Gas storage tank and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a gas storage tank and a preparation method thereof, the gas storage tank comprises a cylinder and a partition plate, and the partition plate divides the cylinder into two independent sealed chambers; the barrel fixes the partition plate in the barrel by buckling the position of the partition plate, and a limiting locking groove for fixing the partition plate is formed in the buckling position of the barrel. The preparation method of the gas storage tank comprises the following steps: determining a positioning surface of the partition plate according to an inner positioning reference surface and an inner supporting shaft of the barrel; the partition plate is pushed into the positioning surface of the partition plate in the barrel by matching with the outer supporting shaft; and the buckling and pressing clamp executes a buckling and pressing action to form the required double-cavity gas storage tank barrel. Reliable fixing of the partition plate in the gas storage tank barrel is achieved through the mechanical buckling and pressing technology of a non-welding structure, the heat influence caused by a welding mode is avoided on the premise that the gas tightness is kept, weight reduction of the whole structure is achieved through the partition plate made of the non-metal material, and the problem that the metal partition plate is welded in the gas storage tank metal barrel, and the welding difficulty is lowered is solved. And the cavity is divided into a high-pressure cavity and a low-pressure cavity, so that obvious defects exist.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air suspension, and in particular to an air storage tank and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] As the core air supply unit of an automotive air suspension system, the performance of the air tank directly impacts the suspension system's response speed, stability, and reliability. With the trend toward lightweight and modular vehicles, as well as the higher spatial requirements of new energy vehicles, traditional single-chamber air tanks are no longer able to meet the demands of modern air suspension systems. The industry is gradually shifting to multi-chamber air tank designs, which utilize compartmentalized high-pressure and low-pressure chambers to achieve more precise air pressure control, faster dynamic response, and redundant safety protection.

[0003] The double-chamber gas storage tanks currently on the market are mainly improved based on the traditional single-chamber manufacturing process. Its typical structure is as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As shown in the figure: a metal partition is welded inside the metal cylinder to separate the cavity into a high-pressure cavity and a low-pressure cavity. However, there are the following significant defects:

[0004] Process complexity and cost issues: The welding process requires precise control of heat input to avoid deformation, and a post-weld heat treatment step is required to eliminate residual stress, resulting in high production costs;

[0005] Material limitations: The welding process requires that the partition must be made of metal materials with good weldability (such as low carbon steel and stainless steel). Lightweight non-metallic materials (such as engineering plastics and composite materials) cannot be used, which restricts the lightweight development of the product.

[0006] Structural performance defects: The heat-affected zone of welding will reduce the strength of the parent material, and long-term exposure to alternating air pressure will easily cause fatigue cracks in the weld. Welding deformation may cause uneven sealing surfaces, requiring additional machining correction, increasing the risk of leakage. The difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the metal partition and the cylinder may cause seal failure under extreme temperature conditions.

[0007] Repair and recycling difficulties: Once the welded structure is damaged, it needs to be replaced as a whole, and the partition components cannot be repaired individually; and welded parts made of different metal materials are difficult to separate and recycle, which does not meet the requirements of green manufacturing.

[0008] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation to the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present application provides a gas storage tank and a preparation method thereof, which realizes reliable fixation of the partition plate in the cylinder of the gas storage tank by adopting a mechanical buckling process of a non-welding structure, avoids heat influence caused by the welding mode under the premise of maintaining air tightness, and realizes weight reduction of the overall structure by adopting a non-metallic material partition plate, so as to solve the problem of welding of the metal partition plate in the metal cylinder of the gas storage tank, which divides the cavity into a high-pressure cavity and a low-pressure cavity.

