Safety valve for high pressure tank

Abstract

To provide a safety valve for avoiding the inflammation of gas when igniting gun powder for actuating the valve.SOLUTION: A safety valve 30 includes a body part 31 and an igniter 34, the body part 31 including a region 31A where a male screw is cut, an internal space 31B where the igniter is provided, a hole part 31C communicated with a space of a tank body, an openable part 32 which is bottom of the hole part to be opened by the ignition of the igniter, and an exhaust port 33 for exhausting gas during operation. A fixing member 36 is provided with a cylindrical member 42, a cylindrical member bottom part is formed with a hole part 42a, and an O-ring 43 is provided midway through the inner wall of the hole part. Inside the cylindrical member 42, a piston member 44 is provided of which the front end of a rod part 44a penetrates the hole part. The piston member includes a recess-shaped receiving part 44b for receiving flames from the igniter. Between the inner wall of the cylindrical member and the piston member surface, heat reducing flame-out agent 45 is filled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety valve for a high-pressure tank. [Background technology]

[0002] Some high-pressure tanks (gas cylinders) that store compressed gases are equipped with a safety valve (also called a fusible plug valve) that melts and opens when the ambient temperature rises abnormally for some reason. For example, if the temperature of the high-pressure tank rises abnormally due to a fire, the safety valve will operate to prevent the high-pressure tank from bursting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5007809 DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the safety valve (fusible plug valve) of Patent Document 1, when applied to a high-pressure tank of a flammable gas (such as hydrogen gas), it takes time for the fusible plug to melt completely, so in order to activate the safety valve quickly, it is advantageous to use a safety valve driven by explosives. However, when applied to a high-pressure tank of a flammable gas (such as hydrogen gas), there is a concern that the flammable gas may ignite.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fast acting safety valve which does not catch fire and which is capable of using an ignition means as a driving force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The present invention provides a safety valve for a high-pressure tank that can be connected to an opening of a tank body filled with a fluid, comprising: a main body having an outlet in contact with an external environment and a flow path that can communicate the opening with the external environment via the outlet; and a valve that is provided at any position in the flow path and that normally closes the flow path and opens the flow path when an abnormally high temperature occurs or an abnormality is detected, the valve having an openable portion that is opened by actuation of an opening means provided in the flow path, the opening means being provided in the flow path downstream of the openable portion and opening the openable portion using energy obtained by igniting explosives as a driving source, and the valve being provided with flame quenching means for a flame generated by the ignition of the explosives when the opening means is actuated.

[0007] (2) In the above-mentioned (1) high-pressure tank safety valve, the explosive in the opening means is an igniter that is activated by the flow of an electric current, or an autoignition agent that automatically ignites at a predetermined temperature or higher, and the flame quenching means is an extinguishing agent or flame quenching member that extinguishes a flame generated when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, and further comprises a cylindrical member having an end on which the igniter or the autoignition agent is disposed and a bottom with a hole formed therein and an initial state on which a piston member is provided inside the cylindrical member and is provided so as to penetrate the hole, and slides in the penetrating direction of the hole by a pressure wave obtained by ignition of the igniter or automatic ignition of the autoignition agent when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, thereby opening the releasable portion, and it is preferable that the flame quenching means is provided at least partially between the inner wall of the cylindrical member and the piston in the cylindrical member. The explosives referred to here include explosive compositions such as ignition charges, ignition agents, AI agents, and gas generators, as well as pyrotechnic devices incorporating these in igniters or gas generators.

[0008] (3) From another viewpoint, in the safety valve for a high-pressure tank described in (1) above, the explosive in the opening means may be an igniter that is activated by the flow of an electric current, or an autoignition agent that automatically ignites at a predetermined temperature or higher, and the flame quenching means may be an extinguishing agent or an extinguishing member that extinguishes a flame generated when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, and further include a cylindrical member having the igniter or the autoignition agent disposed at one end and having a bottom at the other end, and a piston member that is provided inside the cylindrical member and slides to the other end side of the cylindrical member by a pressure wave obtained by ignition of the igniter or automatic ignition of the autoignition agent when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, and that sequentially opens the bottom and the openable portion of the cylindrical member, and the flame quenching means may be provided at least partially between an inner wall of the cylindrical member and the piston inside the cylindrical member.

[0009] (4) From another viewpoint, in the safety valve for a high-pressure tank of (1) above, the explosive in the opening means may be an igniter that is activated by the flow of an electric current, or an autoignition agent that automatically ignites at or above a predetermined temperature, and the flame quenching means may be a flame quenching member that quenches a flame generated when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, and further comprises a cylindrical member having the igniter or the autoignition agent at one end and having a bottom with a hole formed therein at the other end, the flame quenching member being arranged on the inside or outside of the cylindrical member or inside the hole so as to cover the hole, and the openable portion may be ruptured or split open by a pressure wave obtained after the flame is quenched by the flame quenching member.

[0010] (5) In the safety valve for a high-pressure tank of (4) above, it is preferable that the flame quenching means further includes an anti-flame agent, the anti-flame agent being disposed in at least a portion of the interior of the tubular member, and the openable portion is ruptured or split open by a pressure wave obtained after the flame is extinguished by the anti-flame agent and the anti-flame agent. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a safety valve for a high-pressure tank that is capable of using an ignition means as a driving force without ignition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a high-pressure tank equipped with a safety valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the safety valve of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 23 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a high-pressure tank including a safety valve according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 23 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a safety valve according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following embodiment illustrates the application of the present invention to a high-pressure tank for fuel gas (high-pressure hydrogen) mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a high-pressure tank that stores other types of compressed gas or liquefied gas.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the high-pressure tank 100 has a tank body 10 with a space 10a therein for filling and storing high-pressure gas (e.g., hydrogen gas), an opening 11 provided at one end (the lower end in FIG. 1) of the tank body 10, and an opening 12 provided at the other end (the upper end in FIG. 1) of the tank body 10.

[0015] A nozzle member (not shown) is provided at the opening 11, and a valve (tank valve) 20 is attached to this nozzle member. The valve 20 is provided with a supply port 21 for supplying gas. This supply port 21 is connected to a pipe (not shown) that leads to an engine powered by hydrogen, such as a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine, and under normal circumstances (when no abnormal high temperature due to fire has occurred), the gas in the space 10a of the tank body 10 is supplied to the engine powered by hydrogen via the valve 20, the supply port 21, and the pipe.

[0016] The opening 12 has a female thread (not shown) cut therein, and the safety valve 30 is attached by screwing into a male thread (not shown) provided on a part of the outer periphery of the safety valve 30 on the tank body 10 side (male thread portion 31A on the tank body 10 side of the outer periphery of the main body portion 31 described later).

[0017] The safety valve 30 has a main body 31 and an igniter 34 (an example of an opening means that is provided downstream of the openable part 32 in the gas flow in a flow path described later, with the tank main body 10 side being the upstream side, and opens the openable part 32 using energy obtained by driving (operation) as a driving source). The main body 31 has a male threaded part 31A, which is a part where a male thread is cut, an internal space 31B in which the igniter 34 is provided, a hole part 31C that communicates with the space 10a of the tank main body 10, the openable part 32 that is the bottom of the hole part 31C and is opened (a hole part is formed by melting, splitting, breaking, or the like) when the igniter 34 is ignited, and an exhaust port 33 that communicates with the external environment and exhausts gas when activated.

