Tank module

Abstract

To provide a tank module capable of reducing the weight, lowering the cost, and improving the degree of freedom of the shape while securing sufficient strength.SOLUTION: The tank module includes dome parts having cylindrical cylinder parts, and provided at both axial ends of the cylinder parts, base parts provided on the dome parts, and axial force members including housing members provided outside the dome parts on both axial end sides of the cylinder parts in the state that they are all separate from one another or two or more of them are integrated with one another, and connecting the housing members on both axial end sides of the cylinder parts to each other while neighboring the cylinder parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank module. [Background technology]

[0002] Pressure vessels for storing gases such as hydrogen are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a pressure vessel having multiple aluminum cylindrical liners arranged in parallel, end plates spanning both ends of the liners, and a dome-shaped connecting member that connects the insides of adjacent liners. Patent Document 2 discloses a high-pressure container having multiple body sections with a diameter that matches the vehicle space, with the openings of adjacent body sections closed by a nozzle equipped with a communicating flow path that connects the openings of the multiple body sections. Patent Document 3 discloses a high-pressure vessel having a mouthpiece that closes the opening of a cylindrical body and is displaceable along the axial direction of the body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-038155 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-112201 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-119579 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] High-pressure hydrogen pressure vessels used in fuel cell (FC) vehicles and other vehicles currently in practical use generally consist of a cylindrical resin cylinder and dome section lined with carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP). The openings at both ends of the cylindrical cylinder lining are closed by a resin dome lining, and the dome has a metal nozzle and valve integrated therein for removing the stored contents. In this type of high-pressure hydrogen pressure vessel, the pressure generated by filling the vessel with hydrogen at high pressure is mainly received by the carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material provided on the outside of the lining of the cylinder and the dome section. For example, the pressure in the axial direction of the cylinder is received by the reinforcing fibers wound in a low-angle helical or in-plane manner so as to have a slight inclination angle along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. The pressure generated in the radial direction of the cylinder is mainly received by the reinforcing fibers wound in a hoop manner around the circumference of the cylinder, or by the reinforcing fibers wound in a high-angle helical manner so as to have a high inclination angle in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder.

[0005] The filament winding method (FW method) is the mainstream method for manufacturing high-pressure hydrogen pressure vessels, in which a carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material is wound around the lining to manufacture the vessel. However, since integral formation by the FW method takes time, the FW method is not suitable for mass production. For example, winding the reinforcing fiber requires winding the entire circumference of the lining in one stroke without any gaps. For this reason, in the conventional manufacture of high-pressure hydrogen pressure vessels, there is a tendency for the reinforcing fiber to be excessively arranged around the mouthpiece. In addition, when low-angle helical winding or in-plane winding required for forming the dome section is performed, there is a tendency for the low-angle helical winding or in-plane winding in the cylinder section to be excessively arranged. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the weight and cost of the vessel, and there is no improvement in the freedom of shape.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tank module that is suitable for storing hydrogen and the like, is lightweight, low-cost, and can be assembled with excellent productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] <1> The tank module according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it has a cylindrical cylinder portion, and includes a dome portion provided at one axial end of the cylinder portion, a nozzle portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion on the one axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate or two or more of which are integrated together, a dome portion provided at the other axial end of the cylinder portion, a nozzle portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate or two or more of which are integrated together, and is adjacent to the cylinder portion and includes an axial force member that connects the housing members located on both axial ends of the cylinder portion.

[0008] In this invention, the dome section, the mouthpiece section, and the housing member provided on both ends of the cylinder section are all provided separately or in a state where two or more are integrated, and the housing members provided on both axial ends of the cylinder section are connected to each other with an axial force member. Therefore, when the cylinder section is filled with contents such as hydrogen and a tensile force acts on the cylinder section in the axial direction, the axial force member connecting the housing members resists the tensile force. Therefore, when the cylinder portion is structured to have a carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material or the like to improve its strength, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material that contributes to improving the strength can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the weight and cost. For example, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material for the axial load of the cylinder portion can be omitted, resulting in excellent productivity.

[0009] <2> The tank module according to the second aspect of the present invention may employ a configuration in which a plurality of the cylinder portions are arranged in parallel between the housing members, and a plurality of the axial force members are connected between the housing members.

[0010] By arranging a plurality of cylinder sections between the housing members, the capacity of the tank module can be increased and the degree of freedom in the shape of the tank module can be improved. By providing a plurality of axial force members corresponding to the plurality of cylinder sections, the capacity can be increased and the carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material for axial load placed in each cylinder section can be omitted, which contributes to weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0011] <3> The tank module according to a third aspect of the present invention may employ a configuration in which a recess for accommodating the dome portion is provided on a surface of the housing member facing the dome portion.

[0012] If a recess for accommodating the dome portion is provided in a part of the housing member, the multiple cylinder portions can be stably supported between the paired housing members. In addition, since the multiple cylinder portions can be stably supported between the housing members, a tank module capable of stably supporting the cylinder portions can be provided.

[0013] <4> The tank module according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may employ a configuration in which a protective layer having a hoop layer or a high-angle helical layer made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite material is provided on the outer circumferential side of the cylinder portion.

[0014] The hoop layer or high-angle helical layer provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder portion resists the force that causes the pressure tank to expand radially when the pressure tank is filled with contents such as hydrogen. Therefore, when used to fill the pressure tank with contents such as hydrogen at high pressure, a tank module can be provided that can easily withstand the pressure caused by the filled contents. The axial force member resists the force acting in the axial direction of the pressure tank, suppressing deformation of the pressure tank in the axial direction.

[0015] <5> The tank module according to aspect 5 of the present invention can adopt a configuration in which the axial force member includes terminal devices individually fixed to the housing member on both axial ends of the cylinder portion, and a rope or plate material connected to the terminal devices on both axial ends of the cylinder portion.

[0016] The axial force member may be a combination of terminal devices fixed to the housing member and a cable or plate connected between the terminal devices. The terminal devices can be easily attached to the housing member, and by attaching the cable or plate to the terminal devices, a structure that resists the tensile force in the axial direction of the cylinder portion can be easily realized.

[0017] <6> The tank module according to aspect 6 of the present invention can adopt a configuration in which the axial force member comprises a plurality of terminal devices attached to the housing member at multiple locations on one axial end side of the cylinder portion, and positioned on both radial sides of the cylinder portion, one end of the axial force member being fixed to the terminal device on one radial side and the other end being fixed to the terminal device on the other radial side, and comprising a rope or plate material that runs around one side surface of the cylinder portion, the housing member on the side not provided with the terminal device, and the other side surface of the cylinder portion in the portion between the one end and the other end.

[0018] The axial force member may be a cord or plate having one end attached to a terminal device of one housing member and a portion between the one end and the other end that runs around the axial direction of the cylinder portion and the other housing member. This structure makes it possible to reduce the number of terminal devices compared to a case in which terminal devices are provided on both housing members, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0019] <7> The tank module according to aspect 7 of the present invention can employ a configuration in which the axial force member comprises a housing member on one axial end side of the cylinder portion, a surface on one radial side of the cylinder portion, a housing member on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, and a ring-shaped member wrapped around the surface on the other radial side of the cylinder portion.

