JP7517300B2 - Fuel tank - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel tank.

It is known that a fuel tank can be detachably provided in a fuel-using device such as a vehicle that uses fuel such as hydrogen (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for detachably mounting a hydrogen storage case that houses one or more hydrogen tanks and has a handle on the top surface on a vehicle. Patent Document 1 also discloses a technology for connecting a hydrogen tank housed in a hydrogen storage case to a fuel cell system by fitting one joint of a quick connector installed at the bottom of the hydrogen storage case that houses the hydrogen tank to the other joint of a quick connector installed on the rear underfloor of the vehicle.

With the above configuration, it is easy to attach and detach the hydrogen storage case housing the hydrogen tank, since only the quick connector needs to be operated.

JP 2009-270707 A

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a hydrogen storage case housing a hydrogen tank on the upper part of the rear underfloor through the trunk of the vehicle, and the connection of a quick connector. For this reason, it has been desirable to be able to easily attach a hydrogen tank to a hydrogen-using device to make hydrogen usable, and to also remove the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen-using device.

The present invention aims to provide a fuel tank that can be easily attached to a fuel-using device to make the fuel usable, and that can also be removed from the fuel-using device.

The fuel tank according to the present invention described in claim 1 comprises a cylindrical fuel tank body detachably attached to a fuel using device, a handle formed on one end side in a longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body, and a first connector formed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body, which is connected to a second connector provided on the fuel using device by attaching the fuel tank body to the fuel using device, and is capable of supplying fuel to the fuel using device ,
The end surface of the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body is formed flat,
The end face on the other longitudinal end side of the fuel tank body abuts against the bottom of a fuel tank mounting portion of the fuel using device, and the first connector is connected to the second connector .

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, the fuel tank body has a handle at one end in the longitudinal direction, so that the fuel tank can be lifted by grasping the handle and attached to the fuel using device. Moreover, the fuel tank body has a first connector at the other end in the longitudinal direction, so that by attaching the fuel tank body to the fuel using device, the first connector of the fuel tank body is connected to the second connector provided on the fuel using device. Furthermore, by grasping the handle and pulling the fuel tank towards oneself, the first connector of the fuel tank is disconnected from the second connector of the fuel using device, and the fuel tank is removed from the fuel using device. Therefore, the fuel tank can be attached to the fuel using device and made ready to use fuel, and the fuel tank can be removed from the fuel using device, all with a simple procedure.
Furthermore, since the end face on the other longitudinal end side of the fuel tank body is formed flat, the fuel tank can stand on its own on a flat surface, and therefore the fuel tank can be placed on a flat surface.
Furthermore, the end face of the other longitudinal end of the fuel tank body abuts against the bottom of the fuel tank mounting portion of the fuel using device, and the first connector is connected to the second connector, so that when the fuel tank is mounted to the fuel using device, the bottom face of the fuel tank body abuts against the bottom of the fuel tank mounting portion. Therefore, the fuel tank is mounted to the fuel using device in the desired position. As a result, the fuel tank can be mounted to the fuel using device in the desired position with simple operations.

The fuel tank of the present invention as described in claim 2 is the fuel tank as described in claim 1 , wherein a recess that is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body is formed in the end face on the other longitudinal end side of the fuel tank body, and the first connector is provided in the recess so as not to protrude from the end face on the other longitudinal end side of the fuel tank body.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 2 , the first connector is provided in the recess so as not to protrude from the end face on the other longitudinal end side of the fuel tank body, so that when the fuel tank is placed on a flat surface with this end face as the bottom face, the first connector does not come into contact with the ground surface, thereby preventing damage to the first connector when the fuel tank is placed on a flat surface.

The fuel tank of the present invention described in claim 3 is the fuel tank described in claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the first connector is provided with a supply port for supplying fuel to the fuel-using device and a filling port for filling the fuel tank body with fuel.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3 , the first connector is provided with a fuel supply port and a fuel filling port, so that the fuel supply port and the fuel filling port are not exposed to the outside when the fuel tank is attached to the fuel using device, and therefore the fuel supply port and the fuel filling port can be protected when the fuel tank is attached to the fuel using device.

