Box configuration structure

Abstract

The invention provides a tank configuration structure which can save space, improve fluid storage efficiency and contribute to energy efficiency. In the case arrangement structure (1), two or more first cases (10) and one or more second cases (20) are arranged such that the case axes are parallel to each other in a state where interface parts (12, 22) are aligned on the same side, the first cases (10) are arranged in a first direction intersecting the case axis direction, and the second cases (20) are arranged in a second direction intersecting the case axis direction. The second boxes (20) are arranged in a staggered manner in a second direction intersecting with the box axis direction and the first direction with respect to the first boxes (10) arranged in the first direction, the diameter (D1) of the first boxes (10) and the diameter (D2) of the second boxes are different, the first boxes (10) and the second boxes (20) are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first boxes (10) and the second boxes (20) are overlapped with each other when viewed from the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for configuring a tank capable of storing fluid. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development of electric vehicles that contribute to energy efficiency have been underway to ensure more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which three layers of identically shaped tanks storing pressurized fluid are arranged.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-149156 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, this structure requires a large space in the layer direction of the tank stacking, and the gap between the tanks becomes large, resulting in a problem of poor fluid storage efficiency.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tank arrangement structure that achieves both space saving and improvement in fluid storage efficiency, thereby contributing to energy efficiency.

[0009] Hand layer for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the box configuration structure of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: more than three boxes, each having an interface portion at one end portion, capable of storing fluid; and a manifold, which can be connected to the interface portions of the three or more boxes for fluid flow, the three or more boxes are configured so that when the interface portions are aligned on the same side, the box axes are parallel to each other, the two or more boxes are two or more first boxes arranged in a first direction intersecting the box axis direction, the one or more boxes are one or more second boxes staggered in a second direction intersecting the box axis direction and the first direction relative to the two or more boxes arranged in the first direction, the diameter of the first box is different from the diameter of the second box, the two or more first boxes and the one or more second boxes are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first box and the second box overlap with each other when viewed from the first direction.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, in the two-tier tank arrangement structure, it is possible to achieve both space saving and improvement in fluid storage efficiency, thereby contributing to energy efficiency improvement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the tank arrangement structure according to the basic embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the second direction.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (side view) of the tank arrangement structure according to the basic embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a first direction.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the first and second tanks of the tank arrangement structure according to the basic embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the first tank, the second tank, and the manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the first tank, the second tank, and the manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the first tank, the second tank, and the manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the first tank, the second tank, and the manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0020] Description of Reference Numerals

[0021] 1. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D box configuration structure

[0022] 10 first box(box)

[0023] 11 box body

[0024] 12 Interface

[0025] 20 second box (box)

[0026] 21 box body

[0027] 22 Interface

[0028] 30 brackets

[0029] 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D manifolds

[0030] 41, 42, 43 flow path

[0031] 44First flow path (flow path)

[0032] 45 Second flow path (flow path)

[0033] 46Third flow path (flow path)

[0034] 50 valves DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using the case where the tank configuration structure of the present invention is applied to the configuration of a hydrogen tank in an electric vehicle as an electric vehicle as an example. In the following description, the representation of the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions is based on the electric vehicle as a vehicle. In addition, in each of the following embodiments, the tank axis direction is consistent with the front, rear direction, the first direction is consistent with the left, right (vehicle width) direction, and the second direction is consistent with the up, down direction. However, the directions of the tank configuration structure may not be consistent with the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions of the vehicle.

[0036] Basic Implementation Method

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tank arrangement structure 1 according to the basic embodiment of the present invention includes two or more first tanks 10 , one or more (two or more in this embodiment) second tanks 20 , a pair of brackets 30 , 30 , a manifold 40 and a valve 50 .

[0038] <First Box>

[0039] The first tank 10 includes a tank body 11 capable of storing a fluid (e.g., compressed high-pressure hydrogen) and an interface portion 12 provided at one end of the tank body 11 in the tank axial direction and through which the fluid can flow. The tank body 11 and the interface portion 12 may be pre-formed as one piece, or may be separate components. The materials of the tank body 11 and the interface portion 12 are not particularly limited as long as they can withstand the pressure of the stored fluid. The tank body 11 is in the shape of a slender, roughly cylindrical shape with a diameter D1. The first tanks 10 are arranged in a row in a first direction (in the left and right (vehicle width) direction in this embodiment) with the tank axis direction along the front-to-back direction of the vehicle and the interface portion 12 on the front side, constituting the first layer on the lower side of the tank configuration structure 1.

