fluid tank

Abstract

This disclosure relates to fluid tanks. The pressure vessel of the present invention contains a fluid such as high-pressure gas. Metal domes are arranged opposite each other, sandwiching the pressure vessel along its length. Support bars connect the metal domes. The support bars can be connected to the metal domes by varying the distance between them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fluid tanks. Background Technology

[0002] As one of the safety devices for high-pressure tanks, the Thermally-activated Pressure Relief Device (TPRD) is known. In the event of a temperature rise due to heat generated by a fire or other source, the thermally activated safety valve releases gas from inside the high-pressure tank into the atmosphere. As a related technology, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-85137 discloses a high-pressure tank equipped with a thermally activated safety valve. The high-pressure tank described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-85137 has a heat-insulating layer formed on the outer surface of the tank body and a heat-conducting layer formed on the outer surface of the heat-insulating layer. In the high-pressure tank described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-85137, the thermally activated safety valve is positioned near the heat-conducting layer. When a fire or other source occurs, the heat-conducting layer allows heat released from the heat source to be transmitted to the thermally activated safety valve. Thus, in the event of a fire or other source, the heat insulation layer can suppress the transmission of heat into the tank, and the thermally activated safety valve can be activated rapidly.

[0003] To date, hydrogen energy has primarily been used in industrial and mobile applications. For example, when hydrogen tanks are mounted on vehicles, they are fixed in place, so loading, unloading, and handling are often overlooked. When transporting hydrogen tanks, high impact resistance is required to prevent them from falling. To improve impact resistance, protective components could be used to protect the pressure vessel or tank body containing the hydrogen. However, pressure vessels expand or contract with internal pressure changes. When protective components are placed directly around the pressure vessel, they cannot keep up with its expansion and contraction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide a fluid tank that can suppress deformation of the protective components of the pressure vessel even when the pressure vessel containing the fluid expands or contracts.

[0005] One embodiment of the fluid tank disclosed herein includes: a pressure vessel containing a fluid; a first dome guard and a second dome guard disposed opposite to each other, sandwiching the pressure vessel along its length; and a connecting member connecting the first dome guard and the second dome guard. In the fluid tank of this disclosure, the connecting member is connected to the first and second dome guards in a manner that allows for changing the distance between the first and second dome guards.

[0006] Even when the pressure vessel containing the fluid expands or contracts, the fluid tank disclosed herein can suppress deformation of the protective components that protect the pressure vessel.

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side view of a fluid tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned fluid tank.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the aforementioned fluid tank.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the connection between the metal dome and the support bars.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the fluid tank from the handle side.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the fluid container with the handle stowed inside.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid tank in the event of a fire.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a front view of the fluid tank as seen from the metal dome side, showing the fluid tank with the opening and closing parts closed.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a front view of the fluid tank as seen from the metal dome side, showing the open state of the opening and closing mechanism.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view showing the fluid tank involved in the first variation.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view showing the fluid tank involved in the second variation.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a side view showing another structural example of the handle portion. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following descriptions and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified for clarity of explanation. Also, the scales in the drawings are not necessarily accurate. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to label the same elements, and repeated descriptions have been omitted as necessary.

[0021] Figure 1 The figure represents a side view of a fluid tank according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned fluid tank. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid tank described above. The fluid tank 10 includes an external resin protective member 11, a pressure vessel 12, metal domes 13 and 14, multiple support bars 15, resin covers 16 and 17, an opening and closing member 18, and a handle 19. In this embodiment, the fluid tank 10 is configured as a movable box-shaped pressure tank.

[0022] The pressure vessel 12 is a container that internally holds a fluid such as a high-pressure gas. For example, the pressure vessel 12 holds a fluid with a high pressure of 10 to 70 MPa. Hereinafter, the pressure vessel 12 primarily holds hydrogen. The pressure vessel 12 is also referred to as the tank body. The pressure vessel 12 may, for example, be a pressure tank manufactured based on technical standards for automotive containers, i.e., hydrogen tanks installed in vehicles such as fuel cell vehicles.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressure vessel 12 has a liner 21, a reinforcing layer 22, and an insulating layer 23. The liner 21 is a tank container with an internal space for sealing fluid. The liner 21 is formed, for example, from a resin made of nylon. The liner 21 may also be formed from other resins that have hydrogen barrier properties, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. Alternatively, the liner 21 may also be formed from metal.