The fuel tank according to the present invention as set forth in claim 4 is the fuel tank as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fuel remaining amount display portion that displays the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank body.

According to the present invention, the fuel tank is provided with a fuel level indicator, and the fuel level indicator indicates the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. This makes it possible to know the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank without having to measure the weight of the fuel tank.

The fuel tank of the present invention described in claim 5 is the fuel tank described in claim 4 , wherein the fuel remaining amount display unit is provided in a position that is visible from the outside when the fuel tank body is attached to the fuel using device.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 5 , when the fuel tank is attached to the fuel-using device, the fuel remaining amount display unit can be seen from the outside, so that when the fuel tank is attached to the fuel-using device, the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank can be known.

The fuel tank of the present invention can be easily attached to a fuel-using device to make the fuel usable, and the fuel tank can be easily removed from the fuel-using device.

1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen tank according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion where the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment is attached to a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment, seen obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment, seen obliquely from below. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment, seen obliquely from above. 1 is a side view, partially in cross section, of a hydrogen tank according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view, partially in cross section, showing the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment mounted on a vehicle; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment is in the process of being mounted on a vehicle. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a locked state of the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view, partially in cross section, showing the state in which a dispenser nozzle is attached to the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a hydrogen tank according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a hydrogen tank according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a hydrogen tank according to a fourth embodiment.

First Embodiment
A hydrogen tank as a fuel tank according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrow FR in Fig. 1 indicates the front side of the vehicle, the arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle. The arrow in Fig. 3 indicates the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank main body 32. Also, an example will be described in which the hydrogen tank according to the first embodiment is mounted on a small mobility (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle) that is automatically driven by electrical energy generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

<Configuration of a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen tank>
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 as a fuel-using device has a body portion 12 and a drive portion 18 equipped with wheels 19 .

The body section 12 is composed of a rectangular main body section 12A and a protruding section 12B that protrudes in an elliptical cone shape from the front side of the main body section 12A toward the front of the vehicle. Multiple hydrogen tanks 30 (three in the first embodiment) are attached to the front side of the protruding section 12B. The hydrogen tanks 30 are attached in a horizontal position with their longitudinal direction D facing in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The three hydrogen tanks 30 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

The body portion 12 is provided with an FC stack (Fuel Cell stack) 14. The FC stack 14 is connected to a hydrogen tank 30 and an air compressor (not shown). The FC stack 14 generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 30 and oxygen in the compressed air supplied from the air compressor.

The drive unit 18 is provided on the front side of the body portion 12, below the vehicle. The drive unit 18 is provided with a drive motor 16 and wheels 19. The drive motor 16 is connected to the FC stack 14. Two wheels 19 are provided with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction.

The FC stack 14 is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, and the driving force of the drive motor 16, which is driven by electricity supplied from the FC stack 14, is transmitted to the wheels 19.

<Hydrogen tank configuration>
As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen tank 30 is detachably mounted on a hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 provided on the front side of the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hydrogen tank 30 comprises a hydrogen tank body 32 as a fuel tank body having a handle 40 and a first connector 70, and a cover member 50.

(Hydrogen tank body)
5 and 6, the hydrogen tank body 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. A handle 40 is formed on one end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. A first connector 70 is attached to the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hydrogen tank body 32 is composed of a liner portion 36 and a reinforcing portion 34 that covers the liner portion 36 from the outside. The liner portion 36 can be formed using a resin material with low hydrogen permeability, such as nylon. The space surrounded by the liner portion 36 constitutes the hydrogen storage space S in which the hydrogen tank 30 stores hydrogen. The reinforcing portion 34 can be formed using a fiber-reinforced resin.

The end face (bottom surface) 34A on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32 is formed as a ring-shaped flat surface. The end face 34A has a recess 34B formed in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32. The recess 34B can be formed in a rounded bowl shape recessed in the longitudinal direction D from the end face 34A on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32.

