Method for manufacturing high-pressure storage tank liner and manufacturing apparatus for high-pressure storage tank liner

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a high-pressure storage tank liner and a manufacturing device of a high-pressure storage tank liner, which can achieve good fusion quality of the liner halves without a burr removal process before a fusion process of the liner halves. The manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank liner has a configuration process of oppositely arranging a pair of liner halves, a parallelism adjustment process of adjusting the parallelism of the end faces of the liner halves, and a fusion process of fusing the end faces of the liner halves to integrate the liner halves. The parallelism adjustment process is performed by clamping a parallelism adjustment jig between the end faces of the liner halves in a manner of avoiding the burrs formed on the end faces of the liner halves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a high-pressure storage tank liner and an apparatus for manufacturing a high-pressure storage tank liner. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, high-pressure storage tanks used for filling high-pressure gases are known to have a fiber-reinforced resin layer formed on the outside of a cylindrical inner liner (high-pressure storage tank liner) made of synthetic resin (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This inner liner is formed by fusing together cylindrical inner liner halves made of thermoplastic resin obtained by injection molding.

[0003] Furthermore, in conventional methods for manufacturing inner liners (for example, see Patent Document 1), the parallelism of the end faces of opposing inner liner halves is set to a predetermined range before the welding process. Specifically, a support fixture serving as a pressing member is temporarily provided on the back of each opposing inner liner halves, and then the inner liner halves are pressed down with a predetermined load using the support fixture. Under the action of the reaction forces received from the contacting inner liner halves, the support fixture is positioned relative to the inner liner halves, ensuring the predetermined parallelism of the end faces of the inner liner halves. In other words, the support fixture is in close contact with the inner liner halves.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 131737 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, regarding the inner liner halves used in the manufacture of the inner liner in the past (for example, see Patent Document 1), burrs generated during injection molding can bite into the weld surfaces of the inner liner halves, resulting in a decrease in weld quality.

[0008] Furthermore, when ensuring the parallelism of the inner liner halves, burrs on the inner liner halves get caught between them, hindering the parallelism of the end faces of the inner liner halves. Therefore, the support fixture is sometimes not positioned relative to the inner liner halves in a way that can ensure the pre-set parallelism of the end faces of the inner liner halves.

[0009] Therefore, it is also considered to remove burrs before the welding process of the inner liner halves by manual operation or by a processing robot. However, the burr removal process before welding not only complicates the manufacturing process of the inner liner, but also damages the welding surface, which may lead to a decrease in welding quality.

[0010] The objective of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a high-pressure storage tank liner that can achieve good welding quality between the inner tank halves without pre-setting a burr removal process before the welding process of the inner tank halves.

[0011] The high-pressure tank liner manufacturing method of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, includes the following steps: a configuration step, in which a pair of liner halves are configured opposite to each other; a parallelism adjustment step, in which the parallelism of the end faces of the liner halves is adjusted; and a welding step, in which the end faces of the liner halves are welded together to integrate the liner halves. The high-pressure tank liner manufacturing method is characterized in that the parallelism adjustment step is performed by clamping a parallelism adjustment fixture between the end faces of the liner halves in a manner that avoids burrs formed on the end faces of the liner halves.

[0012] Furthermore, the high-pressure tank liner manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a parallelism adjustment fixture, which clamps and adjusts the parallelism between the end faces of a pair of opposing liner halves under a predetermined load in a manner that avoids burrs formed on the end faces of the liner halves; a heating unit, which heats the end faces of the liner halves to melt them; and a pair of support fixtures, which respectively support the liner halves so that the molten end faces of the liner halves are fused together.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing a high-pressure storage tank liner can be provided that achieves good welding quality between the inner tank halves without pre-setting a burr removal process before the welding process of the inner tank halves. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a high-pressure storage tank using a high-pressure storage tank liner obtained by the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a structural illustration of the apparatus for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3A It constitutes Figure 2 A partially magnified perspective view of the support fixture of the manufacturing apparatus as seen from direction IIIa.

[0018] Figure 3B It constitutes Figure 2 A partially magnified perspective view of the support fixture of the manufacturing apparatus as seen from the IIIb direction.

[0019] Figure 4A It constitutes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the parallelism adjustment fixture of the manufacturing equipment.

[0020] Figure 4B It constitutes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the heating unit of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0021] Figure 5A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of adjusting the parallelism between the end faces of the inner liner halves in the manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank inner liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A magnified view of the Vb part.

[0023] Figure 5C This is an explanatory diagram of the heating process of the end face of the inner liner half in the manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank inner liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5D yes Figure 5C A magnified view of a portion of the Vd region.