[0020] The ring-shaped members that encircle the cylinder and the housing members on both ends of the cylinder can provide a structure that can withstand the tensile force in the axial direction of the cylinder, without providing terminal devices to the housing members.

[0021] <8> The tank module according to aspect 7 of the present invention can employ a configuration in which the axial force member is a rope or plate material that wraps around an engaging portion formed on a housing member on one axial end side of the cylinder portion and an engaging portion formed on a housing member on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, the engaging portions being formed on one radial side and the other radial side of the cylinder portion, respectively, and the rope or plate material that wraps around the engaging portions is provided on one radial side of the cylinder portion and the other radial side of the pressure tank, respectively.

[0022] By providing a cable or plate material that runs around the engaging parts of the housing members located at both ends of the cylinder, a structure that can withstand the axial load of the cylinder can be realized. This structure provides a structure that can withstand the axial tensile force of the cylinder without providing terminal devices to the housing members. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tank module that is lightweight, low-cost, and has an increased degree of freedom in shape while ensuring sufficient strength. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a pressure tank that is applied to the tank module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how reinforcing fibers are wound around the lining of the pressure tank. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the tank module. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a partial structure of the tank module. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of a housing applied to the tank module. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a cord body applied to the tank module. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a tank module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the tank module. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a tank module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the tank module. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the tank module. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a tank module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the tank module. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a tank module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the tank module. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a tank module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressure tank applied to the tank module. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a tank module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the tank module; [Diagram 23] FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the tank module. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a partially sectional perspective view showing another example of a pressure tank applicable to the tank module according to the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pressure tank shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28]1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a truck equipped with a tank module according to the present invention. [Figure 29] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a railway vehicle equipped with a tank module according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] "First embodiment" Hereinafter, a tank module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is used, for example, as a high-pressure hydrogen tank. Specifically, the pressure tank 1 can be widely used in automobiles, trains, airplanes, hydrogen station storage, and the like. The pressure tank 1 may be used in applications requiring mass production, such as mass-produced vehicles including fuel cell vehicles.

[0026] (Structure of pressure tank) As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure tank 1 includes a cylinder portion 2, dome portions 3, 3, a protective layer 5, and nozzle portions 6, 6. The cylinder portion 2 is a cylindrical member. If the cylinder portion 2 is a small-diameter tank for use in a vehicle, for example, it has an inner diameter of about 100 mm to 500 mm. If the cylinder portion 2 is a small-diameter tank for use in a vehicle, for example, it has an axial length of about 200 mm to 2000 mm. If the cylinder portion 2 is a large-diameter tank for use in a commercial vehicle, for example, it has an inner diameter of about 200 mm to 500 mm and an axial length of about 500 mm to 2000 mm.

[0027] The dome section 3 is a dome-shaped member integrated with the cylinder section 2 so as to close the openings at both axial (lengthwise) ends of the cylinder section 2. This forms a closed space by the cylinder section 2 and the dome section 3. The pressure tank 1 is used to store hydrogen or the like in the space. As shown in Fig. 1, the dome section 3 is provided with a nozzle 6 for filling the space with hydrogen or other contents and for removing the hydrogen or other contents from the space. A protective layer 5 made of resin, metal, or other material is provided inside the pressure tank 1 to maintain airtightness. The dome section 3 and nozzle 6 may be integrated into one structure.

[0028] The protective layer 5 is provided as a member that covers the inside of the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3, and is made of a metal material such as resin or aluminum alloy, to prevent leakage of the stored gas. Although omitted in Fig. 1, the cylinder portion 2 has fibers made of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material such as carbon fiber or glass fiber wound around the outer surface of the protective layer 5 as exemplified in Fig. 2. The pressure tank 1 may have a structure in which the dome portion 3 and the nozzle portion 6 are integrated with the cylinder portion as a single component.

[0029] There are various examples of winding arrangements of the reinforcing fibers around the protective layer 5, but a representative arrangement is a hoop winding arrangement in which the necessary number of layers are wound around the periphery of the protective layer 5 with one layer shifted around the circumference, as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, there is a high-angle helical winding arrangement in which the reinforcing fibers are wound around the protective layer 5 with one layer shifted around the circumference so as to intersect at a predetermined angle in an oblique direction when viewed from the side with respect to the central axis of the cylinder portion 2. The hoop winding arrangement and the high-angle helical winding arrangement may be used individually or in combination. In addition to these, there is a low-angle helical winding arrangement and an in-plane winding arrangement in which the wire is wound around the central axis of the protective layer 5 by shifting the layers one by one so as to intersect at a gentle angle in a diagonal direction at a predetermined angle when viewed from the side. In the following, the low-angle helical winding is also considered to include the in-plane winding.

[0030] The low-angle helical winding arrangement can be expressed as a winding method in which the wire is wound around the dome portions on both ends of the cylinder portion at a slight inclination angle to the axial direction of the protective layer 5 . In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the hoop layer in which reinforcing fiber 8a is hoop-wound is given the symbol 8, the high-angle helical layer in which reinforcing fiber 9a is arranged in a high-angle helical winding is given the symbol 9, and the low-angle helical layer in which reinforcing fiber 10a is arranged in a low-angle helical winding is given the symbol 10.

[0031] In the conventional technology, the pressure tank 1 is reinforced by appropriately combining a hoop winding arrangement, a high-angle helical winding arrangement, and a low-angle helical winding arrangement of reinforcing fibers using the FW method. This is because when the inside of the pressure tank 1 is filled with hydrogen at high pressure, the pressure inside the tank rises, causing a force that bulges the pressure tank 1 in the radial direction and a force that stretches the pressure tank 1 in the axial direction, and the pressure tank 1 must be able to withstand these loads. In the pressure tank 1 of this embodiment, it is also preferable to provide the hoop layer 8 and the high-angle helical layer 9 in the protective layer 5 on the inside of the cylinder portion 2 to the same extent as in the conventional technology. In addition, for the low-angle helical layer 10 wound with a low-angle helical, the reinforcing fibers 10a for the low-angle helical layer 10 can be reduced or omitted by connecting a plurality of cords (axial force members) 15 described later in this embodiment.

