High-pressure gas tank connection structure

Abstract

To provide a high-pressure gas tank connecting structure capable of simply connecting a high-pressure tank to a supply member supplying high-pressure gas in a tank body.SOLUTION: A check valve 36 is provided on a deeper side in an axial direction of a liner 16 than a connection side connector 14. The check valve 36 is not provided outside the liner 16. Therefore, as compared with a case in which a valve body is provided outside the liner 16, it is possible to simply connect a high-pressure gas tank 12 through the connection side connector 14 connected to a fuel stack as a supply member configuring a part of a tank module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure gas tank connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a valve and a pipe to supply gas in a tank body to a connection destination. The valve includes a filling passage for filling the tank body with fluid, a discharge passage for discharging the fluid filled in the tank body, and a discharge passage for discharging the fluid filled in the tank body to the outside when a fire or the like occurs and the tank body or the periphery of the tank body is heated. Each passage is provided with a valve body for opening and closing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, in the prior art, it is necessary to connect a plurality of pipes for forming a gas passage (flow path) to the tank body. As a result, in the prior art, a plurality of pipes and valves (valve bodies) are provided outside the tank body, and even just connecting the tank body itself is troublesome for the user.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a high-pressure gas tank connection structure that can easily connect a high-pressure tank to a supply member for supplying high-pressure gas in the tank body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 1 of the present invention has a cylindrical shape, and a first opening cylindrical portion that can communicate with the outside is provided at at least one end portion in the axial direction, and a cylindrical base is attached to the first opening cylindrical portion. A tank body filled with high-pressure gas inside; a cylindrical tank-side connector that is disposed on the axis of the tank body, attached to the base, and has a concave portion that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body; a supply member to which the high-pressure gas is supplied, a convex portion that can be coupled to the concave portion is formed, and a connection-side connector that is sealed with the tank-side connector and is movable along the axial direction of the tank body with respect to the tank-side connector; a valve body provided deeper in the axial direction of the tank body than the tank-side connector and biased toward the connection-side connector, and when the convex portion is pressed by the tip of the convex portion in a state where the convex portion is coupled to the concave portion, it is opened from the closed state to communicate the inside and outside of the tank body. Comprising, on the outer surface of the convex portion, a sealing member that contacts the inner surface of the concave portion and seals between the convex portion and the concave portion. The valve body is pressed and opened in a state where the space between the convex portion and the concave portion is sealed by the sealing member, and the movement amount of the connection-side connector in a state where the space between the concave portion and the sealing member is maintained is set to be larger than the movement amount of the connection-side connector until the closed valve body is opened, and smaller than the movement amount of the connection-side connector from when the convex portion is coupled to the concave portion until it reaches a fully coupled state where it is completely coupled. Further, in the concave portion, a lateral hole portion that communicates with the outside in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the tank body is provided at a position separated from the valve body by a distance greater than that of the sealing member. The separation distance between the sealing member and the lateral hole portion along the axial direction of the tank body in the fully coupled state of the convex portion and the concave portion is set to be larger than the movement amount of the connection-side connector until the closed valve body is opened, and smaller than the movement amount of the connection-side connector in a state where the space between the concave portion and the sealing member is maintained by the sealing member. 。

[0007] In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 1 of the present invention, it includes a tank body, a tank-side connector, a connection-side connector, and a valve body. The tank body has a cylindrical shape, and the inside of the tank body is filled with high-pressure gas. At least one end portion in the axial direction of the tank body is provided with a first opening cylindrical portion that can communicate with the outside of the tank body, and a cylindrical base is attached to the first opening cylindrical portion.

[0008] The tank-side connector has a cylindrical shape, is disposed on the axis of the tank body and attached to the base, and a concave portion that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body is formed therein.

[0009] The connection-side connector is connected to a supply member to which high-pressure gas is supplied, and a convex portion that can be coupled to the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector side is formed. Further, the connection-side connector is sealed with the tank-side connector and is movable along the axial direction of the tank body with respect to the tank-side connector.

[0010] The valve body is provided deeper in the axial direction of the tank body than the tank-side connector and is biased toward the connection-side connector. When the valve body is pressed by the tip of the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector in a state where the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector is coupled to the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector, the valve body is released from the closed state, and the inside and outside of the tank body are communicated with each other.

[0011] Thus, in the present invention, the valve body is provided deeper in the axial direction of the tank body than the connection-side connector connected to the supply member to which high-pressure gas is supplied, and the valve body is not provided outside the tank body. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily connect the high-pressure tank to the supply member via the connection-side connector as compared with the case where the valve body is provided outside the tank body.

[0012] Further, in the present invention, in a state where the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector is coupled to the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector, when the valve body biased toward the connection-side connector is pressed against the biasing force that biases the valve body toward the connection-side connector by the tip of the convex portion, the valve body is released from the closed state.

[0013] Conversely, when the valve body is not pressed by the tip of the convex portion in a state where the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector is coupled to the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector, the valve body will maintain the closed state.

[0014] Thus, by making it possible to close the valve body in a state where the connection-side connector is coupled to the tank-side connector, leakage of gas in the tank body can be suppressed. Further, by opening the valve body in a state where the connection-side connector is coupled to the tank-side connector, detachment of the tank body can be suppressed.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention In this case, a seal member is provided on the outer surface of the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector, and the seal member contacts the inner surface of the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector to seal the space between the convex portion and the concave portion.

[0017] Here, with the space between the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector sealed by the seal member, the valve body is pressed and opened. As a result, in the state where the valve body is opened, it is possible to suppress leakage of the gas in the tank body.

[0019] Also, the present invention In this case, the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector in a state where the seal is maintained between the seal member and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector is larger than the movement amount (a) of the connection-side connector until the closed valve body is opened, and is set to be smaller than the movement amount (c) of the connection-side connector from when the connection-side connector is coupled to the tank-side connector until it reaches the fully coupled state (a < b < c).

[0020] As a result, after the connection-side connector is coupled to the tank-side connector and sealed between the seal member and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector, the closed valve body is opened. That is, in the present invention, since the valve body is opened after sealing between the tank-side connector and the connection-side connector, it is possible to suppress leakage of hydrogen gas when the valve body is opened.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention In the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector, a lateral hole portion that communicates with the outside in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the tank body penetrates at a position separated from the valve body by more than the seal member. That is, through the lateral hole portion, the inside of the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector communicates with the outside.

[0023] Here, the separation distance (d) between the sealing member and the lateral hole portion along the axial direction of the tank body in the fully coupled state of the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector is larger than the movement amount (a) of the connection-side connector until the closed valve element is opened, and is set to be smaller than the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector in a state where sealing is maintained between the sealing member and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector (a < d < b).

[0024] Accordingly, when the connection-side connector fully coupled to the tank-side connector is moved in the direction of releasing the coupled state along the axial direction of the tank body, first, the tip of the convex portion of the connection-side connector is separated from the valve element, and the valve element changes from the open state to the closed state.

