reinforcing layer 14, and a protective member 15. The high-pressure tank 10 has the property of making it difficult for gas to pass through (so-called gas barrier property), and is configured to supply high-pressure gases such as hydrogen to the interior.

[0045] like Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the inner liner 11 is a cylindrical hollow container with a main body 21 and rounded tops 22 and 23. The inner liner 11 is made of engineering plastics with high mechanical strength, such as polyethylene, polyamide resin (PA), and nylon, and is integrally formed by rotational molding or blow molding.

[0046] It should be noted that the inner liner 11 can also be made of light metals such as aluminum instead of engineering plastics. In addition, the inner liner 11 can also be formed by the following steps instead of one-piece molding manufacturing methods such as rotational molding and blow molding: dividing the inner liner 11 into two parts, and joining the structures formed by injection molding, extrusion molding, etc., using joining methods such as infrared welding, laser welding, hot plate welding, vibration welding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the dome 22 is formed into a slightly flattened hemispherical shape in the direction of the axis CL, closing one end of the straight main body 21. The dome 22 has a connector assembly portion 31 formed in a direction orthogonal to the axis CL, which has high mechanical strength. A through hole 32 for the connector 12 to be inserted is formed in the connector assembly portion 31.

[0048] Like dome 22, dome 23 is formed in a slightly flattened hemispherical shape along the axis CL, closing the other end of the main body 21. Dome 23 has a connector assembly portion 33 formed in a direction orthogonal to the axis CL, which has high mechanical strength. A through hole 34 is formed in the connector assembly portion 33 for the connector 13 to be inserted.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 12 has a shaft portion 41 and a flange portion 42, both integrally formed of a metallic material. A through hole 43 extending axially is formed in the shaft portion 41 and the flange portion 42. The through hole 43 connects the interior and exterior of the high-pressure tank 10, allowing gas to flow between the interior and exterior of the high-pressure tank 10.

[0050] A shut-off valve or other valve V is installed at connector 12, through which the through hole 43 is either connected or disconnected. Valve V is in the open state when high-pressure gas is supplied to the interior of high-pressure tank 10, and in the closed state when the gas supply ends. In addition, valve V can be opened as needed, and the high-pressure gas filling the interior can be supplied to the outside through valve V.

[0051] Like connector 12, connector 13 has a shaft portion 51 and a flange portion 52, both integrally formed of a metallic material. A bottomed hole 53 is formed in the shaft portion 51. Connector 13 has the function of clamping one end of the inner liner 11 when it is installed into a fiber winding device (not shown) based on a fiber winding process.

[0052] like Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the reinforcing layer 14 has a circumferential layer formed on the outer surface of the liner 11 by circumferentially winding fibers made of fiber-reinforced resin and a spiral layer formed on the outer surface of the liner 11 by helically winding fibers. The circumferential layer and the spiral layer are formed by a fiber winding device.

[0053] Circumferential winding is a winding method in which the main body 21 is wound around at a winding angle approximately perpendicular to the axis CL of the inner lining 11. Spiral winding is a winding method in which the fibers are wound in such a way that the inner lining 11 is completely covered by the outer surface of the circumferential layer and the dome 22, 23 formed on the main body 21.

[0054] Fibers are formed by impregnating an uncured thermosetting resin into a fiber bundle consisting of, for example, single fibers with a diameter of several μm. Examples of fibers include carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP).

[0055] Examples of single fibers include carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, alumina fiber, boron fiber, steel fiber, PBO fiber (poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole fiber), natural fiber, or high-strength polyethylene fiber. Examples of thermosetting resins include epoxy resin, modified epoxy resin (represented by vinyl ester resin), phenolic resin, melamine resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane resin, and thermosetting polyimide resin.

[0056] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the protective member 15 has a bowl shape with an opening on one end and a through hole 62 formed in the closed wall 61 at the other end.

