VEHICLE FLUID STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0086586, filed on Jul. 2, 2024, the entire disclosure(s) of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle fluid storage device and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to a vehicle fluid storage device mounted on a vehicle and storing fluids such as gas and liquid, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Description of Related Art

In general, vehicles are equipped with a vehicle fluid storage device that stores gases and liquids for various purposes. The use of the vehicle fluid storage device is increasing due to the advantage of being able to stably store low-pressure and high-pressure fluids along with the development of eco-friendly energy.

A conventional fluid storage device has already been disclosed by “Korean Patent No. 10-2242337 (High-Pressure Gas Storage Pressure Vessel Manufacturing Device, Apr. 14, 2021)”. The registered invention is characterized by implementing excellent pressure resistance performance by reinforcing rigidity.

However, the conventional fluid storage device is mostly made of metal and aluminum to ensure stability. However, the fluid storage device made of metal and aluminum is too heavy to be installed in vehicles, and there are problems in that manufacturing costs are excessive. In addition, there are many factors that limit space when installed in vehicles. Accordingly, there is a need for a plastic fluid storage device for vehicles, but there is a problem in that it is difficult to overcome stability.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle fluid storage device combining a metal or aluminum connector and a plastic material container and a method for manufacturing the same.

A vehicle fluid storage device according to the present disclosure includes: a storage container having a fluid storage space formed inside and an opening portion formed at least one of one side and the other side; a first connector including a first connection area disposed adjacent to the opening portion on the inside of the storage container and a second connection area extending from the first connection area; a second connector connected to the first connector so that the first connector and an external device are connected; and a holder connected to the first connection area between the storage container and the first connection area and coupled to the storage container by welding.

The storage container and the holder may include a plastic material, the first and second connectors may include at least one material of metal and aluminum, and the first connection area and the holder may be connected by insert injection.

A burr receiving portion configured to receive burrs generated by the welding may be formed between the storage container and the holder.

The burr receiving portion may be formed recessed in an outer diameter portion of the holder facing an inner wall of the storage container.

The burr receiving portion may be formed recessed in the second connector between the storage container and the holder.

The second connector may be connected to the second connection area and may be in close contact with the first connection area and an end portion of the storage container.

The vehicle fluid storage device may further include a leakage prevention portion for maintaining a seal between the first and second connectors.

The leakage prevention portion may include at least one of an O-ring and an injection backup ring.

The leakage prevention portion may include a first ring member disposed between the holder surrounding the first connection area and the second connector, a second ring member disposed adjacent to an end of the holder between the first connection area and the second connection area, and a third ring member disposed between the second connector and the second connection area.

The holder may further include at least one insert member each inserted into at least one connection groove formed to be recessed in the first connection area, and a cross section at least one of the insert members may be tapered from an inside of the connection groove toward an outside of the connection groove.

The vehicle fluid storage device may further include a reinforcing layer disposed to surround at least one area of the storage container and the first and second connectors to reinforce strength, in which the reinforcing layer includes at least one of a carbon fiber composite material and a glass fiber composite material.

The storage container may be formed by blow molding.

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

Meanwhile, in a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device including a storage container having a fluid storage space formed inside and an opening portion formed at least one of one side and the other side, a first connector including a first connection area disposed adjacent to the opening portion on the inside of the storage container and a second connection area extending from the first connection area, a second connector connected to the first connector so that the first connector and an external device are connected, and a holder connected to the first connection area between the storage container and the first connection area and coupled to the storage container by spin welding, the method including: forming an assembly of the first connector and the holder; and causing the first connector to be adjacent to the opening portion and coupling the holder and the storage container by welding.

Meanwhile, a vehicle fluid storage device assembly according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of vehicle fluid storage devices; and a connection portion connecting the fluid storage device to an external device, in which each of the fluid storage devices includes a storage container having a fluid storage space formed inside and an opening portion formed at least one of one side and the other side, a first connector including a first connection area disposed adjacent to the opening portion on the inside of the storage container and a second connection area extending from the first connection area, a second connector connected to the first connector so that the first connector and an external device are connected, and a holder connected to the first connection area between the storage container and the first connection area and coupled to the storage container by welding.

According to the vehicle fluid storage device and the method for manufacturing the same of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce weight and manufacturing costs while ensuring stability by coupling a metal or aluminum connector and a plastic container.

The technical effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle fluid storage device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating “A” of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle fluid storage device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an assembly of a vehicle fluid storage device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing the assembly of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating that opening portions are formed on both sides of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present embodiments are not limited to the in embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms, and the present embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete, and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art of the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, the shapes of elements, or the like may be exaggerated for clearer explanation, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle fluid storage device according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating “A” of the vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

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

The storage device 1000 includes a storage container 100, a connector 200, a holder 300, and a leakage prevention portion 400.

