Method for manufacturing a can and mold for manufacturing a can

Abstract

The present application relates to a method of manufacturing a can and a mold for manufacturing a can. The method of manufacturing a can includes a preparation step of preparing a preform in which a plurality of fiber bundles are wound on an outer surface of a liner that forms an internal space of the can and a mold, and an impregnation step of injecting a resin into the mold to impregnate the fiber bundles with the resin in a disposition state in which the preform is disposed in the mold, the mold including a mold main body portion, a plurality of ribs that protrude from an inner surface of the mold main body portion and that oppose the outermost layer of the fiber bundles in the disposition state, and a flow path portion that is formed between a first rib and a second rib that are mutually adjacent ribs and that allows the resin to flow, the flow path portion extending in a flow path direction that is different from an extending fiber direction of the fiber bundles in the outermost layer in the disposition state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a can and a mold for manufacturing a can. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, in can manufacturing methods, there was a known technique for forming a fiber-reinforced resin layer and a resin layer on the outer periphery of the lining using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) method (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-118288).

[0003] When the mold comes into contact with the intermediate product due to shape deviations caused by the intermediate product of the can formed by winding fibers on the outer surface of the liner, it may result in insufficient resin impregnation of the fibers at the contact area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure can be implemented in the following ways.

[0005] (1) According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a can is provided. The method includes: a preparation step, preparing a preform having multiple layers of fiber bundles wound around the outer surface of a lining forming the internal space of the can, and a mold; and an impregnation step, in which, with the preform placed in the mold, resin is injected into the mold to impregnate the fiber bundles with the resin. The mold includes: a mold body portion; a plurality of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the mold body portion and, in the above-mentioned configuration, opposing the outermost layer of fiber bundles; and a flow path portion formed between a first rib and a second rib, which are adjacent to each other, for the resin to flow through. In the above-mentioned configuration, the fiber direction of the fiber bundles in the outermost layer is different from the flow path direction of the flow path portion. According to this method, a can is manufactured using a mold having a plurality of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the mold body portion and a flow path portion formed by adjacent ribs. At this time, since the fiber direction is different from the flow path direction in the configuration of the preform, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundles from being buried in the flow path portion. Therefore, even when the inner surface of the mold comes into contact with the preform due to shape deviations caused by the preform, the fiber bundles in the contact area can be fully impregnated with resin by allowing the resin to flow through the flow path.

[0006] (2) Based on the above method, if the interval between the first rib and the second rib is used as the flow path width of the flow path portion, and the width of the fiber bundle is used as the fiber width, the preparation step includes a step of winding the fiber bundle having a fiber width larger than the flow path width onto the preform in order to form the outermost layer. According to this method, in the impregnation process, the fiber width can be made larger than the flow path width. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the fiber bundle forming the outermost layer from being buried in the flow path portion.

[0007] (3) Based on the above method, the main body of the mold can have: a cylindrical main body; and two dome-shaped sections disposed at both ends of the main body, the diameter of which decreases as it moves away from the main body, and ribs formed on the inner surface of the main body. According to this method, in the configuration of the preform, the gap between the main body and the inner surface of the mold is smaller than that between the cylindrical section and the preform. Therefore, by forming ribs on the inner surface of the main body, the flow path of the resin can be more reliably ensured using the flow path section. Therefore, the fiber bundles can be easily impregnated with resin in the main body.

[0008] (4) According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mold for manufacturing a can is provided. The mold for manufacturing a can includes: a mold body portion; a plurality of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the mold body portion, which, in a configuration state in which a preform is disposed within the mold, face the outermost fiber bundle, the preform being a component having multiple layers of the fiber bundle wound around the outer surface of a lining forming the internal space of the can; and a flow path portion formed between a first rib and a second rib, which are adjacent to each other, for the flow of resin impregnated with the fiber bundle in the configuration state, wherein, in the configuration state, the fiber direction of the fiber bundle extending in the outermost layer is different from the flow path direction of the flow path portion. According to this aspect, the mold for manufacturing a can includes: a plurality of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the mold body portion; and a flow path portion formed by adjacent ribs. Since the fiber direction and the flow path direction are different in the configuration state of the preform, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundle from being buried in the flow path portion. Therefore, even when the inner surface of the mold comes into contact with the preform due to shape deviations caused by the preform, the fiber bundles in the contact area can be fully impregnated with resin by allowing the resin to flow through the flow path.

[0009] This disclosure can be implemented in various ways other than the aforementioned can manufacturing method and can manufacturing mold. For example, it can be implemented in a can manufacturing apparatus equipped with a can manufacturing mold. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 It is a diagram used to illustrate the simplified structure of a preform and a can.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified structure of a can manufacturing apparatus.

[0013] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a can using a manufacturing apparatus.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can manufacturing mold in the first embodiment, viewed from the outside.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view 5-5.

[0016] Figure 6 It's enlarged. Figure 5 An enlarged view of region 1.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the rib in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction and the flow path direction in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 It's enlarged. Figure 5 An enlarged view of the second region.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the detailed structure of a through hole.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can manufacturing mold in the second embodiment, viewed from the outside.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction and the flow path direction in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can manufacturing mold in the third embodiment, viewed from the outside.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction and the flow path direction in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] A. Implementation Method 1:

[0026] A-1. Structure of the preform and the tank:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram used to illustrate the simplified structure of the preform 120 and the can 100. Figure 1 The right figure shows can 100 through the... Figure 1 The preform 120 shown in the left figure is manufactured by processing. Figure 1 The manufacturing method of can 100 is indicated in the label (described later). Figure 3 The step numbers corresponding to each process (step S1 to step S8) in the process.

[0028] exist Figure 1 The image shows the state of the preform 120 and the tank 100 viewed in cross-section along the central axis O. Figure 1 The diagram depicts the X, Y, and Z axes as mutually orthogonal axes. The arrows pointing along the X, Y, and Z axes represent the positive directions of the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These positive directions are designated as +X, +Y, and +Z. The directions opposite to the arrows are the negative directions of the X, Y, and Z axes, designated as -X, -Y, and -Z, respectively. All directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of their polarity, are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the X direction is the direction along the central axis O of the can 100. The Y direction is the direction along the direction of gravity in the configuration posture of the can 100 described later. - The Y direction is aligned with the direction of gravity in the configuration posture. In addition, the Y direction and the Z direction are aligned with the radial direction CD of the can 100. Regarding the figures and descriptions shown below, the side closer to the central axis O on the radial direction CD of the can 100 is designated as the radial inner side, and the side farther from the central axis O is designated as the radial outer side.