[0057] The protective member 15 has multiple ribs that protrude to a predetermined thickness toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 14 formed on the dome 22, 23. Specifically, as Figure 4B As shown, the multiple ribs are composed of a first rib 63 formed on the edge portion of the opening, a second rib 64 formed on the edge portion of the through hole 62, and a third rib 65 formed between the first rib 63 and the second rib 64.

[0058] like Figure 5A As shown, the first rib 63, the second rib 64, and the third rib 65 are radially arranged with four grooves 71, 72, 73, and 74 at equal angular intervals, which easily absorb the impact received by the protective member 15. Figure 5B As shown, each groove is formed to a depth from the front end of each rib to the thinnest wall portion U of the protective member 15. It should be noted that the ribs are not limited to the three locations of the first rib 63, the second rib 64, and the third rib 65, but can be formed at more than three locations. The grooves are not limited to four locations, but can be formed at more than four locations, or no grooves may be formed at all.

[0059] The protective component 15 is made of a resin material that is harder than polyurethane foam (that is, a rigid resin material with a higher modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) than polyurethane foam). The protective component 15 is formed, for example, by injection molding. Examples of rigid resins include epoxy resin, urea resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, and unsaturated polyester resin. Representative resins include polycarbonate, polyacetal, ABS resin, and high-density polyethylene.

[0060] The protective member 15 is fixed to the reinforcing layer 14 by means of bonding such as adhesives through the front end portions of the first rib 63, the second rib 64 and the third rib 65 and the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22, 23.

[0061] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10 in the first embodiment will be explained.

[0062] The high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment includes a liner 11 having a main body 21 and dome 22, 23, a reinforcing layer 14, and a protective member 15. The protective member 15 has a first rib 63, a second rib 64, and a third rib 65. The protective member 15 is formed of a rigid resin material, and can absorb large impacts applied to the protective member 15 by deformation or damage of the first rib 63, the second rib 64, and the third rib 65 protruding toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 14 at the dome 22, 23. Therefore, the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment can achieve high impact absorption performance, and the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 can be protected against large impacts. The rigid resin material has a higher Young's modulus than polyurethane foam, that is, it is harder than polyurethane foam.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the high-pressure tank 10 forms a space inside the protective member 15 through the first rib 63, the second rib 64, and the third rib 65, thus achieving the effect of lightweighting the protective member 15. In the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment, the protective member 15 is composed of a single structure, achieving high impact absorption performance with a simple structure and seeking the effect of lightweighting.

[0064] In the high-pressure vessel 10 of the first embodiment, the case where a single protective member 15 is constructed by means of a reinforcing layer 14 bonded to the dome 22, 23 has been described. However, in the high-pressure vessel of the present invention, the protective member 15 may also be constructed by dividing the protective member into other structures besides the structure of the reinforcing layer 14 bonded to the dome 22, 23.

[0065] The high-pressure tanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E of the second to sixth embodiments, which are constructed by dividing the protective member 15 into structures other than those using the reinforcing layer 14 bonded to the dome 22 and 23, will be described sequentially with reference to the accompanying drawings. The high-pressure tanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E of the second to sixth embodiments are constructed in the same manner as the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment; therefore, different structures will be described separately, while the same reference numerals will be used for the same structures, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0066] It should be noted that the protective member 15 is also mounted on both sides of the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22 and 23. However, for the sake of explanation, the protective member 15 mounted on the dome 22 will be described, while the protective member 15 mounted on the dome 23 will be omitted.

[0067] (Second Implementation)

[0068] like Figure 6A As shown, the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment differs from the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment in that its structures 1 to 4 are different.

[0069] Structure 1 is a structure in which a fixing bracket 101 is embedded in the protective member 15A by insert molding, and structure 2 is a structure in which a threaded hole 41Aa is formed in the shaft portion 41A of the connector 12A.

