Pressure vessel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressure vessel for a fluid, the pressure vessel comprising: a plurality of main bodies each having a tubular shape extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; one or more curved sections each having a cylindrical shape, extending between two adjacent end sections among the plurality of main body sections, and connecting the plurality of main body sections in series; and a reinforcing layer that covers the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of main body sections and the outer peripheral walls of the one or more curved sections, and contains carbon fibers. The content of carbon fibers per unit length in the direction of extension of the reinforcing layer at the bent portion is less than the content of carbon fibers per unit length in the direction of extension of the reinforcing layer at the main body portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to pressure vessels. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-519480 discloses a pressure vessel for fluids. The pressure vessel includes: a plurality of main body sections, each having a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and one or more curved sections, each having a cylindrical shape and extending between two adjacent ends of the plurality of main body sections, thereby connecting the plurality of main body sections in series.

[0003] In the pressure vessel described in Japanese Patent Table 2018-519480, a curved section is formed by bending a straight cylindrical section. Furthermore, to improve the strength of the pressure vessel filled with fluid, a structure is considered that covers the outer peripheral walls of multiple main sections and the outer peripheral walls of one or more curved sections with reinforcing layers. However, the reinforcing layer covering the outer peripheral wall of the portion corresponding to the curved section in the straight cylindrical section makes it difficult to bend that portion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technique that can improve the strength of a pressure vessel and facilitate the formation of a bent portion of the pressure vessel.

[0005] In a first embodiment disclosed in this specification, a pressure vessel for a fluid is realized. The pressure vessel comprises: a plurality of main body portions, each having a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; one or more curved portions, each having a cylindrical shape and extending between adjacent ends of the plurality of main body portions, connecting the plurality of main body portions in series; and a reinforcing layer covering the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of main body portions and the outer peripheral walls of the one or more curved portions, comprising carbon fibers. The content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extending direction of the reinforcing layer at the curved portions is less than the content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extending direction of the reinforcing layer at the main body portions.

[0006] According to the above structure, compared to a structure where the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the reinforcing layer at the bend is the same as that in the extending direction of the reinforcing layer at the main body, the portion of the straight cylindrical section corresponding to the bend can be easily bent. Therefore, the strength of the pressure vessel can be improved, and the bend of the pressure vessel can be easily formed.

[0007] In the second approach, based on the first approach described above, the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the bend can be equal to the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the main body. The thickness of the reinforcing layer at the bend can be thinner than the thickness of the reinforcing layer at the main body.

[0008] Based on the above structure, compared with structures where the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the bend is different from that of the reinforcing layer at the main body, the reinforcing layer can be easily formed.

[0009] In the third approach, based on the second approach described above, the reinforcing layer may have a stacked structure in which at least one of the plurality of main body portions has a carbon fiber layer, and the number of carbon fiber layers at the curved portion is less than the number of carbon fiber layers at the main body portion.

[0010] Based on the above structure, the strength of the pressure vessel can be improved, and the bending part of the pressure vessel can be easily formed.

[0011] In the fourth approach, based on the first approach described above, the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the bend is less than the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer of the main body.

[0012] Based on the above structure, the strength of the pressure vessel can be improved, and the bending part of the pressure vessel can be easily formed. Attached Figure Description

[0013] 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:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of pressure vessel 2.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of Part II.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the cylindrical component 102 before the carbon fiber is wound.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the method of winding carbon fiber into the cylindrical component 102.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the pressure vessel 202 of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] First Embodiment

[0020] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The pressure vessel 2 used for fluids will be described below. As an example, the pressure vessel 2 is mounted on a fuel cell electric vehicle (illustration omitted). The pressure vessel 2 is filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas used in the power generation of the fuel cell electric vehicle.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure vessel 2 includes multiple main body portions 10, multiple curved portions 12, and a reinforcing layer 14. Furthermore, for convenience, the direction in which the multiple main body portions 10 are arranged will be referred to as the "left-right direction", and the length direction of the main body portions 10, that is, the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction, will be referred to as the "front-back direction".

[0022] Multiple main body portions 10 extend along the front-rear direction. Each main body portion 10 has a cylindrical shape. Each main body portion 10 includes a first cylindrical portion 20, a first frustum-shaped portion 22, and a second frustum-shaped portion 24. The first cylindrical portion 20 extends parallel to the front-rear direction. The first cylindrical portion 20 has a cylindrical shape. The first frustum-shaped portion 22 is connected to the front end of the first cylindrical portion 20. The first frustum-shaped portion 22 has a frustum shape. The first frustum-shaped portion 22 is inclined such that its outer and inner diameters decrease towards the front. The second frustum-shaped portion 24 is connected to the rear end of the first cylindrical portion 20. The second frustum-shaped portion 24 has a frustum shape. The second frustum-shaped portion 24 is inclined such that its outer and inner diameters decrease towards the rear.

[0023] The plurality of curved portions 12 have a cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the plurality of curved portions 12 perpendicular to their extension direction is circular. The plurality of curved portions 12 disposed on the front side of the pressure vessel 2 extend between the front ends of two adjacent main body portions 10. For example, the rightmost curved portion 12 located on the front side of the pressure vessel 2 extends forward from the front end of the rightmost main body portion 10, then bends to the left and extends further to the front end of the adjacent main body portion 10.

