Pressure vessel and pressure vessel manufacturing method

Abstract

Provided is a pressure vessel capable of preventing a joint part from falling off. A pressure vessel (1) is provided with: a liner (10) having a cylindrical section (11) extending in the axial direction, a first end section (12A), and a second end section (12B); a joint part which is disposed so as to cover the first end part (12A), and which is for introducing and discharging a pressurized fluid into and out of the liner (10); the fiber is wound around the liner (10) and the joint part (20A), the joint part (20A) is provided with a main body part, a liner-side end surface (20a) and an opposite-side end surface (20b), the main body part extends along the axial direction, the main body part is provided with a reduced-diameter part (22), the diameter of the reduced-diameter part is reduced along with the distance from the liner (10) in the axial direction, the fiber is wound around the reduced-diameter part, and the opposite-side end surface (20b) is exposed from the fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pressure vessel for storing pressurized fluid and a method for manufacturing the pressure vessel. Background Technology

[0002] In pressure vessels used to store pressurized fluids, such as hydrogen storage tanks, strength is increased by winding fibers around the outer circumference of the inner liner (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-187094 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the pressure vessels in question, due to limitations in the manufacturing process, sometimes the end face of the connector located at the end of the inner liner for the passage of pressurized fluid is not wrapped with fibers, thus exposing the end face from the fibers. In this case, it is desirable to prevent the connector from detaching from the inner liner and fibers due to the pressure of the stored pressurized fluid.

[0007] In view of this situation, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pressure vessel capable of preventing the joint from falling off and a method for manufacturing the pressure vessel.

[0008] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0009] According to the present invention, a pressure vessel is provided for storing pressurized fluid internally, characterized in that it has an inner liner, a connector, and fibers, wherein the inner liner has a cylindrical portion, a first end, and a second end, the cylindrical portion extending axially; the first end is one axial end of the cylindrical portion; the second end is the other axial end of the cylindrical portion; the connector is configured to cover at least one of the first end and the second end for allowing the pressurized fluid to enter and exit the inner liner; the fibers are wound around the inner liner and the connector, the connector having a main body portion, an inner liner side end face, and an opposite side end face, wherein the main body portion extends axially; the inner liner side end face is located on the inner liner side of the main body portion axially; the opposite side end face is located on the side of the main body portion opposite to the inner liner axially; the main body portion has a reduced diameter portion that decreases in diameter as it moves axially away from the inner liner for winding the fibers, and the opposite side end face of the connector portion is exposed from the fibers.

[0010] [Invention Effects]

[0011] According to the present invention, at the location corresponding to the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion, since the fiber functions as an anti-detachment part of the joint portion, it is possible to prevent the joint portion from detaching. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inner liner and end components.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inner liner, end components, and fixtures.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pressure vessel manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which the first carbon fiber layer is disposed.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which a second carbon fiber layer is disposed.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and schematically showing a method for forming a carbon fiber layer by a multi-filament winding device.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram schematically showing a method for forming a carbon fiber layer by a spool of a multi-filament winding device.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a fixed component is configured.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an assembly having a carbon fiber layer and a fixing component disposed within a molding apparatus.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing an intermediate body taken out from a molding apparatus.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a groove for end removal.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the state of the end portion of the fiber-reinforced resin cylinder removed.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the state of removing the clamps. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same structural elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the pressure vessel 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a cylindrical body for storing pressurized fluid inside. Examples of pressurized fluids include pressurized hydrogen and natural gas. The pressure vessel 1 has an inner liner 10, a pair of end members 20 (20A, 20B), and a fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical portion 30. Here, the end member of the pair of end members 20 disposed on the axial side of one end (first end 12A) of the inner liner 10 is designated as end member 20A. The end member of the pair of end members 20 disposed on the axial side of the other end (second end 12B) of the inner liner 10 is designated as end member 20B.