[0025] Figure 5E This is an explanatory diagram of the welding process of the inner tank halves to each other in the manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank inner tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5F yes Figure 5E A magnified view of a portion of the Vf region.

[0027] Figure 5G This is an explanatory diagram of the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the parallelism adjustment process in the manufacturing method of the comparative example.

[0029] Figure 7A This is a structural illustration of the manufacturing apparatus of the first modified example of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7B This is a structural illustration of the manufacturing apparatus of the second modified example of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1. High-pressure storage tank

[0033] 2. Inner liner of high-pressure storage tank

[0034] 4 Fiber-reinforced resin layer

[0035] 5 trunk

[0036] 8 General parts of the trunk

[0037] 9 Expanded diameter part of the trunk

[0038] 31 Inner liner half

[0039] 31a Inner circumferential surface of the inner liner half

[0040] 32. The flange of the inner liner half

[0041] 33. Opening of the inner liner half

[0042] 34. The protruding end of the inner liner half

[0043] 34a End face of the inner liner half (protruding end)

[0044] 36. The joint between the flanges

[0045] 40 heating units

[0046] 40a heating unit

[0047] 40b heating unit

[0048] 43 Lifting mechanism

[0049] 45. Conveying mechanism for heating units

[0050] 46 Support fixture

[0051] 47 Parallelism adjustment jig

[0052] 47b Positioning locking part

[0053] 48 Burrs

[0054] 49. The shape formed by the inner circumferential surface of the inner liner half and the end face of the inner liner half (protruding end)

[0055] The corner of the formation

[0056] A manufacturing apparatus for the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank.

[0057] Ax The shaft of the inner liner of the high-pressure storage tank Detailed Implementation

[0058] Next, the methods (implementations) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] First, a high-pressure storage tank using a high-pressure storage tank liner obtained by the manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described.

[0060] High-Pressure Storage Tanks

[0061] Figure 1This is a longitudinal sectional view of the high-pressure storage tank 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The high-pressure storage tank 1 in this embodiment is envisioned, for example, being mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and storing hydrogen for supplying to the fuel cell system. However, the high-pressure storage tank 1 is not limited to this and can also be used for other high-pressure gases.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the high-pressure storage tank 1 includes a high-pressure storage tank liner 2 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "liner 2"), which will be described in detail later, a tank opening 3 connected to the liner 2, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer 4 covering the outer side of the liner 2 from the tank opening 3.

[0064] The can opening 3 is envisioned to be made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The can opening 3 includes a cylindrical can opening body 18 with a feed / discharge port 21 on its inner side, and a flange portion 19 formed at one axial end of the can opening body 18. The feed / discharge port 21 communicates with the interior of the high-pressure storage tank 1 at the end where the flange portion 19 is formed. Furthermore, at the other end of the feed / discharge port 21, a piping (not shown) connected to the aforementioned fuel cell system is attached.

[0065] On the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 21 at one end of the can opening body 18, a threaded portion 21a is formed that engages with the threaded portion 17a formed on the cylindrical portion 17 of the inner liner 2, which will be described later. Furthermore, an O-shaped ring (not shown) is installed between the top end of the cylindrical portion 17 of the inner liner 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 21.

[0066] In addition, a cylindrical collar 22 made of metal is disposed inside the inlet / outlet hole 21. The collar 22 extends from one end supported on the inner circumferential surface of the inlet / outlet hole 21 toward the inner liner 2 and is embedded in the cylindrical portion 17 of the inner liner 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the fiber-reinforced resin layer 4 is conceived by wrapping a prepreg material, obtained by pre-impregnating the reinforcing fibers with a matrix resin, around the outer periphery of the inner liner 2 and the can opening 3, and then curing the matrix resin.

[0068] As the reinforcing fiber in this embodiment, it is envisioned that a bundle composed of multiple carbon fiber monofilaments is further wound into multiple rovings to form a strip-shaped roving (illustration omitted). However, the reinforcing fiber is not limited to this; for example, aromatic polyamide fibers, boron fibers, alumina fibers, silicon carbide fibers, etc., can also be used.

[0069] The matrix resin in this embodiment is envisioned to be a cured product of a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, phenolic resin, unsaturated polyester resin, or polyimide resin.

[0070] Furthermore, the method for forming the fiber-reinforced resin layer 4 is not limited to using the aforementioned prepreg material. Therefore, the fiber-reinforced resin layer 4 can also be obtained, for example, by impregnating a matrix resin into the unimpregnated reinforcing fibers wound around the inner liner 2 and then curing them.