[0024] Pressure vessel 12 has joints 25 and 26 at its two ends along its length (see reference). Figure 1 Connectors 25 and 26 are fitted onto the top of the dome of liner 21 in a manner that protrudes from both ends of liner 21. Connectors 25 and 26 are used to fill gas into pressure vessel 12 and to release gas from pressure vessel 12.

[0025] In this embodiment, a loading / unloading valve 31, which is mounted on the application component, is connected to connector 25. The loading / unloading valve 31 is connected to a valve located on the application component side, such as a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine, that utilizes hydrogen. The loading / unloading valve 31 may include a main shut-off valve (not shown), a manual valve, or a check valve. After connecting the loading / unloading valve 31 to the valve located on the application component side, hydrogen from the pressure vessel 12 is supplied to the application component.

[0026] In this embodiment, a safety valve 32 is connected to connector 26. The safety valve 32 is a hot-operated safety valve or a throttling valve, which, for example, releases gas from the pressure vessel 12 to the atmosphere as the temperature rises upon detecting heat caused by a fire or other source. For example, the safety valve 32 contains a metallic material such as an alloy of lead and tin. The metallic material normally blocks the release at connector 26. If the temperature exceeds a specified temperature, such as 110°C, the metallic material melts. If the metallic material melts above its melting point, the release passage connects to the outside, thereby discharging hydrogen gas from inside the pressure vessel 12 to the outside via the release passage.

[0027] A reinforcing layer 22 is formed on the outer surface of the lining 21. The reinforcing layer 22 is formed, for example, from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP). For instance, the reinforcing layer 22 is formed by winding a bundle of carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resin (a thermosetting resin) onto the surface of the lining 21 using a filament winding method and then thermosetting it. Besides epoxy resin, other thermosetting resins such as polyester resin or polyamide resin can also be used.

[0028] A heat insulation layer 23 is formed on the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 22. The heat insulation layer 23 is a layer formed of a flame-retardant material. The heat insulation layer 23 is used to suppress the propagation of heat and flame to the reinforcing layer 22 and the lining 21. The heat insulation layer 23 is formed, for example, by lamination molding over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 22. The material of the heat insulation layer can be, for example, flame-retardant rigid polyurethane as a plastic foam. The heat insulation layer 23 can also be formed using various flame-retardant materials such as resin materials with added expanded graphite or glass wool. Alternatively, the heat insulation layer 23 can be formed using non-flammable materials composed of inorganic or metallic materials. The heat insulation layer 23 can also serve as a cushioning material.

[0029] The pressure vessel 12 may also have a heat-conducting layer on the outer surface of the insulation layer 23, formed of a material with higher flame propagation properties compared to the insulation layer. For example, the heat-conducting layer may be formed using polyoxymethylene (POM) as an engineering plastic with a heat resistance temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. The heat-conducting layer may also be formed using various synthetic resins such as plastics and super engineering plastics, or elastomer materials containing rubber.

[0030] Metal domes 13 and 14 are dome-shaped protective members that protect the pressure vessel 12 at both ends. Metal dome 13 is disposed at one end of the pressure vessel 12 along its length. Metal dome 14 is disposed at the other end of the pressure vessel 12. Metal domes 13 and 14 are connected to each other using connecting members. In this embodiment, the connecting members use a plurality of plate-shaped support bars 15. Metal dome 13 is also referred to as the first dome protective member. Metal dome 14 is also referred to as the second dome protective member. Furthermore, the dome protective members do not necessarily need to be made of metal. The dome protective members can, for example, be made of resin with sufficient strength.

[0031] In this embodiment, a metal dome 13 is disposed at the end of the pressure vessel 12 on the side where the loading / unloading valve 31 is installed. The metal dome 13 has a recess and an opening to accommodate a portion of the loading / unloading valve 31. Additionally, the metal dome 13 has an opening / closing element 18 for protecting the loading / unloading valve 31. The metal dome 13 is covered by a resin cover 16, which is a resin-made cap. The resin cover 16 has an opening for accessing and handling the loading / unloading valve 31.