[0070] Structure 3 is a structure in which the fixing bracket 101 of the protective member 15A is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 41Aa of the connector 12A by bolts 102, and the protective member 15A is fastened to the connector 12A. Structure 4 is a non-adhesive structure in which the protective member 15A is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22. Structures other than 1 to 4 are constructed in the same way as the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0071] The fixed bracket 101 is made of metal plate, such as Figure 6A As shown, the device has a cylindrical portion 111 into which the shaft portion 41A of the connector 12A is inserted, and a flange portion 112 embedded in the protective member 15A. In the cylindrical portion 111, a plurality of through holes 113 are formed at positions corresponding to the threaded holes 41Aa of the connector 12A. Bolts 102 are inserted into each through hole 113, and the fixing bracket 101 is fastened to the connector 12A by the bolts 102. The protective member 15A is positioned at a location covering at least a portion of the dome 22 of the inner liner 11 from the outside of the reinforcing layer 14 by fastening the fixing bracket 101 to the connector 12A.

[0072] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10A in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0073] In the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, the protective member 15A is fixed to the connector 12A via the fixing bracket 101. With this structure, the protective member 15A can be reliably assembled to the reinforcing layer 14 via the fixing bracket 101 even if it is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14.

[0074] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, the problem that the protective component might detach from the reinforcing layer due to the adhesive portion peeling off is eliminated. That is, as... Figure 11 As shown, a typical high-pressure tank is in a state of zero MPa relative to its internal pressure (MPa) during manufacturing. During use, the internal pressure is at its maximum, approximately 70 MPa. In all directions, the high-pressure tank expands by about 1%.

[0075] When the protective member is formed from a conventional polyurethane buffer, its rigidity is low. Therefore, if the liner 11 and reinforcing layer 14 expand, the buffer itself will stretch and deform in accordance with the expansion. Thus, even if the buffer is bonded to the surface of the reinforcing layer at the dome of the pressure vessel, the shear force acting on the adhesive interface between the reinforcing layer and the buffer is small, and the possibility of the adhesive interface peeling off due to the shear force exceeding the adhesive shear strength of the adhesive bonding the reinforcing layer and the buffer is low. However, when the protective member is formed from a rigid resin material that is harder than foamed polyurethane (i.e., has a higher modulus of elasticity), the protective member is less likely to deform in accordance with the expansion of the liner 11 and reinforcing layer 14. Therefore, the adhesive may peel off and the protective member may detach during the maximum expansion of the pressure vessel due to the shear force acting on the adhesive interface between the protective member and the reinforcing layer.

[0076] In the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, since the protective member 15A is fixed to the connector 12A via the fixing bracket 101, it is not necessary to bond the protective member 15A to the reinforcing layer 14, and the protective member 15A can be assembled without being bonded to the reinforcing layer 14. As a result, the protective member 15A can be prevented from peeling off from the reinforcing layer 14 due to the expansion and contraction of the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 of the high-pressure tank 10A. In addition, in the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, large impacts applied to the protective member 15A can be absorbed, and high impact absorption performance can be obtained, thus the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 can be protected against large impacts.

[0077] (The fastening structure of variation 1 of the second embodiment)

[0078] It should be noted that, as Figure 6B As shown, the structure in which the fixing bracket 101 is fastened to the shaft portion 41A by bolts 102 can also be configured as a modified example of the fastening structure in which a plurality of protrusions 41Ab protruding in a cylindrical shape are formed in the threaded hole 41Aa of the shaft portion 41A of the connector 12A and have the function of positioning when the fixing bracket 101 is fastened to the shaft portion 41A by bolts 102.

[0079] In the case of the fastening structure of Modified Example 1, the cylindrical portion 111 corresponding to the protrusion 41Ab is divided in the fixing bracket 101. When the fixing bracket 101 is inserted into the protrusion 41Ab, the cylindrical portion 111 is elastically deformed and inserted in the direction isolated from the protrusion 41Ab.