[0018] Here, when the space 10a of the tank body 10 is filled with hydrogen gas, it is preferable to use a material that has been treated to prevent hydrogen embrittlement for the body portion 31, such as SUS316 or SUS316L.

[0019] In addition, the releasable portion 32 may have a fragile portion such as a cut groove formed at a location where the tip of the rod-shaped portion 44a of the piston member 44 described later hits when the releasable portion 32 is activated. This makes it easier to rupture, and prevents scattering. The releasable portion 32 may be formed to a plate thickness that is not deformed by the gas pressure in the tank under normal conditions and is ruptured by the piston member 44 moved by the activation of the igniter 34. The releasable portion 32 is formed integrally with the main body portion 31, but is not limited to this. A through hole may be provided, and a rupture disk may be provided to block the through hole, and the rupture disk may be ruptured by the piston member 44 moved by the activation of the igniter 34.

[0020] The size of the total opening area varies depending on the critical constant (σ), gas constant (R), temperature (T), pressure inside the tank (P), gas volume inside the tank (V), and gas discharge time (t). The general formula is as follows:

number

[0021] However, technically, the capacity of the tank that can be stored is limited, and it is difficult to manufacture a small total opening area from a processing technology perspective. In addition, if the total opening area is small, there is a risk that the exhaust port will be clogged with foreign matter, making it impossible to achieve the effect of exhausting the gas. Furthermore, if the total opening area is made larger than a certain level, the gas exhaust speed will increase and the high concentration gas will mix with the oxygen in the air, increasing the risk of ignition and explosion. Taking all of these factors into consideration, in order to exhaust the gas at an appropriate speed, the total opening area of ​​the exhaust port 33 is set to 0.008 to 5.5 (mm 2 ), and 0.08 to 3.2 (mm 2 ) is more preferable.

[0022] Also, it is preferable that the exhaust port 33 is provided facing the ground side, or that further piping is attached so that the gas is exhausted to the ground side. As a result, even if the hydrogen gas ignites, only an amount that will have a minor impact (an amount that is unlikely to cause damage to people, equipment, etc.) can be exhausted from the exhaust port 33, and since the hydrogen gas can be exhausted relatively smoothly, it is possible to prevent the tank body 10 from bursting and to minimize the impact of ignition of the discharged hydrogen gas even if an abnormally high temperature occurs due to a fire.

[0023] A fixing member 36 is fixed to the external environment side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the internal space 31B, and fixes and holds a part of the igniter 34 on the external environment side. A cylindrical member 42 is provided on the openable portion 32 side of the fixing member 36 so as to cover the periphery of the openable portion 32 side of the igniter 34. A hole 42a is formed in the bottom of the cylindrical member 42, and an O-ring 43 (sealing member) is provided halfway on the inner wall of the hole 42a. A piston member (sliding member) 44 is provided inside the cylindrical member 42 so that the tip of the rod-shaped portion 44a penetrates the hole 42a in the initial state. The piston member 44 also has a recessed receiving portion 44b that receives the flame of the igniter 34. Further, a heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 (one example of a flame-extinguishing means) is filled between the inner wall of the cylindrical member 42 and the surface of the piston member 44, and is sealed by an O-ring 43 so that the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 does not leak out of the cylindrical member 42 from the hole 42a. The heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 is, for example, salt, potassium chloride, oxalate, carboxylate, etc., but any flame-extinguishing agent may be used as long as it can reduce the heat of the flame generated by the igniter 34 and can extinguish more flame than necessary after the igniter 34 is activated (reducing the energy of the flame). Therefore, a fire extinguishing agent or insulating oil may be used instead of the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45.

[0024] The igniter 34 is for generating a flame, and includes an ignition portion (not shown) and a pair of terminal pins 35. The ignition portion contains therein an ignition charge that ignites and burns to generate a flame when activated, and a resistor for igniting the ignition charge.

[0025] More specifically, the ignition section includes a squib cup formed in a cup shape, and a plug that closes the open end of the squib cup and holds a pair of terminal pins 35 inserted therethrough, a resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 35 inserted into the squib cup, and an ignition charge is loaded into the squib cup so as to surround the resistor or be adjacent to the resistor. If necessary, an ignition charge and / or an AI agent can be loaded into the squib cup in addition to the ignition charge.

[0026] Here, nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate), ignition powder (basic copper nitrate, zirconium) lead tricinate, etc. are generally used as the ignition powder. As a booster for releasing a large amount of flame, further ignition agents include compositions of metal powder / oxidizer such as B / KNO3, B / NaNO3, Sr(NO3)2, etc., thermite compositions, compositions of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, compositions of titanium / potassium perchlorate, and AI agents include compositions of B / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide, 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide, 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / strontium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide, compositions of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one / sodium nitrate, and smokeless powder mainly composed of nitrocellulose. The squib cup and plug are generally made of metal or plastic.

[0027] The pair of terminal pins 35 are connected to an ignition unit to ignite the ignition charge, and are also connected to a power source 40 (such as a battery) via a wire 41. The power source 40 receives a command signal transmitted from a control unit (not shown) when a temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the external temperature of the tank body 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and passes a predetermined amount of current through the pair of terminal pins 35 via the wire 41. That is, when a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition charge starts to burn. A high-temperature flame generated by the combustion explodes the squib cup that contains the ignition charge. The time from when a current flows through the resistor to when the igniter 34 is activated is generally 2 ms or less when a nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

[0028] Here, as a modified example, an igniter may be combined with a gas generating agent (the gas generating agent is burned by a flame generated by the activation of the igniter to generate gas) as necessary. By combining an igniter with a gas generating agent, the releasable portion can be opened at a higher speed upon activation. In addition, when the filling pressure of the fluid filled in the high-pressure tank is high, the strength of the releasable portion must also be set high, and therefore, in order to instantly open the releasable portion upon activation, it is necessary to combine an igniter with a gas generating agent. This modified example can also be applied to other embodiments and modified examples that use an igniter.

[0029] The gas generating agent is made of a suitable combination of a fuel and an oxidizer. The fuel component is at least one selected from the group consisting of guanidine derivatives, tetrazole derivatives, urea derivatives, triazole derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, triazine derivatives, and azodicarbonamide. The oxidizer component is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, basic nitrates, and basic carbonates. If necessary, the agent may also contain a burning rate regulator and a binder.

[0030] Next, the operation of the safety valve 30 in the high-pressure tank 100 in this embodiment will be described.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, when the high-pressure tank 100 is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor described above, and based on this, a current flows from the power source 40 to the igniter 34, which is a driving source, via the wiring 41 in response to a command from the control unit described above, and the igniter 34 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 34 is received by the receiving portion 44b of the piston member 44, and the piston member 44, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the openable portion 32. Thereafter, the tip of the rod-shaped portion 44a of the piston member 44 splits or breaks the openable portion 32, and a hole is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Subsequently, after the hole is formed in the openable portion 32, the piston member 44 is pushed back toward the internal space 31B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body 10. As a result, the internal space 31B and the hole portion 31C communicate with each other through the hole. By connecting the internal space 31B and the hole 31C, the gas filled in the space 10a of the tank body 10 is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole 31C, the internal space 31B, and the exhaust port 33.