(First connector)
As shown in Fig. 6, the first connector 70 is provided at the radial center of the hydrogen tank body 32. The first connector 70 is provided in the recess 34B so as not to protrude from the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D toward the other end side (downward) in the longitudinal direction D. The first connector 70 is provided so as to protrude from the surface forming the recess 34B toward the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. It should be noted that the first connector 70 can also be provided so as to be recessed toward one end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D from the surface forming the recess 34B.

The first connector 70 is inserted into the liner opening 36C in the liner portion 36 and the reinforcing portion opening 34C in the reinforcing portion 34. The flow path 72 of the first connector 70 connects the hydrogen storage space S to the outside of the hydrogen tank body 32.

The flow path 72 provided in the first connector 70 allows hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage space S to be supplied to the outside of the hydrogen tank 30, and allows hydrogen to be filled into the hydrogen storage space S from the outside. That is, the end of the flow path 72 in the first connector 70 is a supply port 74 that supplies hydrogen to the vehicle 10, and also a fill port 76 that fills the hydrogen tank body 32 with hydrogen.

(Handle)
3 and 5, a handle 40 is formed on one end side (upper side) of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. The handle 40 is formed integrally with the hydrogen tank body 32. In other words, the handle 40 is formed, for example, from the same material as the hydrogen tank body 32.

The handle 40 is provided so as to protrude in the longitudinal direction D from one end face (upper face) of the hydrogen tank body 32. When the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D, the handle 40 is formed inside the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32.

The handle 40 is formed so as to extend in an elongated manner in the radial direction of the hydrogen tank body 32 when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. In other words, the handle 40 is formed in a minus shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. In other words, the handle 40 is formed in a straight line shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the handle 40 is formed in a rectangular arch shape when viewed from the side of the hydrogen tank 30, and is composed of two pillars 44 and a bridge portion 42. The pillars 44 are provided to extend upward from one end face of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. The pillars 44 are formed in a roughly rectangular shape in a horizontal cross section. The two pillars 44 are spaced apart horizontally to allow the hand M1 of the operator M to be inserted.

The bridge portion 42 is provided to bridge the upper ends of the two pillar portions 44. The bridge portion 42 is formed in a substantially pentagonal shape in vertical cross section.

The pillars 44 are provided with claws 46 that allow the cover member 50 to be attached and detached to the hydrogen tank body 32. The claws 46 are formed so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of each pillar 44 toward the radially outward direction of the hydrogen tank body 32.

(Cover member)
5 and 6 , a cover member 50 is detachably provided on one end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. The cover member 50 is made of, for example, resin, and is composed of a side wall portion 52, an upper end surface 54, and a recess 56.

The side wall portion 52 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the side wall portion 52 can be generally the same as the outer diameter of the hydrogen tank body 32. The upper end surface 54 is formed as a ring-shaped flat surface on one end side (upper end side) of the side wall portion 52 in the longitudinal direction D.

The recess 56 is formed in a rounded bowl shape recessed in the longitudinal direction D from the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50. The recess 56 has a rectangular opening 58 into which the handle 40 can be inserted. The opening 58 is formed as an opening slightly larger than the outer shape of the handle 40.

As shown in FIG. 5, the side wall portion 52 is formed with a fitting hole 59 into which the claw portion 46 of the cover member 50 fits. The handle 40 of the hydrogen tank body 32 is inserted into the opening 58 of the cover member 50, and the claw portion 46 of the handle 40 is fitted into the fitting hole 59 of the cover member 50, thereby attaching the cover member 50 to the hydrogen tank body 32. The cover member 50 can be removed from the hydrogen tank body 32 by releasing the engagement between the claw portion 46 and the fitting hole 59.

When viewed from the longitudinal direction D, the recess 56 is disposed in the space formed between the outer surface of the handle 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32. In other words, the recess 56 is provided in the space formed by forming the handle 40 on the hydrogen tank body 32.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the cover member 50 is attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the handle 40 is positioned inside the recess 56. In other words, the handle 40 is positioned inside the recess 56. When the cover member 50 is attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the bridge portion 42 of the handle 40 is spaced apart from the recess 56 at a distance large enough to allow the operator M to insert his/her hand M1. When the cover member 50 is attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the handle 40 is positioned so as not to protrude from the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50.

