Pressure vessel with self-sealing valve connection

Abstract

A pressure vessel includes: an inner liner having an inner side and an outer side and being made of an inner liner material, the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformable under pressure for providing a storage volume within the pressure vessel; an outer layer applied to the inner liner to reinforce it; and a valve connection disposed on the inner liner having a hollow sealing insert and an outer component for receiving a valve and sealing the storage volume relative to the inner liner. For connecting the valve connector, the inner liner includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from the outer side toward the opening of the storage volume and having a cylindrical axis; wherein the hollow sealing insert is positioned inside the protrusion, the outer component is positioned outside the protrusion, and has a shape-fitting groove on its side facing the protrusion for receiving a sealing ring, the groove having a first edge facing the storage volume and a second edge in the opposite direction, wherein the groove and the sealing ring are sized such that, under mechanically applied pressure, the inner liner material, by virtue of its plastic deformation capacity, forms a first sealing bead flange and a second sealing bead flange, these sealing bead flanges protruding into at least two gaps between the sealing ring and the first edge and the second edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pressure vessel having a self-sealing valve connection, and a method for manufacturing such a pressure vessel. Background Technology

[0002] The market for pressure vessels reinforced with fiber composites is experiencing continuous growth. Increased production of natural gas and shale gas necessitates storage in pressure vessels in countries lacking adequate pipeline networks. Furthermore, in the vehicle sector, efforts are underway to develop fuel cell vehicles, where combustibles are stored in pressure vessels as gaseous hydrogen under high pressure. Lightweight pressure vessels are needed because transporting heavy pressure vessels consumes significant amounts of unnecessary energy and incurs excessive transportation costs.

[0003] The high-pressure filling gas stored in pressure vessels must maintain a reliable seal over a wide temperature range and under alternating load conditions (pressure vessel evacuation, refilling, etc.) that meet standards and / or customer requirements. Existing pressure vessel technology attempts to achieve airtightness through O-ring seals. However, due to the lack of redundancy in the sealing points, any change in the fit ratio of the O-ring relative to other components can easily lead to seal failure.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2009008 051 A1 discloses a sealing assembly having a carrier element, a first seal, a second seal spaced apart from the first seal, and a third seal; wherein, when the interior of the sealed object is below a preset temperature and / or below a preset pressure, the first seal is used to prevent fluid leakage; and when the interior of the sealed object is above a preset temperature and / or above a preset pressure, the second and third seals are used to prevent fluid leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A valve connection for pressure vessels is desired that is self-sealing and ensures a permanent and reliable seal between the valve connection and the liner. The object of this invention is particularly to improve upon existing technology or, consequently, to provide an alternative.

[0006] In a first aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a pressure vessel comprising an inner liner, an outer layer, and a valve connector: the inner liner is made of an inner liner material and has an inner side and an outer side for providing a storage volume within the pressure vessel, the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformable under pressure; the outer layer is applied to the inner liner for reinforcement; the valve connector is disposed on the inner liner for accommodating a valve and sealing the storage volume of the inner liner, the valve connector having a hollow sealing insert and an outer component. For connecting the valve connector, the inner liner has a cylindrical protrusion extending from the outside toward the opening of the storage volume, the protrusion having a cylindrical axis. The hollow sealing insert is located inside the protrusion, the outer component is located outside the protrusion, and has a shaped groove on its side facing the protrusion for accommodating a sealing ring, the groove having a first edge facing the storage volume and a second edge in the opposite direction. The design of the groove and the sealing ring allows the inner liner material to form a first sealing bead flange and a second sealing bead flange under mechanically built-up pressure, thanks to its own plastic deformation capability. The bead flanges protrude into at least two gaps between the sealing ring and the first and second edges.

[0007] Conceptually, this can be explained as follows: It is explicitly stated that, in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite quantity information (such as "one…", "two…", etc.) should generally be understood to include at least that quantity of information, i.e., "at least one…", "at least two…", etc., unless it is clearly evident from the context or the specific text of a particular paragraph that the paragraph refers only to "exactly one…", "exactly two…", etc. Furthermore, all numerical information and information related to method parameters and / or device parameters should be understood in a technical sense, i.e., to include common tolerances. Moreover, the explicit use of restrictive expressions such as "at least" or "minimum" should not lead to the inference that the use of "one" without specifying "at least" refers to "exactly one".