The storage container 100 forms a space in which fluid is stored inside.

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. In addition, the storage container 100 may be provided so as to have a partial elliptical shape, and may have a structure that supports the elliptical region and prevents rotation during rotational fusing, which will be described later. However, this is for explaining the present embodiment, and the shape of the storage container 100 is not limited.

This storage container 100 may have one side of a container body 110 closed, and the other side may have an opening portion formed to allow the fluid to flow out and discharge. However, this is for explaining the present embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the container body 110 may have opening portions formed on both sides.

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 metal or aluminum.

The first connector 210 may include a first connection area 211 and a second connection area 212 extending from the first connection area 211.

The first connection area 211 is disposed in the opening portion of the storage container 100. The first connection area 211 is connected to the storage container 100 by the holder 300 to close the opening portion of the storage container 100. Here, the holder 300 may be disposed to surround the first connection area 211 by avoiding the second connection area 212 extending from the first connection area 211.

Moreover, the second connection area 212 may extend from the center of the first connection area 211 and may be provided to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first connection area 211. Furthermore, a hollow space forming an inflow/outflow path of the fluid may be formed in the first connection area 211 and the second connection area 212. Here, a screw thread for connection with the second connector 220 may be formed on the outer diameter portion of the second connection area 212.

Meanwhile, the second connector 220 is disposed so as to surround the second connection area 212 on the outside of the second connection area 212. A hollow is formed in the second connector 220 that communicates with the hollow of the first connector. Here, the hollow of the second connector 220 may be provided to have a smaller diameter than the hollow of the first connector 210. In addition, the front area of the second connector 220 may be provided in a shape that is curved toward the front, that is, in a shape that is curved toward the center. In addition, the front area of the second connector 220 may include a recessed portion formed on the outer diameter portion of the second connector 220 and screw threads formed in the hollow for connection with an external device (not illustrated).

This second connector 220 is connected to the first connector 210 by screw threads and is in close contact with the holder 300 surrounding the first connection area 211. Accordingly, the second connector 220 can reinforce the portion between the first connection area 211 and the storage container 100.

Meanwhile, the holder 300 is provided to surround the first connection area 211 of the first connector 210. The holder 300 may be provided with a plastic material such as nylon and may be provided to surround the first connection area 211 by insert injection.

For example, the holder 300 may be disposed to surround one surface of the first connection area 211 facing the inside of the storage container 100, a side surface of the first connection area 211 adjacent to the inner wall of the storage container 100, and the other surface of the first connection area 211 which is an adjacent surface of the first connection area 211 and the second connection area 212.

Here, the holder 300 may include insert members 311 that are each inserted into a plurality of connection grooves 211a formed to be recessed into the first connection area 211.

For example, some of the insert members 311 inserted into one surface of the first connection area 211 and the insert member 311 inserted from the adjacent surface of the first connection area 211 and the second connector 220 toward the first connection area 211 are provided to have a shape that tapers 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. In addition, the insert member 311 inserted into the side surface of the first connection area 211 and some of the insert members 311 inserted into one surface of the first connection area 211 may be formed in a rod shape instead of a tapered shape. However, this is for the purpose of explaining the present embodiment and the shape of the insert members 311 is not limited.

Meanwhile, the holder 300 may be connected to the storage container 100 by spin welding in a state of being connected to the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 by the manufacturing method described below. In the spin welding, a burr is generated between the storage container 100 and the holder 300. Accordingly, a burr receiving portion 500a is formed to be recessed in an area 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, a burr may also be generated between the second connector 220, the storage container 100, and the holder 300 during the spin welding. Accordingly, a burr receiving portion 500b may be formed to be recessed in an area of the second connector 220 adjacent to the end portion of the storage container 100.

Meanwhile, the leakage prevention portion 400 may include a sealing member 410. The sealing member 410 prevents gas that may be generated during the supply and use of fluid into the storage container 100 from leaking out of the storage device 1000 through the connection portion.

The sealing member 410 can be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, and aluminum, and at least one sealing member may be disposed at the same location. In this case, each of the sealing members 410 may be made of a combination of an O-ring 400a and an injection back-up ring 400b.

These sealing members 410 may include a first ring member 411, a second ring member 412, and a third ring member 413.

The first ring member 411 may be inserted into the second connector 220 facing the other surface of the first connection area 211 to maintain a seal between the holder 300 surrounding the other surface of the first connection area 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.

Moreover, the second ring member 412 may be inserted and disposed in the second connection area 212 with the end of the holder 300 between the first connection area 211 and the second connection area 212 interposed. The second ring member 412 can prevent the leaked gas from leaking to the outside through the gap between the second connection area 212 and the second connector 220 and between the first connection area 211 and the holder 300 when a leakage occurs in the first ring member 411.