[0030] Tank 100, for example, is installed in fuel cell vehicles and used to store hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell under high pressure. Figure 1 As shown in the right figure, the tank 100 has a liner 10, a reinforcing layer 90, a valve-side metal port 181, and an end-side metal port 182.

[0031] Liner 10 is a hollow container that forms an internal space 10p for storing fluids such as hydrogen. Liner 10 is formed, for example, from a resin with gas barrier properties such as polyamide resin. The central axis of liner 10 is the same as the central axis O of tank 100.

[0032] The reinforcing layer 90 is used to reinforce the lining 10. The reinforcing layer 90 covers the outer periphery of the lining 10. The reinforcing layer 90 includes a fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and a resin layer 17.

[0033] A fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 covers the outer surface 10b of the lining 10. The material forming the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 is, for example, a fiber-reinforced resin such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics). CFRP is formed by impregnating carbon fibers with a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin and then performing thermosetting.

[0034] The resin layer 17 covers at least a portion of the outer surface 15b of the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15. The resin layer 17 is formed of the same resin as the resin used to impregnate the fibers during the formation of the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15. In this embodiment, a can-making mold 2 (described later) is used. Figure 2 The fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and resin layer 17 are formed by resin transfer molding (RTM) (hereinafter referred to as RTM method). Details of the method for forming the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and resin layer 17 based on the RTM method will be described later. The resin layer 17 has a plurality of through holes 170 extending in the thickness direction. Details of the through holes 170 will be described later. Furthermore, the types of fiber materials and thermosetting resins used to form the reinforcing layer 90 are not limited thereto. For example, the fiber material used to form the reinforcing layer 90 may include glass fiber.

[0035] The container body 95 of the can 100 is composed of a liner 10 and a reinforcing layer 90. The container body 95 has a cylindrical portion 950, a first spherical portion 951, and a second spherical portion 952. The cylindrical portion 950 is formed by the liner 10 and a portion of the reinforcing layer 90. The cylindrical portion 950 is cylindrical in shape.

[0036] The first spherical portion 951 and the second spherical portion 952 are the portions of the container body 95 other than the cylindrical portion 950, and are provided at both ends of the cylindrical portion 950. Specifically, the first spherical portion 951 is continuously provided with one end 950r of the cylindrical portion 950 along the axial direction OD of the central axis O. The shape of the first spherical portion 951 is a dome shape (spherical shape) protruding from one end 950r of the cylindrical portion 950 toward the valve-side metal opening 181. The diameter of the first spherical portion 951 decreases as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 950. The front end 10r of the liner 10 in the first spherical portion 951 is bent to enter into the internal space 10p side. An opening 10d is formed by the bent front end 10r of the liner 10.

[0037] The second spherical part 952 is continuously provided with the other end 950s, which is the opposite side of the first end 950r in the cylindrical part 950. The shape of the second spherical part 952 is a dome shape (spherical shape) protruding from the other end 950s of the cylindrical part 950 toward the tail end side metal opening 182. The diameter of the second spherical part 952 decreases as it moves away from the cylindrical part 950.

[0038] A valve-side metal port 181 is installed in the opening 10d. The valve-side metal port 181 is generally cylindrical in shape so that the internal space 10p of the liner 10 can communicate with the outside. The valve-side metal port 181 functions as an inlet and outlet for fluids such as hydrogen stored in the internal space 10p.

[0039] The tail-end side metal opening 182 is a component used to seal the internal space 10p of the liner 10 at the other end 950s. The tail-end side metal opening 182 is provided on the second spherical surface 952 in such a way that it is exposed both inside and outside the can 100. As for the shape of the tail-end side metal opening 182, it is a shape in which a portion of a cylindrical shape is sealed in order to seal the internal space 10p of the liner 10.

[0040] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 As shown in the left figure, the preform 120 includes a liner 10, a fiber layer 121 with multiple layers of fiber bundles 12 wound on the outer surface 10b of the liner 10, a valve-side metal port 181, and a tail-end side metal port 182. The structure of the liner 10, the valve-side metal port 181, and the tail-end side metal port 182 is similar to... Figure 1 The preform 120 is the same as the can 100 shown in the right figure. That is, the preform 120 is an intermediate product in the manufacturing process of can 100.

[0041] The fiber bundle 12 is formed by winding it in multiple layers, covering the outer surface 10b of the lining 10, using at least one of helical winding and hoop winding. Here, "fiber bundle 12" refers to an aggregate of fibers consisting of a large number of single fibers with a diameter of approximately a few micrometers. "Helical winding" refers to a method of winding the fiber bundle 12 onto the lining 10 with a winding angle (fiber orientation) relative to the central axis O greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In helical winding, for example, the fiber bundle 12 is wound from one spherical portion (e.g., the first spherical portion 951) of the lining 10 through the cylindrical portion 950 to another spherical portion (e.g., the second spherical portion 952). "Hoop winding" refers to a method of winding the fiber bundle 12 onto the lining 10 with a winding angle approximately 90 degrees relative to the central axis O. During circumferential winding, the fiber bundle 12 is wound around the cylindrical portion 950 while the winding position is moved parallel to the central axis O. The innermost layer 12a of the fiber layer 121 contacts the outer surface 10b of the liner 10. The outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 forms the outer surface of the preform 120.

[0042] A-2. Structure of the tank manufacturing apparatus:

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a simplified structure of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the tank 100. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the state in which the preform 120 is positioned within the mold 2 for can manufacturing. The manufacturing apparatus 1 is used to manufacture preforms using the RTM method from... Figure 1 The preform 120 shown in the left figure is manufactured Figure 1The apparatus for the can 100 shown in the right figure is described. Specifically, the manufacturing apparatus 1 uses the RTM method to manufacture the can 100 in which a reinforcing layer 90 is formed on the outer periphery of the liner 10 by impregnating the fiber layer 121 of the preform 120 with resin and then curing the resin. In this embodiment, a thermosetting resin is used to form the reinforcing layer 90.