[0080] (The fastening structure of Modification 2 of the second embodiment)

[0081] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, such as Figure 6C As shown, bolt 102A is composed of a shoulder bolt. In the fastening structure of modified example 2, it can also be configured such that the coarse diameter portion of bolt 102A is inserted into the through hole 113 formed in the cylindrical portion 111 of the fixing bracket 101, and the member 15A is fixed to the joint 12A by bolt 102A.

[0082] (The fastening structure of variation 3 of the second embodiment)

[0083] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10A of the second embodiment, such as Figure 6D As shown, it can also be configured as a fastening structure of modified Example 3, in which the bolt 102 is inserted into the through hole 113 of the cylindrical portion 111 formed in the fixed bracket 101 via the sleeve 103 and the member 15A is fixed to the joint 12A by the bolt 102.

[0084] (Third Implementation)

[0085] like Figure 7A As shown, the high-pressure tank 10B of the third embodiment differs from the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment in that its structures 1 to 4 are different.

[0086] Structure 1 is a structure in which a fixed bracket portion 15Ba is integrally formed on the protective member 15B, and structure 2 is a structure in which a threaded hole 41Ba is formed on the shaft portion 41B of the connector 12B.

[0087] Structure 3 is a structure in which the fixing bracket portion 15Ba of the protective member 15B is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 41Ba of the connector 12B by bolts 102, and the protective member 15B is fastened to the connector 12B. Structure 4 is a non-adhesive structure in which the protective member 15B is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22. Structures other than 1 to 4 are constructed in the same way as the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0088] like Figure 7A As shown, the fixing bracket portion 15Ba has a cylindrical portion 121 into which the shaft portion 41B of the connector 12B is inserted. In the cylindrical portion 121, a plurality of through holes 123 are formed at positions corresponding to the threaded holes 41Ba of the connector 12B. Bolts 102 are inserted into each through hole 123, and the fixing bracket portion 15Ba is secured to the connector 12B by the bolts 102.

[0089] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10B in the third embodiment will be explained.

[0090] In the high-pressure tank 10B of the third embodiment, the protective member 15B is fixed to the connector 12B by being clamped by the valve V via the fixing bracket portion 15Ba. This structure ensures that even if the protective member 15B is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, it is reliably assembled to the reinforcing layer 14 via the fixing bracket portion 15Ba. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the protective member 15B is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, no shear force is applied between the protective member 15B and the reinforcing layer 14 during the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank 10B, thus preventing the protective member 15B from peeling off from the reinforcing layer 14. Additionally, the high-pressure tank 10B of the third embodiment can absorb large impacts applied to the protective member 15B, achieving high impact absorption performance, thereby protecting the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 from large impacts.

[0091] (The fastening structure of variation 1 of the third embodiment)

[0092] It should be noted that, as Figure 7BAs shown, the structure in which the fixed bracket portion 15Ba is fastened to the shaft portion 41B by bolts 102 can also be configured as a modified example of the fastening structure in which a plurality of protrusions 41Bb protruding in a cylindrical shape are formed in the threaded hole 41Ba portion of the shaft portion 41B of the connector 12B and have the function of positioning when the fixed bracket portion 15Ba is fastened to the shaft portion 41B by bolts 102.

[0093] In the case of the fastening structure of Modified Example 1, the cylindrical portion 121 corresponding to the protrusion 41Bb is divided in the fixed bracket portion 15Ba. When the fixed bracket portion 15Ba is inserted into the protrusion 41Bb, the cylindrical portion 121 is elastically deformed and inserted in the direction isolated from the protrusion 41Bb.

[0094] (The fastening structure of variation 2 of the third embodiment)

[0095] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10B of the third embodiment, such as Figure 7C As shown, bolt 102B is composed of a shoulder bolt. In the fastening structure of modified example 2, it can also be configured such that the coarse diameter portion of bolt 102B is inserted into the through hole 123 formed in the cylindrical portion 121 of the fixed bracket portion 15Ba, and the member 15B is fixed to the joint 12B by bolt 102B.