[0010] The present application provides a gas storage tank, which comprises a cylinder and a partition plate, the partition plate divides the cylinder into two independent sealed chambers; the cylinder fixes the partition plate in the cylinder by buckling the position of the partition plate, and forms a limiting locking groove for fixing the partition plate at the buckling position of the cylinder.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, a partition plate groove is formed in the circumferential direction of the partition plate abutting the inner wall of the cylinder, and a sealing ring is arranged in the partition plate groove.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the limiting locking groove forms a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section on the inner wall of the cylinder, the partition plate is buckled and fixed on the second inner diameter section between the two first inner diameter sections, and the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section is smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section is the inner diameter of the cylinder.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the limiting locking groove forms a third outer diameter section and a fourth outer diameter section on the outer wall of the cylinder, the third outer diameter section corresponds to the position of the first inner diameter section, and the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section is the outer diameter of the cylinder.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the partition plate is an arc-shaped structure, and the maximum working pressure of the sealed chamber towards which one end of the arc-shaped protrusion of the partition plate faces is greater than the maximum working pressure of the sealed chamber towards which the other end faces.

[0017] The present application also provides a preparation method of a gas storage tank, which comprises the following steps:

[0018] S1, selecting a buckling clamp matched with the cylinder of the gas storage tank, and matching the buckling surface of the buckling clamp with the profile of the partition plate abutting the cylinder of the gas storage tank;

[0019] S2, determining the positioning surface of the partition plate in the cylinder of the gas storage tank according to the inner positioning reference surface and the inner support shaft of the cylinder of the gas storage tank;

[0020] S3, assembling the cylinder of the gas storage tank to the buckling machine based on the inner positioning reference surface, pushing the partition plate into the end surface of the inner support shaft of the cylinder of the gas storage tank by cooperating with the outer support shaft, and making the partition plate locate at the positioning surface in the cylinder of the gas storage tank.

[0021] S4. Perform a crimping action based on the crimping fixture to form the required double-cavity gas storage tank cylinder.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner support shaft includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment. The first shaft segment extends into the gas tank cylinder and abuts the partition. The second shaft segment has a larger diameter than the first shaft segment and forms a stepped surface relative to the first shaft segment. The second shaft segment abuts the end surface of the gas tank cylinder through its stepped surface and serves as the internal positioning reference surface of the gas tank cylinder.

[0023] The present invention also provides an air suspension comprising the above-mentioned air storage tank.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by adopting a mechanical crimping process with a non-welded structure, the partition is reliably fixed in the cylinder of the gas tank, and a limiting locking structure is simultaneously formed on the inner and outer walls of the cylinder by crimping molding. While maintaining airtightness, the thermal effects caused by the welding method are avoided. By adopting a partition made of non-metallic materials, the overall structure is reduced in weight, and the crimping fixing method improves the fatigue life of the overall structure. Combined with the anti-vibration characteristics of the non-welded structure, the reliability and control accuracy of the air suspension are improved. While ensuring structural strength, it achieves the advantages of lightweight, long life and low maintenance costs, and is suitable for air suspension systems with high performance and high reliability requirements.

[0025] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and it is clear that a person skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gas storage tank structure mentioned in the background technology;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the gas storage tank structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the circled area;

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structural relationship between the gas storage tank and the crimping device in the gas storage tank preparation method of the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 10, cylinder; 20, partition; 30, sealing ring; D1, first inner diameter section; D2, second inner diameter section; D3, third outer diameter section; D4, fourth outer diameter section; 100, crimping fixture; 200, inner support shaft; 210, first shaft section; 220, second shaft section; 230, inner positioning reference surface; 300, outer support shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention by means of specific examples. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. The details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the features in the following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other unless they conflict. It should also be understood that the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe specific embodiments, not to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] See also Figures 1 to 4 . It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for people familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of the present invention. Therefore, they have no substantive technical significance. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed by the present invention without affecting the efficacy and purpose that can be achieved by the present invention. At the same time, the terms such as position and quantitative relationship quoted in this specification are only for the convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the implementation of the present invention. Changes or adjustments in their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of the implementation of the present invention without substantially changing the technical content.