[0071] High-Pressure Storage Tank Inner Liner

[0072] Next, the inner liner 2 obtained by the manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described (refer to...). Figure 1 ).

[0073] The inner liner 2 is a hollow body made of thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyamide resin and polyethylene resin, but it is not limited to these.

[0074] The inner liner 2 of this embodiment has a body 5 made of a cylindrical body and end caps 6 integrally formed at both ends of the body 5.

[0075] The body portion 5 is configured to include: a general portion 8 formed with a specified outer diameter and occupying the majority of the body portion 5 in the axial (Ax) direction; and an enlarged diameter portion 9 formed in the central portion of the body portion 5 in the axial (Ax) direction and enlarged in diameter compared to the general portion 8.

[0076] As will be explained in detail later, the enlarged section 9 is for the pair of inner liner halves 31 (see reference). Figure 2 The joint 36 (see reference) is formed by welding the ends of the two parts together. Figure 5F It is formed by cutting and machining.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the head 6 is a flat, bowl-shaped body that gradually narrows as it moves away from the lateral axis (Ax) of the body 5.

[0078] The radial center of the sealing head 6 has a recessed portion 16 that is recessed in a manner corresponding to the shape of the flange portion 19 of the can mouth 3.

[0079] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 17 is formed in the center of the recessed portion 16, protruding toward the feed hole 21 of the can opening 3. A threaded portion 17a, engaging with the threaded portion 21a of the feed hole 21, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 17.

[0080] Manufacturing apparatus for the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank

[0081] Next, let's explain inner liner 2 (refer to...) Figure 1 Manufacturing equipment for ).

[0082] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram illustrating the manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment. Figure 2This is a longitudinal sectional view of manufacturing apparatus A. The vertical direction in the following description is consistent with the vertical direction of manufacturing apparatus A. Figure 2 The vertical direction is used as the reference.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment is configured to fuse a pair of inner liner halves 31 together to form an integral unit.

[0084] First, let me explain the inner liner half 31. The inner liner half 31, in addition to having the flange portion 32 described later (see...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B In addition to ), it has the same characteristics as Figure 1 The inner liner 2 shown has approximately the same shape when its central portion 2 is divided equally along the axis (Ax).

[0085] The inner liner halves 31 pass through each other at the opening 33 (see reference). Figure 2 They are fused together to form a single unit.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus A is mainly composed of: a frame 41 disposed on the ground or other ground-contact structures; an upper support portion 42a supporting the upper inner liner half 31 of a pair of inner liner halves 31 on the upper part of the frame 41 by means of a support fixture 46; a lower support portion 42b supporting the lower inner liner half 31 by means of the support fixture 46 and connected to a lifting mechanism 43; a lifting mechanism 43 for raising and lowering the lower support portion 42b; a parallelism adjustment fixture 47 for setting the parallelism between the end faces of the pair of inner liner halves 31 to a predetermined range; a heating unit 40 for locally heating and melting the inner liner halves 31; and a conveying mechanism 45 for the heating unit 40.

[0087] At the lower end of the upper support portion 42a, a support fixture 46 is installed to support the inner liner half 31 with the opening 33 facing downward.

[0088] At the upper end of the lower support portion 42b, a support fixture 46 is installed to support the inner liner half 31 with the opening 33 facing upward.

[0089] Furthermore, the upper and lower pair of support fixtures 46 are each configured as described below to support the flange portion 32 of the inner liner half 31 (see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) locked in place, and attached to the torso 5 of the inner lining half 31 (see reference) Figure 3A and Figure 3B The outer peripheral surface of the inner liner 31 is in contact. Thus, the support fixture 46 enables the upper support portion 42a and the lower support portion 42b to support the inner liner half 31 respectively.

[0090] Figure 3A This is a magnified three-dimensional view of the support fixture 46 as seen from the IIIa direction. Figure 3BThis is a partially enlarged perspective view of the support fixture 46 that constitutes the manufacturing apparatus A, viewed from the IIIb direction.

[0091] like Figure 3A As shown, in the upper and lower pairs of inner liner halves 31 (refer to...) Figure 2 The inner liner half 31, which is disposed on the upper side, has a flange 32 and a protruding end 34 with a melt allowance 35, which will be described in detail later.

[0092] The flange portion 32 is an annular body integrally formed on the body portion 5 and coaxial with the body portion 5, extending radially outward from the body portion 5 in the inner liner half 31.

[0093] A peripheral groove 32a is formed on the flange portion 32.

[0094] The circumferential groove 32a extends circumferentially along the flange 32 in an upward-opening manner.