[0025] At this time, since the movement amount (a) of the connection-side connector is smaller than the separation distance (d) between the sealing member and the lateral hole portion along the axial direction of the tank body, the state where the outer surface of the convex portion formed on the connection-side connector and the inner surface of the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector are sealed by the sealing member is maintained even when the valve element is closed.

[0026] When the connection-side connector is further moved in the direction of releasing the coupled state along the axial direction of the tank body from this state, the sealing member passes through the lateral hole portion. As a result, the high-pressure gas staying in the concave portion flows out to the outside through the lateral hole portion, and the pressure in the concave portion is released.

[0027] Here, the separation distance (d) between the sealing member and the lateral hole portion is set to be smaller than the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector in a state where sealing is maintained between the sealing member and the concave portion formed on the tank-side connector.

[0028] As described above, the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector is set to be smaller than the movement amount (c) of the connection-side connector from when it is coupled to the tank-side connector until it reaches the fully coupled state. Here, the movement amount (c) of the connection-side connector from when it is coupled to the tank-side connector until it reaches the fully coupled state is, in other words, the movement amount of the connection-side connector from the fully coupled state to the released state with respect to the tank-side connector.

[0029] That is, the separation distance (d) between the seal member and the lateral hole portion is smaller than the movement amount (c) of the connection-side connector from the fully coupled state to the released state with respect to the tank-side connector. For this reason, when the pressure inside the concave portion escapes through the lateral hole portion, the connection-side connector is in a state of being coupled to the tank-side connector. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the tank body when the pressure inside the concave portion is released through the lateral hole portion.

[0030] Claim according to the present invention 2 The high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim 1 to In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim, a second opening cylinder portion that can communicate with the outside is provided at the other end in the axial direction of the tank body, and a heat-operated safety valve that releases the high-pressure gas inside the tank body when detecting a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature is provided in the second opening cylinder portion.

[0031] In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 2 of the present invention, a second opening cylinder portion that can communicate with the outside is provided at the other end in the axial direction of the tank body. A heat-operated safety valve is provided in this second opening cylinder portion, and when detecting a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the high-pressure gas inside the tank body is released by the heat-operated safety valve. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the rupture of the high-pressure tank in the event of a fire or the like.

[0032] Thus, in the high-pressure tank of the present invention, a thermally actuated safety valve is provided on the side opposite to the valve body for supplying high-pressure gas. As a result, compared with the case where the valve body and the thermally actuated safety valve are provided on one end side in the axial direction of the high-pressure tank, the structure of the high-pressure tank can be simplified.

[0033] The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to the present invention 3 described in claim 2 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim

[0034] The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to the present invention 3 described in claim is provided with a cylindrical fixing member on the other end side in the axial direction of the tank body. The fixing member is formed with a recess that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body, and the thermally actuated safety valve is attached to the recess.

[0035] A communication passage is provided in the recess that penetrates from the inner surface of the recess to the outer surface of the fixing member along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the fixing member. The communication passage enables the interior and exterior of the tank body to communicate with each other by means of a safety valve provided in the thermally actuated safety valve when high-pressure gas is released.

[0036] Further, a ring is provided on the outer surface of the fixing member. A gap is formed between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member, and the ring is communicable with a communication passage formed in the fixing member. Further, the ring is movable along the circumferential direction with respect to the fixing member, and is restricted from moving along the axial direction. Further, a jet outlet penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the ring is formed, and the jet outlet is communicable with the communication passage through a gap formed between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member.

[0037] As described above, in the present invention, a communication passage is formed in the concave portion of the fixing member, and a jet outlet communicable with the communication passage through the gap is formed in a ring provided with a gap between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member. Thereby, in the present invention, when high-pressure gas is discharged, the high-pressure gas is ejected from the jet outlet formed in the ring through the gap via the communication passage from the flow path on the axial center side of the cylindrical fixing member.

[0038] That is, in the present invention, by providing a gap between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member, the high-pressure gas discharged from the flow path on the axial center side of the fixing member via the communication passage can be ejected from the jet outlet through the gap even if the position of the jet outlet formed in the ring and the position of the communication passage formed in the fixing member do not face each other.

[0039] Here, the ring is movable along the circumferential direction with respect to the fixing member. Therefore, in the present invention, the position of the jet outlet can be changed by rotating the ring along the circumferential direction of the fixing member according to the mounting position of the tank body.

[0040] Generally, a safety valve is integrated with a jet outlet from which high-pressure gas jets and is fixed to a high-pressure gas tank. For this reason, depending on the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank, the jet outlet may be different from the expected orientation. In that case, it is necessary to change the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank according to the orientation of the jet outlet, which is troublesome work.

[0041] In contrast, in the present invention, as described above, since the position of the ejection port can be changed by rotating the ring along the circumferential direction of the fixing member in accordance with the mounting position of the tank body, it is not necessary to change the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank according to the orientation of the ejection port, and workability is improved.

[0042] Claim according to the present invention 4 The high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in 3 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim

[0043] Claim according to the present invention 4 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim

[0044] Claim according to the present invention 5 The high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim 3 or claim 4 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim

[0045] Claim according to the present invention 5In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], an annular groove is recessed on the inner surface of the ring, and thereby, a gap is provided between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member. That is, both sides of the groove along the axial direction of the ring are capable of abutting against the outer surface of the fixing member. For this reason, in a state where the ring abuts against the outer surface of the fixing member, the movement of the ring along the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing member is restricted, and thereby, the displacement between the axial center of the fixing member and the axial center of the ring can be suppressed.

[0046] The claim according to the present invention 6 The high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference] is the high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to claim 5 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to claim

[0047] The claim according to the present invention 6 In the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], a protector for forming an air layer or a heat insulating layer is provided outside the tank body between the tank body and the protector. Thereby, in the high-pressure tank, it is possible to obtain a heat insulating effect and a shock absorbing effect.

Effects of the Invention

[0048] As described above, according to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in claim 1, the high-pressure tank can be easily connected to the supply member for supplying the high-pressure gas in the tank body.

[0052] The claim 2 According to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], rupture during a fire or the like can be avoided in the high-pressure tank.

[0053] The claim 3 According to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], operations such as rotating and attaching the tank body along the circumferential direction in accordance with the position of the jet outlet from which the high-pressure gas is ejected become unnecessary, and workability is improved.

[0054] The claim4 According to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], the ring can be fixed to the fixing member with a simple operation, and after the ring is fixed, the position of the ring can also be changed.

[0055] Claim 5 According to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], the displacement between the axial center of the fixing member and the axial center of the ring can be suppressed.

[0056] Claim 6 According to the high-pressure gas tank connection structure described in [reference], a heat insulation effect and a shock absorption effect can be obtained in the high-pressure tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a high-pressure gas tank 12 to which a high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the arrow S appropriately shown in each figure is the axial direction of the high-pressure gas tank 12 to which the high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10 is applied, and the arrow R is the radial direction of the high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10.

[0059] (Configuration of High-Pressure Gas Tank Connection Structure) First, the configuration of a high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] The high-pressure gas tank 12 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes, for example, a part of a tank module (not shown) mounted on a fuel cell vehicle (not shown). The tank module includes a plurality of high-pressure gas tanks 12 connected to each other via a connection-side connector 14 and the like, which will be described later.