The cover member 50 may also be provided with reinforcing ribs 57 that connect the side wall portion 52, the upper end surface 54, and the recess 56.

(Hydrogen level indicator)
5, recess 56 is provided with a hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 serving as a fuel remaining amount display unit that displays the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage space S of hydrogen tank body 32. Hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 is provided in a position that is visible from the outside when hydrogen tank body 32 is mounted on vehicle 10.

The hydrogen tank 30 is configured such that the detection information from the pressure sensor 64, which detects the pressure in the hydrogen storage space S of the hydrogen tank body 32, is input to the control unit 66, which calculates the remaining amount of hydrogen and displays the remaining amount of hydrogen on the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60.

The hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 can be a liquid crystal display that displays the remaining amount of hydrogen by displaying multiple scales 62. The power required for the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 may be supplied from the FC stack 14.

(gauge)
5 and 6, a ring-shaped gauge 48 is provided on the outer edge of one longitudinal end of the hydrogen tank body 32. The gauge 48 is formed of a different color or material from the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32, and can serve as a marker for confirming that the hydrogen tank 30 is correctly attached to the hydrogen tank attachment portion 80 when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the hydrogen tank attachment portion 80 of the vehicle 10. Note that a plurality of gauges 48 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32 at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction D.

(Lock section)
The hydrogen tank body 32 is provided with a locking portion 68 on its outer circumferential surface in the central portion in the longitudinal direction D. The locking portion 68 can be formed near the intersection of the direction in which the bridging portion 42 of the handle 40 extends and the outer circumferential surface of the hydrogen tank body 32 when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. In other words, the locking portion 68 can be formed at approximately the same position as both ends of the bridging portion 42 in the circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32.

The locking portion 68 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32 toward the radially outer side of the hydrogen tank body 32. The locking portion 68 constitutes a locking mechanism (described below) that locks the hydrogen tank 30 to the vehicle 10 so that it cannot be removed when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the hydrogen tank attachment portion 80 of the vehicle 10.

<Configuration of hydrogen tank mounting part of vehicle>
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 of the vehicle 10 is formed as a cylindrical hole capable of accommodating the hydrogen tank 30 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 is formed with a bottom surface 83, a step portion 86, and a rib 84.

The bottom surface 83 is formed in a circular shape that is smaller than the outer diameter of the hydrogen tank body 32. A second connector 90 is disposed at the radial center of the bottom surface 83 and protrudes upward from the bottom surface 83.

The step 86 is formed as a step in the depth direction of the hydrogen tank mounting section 80 relative to the bottom surface 83. The step 86 can be formed in a ring shape that surrounds the periphery of the bottom surface 83.

The rib 84 is formed to connect the side wall 85 and the step 86 of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80. When the hydrogen tank 30 is inserted into the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80, the rib 84 serves as a restricting rib that restricts the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32.

When the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the hydrogen tank attachment portion 80, the first connector 70 is connected to the second connector 90, and hydrogen in the hydrogen storage space S is supplied to the vehicle 10 via the flow path 72 of the first connector 70 and the flow path 92 of the second connector 90.

(Locking mechanism)
8, a guide portion 82 is formed on a side wall 85 of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80. The guide portion 82 is formed to a size that allows the locking portion 68 of the hydrogen tank 30 to be inserted therein. The guide portion 82 is made up of a first guide portion 82A that extends in the depth direction from the opening edge of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80, and a second guide portion 82B that extends in the circumferential direction of the side wall 85 from the bottom of the first guide portion 82A.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the hydrogen tank 30 is inserted into the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 and the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D abuts against the step portion 86, the locking portion 68 is formed to abut against the end of the first guide portion 82A in the depth direction of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80.

The circumferential length of the side wall 85 of the second guide portion 82B is the length from the first guide portion 82A to an angle of 90 degrees when viewed from the depth direction of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80. In other words, the circumferential length of the side wall 85 of the second guide portion 82B is 1/4 of the total circumferential length of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80.