[0095] Furthermore, the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a is formed by a flat surface and is parallel to the end surface 34a of the protruding end 34, which is also formed by a flat surface.

[0096] On the other hand, the upper support fixture 46 of the pair of upper and lower support fixtures 46 is as follows: Figure 3A As shown, it has an inner claw portion 46a and an outer claw portion 46b that lock the flange portion 32 in place.

[0097] The inner claw portion 46a contacts the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 5 in the inner liner half 31 and is embedded in the peripheral groove 32a of the flange portion 32.

[0098] Furthermore, the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw portion 46a is formed by a flat surface and is parallel to the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a.

[0099] The outer claw portion 46b is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner claw portion 46a, and is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 32. Specifically, the outer claw portion 46b clamps the radially outer wall portion of the peripheral groove 32a in the flange portion 32 between itself and the inner claw portion 46a embedded in the peripheral groove 32a.

[0100] like Figure 3B As shown, the inner liner half 31 and the support fixture 46, located on the lower side, are relative to... Figure 3A The inner liner half 31 and the support fixture 46, which are arranged on the upper side, are configured in a symmetrical manner.

[0101] In other words, such as Figure 3B As shown, on the opening 33 side of the inner liner half 31, and the upper inner liner half 31 ( Figure 3A Similarly, a flange portion 32 with a peripheral groove 32a and a protruding end portion 34 with a melt allowance 35 are formed.

[0102] Additionally, the lower support fixture 46 is also similar. Figure 3A Similarly, the upper support fixture 46 shown has an inner claw portion 46a that is embedded in the peripheral groove 32a of the flange portion 32, and an outer claw portion 46b that clamps the radially outer side of the wall portion of the flange portion 32 between the inner claw portion 46a and the peripheral groove 32a. Furthermore, the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw portion 46a, the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a, and the end surface 34a of the protruding end 34 are formed of flat surfaces and are parallel to each other.

[0103] Protruding end 34 Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, it is an annular body integrally formed on the end face of the opening 33 side of the inner liner half 31, and coaxial with the torso 5.

[0104] The outer diameter of the protruding end 34 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the body 5 in the inner liner half 31, and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 32.

[0105] In addition, the inner diameter of the protruding end 34 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the inner liner half 31.

[0106] Furthermore, the thickness of the axial (Ax) upward protruding end 34 of the inner liner half 31 is greater than the fusion allowance 35 when the inner liner half 31 is fused together, as described later.

[0107] Next, the components of manufacturing apparatus A (refer to...) will be explained. Figure 2 Parallelism adjustment fixture 47 (refer to) Figure 2 ).

[0108] Parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is used in the heating process of the inner liner half 31 in the "Manufacturing Method of High Pressure Storage Tank Inner Liner" described later (see reference). Figure 5D (Previously conducted) Figure 3A and Figure 3B The parallelism adjustment process of the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) shown (refer to) Figure 5B ) used in the fixture.

[0109] The parallelism adjustment fixture 47 in this embodiment is envisioned to be formed of synthetic resin, elastomer or metal.

[0110] The parallelism adjustment fixture 47 (refer to) Figure 2 In the parallelism adjustment process (refer to...) Figure 5B Inserted into the inner liner half 31 (refer to) Figure 2 Between each other.

[0111] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional view of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47.

[0112] like Figure 4A As shown, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is formed by an annular body having end faces 47a extending circumferentially in the vertical direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the upper and lower end faces 47a are each formed by flat surfaces and are parallel to each other. Also, although the cross-section of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is not shown in the diagram, it is rectangular.

[0114] The upper end face 47a of these upper and lower end faces 47a will be adjusted in the parallelism adjustment process described later (see reference). Figure 5B In ), configure as with Figure 3A The end face 34a of the protruding end 34 shown is in contact. Additionally, the lower end face 47a is in contact with the parallelism adjustment process described later (see [reference]). Figure 5B In ), configure as with Figure 3B The end face 34a of the protruding end 34 shown is in contact. That is to say, Figure 4A The inner and outer diameters of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 shown are... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The inner and outer diameters of the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 shown are correspondingly set. Specifically, the inner diameter of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is larger than that of the protruding end 34 (see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The inner diameter of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is greater than the outer diameter of the protruding end 34.

[0115] Furthermore, the inner and outer diameters of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47, as described later, are configured to avoid burrs 48 extending between the end faces 34a of the opposing protruding ends 34 (see reference). Figure 5B ).

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is envisioned to be moved by a specified conveying device during the parallelism adjustment process, but it can also be moved to a specified position by the operator.