[0028] Inner Liner The inner liner 10 is a cylindrical (generally cylindrical in this embodiment) resin component that is open at both ends in the axial direction. The inner liner 10 integrally has a cylindrical portion 11 and end portions 12 (12A, 12B).

[0029] ≪Cylindrical section≫ The cylindrical section 11 extends axially and is the main part for storing pressurized fluid inside.

[0030] ≪End≫ End portion 12 is the portion that forms the axial end of the cylindrical portion 11. In this embodiment, end portion 12 has a small diameter portion 12a and an end portion 12b, the small diameter portion 12a extending axially from the cylindrical portion 11; the end portion 12b forms the boundary between the cylindrical portion 11 and the small diameter portion 12a.

[0031] <End component> The end member 20 is a generally cylindrical or generally cylindrical metal (or resin) component that forms the axial end of the pressure vessel 1 by being configured to cover the end 12 of the inner liner 10 from both the radial and axial sides. The end member 20 has an integrally formed first outer diameter portion 21, a reduced diameter portion 22, a second outer diameter portion 23, and a third outer diameter portion 24 along the axial direction from the inner liner 10 side.

[0032] ≪First Outer Diameter Section≫ The first outer diameter portion 21 is the axial base end portion constituting the end member 20 and is arranged in a manner continuous with the cylindrical portion 11 of the inner liner 10, and has the same outer diameter as the cylindrical portion 11 of the inner liner 10.

[0033] ≪Reduced Diameter Section≫ The reduced-diameter portion 22 is a portion whose outer diameter decreases (reduced) as it moves axially away from the inner liner 10 (from the first outer diameter portion 21 to the second outer diameter portion 23). In this embodiment, the reduced-diameter portion 22 is a tapered portion whose outer diameter decreases linearly from the first outer diameter portion 21 to the second outer diameter portion 23. The inclination angle θ1 of the outer peripheral surface of the tapered reduced-diameter portion 22 (relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11) is 30° to 60° (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0034] ≪Second outer diameter section≫ The second outer diameter portion 23 has a smaller outer diameter than the first outer diameter portion 21. A recess 23a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer diameter portion 23. The recess 23a is a portion that accommodates the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32, which will be described later. In this embodiment, it is an annular groove. That is, the width (axial dimension) of the recess 23a is larger than the width dimension (outer diameter) of one carbon fiber assembly in the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32, which will be described later. In addition, in this embodiment, a portion of the first carbon fiber layer 31 is accommodated in the recess 23a, and the other portion of the first carbon fiber layer 31 and the second carbon fiber layer 32 are located radially outside the space of the recess 23a.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pair of side portions 23a1 of the recess 23a are tapered as they move away (widen) from the bottom portion 23a2 of the recess 23a to the opening. Various dimensions of the recess 23a (depth of the recess 23a, angle of the side portion 23a1 relative to the bottom portion 23a2, axial dimensions of the side portion 23a1 and the bottom portion 23a2, distance from the reduced diameter portion 22, etc.) can be appropriately set according to the outer diameter of the part forming the recess 23a, the outer diameter of the carbon fiber layers 31, 32, etc.

[0036] ≪Third outer diameter section≫ The third outer diameter portion 24 is the portion that constitutes the axial top end portion of the end member 20, and has an outer diameter portion smaller than that of the second outer diameter portion 23.

[0037] ≪End face≫ The end member 20, being a surface intersecting (or orthogonal) to the axial direction, has an inner liner side end face 20a and an opposite side end face 20b. The inner liner side end face 20a is the end face of the first outer diameter portion 21, and abuts against the end face portion 12b of the inner liner 10. The opposite side end face 20b is an end face formed by the boundary portions of the second outer diameter portion 23 and the third outer diameter portion 24.

