Fluid storage device for vehicle and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

To provide a fluid storage device for a vehicle in which a metal or aluminum connector and a plastic container are combined, and a manufacturing method therefor.SOLUTION: A fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a storage container having a fluid storage space formed therein and an opening part formed on at least one of one side and the other side; a first connector including a first connection region arranged adjacent to the opening part inside the storage container, and a second connection region extending from the first connection region so as to be connectable to an external device; and a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region, and joined to the storage container by welding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid storage device for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly to a fluid storage device for a vehicle that is mounted on a vehicle and stores fluids such as gas and liquid, and a manufacturing method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, vehicles are equipped with a vehicle fluid storage device that stores gas, liquid, etc. for various purposes. With the development of environmentally friendly energy, the use of such vehicle fluid storage devices is increasing due to their advantage of being able to stably store low-pressure and high-pressure fluids.

[0003] The prior art for a conventional fluid storage device has already been disclosed in Patent Document 1, "Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2242337 (High-pressure gas storage pressure vessel manufacturing device, 2021.04.14.)". The registered patent is characterized by reinforcing causticity to achieve excellent pressure resistance.

[0004] However, most of the conventional fluid storage devices are made of metal or aluminum materials to ensure stability. However, the metal or aluminum fluid storage devices are heavy and difficult to install in a vehicle, which results in excessive manufacturing costs. In addition, there are many limitations on space required for installation in a vehicle. Therefore, although there is a need for a fluid storage device for a vehicle made of plastic materials, there is a problem in that it is difficult to overcome the problem of stability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-2242337 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle fluid storage device that combines a metal or aluminum connector with a plastic container and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a storage container having a fluid storage space formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side, a first connector including a first connection region arranged adjacent to the opening inside the storage container and a second connection region extending from the first connection region so as to enable connection to an external device, and a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region and joined to the storage container by welding.

[0008] The vehicle fluid storage device may further include a second connector connected to the first connector so as to enclose at least a portion of the first connector.

[0009] The storage container and the holder may include a plastic material, the first connector and the second connector may include at least one of metal and aluminum, and the first connection region and the holder may be connected by insert injection.

[0010] A burr receiving portion for receiving burrs generated by the welding may be formed between the storage container and the holder.

[0011] The burr receiving portion may be recessed (depressed) into an outer periphery of the holder facing an inner wall of the storage container.

[0012] The burr receiving portion may be recessed into the second connector between the storage container and the holder.

[0013] The second connector may be fastened to the second connection area and may be tightly fitted to the first connection area and an end of the storage container.

[0014] The vehicle fluid storage device may further include a leak prevention portion for maintaining airtightness between the first connector and the second connector.

[0015] The leak prevention portion may include at least one of an O-ring and an injection backup ring.

[0016] The leak prevention portion may include a first ring member positioned between the holder enclosing the first connection region and the second connector, a second ring member positioned adjacent to an end of the holder between the first connection region and the second connection region, and a third ring member positioned between the first connection region and the second connection region.

[0017] The holder may further include at least one insertion member inserted into at least one connection groove recessed into the first connection region, and at least one of the insertion members may have a tapered cross section from an inner side of the connection groove toward an outer side of the connection groove.

[0018] The vehicle fluid storage device further includes a reinforcing layer that is arranged to encase the storage container and at least a region of the first connector and the second connector to reinforce strength, and the reinforcing layer may include at least one of a carbon fiber composite material and a glass fiber composite material.

[0019] The reservoir may be formed by blow molding.

[0020] The welding may include at least one of spin welding and laser welding.

[0021] Meanwhile, a method for manufacturing a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a storage container having a fluid storage space formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side, a first connector including a first connection region arranged adjacent to the opening inside the storage container and a second connection region extending from the first connection region so as to enable connection to an external device, and a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region and joined to the storage container by spin welding, the method including the steps of forming an assembly of the first connector and the holder, and adjacent the first connector to the opening and joining the holder to the storage container by welding.