[0032] Alternatively, the dome section 3 and the cylinder section 2 may be molded by laminating fibers of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material separately for each of them, and then integrating the dome section 3 and the cylinder section 2 by bonding or integral molding. For the cylinder section 2, it is preferable to provide a hoop layer 8 and a high-angle helical layer 9 of fibers of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material on the protective layer 5. For the dome section, various methods can be used, such as laying up fibers of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material using an automatic laminating device or press molding using cut prepregs. In the pressure tank 1 of the first embodiment, the cylinder section 2 and the dome section 3 are configured to be integrated, but a configuration in which the cylinder section 2 and the dome section 3 are separate will be described later.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure around the dome portion 3. As shown in FIG. The cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are integrally formed, and the base portion 6 is inserted inside the dome portion 3. The base portion 6 has a tube portion 6a and a flange-shaped thick portion 6b formed on the outer peripheral side of the tube portion 6a and inside the dome portion 3. The outer peripheral surface of the thick portion 6b is formed into a surface shape that matches the inner surface of the dome portion 3. A skirt portion 6d that spreads along the inner peripheral surface of the dome portion 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 2 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the thick portion 6b. A curved receiving surface 6c is formed on the inner surface of the thick portion 6b, and the end portion of the protective layer 5 on the nozzle side is rolled in along this receiving surface 6c. A rolled-in portion 5c is formed on the end portion of the protective layer 5 on the nozzle side, and a seal member 6e such as an O-ring member is interposed between this rolled-in portion 5c and the cylindrical portion 6a of the nozzle 6.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the overlapping portion between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the skirt portion 6d is a boundary portion where the cylinder portion 2 covers the outer peripheral surface of the skirt portion 6d, and since this overlapping portion can be a path for pressure to escape, the protective layer 5 closes the gap in this portion from the inside to ensure airtightness. Furthermore, a plurality of (eight in the figure) screw holes 6g are formed at equal intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 6a on the peripheral side of the tip of the cylindrical portion 6a in the base portion 6 (see Figs. 4 and 6).

[0035] (Tank module structure) 3 and 6 show a tank module M1 in which four of the above-mentioned pressure tanks 1 are arranged horizontally in parallel at a predetermined interval and integrated into two housing members 12. In this embodiment, the housing member 12 is made of a U-shaped, integrally molded material when viewed from the side. The housing member 12 may be made of any of aluminum alloy, steel, and fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials, but may also be made of other general materials with high rigidity. The housing member 12 is made of a molded material having a width, depth, and height sufficient to cover the ends of the four pressure tanks 1 arranged horizontally in parallel. In the example shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the housing member 12 is a horizontally long rectangular rod-like member having a side surface 12a on the pressure tank 1 side and a side surface 12b on the opposite side, with a groove 12c formed in the side surface 12b. The side surface 12a has a width and height sufficient to cover the ends of the four pressure tanks 1 arranged horizontally. The side surface 12b has a groove 12c formed along the arrangement direction of the four pressure tanks 1. The width (height in Figs. 3 and 6) of the groove 12c is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pressure tank 1 and slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the nozzle portion 6.

[0036] Four recesses 12d for accommodating the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 are formed adjacent to each other at equal intervals in the horizontal direction on the side surface 12a of the housing member 12. When the outer surface of the dome portion 3 is hemispherical, it is desirable that the recesses 12d have a shape that allows the entire dome portion 3 and the end side of the cylinder portion 2 continuing to the dome portion 3 to be fitted therein without any gaps. An extraction hole 12e that penetrates the housing member 12 in the horizontal direction and communicates with the center of the recess 12d is formed in the recess groove 12c of the housing member 12. When the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 is inserted into the recess 12d, the tip of the tubular portion 6a is inserted into this extraction hole 12e, and the tip of the tubular portion 6a protrudes inside the recess groove 12c.

[0037] In addition, a plurality of (eight in the illustrated structure) insertion holes 12f are formed at equal intervals around the extraction hole 12e. These insertion holes 12f are formed horizontally (parallel to the axial direction of the pressure tank 1) so as to open into the recessed groove 12c and the recessed portion 12d. When the dome portion 3 is fitted into the recessed portion 12d as shown in FIG. 4, the insertion holes 12f of the housing member 12 and the screw holes 6g formed in the nozzle portion 6 of the pressure tank 1 can be aligned coaxially. The pressure tank 1 is fixed to the housing member 12 by a fastener 14 such as a bolt screwed into the screw holes 6g through the insertion holes 12f.

[0038] 3 shows a state in which housing members 12 are arranged on the outside of both axial ends of four pressure tanks 1 arranged horizontally in parallel. The housing members 12 on both axial ends of the four pressure tanks 1 are arranged with their respective side surfaces 12a facing the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1. Therefore, the side surfaces 12a of the housing members 12 that face each other across the pressure tank 1 face each other. The four pressure tanks 1 are arranged between the housing members 12, 12 with the ends of the dome portion 3 and the cylinder portion 2 inserted into the recesses 12d of both housing members 12.

[0039] 6, mounting holes 12g are formed in the housing member 12 at four locations around the extraction hole 12e, penetrating the housing member 12 horizontally. The four mounting holes 12g are formed at 90° intervals around the circumferential direction of the extraction hole 12e. A cylindrical terminal tool 13 having a hexagonal nut-shaped head 13a at one end of a cylindrical portion 13b as shown in Figures 7 and 8 is inserted into each mounting hole 12g. A plurality of terminal tools 13 are provided such that heads 13a are positioned within the recessed groove 12c, cylindrical portions 13b are inserted into mounting holes 12g, and the tip side of cylindrical portions 13b is positioned around the recessed portion 12d of the housing member 12.

[0040] Note that Fig. 7 is a cut-out drawing of only the portion of the housing member 12 that corresponds to one pressure tank 1, and in Figs. 3 and 6, the portion corresponding to one pressure tank 1 in Fig. 7 is shown separated by a dashed line. As shown in Fig. 7, the housing member 12 is not separated into areas dedicated to one pressure tank 1, and is shown separated in Fig. 7 to make the drawing easier to read.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the housing members 12, 12 are arranged opposite each other, so that the terminal devices 13 inserted into the opposing mounting holes 12g in the opposing housing members 12 face each other. A cable (axial member) 15 such as a wire rope or rod is supported between the opposing terminal devices 13. The cable 15 is provided to correspond to each mounting hole 12g, so that four cable 15 are provided around one pressure tank 1.

[0042] Therefore, in a tank module M1 in which four pressure tanks 1 are integrated as shown in Fig. 3, sixteen cables 15 are provided. In the case of wire ropes or the like, the cables 15 connected between the opposing housing members 12, 12 are suspended so as to have a certain tension. For this reason, in the modularized structure made of the housing members 12, 12 shown in Fig. 3, the housing members 12, 12 are pressed against both ends of the pressure tank 1, and the four pressure tanks 1 are integrated. There is no particular limit to the number of cables 1 provided in the tank module M1. There is no particular limit to the number of cables as long as the housing member 12 can be stably contacted or pressed against the pressure tank 1. Three or more cables 15 may be provided around the circumference of the pressure tank 1, or two cables may be provided around the circumference of the pressure tank 1. There is no limit to the number of cables per pressure tank 1, and multiple cables may be provided between the housing members 12, 12.

[0043] It is preferable that the cable 15 has a terminal structure in which a threaded portion 13c is formed on the outer periphery of a cylindrical portion 13b and a hexagonal nut-shaped head 13a is screwed onto the threaded portion 13c as shown in Fig. 8. A terminal structure can be adopted in which the outer diameter of the cable 15 is set to an outer diameter sufficient to insert the cylindrical portion 13b, and the end of the cable 15 is fixed inside the cylindrical portion 13b inside the head 13a. In this terminal structure, when the head 13a is rotated along the threaded portion 13c, it can move in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 13b.