[0117] Next, the components of manufacturing apparatus A (refer to...) will be explained. Figure 2 Heating unit 40 (refer to) Figure 2 ).

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus A includes a heating unit 40a for heating the inner liner half 31 disposed on the upper side and a heating unit 40b for heating the inner liner half 31 disposed on the lower side. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between heating unit 40a and heating unit 40b, it is simply referred to as "heating unit 40".

[0119] The heating unit 40 includes a heating source 44a and a base component 44b supporting the heating source 44a.

[0120] In this embodiment, the heating unit 40 is used in the heating process of the inner liner half 31 constituting the "Manufacturing Method of High Pressure Storage Tank Inner Liner" described later (see reference). Figure 5D In the process, the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 is heated to melt the remaining molten material 35 of the protruding end 34 (refer to...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B ).

[0121] Figure 4B This is a three-dimensional view of the heating unit 40.

[0122] like Figure 4B As shown, the heating unit 40 in this embodiment includes a base component 44b made of a plate with a rectangular planar shape, and a heating source 44a embedded in the base component 44b in a ring shape.

[0123] In addition, the heating source 44a in this embodiment is envisioned to be a heating source that utilizes Joule heat generated by electric heating wires or radiant heat generated by far-infrared rays, but is not limited to this.

[0124] and, Figure 2 The heating source 44a of the heating unit 40a shown is in the heating process of the inner liner half 31 (see reference). Figure 5D In, with Figure 3A The end faces 34a of the protruding end 34 shown are arranged opposite each other.

[0125] in addition, Figure 2 The heating source 44a of the heating unit 40b shown is in the heating process of the inner liner half 31 (see reference). Figure 5D In, with Figure 3B The end faces 34a of the protruding end 34 shown are arranged opposite each other.

[0126] In other words, Figure 2 The inner and outer diameters of the heating sources 44a of the heating units 40a and 40b shown are the same as those of the heating units 40b. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The inner and outer diameters of the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 shown are set accordingly.

[0127] Furthermore, the heating unit 40 is transported by the conveying mechanism 45 in the heating process of the inner liner half 31 in a manner arranged between the inner liner half 31, and in subsequent processes other than the heating process, it is transported in a manner that avoids the inner liner half 31 from each other.

[0128] Manufacturing Method of Inner Liner for High-Pressure Storage Tanks

[0129] Next, the manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment will be described (refer to...). Figure 2 The manufacturing method of this embodiment will be explained while performing the actions of ( ).

[0130] In this manufacturing method, a pair of inner liner halves 31 (see reference) Figure 2 The configuration process of the inner liner half 31, the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 (refer to) Figure 3A and Figure 3B The parallelism adjustment process of the inner liner half 31, and the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 (refer to) Figure 3A and Figure 3B The heating process of the inner liner half 31 (refer to) Figure 2 The welding process between them, and the inner liner half 31 integrated in the welding process (see reference). Figure 2 The cutting process is performed on the joints of the parts.

[0131] Figure 5A This is an explanatory diagram of the process for adjusting the parallelism between the inner liner halves 31. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A magnified view of the Vb part. Figure 5C This is an explanatory diagram of the heating process of the protruding end 34 in the inner liner half 31. Figure 5D yes Figure 5C A magnified view of a portion of the Vd region. Figure 5E This is an illustration of the welding process between the inner liner halves 31. Figure 5F yes Figure 5E A magnified view of the Vf region. However, in Figure 5F For ease of drafting, the following has been omitted. Figure 5E The supporting fixture 46. Figure 5G This is an explanatory diagram of the cutting process performed on the joint 36 of the inner liner halves 31 after they are integrated in the welding process.

[0132] <Inner Liner Half Assembly Process>

[0133] In the inner liner half 31 (refer to) Figure 2 In the configuration process, as described above, a pair of inner liner halves 31 are prepared.

[0134] In this embodiment, the inner liner half 31 is envisioned to be obtained by injection molding. The mold for molding this inner liner half 31 is omitted from the illustration; for example, it has a head 6 (see reference 6) that mimics the inner liner half 31. Figure 1 ) and trunk 5 (refer to Figure 1 A fixed mold with half of the outer shape, a movable mold that imitates the inner shape of the outer half, and a mold that imitates the flange 32 (see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cavity formed by the demolding mold.