[0022] Meanwhile, an assembly of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a plurality of fluid storage devices for a vehicle and a connection portion for connecting the fluid storage devices to an external device, each of the fluid storage devices including a storage container having a fluid storage space formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side, a first connector including a first connection region arranged adjacent to the opening inside the storage container and a second connection region extending from the first connection region so as to be connectable to the connection portion, and a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region and joined to the storage container by welding. Effect of the Invention

[0023] The fluid storage device for a vehicle and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention have the effect of reducing the weight and manufacturing costs while ensuring stability by combining a metal or aluminum connector with a plastic container.

[0024] The technical effects of the present invention as described above are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned or different from those mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic configuration of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is an enlarged view showing "A" of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a vehicle fluid storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the vehicle fluid storage device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic assembly of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to a third embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an assembly of a vehicle fluid storage device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing that openings are formed on both sides of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be realized in various forms, and are merely provided to fully disclose the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. The shapes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation, and elements denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same elements.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing a schematic view of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing "A" of the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] 1 to 3, the vehicle fluid storage device (1000, hereinafter referred to as the storage device) according to the first embodiment may be, for example, a low-pressure storage device or a high-pressure storage device that may have an outer diameter of 50 mm to 200 mm and a length of 500 mm to 2000 mm. However, this is for the purpose of explaining the present embodiment, and the shape and type of the storage device are not limited.

[0029] Such a storage device 1000 includes a storage container 100 , a connector 200 , a holder 300 , and a leak prevention portion 400 .

[0030] The storage container 100 defines a space within which a fluid is stored.

[0031] The storage container 100 is made of a plastic material such as nylon, and may be provided in a cylindrical shape that is long in one direction. The storage container 100 may also be provided in a partially elliptical shape, and may have a structure that supports the elliptical area and prevents rotation during rotational welding, which will be described later. However, this is for the purpose of explaining the present embodiment, and the shape of the storage container 100 is not limited.

[0032] In the storage container 100, one side of the container body 110 may be closed, and an opening may be formed on the other side to allow the inflow and outflow of fluid. However, this is for the purpose of explaining the present embodiment, and openings may be formed on both sides of the container body 110 as shown in FIG.

[0033] Meanwhile, the connector 200 may include a first connector 210 and a second connector 220. For example, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 may be made of a metal or aluminum material.

[0034] The first connector 210 may include a first connection region 211 and a second connection region 212 extending from the first connection region 211 .

[0035] The first connection region 211 is disposed at an opening of the storage container 100. The first connection region 211 is connected to the storage container 100 by the holder 300 to close the opening of the storage container 100. Here, the holder 300 can be provided to enclose the first connection region 211 while avoiding the second connection region 212 extending from the first connection region 211.

[0036] Thus, the second connection region 212 may extend from the center of the first connection region 211 and may be provided to have a diameter smaller than that of the first connection region 211. The first connection region and the second connection region 212 may have a hollow that forms a path for fluid to flow in and out between an external device (not shown) and the storage containers 100 and 211. Here, the free end of the second connection region 212 may have a recess formed in its outer diameter for connection to an external device, and a screw thread formed in its inner diameter, i.e., the hollow.

[0037] Meanwhile, the second connector 220 is disposed outside the second connection region 212 so as to enclose a portion of the second connection region 212. In this case, the second connector 220 is fastened to a thread formed on the outer diameter of the second connection region 212. As a result, the second connector 220 is in close contact with the holder 300 enclosing the first connection region 211, reinforcing the gap between the first connection region 211 and the storage container 100. One region of the second connector 220 is bent forward to expose a recess in the second connection region 212.

[0038] Meanwhile, the holder 300 is provided to enclose the first connection area 211 of the first connector 210. The holder 300 is made of a plastic material such as nylon, and is provided to enclose the first connection area 211 by injection molding.