[0096] (The fastening structure of variation 3 of the third embodiment)

[0097] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10B of the third embodiment, such as Figure 7D As shown, it can also be configured as a modified example 3 fastening structure in which the bolt 102 is inserted into the through hole 123 of the cylindrical portion 121 formed in the fixed bracket portion 15Ba via the sleeve 103 and the member 15B is fixed to the joint 12B by the bolt 102.

[0098] (Fourth Implementation)

[0099] like Figure 8A As shown, the high-pressure tank 10C of the fourth embodiment differs from the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment in that its structures 1 to 4 are different.

[0100] Structure 1 is a structure in which a fixed bracket 131 is embedded in the protective member 15C by insert molding, and structure 2 is a structure in which a female thread 12Ca is formed in the through hole 43C of the joint 12C.

[0101] Structure 3 is a structure in which the fixing bracket 131 of the protective member 15C is clamped into the head of the valve V-connector 12C and the protective member 15C is fastened to the connector 12C. Structure 4 is a non-adhesive structure in which the protective member 15C is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22. Structures other than 1 to 4 are constructed in the same way as the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0102] The fixed bracket 131 is made of metal plate, such as Figure 8A As shown, it has a cylindrical portion 141 into which the head of the connector 12C is inserted, a sealing wall 142 that closes the cylindrical portion 141, a through hole 143 that passes through the sealing wall 142, and a flange portion 144 that is embedded into the protective member 15C.

[0103] In the connector 12C, the female thread 12Ca is threaded with a stop valve or other valve V. The closed wall 142 of the fixing bracket 131 is clamped into the connector 12C by the valve V. The valve V makes the through hole 43C of the connector 12C either connected or disconnected. The valve V is in the open state when high-pressure gas is supplied to the interior of the high-pressure tank 10C, and in the closed state when the gas supply ends. In addition, the valve V is in the open state as needed, and the high-pressure gas filling the interior is supplied to the outside through the valve V.

[0104] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10C in the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0105] In the high-pressure tank 10C of the fourth embodiment, the protective member 15C is fixed to the connector 12C via the fixing bracket 131. This structure ensures that even if the protective member 15C is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, it is reliably assembled to the reinforcing layer 14 via the fixing bracket 131. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the protective member 15C is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, no shear force is applied between the protective member 15C and the reinforcing layer 14 during the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank 10C, thus preventing the protective member 15C from peeling off from the reinforcing layer 14 during the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank 10C. Additionally, in the high-pressure tank 10C of the fourth embodiment, large impacts applied to the protective member 15C can be absorbed, resulting in high impact absorption performance. Therefore, the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 are protected against large impacts.

[0106] (The fastening structure of variation 1 of the fourth embodiment)

[0107] It should be noted that, as Figure 8B As shown, the structure in which the fixed bracket 131 is clamped into the head of the valve V and the connector 12C can also be configured as a fastening structure in which a sleeve 151 is provided between the valve V and the fixed bracket 131.

[0108] (The fastening structure of variation 2 of the fourth embodiment)

[0109] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10C of the fourth embodiment, such as Figure 8C As shown, it can also be configured to have a fastening structure in which a protrusion 12Cb protruding in the axial direction is formed at the head of the connector 12C.

[0110] (The fastening structure of variation 3 of the fourth embodiment)

[0111] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10C of the fourth embodiment, such as Figure 8D As shown, it can also be configured to have a fastening structure with a shoulder Vd that is larger in diameter than the threaded portion, provided between the head of valve V and the threaded portion.

[0112] (Fifth Implementation)

[0113] like Figure 9A As shown, the high-pressure tank 10D of the fifth embodiment differs from the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment in that its structures 1 to 4 are different.

[0114] Structure 1 is a structure in which a fixed bracket portion 15Da is integrally formed on the protective member 15D, and structure 2 is a structure in which a female thread 12Ca is formed in the through hole 43C of the connector 12C.