[0008] In this document, the term "hollow sealing insert" is understood to be an insert for sealing, having a through hole along its longitudinal axis. When such a hollow sealing insert is used in a valve connection of a pressure vessel, it separates the internal volume or storage volume of the pressure vessel from a valve arranged in the valve connection, forming a sealable connection to the outside, while allowing the pressure vessel to be filled or emptied of filler material through the through hole in the pressure vessel.

[0009] The inner liner can be manufactured from one or more parts. The inner liner may include only two pole caps, one or both of which may optionally include a cylindrical edge region. In the case where the inner liner is manufactured from multiple parts, the edges of the pole caps directly abut against each other and are connected to each other in a suitable manner. In addition to the pole caps, the inner liner may optionally include a cylindrical central portion, preferably made of the same material as the pole caps. The cylindrical axis of the inner liner or pressure vessel corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical portion of the inner liner (if present), or, in the case where the inner liner consists of only two pole caps, to the axis between the center points of each pole cap, which also corresponds to the highest point of the convex circle formed by each pole cap.

[0010] The plastically deformable inner liner material possesses inherent strength and stability while maintaining a certain degree of fluidity, allowing it to undergo plastic deformation at least on its surface under high pressure. This enables it to conform to the contours of the compression surface without causing large-area deformation. The inner liner also functions to provide an airtight storage volume for the gas filling the pressure vessel; therefore, the inner liner material should be airtight, such as metal or plastic, preferably PA or PE plastic, and can be used as a single-layer or multi-layer system. The filling gas can be any gas, such as hydrogen. The outer layer provides mechanical stability to the pressure vessel, thus ensuring that the functions of gas impermeability and compressive strength are respectively undertaken by the inner liner and the outer layer. The outer layer can be, for example, a fiber composite material wound around the inner liner or applied using other techniques.

[0011] The sealing ring located in the groove does not completely fill the groove in the outer component, but leaves gaps (a first gap and a second gap) on both sides of the groove facing inwards from the outer component. These gaps provide redundancy for the sealing effect. Combined with the suitable fluidity of the inner liner material and the resulting sealing bead flanges, the design of the valve connection assembly and the inner liner protrusions (or projections) ensures that the pressure vessel achieves improved sealing while the valve connection assembly remains securely positioned within the pressure vessel. During pressure changes, the sealing ring is permanently and stably held within the groove due to the action of the two sealing bead flanges. This sealing concept provides triple redundancy for the sealing of the storage volume: (i) the sealing of the first sealing bead flange relative to the outer component, (ii) the sealing insert via the protrusion on the sealing ring, and (iii) the sealing of the second sealing bead flange relative to the outer component. These three elements, connected in series, provide triple sealing, thereby greatly improving the reliability and durability of the seal. The sealing pressure applied by the valve connection forms the sealing bead flanges, giving the valve connection additional self-sealing properties. The sealing concept is independent of the materials of the two-piece sealing insert and connector, whose material flowability is at least lower than that of the inner liner material.

[0012] Therefore, the pressure vessel of the present invention is a pressure vessel with a valve connection that has self-sealing properties and ensures a durable and reliable seal of the valve connection relative to the inner liner.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hollow sealing insert comprises multiple components, including a hollow outer sleeve with an inner side and a hollow inner clamping member with an inner side and an outer side, wherein the outer sleeve is positioned from the outside on the inner side of the protrusion, and the hollow inner clamping member is positioned from the inside on the inner side of the outer sleeve, such that the inner clamping member and the outer sleeve form a press-fit fit, wherein the outer sleeve can be mechanically widened by the inner clamping member.