[0032] According to the safety valve 30 having the above configuration, it is possible to use the ignition means as a driving force without ignition. Also, a predetermined amount of gas (for example, an amount that has only a minor impact even if ignition occurs) can be discharged from the beginning of operation. Also, since the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 is filled in the cylindrical member 42, when the gas in the high-pressure tank 100 is flammable gas, even if the igniter 34 is used as a means for forming the above-mentioned hole in the openable portion 32, the flammable gas can be prevented from igniting.

[0033] Furthermore, when used in a high-pressure tank 100 filled with hydrogen gas, by making the diameter of the exhaust port 33 0.001 mm to 0.2 mm, and more preferably 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, even if the hydrogen gas ignites, it is possible to discharge an amount from the exhaust port 33 which will have only a minor impact, and since the hydrogen gas can be discharged relatively smoothly, even if an abnormally high temperature occurs due to a fire, it is possible to prevent the tank body 10 from bursting and to minimize the impact of ignition of the discharged hydrogen gas.

[0034] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore description and illustration of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment are similar, and therefore description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the safety valve 130 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that the main body 131 has an overall elongated shape compared to the main body 31 of the first embodiment, that the openable portion 132 which is the bottom that closes the hole 131C is formed by welding, crimping, cutting or attaching a plate-like member, that one or more exhaust ports 133 are formed, that the igniter 134 is fixed by crimping or molded with a fixing member 136, and that the space between the main body 131 and the igniter 134 is sealed with an O-ring 137 (sealing member).

[0036] Since a part of the releasable portion 132 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, it is desirable that the releasable portion 132 is made of a nickel alloy member formed from a thin metal plate. For example, a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant metal thin plate (e.g., about 200 [μm] thick) is preferably used as the releasable portion 132, and a thin plate made of stainless steel such as SUS316 or SUS316L (JIS standard symbol) having a composition ratio of Ni: 10 [weight %], Cr: 23 [weight %], Mn: 6 [weight %], Mo: 2 [weight %], C: 0.01 [weight %], N: 0.5 [weight %], or an Inconel alloy (Inconel 625) is particularly preferably used. In addition, a fragile portion such as a cut groove may be formed in the releasable portion 132 at a position where the tip of the rod-shaped portion 144a of the piston member 144 hits during operation.

[0037] Among the multiple exhaust ports 133, those that can be installed facing the ground may be left as they are, but those that cannot be installed facing the ground are preferably installed with piping so that the gas is exhausted to the ground side. In the case of a structure that does not burn exhaust gas or a heat- and flame-shielding structure so that the flames do not cause harm to others even if the exhaust gas is burned, the exhaust port does not have to be on the ground side.

[0038] Next, the operation of the safety valve 130 in this embodiment will be described.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature is detected by a temperature sensor, and based on this, a current flows from a power source (not shown) to the igniter 134 via the wiring 141 in response to a command from the control unit, and the igniter 134 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 134 is received by the receiving portion 144b of the piston member 144, and the piston member 144, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the openable portion 132 along the penetration direction of the hole portion 142a. Thereafter, the tip portion of the rod-shaped portion 144a of the piston member 144 splits or breaks the openable portion 132, and the hole portion 132a is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 145 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes the flame more than necessary. Subsequently, after the hole portion 132a is formed in the openable portion 132, the piston member 144 is pushed back toward the internal space 131B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, internal space 131B and hole 131C communicate with each other through hole 132a (see FIG. 3(b)). By communicating internal space 131B and hole 131C, the gas filling the internal space of tank body 110 is discharged to the external environment through a flow path formed by hole 131C, hole 132a, internal space 131B, and discharge port 133.

[0040] According to the safety valve 130 having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0041] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description and illustration of the similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment are similar, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the safety valve 230 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that it uses a main body 231 made up of multiple members, that it uses an ignition charge 234A and an auto-ignition agent (AI agent) 234B as opening means 234 instead of an igniter, and that a filter 238 is provided at the outlet 233.

[0043] The main body 231 includes a first member 231a having a cross section in the shape of a recess, a second member 231b having a substantially plate shape, and a third member 231c having a cross section in the shape of a substantially T. An internal space 248 in which the piston member 244 can move after actuation, and a discharge port 233 are formed inside the first member 231a. A recess 231B1 is formed on the third member 231c side of the center of the second member 231b, and a recess 231C1 is formed on the second member 231b side of the center of the third member 231c. Between recess 231B1 and recess 231C1, there are provided a cylindrical member 242, an AI agent 234B arranged on the recess 231B1 side of cylindrical member 242, an ignition charge 234A arranged on the recess 231C1 side of AI agent 234B, and a piston member 244 which holds ignition charge 234A and AI agent 234B together with openable portion 232B. A heat reducing and flame quenching agent 45 (an example of flame quenching means) is filled between the inner wall of cylindrical member 242 and the surface of rod portion 244a of piston member 244, and an O-ring 243 seals so that heat reducing and flame quenching agent 245 does not leak out of hole 242a to the outside of cylindrical member 242. Either the ignition charge 234A or the AI ​​agent 234B may be disposed on the recess 231C1 side, and the ignition charge 234A may be contained in the AI ​​agent 234B, or the AI ​​agent 234B may be disposed alone. In addition, the second member 231b and the third member 231c have ring-shaped recesses 231B2 and 231C2 on their opposing surfaces to place the seal member 237 between the second member 231b and the third member 231c. In addition, a gap (clearance) is provided between the receiving portion 244b of the piston member 244 and the inner wall of the cylindrical member 242. As a result, when the piston member 244 slides toward the recess 231C1 after actuation, a part of the heat reducing and flame retardant 245 is pushed out from the gap toward the openable portion 232B from the state of FIG. 4(a) and moves toward the openable portion 232B of the cylindrical member 242 (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0044] The sealing member 237 is, for example, an O-ring, a packing, or a gasket. The material of the sealing member 237 may be fluororubber, styrene-based rubber, olefin-based rubber, or the like. As another embodiment, a method of applying an adhesive to the sealing member 237 to seal it may be used. As the adhesive, for example, an adhesive containing a cyanoacrylate-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a styrene-based rubber, an olefin-based rubber, or the like as a raw material may be suitably used. The sealing member 237 may also be made of a metal containing at least one of stainless steel, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, and an aluminum alloy.

[0045] Examples of ignition charges 234A include ZPP (zirconium potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate), and lead tricinate.

[0046] The AI ​​agent 234B is an explosive having an auto-ignition (AI) function that automatically ignites in response to heat generated by a temperature that is lower than the ignition temperature of the ignition charge. Here, the AI ​​agent 234B is preferably one that automatically ignites at an ignition temperature of 230°C or lower, which is lower than the temperature at which the high-pressure tank bursts, and more preferably one that automatically ignites at a temperature of 200°C or lower, taking into account the thermal conductivity and the distance to the heat source. For example, the AI ​​agent 234B preferably contains the following component (A) or (B).