[0061] The high-pressure gas tank 12 includes a substantially cylindrical liner (tank body) 16 filled with compressed hydrogen gas (hereinafter simply referred to as "hydrogen gas"), which is a high-pressure gas, substantially cylindrical caps 18 and 20 respectively attached to both axial ends 16A and 16B of the liner 16, and a reinforcing layer 22 that covers the outer peripheral surfaces of the liner 16 and the caps 18 and 20 from the outside to reinforce the liner 16. Further, a protector 26 is provided outside the high-pressure gas tank 12 with a gap 24 provided therebetween, and the high-pressure gas tank 12 is accommodated in the protector 26.

[0062] The liner 16 is formed of a resin material such as a polyamide synthetic resin to have a substantially constant wall thickness. In the body portion 16C, which is the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the liner 16, the outer diameter dimensions are substantially constant, and the outer diameter dimensions are formed to gradually decrease from the body portion 16C of the liner 16 toward one end portion 16A and the other end portion 16B, respectively.

[0063] Specifically, on the one end portion 16A side of the liner 16, a shoulder portion 16D formed by the difference in the outer diameter dimensions between the body portion 16C and the one end portion 16A of the liner 16 is provided, and an opening cylinder portion 28 having a small diameter is provided at the one end portion 16A of the liner 16. Further, on the other end portion 16B side of the liner 16, a shoulder portion 16E formed by the difference in the outer diameter dimensions between the body portion 16C and the other end portion 16B of the liner 16 is provided, and an opening cylinder portion 30 having a small diameter is provided at the other end portion 16B of the liner 16.

[0064] A metal base 18 is provided outside the opening cylinder portion 28 including the shoulder portion 16D, and a metal base 20 is provided outside the opening cylinder portion 30 including the shoulder portion 16E. The outer diameter dimensions on the body portion 16C side of the liner 16 in the bases 18 and 20 are formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter dimensions on the shoulder portion 16D and 16E sides of the liner 16, and it is set so that no step is generated between the liner 16 and the bases 18 and 20 along the axial direction of the liner 16.

[0065] Further, the reinforcing layer 22 is formed of carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP) as an example of fiber reinforced resin (FRP). Here, groove portions 19 and 21 are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the bases 18 and 20, and one axial end portion 22A of the reinforcing layer 22 is fitted into the groove portion 19, and the other axial end portion 22B of the reinforcing layer 22 is fitted into the groove portion 21.

[0066] Thereby, displacement of the reinforcing layer 22 along the axial direction of the liner 16 is suppressed. Further, the wall thickness of the reinforcing layer 22 is configured to become thicker from the body portion 16C side of the liner 16 toward the opening cylinder portions 28 and 30 sides, respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, for the protector 26, for example, glass fiber reinforced resin (GFRP) is used, and a gap 24 is provided between the high-pressure gas tank 12. That is, an air layer is provided in the gap 24. Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to fill the gap 24 with a heat insulating material such as glass fiber, and in this case, a heat insulating layer will be formed in the gap 24.

[0068] Here, GFRP is used as an example of the material of the protector 26, but as long as the strength and rigidity required to protect the high-pressure gas tank 12 can be ensured, it is not limited to this, and metals such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel may be used. However, depending on the specifications of the high-pressure gas tank 12, the protector 26 is not always necessary.

[0069] By the way, in the present embodiment, a substantially cylindrical nozzle member 32 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the open cylindrical portion 28 on the one end portion 16A side of the liner 16, and a nozzle portion (flow path) 34 is provided in the axial core portion of the nozzle member 32, and hydrogen gas in the liner 16 can flow out to the outside through the nozzle portion 34.

[0070] On the other end portion 16B side of the liner 16, a thermally-activated pressure relief device (TPRD) 84 is provided. When detecting the heat of a fire, in order to avoid the rupture of the high-pressure gas tank 12, the hydrogen gas in the high-pressure gas tank 12 is released (described later).

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a check valve 36, a tank-side connector 38, and a connection-side connector 14 are sequentially provided on the nozzle member 32 toward the outside of the liner 16 and coaxially with the nozzle portion 34, and the connection-side connector 14 is connected to the tank-side connector 38.

[0072] The base 18 is provided across a part of the axial direction of the nozzle member 32 and the tank-side connector 38. A gap 40 is provided in the radial direction of the base 18 between the base 18 and the nozzle member 32 and between the base 18 and the tank-side connector 38. Therefore, an adapter 42 connected to these members is provided in the gap 40, and a check valve 36 is provided at the axial center of the adapter 42.

[0073] Specifically, one end 18A of the base 18 in the axial direction is attached to the opening cylindrical part 28 of the liner 16. A female thread part 18B1 is formed on the other end 18B side of the base 18 in the axial direction, and a gap 40A is provided in the radial direction of the base 18 between it and the nozzle member 32.

[0074] One end 32A of the nozzle member 32 in the axial direction is mounted in the opening cylindrical part 28 of the liner 16, and the other end 32B of the nozzle member 32 in the axial direction is exposed from the liner 16. Also, the other end 32B of the nozzle member 32 is configured to face the base 18, and a male thread part 32B1 is formed on the other end 32B of the nozzle member 32 with the same pitch as the female thread part 18B1 formed on the base 18.

[0075] One end 42A of the adapter 42 in the axial direction is connected to the base 18 and the nozzle member 32, and a tank-side connector 38 is connected to the other end 42B of the adapter 42 in the axial direction. And a check valve 36 is provided at the central part of the adapter 42 in the axial direction.

[0076] On one end 42A of the adapter 42, a male thread part 42A1 that can be screwed into the female thread part 18B1 of the base 18 is formed on its outer peripheral surface. Also, on one end 42A of the adapter 42, a substantially cylindrical recess 44 to which the other end 32B of the nozzle member 32 can be connected is formed, and a female thread part 44A that can be screwed into the male thread part 32B1 of the nozzle member 32 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the recess 44 with the same pitch as the female thread part 18B1 formed on the base 18.

[0077] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, a mounting recess 52 communicating with the nozzle portion 34 is provided at the center of the outer end surface 32C of the nozzle member 32, and one axial end portion 36A of the check valve 36 is attached to the mounting recess 52.

[0078] Here, in the present embodiment, the check valve 36 includes an outer cylinder 54 forming an outer shape, an inner cylinder 56 housed in the outer cylinder 54 and movable along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 54, and provided with a valve body 58, and a contact member 60 with which the valve body 58 can come into contact and which enables the opening and closing of the valve body 58, and a spring 62 that biases the valve body 58 (inner cylinder 56) toward the contact member 60.

[0079] For example, in the present embodiment, the outer cylinder 54 has a cylindrical shape, the inner cylinder 56 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the bottom of the inner cylinder 56 serves as the valve body 58. In this case, although not shown, knurling is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 54, and a groove portion with which the knurling can be engaged is formed on the adapter 42 side, etc., so that the rotation of the outer cylinder 54 in the circumferential direction is suppressed. Of course, the outer cylinder 54 may have a rectangular tube shape. In this case, knurling is not required.