[0115] Structure 3 is a structure in which the fixing bracket portion 15Da of the protective member 15D is clamped into the head of the valve V and fixed, and the protective member 15D is fastened to the connector 12C. Structure 4 is a non-adhesive structure in which the protective member 15D is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14 of the dome 22. Structures other than 1 to 4 are constructed in the same way as the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0116] like Figure 8A As shown, the fixed bracket portion 15Da has a cylindrical portion 161 into which the head of the connector 12C is inserted, a closing wall 162 that closes the cylindrical portion 161, and a through hole 163 that passes through the closing wall 162.

[0117] In the female thread 12Ca of connector 12C, a stop valve or other valve V is threaded together, and the closed wall 162 of the fixed bracket part 15Da is clamped into connector 12C by valve V. Valve V makes the through hole 43C of connector 12C either connected or disconnected.

[0118] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10D in the fifth embodiment will be explained.

[0119] In the high-pressure tank 10D of the fifth embodiment, the protective member 15D is fixed to the connector 12C via the fixing bracket portion 15Da. This structure ensures that even if the protective member 15D is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, it is reliably assembled to the reinforcing layer 14 via the fixing bracket portion 15Da. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the protective member 15D is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, no shear force is applied between the protective member 15D and the reinforcing layer 14 during the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank 10D, thus preventing the protective member 15D from peeling off from the reinforcing layer 14. Additionally, in the high-pressure tank 10D of the fifth embodiment, large impacts applied to the protective member 15D can be absorbed, resulting in high impact absorption performance. Therefore, the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 are protected against large impacts.

[0120] (The fastening structure of Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment)

[0121] It should be noted that, as Figure 9B As shown, the structure in which the fixed bracket portion 15Da is clamped into the head of the connector 12C by the valve V can also be configured as a fastening structure in which a sleeve 181 is provided between the valve V and the fixed bracket portion 15Da.

[0122] (The fastening structure of Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment)

[0123] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10D of the fifth embodiment, such as Figure 9C As shown, it can also be configured to have a fastening structure in which a protrusion 12Cb protruding in the axial direction is formed at the head of the connector 12C.

[0124] (The fastening structure of variation 3 of the fifth embodiment)

[0125] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10D of the fifth embodiment, such as Figure 9D As shown, it can also be configured to have a fastening structure with a shoulder Vd that is larger in diameter than the threaded portion, provided between the head of valve V and the threaded portion.

[0126] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0127] The high-pressure tank 10E of the sixth embodiment is similar to the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment, having a pair of protective members 15E that cover the dome 22, 23 of the inner liner 11 from the outside of the reinforcing layer 14. The high-pressure tank 10E of the sixth embodiment differs from the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment only in the protective members 15E; the other structures are the same as those of the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment.

[0128] like Figure 10A and 10BAs shown, the protective member 15E, like the protective member 15 of the first embodiment, is a bowl-shaped structure with an opening on one end and a through hole 15Eb formed in the closed wall 15Ea at the other end. The protective member 15E has a plurality of divided protective blocks 171, each with a rib 172. Multiple ribs 172 are provided on each protective block 171, each protruding towards the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 14 at the dome 22, 23. Each protective block 171 is formed of the same hard resin as the protective member 15 of the high-pressure tank 10 of the first embodiment. Regarding the number of divisions, it is preferable that the protective member 15E is divided into at least three in the circumferential direction and at least two in the axial direction. The plurality of protective blocks 171 are connected to each other by connecting portions 173. By connecting the plurality of protective blocks 171 to each other by connecting portions 173, the operability of the protective member 15E during assembly is improved. In each protective block 171, the front end of the rib 172 is bonded to the reinforcing layer 14.

[0129] The connecting part 173 is configured to withstand a higher bonding shear strength (N / mm) between the bonded reinforcing layer 14 and the protective block 171 than the bonded reinforcing layer 14. 2 It can elastically deform or break under small forces (N). It should be noted that it is possible to make the adhesive shear strength exceed the shear force acting on the adhesive interface even at the maximum expansion of the high-pressure tank 10E.