[0039] As an example, the holder 300 may be arranged to encase one face of the first connection area 211 facing toward the inside of the storage container 100, a side face of the first connection area 211 positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the storage container 100, and the other face of the first connection area 211 which is the adjacent face between the first connection area 211 and the second connector 212.

[0040] Here, the holder 300 may include insertion members 311 that are inserted into the connection grooves 211 a recessed in the first connection region 211 .

[0041] As an example, a part of the insert member 311 inserted into one side of the first connection region 211 and the insert member 311 inserted from the adjacent surface of the first connection region 211 and the second connector 220 toward the first connection region 211 are provided to have a tapered shape from the inside of the connection groove 211a toward the outside of the connection groove 211a, so that the holder 300 and the first connector 210 are firmly connected. The insert member 311 inserted into the side of the first connection region 211 and the part of the insert member 311 inserted into one side of the first connection region 211 may be formed in a rod shape that is not tapered. However, this is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and the shape of the insert member 311 is not limited.

[0042] Meanwhile, the holder 300 may be coupled to the storage container 100 in various ways, such as spin welding and laser welding, while being connected to the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 according to a manufacturing method described below. As an example, in spin welding, burrs are generated between the storage container 100 and the holder 300. As a result, a burr receiving portion 500a is recessed in a region of the holder 300 facing the inner wall of the storage container 100, so that the burr is received between the storage container 100 and the holder 300. In addition, burrs may be generated between the second connector 220, the storage container 100, and the holder 300 during spin welding. As a result, a burr receiving portion 500b may be recessed in a region of the second connector 220 adjacent to an end of the storage container 100.

[0043] Meanwhile, the leak prevention part 400 may include a seal member 410. The seal member 410 prevents gas that may be generated during supply of fluid to the inside of the storage container 100 and during use from leaking to the outside of the storage device 1000 through the connection site.

[0044] The seal member 410 may be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, and aluminum, and at least one of them may be disposed at the same position. In this case, each seal member 410 may be a combination of an O-ring 410a and an injection backup ring 410b.

[0045] Such a seal member 410 may include a first ring member 411 , a second ring member 412 , and a third ring member 413 .

[0046] The first ring member 411 can be inserted into the second connector 220 facing the other side of the first connection region 211 to maintain airtightness between the holder 300 that encloses the other side of the first connection region 211 and the second connector 220. The first ring member 411 can prevent gas that may leak between the storage container 100 and the holder 300 from being discharged to the outside.

[0047] The second ring member 412 can be inserted into the second connection region 212 with an end of the holder 300 sandwiched between the first connection region 211 and the second connection region 212. When a leak occurs in the first ring member 411, the second ring member 412 can prevent the leaked gas from passing between the second connection region 212 and the second connector 220 and between the first connection region 211 and the holder 300 to the outside.

[0048] The third ring member 413 can be inserted into the second connection region 212 between the second connection region 212 and the second connector 220. The third ring member 413 can prevent leaked gas from leaking to the outside through the connection portion between the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 when a leak occurs between the first ring member 411 and the second ring member 412.

[0049] In this manner, the storage device 1000 has an advantage in that the connector 200 made of metal or aluminum is coupled to the storage container 100 made of plastic via the holder 300 made of plastic, thereby reducing the overall weight while firmly connecting the storage container 100 and the holder 300 by spin welding.

[0050] Meanwhile, the manufacturing method of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, detailed description of the components described above will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used to describe the components.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, in manufacturing the storage device 1000 according to the first embodiment, components of the storage device 1000 can be produced first (S410).

[0053] In one example, the storage container 100 may be manufactured by blow molding. Then, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 are manufactured. At this time, the first connector 210 and the holder 300 may be manufactured by insert injection such that the holder 300 encloses the first connection area of ​​the first connector 210. Then, the first ring member 411 may be connected to the second connector 220, and the second ring member 412 and the third ring member 413 may be connected to the first connector 210.

[0054] Thereafter, the first connector 210 to which the sealing member 410 is attached and the second connector 220 are assembled (S420). At this time, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 can be firmly fastened to each other via the threads formed between the first connector 210 and the second connector 220.

