Tank container system, and system for accommodating such a tank container system

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank container system (100), in particular for pressure tank containers and very particularly for high-pressure tank containers for storing a gaseous fuel for driving a vehicle. The invention also relates to a system for accommodating such a tank container system. According to a first aspect, the stated problem is solved by a tank container system (100) for mounting on a vehicle, which tank container system comprises a first and a second carrier (110, 120), wherein the first and the second carrier (110, 120) comprise brackets (131, 132) for a tank container (150), wherein the brackets (131, 132) are each provided in pairs, wherein a first bracket (131) of each bracket pair is located on the first carrier (110) and a second bracket (132) of each bracket pair is located on the second carrier (120), wherein each bracket pair comprises a floating bearing (135) and a fixed bearing (136). The brackets (131, 132) are designed to be interchangeable, wherein the first carrier (110) and the second carrier (120) each comprise a device (111, 121) in which the first bracket (131) and the second bracket (132) are mounted so as to be displaceable and fixable in the longitudinal direction of the associated carrier (110, 120).

Description

[0001] 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO September 2, 2025

[0002] 1

[0003] Tank container system and system for accommodating such a tank container system

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] The invention relates to a tank system, in particular for pressure tanks and especially for high-pressure tanks for storing a gaseous fuel for powering a vehicle. The invention further relates to a system for accommodating such a tank system, a vehicle with such a tank system, and a method for equipping the vehicle with such a tank system.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] In recent years, interest in the use of alternative fuels in the automotive industry has increased dramatically. As a result, more and more vehicles powered by gaseous fuels such as natural gas, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), or hydrogen are entering the market. In particular, the use of non-fossil energy carriers, primarily hydrogen produced from water via electrolysis, for example, has become a major focus. This applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, especially commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, and light commercial vehicles (also known as vans), construction equipment, and rail vehicles, as well as watercraft, aircraft, and spacecraft.The vehicle can be powered by a hydrogen combustion engine or electrically, with the electrical current for the electric motor being generated from the hydrogen carried on board via a fuel cell.

[0008] In the prior art, it is known, for example, for hydrogen-powered buses, especially single-deckers, to place a tank system on the roof of the bus. If, for example, a double-decker bus with such a roof-mounted tank system would become too tall, the tank system can also be mounted elsewhere, for example, under the floor or at the rear of the vehicle. Such a hydrogen tank system can, for example, include the actual H2 tank modules, i.e., one or, more commonly, several pressurized tanks, also in various sizes, a valve box with, for example, filters, electric valves, pressure reducers, mechanical valves, a tank control unit with wiring harness, a refueling unit, and a filling station interface unit. To achieve the required range between necessary refueling stops, it is necessary to store larger quantities of hydrogen, for example, 1,600 l to 2,560 l or more.This usually requires carrying several pressure tank containers, and even with single-decker buses, the overall height should be as low as possible. Such single-decker buses will be designated 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO on September 2, 2025.

[0009] 2. These systems are widely used in public transport and must, for example, also navigate low underpasses. Furthermore, there is a requirement for such a tank system to be as lightweight as possible. On the one hand, the empty weight of the vehicle in operation, and thus its energy consumption, should be as low as possible; on the other hand, the center of gravity, at least for land and sea vehicles, should be as low as possible to increase driving stability. Therefore, especially for a tank system positioned on the roof of a vehicle, the tank system's own weight must be as low as possible.

[0010] Currently used cylindrical high-pressure vessels have a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced composite material, consisting of fibers embedded in a matrix material. This outer layer is wound onto an inner vessel (the liner) of the high-pressure vessel, which acts as the winding core, using a winding process. While the inner vessel ensures, for example, the gas tightness of the high-pressure vessel, the fiber-reinforced composite layer provides the necessary mechanical stability. In Type III high-pressure vessels, the liner is made of metal, such as an aluminum alloy, while in Type IV high-pressure vessels, the liner is made of plastic and therefore has an even lower weight.