[0044] The manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a mold 2 for can manufacturing, a support mechanism 208, a temperature regulating device 40, a vacuum pump 50, a resin storage section 64, a pressurizing device 60, a valve 62, a control device 70, and a drive mechanism 80.

[0045] The mold 2 for can manufacturing includes a pair of first molds 21 and second molds 22 forming the main body of the mold 20, a configuration chamber 200 for configuring the preform 120, a plurality of ribs 23 (not shown), and a flow path 27 (not shown). Details of the ribs 23 and the flow path 27 (not shown) will be described later.

[0046] The first mold 21 and the second mold 22 are opposite each other. The first mold 21 is positioned on the lower side (-Y direction side) in the direction of gravity than the second mold 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first mold 21 is the lower mold and the second mold 22 is the upper mold. Furthermore, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the first mold 21 and the second mold 22, they will be referred to as "mold body 20" below.

[0047] The first mold 21 is a fixed mold mounted on a pedestal or similar surface. The first mold 21 has a first mold opposing wall 211, a first mold bottom wall 212, a first mold recess 215, a first mold tube portion 218, and a first gate 219. The first mold opposing wall 211 is a wall surface opposite to the second mold 22. The first mold bottom wall 212 is a wall surface parallel to and spaced apart from the first mold opposing wall 211. The first mold bottom wall 212 is, for example, fixed to a pedestal or similar surface (not shown). The first mold recess 215 is a recess formed by a portion of the first mold opposing wall 211 recessed towards the first mold bottom wall 212. The first mold recess 215 has a first mold bottom surface 216 and two first mold connecting surfaces 217m and 217n, and is shaped to open in the +Y direction where the second mold 22 is located. The first mold connecting surfaces 217 are located at both ends of the bottom surface 216 of the first mold. The first mold tube section 218 is a gas flow path formed inside the first mold 21 for vacuum degassing of the configuration chamber 200 by the vacuum pump 50. The first gate 219 is an opening formed in the bottom surface 216 of the first mold recess 215. That is, the first mold tube section 218 can achieve vacuum degassing based on the vacuum pump 50 through the first gate 219.

[0048] The second mold 22 is a movable mold configured to be pressed toward the first mold 21. The second mold 22 has a second mold opposing wall 221, a second mold top wall 222, a second mold recess 225, a second mold tube portion 228, and a second gate 229. The second mold opposing wall 221 is a wall surface opposing the first mold opposing wall 211. The second mold top wall 222 is a surface parallel to the second mold opposing wall 221, spaced apart. The second mold recess 225 is a recess formed by a portion of the second mold opposing wall 221 recessed toward the second mold top wall 222. The second mold recess 225 has a second mold top surface 226 and two second mold connecting surfaces 227m and 227n, which are shaped as openings in the Y-direction direction where the first mold 21 is located. The second mold connecting surfaces 227 are located at both ends of the second mold top surface 226. That is, the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 is formed by the first mold bottom surface 216 and the first mold connecting surface 217 of the first mold recess 215, and the second mold top surface 226 and the second mold connecting surface 227 of the second mold recess 225. The second mold tube 228 is a flow path formed inside the second mold 22 to allow resin supplied from the resin storage section 64 to flow into the configuration chamber 200. The second gate 229 is an opening formed in the second mold top surface 226 of the second mold recess 225. That is, the second mold tube 228 communicates with the valve 62 and the resin storage section 64 side and the configuration chamber 200 side via the second gate 229. Figure 2 In the diagram, arrows indicate the direction of resin flow (hereinafter referred to as the flow direction).

[0049] The placement chamber 200 is a space for placing the preform 120 between the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. The placement chamber 200 is the internal space of the can manufacturing mold 2 formed by the first mold recess 215 and the second mold recess 225 when the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 are closed (hereinafter referred to as the closed state). That is, the placement chamber 200 is formed inside the mold body 20 when the mold body 20 is in the closed state.

[0050] The first mold recess 215 and the second mold recess 225 are respectively formed in a shape that follows the shape of the preform 120. Specifically, the can manufacturing mold 2 includes: a cylindrical main body 205; and two domes 201 and 202, which are provided at both ends of the main body 205, and whose diameter decreases as they move away from the main body 205.

[0051] The main body 205 houses the cylindrical portion 950 of the preform 120. The main body 205 is the portion of the mold body 20 that includes the bottom surface 216 of the first mold and the top surface 226 of the second mold. Therefore, in the state where the preform 120 is placed in the placement chamber 200 (hereinafter referred to as the placement state) and in the mold closed state, both the bottom surface 216 of the first mold and the top surface 226 of the second mold are opposite to the cylindrical portion 950 of the preform 120.

[0052] The first dome 201 houses the first spherical surface 951 of the preform 120. The first dome 201 is a portion of the mold body 20 that includes the first mold connecting surface 217m and the second mold connecting surface 227m. Therefore, in the configured state of the preform 120 and the closed state of the mold body 20, both the first mold connecting surface 217m and the second mold connecting surface 227m are opposite to the first spherical surface 951 of the preform 120.

[0053] The second dome 202 houses the second spherical surface 952 of the preform 120. The second dome 202 is a portion of the mold body 20 that includes the first mold connecting surface 217n and the second mold connecting surface 227n. Therefore, in the configured state of the preform 120 and the closed state of the mold body 20, both the first mold connecting surface 217n and the second mold connecting surface 227n are opposite to the second spherical surface 952 of the preform 120.

[0054] When the preform 120 is positioned in the configuration chamber 200 (hereinafter referred to as the configuration state) and the mold is closed, the bottom surface 216 of the first mold and the top surface 226 of the second mold are both opposite to the cylindrical portion 950 of the preform 120. In addition, in the configuration state of the preform 120, the connecting surface 217 of the first mold and the connecting surface 227 of the second mold are both opposite to the spherical portions 951 and 952.

[0055] In the configuration state of the preform 120, the support mechanism 208 supports the preform 120 from the two ends of the valve side metal port 181 located on one end side 120r and the tail side metal port 182 located on the other end side 120s.