[0055] Then, the assembled first connector 210 and second connector 220 are connected to the storage container 100 (S430). At this time, the connector 200 and the storage container 100 are firmly connected by spin welding. At this time, burrs may be generated between the holder 300 and the storage container 100 and between the storage container 100 and the second connector 220 by the spin welding, and the generated burrs are received in the burr receiving portions 500a and 500b formed in the holder 300 and the second connector 220, respectively, thereby preventing deformation of the outer shape of the storage container 100.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart that shows a method of manufacturing the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle fluid storage device (2000, hereinafter referred to as the storage device) according to the second embodiment may be a low-pressure storage device or a high-pressure storage device, which may have an outer diameter of 50 mm to 200 mm and a length of 500 mm to 2000 mm, for example. However, this is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and the shape and type of the storage device are not limited.

[0058] Such a storage device 2000 may include a storage container 100 having an opening on one or both sides as shown in Figures 5 and 9. The storage container 100 may include a connector 200, a holder 300, a leak prevention part 400, and a reinforcing layer 600.

[0059] For example, the storage container 100, the connector 200, the holder 300, and the leak prevention part 400 may be provided in the same form as the storage device 1000 described in the first embodiment. However, the storage device 2000 according to the second embodiment may further include a reinforcing layer 600. The reinforcing layer 600 may include a carbon fiber composite material or a glass fiber composite material, and may be formed to encase at least a portion of the storage container 100 and the connector.

[0060] As an example, in manufacturing the storage device 2000, the storage container 100 may be manufactured by blow molding. Then, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 are manufactured. At this time, the first connector 210 and the holder 300 may be manufactured by insert injection so that the holder 300 encloses the first connection region 211. Then, the first ring member 411 may be connected to the second connector 220, and the second ring member 412 and the third ring member 413 may be connected to the first connector 210 (S610).

[0061] Thereafter, first connector 210, to which sealing member 410 is attached, and second connector 220 are assembled (S620).

[0062] Thereafter, the assembled first connector 210 and second connector 220 are connected to the storage container 100 (S630). At this time, the connector 200 and the storage container 100 are firmly connected by spin welding.

[0063] Thereafter, the reinforcing layer 600 may be formed to encase the storage container 100 and the connector 200 (S640). In forming the reinforcing layer 600, the storage container 100 may be deformed due to spin welding of the connector 200 and the storage container 100. This may result in a decrease in the reinforcing power of the reinforcing layer 600. However, the storage device 2000 has the advantage that the reinforcing power of the reinforcing layer 600 can be prevented from decreasing because the burrs are accommodated in the burr accommodating portions 500a, 500b formed in the second connector 220 and the holder 300.

[0064] Meanwhile, a plurality of storage devices 1000, 2000 may be arranged to form a storage device assembly, if necessary. Hereinafter, a storage device assembly and a manufacturing method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a perspective view that shows a schematic assembly of the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flow chart that shows a method for manufacturing the assembly of the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the third embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an assembly 3000 of the fluid storage device for a vehicle according to the third embodiment may be formed by combining a plurality of storage devices 1000, 2000 together.

[0067] In this case, the storage assembly 3000 may include multiple low pressure vessels or multiple high pressure vessels, or may include a combination of low pressure and high pressure vessels.

[0068] First, a plurality of storage devices 1000, 2000 are completed (S810) in order to manufacture the storage device assembly 3000. Thereafter, the plurality of storage devices 1000, 2000 are arranged in parallel according to various types of mounting spaces such as internal combustion engines and electric vehicles in which the storage device assembly 3000 is mounted, and the storage devices 1000, 2000 are connected to the fluid line connector 700 (S820).

[0069] The fluid line connection unit 700 may include branch pipes 710 corresponding to the number of storage devices 1000, 2000, and a single connection pipe 720 connected to an external device. However, this is for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and does not limit the form of the fluid line connection unit 700.