[0047] (A) An AI agent formed by binding a fuel component, an oxidizer, and a combustion modifier with a binder. Here, an example of the fuel component is a nitrogen-containing organic material made of aminotetrazole or its salt. An example of the oxidizer is one containing 50% or more by weight of nitrate. An example of the combustion modifier is molybdenum, iron, or oxides thereof. An example of the binder is one selected from the following groups (1), (2), and (3). (1) Hydrotalcite-type compounds represented by the following general formula: [M 2+ 1-x M 3+ x(OH) x+ [A n- x / n mH2O x- Here, M 2+ :Mg 2+ ,Mn 2+ ,Fe 2+ ,Co 2+ ,Ni 2+ ,Cu 2+ ,Zn 2+ Divalent metals such as M 3+ :Al 3+ ,Fe 3+ ,Cr 3+ ,Co 3+ ,In 3+ Trivalent metals such as A n- :OH - ,F - ,Cl - ,Br - ,NO3 - ,CO3 2- , SO4 2- ,Fe(CN)6 3- ,CH3COO - , oxalate ion, salicylate ion, etc. x:0 <x≦0.33 (2) Acid clay (3) Polymer binder The polymer binder can improve the breaking strength and other mechanical properties when the explosive is molded into a desired shape. Specific examples of the polymer binder include metal salts of carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polysaccharide derivatives such as starch, stearates, fluororubber, SBS rubber, and other organic binders. These polymer binders may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0048] (B) An AI agent having a calorific value of 4,500 J / g or more, containing the following components in various composition ratios: (a) 5-aminotetrazole 3-25 (weight%), (b) boron 5-30 (weight%), (c) potassium nitrate 50-85 (weight%), and (d) molybdenum trioxide 0.2-10 (weight%).

[0049] Here, as a modified example, if necessary, the AI ​​agent may be combined with a gas generating agent (the gas generating agent is burned by the automatic ignition function of the AI ​​agent to generate gas). By combining the AI ​​agent with a gas generating agent, the releasable portion can be opened more quickly when activated. Furthermore, when the filling pressure of the fluid filled in the high-pressure tank is high, the strength of the releasable portion must also be set high, and therefore, in order to instantly open the releasable portion when activated, it is necessary to combine the AI ​​agent with a gas generating agent. This modified example can also be applied to embodiments and modified examples that use other AI agents.

[0050] The gas generating agent is made of a suitable combination of a fuel and an oxidizer. The fuel component is at least one selected from the group consisting of guanidine derivatives, tetrazole derivatives, urea derivatives, triazole derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, triazine derivatives, and azodicarbonamide. The oxidizer component is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, basic nitrates, and basic carbonates. If necessary, the agent may also contain a burning rate regulator and a binder.

[0051] Next, the operation of the safety valve 230 in this embodiment will be described.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 4(a), when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature lower than the temperature at which the high-pressure tank bursts, the AI ​​agent 234B automatically ignites in response to the heat due to the temperature, and the ignition charge 234A burns, thereby activating the opening means 234. The flame generated by the activation of the opening means 234 is received by the receiving portion 244b of the piston member 244, and the piston member 244, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the openable portion 232A. Thereafter, the tip of the rod-shaped portion 244a of the piston member 244 splits or breaks the openable portion 232A, forming a hole portion 232A1 (see FIG. 4(b)). At this time, the openable portion 232B is also opened (a hole portion 232B1 is formed at the bottom of the recess 231B1 by melting, splitting or breaking, etc.) (see FIG. 4(b)), and the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Subsequently, after the holes 232A1 and 232B1 are formed in the releasable portions 232A and 232B, respectively, the piston member 244 is pushed back to the internal space 248 by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body 210. As a result, the exhaust port 233 and the hole portion 231C communicate with each other through the hole portion 232A1, the hole portion 242a, the inside of the cylindrical member 242, the hole portion 232B1, and the internal space 248. By the exhaust port 233 communicating with the hole portion 131C, the gas filled in the internal space of the tank body 210 is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole portion 131C, the hole portion 232A1 formed in the bottom of the recess 231C1, the recess 231C1, the recess 231B1, the hole portion 232B1 formed in the bottom of the recess 231B1, and the exhaust port 233. Note that a filter 238 may be disposed in the exhaust port 233 as necessary. The filter 238 has the function of collecting residues generated when the ignition charge 234A and the AI ​​agent 234B are burned, and of removing heat from the generated gas to cool it or extinguish it. In addition, even if the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 245 remains after activation, it can be collected by the filter 238.

[0053] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 230 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 230 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0054] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore description and illustration of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment are similar, and therefore description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5 , the safety valve 330 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that a power generation unit 350 is used as a current supply source for the igniter 334, that wiring 341 is provided for transmitting the current generated in the power generation unit 350, that a fixing member 336 is provided inside the power generation unit 350 and inside the tubular member 342, and that the igniter 334 is provided inside the tubular member 342.

[0056] The power generating unit 350 includes a first metal layer 351 on the inside, a semiconductor layer 352 in the middle, and a second metal layer 353 on the outside, and the semiconductor layer 352 is sandwiched between the first metal layer 351 and the second metal layer 353. The power generating unit 350 may be any type of semiconductor material having two or more different Seebeck coefficients stacked in layers, as long as it can generate a current when exposed to an abnormally high temperature above a predetermined temperature. The Seebeck coefficient generally refers to a proportional coefficient between a temperature difference and a voltage that is proportional to a temperature difference that occurs between both ends of a metal and a semiconductor. An example of a combination of two types of semiconductors here is an n-type semiconductor and a p-type semiconductor. When selecting two or more types of metal and semiconductor, materials having different Seebeck coefficients are appropriately selected from the materials listed in the combination of two types of metals below and the combination of two types of semiconductors above. Examples of combinations of two types of metals include iridium and rhodium, platinum and rhodium, copper and constantan, iron and constantan, copper and iron, gold and platinum, nickel and molybdenum, tungsten and rhenium, gold and palladium, platinum and palladium, etc. Furthermore, the power generation unit 350 may be made of only one type of metal that can obtain the Seebeck effect by being arranged so that a temperature difference (temperature gradient) occurs between the outside and the inside when the outside becomes abnormally high temperature.

[0057] Next, the operation of the safety valve 330 in this embodiment will be described.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a current flows from the power generating unit 350 to the igniter 334 through the wiring 341, and the igniter 334 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 334 is received by the receiving portion 344b of the piston member 344, and the piston member 344, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the openable portion 332. Then, the tip of the rod-shaped portion 344a of the piston member 344 splits or breaks the openable portion 332, and a hole is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 345 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Then, after the hole is formed in the openable portion 332, the piston member 344 is pushed back toward the internal space 331B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the internal space 331B and the hole portion 331C communicate with each other through the hole. By connecting internal space 331B and hole 331C, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment via a flow path formed by hole 331C, internal space 331B, and exhaust port 333.

[0059] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 330 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 330 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0060] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description and illustration of the similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment will be omitted unless otherwise specified, as they are similar.

[0061] The safety valve 430 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that an opening means 434 is used instead of an igniter, as shown in FIG.

[0062] The opening means 434 is provided inside the cylindrical member 442, and includes a plate-shaped base 434A and a pin member 434C (protruding portion) having a piston function, and an AI agent 434B. The plate-shaped base 434A is movable along the inner wall of the cylindrical member 442, and is attached to the openable portion 432 side of the AI ​​agent 434B. The pin member 434C is fixed to the openable portion 432 side of the plate-shaped base 434A, and is a member with a pointed tip. The pin member 434C is provided so as to penetrate a hole portion 442a provided in the bottom part of the cylindrical member 442. A gap (clearance) is provided between the plate-shaped base 434A and the inner wall of the cylindrical member 442. As a result, when plate-shaped base 434A and pin member 434C slide toward recess 431C1 after activation, a portion of heat reducing and anti-flammable agent 445 is pushed out from the gap toward AI agent 434B from the state shown in FIG.