[0056] The temperature regulating device 40 controls the temperature of the mold 2 used for can manufacturing. According to the instructions of the control device 70, the temperature regulating device 40 sets the temperature of the mold body 20 to be lower than the resin's curing temperature until the resin impregnation of the fiber layer 121 is complete. Furthermore, after the resin impregnation of the fiber layer 121 is complete, the temperature regulating device 40 sets the temperature of the mold body 20 to a temperature higher than the resin's curing temperature. In addition, when the reinforcing layer 90 is formed from a resin other than a thermosetting resin, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can be equipped with a curing device for curing the resin and a control device for the curing device instead of the temperature regulating device 40. When the reinforcing layer 90 is formed from a photocurable resin that cures by ultraviolet light, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can be equipped with a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light and a control device for controlling the illumination of the light source as the curing device.

[0057] The vacuum pump 50 is a degassing device used to perform vacuum degassing on the configuration chamber 200 when the preform 120 is in the configured state and the mold body 20 is in the closed state. The drive of the vacuum pump 50 is controlled by the control device 70.

[0058] The resin storage section 64 is a storage chamber for storing the resin supplied to the preparation chamber 200. The resin storage section 64 is connected to the second mold tube section 228 via a valve 62. In addition, the resin storage section 64 is connected to the pressurizing device 60.

[0059] The pressurizing device 60 pressurizes the resin stored in the resin storage section 64 to allow the resin to flow from the resin storage section 64 to the distribution chamber 200. The pressurizing device 60 is positioned upstream of the resin storage section 64 in the flow direction. The operation of the pressurizing device 60 is controlled by the control device 70.

[0060] Valve 62 is an on / off valve used to switch between a flowing state and a non-flowing state. The flowing state refers to the state in which resin flows from the resin storage section 64 to the second mold tube section 228, and the non-flowing state refers to the state in which resin does not flow from the resin storage section 64 to the second mold tube section 228. Valve 62 is located downstream of the resin storage section 64 in the flow direction. The opening and closing of valve 62 is controlled by control device 70.

[0061] The drive mechanism 80 is a device that enables the second mold 22, which is a movable mold, to move. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 80 is a lifting device that raises and lowers the second mold 22 to open and close the mold body 20. When the mold body 20 is closed, the drive mechanism 80 lowers the second mold 22 in the -Y direction, closer to the first mold 21, according to the command of the control device 70. Conversely, when the second mold 22 is demolded from the first mold 21, the drive mechanism 80 raises the second mold 22 in the +Y direction, separating it from the first mold 21, according to the command of the control device 70.

[0062] The control device 70 provides driving force to each component 40, 50, 60, 62, and 80 of the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above to control it. Figure 2 In the diagram, the electrical connection methods of the constituent elements 40, 50, 60, 62, and 80 of the manufacturing apparatus 1, which are electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 70, are schematically illustrated with dashed lines.

[0063] A-3. Can manufacturing method:

[0064] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method for a can 100 using manufacturing apparatus 1. In this embodiment, after step S1, manufacturing apparatus 1 performs... Figure 3 Steps S2 to S8 are shown. Thus, can 100 is manufactured from preform 120.

[0065] First, the preparation process (step S1) is performed. The preparation process (step S1) is the process of preparing the preform 120 and the mold 2 for can manufacturing.

[0066] After the preparation process (step S1), the configuration process (step S2) is performed. The configuration process (step S2) involves placing the preform 120 into the configuration chamber 200 of the can manufacturing mold 2 and closing the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. Specifically, firstly, with the second mold 22 raised by the drive mechanism 80, the operator installs the preform 120 onto the support mechanism 208, thereby allowing the support mechanism 208 to support the preform 120. This results in the preform 120 being housed within the first mold recess 215 of the first mold 21. Next, the drive mechanism 80, according to the command of the control device 70, lowers the second mold 22 toward the first mold 21, causing the first mold opposing wall 211 to contact the second mold opposing wall 221. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 are closed, resulting in a preform 120 being housed in the configuration chamber 200. Furthermore, at least a portion of the operations in the configuration process (step S2) can also be performed mechanically.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, a degassing step (step S4) is performed after the preparation step (step S2). The degassing step (step S4) is a process of vacuum degassing the preparation chamber 200. Specifically, the vacuum pump 50 starts vacuum degassing according to the instruction of the control device 70. Moreover, the vacuum pump 50 continues vacuum degassing, for example, until the completion of resin injection in the subsequent injection step (step S5).

[0068] After the degassing process (step S4), the injection process (step S5) is performed. The injection process (step S5) is a process of injecting resin stored in the resin storage section 64 into the placement chamber 200 side to impregnate the fiber layer 121 of the preform 120 with resin. Specifically, according to the instruction of the control device 70, the valve 62 is opened, and the pressurizing device 60 begins to pressurize the resin storage section 64. As a result, the resin flows in the second mold tube section 228 provided in the second mold 22, and the resin is injected towards the preform 120 from the second gate 229. At this time, the temperature of the mold body section 20 is adjusted by the temperature regulating device 40 so that the temperature of the mold body section 20 is lower than the curing temperature of the resin.

[0069] After the injection process (step S5), an impregnation process (step S6) is performed. The impregnation process (step S6) is a process of impregnating the fiber bundles 12 of the fiber layer 121 forming the preform 120 with resin. The resin injected toward the preform 120 is slowly impregnated from the outermost layer 12b side of the fiber layer 121 toward the innermost layer 12a side. Therefore, at least a portion of the impregnation process (step S6) is performed simultaneously with the injection process (step S5) at a time after the start of the injection process (step S5).

[0070] After the impregnation process (step S6), a curing process (step S7) is performed. The curing process (step S7) is a process of curing the resin impregnated in the fiber bundle 12 during the impregnation process (step S6). In this embodiment, a thermosetting resin is used as the resin for forming the reinforcing layer 90. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus 1 cures the resin by heating during the curing process (step S7). Specifically, the temperature control device 40 adjusts the temperature of the mold body 20 to above the resin curing temperature. As a result, the resin cures to form the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15.

[0071] At this time, a portion of the resin injected toward the preform 120 is impregnated inside the fiber layer 121, while the remaining resin flows between the preform 120 and the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20. Therefore, in the curing process (step S7), the resin not impregnated in the fiber layer 121 is cured on the outer periphery of the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15. Thus, as... Figure 1 As shown in the right figure, a resin layer 17 consisting only of resin is formed on the radial outer side of the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15.