[0032] In this embodiment, a metal dome 14 is disposed at the end of the pressure vessel 12 on the side where the safety valve 32 is installed. The metal dome 14 has a protrusion with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the fluid tank 10. The metal dome 14 has a recess and an opening in the protrusion to accommodate a portion of the safety valve 32. At least the opening portion of the metal dome 14 that accommodates the safety valve 32 is covered by a resin cap 17.

[0033] The outer resin protective component 11 is a protective component made of resin that surrounds the cylindrical portion of the pressure vessel 12. The outer resin protective component 11 functions as an outer shell and cover for the fluid tank 10. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the outer resin protective component 11 is divided into two parts. The two parts of the outer resin protective component 11 are installed between two metal domes 13 and 14 in a manner that clamps the pressure vessel 12 from two directions.

[0034] In addition, Figure 2 The example shown is an external resin protective member 11 divided into two parts, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The external resin protective member 11 may also be divided into three or more parts. Alternatively, the external resin protective member 11 may be a cylindrical protective member without being divided into multiple parts. The external resin protective member 11 only needs to cover at least partially the circumference of the pressure vessel 12. The external resin protective member 11 does not necessarily need to cover the entire circumference of the pressure vessel 12.

[0035] The handle 19 is connected to the metal dome 14 via a hinge bracket 20. In this embodiment, the handle 19 has two handle portions divided into two parts. Each handle portion is rotatable via a hinge. When not in use, each handle portion can be received along a protrusion of the metal dome 14. The user can grasp the handle 19 to move the fluid canister 10 to the location where the application component is installed. In addition, the user can grasp the handle 19 to lift the fluid canister 10 to assemble it into the application component. When the hydrogen is depleted, the user can use the handle 19 to remove the fluid canister 10 from the application component and assemble a new fluid canister 10 into the application component.

[0036] In this embodiment, the fluid tank 10 can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. With repeated assembly and disassembly of the fluid tank 10, scratches may occur on the outer casing of the fluid tank 10, particularly the outer resin protective part 11. In this embodiment, the outer resin protective part 11 may also have an embossed surface. In this case, even if scratches occur on the resin surface, the scratches will be less noticeable.

[0037] In this embodiment, the support bar 15, serving as a connecting member, is connected to the metal dome 13 and the metal dome 14 in a manner that allows for changing the distance between them. The support bar 15 can, for example, be slidably mounted relative to at least one of the metal dome 13 and the metal dome 14. For example, the support bar 15 can be slidably mounted to the metal dome 14. The support bar 15 can also be securely fixed to the metal dome 13. For example, the support bar 15 can also be fixed to the metal dome 13 by welding.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the connection between the metal dome 14 and the support bar 15. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, an elongated hole 51 is formed in the support bar 15, with its diameter in the can length direction being longer than its diameter in the direction perpendicular to it. Additionally, a threaded hole for inserting a bolt 52 for fastening is formed in the metal dome 14. The diameter of the elongated hole 51 in the can length direction is longer than the outer diameter of the bolt shaft. The metal dome 14 can be slidably mounted on the support bar 15 along with the bolt 52 within the range of the diameter of the elongated hole 51 in the can length direction.

[0039] The size of the pressure vessel 12 may change due to variations in internal pressure. For example, if the pressure vessel 12 expands and its length in the tank length direction increases, the metal dome 14 can slide relative to the support bar 15 in a direction that increases the distance to the metal dome 13 disposed opposite to the support bar 15. Therefore, even if the size of the pressure vessel 12 changes, the distance between the metal dome 13 and the metal dome 14 can change in accordance with the change in the size of the pressure vessel 12.

[0040] Figure 5This is a perspective view of the fluid tank 10 viewed from the handle 19 side. In this example, the handle 19 is divided into handle 19a and handle 19b. Handles 19a and 19b are each formed in a semi-circular shape. Handles 19a and 19b are connected via a hinge bracket 20 (see reference 19b). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hinge is rotatably mounted on the metal dome 14.