[0063] Next, the operation of the safety valve 430 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature lower than the temperature at which the high-pressure tank bursts, the AI ​​agent 434B automatically ignites in response to the heat caused by the temperature. The pressure wave (including static pressure and dynamic pressure) generated by the AI ​​agent 434B automatically ignites moves the plate-shaped base 434A toward the openable portion 432, and the openable portion 432 is opened (a hole is formed by splitting or breaking, etc.) by the pin member 434C. At this time, the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 445 reduces the heat of the flame caused by the ignition of the AI ​​agent 434B and extinguishes the flame more than necessary. Next, after the hole is formed in the openable portion 432, the plate-shaped base 434A and the pin member 434C are pushed back toward the internal space 431B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the internal space 431B and the hole 431C communicate with each other through the hole. By connecting internal space 431B and hole 431C, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment via the flow path formed by hole 431C, internal space 431B, and exhaust port 433.

[0065] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 430 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 430 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0066] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description and illustration of the similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are similar, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7, the safety valve 530 mainly differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment in that it uses a fixed member 536 having a cylindrical cylinder portion 536a whose inner wall is in contact with the periphery of a receiving portion 544b, and in that it uses a piston member 544 having an expanded diameter portion 544c whose tip end has a diameter larger than that of the rod-shaped portion 544a. In addition, a gap (clearance) is provided between the receiving portion 544b of the piston member 544 and the inner wall of the cylindrical member 542. As a result, when the piston member 544 slides toward the recessed portion 531C1 after actuation, a part of the heat reducing and flame-retarding agent 545 is pushed out from the gap toward the igniter 534 from the state of Fig. 7(a) and moves toward the igniter 534 of the cylindrical member 542 (see Fig. 7(b)).

[0068] Next, the operation of the safety valve 530 in this embodiment will be described.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), and based on this, a current flows from a power source (not shown) to the igniter 534 via a wire 541 in response to a command from the above-mentioned control unit, and the igniter 534 is activated. The pressure wave (including static pressure and dynamic pressure) generated by the activation of the igniter 534 causes the piston member 544 to slide inside the cylinder portion 536a toward the openable portion 532. Thereafter, the openable portion 532 is opened (hole portion 532a is formed by cleavage or breakage, etc.) by the enlarged diameter portion 544c of the piston member 544, and the internal space 531B and the hole portion 531C are communicated (see FIG. 7(b)). At this time, the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 545 reduces the heat of the flame caused by the activation of the igniter 534 and extinguishes the flame more than necessary. In this way, internal space 531B and hole 531C are connected, and the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by hole 531C, internal space 531B, and exhaust port 533.

[0070] With the above configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0071] Seventh embodiment Next, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description and illustration of the similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment are similar, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0072] As shown in the initial state diagram of Figure 8(a), the safety valve 630 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that an openable portion 632, which is the bottom portion that closes the hole portion 631C, is formed by closing it using the flat surface (lower surface in Figure 8(a)) of a head portion 644c of the piston member 644 and a sealing member 650, that the piston member 644 is arranged to slide within the internal space 631B due to a pressure wave (including static pressure and dynamic pressure) when the igniter 634 is activated, that a plate-shaped member 646 is adhesively fixed to the side of the main body portion 631, and that with one end of the fixing member 636 abutting against the plate-shaped member 646, the igniter 634 is fixed and held at the other end of the fixing member 636. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the head portion 644c of the piston member 644 is pressed against the seal member 650 by the bolt member 660 screwed into the through hole 651, and is in a state where the high-pressure gas can be sufficiently sealed, and the internal space 631B and the hole portion 631C are not in communication with each other in the initial state. In addition, an exhaust port 633 communicating with the outside is formed inside the bolt member 660, and when the piston member 644 is in the state shown in FIG. 8(b), the internal space 631B and the outside are in communication with each other through the exhaust port 633. In addition, when the head portion 644c of the piston member 644 is pressed against the seal member 650 by the bolt member 660, the fixing member 636 and the cylindrical member 442 are movable along the axial direction of the bolt member 660 inside the main body portion 631 in accordance with the movement of the head portion 644c.

[0073] Next, the operation of the safety valve 630 in this embodiment will be described.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 8(a), when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), and based on this, a current flows from a power source (not shown) to the igniter 634 via a wire 641 in response to a command from the above-mentioned control unit, and the igniter 634 is activated. The pressure wave (including static pressure and dynamic pressure) generated by the activation of the igniter 634 causes the piston member 644 to slide in the internal space 631B to the opposite side to the igniter 634. At this time, the heat reducing and flame suppressing agent 645 reduces the heat of the flame caused by the activation of the igniter 634 and extinguishes the flame more than necessary. As a result, the openable portion 632 formed by the piston member 644 and the seal member 650 is opened, and the internal space 631B and the hole portion 631C communicate with each other (see FIG. 8(b)). In this way, the internal space 631B and the hole 631C are connected, and the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment via the flow path formed by the hole 631C, the internal space 631B around the rod-shaped portion 644a in Figure 8(b), and the exhaust port 633.

[0075] With the above configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0076] Eighth embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore description and illustration of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment are similar, and therefore description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9 , safety valve 730 differs from safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that it uses power generation unit 750 as a current supply source to igniter 734, that wiring 741 is provided for transmitting the current generated in power generation unit 750, that a fixing member 736 is provided in a part of power generation unit 750 to support igniter 734, that an internal space 731B is formed by main body portion 731 and lid portion 737, that fixing member 736 is provided inside tubular member 742, and that igniter 734 is provided inside tubular member 742.

[0078] The power generating section 750 includes a first semiconductor 752A, a second semiconductor 752B, and conductive members 754, 755A, and 755B. For example, the first semiconductor 752A is an n-type semiconductor, and the second semiconductor 752B is a p-type semiconductor.

[0079] One end (outer end) of the first semiconductor 752A and one end (outer end) of the second semiconductor 752B are electrically connected via a conductive member 754. The other end of the first semiconductor 752A is electrically connected to one terminal pin 735 via a conductive member 755A and one wiring 741. The other end of the second semiconductor 752B is electrically connected to the other terminal pin 735 via a conductive member 755B and the other wiring 741. Each of the conductive members 755A and 755B is fixed to the inner wall of the main body 731 by an adhesive such as resin in a state in which it is electrically insulated from the main body 731.

[0080] Internal space 731B is formed by being surrounded by main body 731 having a recess in the center and lid 737 provided to close the recess. Main body 731 and lid 737 also function as protective parts that protect the other end sides (igniter 734 sides) of first semiconductor 752A and second semiconductor 752B from external heat.

[0081] Furthermore, the first semiconductor 752A and the second semiconductor 752B of the power generating unit 750 are provided so as to penetrate through holes 737a and 737b provided in the lid portion 737. Although not shown, the through holes 737a and 737b are blocked by the first semiconductor 752A and the second semiconductor 752B and a resin or the like to prevent gas from leaking out. Furthermore, the first semiconductor 752A and the second semiconductor 752B are electrically insulated from the through holes 737a and 737b.

[0082] Igniter 734 is supported by a fixing member 736 that is fixed to the igniter 734 side of conductive members 755A, 755B.