[0072] After the curing process (step S7), a demolding process (step S8) is performed. The demolding process (step S8) is the process of separating the first mold 21 from the second mold 22 to demold the can 100 from the mold body 20. Specifically, the drive mechanism 80, according to the command of the control device 70, causes the second mold 22 to rise in the +Y direction, separating from the first mold 21. Thus, the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 separate, becoming... Figure 1 The right figure shows the state in which the can 100 can be removed from the mold body 20. (By...) Figure 3 The manufacturing method of can 100 ends by executing each step (step S1 to step S8) up to the demolding step (step S8).

[0073] A-4. Detailed structure of molds used in can manufacturing:

[0074] There are cases where the shape of the preform 120 deviates from the winding condition of the fiber bundle 12 toward the outer surface 10b of the liner 10. In other words, sometimes a portion of the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 in the preform 120 has irregularities that differ from a predetermined shape (hereinafter referred to as the reference shape). In this case, if the can manufacturing mold 2 comes into contact with the preform 120 due to the shape deviation of the preform 120, it may result in insufficient resin impregnation of the fibers at the contact portion T. Therefore, in order to more reliably impregnate the fibers of the fiber layer 121 with resin, it is preferable to form a flow path (gap) for resin flow between the mold body 20 and the preform 120. Furthermore, it is more preferable that during the manufacturing process of the can 100 based on the RTM method, the shape deviation of the preform 120 can be corrected so that the shape of the preform 120 is close to the reference shape. In view of this, in this embodiment, the can manufacturing mold 2 having multiple ribs 23 and flow path portions 27 is used to manufacture the can 100. In this embodiment, the following description will be based on the case where a preform 120 formed by spiral winding of the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 is used to manufacture the can 100.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can-making mold 2 in the first embodiment, viewed from the outside. Figure 4 The image shows a can manufacturing mold 2 in a state where the preform 120 is arranged in the configuration chamber 200 and the mold body 20 is closed. Additionally, in Figure 4 In order to easily visually confirm the structure of the configuration chamber 200 and the positional relationship between the can manufacturing mold 2 and the preform 120, a portion of the can manufacturing mold 2 and the preform 120 were removed, and the interior of the can manufacturing mold 2 was observed through a perspective lens. In this process, Figure 4 The outline of the preform 120 is shown in dashed lines.

[0076] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view 5-5. Figure 5 The diagram schematically shows the YZ cross-section of the can manufacturing mold 2 and the preform 120 in the impregnation process (step S6).

[0077] Multiple ribs 23 correct shape deviations in the preform 120 and form flow paths 27 for resin flow. For example... Figure 5 As shown, multiple ribs 23 protrude radially inward from the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, and are opposite to the fiber bundle 12 of the outermost layer 12b in the fiber layer 121 when the preform 120 is configured.

[0078] like Figure 4As shown, rib 23 has a bottom surface 230, an opposing surface 231, and a side surface 235. The bottom surface 230 is formed by the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20. The side surface 235 connects the bottom surface 230 and the opposing surface 231.

[0079] Figure 6 It's enlarged. Figure 5 An enlarged view of region R1. The opposing surface 231 faces the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 in the configuration state of the preform 120. When a portion of the fiber bundle 12 in the outermost layer 12b of the preform 120 protrudes radially outward and a portion of the preform 120 becomes a shape different from the reference shape, the opposing surface 231 contacts the protruding portion 12T during the mold closing process of the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. Furthermore, by placing the mold body 20 in the closed state, the protruding portion 12T is pressed radially inward by the opposing surface 231 to approximate the reference shape. Thus, by forming multiple ribs 23 on the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, it is possible to... Figure 3 In the configuration process shown (step S2), the shape deviations of the preform 120 are corrected. Figure 6 In the figure, the part of the preform 120 whose shape has been corrected by the rib 23 is shown as the correction area A.

[0080] In the case where pin-shaped protrusions that make approximately point contact with the fiber bundles 12 of the outermost layer 12b are provided on the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, the contact area with the fiber bundles 12 of the outermost layer 12b is smaller than when ribs 23 are provided. Therefore, when pin-shaped protrusions are provided on the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, a flow path for resin J can be ensured; however, there is a possibility that the pin-shaped protrusions may pierce the fiber bundles 12 of the preform 120. If the pin-shaped protrusions pierce the fiber bundles 12 of the preform 120, deviations in the shape of the preform 120 cannot be corrected. In contrast, in this embodiment, the opposing surface 231 of the ribs 23 makes surface contact with the fiber bundles 12 of the outermost layer 12b. As a result, deviations in the shape of the preform 120 can be corrected more reliably.

[0081] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the rib 23 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the rib 23 is shaped like a frustum of a square pyramid with the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 as its base 230. Therefore, the opposing surface 231 is approximately parallel to the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, which serves as the base 230. The area of ​​the opposing surface 231 is smaller than the area of ​​the base 230. Furthermore, the base 230 and the opposing surface 231 are connected by four side surfaces 235. In this embodiment, the opposing surface 231 is approximately square. However, the shape of the rib 23 is not limited to this. For example, the rib 23 may also be a frustum of a cone, and the base 230 and the opposing surface 231 may be a frustum of a pyramid with pentagons or more.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the flow path section 27 and the relationship between the fiber directions FD1, FD2 and the flow path directions GD1, GD2. Figure 8 In the middle, Figure 4 A portion of the image is magnified and representatively illustrates a portion of the fiber bundle 12 in the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121. Specifically, in Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates two fiber bundles 12 that are spirally wound at a winding angle α of 55 degrees and intersected by being folded back according to a predetermined folding position. In fact, in the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121, a large number of fiber bundles 12 are spirally wound around the circumferential LD ​​of the preform 120 at a predetermined winding angle α (55 degrees in this embodiment) in a state of being close to or in contact with each other.

[0083] In order to impregnate the fiber bundles 12 of the fiber layer 121 with the resin J injected toward the preform 120 in the impregnation process (step S6) to form a flow path 27. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the flow path 27 is formed between the first rib 23m and the second rib 23n, which are adjacent ribs 23. That is, as Figure 8 As shown, the flow path 27 is formed by the side surfaces 235m and 235n of the adjacent ribs 23m and 23n and the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20.