[0130] The effects of the high-pressure tank 10E according to the sixth embodiment will be explained.

[0131] In the high-pressure tank 10E of the sixth embodiment, the protective member 15E has a plurality of divided protective blocks 171, and each protective block 171 is provided with a rib 172. The plurality of protective blocks 171 are connected to each other by connecting portions 173, and in each protective block 171, the front end of the rib 172 is bonded to the reinforcing layer 14.

[0132] With this structure, similar to the first embodiment, the protective member 15E achieves the effect of improved impact absorption performance due to the ribs 172 provided on the protective block 171. In addition, since ribs 172 are provided on each protective block 171, the effect of achieving weight reduction by forming an internal space in the protective member 15E can be achieved.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the protective member 15E is divided into multiple protective blocks 171, which are respectively bonded to the reinforcing layer 14, each protective block 171 can follow the expansion and contraction of the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14. Therefore, the amount of positional offset in the shear direction between the reinforcing layer 14 and the protective member 15E caused by the expansion and contraction of the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14 can be reduced, and the shear stress at the bonding interface between the front end of the rib 172 and the reinforcing layer 14 can be smaller than the adhesive force of the adhesive. Therefore, even if the protective member 15E is made of a hard resin material that is difficult to deform following the expansion and contraction of the high-pressure tank 10E, the adhesive shear strength of the bonded portion with the reinforcing layer 14 can be adjusted, preventing peeling of the bond between the reinforcing layer 14 and the protective member 15E due to the expansion and contraction of the liner 11 and the reinforcing layer 14. Therefore, the protective member 15E can be continuously positioned at the position covering the top of the dome, preventing the protective member 15E from becoming detached from the top of the dome.

[0134] Furthermore, in the high-pressure tank 10E of the sixth embodiment, the protective member 15E has a connecting portion 173 that connects multiple protective blocks 171 to each other. The connecting portion 173 has a structure that can elastically deform or break under a force smaller than the adhesive force between the reinforcing layer 14 and the protective blocks 171. Since the protective blocks 171 are integrated by connecting the connecting portions, the operability of assembling the protective member 15E to the reinforcing layer 14 at the dome is improved. In addition, by adjusting the size of the protective blocks 171, the film thickness of the adhesive, and the adhesive shear strength (N / mm), the operability of the high-pressure tank 10E is improved. 2 The adhesive shear strength can be adjusted such that even at the maximum expansion of the pressure tank 10E, the adhesive shear strength exceeds the shear force (N) acting on the adhesive interface. Therefore, even if the protective member 15E is made of a rigid resin material that is difficult to deform with the expansion of the pressure tank 10E, the adhesive peeling of the protective member due to the large shear force acting on the adhesive interface at the maximum expansion of the pressure tank 10E can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting portion 173 is configured to elastically deform or break under a force (N) smaller than the adhesive shear strength between the bonded reinforcing layer 14 and the protective block 171, the adhesive peeling of the protective member due to the expansion and contraction of the pressure tank 10E can be prevented.

[0135] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A high-pressure tank comprising: a liner having a cylindrical main body and hemispherical domes formed at both ends of the main body; a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced resin formed on the outer surface of the liner; and a protective member covering at least a portion of the domes of the liner from the outside of the reinforcing layer, characterized in that, The protective member has multiple ribs protruding toward the outer surface of the reinforcing layer toward the dome, the ribs being made of a rigid resin material. The protective member has multiple protective blocks divided into several sections, each of which is provided with the ribs. The front ends of the ribs in each of these protective blocks are bonded to the reinforcing layer. The protective component has connecting portions that connect the plurality of protective blocks to each other. The connecting part can elastically deform or break by a force smaller than the adhesive force between the reinforcing layer and the protective block.

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