[0080] On the other hand, the valve body 58 has a substantially conical shape, and a cylindrical boss 64 projects from the tip along the axial direction of the check valve 36. The contact member 60 is formed in an annular shape, and the boss 64 is inserted through the axial center portion of the contact member 60 with a gap provided. On the inner edge portion of the contact member 60, a tapered surface 60A is formed so as to have the same angle as the tapered surface 58A formed on the valve body 58 with respect to the axis P of the liner 16 or a slightly smaller inclination angle.

[0081] Thus, even if there is a variation in the angle between the tapered surface 58A and the tapered surface 60A, the valve body 58 can be surely brought into contact with the contact member 60. And in a state where the tapered surface 58A of the valve body 58 is in contact with the tapered surface 60A of the contact member 60, the tip of the boss 64 is set to project more than the flush surface of the contact member 60.

[0082] Further, in the valve body 58, a plurality of through holes 66 penetrating in the thickness direction of the valve body 58 are formed along the circumferential direction of the valve body 58 on the radially outer side of the tapered surface 60A of the contact member 60. Through the through holes 66, the inside of the outer cylinder 54, the inside of the inner cylinder 56, and the nozzle portion 34 communicate with each other.

[0083] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, at one end portion 42A of the adapter 42, the wall portion 46 forming the recess 44 has a thickness that can enter the gap 40A. For example, with the check valve 36 attached to the nozzle member 32, the adapter 42 is rotated along its circumferential direction, and the male screw portion 42A1 of the adapter 42 is screwed into the female screw portion 18B1 of the base 18, and the female screw portion 44A of the adapter 42 is screwed into the male screw portion 32B1 of the nozzle member 32.

[0084] Thereby, with the check valve 36 accommodated in the axial center portion of the adapter 42, one end portion 42A of the adapter 42 is connected to the base 18 and the nozzle member 32. Further, on the other end portion 42B side of the adapter 42, an annular stopper 48 that can contact the outer end surface 18C of the base 18 is provided. The adapter 42 can rotate until the stopper 48 contacts the outer end surface 18C of the base 18.

[0085] On the other hand, on the other end portion 42B of the adapter 42, a substantially cylindrical recess 50 to which one axial end portion 38A of the tank-side connector 38 can be connected is formed. On the inner peripheral surface of the recess 50, a female screw portion 50A that can be screwed with the male screw portion 38A1 formed on one end portion 38A of the tank-side connector 38 is formed.

[0086] Therefore, when the tank-side connector 38 is rotated along its circumferential direction and the male screw portion 38A1 of the tank-side connector 38 is screwed into the female screw portion 50A of the adapter 42, one end portion 38A of the tank-side connector 38 is connected to the adapter 42. The tank-side connector 38 can rotate until the tip 38A1 on the one end portion 38A side of the tank-side connector 38 contacts the bottom surface 50B of the recess 50 of the adapter 42.

[0087] Here, the bottom surface 50B of the recess 50 of the adapter 42 and the contact member 60 are substantially flush. With one end 38A of the tank-side connector 38 in contact with the bottom surface 50B of the recess 50 of the adapter 42, the one end 38A of the tank-side connector 38 contacts the contact member 60. That is, with the one end 38A of the tank-side connector 38 in contact with the contact member 60, the check valve 36 will be accommodated in a predetermined position.

[0088] Then, a connection-side connector 14 is connected to the tank-side connector 38. The tank-side connector 38 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a concave portion 68 is formed inside. The concave portion 68 includes a small-diameter concave portion 68A provided on the one end 38A side of the tank-side connector 38 and a large-diameter concave portion 68B provided on the other end 38B side and having a larger diameter than the small-diameter concave portion 68A.

[0089] Furthermore, between the small-diameter concave portion 68A and the large-diameter concave portion 68B, a medium-diameter concave portion 68C having a larger diameter than the small-diameter concave portion 68A and a smaller diameter than the large-diameter concave portion 68B is provided. Between the medium-diameter concave portion 68C and the large-diameter concave portion 68B, a contact surface 68D formed along the radial direction is provided. And on the medium-diameter concave portion 68C side in the small-diameter concave portion 68A, a horizontal hole portion 38A2 penetrating in the radial direction is formed. Also, in the large-diameter concave portion 68B, a female screw portion 68B1 is formed.

[0090] On the other hand, the connection-side connector 14 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a convex portion 70 is formed. The convex portion 70 includes a small-diameter convex portion 70A that can be inserted into the small-diameter concave portion 68A of the tank-side connector 38 and a large-diameter convex portion 70B that can be coupled to the large-diameter concave portion 68B of the tank-side connector 38.

[0091] Furthermore, between the small-diameter convex portion 70A and the large-diameter convex portion 70B, a medium-diameter convex portion 70C that is larger in diameter than the small-diameter convex portion 70A and smaller in diameter than the large-diameter convex portion 70B is provided. Between the medium-diameter convex portion 70C and the large-diameter convex portion 70B, a contact surface 70D that is formed along the radial direction and can contact the surface 68D to be contacted is provided. And on the large-diameter convex portion 70B, a male screw portion 70B1 that can be screwed into the female screw portion 68B1 formed in the large-diameter concave portion 68B is formed.

[0092] Here, a flow path 72 is provided in the axial center portion of the connection-side connector 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path 72 is configured to include a main flow portion 72A, a rectifying portion 72B, and a branch portion 72C. The branch portion 72C is provided on the tip side of the connection-side connector 14.

[0093] On the tip side of the connection-side connector 14, a conical portion 74 formed in a substantially conical shape is provided, and a plurality of branch portions 72C are formed from the conical portion 74 toward the axial center. The hydrogen gas flowing in from the branch portion 72 joins and is rectified in the rectifying portion 72B, and is guided to the main flow portion 72A through the rectifying portion 72B.

[0094] Also, a cylindrical boss 76 protrudes from the tip of the conical portion 74, and the boss 76 can contact a boss 64 provided on the valve body 58 of the check valve 36 (see FIG. 5). On the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter convex portion 70A, a groove portion 78 is formed along the circumferential direction on the conical portion 74 side of the small-diameter convex portion 70A, which is smaller in diameter than the horizontal hole portion 38A2.

[0095] An O-ring 80 and a backup ring 82 are fitted into the groove portion 78. By pressing the O-ring 80 and the backup ring 82 against the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter concave portion 68A of the tank-side connector 38, the gap generated between the small-diameter convex portion 70A of the connection-side connector 14 and the small-diameter concave portion 68A of the tank-side connector 38 is sealed.

[0096] Further, in the present embodiment, when the boss 76 provided at the tip of the connection-side connector 14 is pressed in a direction against the biasing force of the spring 62 from the state of abutting against the boss 64 provided at the tip of the check valve 36, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 58 separates from the abutting member 60. As a result, a gap is provided between the valve body 58 and the abutting member 60, and the valve body 58 is in a so-called open state.

[0097] Then, as shown in FIG. 4, in the state where the abutting surface 70D of the connection-side connector 14 abuts against the surface 68D to be abutted of the tank-side connector 38, the connection-side connector 14 is in a state of being completely coupled to the tank-side connector 38 (complete coupling state).