[0034] See also Figure 1The double-cavity gas storage tank on the market at present is mainly based on the improvement of the traditional single-cavity manufacturing process, which separates the cavity into a high-pressure cavity and a low-pressure cavity by welding a metal partition plate (yellow block in the drawing) inside the metal cylinder. However, the welding process needs to be precisely controlled to avoid deformation, and a post-welding heat treatment process needs to be added to eliminate residual stress, resulting in complex process and high production cost: and the welding process requires that the partition plate must be made of a metal material with good weldability (such as low-carbon steel, stainless steel), which cannot use lightweight non-metallic materials (such as engineering plastics, composite materials), restricting the lightweight development of the product; at the same time, the heat-affected zone of welding will reduce the strength of the base material, and long-term bearing of alternating gas pressure is easy to produce fatigue cracks at the weld; welding deformation may cause uneven sealing surface, which needs to be additionally machined to correct, increasing the risk of leakage; the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the metal partition plate and the cylinder may cause sealing failure under extreme temperature conditions, resulting in structural performance defects: when the welded structure is damaged, the whole needs to be replaced, the partition plate component cannot be repaired alone, and the welded parts of different metal materials are difficult to separate and recycle, which does not meet the green manufacturing requirements.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 2 The application provides a gas storage tank, which comprises a cylinder 10 and a partition plate 20, and the partition plate 20 separates the cylinder 10 into two independent sealed chambers; the cylinder 10 fixes the partition plate 20 in the cylinder 10 by clamping the position of the partition plate 20, and forms a limiting locking groove for fixing the partition plate 20 at the clamping position of the cylinder 10.

[0036] Specifically, in the embodiment of the application, the partition plate 20 inside the gas storage tank cylinder 10 is fixed by clamping, to realize non-welding sealing of the double-chamber. Different from the traditional connection process, the partition plate 20 is fixed by mechanical clamping, that is, a radial pressure is applied to the cylinder 10 at the position corresponding to the installation position of the partition plate 20 to make it plastically deform, so that the limiting locking groove with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the partition plate 20 is formed in the cylinder 10. The limiting locking groove structure formed is used to ensure the axial fixation of the partition plate 20, and the cylinder 10 wall surface at the limiting locking groove position and the partition plate 20 are in abutment to realize air tightness.

[0037] Further, the limiting locking groove formed by clamping mechanically restricts the partition plate 20 to prevent its displacement under working pressure, and at the same time, the outer diameter of the cylinder 10 is compressed during the clamping deformation process, so that the abutment surface of the cylinder 10 wall surface and the partition plate 20 forms uniform contact pressure. And the assembly process of the partition plate 20 in the gas storage tank cylinder 10 can be carried out at room temperature, avoiding the problem of heat-affected zone caused by welding, not only simplifying the production process, but also improving the consistency and reliability of the product.

[0038] Thus, the stability of the baffle plate 20 under high pressure working condition of the gas storage tank cylinder body 10 is ensured by the mechanical locking mode of buckling and fixing. The uniform sealing pressure distribution of the abutting surface prevents gas leakage between the chambers. The overall structure of the gas storage tank cylinder body 10 and the baffle plate 20 does not need to be welded, which reduces the manufacturing cost and avoids the risk of thermal deformation. At the same time, the buckling and fixing mode of the baffle plate 20 also has good process adaptability and can be compatible with baffle plates 20 of different materials, providing more options for lightweight gas storage tank products.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In an embodiment, a baffle plate groove is formed in the circumference of the abutting part of the baffle plate 20 and the inner wall of the cylinder body 10, and a sealing ring 30 is arranged in the baffle plate groove.