[0014] The hollow inner clamp, engaged with the arched portion of the sleeve, prevents displacement of the hollow inner clamp relative to the sleeve. This sealing concept can also be applied to one-piece inner liners by defining the inner and outer diameters of the sleeve and the hollow inner clamp relative to each other and relative to the protrusion of the pole cap. Of course, multi-piece inner liners can also achieve reliable sealing using this sealing concept. For one-piece inner liners, before the sleeve is pushed in, the hollow inner clamp is initially held within the storage volume by means of a positioning aid (e.g., a rod with an expandable end), located below the hollow inner clamp, or threaded within the hollow inner clamp. The sleeve is then inserted into the protrusion from the outside. At this point, the hollow inner clamp is pulled into the sleeve from the inside by means of the positioning aid, causing a slight stretching of the sleeve and the protrusion, creating a press-fit between the inner side of the sleeve and the outer side of the hollow inner clamp. For multi-piece inner liners, since the protrusions are freely accessible from the inside and the hollow inner clamping member can be easily pushed into the sleeve, no positioning aids are required. The terms "partial protrusion" or "partial recess" refer to protrusions or depressions that may extend to the entire inner side of the sleeve or the entire outer side of the hollow inner clamping member, respectively, but also refer to partial protrusions or depressions on the corresponding side portions. The outer components, the sleeve, and the hollow inner clamping member can be made of any material suitable for this purpose, such as metal or plastic.

[0015] According to the sealing concept of the present invention, the specified pressure vessel is highly flexible and can therefore be easily adapted to customer-specific valve connections by appropriately shaping the protrusions and two-piece sealing inserts. Furthermore, additional sleeves can be integrated for integrating sensor systems, sensing elements, or other components extending into the pressure vessel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the front end face of the hollow inner clamping member is provided with an insertion bevel so that it can be inserted into the valve connector through the opening formed in the protrusion, and thus be inserted into the hollow outer sleeve through the interaction of the insertion bevel with the hollow outer sleeve.

[0017] With the aid of the insertion ramp, the hollow inner clamp can be inserted into the hollow outer sleeve particularly easily.

[0018] In another embodiment, the outer side of the hollow inner clamping member has a structured surface. Here, the term "surface" is not merely understood as a closed surface. Rather, the term "surface" as used herein should also include virtual surfaces, such as surfaces formed by the coils of a helical spring.

[0019] The hollow inner clamping element is fixed during operation through its structured outer surface, preventing displacement.

[0020] In another embodiment, the hollow internal clamping element has a helical spring. The helical spring can be a mass-produced standard part, thereby minimizing the production cost of the pressure vessel.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the outer side of the hollow inner clamping member has a helical or annular groove, wherein the groove has an edge in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. This edge allows the hollow inner clamping member to engage with the sleeve of the sealing insert.

[0022] In another embodiment, the hollow internal clamping member has a central spacer and an expansion element, wherein the central spacer can be mechanically and plastically expanded by the action of the expansion element, thereby achieving permanent expansion. Mechanical pressure can be easily and quantitatively applied through the expansion element.

[0023] In another embodiment, the expansion element is formed as a sleeve-shaped wedge element, wherein the diameter of the sleeve-shaped wedge element increases in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the expansion element is formed as a tapered shaft, wherein the spacer is formed as a sleeve having a first end and a second end, the first end having an internal thread and the second end having an axial groove. By screwing a screw into the internal thread, the diameter of the grooved area at the second end can be enlarged, thereby creating mechanical pressure.

[0025] These two alternatives represent embodiments of reliable and easily manufactured expansion elements.

[0026] In another embodiment, the hollow sealing insert is integrally constructed and has a hollow outer sleeve, wherein the inner side of the outer component, in the area in contact with the outer sleeve in the assembled state, deforms due to thermal action and / or chemical reaction. Pressure can be mechanically generated through this deformation.

[0027] In another embodiment, the inner side of the outer component has a variable diameter along the cylindrical axis. For example, this variable diameter can define the stop of the hollow sealing insert.

[0028] In another embodiment, the inner liner is manufactured as a single piece. As described above, the sealing concept is particularly suitable for the use of a one-piece inner liner.

[0029] In another embodiment, the hollow sealing insert is sized such that the inner liner material, due to its own plastic deformation capacity, forms a third beaded flange around the hollow sealing insert on its lower side (the side facing the storage volume). This also prevents displacement of the sleeve towards the storage volume, thereby maintaining the initially set pressure of the sealing ring. Therefore, according to the present invention, the sleeve and the hollow inner clamping member anchored thereto will not only not slip into the storage volume, but will also not fall into it due to vibrations of the pressure vessel.

[0030] In another embodiment, the hollow sealing insert or the outer component is shaped such that an open gas connection to the storage volume exists between the storage volume and the top side of the protrusion. Therefore, the internal pressure within the storage volume also acts on the top of the protrusion of the inner liner. This gas connection can be established, for example, through suitable channels, recesses, or grooves in the sleeve and / or the hollow inner clamping member.