[0098] Here, let the movement amount of the valve body 58 when moving from the state where the valve body 58 is closed (see FIG. 3) to the open state (see FIG. 5) be (a). Further, in the complete coupling state shown in FIG. 4, let the separation distance between the O-ring 80 pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter recess 68A of the tank-side connector 38 and the peripheral edge of the small-diameter recess 68A be (b), and let the separation distance between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 be (d).

[0099] Furthermore, let the dimension of the female screw portion 68B1 formed in the large-diameter recess 68B of the tank-side connector 38 be (c). The dimension (c) of this female screw portion 68B1 is the movement amount of the connection-side connector 14 from the coupling state where the connection-side connector 14 is completely coupled to the tank-side connector 38 until the coupling is released.

[0100] Note that the movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 here corresponds to the "movement amount of the connection-side connector until the valve body before being closed opens" described in claim 3. The movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 here corresponds to the "movement amount of the connection-side connector until the valve body before being closed opens" described in claim 3.

[0101] Also, the separation distance (b) between the O-ring 80 and the peripheral edge of the small-diameter recess 68A corresponds to the "movement amount of the connection-side connector in which the state of being sealed between the concave portion by the sealing member is maintained" described in claim 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the separation distance (d) between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 corresponds to the "separation distance between the seal member and the lateral hole portion along the axial direction of the tank body in the fully coupled state of the convex portion and the concave portion" described in claim 4.

[0103] Also, the dimension (c) of the female screw portion 68B1 formed in the large-diameter concave portion 68B of the tank-side connector 38 corresponds to the "amount of movement of the connection-side connector until the convex portion is completely coupled after being coupled to the concave portion" described in claim 3 or the "amount of movement of the connection-side connector from the fully coupled state of the convex portion to the concave portion to the decoupled state" described in claim 4.

[0104] And in the present embodiment, the separation distance (b) between the O-ring 80 pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter concave portion 68A of the tank-side connector 38 and the periphery of the small-diameter concave portion 68A, that is, the section (b) where the space between the small-diameter concave portion 68A of the tank-side connector 38 and the small-diameter convex portion 70A of the connection-side connector 14 is sealed by the O-ring 80, is set to be larger than the movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 and smaller than the dimension (c) of the female screw portion 68B1 formed in the large-diameter concave portion 68B of the tank-side connector 38 (a < b < c).

[0105] Also, the separation distance (d) between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 is set to be larger than the movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 and smaller than the separation distance (b) between the O-ring 80 and the periphery of the small-diameter concave portion 68A (a < d < b).

[0106] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, the TPRD 84 is provided on the other end portion 16B side of the liner 16 as described above. Specifically, an opening cylindrical portion 30 is formed at the other end portion 16B of the liner 16, and a base 20 is provided on the outer side in the radial direction of the opening cylindrical portion 30. One end portion 20A side in the axial direction of this base 20 is attached to the opening cylindrical portion 30 of the liner 16, and a female screw portion 20B1 is formed on the other end portion 20B side in the axial direction of the base 20.

[0107] Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, on the inner peripheral surface side of the base 20 including a part of the opening cylinder portion 30, a fixed member 86 having a substantially cylindrical shape is provided. A male screw portion 86A1 that can be screwed into the female screw portion 20B1 is formed at the central portion 86A in the axial direction of the fixed member 86. By screwing the male screw portion 86A1 into the female screw portion 20B1 of the base 20, the fixed member 86 is attached to the base 20.

[0108] Further, an annular stopper 88 is provided protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the fixed member 86. The stopper 88 is configured to be able to contact the outer end surface 20C of the base 20, and the fixed member 86 is rotatable until the stopper 88 contacts the outer end surface 20C of the base 20.

[0109] In addition, a flow path 90 is provided in the axial center portion of the fixed member 86, and through this flow path 90, the hydrogen gas in the liner 16 can flow out to the outside. Further, an annular groove portion 92 is formed at one end portion 86B in the axial direction of the fixed member 86. An O-ring 94 and a backup ring 96 are fitted into this groove portion 92. By pressing the O-ring 94 and the backup ring 96 against the inner peripheral surface of the opening cylinder portion 30 at the other end portion 16B of the liner 16, the space between the opening cylinder portion 30 and the fixed member 86 is sealed.

[0110] On the other hand, a concave portion 98 that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the liner 16 is formed at the other end portion 86C in the axial direction of the fixed member 86. A communication path 100 penetrates from the inner peripheral surface 98A in the concave portion 98 to the outer peripheral surface 86C1 at the other end portion 86C in the axial direction of the fixed member 86 along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixed member 86.

[0111] A substantially cylindrical TPRD 84 is attached to the concave portion 98. For example, an internal thread portion 98A1 is formed in the concave portion 98. On the other hand, an external thread portion 84A that can be screwed into the internal thread portion 98A1 is formed on the TPRD 84. By screwing the external thread portion 84A into the internal thread portion 98A1 of the concave portion 98, the TPRD 84 is attached to the concave portion 98.

[0112] Also, a valve body (not shown) is provided on the TPRD 84 along the axial direction of the TPRD 84. The valve body is movable along the axial direction of the TPRD 84. When the hydrogen gas filled in the high-pressure gas tank 12 expands due to the temperature rise around the high-pressure gas tank 12, the valve body moves outward along the axial direction of the liner 16 toward the outside of the liner 16.

[0113] By the movement of the valve body, the flow path 90 of the fixing member 86 and the communication path 100 can be communicated. In a state where the flow path 90 of the fixing member 86 and the communication path 100 are communicated, the hydrogen gas in the high-pressure gas tank 12 can be discharged (ejected) to the outside.

[0114] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B), a ring 102 that abuts against the stopper 88 and is formed in a cylindrical shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the other end portion 86C in the axial direction of the fixing member 86. An annular groove portion 103 is formed at the central portion in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102. This groove portion 103 can be communicated with the communication path 100, and due to this groove portion 103, a gap 104 is provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. Note that the ring 102 is rotatable along the circumferential direction of the fixing member 86.

[0115] Here, a nut 106 is fastened to the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the other end portion 86C in the axial direction of the fixing member 86 on the outer side in the axial direction of the high-pressure gas tank 12 rather than the ring 102. By this nut 106, the ring 102 is restricted from moving along the axial direction with respect to the fixing member 86.

[0116] In addition, the ring 102 is provided with a jet outlet 102C that penetrates from the inner peripheral surface 102A to the outer peripheral surface 102B of the ring 102. That is, the jet outlet 102C can communicate with the communication passage 100 through a gap 104 provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86.

[0117] On the other hand, O-rings 108 and 110 are provided between the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. The O-ring 108 is provided between the ring 102 and the stopper 88, and the O-ring 110 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. When the O-rings 108 and 110 are pressed into contact, the space between the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 is sealed on both sides of the groove portion 103 along the axial direction of the ring 102. However, the O-rings 108 and 110 are not necessarily required.