[0044] By applying the terminal structure of the cable 15 shown in Fig. 8 to the mounting holes 12g of each of the housing members 12, 12 shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of cable 15 can be stretched between the opposing housing members 12, 12. Then, by adjusting the position of the head 13a along the threaded portion 13c and applying an appropriate tension to all of the cable 15, the four pressure tanks 1 can be sandwiched between the housing members 12, 12 and stably supported. With this configuration, it is possible to assemble a tank module M1 in which the four pressure tanks 1 are tightly integrated with the housing members 12, 12.

[0045] In addition, when the ray member 15 is rod-shaped, the ray member 15 is prepared to correspond to the length between the housing members 12, 12 that is determined when the pressure tank 1 is sandwiched between the housing members 12, 12. When using rod-shaped steel cords 15, threads are provided at the ends of the cords 15, and hexagonal nut-shaped heads are screwed onto the threads at both ends of the cords 15. A structure can be adopted in which the housing member 12 can be pressed against the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 by rotating the hexagonal nut-shaped heads. When a cable made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material is used, it can be attached to the housing member 12 using metal fittings fixed to the ends. The terminal structure of the cord 15 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, but in any case, it is preferable to adopt a structure that allows the housing member 12 to be positioned and fixed to the end side of the pressure tank 1 with a simple operation.

[0046] In the structure of the tank module M1 shown in Fig. 3, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with contents such as hydrogen at high pressure, pressure acts to expand the pressure tank 1 in its radial direction, and a tensile force acts to stretch the pressure tank 1 in its axial direction. Note that although the valve attached to the nozzle part 6 of the pressure tank 1 is omitted in Figs. 1 to 8, a valve is attached to the nozzle part 6 in the actual pressure tank 1. The pressure tank 1 is configured so that gaseous contents such as hydrogen can be stored in a high-pressure state in the pressure tank 1, or the contents can be discharged, by operating this valve.

[0047] The tank module M1 shown in Fig. 3 has a structure in which four pressure tanks 1 are integrated with housing members 12, 12. Therefore, assuming that a tensile force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the housing members 12, 12 connected by a cable body (axial force member) 15 receive part of the tensile force, preventing deformation of the pressure tank 1 in the axial direction. In addition, even if pressure is applied to the pressure tank 1 so as to expand it in the radial direction, the protective layer 5 having reinforcing fibers arranged in a hoop winding or high-angle helical winding is provided, so that deformation of the pressure tank 1 in the radial direction can also be prevented.

[0048] As described above, part of the tensile force in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1 is borne by the housing members 12, 12 connected by the cable 15. Therefore, when the protective layer 5 of the pressure tank 1 is wound with reinforcing fibers or the like to improve the strength of the pressure tank, the reinforcing fibers for bearing the axial load can be reduced or omitted, making it possible to reduce the weight and the cost. For example, the reinforcing fibers wound with a low angle helical winding as described above with reference to Figure 2 can be omitted. In addition, since reinforcing fibers for supporting the axial load of the pressure tank can be omitted, superior productivity can be obtained compared to the conventional FW method that uses general reinforcing fibers.

[0049] "Second embodiment" Figures 9 and 10 show a tank module M2 of a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M2 and the structure of the housing member 12 installed on one axial end side of the pressure tank 1 are the same as those of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, in the housing member 12 provided on the left end side of the pressure tank 1 installed horizontally, the left end side of the pressure tank 1 is inserted into the recess 12d, a terminal device 13 is inserted into the mounting hole 12g of the housing member 12, and a cable (axial member) 20 such as a wire rope or rod is connected to the terminal device 13, and the structure is the same.

[0050] A characteristic structure of the tank module M2 of the second embodiment is the housing member 22 provided on one end side of the pressure tank 1. The housing member 22 has a similar structure in that it has a recess 22d on the side surface 22b side for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1, but the mounting hole for receiving the end of the cable is omitted and instead a U-shaped groove 22i around which the cable 20 can be wound is formed. If the cable 20 is a rope or the like, it is wound around it, but if the cable 20 is a rod, it can be used in a form in which a rod previously formed into a U-shape is installed in the groove 22i.

[0051] Housing member 22 has side surfaces 22a, 22b similar to side surfaces 12a, 12b of housing member 12, and has an extraction hole 22e similar to previous extraction hole 12e, through which tube portion 6a is inserted. Housing member 22 has an insertion hole 22f similar to previous insertion hole 12f, through which fixture 14 is inserted and screwed into screw hole 6g of base portion 6.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows a state in which the housing member 12 is installed on the left end side of the pressure tank 1 installed in a horizontal state, and the housing member 22 is installed on the right end side. In Fig. 9, the terminal devices 13 are drawn above and below the housing member 12, and one end of the cable 20 is connected to the upper terminal device 13. This cable 20 extends so as to pass through the upper side of the pressure tank 1, approaches the right housing member 22, and is wound around the groove 22i. The cable 20 is further wound around the groove 22i to change its direction, and extends in a direction away from the housing member 22 to pass through the lower side of the pressure tank 1, and the other end of the cable 20 is connected to the terminal device 13 below the housing member 12. 9, the cable 20 is arranged in an inverted U-shape, both ends of which are connected to the housing member 12 via the terminal fittings 13, and the middle portion of which is wound around the groove 22i of the housing member 22.

[0053] Fig. 9 shows only the upper and lower terminal devices 13, 13 on the front side attached to the housing member 12, but upper and lower terminal devices 13, 13 (not shown) are also provided on the back side of the pressure tank 1 in the field of view of Fig. 9. These terminal devices 13 are also connected to a cable 20 similar to the cable 20 shown in Fig. 9. The cable 20 arranged on the back side of the pressure tank 1 in the field of view of Fig. 9 is also wound around the housing member 22 so as to go around a U-shaped groove portion 22i formed in the housing member 22, and both ends are connected to the terminal devices arranged on the back side of the pressure tank 1 in the field of view of Fig. 9.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a side view of the housing member 22, and therefore depicts two grooves 22i formed in the housing member 22 and indicates the cord 20 wound around the two grooves 22i. The structure shown in Figures 9 and 10 has terminal devices 13, 13 attached to the housing member 12 at multiple locations on one axial end of the pressure tank 1, and positioned on both radial sides of the pressure tank 1. Furthermore, in the structure shown in Figures 9 and 10, one end of the rope 20 is fixed to the terminal device 13 on one radial side of the pressure tank 1, and the other end is fixed to the terminal device 13 on the other radial side. Furthermore, the structure shown in Figures 9 and 10 can be explained as a structure in which the rope 20 is provided so as to go around one side surface of the pressure tank 1, the housing member 22 on the side not provided with the terminal device 13, and the groove portion 22i on the other side surface of the pressure tank 1 in a portion between one end and the other end of the rope 20.

[0055] 9 and 10 have been described as a structure in which one pressure tank 1 is depicted between the housing members 12 and 22. However, in reality, a plurality of pressure tanks 1 are provided as in the structure of the first embodiment previously described with reference to Figs. 3 to 8, and so the housing parts 12 and 22 are formed with a length corresponding to the number of pressure tanks in the direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 9. Also, a number of cords 20 corresponding to the number of pressure tanks 1 are provided to go around the groove portion 22i of the housing member 22.