[0084] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of ribs 23 are formed as a first rib group 238 in which a plurality of ribs 23 are arranged along the axial direction OD. Figure 4 In the diagram, a portion of the first rib group 238 is shown by surrounding it with a double-dotted line. The first rib group 238 is configured to be repeatedly arranged along the circumferential direction LD centered on the central axis O. That is, multiple ribs 23 are arranged in a grid pattern on the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20, separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Thus, in this embodiment, as... Figure 8As shown, the flow path 27 is composed of a first flow path 271 extending along the axial direction OD and a second flow path 272 extending along the circumferential direction LD. The first flow path direction GD1, which is the direction in which the first flow path 271 extends, is along the axial direction OD. The second flow path direction GD2, which is the direction in which the second flow path 272 extends, is along the circumferential direction LD centered on the central axis O.

[0085] In the configuration state of the preform 120, the flow path directions GD1 and GD2 of the flow path sections 271 and 272 are different from the direction of the fiber bundle 12 extending in the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121, i.e., the fiber directions FD1 and FD2. Figure 8 In the example shown, the flow paths GD1 and GD2 are along the axial direction OD and the circumferential direction LD, while the fiber directions FD1 and FD2 are inclined at a winding angle α relative to the central axis O. Because the fiber directions FD1 and FD2 are different from the flow paths GD1 and GD2, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundles 12 forming the outermost layer 12b from being buried in the flow path portion 27. Therefore, even when the inner surface 20a of the mold body portion 20 is in contact with the preform 120, since the flow path portion 27 is also present near the contact portion T, the resin J can be sufficiently impregnated by allowing it to flow through the flow path portion 27. In other words, a gap portion B for the flow of resin J can be ensured near the contact portion T. Therefore, since the flow path portion 27 can be used to more reliably form the flow path of the resin J, in Figure 3 In the impregnation process shown (step S6), the possibility of the flow of resin J in the flow path section 27 being obstructed can be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the flow path widths L1 and L2, which constitute the width of the flow path section 27, are smaller than the fiber width L12, which constitutes the width of the fiber bundle 12. That is, in Figure 3 The preparation process (step S1) shown includes a step of winding a fiber bundle 12 with a fiber width L12 larger than the flow path widths L1 and L2 onto the preform 120 in order to form the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121. Here, "flow path widths L1 and L2" refers to... Figure 8 As shown, this refers to the spacing between adjacent first ribs 23m and second ribs 23n. In other words, the flow path widths L1 and L2 are the shortest and linear separation distances between adjacent first ribs 23m and second ribs 23n. This further reduces the possibility that the fiber bundles 12 forming the outermost layer 12b will be buried in the flow path portion 27.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, to facilitate the demolding of the can 100 from the can manufacturing mold 2, such as... Figure 5As shown, the slope of the side surface 235 of rib 23 varies according to its formation position on the circumferential LD ​​centered on the central axis O. The following will... Figure 6 The slope of the side at 235 degrees is used as the reference slope. Figure 6 Rib 23 in the middle is also called reference rib 23s.

[0088] Figure 9 It's enlarged. Figure 5 A magnified view of region R2, area 2. Figure 9 In the diagram, the solid line represents the slope rib 23t, which causes the slope of the side surface 235 of rib 23 to change by a predetermined angle relative to the reference slope. Additionally, in... Figure 9 In order to facilitate comparison between the case where rib 23 in region R2 is the reference rib 23s and the case where rib 23 in region R2 is the slope rib 23t, the reference rib 23s is illustrated with a dashed line.

[0089] For example, when the first module 21 is directed towards the separation direction RD ( Figure 5 When moving the can 100 to demold the upper side (in this embodiment, the +Y direction side), at Figure 6 In the first region R1 shown, the outer surface 17b of the resin layer 17 is unlikely to interfere with the inner surface 20a of the can manufacturing mold 2. On the other hand, when the shape of the rib 23 is the same in the first region R1 and the second region R2, that is, when a reference rib 23s is provided in the second region R2, the outer surface 17b of the resin layer 17 easily interferes with the inner surface 20a of the can manufacturing mold 2, especially at the corner 291, during demolding. The "corner 291" referred to here refers to the connection portion where the side surface 235 of the rib 23 connects to the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 and the periphery of the connection portion. In view of this, for the region where the resin layer 17 easily interferes with the mold body 20 during demolding, such as the second region R2, a slope rib 23t with a slope larger than the reference slope relative to the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 is formed as a release slope (release angle). In this way, the can 100 can be easily demolded from the can manufacturing mold 2.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the preform 120, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 950 is larger than the outer diameter of the spherical portions 951 and 952. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the configuration state of the preform 120, the space B1 formed between the cylindrical portion 950 and the main body 205 is smaller than the space B2 formed between the second spherical portion 952 and the second dome 202. Therefore, the fiber bundle 12 wound around the cylindrical portion 950 is more difficult to impregnate with resin J than the fiber bundle 12 wound around the spherical portions 951 and 952. In view of this, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, multiple ribs 23 are formed on the inner surface 200a of the main body 205 in the mold body 20, but not on the inner surface 202a of the second dome 202. Figure 4 Although the illustration is omitted, the inner surface of the first dome 201, like the second dome 202, does not have multiple ribs 23. In this way, the fiber bundle 12 can be easily impregnated with resin J in the cylindrical portion 950, which is more difficult to impregnate with resin than the spherical portions 951 and 952.

[0091] A-5. Detailed structure of through hole 170:

[0092] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the detailed structure of the through hole 170. Figure 10 In the middle, magnification indicates Figure 1 The third region, R3.

[0093] The through-hole 170 is formed during the formation of the resin layer 17 by the RTM method. Specifically, in the impregnation process (step S6), as... Figure 8 As shown, multiple ribs 23 provided on the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 partially interrupt the flow of resin J flowing between the preform 120 and the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20. On the other hand, resin J flows in the portion where the ribs 23 are not formed, i.e., the flow path 27. Thus, as Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of through holes 170 are formed in the resin layer 17. That is, the through holes 170 are hollow portions that are shaped in accordance with the shape of the ribs 23.