<Attaching and detaching hydrogen tanks to vehicles>
(Attaching the device)
As shown in FIG. 6, the hydrogen tank body 32 is placed on the ground G with the end face (bottom face) 34A on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32 serving as the bottom face.

Worker M grasps the handle 40 of the hydrogen tank 30 with hand M1, lifts up the hydrogen tank 30, and inserts the hydrogen tank 30 into the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 of the vehicle 10 as shown in FIG. 8.

At this time, the handle 40 is oriented vertically, and the locking portion 68 of the hydrogen tank 30 is inserted into the first guide portion 82A of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 of the vehicle 10. This causes the locking portion 68 to be guided by the first guide portion 82A, and the hydrogen tank 30 is inserted deep into the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80.

Next, the end face 34A on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32 abuts against the step portion 86 of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the first connector 70 provided on the hydrogen tank 30 is connected to the second connector 90 provided on the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 of the vehicle 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, while gripping the handle 40, the worker M rotates the hydrogen tank 30 90 degrees in one circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32. At this time, the locking portion 68 is guided by the second guide portion 82B and rotates 90 degrees in one circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32. This places the hydrogen tank 30 in a locked state in which it cannot be removed from the vehicle 10.

(Removal operation)
As shown in Figure 9, while gripping the handle 40, worker M rotates the hydrogen tank 30 90 degrees in the other circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32. At this time, the locking portion 68 is guided by the second guide portion 82B and rotates 90 degrees in the other circumferential direction of the hydrogen tank body 32. This places the hydrogen tank 30 in an unlocked state in which it can be removed from the vehicle 10. In other words, the locked state is released and the hydrogen tank 30 is in an unlocked state. The locking portion 68 of the hydrogen tank 30 and the guide portion 82 of the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80 form a locking mechanism.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, worker M grasps the handle 40 with hand M1 and pulls the hydrogen tank 30 toward himself to remove the hydrogen tank 30 from the vehicle 10.

<Filling hydrogen tank>
10 , for example, a nozzle 94 of a dispenser at a hydrogen station is connected to the first connector 70 of the hydrogen tank 30 removed from the vehicle 10. Hydrogen is then filled into the hydrogen storage space S from the flow path 96 of the nozzle 94 through the flow path 72 of the first connector 70.

The hydrogen tank 30 filled with hydrogen is attached to the vehicle 10 by the above-mentioned installation operation of the hydrogen tank 30 to the vehicle 10.

<Functions and Effects of Hydrogen Tanks>
Next, the operation and effects of the hydrogen tank 30 of the first embodiment will be described.

The hydrogen tank 30 of the first embodiment comprises a cylindrical hydrogen tank body 32 that is detachably mounted on the vehicle 10, and a handle 40 formed on one end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. The hydrogen tank 30 further comprises a first connector 70 formed on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D, which is connected to a second connector 90 provided on the vehicle 10 by mounting the hydrogen tank body 32 on the vehicle 10, thereby being able to supply hydrogen to the vehicle 10.

The hydrogen tank body 32 has a handle 40 at one end in the longitudinal direction D, so that the hydrogen tank 30 can be lifted by grasping the handle 40 and attached to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the hydrogen tank body 32 has a first connector 70 at the other end in the longitudinal direction D, so that by attaching the hydrogen tank body 32 to the vehicle 10, the first connector 70 of the hydrogen tank body 32 is connected to a second connector 90 provided on the vehicle 10. Furthermore, by grasping the handle 40 and pulling the hydrogen tank 30 towards oneself, the first connector 70 of the hydrogen tank 30 is disconnected from the second connector 90 of the vehicle 10, and the hydrogen tank 30 is removed from the vehicle 10.

Therefore, by simply operating the handle 40, the hydrogen tank 10 can be attached to the vehicle 10 to make the hydrogen available for use, and the hydrogen tank 30 can be removed from the vehicle 10.