[0041] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated state, the user can grasp handles 19a and 19b to move the fluid tank 10 to the location where hydrogen energy is used. Alternatively, the user can grasp handles 19a and 19b and rotate them about the long axis of the fluid tank 10. The rotational force applied to handles 19a and 19b is applied to the hinge bracket 20, metal dome 14, support bar 15, pressure vessel 12, and metal dome 13, causing the fluid tank 10 to rotate as a whole. The user can rotate the loading / unloading valve 31 together with the fluid tank 10 and assemble the fluid tank 10 into the application component.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the fluid canister 10 with the handle 19 stowed. After the user moves the fluid canister 10 or assembles it into the application component, they can rotate the handles 19a and 19b by more than 90 degrees, thereby stowing the handles 19a and 19b between the protrusion of the metal dome 14 and the outer resin protective part 11.

[0043] Here, a safety valve 32 is disposed at the end of the fluid tank 10 opposite to the end where the loading / unloading valve 31 is disposed. When the handle is mounted on the metal dome 14, it is necessary to maintain a distance between the handle and the safety valve so that the handle does not interfere with the safety valve 32. Therefore, if the handle cannot be accommodated, the length of the fluid tank 10 in the longitudinal direction increases by an amount corresponding to the handle. Alternatively, a structure could be considered in which the handle is slidable relative to the metal dome 14 in the longitudinal direction and pulled out during use. However, even in this case, the length of the tank in the longitudinal direction increases by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the handle.

[0044] In this embodiment, the handle 19 is divided into two parts, 19a and 19b, which are configured to be housed between the protrusion of the metal dome 14 and the outer resin protective member 11. This allows the user to grip the handle 19 to move the fluid tank 10 when in use, and also makes the length of the handle 19 compact when not in use.

[0045] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid tank 10 in the event of a fire occurring near the fluid tank 10. In the case where the fluid tank 10 is configured as a movable box-shaped tank, it is possible to consider placing the loading / unloading valve 31 side downwards and the safety valve 32 (see reference)... Figure 3 The fluid tank 10 is stored upright with its side facing upwards. In this case, if a fire occurs near the fluid tank 10, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the metal dome 13 and resin cover 16 on the loading / unloading valve 31 side can be considered to be more exposed to the heat source, i.e., the flame.

[0046] The outer resin protective component 11 is made of a flammable material. Figure 7 If the metal dome 13 is exposed to flame, it can be assumed that the outer resin protective component 11 burns from the side of the metal dome 13. The fire adhering to the outer resin protective component 11 spreads to the end of the metal dome 14 side, transferring the heat caused by the fire to the safety valve 32. If the metal material of the thrombus valve in the safety valve 32 melts, the release passage of the pressure vessel 12 is connected to the outside, thereby releasing the high-pressure gas inside the pressure vessel 12 to the outside.

[0047] In this embodiment, when a fire occurs, by actively burning the outer resin protective member 11, heat generated by the fire can be rapidly transmitted to the safety valve 32 even if the fire occurs on the side opposite to the safety valve 32. On the other hand, the pressure vessel 12 is covered by an insulation layer 23, which inhibits the transfer of heat generated by the fire to the lining 21 and the reinforcing layer 22. In this embodiment, the insulation layer 23 can be used to prevent heat input to the lining 21 and the reinforcing layer 22 when a fire occurs. In this embodiment, by using the outer resin protective member 11 for heat conduction to the safety valve 32, the safety valve 32 can be activated rapidly. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the pressure vessel 12 from rupturing due to an abnormally high internal pressure during a fire.

[0048] Next, an example of the structure of the opening and closing element 18 will be described. Figure 8 This is a front view of the fluid tank 10 viewed from the side of the metal dome 13 with the opening / closing element 18 in the closed state. In this example, the opening / closing element 18 has a rotating ring 81 and five blades 82. The rotating ring 81 has an opening in its central portion. Additionally, the rotating ring 81 has an opening / closing handle 83 for user operation. If the user moves the opening / closing handle 83 from the "closed" position to the "open" position, the rotating ring 81 rotates clockwise, for example. If the user moves the opening / closing handle 83 from the "open" position to the "closed" position, the rotating ring 81 rotates counterclockwise. The five blades 82 are displaced between a position blocking the opening of the rotating ring 81 and a position not blocking the opening, depending on the rotational position of the rotating ring 81.