[0011] The maximum operating pressure, particularly when filling a high-pressure tank or high-pressure tank system with hydrogen, can vary depending on the application, ranging from 200 to 1200 bar, typically between 350 bar for commercial vehicles and 700 bar for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles usually have more space available for a tank system, allowing for a larger tank volume and ensuring sufficient hydrogen reserves for adequate ranges between refueling stops, even at the lower internal tank pressure. A high-pressure tank system consists of multiple individual high-pressure tanks, which are typically filled from a common main line, thus maintaining the same internal pressure in all of them.

[0012] US Patent 10,864,859 B2 discloses a carrier system for pressure tank containers for mounting on the rear of a commercial vehicle, particularly a refuse collection vehicle. Multiple pressure tank containers can be mounted in the carrier system, and their central axes do not need to be in the same plane, but can conform to, for example, a curved rear section. 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO September 2, 2025

[0013] 3

[0014] German patent DE 102 06 502 C1 discloses a pressurized gas tank with multiple containers. To minimize leakage problems and high costs due to high system complexity, a common shut-off valve for all gas containers is proposed, wherein the extraction parts have openings that project into a connecting rail, a support rail and the connecting rail forming a retaining frame for the gas containers.

[0015] Hydrogen tank systems, for example in the bus sector, are ordered in small batches, usually between 1 and 50 systems per lot. Although the system architectures for the various applications are very similar, a common design cannot be achieved due to differing customer requirements in detail. Current designs are implemented as custom-made metal frames, mostly made of steel. Small production runs and individual customer requirements drive up system costs in terms of unit price and administration, as well as the lead time from the start of design to the start of production.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to improve upon the state of the art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a tank system, especially for pressure tanks and particularly for high-pressure tanks, for storing a gaseous fuel for powering a vehicle, which is flexibly designed and minimizes costs and lead time even for small production runs. The invention further relates to a system for accommodating such a tank system, a vehicle with such a tank system, and a method for equipping the vehicle with such a tank system.

[0018] In its first aspect, the problem is solved by a tank container system for mounting on a vehicle, comprising a tank container, a first and a second support, wherein the first and the second support have brackets for a tank container, the brackets being arranged in pairs, with a first bracket of each pair of brackets located on the first support and a second bracket of each pair of brackets located on the second support, each pair of brackets having a floating bearing and a fixed bearing. The brackets are interchangeable, wherein the first support and the second support each have a device in which the first bracket and the second bracket are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the respective support, and the first bracket and the second bracket can be fixed at any desired position in the longitudinal direction of the respective support. 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025

[0019] 4

[0020] The following terms should be explained in this context:

[0021] It should first be expressly noted that, within the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and numerical terms such as "one," "two," etc., are generally to be understood as "at least" specifications, i.e., "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is expressly clear from the respective context, or it is obvious or technically necessary for a person skilled in the art, that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., can be meant. Furthermore, all numerical specifications, as well as specifications relating to process parameters and / or device parameters, are to be understood in a technical sense, i.e., as including the usual tolerances. Even the explicit indication of the limitation "at least" or "at least," etc., should not lead to the conclusion that the simple use of "one," i.e., without the indication of "at least," etc., implies "exactly one."

[0022] A tank system, as defined here, is a system comprising at least one tank mounted in a bracket on a support system with at least two rail-shaped supports, wherein the tank system is mountable on a vehicle. The vehicle may be a land, sea, or air vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be a commercial vehicle for passenger transport, especially a single-decker bus, wherein the tank system is mountable on the roof of the single-decker bus. A tank, as defined here, is any container suitable for receiving and dispensing a fuel, wherein the tank is refillable. In particular, the tank is designed as a pressure vessel, especially a high-pressure vessel, for receiving a gaseous fuel, for example, hydrogen.Hydrogen for use as fuel in a vehicle can be burned in an internal combustion engine or, for example, converted into electricity via a fuel station, which can then be used to power an electric motor to drive the vehicle.