In the first embodiment of the hydrogen tank 30, the end face 34A on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32 is formed flat.

The end surface 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D is formed flat, so that the hydrogen tank 30 can stand on its own on the ground G. Therefore, the hydrogen tank 30 can be placed on the ground G.

In the first embodiment of the hydrogen tank 30, a recess 34B recessed in the longitudinal direction D of the hydrogen tank body 32 is formed on the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D, and the first connector 70 is provided in the recess 34B so as not to protrude from the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D.

The first connector 70 is provided in the recess 34B so that it does not protrude from the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. When the hydrogen tank 30 is placed on the ground G with this end face 34A as the bottom face, the first connector 70 does not come into contact with the ground G. This prevents the first connector 70 from being damaged when the hydrogen tank 30 is placed on the ground G.

In addition, since the first connector 70 does not protrude from the end face 34A on the other end side of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D, the hydrogen tank 30 is appropriately packaged when transporting the hydrogen tank 30. This improves the loading efficiency of the hydrogen tank 30.

In the first embodiment of the hydrogen tank 30, the first connector 70 has a supply port 74 for supplying hydrogen to the vehicle 10 and a fill port 76 for filling the hydrogen tank body 32 with hydrogen.

Since the first connector 70 has a supply port 74 and a filling port 76, the supply port 74 and the filling port 76 are not exposed to the outside when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the vehicle 10. Therefore, the hydrogen supply port 74 and the filling port 76 can be protected when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the vehicle 10.

The hydrogen tank 30 of the first embodiment is equipped with a hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 that displays the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank body 32.

By equipping the hydrogen tank 30 with the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60, the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 displays the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 30. Therefore, it is possible to know the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 30 without measuring the weight of the hydrogen tank 30.

In the hydrogen tank 30 of the first embodiment, the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 is provided in a position that is visible from the outside when the hydrogen tank body 32 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

When the hydrogen tank 30 is mounted on the vehicle 10, the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 60 is visible from the outside, so the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 30 can be ascertained while the hydrogen tank 30 is mounted on the vehicle 10. Therefore, the timing for refilling the hydrogen tank 30 with hydrogen can be ascertained while the hydrogen tank 30 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

Second Embodiment
The hydrogen tank of the second embodiment differs from the hydrogen tank of the first embodiment in that the shape of the handle is different.

The configuration of the hydrogen tank of the second embodiment will be described below. Note that the same terms or symbols will be used to describe parts that are the same or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the handle 140 is formed on one end (upper side) of the hydrogen tank body 32 in the longitudinal direction D. The handle 140 is formed integrally with the hydrogen tank body 32. The handle 140 is composed of three pillar portions 44 and a bridging portion 142. The bridging portion 142 is formed in a T-shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. When the cover member 50 is attached to the hydrogen tank body 32, the bridging portion 142 of the handle 140 is spaced from the recess 56 at a distance sufficient to allow an operator M to insert his/her hand M1.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the hydrogen tank of the first embodiment. Moreover, because the handle 140 is formed in a T-shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D, the strength of the handle 140 can be increased.

Third Embodiment
The hydrogen tank of the third embodiment differs from the hydrogen tank of the above embodiments in that the position of the remaining hydrogen level display unit is different.

The configuration of the hydrogen tank of the third embodiment will be described below. Note that the same terms or symbols will be used to describe parts that are the same or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the hydrogen level display unit 160 is attached to one end surface in the longitudinal direction D of the bridge portion 42 of the handle 40. In other words, the hydrogen level display unit 160 is provided on the end surface on one end side of the handle 40 in the longitudinal direction D.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the hydrogen tank of the first embodiment. Moreover, by providing the hydrogen level display unit 160 on the end face on one end side of the longitudinal direction D of the handle 40, when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the vehicle 10 and locked, the orientation of the hydrogen level display units 160 of the multiple hydrogen tanks 30 is horizontal. This makes it easier for the worker M to check the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 30 when the hydrogen tank 30 is attached to the vehicle 10.

Fourth Embodiment
The hydrogen tank of the fourth embodiment differs from the hydrogen tank of the above embodiments in that the position of the remaining hydrogen level display unit is different.