[0083] Next, the operation of the safety valve 730 in this embodiment will be described.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 9, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a temperature difference occurs between the outer parts of the first semiconductor 752A and the second semiconductor 752B and the parts of the first semiconductor 752A and the second semiconductor 752B on the inner space 731B side, and a current flows from the power generating unit 750 to the igniter 734 via the wiring 741 due to the Seebeck effect, and the igniter 734 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 734 is received by the receiving part 744b of the piston member 744, and the piston member 744, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the releasable part 732. Thereafter, the tip of the rod-shaped part 744a of the piston member 744 splits or breaks the releasable part 732, and a hole is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame suppressing agent 745 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Subsequently, after the hole is formed in the releasable portion 732, the piston member 744 is pushed back toward the internal space 731B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole, the internal space 731B, and the exhaust port 733. If necessary, a filter circuit using a transistor protection circuit or a diode or the like may be connected between the wiring 741 and the igniter 734 in order to cut off a current below a certain current value. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction in unintended situations.

[0085] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 730 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 730 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0086] <Ninth embodiment> Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 10. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is substantially similar to the first or eighth embodiment, and therefore description and illustration of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiments will be omitted from description unless otherwise specified, as they are similar.

[0087] 10, safety valve 830 differs from safety valve 730 of the eighth embodiment mainly in that a power generating unit 850 provided separately from main body unit 831 is used as a current supply source to igniter 834. Safety valve 830 also differs from safety valve 30 of the first embodiment in that a power generating unit 850 is used instead of power source 40 (such as a battery) of the first embodiment, a fixing member 836 is provided inside cylindrical member 842, and an igniter 834 is provided inside cylindrical member 842.

[0088] Power generating unit 850 includes a first semiconductor 852A, a second semiconductor 852B, conductive members 854, 855A, and 855B, and a box-shaped protective unit 837. Protective unit 837 provides protection from external heat, and is made of the same material as main body 831 or a heat-resistant material.

[0089] One end (outer end) of the first semiconductor 852A and one end (outer end) of the second semiconductor 852B are electrically connected via a conductive member 854. The other end of the first semiconductor 852A is electrically connected to one terminal pin 835 via a conductive member 855A and one wiring 841. The other end of the second semiconductor 852B is electrically connected to the other terminal pin 835 via a conductive member 855B and the other wiring 841. Each of the conductive members 855A and 855B is fixed to the inner wall of the protective section 837 by an adhesive such as resin.

[0090] Moreover, the first semiconductor 852A and the second semiconductor 852B of the power generating unit 850 are provided so as to penetrate through holes 837a and 837b provided on the upper side of the protective unit 837. Although not shown, the through holes 837a and 837b are blocked by the first semiconductor 852A and the second semiconductor 852B and a resin or the like. Moreover, the first semiconductor 852A and the second semiconductor 852B are electrically insulated from the through holes 837a and 837b.

[0091] Next, the operation of the safety valve 830 in this embodiment will be described.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 10, when the power generating unit 850 is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a temperature difference occurs between the outer parts of the first semiconductor 852A and the second semiconductor 852B and the parts of the first semiconductor 852A and the second semiconductor 852B on the inner space 837A side, and a current flows from the power generating unit 850 to the igniter 834 via the wiring 841 due to the Seebeck effect, and the igniter 834 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 834 is received by the receiving part 844b of the piston member 844, and the piston member 844, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the releasable part 832. Thereafter, the tip of the rod-shaped part 844a of the piston member 844 splits or breaks the releasable part 832, and a hole is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame suppressing agent 845 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Next, after the hole is formed in the releasable portion 832, the piston member 844 is pushed back toward the internal space 831B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole, the internal space 831B, and the exhaust port 833. If necessary, a filter circuit using a transistor protection circuit or a diode may be connected between the wiring 841 and the igniter 834 in order to cut off a current below a certain current value. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction in unintended situations.

[0093] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first and eighth embodiments. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 830 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 830 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0094] Tenth embodiment Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore description and illustration of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above embodiment will be omitted from description unless otherwise specified, as they are similar.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11 , the safety valve 930 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that a power generating unit 950 is used as a current supply source for the igniter 934, that wiring 941 is provided for transmitting the current generated in the power generating unit 950, that a fixing member 936 is provided on the internal space 931B side of the power generating unit 950, that a fixing member 936 is provided inside the tubular member 942, and that the igniter 934 is provided inside the tubular member 942.

[0096] The power generating unit 950 is made of the same metal and includes a first section 951 provided on the outside, a second section 952 provided on the inside so as to face the first section 951, and a connection section 953 electrically connecting an end of the first section 951 to an end of the second section 952. The second section 952 has a protrusion 952A on the side of the internal space 931B, and the power generating unit 950 serves as a heat sink.

[0097] The internal space 931B is formed by being surrounded by the main body 931 having a recess in the center and the power generation unit 950 provided to close the recess. The main body 931 and the power generation unit 950 also function as a protection unit that protects the second unit 952 from external heat.

[0098] Next, the operation of the safety valve 930 in this embodiment will be described.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 11, when the high-pressure tank is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a temperature difference occurs between the first part 951 and the second part 952, and a current flows from the power generating part 950 to the igniter 934 through the wiring 941 due to the Seebeck effect, and the igniter 934 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 934 is received by the receiving part 944b of the piston member 944, and the piston member 944, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the openable part 932. Then, the tip of the rod-shaped part 944a of the piston member 944 splits or breaks the openable part 932, and a hole is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame extinguishing agent 945 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes the flame more than necessary. Then, after the hole is formed in the openable part 932, the piston member 944 is pushed back toward the internal space 931B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole, the internal space 931B, and the exhaust port 933. If necessary, a filter circuit using a transistor protection circuit or a diode or the like may be connected between the wiring 941 and the igniter 934 in order to cut off current below a certain current value. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction in unintended situations.

[0100] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 930 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 930 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0101] <Eleventh embodiment> Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 12. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore explanations and illustrations of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are similar, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0102] 12, the safety valve 1030 mainly differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment in that a power generating unit 1050 is used as a current supply source to the igniter 1034, that wiring 1041 is provided for transmitting the current generated in the power generating unit 1050, that a fixing member 936 is provided on the internal space 1031B side of the power generating unit 1050, that the fixing member 1036 is provided inside the cylindrical member 1042, and that the igniter 1034 is provided inside the cylindrical member 1042. Also, the safety valve 1030 mainly differs from the safety valve 930 of the tenth embodiment in that a power generating unit 850 having a portion (first portion 1051 described later) provided away from the main body portion 1031 is used as a current supply source to the igniter 1034 as shown in FIG.

[0103] The power generating unit 1050 is made of the same metal and includes a first section 1051, a second section 1052, and a connection section 1053. The first section 1051 is provided away from the main body section 1031, and the second section 1052 is electrically connected to the first section 1051 via the connection section 1053. The second section 1052 has a protrusion 1052A on the outer side, and the power generating unit 1050 serves as a heat sink. The protrusion 1052A may be provided on the inner side of the main body section 1031.

[0104] The internal space 1031B is formed by being surrounded by the main body 1031 having a recess in the center and the second part 1052 of the power generating part 1050 provided so as to close the recess. In addition, the fixing member 1036 is provided on the igniter 1034 side of the second part 1052 and supports the igniter 1034.