[0023] For the purposes of this document, a pressure vessel is understood to be any closed or closable container with an internal volume in which a fluid can be stored at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. This need not be a single container. An interconnected system of several pressure vessels can also be treated as a single pressure vessel for the purposes of the filling system or the method for limiting the filling rate according to the invention, provided that the multiple pressure vessels are connected to the same main line, in which case the same internal pressure prevails in all pressure vessels. In particular, a high-pressure vessel is defined as a 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025

[0024] 5

[0025] A pressure vessel is understood to be a container in whose internal volume a fluid can be stored at a pressure at least two orders of magnitude higher than ambient pressure. For example, a maximum pressure of 350 bar is common for storing hydrogen in high-pressure tanks for buses, while a storage pressure of 700 bar is typical for coaches, minibuses, and vans. In particular, a Type 4 pressure vessel represents such a high-pressure vessel, comprising an inner container made of plastic, which, for example, guarantees the gas tightness of the pressure vessel, and a reinforcing layer made of a fiber composite material that provides the necessary mechanical stability. The fluid can be a gas, especially hydrogen. When a high-pressure vessel is mentioned below, this also refers to a system of high-pressure vessels.

[0026] A mounting pair consists of two individual supports. A pressure vessel is held in a mounting pair, with one support acting as a fixed bearing and the other as a floating bearing. The supports typically hold the two ends of the usually cylindrical pressure vessel. The fixed bearing defines the position of one end of the pressure vessel in all three spatial dimensions, while the floating bearing defines only two spatial dimensions, allowing the pressure vessel to expand along its longitudinal axis within the floating bearing. This expansion capability counteracts stress peaks caused by the expansion of the pressure vessel due to both thermal and pressure changes.

[0027] A device for the sliding and fixable mounting of a bracket is understood here to be a device within a beam in which a bracket is slidably mounted along the longitudinal axis of the beam, and can be fixed at desired locations on the beam. In other words, the fixation prevents further movement of the bracket within the device. Such a fixation can be achieved by creating a positive or non-positive connection between the bracket and the beam at a specific point on the beam. Examples include pinning, screwing, etc. The fixation locations can be predetermined, for example, by providing threaded holes in the beam at these points. However, the fixation can also be achieved at any desired point on the beam, for example, by creating a non-positive connection, such as by screwing a screw into a bracket that acts against the beam.

[0028] Here, a channel is understood to be a tubular cavity extending longitudinally along a support. 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025

[0029] 6

[0030] A base frame, as used here, is a frame-shaped structure to which various components, particularly the tank system, can be attached, and which in turn can be attached to a vehicle. The base frame may have a standard vehicle interface. At this interface, the load-bearing vehicle structure is connected to the base frame via a custom bearing assembly.

[0031] Furthermore, the standardized interface can be set up for the fuel supply of the vehicle engine or fuel cell and for the exchange of electrical signals as well as for a voltage supply.

[0032] The term "system module" here refers to a module from which a system is constructed. For example, system modules for housing a tank system include, in addition to the tank system itself, a valve box, a tank module, a tank control unit, a refueling unit, a filling station interface unit, and a base frame to which the system modules can be attached and which may have a standard vehicle interface. A tank module can refer to a tank with an on-tank valve (OTV) and / or a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD).

[0033] The term "design" here refers to the dimensioning of components, for example the volumetric dimensioning of the tank system.

[0034] The tank(s) can be laid out and mounted on the first and second supports. Standardized support components, such as extruded profiles, can be used, which can be easily cut to length to meet the specific requirements of each vehicle. The individual tanks can have different diameters or positions, yet still be mounted as close together as possible on the supports, thus saving space, because they are mounted in brackets that are slidably mounted within the supports. This configuration allows raw components such as supports and tank brackets to be manufactured in large quantities for stock, even if the exact customer requirements are not known. This reduces the time required for customer-specific customization and the machine time for each part.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the device in which the first and second brackets are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the respective support is designed as a groove in the first and / or second support. The groove is easy to create, for example, in an extruded profile. The brackets can be attached using a T-nut 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025