[0038] ≪Flow channel≫ A flow channel 20c is formed on the end member 20A, which serves as a connector. The flow channel 20c extends axially through the end member 20A and communicates with the internal space of the small-diameter portion 12a of the inner liner 10. The flow channel 20c is used to allow external pressurized fluid to flow into and be stored in the inner liner 10, or to allow pressurized fluid stored in the inner liner 10 to flow out to the outside. A valve component (not shown) is installed on the opening of the flow channel 20c on the side opposite to the inner liner 10.

[0039] <Fiber-reinforced resin tube section> The fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical section 30 is formed as a cylindrical fiber-reinforced resin layer (including a fiber resin layer) along the outer peripheral surface of the inner liner 10 and the end component 20. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30 has a first carbon fiber layer 31 and a second carbon fiber layer 32 sequentially from the radially inner side (the side of the inner liner 10 and the end member 20). The orientation angles of the first carbon fiber layer 31 and the second carbon fiber layer 32 are different from each other. The opposite end face 20b of the end member 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the third outer diameter portion 24 are not covered by the fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30 and are exposed from it.

[0040] ≪First carbon fiber layer (spiral layer)≫ like Figure 4As shown, the first carbon fiber layer 31 is composed of multiple carbon fibers arranged to cover the outer peripheral surface of the inner liner 10, etc. More specifically, the first carbon fiber layer 31 is formed by winding multiple carbon fibers in a strip or bundle shape to form a carbon fiber assembly, and by changing the phase of the multiple carbon fiber assemblies. The carbon fibers in the first carbon fiber layer 31 are wound at least once at an angle of 45° relative to the axial direction of the inner liner 10, and are arranged in a spiral shape relative to the axial direction of the inner liner 10. That is, with respect to the first carbon fiber layer 31, the orientation angle θ2 of the carbon fibers relative to the axis of the inner liner 10 is 45°.

[0041] ≪Second carbon fiber layer (ring layer)≫ like Figure 5 As shown, the second carbon fiber layer 32 is disposed radially outside the first carbon fiber layer 31 and is composed of multiple carbon fibers arranged to cover the first carbon fiber layer 31. More specifically, the second carbon fiber layer 32 is formed by winding multiple carbon fibers in a strip or bundle shape to form a carbon fiber assembly, and by changing the phase of the multiple carbon fiber assemblies. The carbon fibers in the second carbon fiber layer 32 extend approximately perpendicularly to the axis of the inner liner 10. That is, with respect to the second carbon fiber layer 32, the orientation angle θ3 of the carbon fibers relative to the axis of the inner liner 10 is approximately 90°.

[0042] <Manufacturing Method> Next, use Figure 6 The manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by a flowchart. The manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 includes an inner liner forming process (step S1) and an end component connecting process (step S2) performed after the inner liner forming process. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 includes a clamping installation process (step S4) performed after the end component connecting process and a fiber setting process (steps S4A, S4B) performed after the clamping installation process. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 includes a fixing component placement process (step S5) performed after the fiber setting process and a mold placement process (step S6) performed after the fixing component placement process. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 includes a molding process (step S7) performed after the mold placement process and a removal process (step S8) performed after the molding process. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 includes an end removal process (step S9) performed after the removal process and a clamp disassembly process (step S10) performed after the end removal process.

[0043] Step S1 involves forming using a molding apparatus (not shown). Figure 1 The process of making the resin inner liner 10 shown.

[0044] Following step S1, in step S2, as follows Figure 2 As shown, the inner liner 10 and a pair of end parts 20 are connected to each other.

[0045] Following step S2, in step S3, as follows Figure 3 As shown, a pair of clamps 40 are respectively mounted on a pair of end parts 20. The clamps 40 are externally fitted into the third outer diameter portion 24.

[0046] Following step S3, in step S4A, as follows Figure 4 As shown, the first carbon fiber layer 31 is formed on the cylindrical portion 11 of the inner liner 10, the first outer diameter portion 21, the reduced diameter portion 22, and the second outer diameter portion 23 of the end member 20, and on the outer peripheral surface of the clamp 40. Following step S4A, in step S4B, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first outer diameter portion 21, the reduced diameter portion 22 and the second outer diameter portion 23 of the end member 20 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first carbon fiber layer 31 in the cylindrical portion 11 of the inner liner 10 and the clamp 40.