[0056] 9 and 10, the cable 20 arranged to span the housing members 12, 22 sandwiching the pressure tank 1 receives a tensile force in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1. For this reason, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to a high pressure and a force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the cable 20 receives the above-mentioned tensile force and prevents the pressure tank 1 from deforming.

[0057] 9 and 10, the number of terminal devices 13 required can be reduced compared to the first embodiment while obtaining the effects of the structure of the first embodiment. Reducing the number of terminal devices 13 required allows for a lower-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction. When the cord 20 is a rope, it may be folded back multiple times between the housing members 12 and 20, and is not limited to an inverted U-shape.

[0058] "Third embodiment" 11 to 13 show a tank module M3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M3 is the same as that of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. Similarly, in the housing members 25 arranged on both ends of the pressure tank 1, recesses 25d for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 are formed in the housing members 25 similar to the housing members 12 of the first embodiment. A characteristic feature of the structure of the third embodiment is that a plate material 26 is used as an axial force member instead of the cables (axial force members) 15, 20 used in the previous embodiment. The plate material 26 can be, for example, a laminated plate made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP).

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, housing members 25 are disposed on both ends of the pressure tank 1 which is disposed horizontally. A band-shaped plate material 26 is disposed so as to extend above the pressure tank 1 with its end portion placed on the upper surfaces of the left and right housing members 25, 25, and the plate material 26 is attached to the housing members 25 by four fasteners 27 which penetrate the end portion 26a of the plate material 26 in the thickness direction of the plate material 26. In addition, a band-shaped plate material 26 is disposed so as to extend below the pressure tank 1 with its end portion in contact with the lower surfaces of the left and right housing members 25, 25, and the plate material 26 is attached to the housing members 25 by four fasteners 27 which penetrate the end portion 26a of the plate material 26 in the thickness direction of the plate material 26. As an example of the fastener 27, a bolt can be applied. By forming threaded holes on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing member 25 and forming the required number of through holes on the end side of the plate material 26, the plate material 26 can be fixed to the housing member 25 by screwing the bolt through the through holes and into the threaded holes. The band-shaped plate material 26 can be made thicker in order to improve the joint strength at the fastening portion with the fastener 27. For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12, it is preferable to form the portion of the plate material 26 where the fastener 27 is provided thicker. In addition to the fasteners 27, an adhesive may be used in combination to improve the joint strength between the housing members 25, 26 and the plate material 26.

[0060] The structure is the same in that the housing member 25 has a recess 25d on the side 25b that receives the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1, but the mounting holes for receiving the ends of the ropes are omitted and instead a plate material 26 is attached. Housing member 25 has side surfaces 25a, 25b similar to side surfaces 12a, 12b of housing member 12, and has an extraction hole 25e similar to previous extraction hole 12e, through which cylindrical portion 6a is inserted. Housing member 25 has an insertion hole 25f similar to previous insertion hole 12f, through which fixing device 14 is inserted and screwed into screw hole 6g of base portion 6.

[0061] Figures 11 to 13 have been described as an example in which one pressure tank 1 is provided between housing members 25, 25, but it is also possible to adopt a structure in which multiple pressure tanks 1 are arranged in parallel and integrated by sandwiching them between two housing members 25 to form a tank module M3' as shown in Figure 14. FIG. 14 shows a configuration in which four pressure tanks 1 are arranged horizontally, with housing members 28, 28 arranged on both axial sides of the four pressure tanks 1.

[0062] 14, since the housing members 28, 28 are long in the horizontal direction, a wide plate material 29 that matches the length of the housing member 28 (the horizontal length in FIG. 4) can be provided and the plate material 29 can be fixed to the housing member 28 with the required number of fasteners. The plate material 29 can be, for example, a laminate made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP).

[0063] 11 to 14, the plate members 26, 29 fixed to the housing members 25, 25 sandwiching the pressure tank 1 are subjected to a tensile force in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1. For this reason, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to a high pressure and a tensile force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the plate members 26, 29 are subjected to the above-mentioned tensile force, preventing deformation of the pressure tank 1. 11 to 14, it is possible to obtain the effect of the structure of the first embodiment while reducing the number of terminal devices 13 required in the first embodiment. Reducing the required number of terminal devices 13 allows for a low-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction.

[0064] "Fourth embodiment" 15 and 16 show a tank module M4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M4 is equivalent to that of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. Similarly, in the housing members 30 arranged on both ends of the pressure tank 1, recesses 30d for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 are formed in the same manner as in the housing members 12 of the first embodiment. A characteristic feature of the structure of the fourth embodiment is that a single plate material 31 is used as an axial force member instead of the two plate materials 26, 26 used in the previous third embodiment. The plate material 31 may be, for example, a laminated plate made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP).

[0065] In the third embodiment, the plate material 26 is attached to both the upper and lower surfaces of the housing member 25 using the fasteners 27. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, one plate material 31 is folded back midway and arranged to go around the housing member 30 on the right side of FIG. 15. One end 31a of the plate material 31 is installed on the upper surface of the housing member 30 on the left side of FIG. 15, and the other end 31b of the plate material 31 is aligned along the lower surface of the housing member 30 on the left side. One end 31a of the plate material 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the housing member 30 by a fastener 32 such as a bolt penetrating the end 31a in the thickness direction. The other end 31b of the plate material 31 is fixed to the lower surface of the housing member 30 by a fastener 32 such as a bolt penetrating the end 31b in the thickness direction. A screw hole is formed on the upper surface of the housing member 30 so that a fastener 32 can be screwed in, and a screw hole is also formed on the lower surface of the housing member 30 so that a fastener 32 can be screwed in.

[0066] The structure in which the housing member 30 has a recess 30d on the side 30b for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 is the same as in the previous embodiment, but the mounting holes for receiving the ends of the ropes are omitted and instead a plate material 31 is provided. The housing member 30 has side surfaces 30a, 30b similar to the side surfaces 12a, 12b of the housing member 12, and has an extraction hole 30e similar to the previous extraction hole 12e, through which the cylindrical portion 6a is inserted. The housing member 30 has an insertion hole 30f similar to the insertion hole 12f of the housing member 12, through which the fixing device 14 is inserted and which is screwed into the screw hole 6g of the base portion 6.

[0067] 15 and 16, the plate material 31 arranged to bridge the housing members 30, 30 sandwiching the pressure tank 1 receives a tensile force in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1. For this reason, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to high pressure and a tensile force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the plate material 31 receives the above-mentioned tensile force and prevents the pressure tank 1 from deforming. 15 and 16 can obtain the same effects as those of the third embodiment, and can reduce the number of fasteners 32 required compared to the structure of the third embodiment. Reducing the number of fasteners 32 required allows for a lower-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction.

[0068] "Fifth embodiment" 17 and 18 show a tank module M5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M5 is the same as that of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. Similarly, in the housing members 35 arranged on both ends of the pressure tank 1, recesses 35d for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 are formed in the housing members 35 in the same manner as the housing members 12 of the first embodiment. A characteristic feature of the structure of the fifth embodiment is that a ring-shaped plate material 36 is used as an axial force member instead of the plate material 31 used in the previous fourth embodiment. The plate material 36 may be, for example, a laminated plate made of fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP).