[0036] 7. They must be provided with features so that they can be easily inserted into and moved within the groove. Fixing can be achieved, for example, by a clamping screw or by holes in the bracket and support. In the case of holes, a pin can be inserted into the holes once they are aligned.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination, the device in which the first and second brackets are slidably and fixably mounted along the longitudinal direction of the respective support can also be designed as a rail within the first and / or second support. A rail, for example, is easily implemented in an extruded profile. In the case of a rail, the brackets can be equipped with a rear grip profile, allowing them to be easily slid onto and along the rail. Fixing can be achieved, for example, by a clamping screw or by drilling holes in the bracket and support. In the case of holes, a pin can be inserted into the holes once they are aligned.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of tank containers are mounted on the supports, with the longitudinal axes of the plurality of tank containers lying in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction x of the plurality of tank containers and the longitudinal direction y of the supports. In other words, all tank containers in this embodiment lie in one plane. If the tank containers are mounted, for example, on the roof of a vehicle, all tank containers lie in a horizontal plane. The supports are therefore identical in this embodiment, which minimizes the number of different semi-finished products required and thus contributes to cost savings.

[0039] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, a plurality of tank containers are mounted on the supports, wherein, in the longitudinal direction y of the supports, brackets are located extending to varying degrees perpendicular to the longitudinal axes y of the supports and the longitudinal axes x of the tank containers attachable to the supports. This allows the mounted tank containers to be installed at different heights, for example, partially overlapping, thereby reducing the mounting space in the longitudinal direction of the supports for cylindrical tank containers. The tank containers mounted on the supports can be arranged at two alternating heights in the vertical direction z of the brackets, or in a W-shape extending in the vertical direction z of the brackets, or in a semicircular or elliptical shape extending in the vertical direction z of the brackets.The choice of shape can advantageously be made dependent on the shape of the area of ​​the vehicle where the tanks are to be mounted, in order to maximize the installation space specific to the vehicle. 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025.

[0040] 8

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of the tank system, a channel is integrated into the first and / or second support. This channel can serve as a collector for vent lines or as a high-pressure line for the individual tanks. In the case of the vent line, one or more chambers can be connected to this channel at customer-specific locations, for example, to vent gas to the outside. In the case of the high-pressure line, the channel serves as a collection line for drawing fuel from the tanks or as a collection line for filling the tanks. In both cases, the installation of a separate line can be omitted, thus simplifying the tank system by eliminating the need for separate components. Furthermore, assembly is simplified because fewer parts, such as the individual lines, need to be installed and fastened.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment of the tank system, the channel is designed as a blind hole through the support, with the open end of the channel having an internal thread into which a screw can be inserted. This screw can hold additional mounting brackets. Simultaneously, the screw seals the channel ends to prevent hydrogen from escaping. In the case of a high-pressure line, connections to other system components that deliver the fuel to the point of use can be made at customer-specific locations. In an alternative embodiment of the tank system, the channel is designed as a through hole through the support, with both open ends of the channel having internal threads into which screws can be inserted. These screws can hold additional mounting brackets. Simultaneously, the screws seal the channel ends to prevent hydrogen from escaping.Here too, in the case of a high-pressure line, connections to other system components that supply the fuel can be established at customer-specific points. If the channel is designed as a through-hole, a continuous profile can be used as a semi-finished product for the supports, which is cut to length as needed, leading to further savings in the amount of semi-finished products required.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and second supports are designed to be mounted on the vehicle with their longitudinal orientation parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel. This mounting orientation results in the tanks being essentially transverse to the vehicle's direction of travel, which, for example, reduces the stress on the bearings and supports in a frontal collision. Furthermore, this type of mounting allows for better utilization of available installation space for a tank system, depending on the vehicle. 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025

[0044] 9

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second supports are designed to be mounted on the vehicle with their longitudinal orientation transverse to the vehicle's direction of travel. This mounting orientation ensures that the tanks are essentially aligned longitudinally with the vehicle's direction of travel, allowing for the installation of longer tanks. This enables better utilization of available installation space, depending on the vehicle, or allows for an increase in tank volume. A single, larger tank is more cost-effective than multiple smaller tanks with the same total storage volume.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and second supports are designed to accommodate fuel tanks of different lengths. This makes it possible to better adapt the amount of fuel carried to the vehicle and its intended use. For example, adapters can be used to accommodate tanks that are shorter than the maximum length.