[0040] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, a corresponding seal is arranged at the abutting part of the baffle plate 20 and the cylinder body 10, for example, a baffle plate groove is formed in the circumference of the baffle plate 20 and a sealing ring 30 is arranged inside the baffle plate groove, to achieve advanced reliable sealing. That is, the baffle plate groove can be machined on the outer circumferential surface of the baffle plate 20, and the size of the baffle plate groove can be determined according to the compression rate requirement of the sealing ring 30 between the interface of the baffle plate 20 and the cylinder body 10. The baffle plate groove is optimally designed and can be arranged at the middle or one side of the abutting area of the baffle plate 20 and the cylinder body 10, to ensure that the required sealing fit relationship with the inner wall of the cylinder body 10 is formed after the baffle plate 20 is installed in place. The sealing ring 30 arranged in the baffle plate groove can be made of elastic material resistant to oil and aging, and the cross-sectional diameter is slightly larger than the depth of the baffle plate groove, to provide the necessary pre-compression amount.

[0041] Further, in the initial stage of assembling the baffle plate 20 to the cylinder body 10, the sealing ring 30 will produce appropriate radial expansion after being pressed into the baffle plate groove, to form a preliminary sealing contact with the inner wall of the cylinder body 10. Then in the subsequent buckling process, the plastic deformation of the cylinder body 10 further compresses the sealing ring 30, to make it produce greater contact stress. Finally, in the working state, the gas pressure will make the sealing ring 30 produce a self-tightening effect, to further ensure the reliable sealing performance under various working conditions.

[0042] Thus, the baffle plate groove structure provides positioning and support for the sealing ring 30, prevents it from shifting or extruding during use, and further improves the reliability and service life of the sealing of the abutting part of the cylinder body 10 and the baffle plate 20 on the basis of the abutting sealing formed by the buckling and fixing of the cylinder body 10 and the baffle plate 20.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 3, in an embodiment, the limit locking groove forms a first inner diameter section D1 and a second inner diameter section D2 on the inner wall of the cylinder 10, the baffle 20 is clamped and fixed on the second inner diameter section D2 between the two first inner diameter sections D1, and the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section D1 is smaller than that of the second inner diameter section D2. The inner diameter of the second inner diameter section D2 is the inner diameter of the cylinder 10.

[0044] Specifically, in the embodiment of the application, the limit locking groove formed by clamping on the cylinder 10 forms a stepped inner diameter of different sizes, and the cooperation of the different diameter sections on the inner wall of the cylinder 10 realizes reliable fixation of the baffle 20. For example, the first inner diameter section D1 and the second inner diameter section D2 with a specific size relationship are formed on the inner wall of the cylinder 10, which together constitute a mechanical locking structure for the baffle 20.

[0045] Further, the first inner diameter section D1 has a smaller inner diameter size, which is generated by plastic deformation during the clamping forming process. The second inner diameter section D2 can remain the original inner diameter size of the cylinder 10 as a mounting and positioning reference for the baffle 20. The two first inner diameter sections D1 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the second inner diameter section D2, forming axial constraint. That is, the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section D1 is smaller than that of the second inner diameter section D2 (i.e. the nominal inner diameter of the cylinder 10), and the outer diameter size of the baffle 20 is between the sizes of D1 and D2.

[0046] Further, during assembly, the baffle 20 is placed at the position of the second inner diameter section D2. Then a special tool can be used to apply radial pressure to the outside of the cylinder 10, causing plastic flow of the material of the cylinder 10 to form the first inner diameter section D1 with a reduced inner diameter. The formed first inner diameter section D1 forms a mechanical interference with the end face of the baffle 20, generating an axial constraint force. The limit locking groove structure formed in this way does not rely on welding or additional fasteners, but relies on plastic deformation of the metal to achieve reliable fixation.