[0105] Next, the operation of the safety valve 1030 in this embodiment will be described.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 12, when the first part 1051 is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a temperature difference occurs between the first part 1051 and the second part 1052, and a current flows from the power generating part 1050 to the igniter 1034 through the wiring 1041 due to the Seebeck effect, and the igniter 1034 is activated. The flame generated by the activation of the igniter 1034 is received by the receiving part 1044b of the piston member 1044, and the piston member 1044, which has received the energy of the flame, moves toward the releasable part 1032. Thereafter, the tip part of the rod-shaped part 1044a of the piston member 1044 splits or breaks the releasable part 1032, and a hole part is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame extinguishing agent 1045 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Subsequently, after the hole is formed in the releasable portion 1032, the piston member 1044 is pushed back toward the internal space 1031B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body. As a result, the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole, the internal space 1031B, and the exhaust port 1033. If necessary, a filter circuit using a transistor protection circuit or a diode may be connected between the wiring 1041 and the igniter 1034 in order to cut off a current below a certain current value. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction in unintended situations.

[0107] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 1030 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 1030 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0108] <Twelfth embodiment> Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore explanations and illustrations of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are similar, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0109] The vehicle 1100 includes a vehicle body 1101 and a high-pressure tank 1102 attached to the center of the lower part of the vehicle body 1101. The high-pressure tank 1102 has a tank main body 1103. Although not shown, the tank main body 1103 is provided with a plurality of safety valves similar to the safety valve 830 shown in the ninth embodiment or the safety valve 1030 shown in the eleventh embodiment.

[0110] The safety valve has an igniter (not shown), power generating units 1150A and 1150B, and wiring 1141A and 1141B. Power generating unit 1150A is provided in a front portion of the lower part of vehicle body 1101, and power generating unit 1150B is provided in a rear portion of the lower part of vehicle body 1101. Similarly to safety valve 830 or safety valve 1030, power generating units 1150A and 1150B are electrically connected to the igniter via wiring 1141A and 1141B. That is, power generating units 1150A and 1150B are provided at a distance from the main body of the safety valve, etc.

[0111] Next, the operation of the safety valve in this embodiment will be described. For convenience, the operation of a vehicle 1100 using the safety valve 1030 of the eleventh embodiment will be described as an example.

[0112] With reference to FIG. 13, when the power generating unit 1150A or the power generating unit 1150B in the vehicle 1100 is exposed to an abnormally high temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a temperature difference occurs between the first part 1051 and the second part 1052, and a current flows from the power generating unit 1050 to the igniter 1034 through the wiring 1041 due to the Seebeck effect, and the igniter 1034 is activated as in the eleventh embodiment. With reference to FIG. 12, a flame generated by the activation of the igniter 1034 is received by the receiving part 1044b of the piston member 1044, and the piston member 1044 that has received the energy of the flame moves toward the releasable part 1032. Thereafter, the tip part of the rod-shaped part 1044a of the piston member 1044 splits or breaks the releasable part 1032, and a hole part is formed. At this time, the heat reducing and flame suppressing agent 1045 reduces the heat of the flame and extinguishes more flame than necessary. Subsequently, after the hole is formed in the openable portion 1032, the piston member 1044 is pushed back toward the internal space 1031B by the pressure of the gas inside the tank body 1103. As a result, the gas filled in the tank body 1103 is discharged to the external environment through the flow path formed by the hole, the internal space 1031B, and the discharge port 1033.

[0113] The above configuration can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since an external power source such as the power source 40 is not required, the safety valve 1030 can be made lighter than the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, even when no current is supplied to the control or sensor, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the safety valve 1030 can detect a fire (detect anomaly) and operate safely.

[0114] In addition, in addition to the power generating units 1150A and 1150B, another power generating unit similar to the power generating units 1150A and 1150B may be provided at any location on the vehicle body, and the other power generating unit may be electrically connected to the igniter via wiring.

[0115] <Thirteenth embodiment> Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore explanations and illustrations of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are similar, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 14, the safety valve 1230 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that a flame-extinguishing member 1247 is provided inside the bottom of the tubular member 1242 instead of the heat reducing and flame-extinguishing agent 45 of the first embodiment.

[0117] The flame quenching member 1247 has a hole 1247a in the center through which the 1244a penetrates. The flame quenching member 1247 is, for example, a metallic crimp ribbon (a spiral formed by overlapping alternate pleats and flat metal plates, with many small triangular cross-sectional spaces), a metallic mesh material made of a metal net or wire, a sintered metal (porous metal), or a member having a flame quenching function such as an O-ring (generally called a flame arrester). Here, the O-ring may have grease (preferably silicone grease or heat-resistant grease from the viewpoint of flame resistance) applied to its surface, if necessary.

[0118] With the above-described configuration, the safety valve 1230 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0119] In each of the other embodiments, as in this embodiment, a material similar to the flame quenching member 1247 can be used instead of the heat reducing and flame extinguishing agent. The flame quenching member may be provided at any position inside the cylindrical member as long as it can exert a flame quenching function and does not interfere with the movement of the piston member during operation. A flame quenching agent may be further provided in at least a part of the cylindrical member 1242 in order to extinguish a flame generated by the igniter or AI agent during operation. That is, it may be a safety valve that uses a flame quenching member and a flame quenching agent to extinguish a flame generated during operation.

[0120] <Fourteenth embodiment> Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 15. The high-pressure tank of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore explanations and illustrations of similar parts will be omitted unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, parts having the same last two digits as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are similar, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 15, the safety valve 1330 differs from the safety valve 30 of the first embodiment mainly in that a bottomed tubular member 1342 having no hole in the bottom is used instead of the tubular member 42 of the first embodiment.

[0122] When the safety valve 1330 is actuated, the bottom 1342A of the cylindrical member 1342 is opened (split or broken) by the tip of the rod-shaped portion 1344a of the piston member 1344. Furthermore, when the safety valve 1330 is actuated, following the opening of the bottom 1342A of the cylindrical member 1342, the openable portion 1332 is opened (split or broken) by the tip of the rod-shaped portion 1344a of the piston member 1344.

[0123] With the above-described configuration, the safety valve 1330 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0124] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the present invention, and the specific configurations and the like can be appropriately modified in design. Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] For example, when the gas discharged from the outlet of the safety valve in each embodiment is a flammable gas, it is preferable that the gas is discharged toward the ground. Therefore, a pipe or the like that regulates the discharge direction of the gas discharged from the safety valve toward the ground may be appropriately provided at the outlet. However, when the gas is not particularly flammable, the outlet may be provided facing an appropriate direction as long as it does not affect the human body.

[0126] In addition, the second member 231b and the third member 231c in the third embodiment may be formed of a material (for example, an alloy of two or more metals including lead, tin, bismuth, indium, and antimony) that melts when the temperature around the high-pressure tank becomes high (abnormally high) due to an external fire or the like. As a result, when a fire occurs outside and heat is conducted, the second member 231b and the third member 231c become fragile, and the openable parts 232A and 232B are easily opened (cracked or broken) when the safety valve 230 is activated. At this time, the openable parts 232A and 232B can be opened with a smaller amount of ignition charge 234A than in the third embodiment.

[0127] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the safety valve is activated when the temperature is abnormally high, but this is not limited to the above. The activation of each safety valve may be based on a command signal from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that is issued when an abnormality is detected by a sensor or the like. For example, each safety valve may be activated based on a command signal output by the ECU when a collision is detected by a sensor or the like.

[0128] Furthermore, the shape of the power generating section that generates electricity by the Seebeck effect in the above embodiments and modified examples (especially the shape of those formed from one type of metal) can be various shapes such as layered, plate-shaped, rod-shaped, wire-shaped, etc., and combinations of these shapes.