[0047] According to another aspect, the stated problem is solved by a system for accommodating the tank system according to the invention, wherein the system additionally comprises a valve box, a tank control unit, a refueling unit, and a filling station interface unit, and wherein the system further comprises a base frame to which the tank system, the valve box, the tank control unit, the refueling unit, and the filling station interface unit can be attached, and wherein the base frame has a standard vehicle interface. The use of the base frame reduces the number of different components required for a complete system and saves assembly effort. In particular, the individual units or modules can be pre-assembled. Furthermore, the entire system can be mounted on a vehicle in a single operation, which can further reduce assembly effort.

[0048] According to another aspect, the stated problem is solved by a vehicle with a tank system according to the invention, wherein one or more tanks filled with gaseous fuel for propelling the vehicle are mounted on the tank system. This allows the vehicle to be propelled by a flexibly designed tank system, particularly for pressure and especially high-pressure tanks, by storing and supplying a gaseous fuel, thereby minimizing costs and lead time during assembly on the vehicle, even for small production runs.

[0049] According to another aspect, the stated problem solves a method for equipping a vehicle with the inventive system for receiving the inventive 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025

[0050] 10

[0051] Fuel tank system, to which one or more fuel tanks are mounted, or are to be filled, with gaseous fuel for propelling the vehicle. The process includes the following steps: a. Procurement and storage of the system components, for example, raw profiles of the supports. Pre-assembly of system modules, for example, valve box and fuel tank module. b. Design of the fuel tanks according to the required vehicle specifications, design of the first and second supports as well as the mounting pairs of the fuel tank system, design of the valve box, fuel tank control unit, refueling unit and fuel station interface unit; if necessary, design of additional structural parts for attachment to the supports. c. Design of the base frame; d.Processing of the system semi-finished products, for example, the first and second carriers, as well as the bracket pairs of the tank container system, and procurement of tank containers, valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit, as well as the base frame; e. Assembly of the base frame and assembly of the tank containers on the base frame; f. Assembly of the valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit on the base frame; g. Assembly of the tank system on the vehicle.

[0052] The method takes into account that the individual components required in today's conventional manufacturing of a system for supplying a vehicle with an alternative fuel, such as hydrogen, are available as semi-finished products. According to the invention, individualization is achieved through simple manufacturing steps, such as simply cutting a semi-finished product to length and standardized assembly of further standardized modules or devices. This minimizes the effort required for both parts inventory and system production. A tank module can comprise a tank with an on-tank valve (OTV) and / or a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD).

[0053] Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

[0054] It shows 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025

[0055] 11

[0056] Fig. 1: a schematic diagram of a side view of a tank container system according to the invention; various container position configurations a. to d. are shown as examples.

[0057] Fig. 2: a three-dimensional view of a detail of the tank container system according to the invention from Fig. 1;

[0058] Fig. 3: a schematic diagram of a top view of a tank container system according to the invention;

[0059] Fig. 4: a schematic diagram of a beam profile cross-section;

[0060] Fig. 5: a schematic diagram of the inventive method for equipping a vehicle with the system for receiving the tank system; and

[0061] Fig. 6: Schematic sketches (a) of the system according to the invention for receiving a tank system, and (b) of the vehicle according to the invention with such a tank system.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a side view of a tank container system 100 according to the invention. The tank container system has a first support 110 and a second support 120 (not shown in the figure). Mounting brackets 131, 132 are mounted on the two supports 110, 120 in fixtures 111, 121, whereby only the mounting brackets 131 of the first support 110 and the fixture 111 of the first support 110 are shown in Fig. 1. The mounting brackets 131, 132 hold tank containers 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting brackets 131 on the first support 110 have fixed bearings 136. The supports 131, 132 for a tank container, wherein the supports are each designed in pairs, with a first support of each pair of supports being located on the first support and a second support of each pair of supports being located on the second support, wherein each pair of supports has a loose bearing and a fixed bearing.The brackets are interchangeable, with the first and second supports each having a device in which the first and second brackets are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the respective support, thus allowing the first and second brackets to be fixed at any desired point in the longitudinal direction of the respective support. The brackets 131, 132 are designed at two different heights in the z-direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction y of the supports 110, 120 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x of the tank containers 150, with the heights of the brackets 131, 132 alternating in the longitudinal direction y of the supports. This allows the mounted tank containers to be installed at different, for example, partially overlapping heights, thus enabling the use of cylinder-shaped containers. 40195 / 4361 / PTWO 2 September 2025.