[0118] (Operation and Effect of High-Pressure Gas Tank Connection Structure) Next, the operation and effect of the high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 2, in the high-pressure gas tank connection structure 10 of the present embodiment, a liner 16, a tank-side connector 38, a connection-side connector 14, and a valve body 58 are provided. The tank-side connector 38 has a cylindrical shape, is arranged on the axis P of the liner 16, and is attached to the base 18. A concave portion 68 that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the liner 16 is formed.

[0120] The connection-side connector 14 is sealed with the tank-side connector 38 and is movable along the axial direction of the liner 16 with respect to the tank-side connector 38. Further, the connection-side connector 14 is formed with a convex portion 70 that can be coupled to the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38 side.

[0121] The valve body 58 is provided deeper in the axial direction of the liner 16 than the tank-side connector 38 and is biased toward the connection-side connector 14. When the valve body 58 is pressed by the tip of the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 in a state where the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38, the valve body 58 is released from the closed state, and the inside and outside of the liner 16 are communicated with each other.

[0122] Thus, in the present embodiment, the valve body 58 is provided deeper in the axial direction of the liner 16 than the connection-side connector 14, and the valve body 58 is not provided outside the liner 16. Therefore, although not shown, compared with the case where the valve body 58 is provided outside the liner 16, for example, the high-pressure gas tank 12 can be easily connected via the connection-side connector 14 connected to the fuel stack as a supply member constituting a part of the tank module (not shown).

[0123] Further, in the present embodiment, when the valve body 58 biased toward the connection-side connector 14 in a state where the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38 is pressed against the biasing force that biases the valve body 58 toward the connection-side connector 14 by the tip of the convex portion 70, the valve body 58 is released from the closed state.

[0124] Conversely, when the valve body 58 is not pressed by the tip of the convex portion 70 in a state where the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38, the valve body 58 will maintain the closed state.

[0125] Thus, by making it possible to close the valve body 58 in a state where the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the tank-side connector 38, leakage of gas in the liner 16 can be suppressed. Further, by opening the valve body 58 in a state where the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the tank-side connector 38, detachment of the liner 16 can be suppressed.

[0126] In addition, in the present embodiment, with the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 coupled to the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38, the connection-side connector 14 is movable along the axial direction of the liner 16 with respect to the tank-side connector 38.

[0127] Furthermore, an O-ring 80 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter convex portion 70A formed on the connection-side connector 14, and the O-ring 80 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter concave portion 68A formed on the tank-side connector 38 to seal between the small-diameter convex portion 70A and the small-diameter concave portion 68A.

[0128] Here, with the valve body 58 opened by the tip of the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14 closed, the state where the O-ring 80 seals between the small-diameter convex portion 70A and the small-diameter concave portion 68A formed on the tank-side connector 38 is maintained. Thereby, in a state where the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the tank-side connector 38 and the valve body 58 is closed, it is possible to suppress the leakage of gas in the liner 16.

[0129] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector 14 in a state where sealing is maintained between the O-ring 80 and the small-diameter concave portion 68A formed on the tank-side connector 38 is larger than the movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 pressed and closed by the tip of the convex portion 70 formed on the connection-side connector 14, and is set to be smaller than the movement amount of the connection-side connector 14 from when the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the tank-side connector 38 until it reaches the fully coupled state (see FIG. 4), that is, the dimension (c) of the female screw portion 68B1 formed in the large-diameter concave portion 68B of the tank-side connector 38 (a < b < c).

[0130] Thereby, after the connection-side connector 14 is coupled to the tank-side connector 38 and sealed between the O-ring 80 and the concave portion 68 formed on the tank-side connector 38, the tip of the convex portion 70 of the connection-side connector 14 presses the valve body 58 and the valve body 58 is opened.

[0131] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the leakage of hydrogen gas when the valve body 58 is opened. That is, in the present embodiment, since the valve body 58 is opened in a state where the connection-side connector 14 and the tank-side connector 38 are sealed by the O-ring 80, the leakage of gas in the liner 16 can be suppressed.

[0132] Further, in the present embodiment, in the concave portion 68 formed in the tank-side connector 38, a lateral hole portion 38A2 that communicates with the outside in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the liner 16 penetrates at a position separated from the valve body 58 more than the O-ring 80. That is, through the lateral hole portion 38A2, the inside of the concave portion 68 formed in the tank-side connector 38 communicates with the outside.

[0133] Here, the separation distance (d) between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 along the axial direction of the liner 16 is larger than the movement amount (a) of the valve body 58 that is pressed and closed by the tip of the convex portion 70 formed in the connection-side connector 14, and is smaller than the movement amount (b) of the connection-side connector 14 in a state where sealing is maintained between the O-ring 80 and the small-diameter concave portion 68A formed in the tank-side connector 38 (a < d < b).

[0134] Accordingly, when the connection-side connector 14 coupled to the tank-side connector 38 is moved in a direction to release the coupled state along the axial direction of the liner 16, first, the tip of the convex portion 70 of the connection-side connector 14 is separated from the valve body 58, and the valve body 58 changes from the open state to the closed state.

[0135] The movement amount (a) of the connection-side connector 14 at this time is smaller than the separation distance (d) between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 along the axial direction of the liner 16. For this reason, in a state where the valve body 58 is closed, the sealed state between the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter convex portion 70A formed in the connection-side connector 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter concave portion 68A formed in the tank-side connector 38 is maintained by the O-ring 80.

[0136] From this state, when the connection-side connector 14 is further moved in a direction to release the coupled state along the axial direction of the liner 16, the O-ring 80 passes through the lateral hole portion 38A2. As a result, the hydrogen gas staying in the concave portion 68 flows out to the outside through the lateral hole portion 38A2, and the pressure in the concave portion 68 is released.

[0137] Here, the separation distance (d) between the O-ring 80 and the lateral hole portion 38A2 is smaller than the movement amount (c) of the connection-side connector 14 from the fully coupled state (see FIG. 4) of the connection-side connector 14 with respect to the tank-side connector 38 to the released state.

[0138] Therefore, when the pressure in the concave portion 68 is released through the lateral hole portion 38A2, the connection-side connector 14 is in a state of being coupled to the tank-side connector 38. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the high-pressure gas tank 12 when releasing the pressure in the concave portion 68 through the lateral hole portion 38A2. Further, it is possible to suppress the O-ring 80 from being pushed out of the groove portion 78 by the pressure.

[0139] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the check valve 36 is provided on the one-end portion 16A side of the liner 16, and the TPRD 84 is provided on the other-end portion 16B side of the liner 16. Thus, in the present embodiment, in the high-pressure gas tank 12, the TPRD 84 is provided on the opposite side of the valve body 58 for supplying hydrogen gas. Thereby, although not shown, compared with the case where the valve body 58 and the TPRD 84 are provided on the one-end portion 16A side of the liner 16, in the present embodiment, the structure of the high-pressure gas tank 12 can be simplified.

[0140] Further, when the check valve 36 and the TPRD 84 are provided on the one-end portion 16A side of the liner 16, since the TPRD 84 is provided outside the check valve 36, it becomes difficult to secure a space for the TPRD 84, and as a result, the internal volume of the liner 16 is reduced.