[0069] In the third and fourth embodiments, the plate members 26, 29 and the plate member 31 are used, and the ends of these plate members are fixed to the housing member by fasteners. In the fifth embodiment, a ring-shaped plate material 36 is used, and the plate material 36 is provided so as to go around the housing members 35, 35 provided at both axial ends of the pressure tank 1, including the pressure tank 1. Since the pressure tank 1 is sandwiched between the housing members 35, 35, the plate material 36 is wound around the housing members 35, 35 so that the housing members 35, 35 are pressed against both ends of the pressure tank 1.

[0070] 17 and 18, a ring-shaped plate material 36 arranged around the housing members 35, 35 sandwiching the pressure tank 1 receives the axial load of the pressure tank 1. For this reason, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to high pressure and a force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the ring-shaped plate material 36 receives the above-mentioned pressure and prevents the pressure tank 1 from deforming. 17 and 18, the fasteners required in the third and fourth embodiments can be omitted. Eliminating the fasteners allows for a low-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction.

[0071] Sixth embodiment 19 and 20 show a tank module M6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M6 is different from that of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank module M6 configured to serve as both a mouthpiece and a dome portion of a pressure tank as a housing member.

[0072] In the structure shown in Fig. 20, a housing member 41 with a semicircular cross section is integrated with a cylindrical cylinder portion 40. In the cross section of the housing member 41 shown in Fig. 20, a side surface 41a is formed on the side opposite the side where the outer surface bulges out in a semicircular shape, and a circular connecting groove portion 41b of a predetermined depth is formed in a part of this side surface 41a. An end portion 40a of the cylindrical cylinder portion 40 is fitted into this connecting groove portion 41b, and the housing member 41 is integrated with the cylinder portion 40.

[0073] In the housing member 41, a recess 41c is formed inside the connection groove portion 41b by hollowing out a part of the housing member 41 in a dome shape, and this recess 41c and the internal space of the cylinder portion 40 are in communication with each other. An extraction hole 41e is formed in a bulging portion 41d that bulges outward in a semicircular shape in the cross section of the housing portion 41, and the bulging portion 41d and the extraction hole 41e also serve as a nozzle in the housing member 41. A valve is attached to the extraction hole 41e, and by operating this valve, gaseous contents such as hydrogen can be stored under high pressure in the cylinder portion 40 and the recessed portion 41c, or the contents can be discharged.

[0074] Fig. 20 shows the structure of a portion in which only one cylinder portion 40 is connected to one housing member 41, but the housing member 41 has a certain length in the direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 20. For example, the housing member 41 has a length (length in the direction of the depth of the plane of Fig. 20) that allows four cylinder portions 40 arranged in a row to be integrated at a predetermined interval. A circular hole-shaped recess 41c is formed on the side 41a of the housing member 41, inside the annular connecting groove portion 41b, and is located inside the end portion 40a of the cylinder portion 40, and the portion of the housing member 41 surrounding the recess 41c functions as a dome portion for the cylinder portion 40. Further, in the cross section of the housing part 41, an extraction hole 41e is formed on the tip side of a semicircular bulge 41d on the outside, and the part of the housing member 41 surrounding the extraction hole 41e functions as a base part.

[0075] The cylinder portion 40 is composed of a protective layer 42 reinforced with an outer fiber covering of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material. The material of the protective layer 42 is the same as that of the protective layer 5 used in the first embodiment. An end side of the protective layer 42 is pulled in to the inside of the recess 41c by a predetermined length, and a seal material 43 such as an O-ring is interposed between the end of the protective layer 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the recess 41c.

[0076] Fig. 20 shows only the housing member 41 connected to the right end side of the cylindrical cylinder portion 40, but a similarly configured housing member 41 is connected to the left end side of the cylinder portion 40 in the opposite orientation to that shown in Fig. 20. A circular connecting groove is also formed in the flat portion of the housing portion not shown in Fig. 20, and the end of the cylinder portion 40 is fitted into this connecting groove. The housing member 41 on the side not shown in Fig. 20 is shown in Fig. 19.

[0077] Therefore, the housing members 41 are connected to both axial ends of the cylinder portion 40 to close the cylinder portion 40 airtight, and an enclosed space capable of storing contents such as hydrogen is formed inside the cylinder portion 40 and in the recess 41c. In the structure shown in Figures 19 and 20, a housing member 41 serves as both the dome portion and the nozzle portion of the pressure tank 1, and by integrating the housing member 41 with the cylinder portion 40, the inside can be filled with contents such as hydrogen gas. Although this structure is not one in which the dome portion and the nozzle portion are clearly distinguished, it can be said that this structure can be included in the concept of the present invention as a structure having a cylinder portion 40, a dome portion, and a nozzle portion.

[0078] In the case of a configuration in which multiple cylinder portions 40 are arranged between housing members 41, 41 as shown in Figure 19, a tank module M6 can be formed in which the housing members 41, 41 and the cylinder portions 40 are integrated using the ring-shaped plate material 36 described based on Figures 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the plate material 36 is disposed so as to go around the periphery of the housing members 41, 41 which sandwich the four cylinder portions 40 therebetween.

[0079] 19 and 20, the ring-shaped plate material 36 arranged around the housing members 41, 41 sandwiching the cylinder portion 40 receives the tensile force in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 40. For this reason, if the cylinder portion 40 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to a high pressure and a force acts in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 40, the ring-shaped plate material 36 receives the tensile force described above and prevents the cylinder portion 40 from deforming.

[0080] 19 and 20, the fasteners required in the third and fourth embodiments can be omitted. Eliminating the fasteners allows for a low-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction. 19 and 20, because the end of the cylinder portion 40 is inserted into the annular connecting groove portion 41b, when hydrogen is filled into the cylinder portion 40, the housing member 41 can move about several mm in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 40. Therefore, no large load is applied to the cylinder portion 40 in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 40.

[0081] 19, in the case of a structure in which a plurality of cylinder parts 40 are connected to a housing member 41, a flow path extending in the arrangement direction of the cylinder parts 40 may be formed separately inside the housing member 41, and this flow path may be opened at one axial end side of the cylinder parts 40, and a valve may be attached to this opening. By configuring such a flow path, when a ring-shaped plate material 36 is arranged so as to go around the housing members 41, 41, the content removal part can be arranged at a position that avoids the plate material 36. 20, valves may be attached to the positions of the extraction holes 41e, and the contents may be discharged individually from each cylinder portion 40 through the valves. In this case, the contents may be extracted by penetrating the plate material 36 in the thickness direction from the positions of the valves, or piping or the like may be provided along the extraction holes 41e so as not to interfere with the plate material 36, allowing the contents to be extracted individually.

[0082] Seventh embodiment 21 to 24 show a tank module M7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and the structure of the pressure tank 1 applied to the tank module M7 is the same as that of the tank module M1 of the first embodiment. Similarly, in the housing members 50 arranged on both ends of the pressure tank 1, recesses 50d for receiving the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 are formed in the housing members 50 in the same manner as the housing members 12 of the first embodiment.