[0040] <Second Box>

[0041] The second tank 20 includes a tank body 21 capable of storing fluid and an interface portion 22 provided at one end of the tank body 21 in the tank axis direction and through which the fluid can flow. The tank body 21 and the interface portion 22 may be pre-formed as one piece, or may be separate components. The materials of the tank body 21 and the interface portion 22 are not particularly limited as long as they can withstand the pressure of the stored fluid. The tank body 21 is in the shape of a slender, roughly cylindrical shape with a diameter D2. The second tanks 20 are arranged in a row in a first direction (in the left and right (vehicle width) direction in this embodiment) with the tank axis direction along the front-to-back direction of the vehicle and the interface portion 22 on the front side, constituting the second layer on the upper side of the tank configuration structure 1.

[0042] <<Relationship between the diameter of the first box and the diameter of the second box>>

[0043] The diameter D1 of the first tank 10 is different from the diameter D2 of the second tank 20 (D1≠D2). In this embodiment, the diameter D1 of the first tank 10 is larger than the diameter D2 of the second tank 20 (D1>D2).

[0044] Bracket

[0045] One bracket 30 is a component that holds one axial end of the two or more first tanks 10 and one or more second tanks 20 (in this embodiment, the front end on the interface portion 12, 22 side) and secures it to the vehicle body. The other bracket 30 is a component that holds the other axial end of the two or more first tanks 10 and one or more second tanks 20 (in this embodiment, the rear end) and secures it to the vehicle body. The bracket 30 is shaped to extend in the first direction and is secured to the vehicle body at both ends thereof in the first direction by bolts or the like. The material of the bracket 30 is not particularly limited, as long as it can withstand the load of the first tank 10 and second tank 20 storing fluid.

[0046] <Manifold>

[0047] The manifold 40 extends in a first direction and is fluidically connected to the interface portions 12 of two or more first tanks 10 and the interface portions 22 of one or more second tanks 20. The manifold 40 includes a flow path 41 therein, which allows fluid to flow between the interface portions 12, 22 and the exterior of the manifold 40. The material of the manifold 40 is not particularly limited, as long as it can withstand the pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow path 41.

[0048] Valve

[0049] The valve 50 is attached to the outer end of the flow path 41 of the manifold 40 (an opening formed on the surface of the manifold 40 ), and is configured to be switchable between an open state allowing fluid flow and a closed state blocking fluid flow.

[0050] Configuration of the first and second boxes

[0051] The two or more first boxes 10 and the one or more second boxes 20 are arranged so that their box axes are parallel to each other (parallel in this embodiment) when the interface portions 12 and 22 are aligned on the same side (the manifold 40 side, the front side in this embodiment). The two or more first boxes 10 are arranged in a first direction (in this embodiment, the left-right direction) that intersects (in this embodiment, is perpendicular) with the box axis direction of the first boxes 10. The one or more second boxes 20 are arranged staggered relative to the row of first boxes 10 in a second direction (in this embodiment, the upward direction) that intersects (in this embodiment, is perpendicular) with the box axis direction of the first boxes 10 and the first direction. In this embodiment, the two or more second boxes 20 are arranged in a first direction (in this embodiment, the left-right direction) that intersects (in this embodiment, is perpendicular) with the box axis direction of the second boxes 20. When viewed from the box axis direction, these first boxes 10 and second boxes 20 are arranged in a staggered manner along the first direction, with the first boxes 10 and the second boxes 20 appearing alternately. That is, when N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, the box arrangement structure 1 includes N+1 first boxes 10 and N, N+1, or N+2 second boxes 20. Except for the two ends in the first direction, the first box 1 is arranged between two adjacent second boxes 20 and 20 and staggered in the second direction (in this embodiment, downward), and the second box 20 is arranged between two adjacent first boxes 10 and 10 and staggered in the second direction (in this embodiment, upward).

[0052] When viewed from the first direction, the first box 10 and the second box 20 overlap in the second direction. In other words, the lower end of the second box 20 is located below the upper end of the first box 10. That is, the second direction dimension H of the box arrangement structure 1 satisfies the following relationship (see Figure 3 ).