[0141] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the check valve 36 is provided on the one-end portion 16A side of the liner 16, By providing the TPRD 84 on the other end 16B side of the liner 16, it is possible to form the high-pressure gas tank 12 more reasonably while ensuring the internal volume of the liner 16.

[0142] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a cylindrical fixing member 86 is attached to the other end 16B side of the liner 16. A concave portion 98 that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the liner 16 is formed in the fixing member 86, and the TPRD 84 is attached to the concave portion 98. A female screw portion 98A1 is formed in the concave portion 98, and a male screw portion 84A is formed in the TPRD 84. Therefore, the TPRD 84 is attached to the concave portion 98 by screwing the male screw portion 84A formed in the TPRD 84 into the female screw portion 98A1 formed in the concave portion 98.

[0143] Here, a communication passage 100 that penetrates from the inner peripheral surface 98A of the concave portion 98 to the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing member 86 is provided in the concave portion 98. When high-pressure gas is released, the communication passage 100 communicates the flow path 90 of the fixing member 86 with the communication passage 100 by a valve body (not shown) provided in the TPRD 84, enabling communication between the inside 15 and the outside 17 of the liner 16.

[0144] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B), a ring 102 that forms a gap 104 with respect to the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 is provided on the fixing member 86. A jet outlet 102C is formed in the ring 102. The jet outlet 102C penetrates from the inner peripheral surface 102A to the outer peripheral surface 102B of the ring 102 and is communicable with the communication passage 100 through the gap 104 provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86.

[0145] As described above, in the present embodiment, a communication passage 100 is formed in the concave portion 98 of the fixing member 86, and an outlet 102C that can communicate with the communication passage 100 through the gap 104 is formed in the ring 102 that forms a gap 104 with the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. When high-pressure gas is discharged, the high-pressure gas is ejected from the outlet 102C formed in the ring 102 through the gap 104 after passing through the flow path 90 and the communication passage 100 of the fixing member 86.

[0146] Generally, although not shown in the drawings, the safety valve is integrated with the outlet through which the high-pressure gas is ejected and is fixed to the high-pressure gas tank. As described above, since the TPRD is screwed and attached to the high-pressure gas tank, the position of the TPRD may shift in the circumferential direction of the high-pressure gas tank due to variations. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank, the outlet may be in a direction different from the expected direction. In that case, it becomes necessary to change the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank according to the orientation of the outlet, which is troublesome work.

[0147] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a gap 104 is provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. For this reason, the high-pressure gas discharged from the flow path 90 on the axial center side of the fixing member 86 through the communication passage 100 can be ejected from the outlet 102C through the gap 104 even if the position of the outlet 102C formed in the ring 102 and the position of the communication passage 100 formed in the fixing member 86 do not face each other, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7(B).

[0148] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), in the present embodiment, a gap 104 is provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86, and the ring 102 is rotatable along its circumferential direction with respect to the fixing member 86. Therefore, the position of the outlet 102C can be changed by rotating the ring 102 along the circumferential direction of the fixing member 86 according to the mounting position of the liner 16. Thereby, in the present embodiment, operations such as rotating and mounting the liner 16 along the circumferential direction according to the position of the outlet 102C from which the high-pressure gas is ejected become unnecessary, and workability is improved.

[0149] Also, in the present embodiment, a nut 106 is provided outside the ring 102 along the axial direction of the liner 16, and the ring 102 is fixed to the fixing member 86 by the nut 106. In this way, by fixing the ring 102 with the nut 106 to the fixing member 86, for example, although not shown in the drawings, compared with the case where the ring 102 is fixed to the fixing member 86 by welding or the like, in the present embodiment, the ring 102 can be fixed to the fixing member 86 with a simple operation. Further, in the present embodiment, after the ring 102 is fixed to the fixing member 86, the position of the ring 102 can also be changed.

[0150] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an annular groove portion 103 is recessed in the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102, and thereby a gap 104 is provided between the ring 102 and the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. That is, both sides of the groove portion 103 along the axial direction of the ring 102 are made capable of abutting against the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86. For this reason, in a state where the ring 102 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86, the movement of the ring 102 along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing member 86 is restricted. Thereby, the displacement between the axial center of the fixing member 86 and the axial center of the ring 102 can be suppressed.

[0151] Note that, in the present embodiment, the case where the ring 102 is formed in a cylindrical shape has been described. However, when ejecting high-pressure gas, it is sufficient if it can be ejected from the ejection port 102C formed in the ring 102 through the gap 104 provided between the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 and the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102 via the flow path 90 and the communication path 100 of the fixing member 86, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0152] For example, although not shown in the drawings, the cross-sectional shape along the axial direction may form an inverted L shape, and may be shaped such that it can abut against the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 on the outer side in the axial direction of the liner 16 rather than the portion facing the communication passage 100 formed in the fixing member 86. Further, an O-ring may be provided between the outer peripheral surface 86C1 of the fixing member 86 and the inner peripheral surface 102A of the ring 102 to form a gap that can communicate with the communication passage 100.

[0153] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a protector 26 is provided outside the liner 16, and an air layer or a heat insulating layer is formed between the liner 16 and the protector 26. Thereby, in the high-pressure gas tank 12, it is possible to obtain a heat insulating effect and a shock absorbing effect. Note that depending on the specifications of the high-pressure gas tank 12, this protector 26 is not always necessary.

[0154] Also, in the present embodiment, a female screw portion 68B1 is formed on the tank-side connector 38 and a male screw portion 70B1 is formed on the connection-side connector 14, and the connection-side connector 14 is screwed into the tank-side connector 38 so that the connection-side connector 14 can be moved along the axial direction of the tank-side connector 38.

[0155] However, as long as the connection-side connector 14 can be moved along the axial direction of the tank-side connector 38 and the connection-side connector 14 can be coupled to the tank-side connector 38, it is not limited to this. For example, although not shown in the drawings, a lever type in which the connection-side connector 14 is slid along the axial direction of the tank-side connector 38 by rotating a lever provided on the connection-side connector 14 may be applied.

[0156] Also, the gas filled in the liner 16 is not limited to hydrogen. For example, gases such as helium and nitrogen can also be filled in the liner 16. Further, the reinforcing layer 22 may be made of a fiber-reinforced resin (FRP) and is not limited to being made of a carbon fiber-reinforced resin (CFRP).

[0157] <Supplementary matters of the present embodiment> (Configuration 1) A fixing member formed in a cylindrical shape and attached to one end side in the axial direction of the tank body, with a thermally actuated safety valve attached to a recess formed to be recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body; a communication passage that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the recess along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing member in the recess and through which the inside and outside of the tank body communicate with each other by a safety valve provided on the thermally actuated safety valve when high-pressure gas is discharged; a ring that is attached with a gap provided with respect to the outer surface of the fixing member and is restricted from moving along the axial direction with respect to the fixing member; and a jet port formed in the ring and penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the ring and enabling communication between the communication passage and the outside through the gap. A high-pressure gas tank having these components.

[0158] That is, in this configuration, on the other end side in the axial direction of the tank body, without being particularly limited, for example, the tank-side connector 38, the connection-side connector 14, the check valve 36, etc. described in the above embodiment are not necessarily required.