[0083] The structure of the seventh embodiment is characterized in that, instead of the ropes and plates used in the previous embodiments, a plurality of ring-shaped plates 51 are used as axial force members, and an engagement portion is provided around which the plates 51 are wound. The plates 51 may be, for example, a laminated plate band made of fiber reinforced plastic composite material (CFRP).

[0084] The housing member 50 is similar to the housing member 12 of the first embodiment in that it is a rod-shaped member and has a length that matches the number of arranged pressure tanks 1. The example in Fig. 21 shows a form in which two pressure tanks 1 are arranged horizontally. A square rod-shaped housing member 50 is provided on each of both ends of the two pressure tanks 1. The structure in which a recess 50d shaped to receive the dome portion 3 of the pressure tank 1 is formed on the side surface 50a of each housing member 50 is the same as in the previous embodiment. The mounting holes for receiving the ends of the cords that were provided in the housing member of the previous embodiment are omitted in the housing member 50, and instead a plate member 51 is attached.

[0085] The housing member 50 has side surfaces 50a, 50b similar to the side surfaces 12a, 12b of the previous housing member 12, a groove 30c equivalent to the previous groove 12c, and an extraction hole 50e similar to the previous extraction hole 12e, through which the tubular portion 6a is inserted. The housing member 50 has an insertion hole 50f similar to the insertion hole 12f of the housing member 12, through which the fixture 14 is inserted and which is screwed into the screw hole 6g of the base portion 6. These structures are similar to those of the previous first embodiment.

[0086] In the structure of the seventh embodiment, an engagement portion 50m is formed on the upper peripheral edge of the housing member 50, with a step portion that is U-shaped in plan view, and a protrusion 50n that is rectangular in plan view and protrudes upward is formed at the engagement portion 50m. A ring-belt-shaped plate material 51 is wound around the protrusions 50n, 50n that face each other at both axial ends of the pressure tank 1. The peripheral corners of the protrusion 50n are appropriately rounded in terms of contact with the plate material 51, so that the plate material 51 can be tightly attached to the corners. The U-shaped step portion may be U-shaped.

[0087] An engagement portion 50m consisting of a step portion that is U-shaped when viewed from the back side is formed on the peripheral edge of the lower side of the housing member 50, and a protrusion 50n that is rectangular when viewed from the top and protrudes downward is formed at the engagement portion 50m. A ring-belt-shaped plate material 51 is wound around the protrusions 50n, 50n that face each other at both axial ends of the pressure tank 1.

[0088] As shown in Figure 21, two pressure tanks 1 are arranged horizontally, and plate materials 51 are arranged above and below each pressure tank 1, so that in the case of the tank module M7 shown in Figure 21, four ring belt-shaped plate materials 51 are wound around it. The four plate members 51 are arranged to surround the periphery of the pressure tank 1 along one and the other sides of the pressure tank 1, so that the housing member 50 can be pressed evenly against the end of the pressure tank 1.

[0089] 21 to 24, a ring-belt-like plate material 51 arranged to go around the housing members 50, 50 sandwiching the pressure tank 1 therebetween receives a tensile force in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1. For this reason, when the pressure tank 1 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to high pressure and a tensile force acts in the axial direction of the pressure tank 1, the ring-shaped plate material 51 receives the above-mentioned tensile force, preventing deformation of the pressure tank 1. 21 to 24, the fasteners required in the third and fourth embodiments can be omitted. Eliminating the fasteners allows for a low-cost structure, which contributes to weight reduction. Furthermore, if the configuration shown in Fig. 20 is applied instead of the pressure tank 1, the structure is made up of only the cylinder portion 40, protective layer 42, housing member 50, and plate material 51, resulting in an even simpler and less costly structure.

[0090] Furthermore, with the structure of the seventh embodiment, the ring-belt-like plate material 51 wound around the engagement portion 51m can be easily removed after the contents are discharged from the pressure tank 1. If any trouble occurs with the tank module M7, the tank module M7 can be easily disassembled by removing the plate material 51, which provides the feature of easy inspection and maintenance.

[0091] Eighth embodiment Fig. 25 shows a tank module M8 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This tank module M8 is an embodiment in which the main structure of the tank module M6 shown in Figs. 19 and 20 is adopted, while applying a portion of the structure of the tank module M7 according to the seventh embodiment shown in Figs. 21 to 24. The tank module M8, like the tank module M7, has a configuration in which the housing member serves both as a mouthpiece and a dome portion of the pressure tank.

[0092] A housing member 41 is integrated with a cylindrical cylinder portion 40, and in the cross section of the housing member 41, a side surface 41a is formed on the side opposite to the side where the outer surface bulges out in a semicircular shape, and a circular connecting groove portion 41b of a predetermined depth is formed in a part of this side surface 41a. The end portion 40a of the cylindrical cylinder portion 40 is fitted into this connecting groove portion 41b, and the housing member 41 is integrated with the cylinder portion 40.

[0093] A recess 41c is formed inside the connection groove portion 41b of the housing member 41, the recess 41c being shaped like a dome and hollowed out from a part of the housing member 41, and the recess 41c is connected to the internal space of the cylinder portion 40. Since the housing member 41 has the recess 41c hollowed out in a dome shape and the end of the cylinder portion 40 is connected to the recess 41c, the housing member 41 also has a structure in which a dome portion is provided at the end of the cylinder portion 40. An extraction hole 41e is formed in a bulging portion 41d that bulges outward in a semicircular shape in the cross section of the housing portion 41, and the bulging portion 41d and the extraction hole 41e also serve as a nozzle in the housing member 41. A valve is attached to the extraction hole 41e, and by operating this valve, gaseous contents such as hydrogen can be stored under high pressure in the cylinder portion 40 and the recessed portion 41c, or the contents can be discharged.

[0094] The main structure described above is the same in the tank module M6 shown in Fig. 20 and the tank module M7 shown in Fig. 25. The housing member 41 has a certain length in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Fig. 25, and the structure in which, for example, four cylinder portions 40 arranged in a row are integrated is also the same. 25 is characterized in that engaging portions 46 forming step portions that are U-shaped in plan view are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing member 41, and protrusions 47 that are rectangular in plan view are formed to constitute the engaging portions 46. Further, the tank module M8 in FIG. 25 is characterized in that a ring-belt-shaped plate material 48 is wound around the protrusions 47, 47 that face each other at both axial ends of the cylinder portion 40. The peripheral corners of the protrusion 47 are appropriately rounded in terms of the contact surface with the plate material 48, so that the corners can be tightly fitted to the plate material 48. The U-shaped step may be U-shaped.

[0095] 25, a ring-belt-shaped plate material 48 arranged to go around the housing members 41, 41 sandwiching the cylinder portion 40 receives the axial tensile force of the cylinder portion 40. For this reason, when the cylinder portion 40 is filled with a gas such as hydrogen to a high pressure and a tensile force acts in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 40, the ring-shaped plate material 48 receives the tensile force, preventing deformation of the cylinder portion 40. The structure in which the ring-belt-shaped plate material 48 goes around the opposing protrusions 47, 47 and supports the axial load of the pressure tank is the same structure as the plate material 51 of the tank module M7 shown in FIG. In addition, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those obtained by the tank module M6 shown in FIG. 20 and the tank module M7 shown in FIG.