[0094] Here, although the amount of fluid G1, such as hydrogen, stored in the internal space 10p of the tank 100 is minute, it may sometimes penetrate through the lining 10 and the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 into the space between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17. In this case, to ensure the tank's strength, the resin layer 17 is formed of a material with higher gas barrier properties and lower strength compared to the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15. Here, "strength" refers to, for example, the magnitude of fracture deformation, and "low strength" refers to, for example, a large fracture deformation. Therefore, the fluid G2 entering the space between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17 will not penetrate the resin layer 17 but will remain between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17. Moreover, if the resin layer 17 gradually elongates according to the accumulation of fluid G2, and the amount of fluid G2 remaining between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17 exceeds a predetermined amount, the resin layer 17 will break. If the resin layer 17 breaks, it will become white and cloudy, and produce abnormal noise. For example, if the resin layer 17 turns white and cloudy, it may damage the appearance of the can 100.

[0095] Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of through holes 170 are formed in the resin layer 17 to connect the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 with the outside. This allows fluid G2 entering between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17 to be released into the atmosphere through the through holes 170 formed in the resin layer 17. In other words, it prevents fluid G2 entering between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the resin layer 17 from remaining between them. This reduces the possibility of the resin layer 17 breaking. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress the resin layer 17 from becoming white and cloudy and producing abnormal noises, the possibility of a decrease in the quality of the can 100 can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, the preferred dimension LJ of the rib 23 in the protruding direction is... Figure 6 ) and the thickness L17 of resin layer 17 Figure 10 The same degree applies. The "protruding direction of rib 23" refers to the direction from the inner surface 20a of the mold body 20 towards the radially inward side. This allows for more reliable communication between the fiber-reinforced resin layer 15 and the outside in the portion where the through-hole 170 is formed.

[0097] According to the first embodiment described above, as Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a can 100 is manufactured using a can manufacturing mold 2 having multiple ribs 23 and flow path sections 27, and by the RTM method. At this time, as... Figure 8 As shown, in the configuration state of the preform 120, since the fiber directions FD1, FD2 are different from the flow path directions GD1, GD2, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundles 12 from being buried in the flow path portion 27. Therefore, even when the inner surface 20a of the mold body portion 20 is in contact with the preform 120, the fiber bundles 12 at the contact portion T can be fully impregnated with resin J by allowing resin J to flow through the flow path portion 27.

[0098] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0099] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can-making mold 24 in the second embodiment, viewed from the outside. Figure 11 In, with Figure 4 Similarly, the illustration shows a can manufacturing mold 24 in a state where the preform 120 is arranged in the configuration chamber 200 and the mold body 240 is closed. Additionally, in Figure 11 In order to easily visually confirm the structure of the configuration chamber 200 and the positional relationship between the can manufacturing mold 24 and the preform 120, a portion of the can manufacturing mold 24 and the preform 120 are removed, and the interior of the can manufacturing mold 24 is observed through a perspective lens. In this process, Figure 11 The outline of the preform 120 is shown in dashed lines.

[0100] In this embodiment, multiple ribs 234 also protrude radially inward from the inner surface 240a of the mold body 240, and in the configuration state of the preform 120, they oppose the fiber bundles 12 of the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121. The function of the ribs 234 is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the ribs 234 and the arrangement of the multiple ribs 234 in the inner surface 240a of the mold body 240 are the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 4 The structure and manufacturing method of the can 100 are the same as in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. In this embodiment, the case in which the can 100 is manufactured using a preform 120 formed by spiral winding of the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 by setting the winding angle α to 55 degrees is also described as an example.

[0101] In this embodiment, the plurality of ribs 234 are formed as a second rib group 248 in which the plurality of ribs 234 are arranged along the axial direction OD. Figure 11 In the diagram, a portion of the second rib group 248 is shown by surrounding it with a double-dotted line. Furthermore, on the inner surface 240a of the mold body 240, the second rib group 248 is arranged in a repeating pattern along the circumferential direction LD centered on the central axis O. At this time, the formation positions of adjacent second rib groups 248m and 248n are offset by a predetermined distance along the axial direction OD. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of ribs 234 on the inner surface 240a of the mold body 240 are arranged differently from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of the flow path section 27 in the second embodiment and the relationship between the fiber directions FD1, FD2 and the flow path directions GD1, GD3. Figure 12 In the middle, Figure 11 A portion of the image is magnified and representatively illustrates a portion of the fiber bundle 12 in the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121. Additionally, in Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates two fiber bundles 12 that intersect each other due to being folded back according to a predetermined folding position.

[0103] In this embodiment, the flow path 27 is composed of a first flow path 271 extending along the axial direction OD and a plurality of third flow path 273 extending along the circumferential direction LD. Therefore, the first flow path direction GD1, which is the direction in which the first flow path 271 extends, is along the axial direction OD. Furthermore, the third flow path directions GD3, which are the directions in which the third flow path 273 extends, are along the circumferential direction LD. In contrast, the fiber directions FD1 and FD2 are inclined relative to the central axis O by a winding angle α (55 degrees in this embodiment). That is, in this embodiment, the fiber directions FD1 and FD2 are different from the flow path directions GD1 and GD3. This reduces the possibility that the fiber bundle 12 forming the outermost layer 12b will be buried in the flow path 27.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the rib 234 is a frustum of a square pyramid formed by the bottom surface 242 formed by the inner surface 240a of the mold body 240, the rectangular opposing surface 241, and the four side surfaces 245 connecting the bottom surface 242 and the opposing surface 241. Specifically, regarding the opposing surface 241, the dimension LR1 of the rib 234 on the circumferential LD ​​of the preform 120 is the same as that in the first embodiment ( Figure 4 Similarly, the dimension LR2 of the rib 234 on the axial OD of the preform 120 is larger than that in the first embodiment. This increases the likelihood of the fiber bundle 12 contacting the opposing surface 231 when a portion of the fiber bundle 12 in the outermost layer 12b of the preform 120 protrudes radially outward. Consequently, shape deviations in the preform 120 can be corrected more reliably.

[0105] According to the second embodiment described above, as Figure 12 As shown, during the manufacturing process of the can 100, the fiber directions FD1, FD2 can be made different from the flow path directions GD1, GD2. As a result, since the fiber bundle 12 forming the outermost layer 12b can be prevented from being buried in the flow path portion 27, the fiber bundle 12 can be fully impregnated with resin J.