[0047] In steps S4A and S4B, the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 are so-called raw silk rather than resin-impregnated fibers. Furthermore, the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 are simultaneously arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the clamp 40 using a multi-filament winding (MFW) method. The carbon fiber layers 31 and 32, fed by the multi-filament winding method, exhibit a so-called non-crimp structure, where they are not woven together but exist as independent layers.

[0048] In steps S4A and S4B, carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 pass through Figure 7 The multi-filament winding apparatus 100 (100X, 100Y) shown is (only) arranged in one direction on the outer peripheral surface of the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the clamp 40. Specifically, the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 are wound from one axial end (the clamp 40 side of the end member 20A) towards the other axial end (the clamp 40 side of the end member 20B), arranged in only one direction. The multi-filament winding apparatus 100 (100X, 100Y) can appropriately set and change the orientation angle of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32. The assembly of the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the clamp 40 begins at one end (end member 20A) and is wound by the multi-filament winding apparatus 100X, 100Y. The upstream multi-filament winding device 100X winds the first carbon fiber layer 31 around the assembly, while the downstream multi-filament winding device 100Y winds the second carbon fiber layer 32 around the assembly.

[0049] like Figure 8As shown, the multi-filament winding device 100 has multiple spools 101 arranged to surround the assembly moving radially outward. The multi-filament winding device 100 forms carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 by releasing fiber bundles 102 from the spools 101 and winding them around the assembly. The ends of the fiber bundles 102 forming the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 are appropriately cut. Alternatively, the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 can be configured to be integrally arranged in a cylindrical shape by the device and then disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the clamp 40.

[0050] Here, the tapered section 22, being a linear conical portion, suppresses slippage of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 compared to a protruding dome shape (so-called a geodesic). In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the outer peripheral surface of the tapered section 22 (relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical section 11) (refer to...) Figure 2 The tilt angle θ1 is between 30° and 60°. When the tilt angle θ1 is less than 30°, the axial dimension of the reduced diameter portion 22 increases. Furthermore, when the tilt angle θ1 is greater than 60°, the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 wound around the reduced diameter portion 22 may slip. In other words, a reduced diameter portion 22 with a tilt angle θ1 set to 30° to 60° can suppress the increase in axial dimension and appropriately suppress the slippage of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32.

[0051] A portion of the lengthwise length of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 is wound around the radially outer side of the recess 23a and positioned relative to the end member 20 within the recess 23a. More specifically, the first carbon fiber layer 31 is positioned relative to the end member 20 by winding a portion of it around the recess 23a. Furthermore, the second carbon fiber layer 32 is positioned relative to the end member 20, with respect to the first carbon fiber layer 31a, by winding it around a recess 31a corresponding to the recess 23a, wherein the recess 31a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first carbon fiber layer 31. According to this structure, even if the reduced diameter portion 22 of the end member 20 deforms, displacement of the end member 20 within the internal space of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 can be prevented.

[0052] Following step S4B, in step S5, as follows Figure 9 As shown, the ends of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 are fixed to the clamp 40 by placing the fixing member 50 radially outward at the ends of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32. The fixing member 50 is, for example, a metal strip, which is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32.

[0053] Following step S5, in step S6, as follows Figure 10As shown, the assembly of the inner liner 10, end component 20, clamp 40, each carbon fiber layer 31, 32 and fixing component 50 is placed in the molding device 200 (mold).