[0070] As a result, the storage device assembly can increase the fluid storage capacity by combining a plurality of storage devices 1000, 2000, and has the effect of being easily arranged and mounted according to various types of mounting spaces such as internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.

[0071] As described above, the fluid storage device for a vehicle and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention combines a metal or aluminum connector with a plastic container, thereby ensuring stability while reducing weight and manufacturing costs.

[0072] The embodiment of the present invention described above and shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the matters described in the claims, and a person having ordinary skill in the art of the present invention may improve and modify the technical idea of ​​the present invention in various forms. Therefore, such improvements and modifications are within the scope of protection of the present invention as long as they are obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 storage container, 210 first connector, 211 first connection region, 211a connection groove, 212 second connection region, 220 second connector, 300 holder, 311 insert member, 400 leak prevention portion, 410a O-ring, 410b injection backup ring, 411 first ring member, 412 second ring member, 413 third ring member, 500a, 500b flash receiving portion, 600 reinforcing layer, 700 connection portion, 1000, 2000 vehicle fluid storage device

Claims

1. A storage container having a storage space for a fluid formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side; a first connector including a first connection region disposed inside the reservoir adjacent the opening and a second connection region extending from the first connection region to allow connection to an external device; a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region and coupled to the storage container by welding.

2. 2. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a second connector connected to the first connector so as to enclose at least a portion of the first connector.

3. The storage container and the holder are Including plastic materials, the first connector and the second connector include at least one of metal and aluminum; The first connection region and the holder are 3. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the connection is made by insert injection.

4. Between the storage container and the holder, 3. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a burr receiving portion for receiving burrs generated by the welding.

5. The burr storage portion is 5. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a recess is formed on an outer periphery of the holder facing the inner wall of the storage container.

6. The burr storage portion is 5. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the second connector is recessed between the storage container and the holder.

7. The second connector is 3. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the second connection area is fastened to the first connection area to closely contact the end of the storage container.

8. 8. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a leak prevention portion for maintaining airtightness between the first connector and the second connector.

9. The leak prevention portion is 9. The fluid storage device of claim 8, further comprising at least one of an O-ring and an injection backup ring.

10. The leak prevention portion is a first ring member disposed between the holder and the second connector and enclosing the first connection region; a second ring member disposed adjacent an end of the holder between the first connection region and the second connection region; 9. The fluid storage device of claim 8, further comprising a third ring member disposed between the first connection region and the second connection region.

11. The holder includes: At least one insertion member is inserted into at least one connection groove recessed in the first connection region, At least one of the insert members is 2. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the connecting groove from an inner side to an outer side of the connecting groove is tapered.

12. a reinforcing layer disposed to enclose at least a region of the storage container, the first connector, and the second connector to reinforce the strength; The reinforcing layer is 3. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 2, comprising at least one of a carbon fiber composite material and a glass fiber composite material.

13. The storage container comprises:

2. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1, which is formed by blow molding.

14. The welding is 2. The fluid storage device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of spin welding and laser welding.

15. A method for manufacturing a fluid storage device for a vehicle, comprising: a storage container having a fluid storage space formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side; a first connector including a first connection region disposed adjacent to the opening inside the storage container and a second connection region extending from the first connection region so as to be connectable to an external device; and a holder connected to the first connection region between the storage container and the first connection region and coupled to the storage container by spin welding, forming an assembly of the first connector and the holder; and abutting the first connector with the opening and coupling the holder and the reservoir by welding.

16. a plurality of vehicle fluid storage devices; a connection portion for connecting the fluid storage device to an external device; Each of the fluid reservoirs comprises: A storage container having a storage space for a fluid formed therein and an opening formed on at least one of one side and the other side; a first connector including a first connection region disposed adjacent the opening inside the storage container and a second connection region extending from the first connection region to be connectable with a connector; a holder connected to the first connection area between the reservoir and the first connection area and joined to the reservoir by welding.

Images