Moreover, the third ring member 413 may be inserted and disposed in the second connection area 212 between the second connection area 212 and the second connector 220. The third ring member 413 can prevent the leaked gas from leaking to the outside through the connection portion of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 when a leakage occurs in the first ring member 411 and the second ring member 412.

In this way, the storage device 1000 has the advantage of firmly connecting the storage container 100 and the holder 300 by spin welding while reducing the overall weight by coupling the connector 200 formed of metal or aluminum to the storage container 100 made of plastic through the holder 300 made of plastic.

Meanwhile, below, a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, detailed descriptions of the above-described components will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be given to them for description.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in manufacturing the storage device 1000 according to the first embodiment, components of the storage device 1000 may be manufactured first (S410).

For example, the storage container 100 may be manufactured by the blow molding. Then, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 are manufactured. In this case, the first connector 210 and the holder 300 may be manufactured by insert injection so that the holder 300 surrounds 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.

Thereafter, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 equipped with the sealing member 410 are assembled (S420). In this case, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 may be firmly connected through the screw thread formed between the first connector 210 and the second connector 220.

Thereafter, the assembled first connector 210 and second connector 220 are connected to the storage container 100 (S430). In this case, the connector 200 and the storage container 100 are firmly connected by spin welding. At this time, due to spin welding, a burr may be generated between the holder 300 and the storage container 100 and between the storage container 100 and the second connector 220, and the generated burr is received in the burr receiving portion 500 formed in each of the holder 300 and the second connector 220, thereby preventing deformation of the outer shape of the storage container 100.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle fluid storage device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a vehicle fluid storage device according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a vehicle fluid storage device 2000 (hereinafter, referred to as a storage device) according to the second embodiment may be, for example, a low-pressure storage device or a high-pressure storage device that may be formed with an outer diameter of 50 to 200 mm and a length of 500 to 2000 mm. However, this is for explaining the present embodiment, and the shape and type of the storage device are not limited.

The storage device 2000 may include a storage container 100 having opening portions formed on one or both sides as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9. Moreover, the storage device may include a storage container 100, a connector 200, a holder 300, a leakage prevention portion 400, and a reinforcing layer 600.

For example, the storage container 100, the connector 200, the holder 300, and the leakage prevention portion 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 additionally 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 surround at least a portion of the storage container 100 and the connector.

For example, in the manufacturing of the storage device 2000, the storage container 100 may be produced by blow molding. Then, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 are produced. In this case, the first connector 210 and the holder 300 may be produced by insert injection so that the holder 300 surrounds the first connection area 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).

Thereafter, the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 equipped with the sealing member 410 are assembled (S620).

Thereafter, the assembled first connector 210 and second connector 220 are connected to the storage container 100 (S630). In this case, the connector 200 and the storage container 100 are firmly connected through spin welding.

Thereafter, the reinforcing layer 600 may be formed to surround the storage container 100 and the connector 200 (S640). In the formation of this reinforcing layer 600, deformation may occur in the storage container 100 due to spin welding of the connector 200 and the storage container 100. Therefore, the reinforcing force of the reinforcing layer 600 may be reduced. However, the storage device 2000 has an advantage in that the reduction in the reinforcing force of the reinforcing layer 600 can be prevented in advance because the burr is received in the burr receiving portions 500a and 500b formed in the second connector 220 and the holder 300.

Meanwhile, the storage devices 1000 and 2000 may be disposed in multiple units as needed to form a storage device assembly. Hereinafter, the storage device assembly and a manufacturing method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an assembly of a vehicle fluid storage device according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing an assembly of a vehicle fluid storage device according to the third embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a vehicle fluid storage device assembly 3000 according to the third embodiment may be formed by combining a plurality of storage devices 1000 and 2000.

In this case, the storage device assembly 3000 may include a plurality of low-pressure containers, a plurality of high-pressure containers, or a combination of low-pressure containers and high-pressure containers.

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

The fluid line connection portion 700 may include a branch pipe 710 corresponding to the number of storage devices 1000 and 2000 and a single connection pipe 720 connected to an external device. However, this is for explaining the present embodiment and does not limit the shape of the fluid line connection portion 700.

Accordingly, the storage device assembly can increase the fluid storage capacity by combining multiple storage devices 1000 and 2000, and has the effect of allowing easy arrangement and mounting to fit various types of mounting spaces such as internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.

In this way, according to the vehicle fluid storage device and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce weight and manufacturing costs while ensuring stability by coupling a metal or aluminum connector and a plastic container.

The above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the technical idea of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the matters described in the claims, and those skilled in the art of the present disclosure can improve and change the technical idea of the present disclosure in various forms. Accordingly, such improvements and changes will fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure as long as they are obvious to those skilled in the art