[0054] Following step S6, in step S7, as follows: Figure 10 As shown, resin 33 is supplied into the molding apparatus 200. Accordingly, the resin 33 impregnates the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32 disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the clamp 40. Furthermore, the resin 33 is cured by heating the molding apparatus 200, and a fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical portion 30 is formed using a so-called RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process, thus integrally molding the inner liner 10, the end member 20, and the fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical portion 30. The resin 33 is, for example, a thermosetting resin. In this embodiment, the mold of the molding apparatus 200 is divided into multiple parts. In step S7, the assembly is heated, and a mold-closing operation is performed to close the mold of the molding apparatus 200. Then, a mold-closing operation is performed to apply pressure to the closed mold, thereby increasing the pressure inside the mold and promoting the curing of the resin 33. Furthermore, this embodiment is described with a structure where the mold is divided into multiple parts, thus performing the mold-closing and mold-closing operations, but the mold-closing operation is not mandatory. Furthermore, if the mold is not divided into multiple parts, the mold closing and mold clamping operations are not necessary. Within the molding apparatus 200, a space (resin storage section) can be formed on the outlet side of the gate 201 through which molten resin 33 is introduced. The resin 33 introduced into the molding apparatus 200 is stored in this resin storage section located on the side of the first ends of the carbon fiber layers 31, 32. The resin 33 stored in the resin storage section is moved along the axial direction of the inner liner 10 by vacuum suction from a suction port 202 formed on the opposite side of the gate 201 in the arrangement direction of the carbon fiber layers 31, 32, and impregnates the carbon fiber layers 31, 32. With the resin 33 impregnated in the carbon fiber layers 31, 32, the molding apparatus 200 is heated, and pressure is applied within the molding apparatus 200, thereby forming the fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical section 30.

[0055] Following step S7, in step S8, as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the molded assembly, i.e., the intermediate body, is taken out from the molding device 200.

[0056] Following step S8, in step S9, as follows: Figure 12 As shown, a positioning groove 30a is formed on the radially outer portion of the opposite end face 20b of the fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30 using a cutting device 300. Next, as... Figure 13As shown, the end portion of the fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30 located in front of the groove portion 30a is removed using a cutting device 300. No fixing member 50 is present on the remaining fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30. Accordingly, the machined surface (cutting surface) 30b, which serves as the end face of the fiber-reinforced resin tubular portion 30 (carbon fiber layers 31, 32), is formed axially at approximately the same position as the opposite end face 20b.

[0057] Following step S9, in step S10, as follows Figure 14 As shown, the clamp 40 is removed from the end component 20. Accordingly, the pressure vessel 1 (see reference) is completed. Figure 1 In the pressure vessel 1, the opposite end face 20b of the end member 20 is exposed from the fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical portion 30 (carbon fiber layers 31, 32). However, the pressure vessel 1 can prevent the end member 20 (joint portion 20A) from falling off by means of the reduced diameter portion 22 having the end member 20 and the fiber-reinforced resin cylindrical portion 30 (carbon fiber layers 31, 32) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 22.

[0058] The pressure vessel 1 according to embodiments of the present invention is used to store pressurized fluid internally, characterized in that it has an inner liner 10, a connector 20A, and fibers (a first carbon fiber layer 31 and a second carbon fiber layer 32), wherein the inner liner 10 has a cylindrical portion 11, a first end 12A, and a second end 12B, the cylindrical portion 11 extending axially; the first end 12A is one axial end of the cylindrical portion 11; the second end 12B is the other axial end of the cylindrical portion 11; the connector 20A is configured to cover at least one of the first end 12A and the second end 12B for allowing the pressurized fluid to pass through. The fiber enters and exits from the inner liner 10; the fiber is wound around the inner liner 10 and the connector portion 20A, the connector portion 20A having a main body, an inner liner side end face 20a and an opposite side end face 20b, wherein the main body extends along the axial direction; the inner liner side end face 20a is located on the inner liner 10 side of the main body in the axial direction; the opposite side end face 20b is located on the side of the main body opposite to the inner liner 10 in the axial direction, the main body has a reduced diameter portion 22, which reduces in diameter as it moves away from the inner liner 10 in the axial direction for winding the fiber, and the opposite side end face 20b of the connector portion 20A is exposed from the fiber.