[0049] During the handling of fluid tank 10, the user positions the opening / closing handle 83 in the "closed" position. In the "closed" state of the opening / closing element 18, as... Figure 8 The opening of the rotating ring 81 is blocked by five blades 82. In this case, the opening 85 of the resin cover 16 is blocked by the opening and closing element 18, and the loading and unloading valve 31 is protected by the opening and closing element 18. The user can move the fluid tank 10 without the loading and unloading valve 31 protruding from the metal dome 13, and can prevent foreign objects from entering the loading and unloading valve 31.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a front view of the fluid tank 10 viewed from the metal dome 13 side with the opening / closing element 18 in the open state. When the fluid tank 10 is assembled into the application component, the user positions the opening / closing handle 83 in the "open" position. In the "open" state of the opening / closing element 18, the five blades 82 displace towards the rotating ring 81 side. In this position, the loading / unloading valve 31 can be seen through the opening 85 of the resin cover 16. The user can assemble the fluid tank 10 into the application component while allowing external access to the loading / unloading valve 31.

[0051] Furthermore, the example described above is of an opening / closing element 18 that is controlled to open and close based on the rotation of the rotating ring 81. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Various opening / closing elements can be used as the opening / closing element protecting the loading / unloading valve 31. Alternatively, the loading / unloading valve 31 can be protected by installing a dust cover or protective cover on the metal dome 13 instead of using the opening / closing element 18. However, in this case, the dust cover needs to be removed from the metal dome 13 when assembling it to the application component. In addition, during the assembly of the fluid tank 10 to the application component, the dust cover needs to be stored securely to prevent loss in preparation for subsequent handling.

[0052] Here, the technical benchmark for hydrogen tanks is the technical benchmark for automotive containers. In this embodiment, the fluid tank 10 can also be designed based on the technical benchmark for automotive containers. However, unlike vehicle-mounted hydrogen tanks which are fixed and not subject to loading and unloading, the fluid tank 10 involved in this embodiment is a box-shaped tank, which is assumed to be movable and load-unloadable to the application component. Therefore, it can be considered that for the design of the fluid tank 10, it is preferable to consider not only the technical benchmark for fixed automotive containers that are not subject to loading and unloading, but also the technical benchmark for general composite containers.

[0053] For example, the drop test height in the automotive container is assumed to be 1.8m, based on the typical height of a forklift used during vehicle assembly. However, since the fluid tank 10 in this embodiment is movable, it is assumed that the fluid tank 10 will fall from a height greater than 1.8m. Furthermore, in the drop test in the automotive container, it is assumed that the hydrogen tank will fall towards a horizontal plane. However, the fluid tank 10 in this embodiment is also assumed to fall towards an angled portion rather than a horizontal plane.

[0054] Regarding fires, since the container fixed to the vehicle is mounted horizontally relative to the ground along its length, the technical standards for automotive containers also assume a fire with the container placed in this orientation. However, the fluid tank 10 involved in this embodiment is envisioned to be placed vertically relative to the ground, like a typical pressure vessel. That is, it is envisioned that the fluid tank 10 is placed in an upright position with the safety valve 32 facing upwards. In this case, in the event of a fire, it is envisioned that the end opposite to the safety valve 32 is initially exposed to the flames. It can be considered that the drop and flame tests of the container, taking into account the above-described practical safety conditions, are very rigorous for testing automotive containers.

[0055] In this embodiment, the fluid tank 10 has an external resin protective member 11 surrounding the pressure vessel 12. By giving the aesthetically pleasing external resin protective member 11 the function of a protective member, the safety of the pressure vessel 12 containing the fluid can be improved. More specifically, by using the external resin protective member 11 to protect the pressure vessel 12, for example, even if the fluid tank 10 is dropped during handling, the pressure vessel 12 can be protected from the impact of the fall. In addition, in the event of a fire, the external resin protective member 11 transfers heat to the safety valve 32, enabling the safety valve 32 to operate rapidly, thereby preventing the pressure vessel 12 from rupturing.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support bar 15 is mounted on the metal dome 13 and metal dome 14 with a variable distance between them. In this embodiment, the distance between the metal dome 13 and metal dome 14 can be changed according to the size change of the tank accompanying the expansion and contraction of the pressure vessel 12. Therefore, even when the pressure vessel 12 expands or contracts, stress applied to the support bar 15 and the outer resin protective member 11 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer resin protective member 11.