[0159] Generally, a safety valve is integrated with a jet port through which high-pressure gas jets out and is fixed to a high-pressure gas tank. For this reason, depending on the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank, the jet port may be different from the expected orientation. In that case, it is necessary to change the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank according to the orientation of the jet port, and there is a problem that the work is troublesome. The high-pressure gas tank in Configuration 1 aims to solve this problem.

[0160] In the high-pressure gas tank in Configuration 1, a communication passage is formed in the recess of the fixing member, and a jet port that can communicate with the communication passage through the gap is formed in a ring provided with a gap between the outer surface of the fixing member. Thereby, in the present invention, when high-pressure gas is discharged, the high-pressure gas jets out from the jet port formed in the ring through the gap after passing through the communication passage from the flow path on the axial center side of the cylindrical fixing member.

[0161] That is, in the present invention, by providing a gap between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member, high-pressure gas discharged from the flow path on the axial center side of the fixing member through the communication path can be ejected from the ejection port through the gap even if the position of the ejection port formed in the ring and the position of the communication path formed in the fixing member do not face each other.

[0162] Here, the ring is allowed to move along the circumferential direction with respect to the fixing member. That is, in the present invention, since the position of the ejection port can be changed by rotating the ring along the circumferential direction of the fixing member according to the mounting position of the tank body, it is not necessary to change the orientation of the high-pressure gas tank according to the orientation of the ejection port, and the workability is improved.

[0163] (Configuration 2) A high-pressure gas tank provided with a nut for fixing the ring to the fixing member outside the ring in the axial direction of the tank body.

[0164] In the high-pressure gas tank according to Configuration 2, a nut is provided outside the ring in the axial direction of the tank body, and the ring is fixed to the fixing member by the nut. In this way, by fixing the ring to the fixing member with a nut, for example, compared with the case of fixing the ring to the fixing member by crimping the ring with claws or fixing the ring to the fixing member by welding, the ring can be fixed to the fixing member with a simple operation, and after fixing the ring to the fixing member, the position of the ring can also be changed.

[0165] (Configuration 3) A high-pressure gas tank in which the gap is formed by an annular groove recessed in the inner surface of the ring.

[0166] In the high-pressure gas tank in Configuration 3, an annular groove is recessed on the inner surface of the ring, whereby a gap is provided between the ring and the outer surface of the fixing member. That is, both sides of the groove along the axial direction of the ring are capable of abutting against the outer surface of the fixing member. For this reason, in a state where the ring abuts against the outer surface of the fixing member, the ring is restricted from moving along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing member, and thereby, displacement between the axial center of the fixing member and the axial center of the ring can be suppressed.

[0167] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented within the scope not departing from the gist thereof other than the above-described embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0168] 10 High-pressure gas tank connection structure 12 High-pressure gas tank 14 Connection-side connector 15 Inside (inside the tank body) 16 Liner (tank body) 16A One end portion (one end portion in the axial direction of the tank body) 16B The other end portion (the other end portion in the axial direction of the tank body) 17 Outside (outside the tank body) 18 Base 20 Base 26 Protector 28 Opening cylinder portion (first opening cylinder portion) 30 Opening cylinder portion (second opening cylinder portion) 32 Nozzle member 36 Check valve (valve body) 38 Tank-side connector 38A2 Lateral hole portion 58 Valve body 68 Concave portion 68A Small-diameter concave portion (concave portion) 70 Convex portion 70A Small-diameter convex portion (convex portion) 80 O-ring (sealing member) 84 TPRD (thermal-operated safety valve) 86 Fixed member 86C1 Outer peripheral surface (outer surface of the fixed member) 90 Flow path 98 Recess 98A Inner peripheral surface (inner surface of the recess) 100 Communication path 102 Ring 102A Inner peripheral surface (inner surface of the ring) 102B Outer peripheral surface (outer surface of the ring) 102C Jet outlet 103 Groove portion 104 Gap 106 Nut

Claims

1. A tank body having a cylindrical shape, provided with a first open cylindrical portion that forms a cylinder and is communicable with the outside at least at one end portion in the axial direction, and a cylindrical base is attached to the first open cylindrical portion, and the inside is filled with high-pressure gas; A cylindrical tank-side connector disposed on the axis of the tank body, attached to the base, and having a concave portion that is recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body; A connection-side connector connected to a supply member to which the high-pressure gas is supplied, having a convex portion that can be coupled to the concave portion, sealed between the connection-side connector and the tank-side connector, and movable along the axial direction of the tank body with respect to the tank-side connector; A valve body provided further back in the axial direction of the tank body than the tank-side connector, biased toward the connection-side connector, and opened from a closed state and communicating the inside and outside of the tank body when pressed by the tip of the convex portion in a state where the convex portion is coupled to the concave portion; Comprising; On the outer surface of the convex portion, a sealing member is provided that contacts the inner surface of the concave portion and seals between the convex portion and the concave portion; The valve body is pressed and opened in a state where the convex portion and the concave portion are sealed by the sealing member; In addition, the moving amount of the connection-side connector in a state where it is sealed with the concave portion by the sealing member is larger than the moving amount of the connection-side connector until the closed valve body is opened, and is smaller than the moving amount of the connection-side connector from when the convex portion is coupled to the concave portion until it reaches a fully coupled state where it is completely coupled. It is set as follows; Furthermore, in the concave portion, a lateral hole portion that communicates with the outside in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the tank body penetrates at a position separated from the valve body more than the sealing member; The separation distance between the sealing member and the lateral hole portion along the axial direction of the tank body in the fully coupled state of the convex portion and the concave portion is larger than the moving amount of the connection-side connector until the closed valve body is opened, and is smaller than the moving amount of the connection-side connector in a state where it is sealed with the concave portion by the sealing member. A high-pressure gas tank connection structure that is set as follows.

2. The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 1, wherein a second open cylindrical portion capable of communicating with the outside is provided at the other axial end of the tank body, and a thermally actuated safety valve for discharging the high-pressure gas in the tank body when detecting a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature is provided in the second open cylindrical portion.

3. A fixed member having a cylindrical shape and attached to the other axial end side of the tank body, and the thermally actuated safety valve is attached to a recess formed to be recessed inward along the axial direction of the tank body. A communication passage that penetrates from the inner surface of the recess to the outer surface of the fixed member along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixed member in the recess, and the inside and outside of the tank body communicate with each other by a safety valve provided in the thermally actuated safety valve when the high-pressure gas is discharged. A ring provided on the outer surface of the fixed member, with a gap formed between the ring and the outer surface of the fixed member to be communicable with the communication passage, and the ring is movable along the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed member and immovable along the axial direction with respect to the fixed member. An ejection port formed in the ring and penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the ring, and enabling communication between the communication passage and the outside through the gap. The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 3, wherein a nut for fixing the ring to the fixed member is provided outside the ring in the axial direction of the tank body.

5. The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the gap is formed by an annular groove recessed in the inner surface of the ring.

6. The high-pressure gas tank connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a protector for forming an air layer or a heat insulating layer is provided outside the tank body between the tank body and the protector.

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