[0063] The mounting space for 12-meter tanks is reduced in the longitudinal direction of the supports. The height of the brackets 131 and 132 can be changed by machining. This allows for a wide variety of tank positions and, consequently, various configurations of multiple tanks. Configurations a. to d. are shown as schematic diagrams.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a detail of the tank container system according to the invention from Fig. 1. Only a portion of the first support 110 is visible in the figure. This first support 110 has a device 111 in the form of a rail on which the first brackets 131 can be moved longitudinally along the first support 110. Tank containers 150 are connected to the first brackets 131 via fixed bearings 136. The first brackets 131 can be fixed longitudinally y along the first support 110 by means of clamping screws 133. The configuration for the second support 120, which is not visible in the figure, is analogous, except that the tank containers 150 are connected to the second brackets 132 via floating bearings 135 instead of fixed bearings 136, so that each tank container 150 is connected to the respective first bracket 131 and second bracket 132 via a fixed bearing 136 and a floating bearing 135. In the first support 110 runs a channel 140 (in the Fig.(not visible in the figure) serves as a collection line for drawing fuel from the tanks 150 and / or as a collection line for filling the tanks 150. This eliminates the need for a separate high-pressure line, thus simplifying the tank system 100 by eliminating separate components. Furthermore, it simplifies assembly, as fewer parts, in this case the individual lines, need to be installed. The tank 150 is fluidically connected to the channel 140 via a connecting line 141 at its filling and / or extraction opening (not visible in the figure).

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a top view of a tank container system 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, five tank containers 150 are mounted on the first support 110 and the second support 120. The tank containers 150 are supported by fixed bearings 136 in first brackets 131 and by floating bearings 135 in second brackets 132. The first support 110 and the second support 120 are mounted on the roof of a vehicle with their longitudinal direction y in the direction of travel f. This mounting direction means that the tank containers are essentially oriented transversely to the vehicle's direction of travel, which, for example, results in a lower load on the bearings and brackets in the event of a frontal collision.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a beam profile cross-section, which serves as the first beam 110 and / or second beam 120. The beam profile has grooves 111 and 121 as a device. 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025

[0067] The support profile 13 includes brackets 131 and 132, which can be inserted into the channel 133 with a T-nut 137 and are slidable within the grooves. Furthermore, the support profile has internal channels 140 designed as through-holes. These channels 140 can serve as collectors for vent lines or as high-pressure lines for the individual tanks 150. In the case of the vent line, one or more chambers can be connected to the channel 140 at customer-specific locations, for example, to allow gas to escape. In the case of the high-pressure line, the channel 140 serves as a collection line for drawing fuel from the tanks 150 or as a collection line for filling the tanks 150. In both cases, the installation of a separate line is unnecessary, simplifying the tank system 100 by eliminating the need for separate components.Furthermore, assembly is simplified because fewer parts, specifically the individual lines, need to be installed. The two open ends of the channels 140 can have internal threads into which screws can be inserted. These screws can hold additional mounting brackets. Simultaneously, the screws seal the ends of the respective channel 140 to prevent, for example, fuel leakage. Here, too, in the case of a high-pressure line, connections to other system components that deliver the fuel can be made at customer-specific points. If the respective channel 140 is designed as a through-hole, a continuous profile can be used as a semi-finished product for the supports 110 and 120, which is cut to length as needed, resulting in further savings in the amount of semi-finished products required.