[0053] H<D1+D2

[0054] When viewed from the second direction, the first box 10 and the second box 20 overlap in the first direction. In other words, the left end of the second box 20 is located to the left of the right end of the first box 10 that is tilted downward to the left, and the right end of the second box 20 is located to the right of the left end of the first box 10 that is tilted downward to the right. Similarly, the left end of the first box 10 is located to the left of the right end of the second box 20 that is tilted upward to the left, and the right end of the first box 10 is located to the right of the left end of the second box 20 that is tilted upward to the right. That is, the first direction dimension L1 of the two adjacent first boxes 10 in the box configuration structure 1 and the second box 20 between these boxes satisfies the following relationship (see Figure 3 ).

[0055] L1<2D1+D2

[0056] In addition, the first direction dimension L2 of one of the first boxes 10 between two adjacent second boxes 20 in the box arrangement structure 1 satisfies the following relationship (see Figure 3 ).

[0057] L2<D1+2D2

[0058] Here, adjacent first tanks 10 are separated from each other, adjacent second tanks 20 are separated from each other, and adjacent first tanks 10 and second tanks 20 are separated from each other. In tank arrangement structure 1, since the diameter D1 of the first tank 10 is different from the diameter D2 of the second tank 20 (D1>D2), the distance between the first tank 10 and the second tank 20 is reduced compared to a case where the diameters are the same, thereby achieving space savings in the first and second directions and improving fluid storage efficiency.

[0059] The box configuration structure 1 of the basic embodiment of the present invention includes: more than three boxes, each having an interface portion at one end portion, capable of storing fluid; and a manifold 40, which is fluid-flowably connected to the interface portions of the three or more boxes, the three or more boxes are configured so that when the interface portions are aligned on the same side, the box axes are parallel to each other, the two or more boxes are two or more first boxes 10 arranged in a first direction intersecting the box axis direction, and the one or more boxes are one or more second boxes 20 staggered in a second direction intersecting the box axis direction and the first direction relative to the two or more boxes arranged in the first direction, the diameter D1 of the first box 10 is different from the diameter D2 of the second box, the two or more first boxes 10 and the one or more second boxes 20 are arranged in a staggered manner, and when viewed from the first direction, the first box 10 and the second box 20 overlap with each other.

[0060] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1 can achieve both space saving in the second direction and improved fluid storage efficiency. In addition, the tank arrangement structure 1 can achieve miniaturization of the manifold 40 in the second direction.

[0061] In the tank arrangement structure 1 , when viewed from the second direction, the adjacent first tank 10 and second tank 20 overlap with each other.

[0062] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1 can achieve both space saving in the first direction and the second direction and improved fluid storage efficiency. In addition, the tank arrangement structure 1 can achieve miniaturization of the manifold 40 in the first direction.

[0063] <First embodiment>

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 4 The manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4, the cross-sectional shapes of the manifold 40A and the flow path 42 are shown.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the manifold 40A of the tank arrangement structure 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a curved shape, as viewed from the tank axis, that alternately connects the interface portions 12 of the first tank 10 and the interface portions 22 of the second tank 20. As a flow path through which a fluid can flow, the manifold 40A includes a flow path 42 that has a curved shape (a broken line shape) with alternating peaks and valleys, as viewed from the tank axis, by alternately connecting the interface portions 12 and 22.

[0066] In the tank arrangement structure 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the manifold 40A has a curved shape alternately connected to the interface portions 12 of the first tank 10 and the interface portions 22 of the second tank 20 when viewed from the tank axial direction.

[0067] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1A can achieve miniaturization of the manifold 40A.

[0068] <Second embodiment>

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 5 The manifold of the tank arrangement structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 , the cross-sectional shape of the position where the flow path 43 is located is shown as the manifold 40B.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the manifold 40B of the tank arrangement structure 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a shape extending in the first direction with a width covering the interface portion 12 of the first tank 10 and the interface portion 22 of the second tank 20, as viewed in the tank axial direction. As a flow path through which a fluid can flow, the manifold 40B includes a flow path 43 extending in the first direction with a width covering the interface portion 12 of the first tank 10 and the interface portion 22 of the second tank 20, as viewed in the tank axial direction.