[0031] In another embodiment, the groove has a profile adapted to the shape of the sealing ring in its unloaded state. Therefore, no undefined cavity is formed behind the sealing ring, further improving its sealing effect. The sealing ring can be, for example, an O-ring. On the one hand, O-rings provide reliable sealing performance; on the other hand, the suitable profile of an O-ring is most easily replicated in the groove. The curvature of the groove here adapts to the curvature of the O-ring surface. The sealing ring or O-ring can be made of any material suitable for the medium to be sealed in the respective application (e.g., gas, particularly gaseous hydrogen).

[0032] In another embodiment, at least the inner liner material used for the protrusion is PA, PE, or the inner liner material of the protrusion is a multilayer material, wherein at least one layer is made of PA or PE. These materials provide suitable properties for the production of the inner liner and simultaneously impart good material flowability to facilitate the forming of the sealing flange, thereby ensuring additional sealing effects and stable positioning of the connecting components within the pressure vessel. The inner liner can also be made entirely of these materials. Furthermore, the aforementioned materials also have good weldability, facilitating the welding of components such as the pole cap and optional center components together to form an inner liner for providing storage space.

[0033] In another embodiment, the valve connector includes an additional fixing element that connects the hollow sealing insert and the outer component to each other. This prevents displacement of the hollow sealing insert (i.e., the sleeve and the hollow inner clamping member) relative to the outer component, particularly displacement in the direction toward the outer component.

[0034] In another embodiment, the retaining element is mounted in the outer component and includes threads on at least its side facing the hollow sealing insert for self-tapping engagement with the hollow sealing insert. The retaining element may be, for example, a hollow screw or a correspondingly shaped annular member with a channel opening for pressurizing the top side of the protrusion of the inner liner.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to the invention, the pressure vessel comprising an inner liner, an outer layer, and a valve connector; the inner liner being made of an inner liner material and having an inner side and an outer side, designed to accommodate a valve, the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformable under pressure; the outer layer being located on the inner liner; the valve connector having a hollow sealing insert and an outer component; the method comprising the following steps: The inner liner is provided with a storage volume and a protrusion, the protrusion being cylindrically projecting from the outside of the inner liner and having an internal opening; The hollow inner clamping member is positioned in the storage volume of the inner liner by means of the positioning aid through the protrusion; The hollow sleeve of the sealing insert is inserted from the outside to fit tightly against the inside of the protrusion, and the outer component is placed on the outside of the protrusion, wherein the outer component has a suitably shaped groove on its side facing the protrusion and a sealing ring positioned in the groove, the groove having a first edge facing the subsequent storage volume and a second edge in the opposite direction; With the help of the positioning aid, the hollow inner clamping member is positioned from the inside in the hollow outer sleeve, wherein the outer side of the inner clamping member engages with the inner side of the hollow outer sleeve to form a press-fit with the hollow inner sleeve. The outer layer is manufactured on the inner liner to reinforce the pressure vessel; and The valve is placed into the valve connector to seal the pressure vessel.

[0036] After the hollow inner clamping member is internally positioned within the hollow outer sleeve using the positioning aid 7, at least a first and a second sealing bead flange can be formed, protruding into the two gaps between the sealing ring and the first and second edges. This allows the storage volume to be subsequently sealed relative to the inner sleeve under pressure, utilizing the plastic deformation capability of the inner liner material, provided the groove and the sealing ring dimensions correspond. Optionally, due to the plastic deformation capability of the inner liner material, a third bead flange can also be formed around the lower side of the sleeve (i.e., the side facing the storage volume SV).

[0037] Therefore, the method of the present invention provides a pressure vessel with a valve connection that is self-sealing and ensures a permanent and reliable seal of the valve connection relative to the inner liner.

[0038] In one embodiment of the method, the outer layer is composed of a fiber composite material and is wound around the inner liner during the manufacturing process. Since the inner liner itself constitutes the winding mandrel of the outer layer, the manufactured outer layer can precisely match the corresponding inner liner.