[0068] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the inventive method 200 for equipping a vehicle with the system 400 for accommodating the tank system. The method 200 comprises the steps of procuring and storing 210 the system semi-finished products and system modules; pre-assembling 220 system modules, such as the valve box, tank module, and electrical / electronic components; designing 230 the tanks according to the required vehicle specifications and designing the first and second supports as well as the mounting pairs of the tank system, and designing the valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit, and filling station interface unit; and designing 240 the base frame.Processing 250 of the system semi-finished products and the bracket pairs of the tank container system and assembly 260 of tank containers, first support 110 and second support 120 as well as the bracket pairs of the tank container system 100, of valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit as well as the base frame in an order-related interim storage facility; assembly 270 of the base frame and assembly 280 of the tank containers 150 on the base frame; assembly 290 of valve box, 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025;

[0069] 14

[0070] Tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit on the base frame and assembly of the tank system 100 on the vehicle.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows in part (a) a schematic diagram of the system 400 according to the invention for receiving a tank system 100 according to the invention, wherein the system 400 additionally comprises a valve box, a tank control unit, a refueling unit, and a filling station interface unit, wherein the system 400 additionally comprises a base frame to which the tank system 100, the valve box, the tank control unit, the refueling unit, and the filling station interface unit can be attached, and wherein the base frame has a standard vehicle interface. In part (b) a schematic diagram of a vehicle 500 according to the invention with a tank system 100 according to the invention, wherein, in the embodiment shown, three tanks 150 filled with gaseous fuel for propelling the vehicle 500 are mounted on the tank system 100.

[0072] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be interpreted as limiting. Alternative embodiments considered by a person skilled in the art are likewise covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0073] 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO September 2, 2025

[0074] 15

[0075] Reference symbol list

[0076] 100 Tank container system according to the invention

[0077] 110 first carrier

[0078] 111 Device of the first carrier

[0079] 120 second carrier

[0080] 121 Device of the second carrier

[0081] 131 first bracket of a bracket pair

[0082] 132 second bracket of a bracket pair

[0083] 133 Clamping screw

[0084] 135 Lotlager

[0085] 136 fixed storage

[0086] 137 Nutstein

[0087] 140 channel

[0088] 141 Connecting pipe from the tank to the canal

[0089] 150 tank containers

[0090] 200 Method according to the invention for equipping a vehicle with the system for receiving the tank system

[0091] 210 Procurement and stockpiling of system semi-finished products and system modules

[0092] 220 Pre-assembly of system modules

[0093] 230 Laying out the tank containers according to the required vehicle specification, laying out the first and second support and the bracket pairs of the tank container system, laying out the valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit

[0094] 240 Laying out the base frame

[0095] 250 Machining of the system semi-finished products and the holder pairs of the tank container system

[0096] 260 Assembling tank containers, first and second supports, and the pairs of holders for the tank container system, valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit, as well as the base frame in a job-related interim storage facility

[0097] 270 Assembly of the base frame

[0098] 280 Mounting the containers on the base frame; 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO 2 September 2025

[0099] 16

[0100] 290 Mounting of valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and filling station interface unit on the base frame;

[0101] 300 Assembly of the tank system on the vehicle 400 System according to the invention for receiving a tank system according to the invention

[0102] 500 Vehicle according to the invention with a tank container system according to the invention x Longitudinal direction of the tank containers y, f Longitudinal direction of the supports and direction of travel z Vertical direction of the brackets

Claims

1. 40195 / 4361 / PTWO September 2, 2025 17 Patent claims 1. A tank container system (100) for mounting on a vehicle (500), comprising a tank container (150), a first support (110) and a second support (120), wherein the first support (110) and the second support (120) have brackets (131, 132) for a tank container (150), wherein the brackets (131, 132) are each configured in pairs, with a first bracket (131) of each pair of brackets located on the first support (110) and a second bracket (132) of each pair of brackets located on the second support (120), wherein each pair of brackets has a sliding bearing (135) and a fixed bearing (136), wherein the brackets (131, 132) are interchangeable, wherein the first support (110) and the second support (120) each have a device (111, 121) in which the first bracket (131) and the second support (132) are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction (y) of the respective support (110, 120),wherein the first bracket (131) and the second bracket (132) can be fixed at any point in the longitudinal direction (y) of the respective support (110, 120).