[0047] In this way: the stepped inner diameter formed by the limit locking groove on the inner wall of the cylinder 10 provides axial positioning for the baffle 20, preventing displacement of the baffle 20 in the vibration working condition during operation. The residual stress generated by the plastic deformation of the cylinder 10 helps to maintain the locking force for a long time. The structure of the cylinder 10 and the baffle 20 does not need to introduce other connecting parts, maintaining the smoothness and continuity of the inner wall of the cylinder 10. Compared with traditional welding or bolt connection, not only the manufacturing process is simplified, but also the problems such as heat-affected zone or stress concentration are avoided, which is particularly suitable for high-pressure containers such as air suspension gas tanks that need to withstand alternating loads.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 3In one embodiment, the limiting locking groove forms a third outer diameter section D3 and a fourth outer diameter section D4 on the outer wall of the cylinder body 10. The third outer diameter section D3 corresponds to the position of the first inner diameter section D1, and the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section D3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section D4. The outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section D4 is the outer diameter of the cylinder body 10.

[0049] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the limiting locking groove also forms corresponding stepped outer diameters on the outer wall of the cylinder body 10, and forms a corresponding relationship with the different inner diameter sections on the inner wall of the cylinder body 10. For example, the third outer diameter section D3 and the fourth outer diameter section D4 with a specific size relationship are formed on the outer wall of the cylinder body 10.

[0050] More specifically, the outer wall of the cylinder body 10 is formed by buckling to form alternating outer diameter sections. The third outer diameter section D3 has a smaller outer diameter size, and its axial position corresponds to the first inner diameter section D1 of the inner wall. The fourth outer diameter section D4 can maintain the original outer diameter size of the cylinder body 10 as the main load-bearing area of structural strength. That is, the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section D3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section D4 (i.e. the nominal outer diameter of the cylinder body 10), and the deformation amount between the third outer diameter section D3 and the fourth outer diameter section D4 and the deformation amount between the first inner diameter section D1 and the second inner diameter section D2 of the inner wall maintain a corresponding relationship during the buckling forming process.

[0051] Further, during buckling forming, the outer tool exerts radial pressure on the corresponding position of the cylinder body 10, causing the material of the cylinder body 10 to flow both inward and outward. The forming process of the third outer diameter section D3 of the outer wall of the cylinder body 10 is synchronized with the deformation of the first inner diameter section D1 of the inner wall, ensuring the uniformity of the plastic material flow of the cylinder body 10. At the same time, the steps between different outer diameters on the outer wall of the cylinder body 10 after forming and the steps between different inner diameters on the inner wall form a two-way constraint, which not only limits the displacement of the partition plate 20, but also maintains the overall stiffness of the cylinder body 10.

[0052] In this way, according to the buckling forming process of the cylinder body 10, the simultaneous deformation of the inner and outer walls of the cylinder body 10 ensures the uniformity of its stress distribution, avoiding the residual stress concentration caused by unilateral deformation. The steps between the outer diameters on the outer wall of the cylinder body 10 can also be used as a positioning reference for subsequent assembly. The two-way constraint on the inner and outer walls of the cylinder body 10 also improves the fatigue resistance of the cylinder body 10 structure under alternating loads. Compared with a single inner diameter deformation structure, the thickness variation of the cylinder body 10 caused by the buckling forming structure design has higher material utilization, and is suitable for automotive gas tank applications with strict requirements on weight and reliability.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the partition plate 20 is an arc-shaped structure, and the maximum working pressure of the sealing chamber towards which one end of the arc-shaped protrusion of the partition plate 20 faces is greater than the maximum working pressure of the sealing chamber towards which the other end faces.

[0054] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the arc-shaped structure of the partition plate 20 is adopted to form an optimal match with the working pressure distribution. The arc-shaped convex direction of the partition plate 20 is directed towards the sealing chamber with a higher working pressure in the gas storage tank, thereby achieving a balance between structural strength and space utilization.