The configuration of the hydrogen tank of the fourth embodiment will be described below. Note that the same terms or symbols will be used to describe parts that are the same or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the hydrogen level display unit 260 is attached to the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the hydrogen tank of the first embodiment. Moreover, by providing the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 260 on the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50, the hydrogen remaining amount display unit 260 is disposed on the end surface of the cover member 50 in the longitudinal direction D. This makes it easier for the worker M to check the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 30 when the hydrogen tank 30 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

The hydrogen tank of the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as defined by each claim in the scope of the claims.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the recess 56 is provided in the cover member 50 that is detachable from the hydrogen tank body 32. However, the recess can also be provided integrally with the hydrogen tank body.

In the above embodiment, the recess 56 is formed in a rounded bowl shape recessed in the longitudinal direction D from the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50. However, the recess may be formed in a rectangular box shape recessed in the longitudinal direction D from the upper end surface 54 of the cover member 50.

In the above embodiment, the handle 40 is formed in a minus shape or a T shape when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. However, the handle is not limited to this form, and can also be, for example, cross-shaped or circular when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the locking mechanism is configured with a locking portion 68 provided on the hydrogen tank body 32 and a guide portion 82 provided on the hydrogen tank mounting portion 80. However, the locking mechanism is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to be capable of switching between a locked state in which the hydrogen tank body 32 cannot be removed from the vehicle 10 and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released, by rotating the hydrogen tank body 32 in the circumferential direction.

In the above embodiment, the locking portion 68 is formed near the intersection of the direction in which the minus-shaped handle 40 extends and the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body 32 when the hydrogen tank body 32 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D. However, the locking portion can also be provided anywhere on the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen tank body.

In the above embodiment, the hydrogen level display unit 60 is provided on the cover member 50 or the handle 40. However, the hydrogen level display unit may be provided on the hydrogen tank body.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the tip of the flow path 72 of the first connector 70 is a supply port 74 that supplies hydrogen to the vehicle 10 and also a fill port 76 that fills the hydrogen tank body 32 with hydrogen. However, the first connector may be provided with a separate supply port that supplies hydrogen to the vehicle 10 and a fill port that fills the hydrogen tank body 32 with hydrogen. This allows the supply port and fill port to be formed in the first connector with a simple configuration.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the hydrogen tank is mounted on a small mobility vehicle that operates autonomously using electrical energy generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. However, the hydrogen tank can also be mounted on a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen engine, a hydrogen generating device, a hydrogen-powered drone, or other hydrogen-using device that uses hydrogen.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the fuel tank of the present invention is applied to a hydrogen tank. However, the fuel tank of the present invention can also be applied to a fuel tank that stores a fuel other than hydrogen.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 vehicle 32 hydrogen tank body 34 hydrogen tank 34B recess 40 handle 60 hydrogen remaining amount display section 70 first connector 74 supply port 76 filling port 90 second connector D longitudinal direction

Claims (5)

A cylindrical fuel tank body that is detachably provided to the fuel-using device;
A handle formed on one end side of the fuel tank body in the longitudinal direction;
a first connector formed on the other end side of the fuel tank body in the longitudinal direction, the first connector being connected to a second connector provided on the fuel using device by attaching the fuel tank body to the fuel using device, and capable of supplying fuel to the fuel using device;
Equipped with
The end surface of the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body is formed flat,
The end face on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body abuts against a bottom portion of a fuel tank mounting portion of the fuel using device, and the first connector is connected to the second connector.
Fuel tank. A recess is formed in the end face on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body, the recess being recessed in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body,
The fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein the first connector is provided in the recess so as not to protrude from an end face on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the fuel tank body. 3. The fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a supply port for supplying fuel to the fuel-using device, and a fill port for filling the fuel tank body with fuel. The fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fuel level indicator that indicates the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank body. The fuel tank according to claim 4 , wherein the remaining fuel amount display unit is provided at a position that is visible from the outside when the fuel tank body is attached to the fuel using device.