[0135] The inner liner half 31 is obtained by injecting the aforementioned thermoplastic resin, which has been heated and molten, into such a mold and then cooling it. Furthermore, on the inner liner half 31 removed from the mold by mold opening, burrs 48 (described later) inevitably form at the portion corresponding to the boundary between the movable mold and the release mold. Figure 5B Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the burr 48 is formed as a protruding end 34 in the inner liner half 31 (see reference 34) based on the positional relationship between the inner liner half 31 obtained within the mold and the boundaries of the movable mold and the ejector mold. Figure 5B End face 34a (refer to) Figure 5B They extend to each other.

[0136] Furthermore, in this configuration process, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the inner liner half 31 is temporarily assembled relative to the support fixture 46. At this time, a gap CL is formed between the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a in the flange portion 32 and the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw portion 46a in the support fixture 46.

[0137] <Inner liner half-section parallelism adjustment process>

[0138] Next, in the parallelism adjustment process, Figure 2 The parallelism adjustment fixture 47 shown is placed on the lower inner liner half 31. Then, the lower inner liner half 31, which is temporarily assembled on the support fixture 46 of the lower support part 42b, is raised by the lifting mechanism 43 while the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is placed on it.

[0139] Therefore, parallelism adjustment fixture 47, etc. Figure 5A As shown, it is sandwiched between the upper inner liner half 31 and the lower inner liner half 31.

[0140] And, as Figure 5B As shown, via lifting mechanism 43 (refer to...) Figure 2 Driven by the force of the load applied to the parallelism adjustment fixture 47, the upper inner liner half 31 and the lower inner liner half 31 eliminate the gap CL between the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a in the flange 32 and the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw part 46a in the support fixture 46 (see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B In other words, the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw 46a is in close contact with the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a.

[0141] On the other hand, burrs 48 exist between the inner liner halves 31. Specifically, these burrs 48 are formed at the boundary between the movable mold that shapes the inner circumferential surface 31a of the inner liner halves 31 and the release mold that shapes the flange portion 32. Thus, the burrs 48 extend along this boundary, so as... Figure 5B As shown, the burr 48 extends from the corner 49 formed by the inner circumferential surface 31a of the inner liner half 31 and the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 toward each other in the inner liner half 31. Furthermore, the burr 48 extends in an irregular band along the circumference of the opening 33 in the inner liner half 31.

[0142] In this embodiment, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is disposed between the inner liner halves 31 in a manner that avoids the burrs 48 in the direction away from the opening 33 of the inner liner halves 31. Specifically, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is disposed between the inner claw portions 46a in the upper support fixture 46 and the inner claw portions 46a in the lower support fixture 46, in a manner that aligns them in the vertical direction.

[0143] Through the parallelism adjustment process described above, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is positioned between the inner liner halves 31 while avoiding the burrs 48, and the parallelism between the inner liner halves 31 and the support fixture 46 is set to a predetermined range.

[0144] <Heating process of the inner liner half>

[0145] Next, the protruding end 34 in the inner liner half 31 will be described (refer to...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The heating process.

[0146] like Figure 5C As shown, heating units 40 are arranged between each other in the inner liner half 31.

[0147] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heating unit 40 slides via the conveying mechanism 45 and is positioned above the lower inner liner half 31. At this time, although the diagram is omitted, a predetermined interval D (described later) is maintained between the heating source 44a of the lower heating unit 40b and the lower inner liner half 31. Figure 5D ).

[0148] Next, the prescribed interval D (refer to) is maintained between the heating unit 40 and the lower inner liner half 31. Figure 5D In the state of ), a pair of heating units 40a and 40b rise upwards via the lifting mechanism 43.

[0149] like Figure 5DAs shown, through this rise, the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 in the upper inner liner half 31 is opposite to the heating source 44a of the upper heating unit 40a at a predetermined interval D.

[0150] The heating unit of the lower heating unit 40b, as described above, is positioned opposite to the end face 34a of the protruding end 34 in the lower inner liner half 31 at a predetermined interval D.

[0151] In addition, during this heating process, the heating unit 40 heats and melts the molten residue 35 of the protruding end 34.

[0152] Furthermore, during this heating process, the burrs 48 are melted using the heating unit 40, and the molten burrs 48 are integrated with and absorbed by the molten residue 35 due to surface tension. The burrs 48 between the inner liner halves 31 disappear.

[0153] <Welding process of the inner liner halves>

[0154] Next, the welding process of the inner liner halves 31 will be explained.

[0155] Although the diagram is omitted, the heating unit 40 ( Figure 5C ) via transport agency 45 (refer to Figure 2 ) moves in a manner that avoids each other from within the inner liner halves 31. Specifically, it moves to Figure 2 The initial position.