[0096] FIG. 26 shows another example of a pressure tank that can be applied to the tank modules M1 to M5 and M7 according to the present invention. 26 shows another example of a pressure tank 100, which includes a cylinder portion 2, a dome portion 3, a reinforcing layer 101, and a protective layer 102. The dome portions 3 are disposed at both axial ends of the cylinder portion 2. When the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are separate bodies, the cylinder portion 2 can be made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material, and the dome portion 3 can be made of a fiber reinforced plastic composite material or a metal material. When the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are separate bodies, a boundary line 2a is formed between the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3. The boundary line 2a is a joint surface between the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 in a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the cylinder portion 2. The cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are combined such that the axial end of the cylinder portion 2 fits inside the dome portion 3. As a result, the boundary line 2a is formed as follows. That is, the boundary line 2a is formed such that the radially outer end of the cylinder portion 2 is located closer to the cylinder portion 2 than the dome portion 3 in the axial direction of the cylinder portion 2, relative to the radially inner end of the cylinder portion 2.

[0097] The boundary line 2a is formed to be straight, bent, or curved. A combination of straight and curved lines is also included. The inclination angle of the boundary line 2a with respect to the axial direction of the cylinder portion 2 can be referred to as the inclination angle θ. The reinforcing layer 101 is provided so as to cover the inner surface of the cylinder portion 2 and the inner surface of the dome portion 3, and is formed so as to reach the outer surface side of the flange of the base portion 6 inside the dome portion 3. The protective layer 102 is provided on the inner surface side of the reinforcing layer 101, and is formed so as to reach the inner surface side of the flange of the base portion 6 inside the dome portion 3. The reinforcing layer 101 can be formed, for example, by winding a prepreg tape oriented in one direction or at an appropriate angle so that it overlaps the cylinder section 2 and the dome section 3. The protective layer 102 can be formed from a metal or resin liner material. Furthermore, a reinforcing layer 103 may be provided at the boundary between the cylinder section 2 and the dome section 3 and in a position covering the outer surface surrounding it.

[0098] The tank modules M1 to M5 and M7 described above may be constructed using a pressure tank 100 shown in FIG. 26 instead of the pressure tank 1 described above.

[0099] Incidentally, the pressure tank 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are integrated, whereas the pressure tank 100 shown in FIG. 26 has a configuration in which the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are separate. The tank module of the present invention and the pressure tank applied thereto may have various configurations. For example, the dome portion, the nozzle portion, and the housing member may be separate, the dome portion and the nozzle portion are integrated and the housing member is separate, or the dome portion, the nozzle portion, and the housing member may be integrated. A configuration in which the dome portion, the nozzle portion, and the housing member are integrated corresponds to the configuration shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, in the pressure tank having the cross-sectional structure shown in Fig. 4, a structure in which the cylinder portion 2 and the dome portion 3 are separate, and then the dome portion 3 and the nozzle portion 6 are integrated may be adopted. To summarize, the tank module can be described as having a cylinder portion, and a dome portion provided at one axial end of the cylinder portion, a nozzle portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion on the one axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate or two or more of which are integrated, and a dome portion provided at the other axial end of the cylinder portion, a nozzle portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate or two or more of which are integrated.

[0100] "Application Examples" 28 shows an example in which a tank module M1 is mounted on a freight vehicle 60 such as a truck. For example, the tank module M1 is installed in the space between the cab 61 and the loading platform 62 of the freight vehicle 60 so that the pressure tanks 1 are stacked horizontally and vertically. In FIG. 29, for example, a tank module M1 is mounted on a side wall 70a or a ceiling 70b of a railway car 70. As shown in these figures, the tank module M1 can be installed compactly in a freight car 60 or a railcar 70. Of course, any of the tank modules M2 to M9 may be provided in the freight car 60 or the railcar 70. As shown in these examples, the tank modules M1 to M9 can be installed in a small space effectively in any structure, and have the characteristic of being able to stably support a plurality of pressure tanks 1 or cylinder portions 40.

[0101] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the base portion 6 described as being provided on the dome portion 3 in this embodiment may be provided on the cylinder portion 2.

[0102] In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] M1, M2, M3, M3′, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8…Tank modules, 1...pressure tank, 2...Cylinder section, 3…Dome section, 5...protective layer, 6...Flange part, 8…Hoop layer, 9...High angle helical layer, 10...Low angle helical layer, 12...Housing member, 12d…recess, 13...Terminal tool, 15...Rope (axial member), 20...Rope (axial member), 22...Housing member, 22i...Groove, 25...Housing member, 26, 29...Plate material (axial force member), 27...Fixing tools, 30...Housing member, 31...Plate material (axial force member), 32...Fixing tool, 35...Housing member, 36...Plate material (axial force member), 50...Housing member, 51...Plate material (axial force member), 100...Pressure tank.

Claims

1. A cylindrical cylinder portion is provided. a dome portion provided at one axial end of the cylinder portion, a cap portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion at the one axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate or two or more of which are integrated together; a dome portion provided at the other axial end of the cylinder portion, a cap portion provided on the dome portion, and a housing member provided outside the dome portion on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, all of which are separate bodies or two or more of which are integrated together, and an axial force member that connects the housing members located adjacent to the cylinder portion and at both axial ends of the cylinder portion, Tank module.

2. A plurality of the cylinder portions are arranged in parallel between the housing members, and a plurality of the axial force members are connected between the housing members. The tank module according to claim 1 .

3. A recess for accommodating the dome portion is provided on a surface of the housing member facing the dome portion. The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A protective layer having a hoop layer or a high-angle helical layer made of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material is provided on the outer circumferential side of the cylinder portion. The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The axial force member includes terminal members fixed to the housing member on both axial ends of the cylinder portion, and a cable or plate member connected to the terminal members on both axial ends of the cylinder portion. Equipped with The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The axial force member is A plurality of terminal devices are attached to the housing member at a plurality of locations on one axial end side of the cylinder portion so as to be located on both radial sides of the cylinder portion; One end portion is fixed to a terminal device on one side in the radial direction, and the other end portion is fixed to a terminal device on the other side in the radial direction. A cord or plate material is provided that runs around one side surface of the cylinder portion, the housing member on the side where the terminal device is not provided, and the other side surface of the cylinder portion in a portion between the one end portion and the other end portion. The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The axial force member is The housing includes a housing member on one axial end side of the cylinder portion, a surface on one radial side of the cylinder portion, a housing member on the other axial end side of the cylinder portion, and a ring-shaped member wound around the surface on the other radial side of the cylinder portion. The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The axial force member is a cord or plate member that runs around an engaging portion formed on a housing member at one axial end of the cylinder portion and an engaging portion formed on a housing member at the other axial end of the cylinder portion, The engaging portion is formed on one radial side and the other radial side of the cylinder portion, The cord or the plate material wound around the engagement portion is provided on one radial side of the cylinder portion and the other radial side of the cylinder portion, The tank module according to claim 1 or 2.

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