[0059] Therefore, since the fiber in the reduced diameter section 22 functions as an anti-detachment part of the joint section 20A, the pressure vessel 1 can prevent the joint section 20A from falling off.

[0060] In pressure vessel 1, the fiber has a machined surface 30b as an end face.

[0061] Therefore, even if the pressure vessel 1 cannot wrap the fiber in front of the opposite end face 20b of the end member 20 (joint part 20A) due to manufacturing limitations, so that the end face of the fiber becomes the machined surface 30b, the end member 20 can be properly covered by the fiber and the end member 20 can be prevented from falling off.

[0062] In the pressure vessel 1, two or more fibers with different orientation angles are wound around the cylindrical part 11 and the narrowed part 22.

[0063] Therefore, by increasing its strength, pressure vessel 1 is able to store pressurized fluids at higher pressures.

[0064] In the pressure vessel 1, the main body has a first outer diameter portion 21 and a second outer diameter portion 23, wherein the first outer diameter portion 21 is located on the inner liner side; the second outer diameter portion 23 is closer to the opposite end face 20b side than the first outer diameter portion 21, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first outer diameter portion 21; the reduced diameter portion 22 is disposed between the first outer diameter portion 21 and the second outer diameter portion 23; the first outer diameter portion 21 is arranged continuously with the cylindrical portion 11, and the outer diameter of the first outer diameter portion 21 is equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0065] Therefore, pressure vessel 1 suppresses the uneven strength caused by position by suppressing the step difference generated by the shape of the wound fibers, and is able to store pressurized fluids at higher pressures.

[0066] In pressure vessel 1, the reduced diameter section 22 is a tapered section.

[0067] Therefore, compared to the case where the reduced diameter portion 22 is curved (dome shape), the pressure vessel 1 is able to suppress fiber slippage during and after the manufacturing process.

[0068] In the pressure vessel 1, the axial inclination angle of the conical portion relative to the cylindrical portion 11 is 30° to 60°.

[0069] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the axial dimension of the pressure vessel 1 and to appropriately suppress the slippage of the carbon fiber layers 31 and 32.

[0070] In the pressure vessel 1, a recess 23a is formed on the outer surface of the first outer diameter portion 21 and / or the second outer diameter portion 23, which is recessed radially inward, and the fiber is contained in the recess 23a.

[0071] Therefore, pressure vessel 1 can prevent the fiber from shifting position.

[0072] In pressure vessel 1, the recess 23a is an annular groove.

[0073] Therefore, by positioning the fibers throughout the circumference, pressure vessel 1 can properly prevent fiber displacement.

[0074] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the pressure vessel 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention includes: a step of connecting the inner liner 10 and the connector 20A to each other; a step of installing the clamp 40 on the opposite end face 20b of the connector 20A; a step of winding the fiber around the cylindrical portion 11, the connector 20A and the clamp 40 in one direction; a step of removing the portion of the fiber that is wound around the clamp 40; and a step of removing the clamp 40 from the connector 20A.

[0075] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of pressure vessel 1, since the fiber in the reduced diameter section 22 functions as an anti-detachment part of the joint, it is possible to manufacture pressure vessel 1 that can prevent the joint 20A from detaching.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of pressure vessel 1, since the joint portion 20A is also prevented from falling off during the manufacturing stage, the product performance can be improved.

[0077] The method for manufacturing pressure vessel 1 includes, between the step of winding the fiber and the step of removing the portion of the fiber that is wound around the clamp 40, a step of fixing the end of the fiber to the clamp 40 using a fixing member 50; and a step of impregnating the fiber with resin 33 and curing it.

