Pressure vessel and pressure vessel manufacturing method

Abstract

A pressure vessel is provided with: a liner (2) that includes a cylindrical body section (21), a head section (23) in which a joint (3) is disposed, and a shoulder section (22) that is provided between the body section (21) and the head section (23) and that reduces in diameter toward the head section (23); and a reinforcing layer (4) formed by winding a fiber impregnated with a resin around the outer peripheral surface of the liner (2), in which a groove portion (25) is formed in at least one of a first boundary portion (24), which is the boundary between the head portion (23) and the shoulder portion (22), and a second boundary portion (26), which is the boundary between the body portion (21) and the shoulder portion (22), and the resin oozing from the reinforcing layer (4) enters the groove portion (25).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A pressure vessel is known to have a hollow liner and a reinforcing layer formed by winding resin-impregnated fibers around the outer peripheral surface of the liner (Patent Document 1). The liner includes a cylindrical body, a head with a joint, and a shoulder disposed between the body and the head, tapering towards the head. The reinforcing layer is formed by winding filaments containing resin-impregnated fiber bundles around the outer peripheral surface of the liner.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-246962 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve Because the shoulder of the liner is formed with a tapering diameter towards the head, there is a problem of displacement of the fiber-reinforced resin. This displacement is particularly prone to occur between the boundary between the torso and the shoulder and the head.

[0005] The present invention was created based on the viewpoint that the objective is to provide a pressure vessel capable of preventing fiber-reinforced resin from deviating from a specified position, and a method for manufacturing the pressure vessel.

[0006] Technical means to solve the problem The invention is characterized by comprising: a liner including a cylindrical body, a head with a connector, and a shoulder disposed between the body and the head and tapering toward the head; and a reinforcing layer formed by winding resin-impregnated fibers around the outer peripheral surface of the liner, wherein a groove is formed at at least one of a first boundary portion serving as the boundary between the head and the shoulder and a second boundary portion serving as the boundary between the body and the shoulder, and resin permeating from the reinforcing layer enters the groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a liner forming step, forming a liner comprising a cylindrical body, a head with a connector, and a shoulder portion disposed between the body and the head and tapering toward the head; a groove forming step, forming a groove at at least one of a first boundary portion serving as the boundary between the head and the shoulder portion and a second boundary portion serving as the boundary between the body and the shoulder portion; a reinforcing layer forming step, winding resin-impregnated fibers around the outer peripheral surface of the liner to form a reinforcing layer; and a resin impregnation step, causing the impregnated resin to enter the groove portion.

[0008] According to the present invention, the resin that seeps out from the reinforcing layer enters the groove and cures, thus fixing the reinforcing layer to the liner. This allows for the prevention of displacement of the fiber-reinforced resin with a simple structure.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable to form a thick-walled portion or protrusion with a thickness greater than that of other portions at the first boundary portion, and the groove is formed on the thick-walled portion or protrusion.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the positional displacement of the fiber-reinforced resin while preventing a decrease in the strength of the pressure vessel.

[0011] The effects of the invention According to the pressure vessel of the present invention, it is possible to provide a pressure vessel that can prevent fiber-reinforced resin from deviating from a specified position, and a method for manufacturing the pressure vessel. Attached Figure Description

[0012] [ Figure 1 [ ] shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure vessel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [ Figure 2 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the connector in the first embodiment.

[0014] [ Figure 3 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0015] [ Figure 4 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a modified example 1 of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0016] [ Figure 5 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0017] [ Figure 6 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a modified example 3 of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0018] [ Figure 7 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a modified example 4 of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0019] [ Figure 8 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a modified example 5 of the groove in the first embodiment.]

[0020] [ Figure 9 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a modified example 6 of the first embodiment of the groove.]

[0021] [ Figure 10[This represents an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the pressure vessel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.]

[0022] [ Figure 11 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a modified example 1 of the groove in the second embodiment.]

[0023] [ Figure 12 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of the groove in the second embodiment.]

[0024] [ Figure 13 [This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a modified example 3 of the groove in the second embodiment.] Detailed Implementation

[0025] The pressure vessel involved in the first embodiment

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Various embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure vessel 1 according to this embodiment is used as a container for storing low-pressure gases such as LPG, high-pressure gases such as hydrogen, and other fluids. The pressure vessel 1 includes a liner 2, a connector 3, and a reinforcing layer 4.