[0024] Furthermore, the plurality of bends 12 located on the rear side of the pressure vessel 2 extend between the rear ends of two adjacent main body portions 10. For example, the rightmost bend 12 located on the rear side of the pressure vessel 2 extends rearward from the rear end of the second main body portion 10 from the right, then bends to the left and extends further to the rear end of the adjacent main body portion 10. Figure 1 The flow path axis of the curved portion 12 has a semi-circular arc shape.

[0025] A curved portion 12 is connected to the front end of the rightmost main body portion 10 and the front end of the leftmost main body portion 10, and curved portions 12 are connected to the front and rear ends of the other main body portions 10. In this way, multiple main body portions 10 are connected in series by multiple curved portions 12.

[0026] The reinforcing layer 14 includes a main body reinforcing layer 30 covering the outer peripheral wall of the main body 10 and a curved portion reinforcing layer 32 covering the outer peripheral wall of the curved portion 12. Both the main body reinforcing layer 30 and the curved portion reinforcing layer 32 are made of a resin containing carbon fibers. As an example, both the main body reinforcing layer 30 and the curved portion reinforcing layer 32 are made of CFRP. The carbon fiber content per unit volume in the extending direction of the curved portion reinforcing layer 32 is equal to the carbon fiber content per unit volume in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 30. That is, the first density of carbon fibers in the curved portion reinforcing layer 32 is equal to the second density of carbon fibers in the main body reinforcing layer 30. Figure 2 As shown, the main body reinforcing layer 30 has a laminated structure of carbon fiber layers. Three carbon fiber layers are laminated in the main body reinforcing layer 30. The bending portion reinforcing layer 32 has a single-layer structure of carbon fiber layers. Therefore, the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the bending portion reinforcing layer 32 is less than the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 30. Furthermore, the thickness of the bending portion reinforcing layer 32 is thinner than the thickness of the main body reinforcing layer 30. Moreover, the weight of carbon fiber per unit length in the extending direction of the bending portion reinforcing layer 32 is lighter than the weight of carbon fiber per unit length in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 30.

[0027] Method for manufacturing pressure vessel 2

[0028] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The manufacturing method of pressure vessel 2 will be explained.

[0029] First, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cylindrical component 102 is formed along the axis A. As an example, the cylindrical component 102 is integrally formed by extrusion molding. The cylindrical component 102 includes a plurality of main body portions 10 and a plurality of second cylindrical portions 112.

[0030] Next, as Figure 4 As shown, linear carbon fibers are wound around the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of main body portions 10 and the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of second cylindrical portions 112. As an example, the carbon fibers are wound in a helical manner. First, the carbon fibers are wound from... Figure 4 The left end of the main body 10 on the left side is wrapped around the right end. Figure 4 (A)). Next, the carbon fiber is wound from the right end of the main body 10 to the left end ( Figure 4(B)). Next, the carbon fiber is wound from the left end of the main body 10 to the right end (B). Figure 4 (C)). Thus, three layers of carbon fiber are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first main body 10A. Next, the carbon fiber is wound from the left end to the right end of the second cylindrical portion 112. Figure 4 (D)). Thus, a single layer of carbon fiber is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 112. Then, by repeating the process... Figure 4 (A) to (D), three carbon fiber layers are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the multiple main body parts 10, and a single carbon fiber layer is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the multiple second cylindrical parts 112.

[0031] Next, a plurality of curved portions 12 are formed by bending the second cylindrical portion 112 (see reference). Figure 1 This is how it is manufactured. Figure 1 Pressure vessel 2 is shown.

[0032] As described above, the curved portion 12 is formed by bending the second cylindrical portion 112 (see reference). Figure 1 However, assuming that the outer peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 112 also has the same three-layer carbon fiber structure as the outer peripheral wall of the main body portion 10, a relatively large force is required to bend the second cylindrical portion 112. Therefore, it is preferable that the second cylindrical portion 112 has a structure that is easy to bend. Therefore, a single-layer carbon fiber structure is formed in the second cylindrical portion 112. As a result, compared to the structure in which the outer peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 112 has the same three-layer carbon fiber structure as the outer peripheral wall of the main body portion 10, the second cylindrical portion 112 can be bent more easily.

[0033] The effect of this embodiment

[0034] As described above, the pressure vessel 2 includes: a plurality of main body portions 10, each having a cylindrical shape extending in a front-rear direction (an example of a "first direction") and arranged in a left-right direction (an example of a "second direction"); a plurality of curved portions 12, each having a cylindrical shape and extending between adjacent ends of the plurality of main body portions 10, connecting the plurality of main body portions 10 in series; and a reinforcing layer 14 covering the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of main body portions 10 and the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of curved portions 12, comprising carbon fibers. The content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the reinforcing layer 14 at the curved portions 12 is less than the content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the reinforcing layer 14 at the main body portions 10.