[0071] In the tank arrangement structure 1B of the second embodiment of the present invention, the manifold 40B extends in the first direction with a width covering the interface portion 12 of the first tank 10 and the interface portion 22 of the second tank 20 when viewed from the tank axis direction.

[0072] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1B can improve the manufacturability of the manifold 40B.

[0073] <Third embodiment>

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 6 The manifold of the tank arrangement structure of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the manifold 40B of the second embodiment. Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the manifold 40C at the positions where the first flow path 44 and the second flow path 45 are located is shown.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, as a flow path through which fluid can flow, the manifold 40C of the third embodiment of the present invention replaces the flow path 43 and has a first flow path 44 extending in the first direction and connected to the interface portion 12 of more than two first boxes 10, and a second flow path 45 extending in the first direction and connected to the interface portion 22 of more than one second box 20.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first flow path 44 is connected to an opening formed on the surface of the manifold 40C, and a valve 50 is arranged at the opening (see FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). In addition, the second flow path 45 is connected to an opening formed on the surface of the manifold 40C, and another valve 50 is arranged at the opening (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two valves 50, 50 may also be connected to a flow path other than the manifold 40C.

[0077] In the tank arrangement structure 1C of the third embodiment of the present invention, the manifold includes a first flow path 44 communicating with the interface portions 12 of two or more first tanks 10 and a second flow path 45 communicating with the interface portions 22 of one or more second tanks 20 as flow paths through which the fluid can flow.

[0078] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1C can improve the manufacturability of the manifold 40C, and can independently store or discharge the fluid of each layer when the first flow path 44 and the second flow path 45 are respectively communicated with the outside of the manifold 40C.

[0079] <Fourth embodiment>

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 7 The manifold of the tank arrangement structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the manifold 40C of the third embodiment. Figure 7 , the cross-sectional shape of the manifold 40D at the positions where the first flow path 44, the second flow path 45, and the third flow path 46 are located is shown.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the manifold 40D of the tank arrangement structure 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes, in addition to the first flow path 44 and the second flow path 45 , a third flow path 46 connecting the first flow path 44 and the second flow path 45 as a flow path through which a fluid can flow.

[0082] In this embodiment, the third flow path 46 is connected to an opening formed on the surface of the manifold 40D, and a valve 50 is arranged at the opening (see FIG. Figure 1and Figure 2 ).

[0083] In the tank arrangement structure 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the manifold 40D includes a third flow path 46 connecting the first flow path 44 and the second flow path 45 as a flow path through which the fluid can flow.

[0084] Therefore, the tank arrangement structure 1D can improve the manufacturability of the manifold 40D and can store or discharge the fluids of each column together.

[0085] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the bracket 30 may be configured to mimic the shape of the manifolds 40A and 40B. Furthermore, the diameter D2 of the second tank 20 may be larger than the diameter D1 of the first tank 10.

Claims

1. A box configuration structure, characterized in that: include: Three or more tanks having an interface portion at one end and capable of storing fluid; as well as a manifold capable of fluidly connecting to the interface portions of three or more of the tanks; The three or more boxes are arranged so that, when the interface portions are aligned on the same side, the box axes are parallel to each other. The two or more boxes are two or more first boxes arranged in a first direction intersecting with the box axis direction, The one or more boxes are one or more second boxes arranged in a displaced manner in a second direction intersecting the box axis direction and the first direction relative to the two or more boxes arranged in the first direction. The diameter of the first box is different from the diameter of the second box, The two or more first boxes and the one or more second boxes are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first boxes and the second boxes overlap with each other when viewed from the first direction.

2. The box arrangement structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: When viewed from the second direction, adjacent first boxes and second boxes overlap with each other.

3. The box arrangement structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The manifold has a curved shape that is alternately connected to the interface portion of the first tank and the interface portion of the second tank when viewed from the tank axis direction.

4. The box arrangement structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The manifold has a shape extending in the first direction with a width covering the interface portion of the first tank and the interface portion of the second tank when viewed from the tank axis direction.

5. The box arrangement structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: As a flow path through which the fluid can flow, the manifold includes: a first flow path communicating with the interface portions of two or more of the first tanks; and A second flow path communicates with the interface portion of the one or more second tanks.

6. The box arrangement structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The manifold includes a third flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path as a flow path through which the fluid can flow.

Images