USE OF A FIBER COMPOSITE MATERIAL CONNECTING SECTION FOR CONNECTING A TUBULAR FIBER COMPOSITE MATERIAL STRUCTURE TO A CONNECTOR DEVICE

Abstract

Use of a fiber composite material connecting portion to connect a tubular fiber composite material structure to a connecting device, wherein the connecting portion has at least one fiber deflecting element in its interior, wherein the course of the long fibers from the fiber composite material component follows the shape of a fiber deflecting portion of a fiber deflecting element, so that the fiber direction thereof is deflected at the fiber deflecting portion, and wherein the long fibers do not completely loop around the fiber deflecting elements with which they are associated respectively, wherein the fiber deflecting elements consist of fiber composite material, for a pressure tank.

Claims

1. A use of a fiber composite material connecting portion (210) to connect a tubular fiber composite material structure to a connecting device (260), wherein the fiber composite material structure has more circumferential layers than longitudinal threads, wherein the connecting portion (210) has at least one fiber deflecting element (211, 212, 213) in its interior, wherein the course of the long fibers (201a, 202a, 203a) from the fiber composite component follows the shape of a fiber deflecting portion of a fiber deflecting element (211, 212, 213) so that the fiber direction thereof is deflected at the fiber deflecting portion, and wherein the long fibers (201a, 202a, 203a) do not completely loop around the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) with which they are associated respectively, wherein the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) comprise fiber composite material, and wherein no firm connection is present between the tubular fiber composite material structure and the connecting device (260), for a pressure tank (1).

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the fiber composite material of the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) comprises mainly circumferential layers.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (260) comprises a dome cap (2).

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein the fiber composite material structure comprises a liner.

5. The use according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of tubular fiber composite material structures are interconnected via the connecting devices (260).

6. The use according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of tubular fiber composite material structures are interconnected and combined in the form of sub-assemblies.

7. The use according to claim 4, wherein the liner, depending on the pressure direction, is applied to the tubular fiber composite material structure inside or outside.

8. The use according to claim 4, wherein the liner serves as a core for the winding of the tubular fiber composite material structure.

9. A pressure tank (1) comprising: a tubular fiber composite material structure; a connecting device (260); and a fiber composite material connecting portion (210) used to connect the tubular fiber composite material structure to the connecting device (260); wherein the fiber composite material structure has more circumferential layers than longitudinal threads; wherein the connecting portion (210) has at least one fiber deflecting element (211, 212, 213) in its interior; wherein the course of the long fibers (201a, 202a, 203a) from the fiber composite component follows the shape of a fiber deflecting portion of a fiber deflecting element (211, 212, 213) so that the fiber direction thereof is deflected at the fiber deflecting portion; wherein the long fibers (201a, 202a, 203a) do not completely loop around the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) with which they are associated respectively; wherein the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) comprise fiber composite material; and wherein no firm connection is present between the tubular fiber composite material structure and the connecting device (260).

10. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fiber composite material of the fiber deflecting elements (211, 212, 213) comprises mainly circumferential layers.

11. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 9, wherein the connecting device (260) comprises a dome cap (2).

12. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fiber composite material structure comprises a liner.

13. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 12, wherein the liner, depending on the pressure direction, is applied to the tubular fiber composite material structure inside or outside.

14. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 12, wherein the liner serves as a core for the winding of the tubular fiber composite material structure.

15. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of tubular fiber composite material structures are interconnected via the connecting devices (260).

16. The pressure tank (1) according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of tubular fiber composite material structures are interconnected and combined in the form of sub-assemblies.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the following, embodiments of the device for use according to the invention are explained in greater detail with reference to drawings.

[0032] In the drawings

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in cross-section,

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a further fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in cross-section,

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a further cross-section of the fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention as shown in FIG. 2,

[0036] FIG. 4 shows another fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in cross-section,

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a further fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in cross-section,

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a further fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in cross-section,

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a further fiber composite material connecting portion for use according to the invention in perspective cross-section,

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of pressure tanks with the fiber composite material connecting portion according to the invention,

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a further arrangement of pressure tanks with the fiber composite material connecting portion according to the invention, and

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a perspective cross-section of a further arrangement of pressure tanks with the fiber composite material connecting portion according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a portion of an embodiment of the connecting portion 210 in engagement with a matching connecting device 260. The connecting portion, particularly if it is tubular, can have another portion in the same cross-sectional plane. Preferably, this embodiment and those described below are used in a tubular connecting portion 210. In this embodiment, the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a do not completely loop around the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 with which they are associated, respectively. Rather, the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a run along a surface portion 221, 222, and 223, respectively, of the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, wherein the surface portions 221, 222, and 223 each at least partially form an outer surface of the connecting portion 210. The surface portions 221, 222 and 223 each extend at an angle of approximately 45°, in variations between 20° and 60°, out of the direction of the portions of the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a running towards the connecting portion 210. These portions are shown to the left of the connecting portion 210 in FIG. 1. The long fibers 201a and 202a additionally run with a portion at the adjacent fiber deflecting elements 212 and 213, respectively, wherein the portions of the long fibers 201 and 202 change direction at the fiber deflecting elements 212 and 213, respectively. After the change in direction, they run along the surfaces 221 and 222 of the fiber deflecting elements 211 and 212, respectively. Due to the change in fiber direction, the outer surfaces 221, 222 and 223 of the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, respectively, can be understood as fiber deflecting portions for the fibers. With respect to the long fibers 201a and 202a, due to the curved surfaces along which the fibers 201a and 202a run, the adjacent fiber deflecting elements 212 and 213 also fulfil the function of a fiber deflecting portion. Preferably, in the cross-section shown, the connecting portion 210 comprises three fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, as these provide sufficient force transmission for many cases. However, the number may also differ.