[0057] In this embodiment, the handle 19 is divided into handles 19a and 19b (see reference). Figure 6Without using the handles, the handles 19a and 19b are housed along the side of the protrusion of the metal dome 14. In this embodiment, without using the handles, the split handles 19a and 19b can be accommodated between the outer resin protective member 11 and the protrusion of the metal dome 14, thus making the length dimension of the fluid tank 10 compact.

[0058] The fluid tank 10 described in this embodiment is movable, and therefore can be used as a box-type hydrogen tank for transporting hydrogen to locations where application components using hydrogen are installed. Box-type hydrogen tanks are easy to transport and assemble into application components, and can be used to build a hydrogen supply chain that extends into living spaces like capillaries.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described using multiple plate-shaped support bars 15 for the connecting member that connects the first dome protective member and the second dome protective member. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The connecting member may also be a cylindrical member that at least partially covers the pressure vessel 12. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the fluid tank according to the first modification. The fluid tank 10a according to the first modification includes an external resin protective member 11, a pressure vessel 12, metal domes 13 and 14, and a metal pipe 41. Furthermore, in Figure 10 Medium, handle 19 (refer to Figure 2 The illustration has been omitted.

[0060] In this modified example, a metal tube 41 is used as the connecting component instead of multiple support bars. The metal tube 41 is connected to the metal domes 13 and 14 with varying distances between them. For example, a fastening bolt is used to securely fix the metal tube 41 to the metal dome 13 on the loading / unloading valve 31 side. Furthermore, the metal tube 41 is mounted so as to be able to slide relative to the metal dome 14 on the safety valve 32 side. For example, an elongated hole is formed in the portion of the metal tube 41 that connects to the metal dome 14, with a diameter in the can length direction longer than the diameter in the direction perpendicular to it. The metal dome 14 is slidably mounted to the metal tube 41 relative to the metal tube 41 within the range of the diameter of the elongated hole in the can length direction. The portion of the metal dome 14 that accommodates the safety valve 32 is covered by a protective cover 36.

[0061] In this modified example, the outer resin protective member 11 covers the metal tube 41 between the metal dome 13 and the metal dome 14 along the length of the tank. The outer resin protective member 11 can also be integrally formed with the metal tube 41 by insert molding or the like. In this modified example, the connection between the metal tube 41 and the metal dome 14 is covered by a decorative member 45. The metal tube 41 has a hole on its side along the length of the tank for operating a manual valve provided in the loading / unloading valve 31. The outer resin protective member 11 also has a hole on its side along the length of the tank for operating a manual valve provided in the loading / unloading valve 31. A protective cover 35 is installed on the portion of the metal dome 13 that accommodates the loading / unloading valve 31. Additionally, a manual valve cover 37 is installed in the hole of the outer resin protective member 11 for operating the manual valve. The protective cover 35 is removed when the fluid tank 10a is assembled into the application component. Furthermore, the manual valve cover 37 is removed when the user operates the manual valve.

[0062] In this modified example, the pressure vessel 12 can be protected by the external resin protective element 11 and the metal pipe 41. In this modified example, in the event of a fire on the loading / unloading valve 31 side, the burning of the external resin protective element 11 can transfer heat to the safety valve 32 side, thereby enabling the safety valve 32 to operate and suppress the rupture of the pressure vessel 12. In this modified example, a protective cover 35 is used to protect the loading / unloading valve 31. For example, in the case of handling the fluid tank 10a, by installing the protective cover 35 on the metal dome 13, the intrusion of foreign objects into the loading / unloading valve 31 can be prevented.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the fluid tank involved in the second modification. The fluid tank 10b involved in the second modification includes a pressure vessel 12, metal domes 13a and 14, and a metal pipe 42. Furthermore, in Figure 11 Medium, handle 19 (refer to Figure 2 (Illustrations omitted.) In this modified example, a metal tube 42 is used as the connecting component instead of multiple support bars. Furthermore, in this modified example, the outer resin protective component 11 is omitted, and the metal tube 42 functions as the outer protective component.