[0035] According to the above structure, compared with the structure in which the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extension direction of the reinforcing layer 14 at the bend 12 is the same as the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extension direction of the reinforcing layer 14 in the main body 10, it is possible to easily bend the portion of the straight cylindrical portion corresponding to the bend 12. Therefore, the strength of the pressure vessel 2 can be improved, and the bend 12 of the pressure vessel 2 can be easily formed.

[0036] Furthermore, the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 14 at the bend 12 is equal to the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 14 at the main body 10. The thickness of the reinforcing layer 14 at the bend 12 is thinner than the thickness of the reinforcing layer 14 at the main body 10.

[0037] Based on the above structure, compared with the structure in which the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 14 at the curved portion 12 is different from the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 14 at the main body portion 10, the reinforcing layer 14 can be easily formed.

[0038] In addition, the reinforcing layer 14 has a stacked structure of carbon fiber layers in at least a plurality of main body portions 10, and the number of carbon fiber layers at the curved portion 12 is less than the number of carbon fiber layers at the main body portion 10.

[0039] According to the above structure, the strength of the pressure vessel 2 can be improved, and the bending portion 12 of the pressure vessel 2 can be easily formed.

[0040] Second Embodiment

[0041] Reference Figure 5 The pressure vessel 202 of the second embodiment will now be described. The structure of the reinforcing layer 214 of the pressure vessel 202 in this embodiment is different from the structure of the reinforcing layer 14 of the pressure vessel 2 in the first embodiment.

[0042] The reinforcing layer 214 includes a main body reinforcing layer 230 covering the outer peripheral wall of the main body 10 and a curved portion reinforcing layer 232 covering the outer peripheral wall of the curved portion 12. The carbon fiber content per unit volume in the extending direction of the curved portion reinforcing layer 232 is less than the carbon fiber content per unit volume in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 230. That is, the carbon fiber density of the curved portion reinforcing layer 232 is less than the carbon fiber density of the main body reinforcing layer 230. The main body reinforcing layer 230 has a laminated structure of carbon fiber layers. The curved portion reinforcing layer 232 has a single-layer structure of carbon fiber layers. The thickness of the curved portion reinforcing layer 232 is equal to the thickness of the main body reinforcing layer 230. Furthermore, the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the curved portion reinforcing layer 232 is less than the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 230. Additionally, the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the curved portion reinforcing layer 232 is less than the carbon fiber content per unit length in the extending direction of the main body reinforcing layer 230. Furthermore, the weight of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the bending reinforcement layer 232 is lighter than the weight of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the main reinforcement layer 230. Additionally, in a modified example, if the content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the bending reinforcement layer 232 is less than the content of carbon fibers per unit length in the extension direction of the main reinforcement layer 230, then the thickness of the bending reinforcement layer 232 may be greater than the thickness of the main reinforcement layer 230.

[0043] As described above, the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 214 at the bend 12 is less than the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer 214 of the main body 10.

[0044] According to the above structure, the strength of the pressure vessel 2 can be improved, and the bending portion 12 of the pressure vessel 2 can be easily formed.

[0045] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. The technology described within the scope of protection of this application includes technologies obtained by modifying or altering the specific embodiments illustrated above.

[0046] First variation

[0047] The number of main body parts 10 arranged in the left-right direction can be two to five, or more than seven.

[0048] Second variation

[0049] The cross-sectional shape of the main body 10 perpendicular to the extension direction and the cross-sectional shape of the curved part 12 perpendicular to the extension direction are not limited to a circular shape, but can also be an elliptical shape, an oblong shape, a quadrilateral shape, etc.

[0050] Third variation

[0051] In the first and second embodiments, the bending reinforcement layers 32 and 232 may have a laminated structure of carbon fiber layers.

[0052] Fourth variation

[0053] In the first and second embodiments, the carbon fiber can also be wound in a braided manner.

[0054] Fifth variation

[0055] In the first and second embodiments, the bending reinforcement layers 32 and 232 at the ends of the bending portion 12 in the extending direction may also have the same structure as the main body reinforcement layers 30 and 230.

[0056] The technical elements described in this specification or accompanying drawings are technically useful individually or in various combinations, but are not limited to the combinations described in the technical solution at the time of application. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or accompanying drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel for use with fluids, wherein, have: Multiple main body portions, each having a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction, and arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; One or more curved portions, each having a cylindrical shape, and extending between two adjacent ends of the plurality of main portions, thereby connecting the plurality of main portions in series; as well as A reinforcing layer, covering the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of main body portions and the outer peripheral walls of the one or more curved portions, comprises carbon fiber. The carbon fiber content per unit length of the reinforcing layer at the bend is less than the carbon fiber content per unit length of the reinforcing layer at the main body.

2. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the curved portion is equal to the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the main body portion. The thickness of the reinforcing layer at the curved portion is thinner than the thickness of the reinforcing layer at the main body portion.

3. The pressure vessel according to claim 2, wherein, The reinforcing layer has a laminated structure of carbon fiber layers in at least the plurality of main body portions. The number of carbon fiber layers at the curved portion is less than the number of carbon fiber layers at the main body portion.

4. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the bend is less than the carbon fiber content per unit volume of the reinforcing layer at the main body.

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