[0044] The long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a and correspondingly the portions of the long fibers 201, 202 and 203 consist of ⅓ longitudinal threads and ⅔ circumferential layers.

[0045] The fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 have protruding tips 231, 232 and 233 respectively in the direction of the connecting device 260. In this embodiment, the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a extend maximally to the tips 231, 232 and 233, respectively. The long fibers 201a, 202a, 203a do not significantly change direction again after being deflected onto the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, respectively. The surfaces 221, 222 or 223 of the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 or 213, along which the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a run, respectively, are at least approximately planar at least in a portion reaching into the vicinity of the tips 231, 232 and 233. These planar surfaces 221, 222 and 223 each merge, on the other side of the tips 231, 232 and 233 respectively and after a deflection of preferably 90°, into further surfaces 241, 242 and 243 respectively, each running from the tips 231, 232 and 233 respectively towards the interior of the connecting portion 210. At the end of each of these surfaces 241, 242 and 243 there are notches 251, 252 and 253, respectively, after which the outer surface of the connecting portion 210 continues in the next fiber deflecting element, unless it is the last fiber deflecting element 211. The two surfaces that contact at a tip 231, 232 or 233 form a V-shaped depression as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the two surfaces form the legs of an equilateral triangle. The long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a are preferably embedded in the outer surface of the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, respectively. The fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 are each made of fiber composite material, wherein the fibers in the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 run at least approximately at right angles to the viewing plane. In the case in which the connecting portion is tubular, tensile or compressive forces on the connecting portion are converted into circumferential forces in the fibers of the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 or 213, which are absorbed as longitudinal stresses. In this way, the forces introduced can be well absorbed. This is made possible by the fact that, with respect to tension in the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a, the surfaces 221, 222 and 223 with the long fibers 201a, 202a, 203a are arranged obliquely to the direction of introduction of force into the connecting portion 210. The same applies similarly to the surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively, with respect to the surfaces opposite the tips 231, 232 and 233, respectively, which are pressed against the connecting device 260 when pressure is introduced into the connecting portion 210. The pressure is also converted into circumferential forces by the oblique arrangement of the surfaces 241, 242 and 243 respectively, which are absorbed as tensile forces by the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, respectively. This effect is achieved particularly well if the surfaces 221, 222, 223, 241, 242 or 243 are arranged obliquely to the direction of force introduction as just described. The fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 preferably have the same cross-section. The fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 can be embodied as independent fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213. Alternatively, the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 can be embodied as a helical, coherent fiber deflecting element 218. The connecting portion is then tubular. In this case, the surfaces 221, 222, 223, 241, 242 and 243, and the tips 231, 232 and 233 result in a thread-like outer or inner surface of the connecting portion 210. The fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 are arranged one behind the other along a straight line in the cross-section shown in FIG. 1.

[0046] The connecting device 260 comprises a carrier structure 261 to which there is secured an engagement portion 262 which is complementary in shape to the outer surface facing the connecting device 260. The portions of the engagement portion 262 facing the planar surfaces 221, 222, 223, 241, 242 and 243 of the connecting portion 210 are also planar and embodied with the same slope relative to the direction in which force is introduced. In this way, a form fit is achieved in the state in which the connecting portion 210 is secured to the connecting device 260. The connecting device 260 is tapered towards its free end. The side of the carrier structure 261 facing away from the connecting portion 210 is beveled here to form the taper.

[0047] Preferably, the connecting portion 210 and the connecting device 260 are embodied as separate elements without an integrally bonded connection. In the case of a transmission of torsional forces, however, it may be expedient to adhesively bond the connecting portion 210 to the connecting device 260. Preferably, at least one fiber layer relative to the connecting portion 210 is then embodied as a +45° layer. If the fiber deflecting element 218 is helical and there is a thread-like connection between the connecting portion 210 and the connecting device 260, torque can be transmitted in the tightening direction of the thread in a position against a threaded stop without the need for adhesive bonding.

[0048] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a second embodiment in a cross-sectional view. The second embodiment corresponds for the most part to the first embodiment. Identical features are designated with the same reference characters. In the following, only the differences between the first and the second embodiment are discussed.

[0049] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a extend beyond the tips 231, 232 and 233, respectively, and continue in the sloping, planar surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively. They are embedded in these surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively. They end at the end of the surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively, in the direction of the notches 251, 252 and 253, respectively, or the vicinity thereof. Compared to the first embodiment, there is the additional advantage that the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a are more firmly connected to the fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213, respectively. Furthermore, the additional fibers make the surfaces 241, 242 or 243 stronger and able to transmit higher compressive forces to the connecting device 260.