[0156] Furthermore, via lifting mechanism 43 (see reference) Figure 2 The lower inner liner half 31 from Figure 5C The height shown rises further upwards.

[0157] like Figure 5E As shown, the ends of the upper inner liner half 31 and the lower inner liner half 31 are fused together.

[0158] Specifically, in this welding process, such as Figure 5F As shown, the inner liner halves 31 are pressed together under a specified load using a support fixture (figure omitted), so that the molten allowance 35 (see reference) is molten. Figure 5D The molten material 35a flows in a direction that intersects with the pressing direction (axis Ax) of the inner liner halves 31 relative to each other. As a result, the molten material 35a of the inner liner halves 31 fuses together at the weld surface 36a, as shown by the imaginary line (double-dotted line). Furthermore, by cooling the molten material 35a, the inner liner halves 31 are integrally connected at the weld surface 36a.

[0159] Furthermore, in such a welding process, when the inner liner halves 31 are integrated together on the welding surface 36a, a specified vibration device can be used to make the inner liner halves 31 vibrate each other to promote the welding of the inner liner halves 31 together.

[0160] <Cutting Process>

[0161] Next, in the cutting process of the integrated inner liner halves 31, such as Figure 5G As shown, the flange portion 32 in the joint 36 (shown by the imaginary line (double-dotted line)) is removed by cutting to leave its root portion 32c remaining.

[0162] Furthermore, the enlarged diameter portion 9 in the inner liner 2 is formed through the remaining root portion 32c. Thus, the inner liner 2 of this embodiment (refer to...) Figure 1 The series of manufacturing processes are completed.

[0163] Effects and Functions

[0164] Next, the manufacturing method of the inner liner 2 of this embodiment and the effects of the manufacturing apparatus A for the inner liner 2 implemented by the manufacturing method will be explained.

[0165] In the manufacturing method and apparatus A of the inner liner 2 of this embodiment, before welding the inner liner halves 31 (protruding ends 34) together, the parallelism of the end faces 34a of the inner liner halves 31 (protruding ends 34) is adjusted. Furthermore, the adjustment of this parallelism is as follows: Figure 5B As shown, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is pre-clamped between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) in a manner that avoids the burrs 48 formed on the end face 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34).

[0166] This is for reference only. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the parallelism adjustment process in the manufacturing method of the comparative example.

[0167] like Figure 6 As shown, the manufacturing method of this comparative example differs from that of this embodiment. No parallelism adjustment fixture 47 (see reference 34) is provided between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34). Figure 5B ).

[0168] In other words, in the parallelism adjustment process of the manufacturing method of this comparative example, the lifting mechanism 43 (see reference) is used to adjust the parallelism. Figure 2As the lower inner liner half 31 rises in the direction of the white arrow, burrs 48 are trapped between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34). Therefore, in the comparative example manufacturing method, the burrs 48 hinder the parallelism between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34). In other words, the gap CL between the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a in the flange portion 32 and the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw portion 46a in the support fixture 46 is not uniformly eliminated within the circumferential and radial range of the peripheral groove 32a.

[0169] In contrast, according to the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment, such as Figure 5B As shown, with the burrs 48 avoided, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is clamped between the end faces 34a of the upper and lower inner liner halves 31 (protruding ends 34) and can ensure parallelism without interference from the burrs 48.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment, unlike the conventional method, since burrs 48 are not sandwiched between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34), damage to the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) by burrs 48 can be prevented. Additionally, since the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is configured to avoid the burrs 48, burrs 48 are also not sandwiched between the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 and the end faces 34a.

[0171] In addition, in the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment, burrs 48 are formed on the inner circumferential side of the end face 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34), and the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is disposed on the radial outer side of the inner liner half 31 compared with the corner portion 49.

[0172] According to this manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A, interference from burrs 48 can be more reliably prevented during the parallelism adjustment process of the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34). Therefore, misalignment of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 relative to the inner liner half 31 during the parallelism adjustment process can be more reliably prevented.

[0173] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the burrs 48 are melted and disappear together with the end face of the inner liner half 31 during the melting process.

[0174] According to the present invention, during the welding process of the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) to each other, the interference of burrs 48 is completely eliminated.

[0175] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment, a pair of support fixtures 46 and parallelism adjustment fixtures 47 are arranged in a manner that is aligned in one direction (the vertical direction in this embodiment).

[0176] According to this manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A, in the parallelism adjustment process, the reaction force from the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 to the support fixture 46 via the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) is transmitted more effectively. The gap CL between the bottom surface 32a1 of the peripheral groove 32a in the flange 32 and the top surface 46a1 of the inner claw portion 46a in the support fixture 46 is eliminated more efficiently. The parallelism between the end faces 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) is more reliably within the predetermined range.