[0129] In the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the power generating section is made of one type of metal, but this is not limiting. For example, the power generating section may be made of metals with different Seebeck coefficients for the first and second sections.

[0130] For example, in each embodiment, the piston member is used to break open the openable portion of the safety valve on the tank body side when activated, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of the piston member in each embodiment, the flame quenching member used in the thirteenth embodiment may be provided on the inside or outside of the bottom of the cylindrical member so as to cover the hole, or inside the hole, so that the flame of the igniter is extinguished when activated, and the openable portion of the safety valve on the tank body side is broken or broken open by only the pressure wave of the flame (extinguished) from the hole at the bottom, and the gas filled in the tank body is discharged to the external environment.

[0131] The O-ring itself provided in the hole at the bottom of the cylindrical member may have a flame-extinguishing function without using the flame-extinguishing agent in the first to twelfth embodiments or the flame-extinguishing member in the thirteenth embodiment. Here, the O-ring may have a surface coated with grease (preferably silicone grease or heat-resistant grease from the viewpoint of flame resistance) as necessary.

[0132] Furthermore, the various portions of the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be appropriately combined as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10, 110, 210, 1103 Tank body 10a space 11, 12, 112, 212 Openings 20 Valve 21 Supply port 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330 Safety valve 31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531, 631, 731, 831, 931, 1031, 1231, 1331 Main unit 31A, 131A, 231A, 331A, 431A, 531A, 631A, 731A, 831A, 931A, 1031A, 1231A, 1331A Male thread part 31B, 131B, 238, 331B, 431B, 531B, 631B, 731B, 831B, 837A, 931B, 1031B, 1231B, 1331B Internal space 31C, 131C, 231C, 331C, 431C, 531C, 631C, 931C, 1031C, 1231C, 1331C Hole 32, 132, 232A, 232B, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 932, 1032, 1232, 1332 Openable part 33, 133, 233, 333, 433, 533, 633, 733, 833, 933, 1033, 1233, 1333 outlet 34, 134, 334, 534, 634, 734, 834, 934, 1034, 1234, 1334 Igniter 35, 135, 335, 535, 635, 735, 835, 935, 1035, 1235, 1335 terminal pins 36, 136, 336, 536, 736, 836, 936, 1036, 1236, 1336 Fixing member 40 Power supply 41, 141, 341, 541, 641, 741, 841, 941, 1041, 1141A, 1141B, 1241, 1341 Wiring 42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542, 642, 742, 842, 942, 1042, 1242, 1342 Cylindrical member 234B, 434B AI agent 100, 1102 High pressure tank 42a, 132a, 532a, 142a, 232A1, 232B1, 242a, 342a, 442a, 542a, 642a, 742a, 842a, 942a, 1042a, 1242a, 1247a Hole 43, 137, 143, 237, 243, 343, 443, 543, 643, 650, 743, 843, 943, 1043, 1243 O-ring 44, 144, 244, 344, 444, 544, 644, 744, 844, 944, 1044, 1244, 1344 Piston parts 44a, 144a, 244a, 344a, 444a, 544a, 644a, 744a, 844a, 944a, 1044a, 1244a, 1344a Rod-shaped part 44b, 144b, 244b, 344b, 444b, 544b, 644b, 744b, 844b, 944b, 1044b, 1244b, 1344b Receptacle 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 745, 845, 945, 1045, 1245, 1345 Heat reducing and anti-inflammatory agents 231B1, 231B2, 231C1, 231C2 Recess 231a First member 231b Second member 231c Third Component 234, 434 Opening means 234A Ignition Charge 238 Filters 350, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150A, 1150B Power Generation Unit 351 1st metal layer 352 Semiconductor layer 353 2nd metal layer 434A Plate-shaped base 434C Pin member 536a Cylinder section 544c Expanded diameter section 651, 737a, 737b, 837a, 837b through hole 737 Lid 752A, 852A First Semiconductor 752B, 852B Second Semiconductor 754, 755A, 755B, 855A, 855B Conductive material 837 Protection Department 951, 1051 Part 1 952, 1052 Part 2 953, 1053 Connection 1100 vehicles 1101 Body 1342A bottom

Claims

1. A high-pressure tank safety valve that can be connected to an opening of a tank body filled with a fluid, a main body having an outlet that comes into contact with an external environment and a flow path that can communicate between the opening and the external environment via the outlet; a valve that is provided at any position of the flow path, and that normally closes the flow path and opens the flow path when an abnormally high temperature occurs or an abnormality is detected; the valve has an openable portion that is opened by driving an opening means provided in the flow path, the opening means is provided downstream of the openable portion in the flow path, and opens the openable portion using energy obtained by ignition of explosives as a driving source, 4. A safety valve for a high-pressure tank, comprising: a valve provided with a flame-extinguishing means for extinguishing a flame generated by ignition of the explosive when the opening means is actuated.

2. The explosive in the opening means is an igniter that is activated by the flow of electric current, or an auto-ignition agent that automatically ignites at a predetermined temperature or higher, The flame quenching means is a flame quenching agent or a flame quenching member that quenches a flame generated when the igniter or the auto-ignition agent is activated, the igniter or the autoignition agent is disposed at one end of a cylindrical member having a bottom with a hole formed therein at the other end; and a piston member at least a portion of which is provided inside the cylindrical member and is provided in a state in which it penetrates the hole in an initial state, and which slides in a penetrating direction of the hole by a pressure wave obtained by ignition of the igniter or automatic ignition of the autoignition agent when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, thereby opening the releasable portion, 2. The safety valve for a high-pressure tank according to claim 1, wherein the flame quenching means is provided at least partially between the inner wall of the cylindrical member and the piston inside the cylindrical member.

3. The explosive in the opening means is an igniter that is activated by the flow of electric current, or an auto-ignition agent that automatically ignites at a predetermined temperature or higher, The flame quenching means is a flame quenching agent or a flame quenching member that quenches a flame generated when the igniter or the auto-ignition agent is activated, the igniter or the autoignition agent is disposed at one end of a cylindrical member having a bottom at the other end; and a piston member provided inside the cylindrical member, the piston member sliding toward the other end of the cylindrical member by a pressure wave generated by ignition of the igniter or automatic ignition of the autoignition agent when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, and sequentially opening the bottom and the releasable portion of the cylindrical member, 2. The safety valve for a high-pressure tank according to claim 1, wherein the flame quenching means is provided at least partially between the inner wall of the cylindrical member and the piston inside the cylindrical member.

4. The explosive in the opening means is an igniter that is activated by the flow of electric current, or an auto-ignition agent that automatically ignites at a predetermined temperature or higher, The flame quenching means is a flame quenching member that quenches a flame generated when the igniter or the autoignition agent is activated, The igniter or the autoignition agent is disposed at one end of a cylindrical member having a bottom portion with a hole formed therein at the other end thereof, the flame-extinguishing member is disposed on the inside or outside of the cylindrical member so as to cover the hole, or within the hole, 2. The safety valve for a high-pressure tank according to claim 1, wherein the openable portion is ruptured or split open by a pressure wave obtained after the flame is extinguished by the flame quenching member.

5. The flame-extinguishing means further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent; The anti-inflammatory agent is disposed in at least a portion of the interior of the tubular member, 5. The safety valve for a high-pressure tank according to claim 4, wherein the openable portion is ruptured or split open by a pressure wave obtained after the flame is extinguished by the flame quenching member and the flame quenching agent.

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