[0078] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of pressure vessel 1, by using the fixture 40, the resin 33 can be properly impregnated into the fiber without complicating the shape of the mold, which can correspond to various shapes of the joint and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each carbon fiber layer 41, 42 may also present a so-called crimped structure woven together with each other. In addition, as a modification, the fiber body is not limited to carbon fiber, as long as it is a fiber component that can reinforce the resin layer (e.g., glass fiber, cellulose fiber, etc.). In addition, the recess (annular groove) accommodating the carbon fiber layers 31, 32 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the first outer diameter portion 21 and the second outer diameter portion 23. In addition, three or more fibers with different orientation angles may be configured to be wound around the inner liner 10 and the connector portion 20A. In addition, the inner liner 10 may be configured with one end opening of the cylindrical portion 11 and the other end being the bottom. In addition, the structure of the connector portion 20A of the present invention can also be applied to the end component 20B where pressurized fluid does not flow.

[0080] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0081] 1: Pressure vessel; 10: Inner liner; 11: Cylindrical section; 12 (12A, 12B): End; 12a: Small diameter portion; 12b: End face; 20 (20A, 20B): End components (joints); 20a: Side end face of the inner liner; 20b: Opposite side end face; 20c: Flow channel section; 21: First outer diameter section (main body section); 22: Reduced diameter section (tapered section) (main body section); 23: Second outer diameter section (main body section); 23a: Recess (annular groove); 24: Third outer diameter section; 30: Fiber-reinforced resin tube section; 30a: Groove section; 30b: Machined surface; 31: First carbon fiber layer; 32: Second carbon fiber layer; 33: Resin; 40: Fixture; 50: Fixed components.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel for storing pressurized fluid internally, characterized in that, It has an inner liner, a connector, and fibers, among which, The inner liner has a cylindrical portion, a first end, and a second end, the cylindrical portion extending axially; the first end is one end of the cylindrical portion along the axial direction; the second end is the other end of the cylindrical portion along the axial direction. The connector is configured to cover at least one of the first end and the second end for allowing the pressurized fluid to enter and exit the inner liner; The fibers are wound around the inner liner and the joint. The connector portion has a main body, an inner liner side end face, and an opposite side end face, wherein the main body extends along the axial direction; the inner liner side end face is located on the inner liner side of the main body along the axial direction; and the opposite side end face is located on the side of the main body opposite to the inner liner along the axial direction. The main body has a tapered section that narrows axially away from the inner liner for winding the fibers. The opposite end face of the connector is exposed from the fiber.

2. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber has a processed surface as its end face.

3. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two or more fibers with different orientation angles are wound around the cylindrical part and the narrowed part.

4. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body has a first outer diameter portion and a second outer diameter portion, wherein the first outer diameter portion is located on the inner liner side; the second outer diameter portion is located further to the opposite end face side than the first outer diameter portion, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first outer diameter portion. The reduced diameter portion is disposed between the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion. The first outer diameter portion is arranged continuously with the cylindrical portion. The outer diameter of the first outer diameter portion is equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion.

5. The pressure vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reduced diameter section is a tapered section.

6. The pressure vessel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inclination angle of the tapered portion relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion is 30° to 60°.

7. The pressure vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that, A recess that is recessed radially inward is formed on the outer surface of the first outer diameter portion and / or the second outer diameter portion. The fiber is contained in the recess.

8. The pressure vessel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The recess is an annular groove.

9. A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel, used to manufacture the pressure vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: The process of connecting the inner liner and the connector to each other; The process of installing the clamp onto the opposite end face of the connector; The process of winding the fiber around the cylindrical portion, the joint portion, and the clamp in one direction; The process of removing the portion of the fiber that is entangled in the clamp; and The process of removing the clamp from the joint.

10. The method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to claim 9, characterized in that, Between the step of winding the fiber and the step of removing the portion of the fiber that is wound around the clamp, the following steps are included: The process of securing the ends of the fibers to the clamp using a fixing component; and The process of impregnating the fiber with resin and then curing it.

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