[0028] Liner 2 is formed using resin materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyamide, polyketone, and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) through methods such as injection molding or blow molding. Liner 2 can be formed integrally or by joining separately formed parts.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the liner 2 includes a torso 21, a shoulder 22, and a head 23. Except for the protrusion 27 described later, the liner 2 is formed with approximately the same thickness. The torso 21 is a hollow cylinder. The shoulder 22 is formed continuously from the end of the torso 21 and gradually narrows towards the head 23. The shoulder 22 is a hemispherical dome shape. The head 23 is formed continuously from the end of the shoulder 22 and has a connector 3 disposed thereon. The head 23 includes a base 23a and a cylindrical portion 23b. The base 23a is perpendicular and flat relative to the central axis O of the liner 2. The cylindrical portion 23b rises from the base 23a and extends outward along the central axis O.

[0030] The boundary between the head 23 and the shoulder 22 is designated as the first boundary portion 24. In a side cross-section view, the first boundary portion 24 is the part that curves from the end of the base 23a towards the shoulder 22. Furthermore, the boundary between the shoulder 22 and the torso 21 is designated as the second boundary portion 26. In a side cross-section view, the second boundary portion 26 is the part that curves from the torso 21 towards the shoulder 22. In other words, the first boundary portion 24 and the second boundary portion 26 are the parts in the side cross-sectional shape of the liner 2 where the curvature changes significantly.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a protrusion 27 with a thickness greater than other parts is formed in the first boundary portion 24, and this protrusion 27 extends throughout the entire circumference. In a side cross-section view, the protrusion 27 protrudes from the base 23a in a generally mountain-shaped manner. The shape of the protrusion 27 is not particularly limited, as long as it is formed to be thicker than other parts (thick-walled portion). In other words, when providing the groove 25 described later, it is preferable to set the thickness of the protrusion to a level that will not affect the strength of the liner 2. Furthermore, the protrusion 27 may also be formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, a groove 25 is formed at or near the top of the protrusion 27, recessed towards the body 21 and parallel to the central axis O. Before the reinforcement layer formation process described later, the groove 25 opens outwards. The groove 25 is formed by filament winding such that resin exuded from the wound fiber-reinforced resin can enter it. That is, the groove width of the groove 25 is preferably set to a level where only resin can enter, but fibers cannot. Furthermore, the depth of the groove 25 is preferably set to a level that, while considering the strength of the liner 2, allows the resin entering the groove 25 to produce an anchoring effect.

[0033] The connector 3 is a metal component disposed on the head 23 formed on the liner 2. The connector 3 has a flange portion 3a and a cylindrical portion 3b. The flange portion 3a is in the shape of a circular plate and is disposed on the base 23a of the head 23. The cylindrical portion 3b rises from the flange portion 3a and extends outward along the central axis O. The cylindrical portion 3b is configured to communicate with the cylindrical portion 23b, serving as the inlet and outlet point for fluid stored in the pressure vessel 1. The connector 3 is disposed on the head 23 with approximately no gaps.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the outer peripheral surface (surface side) 3c of the flange portion 3a, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the shoulder portion 22, and the outer peripheral surface 27a of the protrusion portion 27 are substantially coplanar without creating a step difference. Furthermore, an inner peripheral surface 27b extending circumferentially is formed on the protrusion portion 27. Therefore, since a recess can be formed between the inner peripheral surface 27b and the surface of the base portion 23a, the flange portion 3a of the connector 3 can be disposed in this recess. Additionally, the outer peripheral surface 27a of the protrusion portion 27 refers to the inclined surface of the protrusion portion 27 located on the outer side relative to the central axis O. The inner peripheral surface 27b of the protrusion portion 27 refers to the inclined surface of the protrusion portion 27 located on the inner side relative to the central axis O.

[0035] The reinforcing layer 4 is formed by winding a fiber-reinforced resin containing resin-impregnated fiber bundles onto the outer surface of the liner 2 and the joint 3 using a filament winding method. The resin impregnated in the reinforcing fibers is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits a specified strength after curing; however, in this embodiment, it is mainly composed of a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin. The resin impregnated in the reinforcing fibers is, for example, mainly composed of epoxy resin, and is formulated with a curing agent and a curing accelerator in a specified proportion.