[0064] Metal tube 42 and metal tube 41 in the first modified example (see reference) Figure 10Similarly, the distance between metal domes 13a and 14 can be varied when connecting them. For example, a fastening bolt is used to securely fix the metal tube 42 to the metal dome 13a on the loading / unloading valve 31 side. Furthermore, the metal tube 42 is mounted so that it can slide relative to the metal dome 14 on the safety valve 32 side. For example, an elongated hole is formed in the portion of the metal tube 42 that connects to the metal dome 14, with a diameter in the can length direction longer than the diameter in the direction perpendicular to it. The metal dome 14 can be slidably mounted to the metal tube 42 relative to it within the diameter of the elongated hole in the can length direction. The portion of the metal dome 14 that accommodates the safety valve 32 is covered by a protective cover 36. In this modified example, the connection portion between the metal tube 42 and the metal dome 14 is covered by a decorative piece 45.

[0065] In this modified example, the metal dome 13a has a port for operating a manual valve provided in the loading / unloading valve 31. A protective cover 35 is installed on the portion of the metal dome 13a that houses the loading / unloading valve 31. Additionally, a manual valve cover 37 is installed in the port of the metal dome 13a for operating the manual valve. The protective cover 35 is removed when the fluid tank 10b is assembled to the application component. Furthermore, the manual valve cover 37 is removed when the user operates the manual valve.

[0066] In this modified example, the pressure vessel 12 is protected by a metal pipe 42. In this modified example, in the event of a fire on the loading / unloading valve 31 side, heat can be transferred to the safety valve 32 side through the metal pipe 42, thereby enabling the safety valve 32 to operate and suppress the rupture of the pressure vessel 12. In this modified example, a protective cover 35 is used to protect the loading / unloading valve 31. For example, in the case of handling fluid tank 10b, by installing the protective cover 35 on the metal dome 13a, the intrusion of foreign objects into the loading / unloading valve 31 can be prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the handle 19 is rotatably mounted to the metal dome 14 via the hinge bracket 20. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 12 This is a side view showing another structural example of the handle portion. In this example, the handle 19 is divided into two handle portions 19c and 19d. Handle portions 19c and 19d are mounted so as to slide relative to the metal dome 14 in an inclined direction. When not in use, handle portions 19c and 19d are retracted into the peripheral portion, avoiding the central portion of the metal dome 14 that houses the safety valve 32. Hooks are formed on handle portions 19c and 19d respectively. If handle portions 19c and 19d are moved in the direction where they wish to return to the retracted position, the hooks engage with each other and are fixed in place. Even with such a divided handle structure, the length of the can can be minimized when not in use, avoiding the safety valve 32.

[0068] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Any modifications or alterations to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of this disclosure are also included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fluid tank, wherein the fluid tank is provided with: a pressure container that internally contains a fluid; a first dome guard and a second dome guard that sandwich the pressure container in a length direction of the pressure container and are disposed opposite each other; and a connecting member that connects the first dome guard and the second dome guard, the connecting member is connected to the first dome guard and the second dome guard in a manner that enables the distance between the first dome guard and the second dome guard to be changed, a long hole that is longer in a diameter in a long axis direction of the pressure container than in a direction orthogonal to the long axis direction is formed in the connecting member, a screw hole into which a bolt for fastening is inserted is formed in the first dome guard or the second dome guard, the diameter of the long hole in the long axis direction of the pressure container is longer than the outer diameter of the shaft of the bolt, and the first dome guard or the second dome guard is capable of being slidably mounted to the connecting member together with the bolt within the range of the diameter of the long hole in the long axis direction of the pressure container with respect to the connecting member.

2. The fluid tank according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member includes a plurality of plate-like struts.

3. The fluid tank according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member includes a cylindrical member that at least partially covers the pressure container.

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