[0055] More specifically, the arc-shaped structure profile of the partition plate 20 can also adopt a variable curvature design, for example, the curvature radius of the convex end is smaller than that of the concave surface, forming a gradual transition curve. The thickness distribution of the asymmetric arc-shaped structure of the partition plate 20 adopts a gradual thickening design on the high-pressure side (the convex direction side), and the maximum thickness is located at the arc top area, gradually thinning towards the edge. A reinforcing flange can also be provided at the contact edge of the partition plate 20 and the cylinder body 10, and the width of the flange is in a corresponding proportional relationship with the wall thickness of the cylinder body 10, to ensure the rigidity matching degree of the connection part.

[0056] Further, the arc surface convex direction of the arc-shaped structure of the partition plate 20 is consistent with the pressure gradient, so that the partition plate 20 generates a beneficial pre-stress distribution under high pressure. The gradual curvature design can make the stress transmission more smooth, avoiding stress concentration. At the same time, the asymmetric structure will produce a self-enhancing effect when bearing a pressure difference, and the greater the pressure difference, the higher the contact pressure of the sealing surface, thereby improving the carrying efficiency of the partition plate 20 structure.

[0057] In this way, by adopting the arc-shaped structure of the partition plate 20: compared with the flat plate structure, the bending stiffness is improved under the same material consumption, the optimized stress distribution prolongs the fatigue life, and the strength requirement of the high pressure difference working condition is met.

[0058] In an embodiment, the present application also provides a gas storage tank preparation method, comprising the following steps:

[0059] S1, selecting a clamping fixture 100 matched with the gas storage tank cylinder body 10, and matching the clamping surface of the clamping fixture 100 with the profile of the partition plate 20 abutting against the gas storage tank cylinder body 10;

[0060] S2, determining the positioning surface of the partition plate 20 in the gas storage tank cylinder body 10 according to the inner positioning reference surface 230 and the inner support shaft 200 of the gas storage tank cylinder body 10;

[0061] S3, assembling the gas storage tank cylinder body 10 to the clamping fixture based on the inner positioning reference surface 230, and pushing the partition plate 20 into the end surface of the inner support shaft 200 of the gas storage tank cylinder body 10 by cooperating with the outer support shaft 300, so that the partition plate 20 is located in the positioning surface in the gas storage tank cylinder body 10;

[0062] S4, performing a clamping action based on the clamping fixture 100 to form a required double-cavity gas storage tank cylinder body 10.

[0063] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the partition plate 20 is assembled and fixed on the gas tank cylinder 10 by a pressing process.

[0064] In step S1, a matching crimping fixture 100 is selected based on the specifications of the gas tank body 10. The crimping surface of the fixture adopts a split-petal design, typically consisting of 6-8 high-hardness alloy steel modules, whose inner contour precisely matches the outer shape of the partition 20. The concave crimping surface of the crimping fixture 100 can be specially treated to prevent plastic deformation during the crimping process.

[0065] In step S2, a positioning system is established to ensure that the inner positioning reference surface 230 of the gas tank body 10 meets the required accuracy level. Furthermore, the diameter of the inner support shaft 200 is ensured to meet the required clearance fit and coaxiality accuracy requirements with the inner diameter of the body 10. The axial position of the positioning surface on the inner support shaft 200 is determined by the designed installation position of the partition 20.

[0066] In step S3, the cylinder 10 is pushed axially into the crimping machine until the end face of the cylinder 10 completely contacts the inner positioning reference surface 230 of the crimping machine. At this point, the inner support shaft 200 is simultaneously extended into the cylinder 10. The outer support shaft 300 is then used to push the partition 20 smoothly into the cylinder 10 with a corresponding thrust. The final position of the partition 20 is limited by the end face of the inner support shaft 200, and the circumferential clearance of the assembled partition 20 remains within the designed range.

[0067] In step S4, the crimping machine advances at a specific speed, applying radial pressure to perform the crimping operation, ultimately forming a stop-locking groove and securing the partition 20 to the barrel 10. During the crimping process, the outer diameter of the barrel 10 is monitored in real time. When the formed dimensions reach the dimensions corresponding to the stop-locking grooves for the different outer diameter segments of the barrel 10, pressure is stopped and pressure is maintained to eliminate elastic recovery. After forming, the inner support shaft 200 is withdrawn, and the clamp pressure is gradually released before the finished product is removed.