[0039] In another embodiment of the method, the inner liner is manufactured as a single piece, for example, as a blow-molded part or by injection molding. Integrated manufacturing avoids additional process steps, such as the connection of the electrode cap and optional center component. Integrated manufacturing also avoids connection errors at the transition between the electrode cap and the center component, which could lead to gas leakage. Due to the integrated design, the inner liner is also mechanically more robust than a pieced-together inner liner.

[0040] In the context of this invention, the above embodiments can be implemented in all possible combinations. Attached Figure Description

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will be shown in detail in the following figures.

[0042] Figure 1 A side sectional view of an embodiment of the pressure vessel of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve connection and inner liner protrusion is shown, including one embodiment of a hollow sealing insert (i.e., a sleeve and a hollow inner clamping element); Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged sectional view at point A in the middle; Figure 4 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve connection and inner liner protrusion is shown, including another embodiment of the hollow sealing insert (i.e., sleeve, hollow inner clamp, and expansion element). Figure 5A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve connection and inner liner protrusion is shown, including yet another embodiment of the hollow sealing insert (i.e., sleeve and hollow inner clamping element); Figure 6 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve connection and inner liner protrusion is shown, including another embodiment of a hollow sealing insert with deformed outer components; and Figure 7 An embodiment of the pressure vessel manufacturing method of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A side sectional view of a pressure vessel 1 according to the invention is shown, comprising an integral inner liner 2 made of an inner liner material having an inner side 2i and an outer side 2a, the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformable under pressure. The inner liner 2 includes a cylindrical central portion 21 having a cylindrical axis ZA, and two end caps 22 for closing the cylindrical central portion 21 within the pressure vessel to provide a storage volume SV. For clarity, only half of the pressure vessel 1 is shown in the figure. The opposing end caps 22 for closing the other side of the central portion 21, not shown here, may not include a protrusion 23, but instead have a continuous closed profile, or correspond to the end caps 22 shown with independent closable openings or corresponding valve connections. It goes without saying that the inner liner 2 may also consist only of the two end caps 22, without including the cylindrical central portion 21 shown here. Figure 1-5 All descriptions of the invention shown herein also apply to such inner liner materials. The inner liner material can be any malleable material. At least for the protrusion 23, the inner liner material is preferably PA, PE, or a multilayer of these materials. An outer layer 3 is applied to the inner liner 2 to reinforce it. To enable the pressure vessel to be filled with filling gas and to allow gas to be discharged from the storage volume SV at a later time, a valve connector 4 with a hollow sealing insert 41 and an outer part 42 equipped with a sealing ring 6 is arranged on the end cap 22 to accommodate the valve 5 and achieve a seal of the storage volume SV relative to the inner liner 2. For this purpose, the inner liner 2 protrudes cylindrically from the outer side 2a of the end cap 22 in the form of a protrusion 23, thereby providing an internal opening connection toward the storage volume SV. This connection is then closed by the valve 5 and can be reopened as needed. The outer part 42 of the valve connector 4 may thus include a connection means for pressure-resistant accommodating the valve 5. For details regarding the outer component 42, the hollow sealing insert 41, the protrusion 23, and the formed sealing bead flanges 24a, 24b, and 24c, please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 2 to 5 .

[0044] Figure 2 Shown in enlarged sectional view Figure 1The valve connector 4 of the pressure vessel 1 shown includes a two-piece hollow sealing insert 41, an outer component 42, and a protrusion 23 of the end cap 22 of the inner liner 2 along the cylindrical axis ZA. The two-piece hollow sealing insert 41, with a sleeve 411 and a hollow inner clamping member 412, is positioned inside the protrusion 23 23i, and the outer component 42 is positioned outside the protrusion 23 23a, such that mechanical pressure can be formed between the hollow sealing insert 41, the protrusion 23, and the outer component 42 by inserting the hollow inner clamping member 412 under the sleeve 411 along the direction of the storage volume SV. The outer component 42 has a groove 421 on its side 42i facing the protrusion 23, which has a first edge 421a facing the storage volume SV and a second edge 421b in the opposite direction, so as to receive and hold the sealing ring 6 in place when the outer component 42 is pushed against the protrusion 23.