[0036] The method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to the first embodiment

[0037] Next, a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel will be described. In the method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to this embodiment, a liner forming process, a groove forming process, a reinforcing layer forming process, and a resin impregnation process are performed.

[0038] The liner forming process is the process of forming the liner 2, which has a cylindrical body 21, shoulder 22, and head 23. The forming method of the liner 2 is not particularly limited, and it can be formed by blow molding or injection molding.

[0039] The groove forming process is the process of forming a groove 25 on the protrusion 27 formed on the first boundary portion 24. There is no particular limitation on the method of forming the groove 25. The groove 25 can be formed by cutting after the liner 2 is formed, or the groove 25 can be formed at the same time as the liner 2 is formed in the liner forming process.

[0040] The reinforcing layer forming process involves winding fiber-reinforced resin onto the outer periphery of the liner 2 and the connector 3 using a filament winding method to form the reinforcing layer 4. Furthermore, in the reinforcing layer forming process, the fiber-reinforced resin is wound while ensuring that only the resin in the fiber-reinforced resin enters the groove 25. In the reinforcing layer forming process, low-angle spiral winding, high-angle spiral winding, and circumferential winding are appropriately combined. The shoulder 22 is wound using high-angle spiral winding, or a combination of high-angle spiral winding and low-angle spiral winding.

[0041] The resin impregnation process involves introducing resin impregnated in fiber-reinforced resin into the groove 25. As the fiber-reinforced resin (fiber bundle) is wound to one side of the liner 2 while under tension, resin seeps out and enters the groove 25 during and after winding. The resin seeping out of the fiber-reinforced resin enters the groove 25 and cures, thereby fixing the reinforcement layer onto the liner 2.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resin impregnation process is described as a case where resin seeps out and enters the groove 25 due to the winding (artificial) of the fiber-reinforcing resin in the reinforcing layer formation process, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, regardless of the winding of the fiber-reinforcing resin in the reinforcing layer formation process, the phenomenon of resin naturally seeping out of the fiber-reinforcing resin and entering the groove 25 is also included in the resin impregnation process.

[0043] At this point, in the existing container structure, due to the curvature of the shoulder 22, there is a problem of positional displacement of the fiber-reinforcing resin wound on the liner during the reinforcement layer formation process. Particularly in the first boundary portion 24 and the second boundary portion 26 (described later), where the curvature changes significantly, positional displacement is prone to occur. If the fiber-reinforcing resin shifts position, problems such as the reinforcement layer 4 peeling off from the liner 2 may occur.

[0044] To address this issue, according to the pressure vessel 1 and its manufacturing method of this embodiment, a groove 25 is provided at the first boundary portion 24, where the curvature changes significantly, and resin is introduced into this groove 25. As a result, the resin seeping from the reinforcing layer 4 enters the groove 25 and cures, thereby creating an anchoring effect and fixing (bonding) the reinforcing layer 4 to the liner 2. Therefore, a simple structure can prevent the fiber-reinforced resin from shifting position.

[0045] Furthermore, a protrusion 27 with a thickness greater than other parts is provided at the first boundary portion 24, and a groove 25 is provided on this protrusion 27. Therefore, even with the groove 25, a decrease in the strength of the liner 2 can be prevented. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the shoulder portion 22, the outer peripheral surface 3c of the flange portion 3a, and the outer peripheral surface 27a of the protrusion 27 are substantially coplanar. Therefore, even with the protrusion 27, step differences on these outer peripheral surfaces can be prevented, thereby avoiding stress concentration in the pressure vessel 1. Furthermore, the structure of the groove is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified.

[0046] <Modification 1 of the groove in the first embodiment> like Figure 4As shown, the groove 25A in Modified Example 1 differs from the first embodiment in that it is composed of two grooves located near the top of the protrusion 27. It may also be composed of multiple grooves, as in the groove 25A of Modified Example 1. There may be three or more grooves. Furthermore, the width and depth of the two grooves may be the same or different.

[0047] <Modification 2 of the groove in the first embodiment> like Figure 5 As shown, in Modification 2, the groove 25B is composed of two grooves, and it opens at the top of the protrusion 27 and on the outer peripheral surface 27a. In this way, the grooves can also be formed at a position offset from the top of the protrusion 27.