[0068] In this way, the press-molded gas tank body 10 and partition 20 utilize step-by-step control to ensure assembly precision, while parametric press-molding ensures molding quality. This results in a thermally unaffected gas tank product, preserving material properties. This process also offers high process stability and excellent product consistency. Compared to traditional welding processes, the fabrication method of this embodiment of the present invention also improves production efficiency and reduces defect rates, making it suitable for mass production of gas tank bodies 10.

[0069] See also Figure 4In one embodiment, the inner support shaft 200 includes a first shaft segment 210 and a second shaft segment 220. The first shaft segment 210 extends into the gas tank body 10 and abuts the partition 20. The second shaft segment 220 has a larger diameter than the first shaft segment 210 and forms a stepped surface relative to the first shaft segment 210. The second shaft segment 220 abuts the end surface of the gas tank body 10 through its stepped surface and serves as an internal positioning reference surface 230 of the gas tank body 10.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, the inner support shaft 200 utilizes a stepped shaft structure consisting of a first shaft segment 210 and a second shaft segment 220, enabling segmented fit to achieve positioning. The first shaft segment 210 of the inner support shaft 200 forms a clearance fit with the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 10. The diameter of the second shaft segment 220 is larger than that of the first shaft segment 210, and the stepped surface formed therein has undergone appropriate surface treatment to meet the precision requirements for serving as the inner positioning reference surface 230.

[0071] More specifically, the first segment 210 of the inner support shaft 200 extends into the interior of the cylinder 10, providing a radial positioning reference for the partition 20. The stepped surface of the second segment 220 closely mates with the end face of the cylinder 10, establishing an axial positioning reference. The stepped structure formed by the diameter difference between the two segments not only provides guidance during assembly, but also prevents the support shaft from being over-inserted into the cylinder 10, thereby ensuring the precise installation position of the partition 20.

[0072] Thus, by adopting a split structural design of the first shaft section 210 and the second shaft section 220 for the inner support shaft 200, separate radial and axial positioning control is achieved to meet the corresponding precision requirements. The reliability of the reference surface is ensured by the precision machining of the stepped surface. This is suitable for the production process of dual-chamber gas storage tanks with strict requirements on the position of the partition 20.

[0073] The present invention also provides an air suspension comprising the above-mentioned air storage tank.

[0074] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, by integrating the aforementioned dual-chamber air tank into the air suspension system, the core of the air suspension system is the use of a dual-chamber air tank with a non-welded partition 20 structure, which brings unique performance advantages to the suspension system. For example, the pressure-sensitive partition 20 structure of the air tank enables it to better adapt to the vibration environment of the suspension system, and the arc-shaped design direction of the partition 20 can match the pressure distribution during suspension operation. In addition, the non-welded structure of the dual-chamber air tank avoids the problem of weld fatigue caused by long-term vibration, greatly improving reliability. When the air suspension system is operating, its electronic control unit (ECU) can adjust the air pressure distribution between the two chambers in real time based on sensor signals to achieve optimal ride comfort and handling stability.

[0075] Thus, the double-cavity air tank with the non-welded partition plate 20 structure can also be used in combination with a non-metallic material partition plate 20, and the overall weight can be reduced compared to the traditional design. At the same time, the non-welded structure avoids weld fatigue caused by long-term vibration, so that the reliability is greatly improved. And the non-welded partition plate 20 structure can also reduce the maintenance cost, for example, the partition plate 20 of the air tank cylinder 10 can be replaced individually. These advantages make the air suspension provide excellent durability while ensuring comfort. Compared with the suspension system with a traditional welded air tank, the double-cavity air tank structure of the embodiment of the application has obvious improvement in NVH performance and energy efficiency.