[0177] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus A of this embodiment, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is envisioned to be formed of synthetic resin, elastomer or metal.

[0178] The parallelism adjustment fixture 47, made of synthetic resin or elastomer, can prevent excessive stress in the inner liner half 31 during the parallelism adjustment process.

[0179] In addition, the durability of the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 made of metal is improved, and the positioning accuracy relative to the end face 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34) is improved.

[0180] The above describes this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in various ways.

[0181] Figure 7A This is a structural illustration of the manufacturing apparatus A of the first modified example of the present invention. Figure 7A This is related to the manufacturing apparatus A of the above-described embodiment. Figure 5B The corresponding diagram.

[0182] like Figure 7A As shown, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 of the manufacturing apparatus A in the first modified example has a positioning engagement portion 47b, which is positioned relative to the inner liner half 31 by means of a layer difference portion embedded between the flange portion 32 and the protruding end portion 34.

[0183] According to the manufacturing apparatus A of such a first modification, it is possible to more effectively prevent the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 from shifting relative to the inner liner half 31 during the parallelism adjustment process.

[0184] Figure 7B This is a structural illustration of the manufacturing apparatus A of the second modification of the present invention. Figure 7B This is related to the manufacturing apparatus A of the above-described embodiment. Figure 5B The corresponding diagram.

[0185] The manufacturing apparatus A in the above-described embodiments is as follows: Figure 5BAs shown, considering the position of the burr 48 formed on the end face 34a of the inner liner half 31 (protruding end 34), the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is positioned close to the outer periphery of the protruding end 34.

[0186] On the other hand, if we consider the case where the parting position of the ejector mold relative to the movable mold has been changed, then as follows: Figure 7B As shown, the case where burrs 48 are formed on the outer periphery of the protruding end 34 is also considered.

[0187] That is, in manufacturing apparatus A of the second modification, such as Figure 7B As shown, the parallelism adjustment fixture 47 is positioned close to the inner circumferential side of the protruding end 34 to avoid the burrs 48. Furthermore, Figure 7B In the figure, reference numeral 47b is a positioning engagement part that is embedded in the corner of the inner circumferential side of the protruding end 34 and is positioned relative to the inner liner half 31.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a high-pressure storage tank liner, comprising the following steps: The assembly process involves using a pair of support fixtures to support a pair of inner liner halves so that their end faces are welded together and arranging the pair of inner liner halves opposite each other. The parallelism adjustment process involves adjusting the parallelism between the end faces of the inner liner halves; and The welding process involves fusing the end faces of the inner liner halves together to integrate the inner liner halves into one piece. The manufacturing method of the high-pressure storage tank liner is characterized by the following: The parallelism adjustment process is performed by clamping the parallelism adjustment fixture between the end faces of the inner liner half in a manner that avoids burrs formed on the end face of the inner liner half, thereby setting the parallelism between the inner liner half and the support fixture to a specified range.

2. The method for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner half is formed of a cylindrical body. The burrs are formed by extending from the corner formed by the inner circumferential surface of the inner liner half and the end face of the inner liner half towards each other on the end face of the inner liner half. The parallelism adjustment fixture is positioned radially outside the inner liner half compared to the corner portion.

3. The method for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding process includes: a melting process that heats and melts the end faces of the inner liner halves; and a supporting process that supports the inner liner halves respectively to weld the molten end faces of the inner liner halves together. The burrs disappear during the melting process, melting together with the end face of the inner liner half.

4. A manufacturing apparatus for a high-pressure storage tank liner, characterized in that, have: A pair of support fixtures, each supporting a pair of opposing inner liner halves so that the end faces of the inner liner halves are fused together; A parallelism adjustment fixture is clamped between the end faces of the inner liner halves with a specified load in a manner that avoids burrs formed on the end faces of the inner liner halves, thereby setting the parallelism between the inner liner halves and the support fixture to a specified range and adjusting the parallelism between the end faces of the inner liner halves. and A heating unit that heats the end face of the inner liner half to melt it.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The parallelism adjustment fixture is configured such that it is aligned in one direction with the pair of support fixtures when the end faces of the inner liner half supported by the pair of support fixtures are clamped together with a specified load between them.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The parallelism adjustment fixture has a positioning engagement part that performs relative positioning of the inner liner halves when adjusting the parallelism between the end faces of the inner liner halves.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing the inner liner of a high-pressure storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The parallelism adjustment fixture is formed of synthetic resin, elastomer or metal.

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