[0050] As can be seen in the detail in FIG. 3, the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a and correspondingly the portions of the long fibers 201, 202 and 203 consist of ⅓ longitudinal threads and ⅔ circumferential layers. The circumferential layers also extend here beyond the tips 231, 232 and 233, respectively. In a tubular configuration of the connecting portion 210, the circumferential layers extend completely around the cylindrical portion of the connecting device 260.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the connecting portion 210 and the connecting device 260 in a cross-sectional view. The third embodiment corresponds for the most part to the second embodiment. Identical features are designated with identical reference characters. In the following, only the differences between the second and third embodiments will be discussed.

[0052] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it comprises long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a and, correspondingly, the portions of the long fibers 201, 202 and 203 consist entirely of longitudinal threads. There is an additional long fiber 204a, which wraps completely around the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a, arranged on the outer surface of the connecting portion 210. This long fiber 204a consists entirely of circumferential layers. In this way, the circumferential layers are separated from the longitudinal layers.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the connecting portion 210 and the connecting device 260 in a cross-sectional view. The fourth embodiment corresponds for the most part to the second embodiment. Identical features are designated with identical reference characters. In the following, only the differences between the second and third embodiments will be discussed.

[0054] The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment by an additional further fiber deflecting element 214 on the connecting portion 210. Said additional further fiber deflecting element is arranged in continuation of the row of fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 in a direction away from the free end of the connecting portion 210. However, it differs from the other fiber deflecting elements 211, 212 and 213 in that it does not have embedded therein long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a with which the connecting portion 210 is connected, for example, to a component not explicitly shown. However, in the case in which the connecting portion 210 is tubular, fibers are embedded in the circumferential direction in the fiber deflecting element 214 to allow the fiber deflecting element to better absorb forces from the deflection of the long fibers 203a. The forces from the long fibers are converted into circumferential forces by the ring shape. This increases the strength of the connection.

[0055] Another difference is that in the fourth embodiment the connecting device 260 is elongated in the direction of its free end. The carrier extension portion 261a, around which the carrier structure 261 is extended, continues the taper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 at the free end of the carrier structure 261. The carrier extension portion 261a bears, in the direction of the connecting portion 210, against a similarly additional abutment portion 262a of the engagement portion 262 for the additional fiber deflecting element 214. The additional abutment portion 262a has a sloping, planar surface which, in the secured state, bears against a similarly sloping plane of the additional fiber deflecting element 214. This is similar to the surfaces of the connecting device that are complementary in shape to the force-transmitting surfaces 221, 241, 222, 242, 223, 243 of the connecting portion 210. The elongation of the connecting device 260, its continued taper, and the additional fiber deflecting element 214 without embedded long fibers for the introduction of force into the connecting portion create a supportive, yet somewhat yielding transition between the force-introducing long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a and the force-transmitting remaining connecting portion 210. This homogenizes the load on the long fibers 203a.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the connecting portion in a cross-sectional illustration. The fifth embodiment corresponds for the most part to the fourth embodiment. Identical features are designated with identical reference characters. In the following, only the differences between the fifth and the fourth embodiment are discussed.

[0057] The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the connecting portion 210 additionally has a support layer 215 between the fiber deflecting element 214 and the fiber layer 203a. This support layer 215 extends away from the free end of the connecting portion 210 beyond the additional fiber deflecting element 214. The support layer 215 further homogenizes the tension in the connecting portion 210, so that said connecting portion has a greater load-bearing capability at only a slightly higher material cost for the support layer 215.

[0058] In addition, the fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a are not continued beyond the tips 231, 232 and 233, respectively, into the second sloping surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. However, as an alternative to the fourth embodiment, the long fibers 201a, 202a and 203a can also be continued into the surfaces 241, 242 and 243, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7 in a sixth embodiment, which provides advantages of this difference, as indicated above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the sixth embodiment of the connecting portion 210 with a tubular configuration in a perspective sectional view. The reference characters of the same features are identical to those in the other figures.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of three pressure tanks 1. The pressure tanks 1 are tubular fiber composite material structures which are connected at one end by connecting devices and have a dome cap 2 at their other end.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows an arrangement of thirty-three pressure tanks 1. The pressure tanks 1 are tubular fiber composite material structures which are connected at one end by connecting devices and have a dome cap 2 at their other end. The pressure tanks 1 are grouped into sub-assemblies of three pressure tanks 1 each. Each of these sub-assemblies is connected to the other sub-assemblies.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows a pressure tank 1 for cryogenic applications. The pressure tank 1 is configured as a double-walled tank with seven cryogenic inner tanks 4, for example for liquid H.sub.2, and gaseous H.sub.2 in the outer tank 3. If the cryogenic content, for example H.sub.2, becomes warmer than 20 K, part of the content must be blown off in order to cool down the remaining content. This blow-off can take place from the inner tanks 4 into the outer tank 3 and continue to be available there as gaseous H.sub.2.