[0076] In summary, the application provides an air tank and a preparation method thereof. The reliable fixation of the partition plate in the air tank cylinder is achieved by using a mechanical buckling process with a non-welded structure, a limiting and locking structure is formed on the inner and outer walls of the cylinder by buckling forming, the heat affected zone caused by welding is avoided under the premise of maintaining air tightness, the overall structure is lightened by using a non-metallic material partition plate, and the fatigue life of the overall structure is improved by buckling fixation. In combination with the anti-vibration characteristics of the non-welded structure, the reliability and control accuracy of the air suspension are improved. While ensuring the structural strength, the advantages of lightweight, long service life and low maintenance cost are achieved, and the air suspension system with high performance and high reliability is suitable.

[0077] The above embodiments only exemplarily illustrate the principles and effects of the application, and are not used to limit the application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes completed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical idea disclosed by the application should be covered by the claims of the application.

Claims

1. A gas storage tank, characterized in that: include: Cylinder (10); as well as a partition (20), wherein the partition (20) separates the cylinder (10) into two independent sealed chambers; The cylinder (10) fixes the partition (20) in the cylinder (10) by pressing the position of the partition (20), and forms a limiting locking groove for fixing the partition (20) at the pressing position of the cylinder (10).

2. The gas storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A partition groove is formed on the circumference of the partition (20) abutting against the inner wall of the cylinder (10), and a sealing ring (30) is installed in the partition groove.

3. The gas storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting locking groove forms a first inner diameter section (D1) and a second inner diameter section (D2) on the inner wall of the cylinder (10), and the partition (20) is buckled and fixed on the second inner diameter section (D2) between the two first inner diameter sections (D1), and the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section (D1) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section (D2).

4. The gas storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the second inner diameter section (D2) is the inner diameter of the barrel (10).

5. The gas storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting locking groove forms a third outer diameter section (D3) and a fourth outer diameter section (D4) on the outer wall of the cylinder (10), the third outer diameter section (D3) corresponds to the position of the first inner diameter section (D1), and the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section (D3) is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section (D4).

6. The gas storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section (D4) is the outer diameter of the barrel (10).

7. The gas storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The partition (20) is an arc-shaped structure, and the maximum working pressure of the sealed chamber facing one end of the arc-shaped protrusion of the partition (20) is greater than the maximum working pressure of the sealed chamber at the other end.

8. A method for preparing a gas storage tank, characterized in that: The steps include: S1. Selecting a pressing fixture (100) that matches the cylinder (10) of the gas storage tank, and making the pressing surface of the pressing fixture (100) match the contour of the partition (20) that abuts against the cylinder (10) of the gas storage tank; S2. Determine the positioning surface of the partition plate (20) in the cylinder (10) of the gas storage tank according to the inner positioning reference surface (230) and the inner support shaft (200) of the cylinder (10) of the gas storage tank; S3, assembling the gas storage tank body (10) onto the crimping machine based on the inner positioning reference surface (230), and pushing the partition (20) onto the end surface of the inner supporting shaft (200) of the gas storage tank body (10) in conjunction with the outer supporting shaft (300), so that the partition (20) is located on the positioning surface in the gas storage tank body (10); S4. Perform a pressing action based on the pressing fixture (100) to form the required double-cavity gas storage tank cylinder (10).

9. The method for preparing a gas storage tank according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner support shaft (200) includes a first shaft section (210) and a second shaft section (220), wherein the first shaft section (210) extends into the cylinder body (10) of the gas storage tank and abuts against the partition (20), and the diameter of the second shaft section (220) is larger than that of the first shaft section (210) and forms a stepped surface relative to the first shaft section (210), and the second shaft section (220) abuts against the end face of the cylinder body (10) of the gas storage tank through its stepped surface and serves as an inner positioning reference surface (230) of the cylinder body (10) of the gas storage tank.

10. An air suspension, characterized in that: The invention comprises a gas storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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