[0045] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged area A in the image. The dimensions of the groove 421 and the sealing ring 6 (e.g., an O-ring) are designed such that gaps L1 and L2 exist between the sealing ring 6 and the first edge 421a and the second edge 421b, allowing the plastically deformable inner liner material to enter these gaps, thereby forming a first sealing bead flange 24a and a second sealing bead flange 24 protruding into the gaps L1 and L2 according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sealing concept according to the present invention is shown, including an outer component 42, a protrusion 23 of the end cap 22 of the inner liner 2, and a hollow two-piece sealing insert. In this embodiment, the outer side 412a of the hollow inner clamping member 412 has a structured surface. In this document, the term "surface" is understood not only as a closed surface but also as a virtual surface. For example, the hollow inner clamping member 412 may also be formed by a helical spring, the coil of which constitutes the outer side 412a representing this structured surface.

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic enlarged cross-section of the valve connector 4 and the protrusion 23 of the inner liner 2 is shown, including another embodiment of the hollow sealing insert 41, which has a sleeve 411, a hollow spacer 412d, and an expansion element 412s. By inserting the expansion element 412s below the hollow inner clamp 412 in the direction of the arrow, the expansion element is radially expanded (i.e., inflated) against the sleeve (as indicated by the arrow in the figure), thereby applying mechanical pressure between the hollow sealing insert 41, the protrusion 23, and the outer part 42.

[0048] Figure 6A schematic enlarged cross-section of another embodiment of the protrusion 23 of the valve connector 4 and the inner liner 2 is shown. In the area in contact with the outer sleeve 411 in the assembled state, the shape of the inner side 42i of the outer component 42 is designed to minimize the distance between the sleeve 411 and the inner side 42i. Before assembly, the sleeve 411 has a smaller diameter, and after assembly, the diameter increases to apply the required compressive force. This increase in diameter can be achieved, for example, through heat shrinkage before introduction, plastic deformation during introduction, or chemical changes in the material of the sleeve 411.

[0049] Figure 7An embodiment of a method 100 for manufacturing a pressure vessel 1 according to the present invention is shown. The pressure vessel includes an inner liner 2, an outer layer 3, and a valve connector 4. The inner liner 2 is made of an inner liner material and has inner and outer sides 2i, 2a for accommodating a valve 5. The inner liner material is at least partially plastically deformable under pressure. The outer layer 3 is positioned on the inner liner 2. The valve connector 4 has a hollow sealing insert 41 including a hollow outer sleeve 411 and a hollow inner clamping cone 412, and an outer component 42. The method includes the following steps: 110, providing an inner liner 2 having a storage volume SV and a protrusion 23, the protrusion 23 protruding cylindrically from the outside of the inner liner 2 and having an internal opening; 120, positioning a hollow inner clamping member 412, whose maximum outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion 23 and whose maximum outer diameter is larger than the minimum inner diameter of the sleeve 411, along the direction of the protrusion 23 into the storage volume SV of the inner liner 2 by means of a positioning aid; 130, inserting the hollow sleeve 411 of the sealing insert 41 from the outside to form a tight seal with the inner side 23i of the protrusion 23. The sleeve 411 has a minimum inner diameter and an outer diameter adapted to the protrusion 23, and the positioning aid and the hollow inner clamping member 412 are unaffected by this; 140, the outer component 42 is placed on the outer side 23a of the protrusion 23, wherein the outer component 42 has a suitably shaped groove 421 on its side 42i facing the protrusion 23 and a sealing ring 6 positioned in the groove 421, the groove 421 having a first edge 421a facing the subsequent storage volume SV and a second edge 421b in the opposite direction; 15 0. Using a positioning aid, the hollow inner clamping member 412 is positioned from the inside into the sleeve 411, wherein the outer side 412a of the hollow inner clamping member 412 engages with the inner side of the sleeve 411 to form a press-fit with the sleeve 411, thereby generating pressure between the two-piece sealing insert 41, the protrusion 23 and the outer component 42; 160. With the groove 421 and the sealing ring 6 designed accordingly, under pressure, the plastic deformation capability of the inner liner material is used to form at least a first sealing flange 24a and a second sealing flange 24. b. These sealing flanges extend into the two gaps L1, L2 between the sealing ring 6 and the first edge 421a and the second edge 421b, thereby sealing the storage volume relative to the subsequent inner liner 2; 190. Optionally, utilizing the plastic deformation capability of the inner liner material, a third beaded flange is formed on the underside of the sleeve 411 (towards the storage volume SV); 170. An outer layer 3 is manufactured on the inner liner 2 to reinforce the pressure vessel 1; and 180. The valve 5 is placed into the valve connector 4 to close the pressure vessel 1. The outer layer 3 may here be made of a fiber composite material and may be wound around the inner liner 2 in manufacturing step 160. During this process, the insertion step 130 of the sleeve 411 may also continue until the sleeve 411 abuts against the top side of the protrusion 23, and / or the placement step 140 of the outer component 42 may continue until the inner side 42i of the outer component 42 contacts the sleeve 411 and / or the hollow inner clamp 412. In addition, the inner liner 2 can be manufactured as a single piece.