2. The tank container system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (111, 121) in which the first support (131) and the second support (132) are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction (y) of the respective support (110, 120) is designed as a groove in the first and / or second support (110, 120).

3. The tank container system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (111, 121) in which the first support (131) and the second support (132) are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction (y) of the respective support (110, 120) is designed as a rail in the first and / or second support (110, 120).

4. The tank container system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (111, 121) in which the first support (131) and the second support (132) are slidably and fixably mounted in the longitudinal direction (y) of the respective support (110, 120) is designed as a groove in one of the two supports (110, 120) and as a rail in the other of the two supports (110, 120). 40195 / 4361 / PTWO September 2, 2025 18 5. The tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of tank containers (150) are mounted on the supports (110, 120), wherein the longitudinal axes of the plurality of tank containers (150) are located in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction (x) of the plurality of tank containers (150) and the longitudinal direction (y) of the supports (110, 120).

6. The tank container system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of tank containers (150) are mounted on the supports (110, 120), wherein, in the longitudinal direction (y) of the supports (110, 120), there are supports (131, 132) extending differently in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction (y) of the supports (110, 120) and the longitudinal direction (x) of tank containers (150) that can be attached to the supports (110, 120).

7. The tank container system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the tank containers (150) mounted on the supports (110, 120) are located at two alternating heights in the vertical direction (z) of the supports (131, 132) or are in a W-shape extending in the vertical direction (z) of the supports (131, 132) or are in a semicircular or elliptical shape extending in the vertical direction (z) of the supports (131, 132).

8. The tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one channel (140) is integrated in the first support (110) and / or in the second support (120).

9. The tank container system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the channel (140) is designed as a blind hole through the support (110, 120), wherein the open end of the channel (140) has an internal thread into which a screw can be screwed, or that the channel (140) is designed as a through hole through the support (110, 120), wherein both open ends of the channel (140) have internal threads into which screws can be screwed. 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO September 2, 2025 19 10. The tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first support (110) and the second support (120) are arranged to be mounted on the vehicle with their longitudinal direction (x) in the direction of travel (f) of a vehicle.

11. The tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first support (110) and the second support (120) are arranged to be mounted on the vehicle (500) with their longitudinal direction (x) transverse to the direction of travel (f) of a vehicle (500).

12. The tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first support (110) and the second support (120) are configured to accommodate tank containers (150) of different longitudinal dimensions.

13. A system (400) for receiving a tank container system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (400) additionally comprises a valve box, a tank control unit, a refueling unit and a filling station interface unit, wherein the system (400) additionally comprises a base frame to which the tank container system (100), the valve box, the tank control unit, the refueling unit and the filling station interface unit can be attached, and wherein the base frame has a standard vehicle interface.

14. A vehicle (500) with a tank system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein one or more tanks (150) filled with gaseous fuel for propulsion of the vehicle (500) are mounted on the tank system (100).

15. Method (200) for equipping a vehicle with a system (400) for receiving a tank system (100) according to claim 13, in which one or more tanks (150) are filled or are to be filled with gaseous fuel for propelling the vehicle (500), characterized by the steps: a. Procurement and storage (210) of the system semi-finished products and pre-assembly of system modules (220), in particular of valve boxes and tank modules; b. Design (230) of the tanks (150) according to the required vehicle specification, design of the first and second supports, and the 40195 / 4361 ZPTWO September 2, 2025 20 a. Laying out (240) the base frame; d. Machining (250) the system semi-finished products and the bracket pairs of the tank system and order-specific assembly and intermediate storage in the production warehouse (260) of tanks, first support (110) and second support (120) as well as the bracket pairs of the tank system (100), valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and refueling station interface unit as well as the base frame; e. Assembly (270) of the base frame and assembly (280) of the tanks (150) on the base frame; f. Assembly (290) of the valve box, tank control unit, refueling unit and refueling station interface unit on the base frame; g. Assembly (300) of the tank system (100) on the vehicle.

Images