[0048] <Modification 3 of the groove in the first embodiment> like Figure 6 As shown, the groove 25C in Modified Example 3 differs from the first embodiment in that it is composed of two parallel grooves, and the angle of the grooves is inclined relative to the central axis O. As shown in the groove 25C in Modified Example 3, the angle of the groove does not necessarily need to be parallel to the central axis O. The angle of the groove can be appropriately set within the range that the fiber-reinforced resin can penetrate.

[0049] <Modification 4 of the groove in the first embodiment> like Figure 7 As shown, the difference between the groove 25D in Modification 4 and the first embodiment is that the shape of the groove is triangular when viewed in cross-section. As shown in the groove 25D in Modification 4, the shape of the groove can be triangular or other shapes.

[0050] <Modifications of the groove in the first embodiment, 5 and 6> like Figure 8 As shown, the groove 25E in Modification 5 differs from the first embodiment in that the groove is triangular in cross-sectional view, and the angle of the groove is inclined relative to the central axis O. The groove 25E opens at the outer peripheral surface 27a of the protrusion 27. As shown in the groove 25E in Modification 5, the shape of the groove can be triangular or other shapes. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown in the modified example 6 involving the groove 25F, the two grooves are triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, and both are formed to open on the outer peripheral surface 27a of the protrusion 27.

[0051] Pressure vessel involved in the second embodiment

[0052] Next, the pressure vessel and its manufacturing method according to the second embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the pressure vessel 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a groove is formed on the second boundary portion 26.

[0053] The groove 29 is formed to be recessed from the outer periphery of the second boundary portion 26 toward the central axis O. Before the reinforcement layer formation process, the groove 29 opens radially outward. As shown in the second embodiment, the groove 29 may also be provided on the second boundary portion 26. That is, since the groove 29 is formed on the second boundary portion 26, where the fiber-reinforced resin is particularly prone to positional displacement, the resin of the fiber-reinforced resin enters the groove 29, preventing positional displacement of the fiber-reinforced resin. Alternatively, grooves may be formed on both the first boundary portion 24 and the second boundary portion 26.

[0054] <Modification 1 of the groove in the second embodiment> like Figure 11 As shown, the groove 29A in Modified Example 1 differs from that in the second embodiment in that it is formed by two grooves. It may also be composed of multiple grooves, as in the groove 29A of Modified Example 1. Furthermore, the width and depth of the two grooves may be the same or different.

[0055] <Modifications of the groove in the second embodiment 2 and 3> like Figure 12 As shown, the difference between the groove 29B in Modification 2 and the second embodiment is that the shape of the groove is triangular when viewed in cross-section. As shown in the groove 29B in Modification 2, the shape of the groove can be triangular or other shapes.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in modified example 3, the groove 29C has two triangular grooves when viewed in cross-section. Multiple triangular grooves can also be formed in this way.

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but appropriate design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, grooves of different shapes can be combined. Furthermore, the protrusion (thick-walled portion) 27 can be omitted as long as the strength of the liner 2 can be ensured.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Pressure Vessel 2 Lining 3 connectors 4. Reinforcement layer 21. Torso 22 Shoulders 23 Head 24 First Boundary Section 25. Ditch 26 Second Boundary Section 27. Protrusion (thick-walled portion) 29. Ditch

Claims

1. A pressure vessel, characterized in that, have: A liner comprising a cylindrical body, a head with a connector, and a shoulder portion disposed between the body and the head and tapering towards the head; and The reinforcing layer is formed by winding resin-impregnated fibers around the outer peripheral surface of the liner. A groove is formed in at least one of a first boundary portion that serves as the boundary between the head and the shoulder, and a second boundary portion that serves as the boundary between the torso and the shoulder. The resin that seeps out from the reinforcing layer enters the groove.

2. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A thick-walled portion or protrusion with a greater thickness than other portions is formed at the first boundary. The groove is formed on the thick-walled portion or the protrusion.

3. A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel, characterized in that, include: The liner forming process forms a liner, the liner comprising a cylindrical body, a head with a joint, and a shoulder disposed between the body and the head and tapering toward the head. The groove forming process involves forming a groove on at least one of a first boundary portion that serves as the boundary between the head and the shoulder, and a second boundary portion that serves as the boundary between the torso and the shoulder. In the reinforcement layer forming process, resin-impregnated fibers are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the liner to form a reinforcement layer; as well as The resin impregnation process involves introducing the impregnated resin into the groove.

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