[0050] The embodiments shown herein are merely examples of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] Alternative embodiments that may be considered by those skilled in the art are also covered within the scope of this invention.

[0052] List of reference numerals 1. Pressure vessel according to the present invention 2. Inner Liner 2i Inner side of the liner 2a Inner bladder outer side 21. Center of the inner liner 22 Inner Liner Cap 23. Inner liner protrudes. 23i inner protrusion 23a Outer side of the protrusion 24a First sealing bead flange 24b Second sealing bead flange 3 outer layers 4 Valve Connections 41 Hollow Sealing Insert 411 Sealing Insert Sleeve 412 Hollow Internal Clamping Part 412a Hollow Inner Clamping Part Outer Side 412d spacer 412s expansion element 42 external components 42i faces the raised side (inside the outer part). 421 Groove 421a First Edge 421b Second Edge 5 valves 6 sealing rings 100 A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel according to the present invention 110 provides inner liner 120 Position the clamping cone within the storage volume of the inner liner. 130 Insert the hollow sleeve into the protrusion. 140 Place the outer component on the protrusion from the outside. 150. Position the clamping cone in the sleeve using a positioning aid. 160 Under sealing pressure, at least a first sealing bead flange and a second sealing bead flange are formed. 170. Prepare an outer layer on the inner liner. 180 Place the valve in the valve connector. 190 Forms a third bead-shaped flange L1 and L2 are the gaps between the first or second edge of the groove and the sealing ring, respectively. SV storage volume ZA is the axis of the cylinder.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel (1), comprising an inner liner (2), an outer layer (3), and a valve connector (4); The inner liner (2) is made of an inner liner material and has an inner side and an outer side (2i, 2a) for providing a storage volume (SV) within the pressure vessel, the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformed under pressure; the outer layer (3) is applied to the inner liner (2) for reinforcing the inner liner (2); the valve connector (4) is arranged on the inner liner and has a hollow sealing insert (41) and an outer part (42) for accommodating a valve (5) and sealing the storage volume (SV) relative to the inner liner (2); For connecting the valve connector (4), the inner liner has a cylindrical protrusion (23) extending from the outer side (2a) of the inner liner (2) toward the opening of the storage volume (SV), the protrusion having a cylindrical axis (ZA); wherein, The hollow sealing insert (41) is positioned inside the protrusion (23) (23i), the outer part (42) is positioned outside the protrusion (23) (23a), and the outer part (42) has a shape-fitting groove (421) on the side (42i) facing the protrusion (23) for receiving the sealing ring (6), the groove (421) having a first edge (421a) facing the storage volume (SV) and a second edge (421b) in the opposite direction. The groove (421) and the sealing ring (6) are designed to allow the inner liner material to form a first sealing bead flange and a second sealing bead flange (24a, 24b) under mechanically accumulated pressure by means of its own plastic deformation capability. The bead flanges protrude into at least two gaps (L1, L2) between the sealing ring (6) and the first edge (421a) and between the sealing ring (6) and the second edge (421b).

2. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow sealing insert (41) is composed of multiple components and includes a hollow outer sleeve (411) having an inner side (411i) and a hollow inner clamping member (412) having an inner side (412i) and an outer side (412a). The outer sleeve (411) is externally positioned on the inner side (23i) of the protrusion (23), and the hollow inner clamping member (412) is internally positioned in the inner side (411i) of the outer sleeve (411), such that the inner clamping member (412) and the outer sleeve (411) form a press-fit. The outer sleeve (411) can be mechanically widened by the inner clamping member (412).

3. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front end face of the hollow inner clamping member (412) has an insertion bevel so that it can be inserted into the valve connector (4) through the opening (4) formed in the protrusion (23) and through the insertion bevel interacting with the hollow outer sleeve (411) to be inserted into the hollow outer sleeve (411).

4. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The outer side (412a) of the hollow inner clamping member has a structured surface.

5. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hollow inner clamping member (412) has a helical spring.

6. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side (412a) of the hollow inner clamping member has a spiral groove or annular groove, wherein the groove has an edge in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

7. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The hollow inner clamping member (412) has a central spacer (412d) and an expansion element (412s), wherein the central spacer (412d) can be expanded in a mechano-plastic manner by the action of the expansion element (412s).

8. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The expansion element (412s) is formed as a sleeve-shaped wedge element, wherein the sleeve-shaped wedge element has a diameter that increases in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

9. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The expansion element (412s) is formed as a tapered shaft, wherein the intermediate spacer (412d) is formed as a sleeve having a first end and a second end, wherein the intermediate spacer (412d) has an internal thread at the first end and an axial groove at the second end.

10. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow sealing insert (41) is an integral structure and has a hollow outer sleeve (411), wherein the inner side (42i) of the outer component (42) in the assembled state is deformed in the area in contact with the outer sleeve (411) due to thermal action and / or chemical reaction.

11. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The inner side (42i) of the outer component (42) has a variable diameter along the cylindrical axis (ZA).

12. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inner liner (2) is manufactured as a single piece.

13. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hollow sealing insert (41) is sized such that the inner liner material, due to its own plastic deformation ability, forms a third beaded flange (24c) around the hollow sealing insert (41) on the lower side facing the storage volume (SV).

14. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hollow sealing insert (41) or the outer component (42) is shaped such that there is an open gas connection (GV) to the storage volume (SV) between the storage volume (SV) and the top side (23o) of the protrusion (23).

15. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contour of the groove (421) is adapted to the shape of the sealing ring (6) in the unloaded state.

16. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inner liner material used for the protrusion is at least PA, PE, or the inner liner material is a multilayer material, wherein at least one layer has PA or PE material.

17. The pressure vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve connector (4) includes an additional fixing element (43) that connects the hollow sealing insert (41) to the outer component (42).

18. The pressure vessel (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The fixing element (43) is installed in the outer part (42) and has threads on at least one side facing the hollow sealing insert (41) for self-tapping engagement with the hollow sealing insert (41).

19. A method (100) for producing a pressure vessel (1) according to claim 1, the pressure vessel comprising an inner liner (2), an outer layer (3) and a valve connector (4); The inner liner (2) is made of an inner liner material and has an inner side and an outer side (2i, 2a), designed to accommodate a valve (5), the inner liner material being at least partially plastically deformed under pressure; the outer layer (3) is located on the inner liner (2); and the valve connector (4) has a hollow sealing insert (41) and an outer component (42). The method (100) includes the following steps: - Provide (110) the inner liner (2) having a storage volume (SV) and a protrusion (23) that protrudes cylindrically from the outer side (2a) of the inner liner (2) and opens internally; -The hollow inner clamping member (412) is positioned (120) in the storage volume (SV) of the inner liner (2) by means of the positioning aid (7); - Insert the hollow sleeve of the sealing insert (41) from the outside (130) so that it fits tightly against the inner side (23i) of the protrusion (23). - The outer component (42) is placed (140) on the outer side (23a) of the protrusion (23), wherein the outer component (42) has a suitably shaped groove (421) on its side (42i) facing the protrusion (23) and a sealing ring (6) positioned in the groove (421), the groove (421) having a first edge (421a) facing the subsequent storage volume (SV) and a second edge (421b) in the opposite direction. - Using the positioning aid (7), the hollow inner clamping member (412) is positioned (150) from the inside in the hollow outer sleeve (411), wherein the outer side (412a) of the inner clamping member (412) engages with the inner side (411i) of the hollow outer sleeve (411) to form a press-fit with the hollow inner sleeve (411); - To reinforce the pressure vessel (1), the outer layer (3) is manufactured (170) on the inner liner (2); and - Place the valve (5) (180) into the valve connector (4) to close the pressure vessel (1).

20. The method (100) according to claim 19, wherein the outer layer (3) is composed of a fiber composite material and is wound around the inner liner (2) in the manufacturing (170) step.

21. The method (100) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the inner liner (2) is manufactured as a single piece.

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