[0106] C. Third implementation method:

[0107] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the interior of the can-making mold 26 in the third embodiment, viewed from the outside. Figure 13 In, with Figure 4 Similarly, the illustration shows a can manufacturing mold 26 in a state where the preform 126 is arranged in the configuration chamber 200 and the mold body 260 is closed. Additionally, in Figure 13 In order to easily visually confirm the structure of the configuration chamber 200 and the positional relationship between the can manufacturing mold 26 and the preform 126, a portion of the can manufacturing mold 26 and the preform 126 are removed, and the interior of the can manufacturing mold 26 is observed through a perspective lens. In this process, Figure 13 The outline of the preform 120 is shown in dashed lines.

[0108] In this embodiment, multiple ribs 23 also protrude radially inward from the inner surface 260a of the mold body 260, and in the configuration state of the preform 120, they oppose the fiber bundles 12 of the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121. The shape and function of the ribs 23 are the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the winding angle β of the fiber bundles 12 in the outermost layer 12b and the arrangement of the multiple ribs 23 in the inner surface 260a of the mold body 260 are the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 4 The other structures and the manufacturing method of the tank 100 are the same as in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for structures identical to those in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted.

[0109] In this embodiment, a third rib group 268 is formed by arranging a plurality of ribs 23 along an inclined direction ID that is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the axial direction OD. Figure 13 In the image, a portion of the third rib group 268 is shown by using a double-dotted line to enclose it. Figure 13 In the example shown, the tilt direction ID is a direction tilted at 45 degrees relative to the axial direction OD. That is, the third rib group 268 in this embodiment is configured such that the first rib group 238 in the first embodiment ( Figure 4 The position is rotated 45 degrees around the central axis O. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the tilt direction ID relative to the axis OD is not limited to this and can be other angles.

[0110] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the structure of the flow path section 27 in the third embodiment and the relationship between the fiber direction FD3 and the flow path directions GD4 and GD5. Figure 14 In the middle, Figure 13 A portion of the image is enlarged and representatively illustrates a portion of the fiber bundle 12 in the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121.

[0111] In this embodiment, the flow path 27 is composed of a fourth flow path 274 extending along the inclined direction ID and a fifth flow path 275 extending in a direction orthogonal to the inclined direction ID. Therefore, the fourth flow path direction GD4, which is the direction in which the fourth flow path 274 extends, is along the inclined direction ID. Furthermore, the fifth flow path direction GD5, which is the direction in which the fifth flow path 275 extends, is orthogonal to the inclined direction ID. In contrast, in this embodiment, the outermost layer 12b of the fiber layer 121 is formed by circumferential winding with a winding angle β of 90 degrees. That is, the fiber direction FD3 is inclined relative to the central axis O by a winding angle β (90 degrees). Therefore, in this embodiment, the fiber direction FD3 is also different from the flow path directions GD4 and GD5.

[0112] According to the third embodiment described above, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the manufacturing process of the can 100 using a preform 126 formed by circumferential winding to create the outermost layer 12b, the fiber direction FD3 can be made different from the flow path directions GD4 and GD5. This prevents the fiber bundle 12 forming the outermost layer 12b from being buried in the flow path portion 27. Therefore, even when the inner surface 20a of the mold body portion 20 is in contact with the preform 120, the fiber bundle 12 can be sufficiently impregnated with resin J by allowing resin J to flow through the flow path portion 27.

[0113] D. Other implementation methods:

[0114] D-1. Other implementation methods 1:

[0115] In the above embodiment, the rib 23 is formed only on the inner surface 200a of the main body 205 in the mold body 20. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The rib 23 may also be formed on both the inner surface 200a of the main body 205 and the inner surface 202a of the two domes 201, 202 in the mold body 20. In this manner, the rib 23 can correct shape deviations at the spherical surfaces 951, 952 of the preform 120.

[0116] D-2. Other implementation methods 2:

[0117] In the above embodiment, the flow path widths L1 and L2 are formed to be smaller than the fiber width L12. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The flow path widths L1 and L2 can be the same as the fiber width L12, or the flow path widths L1 and L2 can be formed to be larger than the fiber width L12. Even in this manner, since the fiber directions FD1 to FD3 are different from the flow path directions GD1 to GD5 in the configuration state of the preform 120, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundle 12 forming the outermost layer 12b from being buried in the flow path portion 27.

[0118] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, any technical feature that is not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a can, wherein, have: Preparation steps include preparing a preform and a mold with multiple layers of fiber bundles wound around the outer surface of the lining forming the internal space of the tank; and In the impregnation process, with the preform positioned within the mold, resin is injected into the mold to impregnate the fiber bundle with the resin. The mold has the following features: Mold body; Multiple ribs protrude from the inner surface of the mold body and are positioned opposite the outermost fiber bundle in the configured state; as well as A flow path is formed between the first and second ribs, which are adjacent to each other, to allow the resin to flow. In the configured state, the fiber direction of the fiber bundle extending in the outermost layer is different from the flow path direction of the flow path portion extending in the same direction.

2. The method for manufacturing a can according to claim 1, wherein, When the interval between the first rib and the second rib is taken as the flow path width of the flow path portion and the width of the fiber bundle is taken as the fiber width, the preparation process includes a step of winding the fiber bundle having a fiber width larger than the flow path width onto the preform in order to form the outermost layer.

3. The method for manufacturing a can according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main body of the mold has: The main body is cylindrical in shape; and Two dome-shaped structures are located at either end of the main stem, their diameter decreasing as they move away from the main stem. The ribs are formed on the inner surface of the main body.

4. A mold for manufacturing cans, wherein, have: Mold body; Multiple ribs protrude from the inner surface of the mold body, and, in a configuration state where the preform is placed within the mold, are opposite the outermost fiber bundle. This preform is a component on the outer surface of the lining forming the internal space of the can, to which multiple layers of the fiber bundle are wound; and A flow path is formed between the first and second ribs, which are adjacent to each other, to allow the resin impregnated in the fiber bundle to flow in the configured state. In the configured state, the fiber direction of the fiber bundle extending in the outermost layer is different from the flow path direction of the flow path portion extending in the same direction.

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