US20040096611A1 - Composite tank and method for preparing same - Google Patents
Composite tank and method for preparing same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040096611A1 US20040096611A1 US10/714,108 US71410803A US2004096611A1 US 20040096611 A1 US20040096611 A1 US 20040096611A1 US 71410803 A US71410803 A US 71410803A US 2004096611 A1 US2004096611 A1 US 2004096611A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fuel tank
- compression molded
- film
- layer
- tank according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title description 12
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 58
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 79
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000748 compression moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012779 reinforcing material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002482 conductive additive Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 38
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 38
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 25
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 22
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- IKZZIQXKLWDPCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N but-1-en-2-ol Chemical compound CCC(O)=C IKZZIQXKLWDPCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229920006262 high density polyethylene film Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acrylonitrile Chemical compound C=CC#N NLHHRLWOUZZQLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003063 flame retardant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004811 fluoropolymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003502 gasoline Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052738 indium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- APFVFJFRJDLVQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N indium atom Chemical compound [In] APFVFJFRJDLVQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002346 layers by function Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002114 nanocomposite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005615 natural polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012667 polymer degradation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002620 polyvinyl fluoride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000807 solvent casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001771 vacuum deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/02—Combined thermoforming and manufacture of the preform
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C43/183—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles the preformed layer being a lining, e.g. shaped in the mould before compression moulding, or a preformed shell adapted to the shape of the mould
- B29C43/184—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles the preformed layer being a lining, e.g. shaped in the mould before compression moulding, or a preformed shell adapted to the shape of the mould shaped by the compression of the material during moulding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
- B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
- B29C48/07—Flat, e.g. panels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/03177—Fuel tanks made of non-metallic material, e.g. plastics, or of a combination of non-metallic and metallic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/3433—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using dispensing heads, e.g. extruders, placed over or apart from the moulds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/3433—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using dispensing heads, e.g. extruders, placed over or apart from the moulds
- B29C2043/3438—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using dispensing heads, e.g. extruders, placed over or apart from the moulds moving during dispensing over the moulds, e.g. laying up
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/345—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using gas, e.g. air, to transport non liquid material
- B29C2043/3461—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using gas, e.g. air, to transport non liquid material for foils, sheets, gobs, e.g. floated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2791/00—Shaping characteristics in general
- B29C2791/004—Shaping under special conditions
- B29C2791/006—Using vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/10—Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
- B29C51/082—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only by shaping between complementary mould parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/14—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or sheets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/26—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C51/261—Handling means, e.g. transfer means, feeding means
- B29C51/262—Clamping means for the sheets, e.g. clamping frames
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/26—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C51/266—Auxiliary operations after the thermoforming operation
- B29C51/267—Two sheets being thermoformed in separate mould parts and joined together while still in the mould
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/25—Solid
- B29K2105/253—Preform
- B29K2105/256—Sheets, plates, blanks or films
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0037—Other properties
- B29K2995/0065—Permeability to gases
- B29K2995/0067—Permeability to gases non-permeable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0037—Other properties
- B29K2995/0068—Permeability to liquids; Adsorption
- B29K2995/0069—Permeability to liquids; Adsorption non-permeable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7172—Fuel tanks, jerry cans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03032—Manufacturing of fuel tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03032—Manufacturing of fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03046—Manufacturing of fuel tanks made from more than one layer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
- B60K2015/0344—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling comprising baffles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved composite tank and method for preparing same, particularly a fuel tank as for automobiles or other fuel storage tanks.
- the blow molding process while efficient, is limited for placement of inserts and devices such as fuel gauges and pumps, inside the blow molded tank. Access holes must be cut into the tank wall for placement of these inserts, thus increasing the points for vapor emission.
- This limitation can be overcome by thermoforming two plastic sheets into tank halves, placing the inserts in one half and bonding the two halves together. Kiefel Technologies, Hampton, N.H., reports the use of a thermoformed five layer sheet—HDPE, adhesive, ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH), adhesive, HDPE—to make a fuel tank in a plug assist thermoforming process, see Modern Plastics, April 2000 p. 10. The resulting tank is reported to reduce weight by 30% to 40%.
- thermoforming a sheet of plastic is first made as by extrusion or multi-layer extrusion.
- the extruded sheet represents an inventory item that requires material handling for the next step.
- the sheet is then reheated to a flowable state for thermoforming. This heat cycle consumes energy and contributes to possible polymer degradation.
- Plastic tanks in general, have a safety advantage over the metal tanks they replace. In the event of a fire, a plastic tank melts and releases fuel, but it does not explode, as would a steel tank. Even so plastic tanks are more subject to puncture. What is needed is a plastic tank with improved puncture resistance and with improved production efficiency over state of the art plastic tanks.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669 for PROCESS FOR PREPARING A MOLDED ARTICLE By Emery I. Valyi (deceased), Arthur K. Delusky, Thomas M. Ellison and Herbert Rees, Patented Oct. 17, 2000, teaches the preparation of a molded article by placing a film over a mold cavity, depositing molten plastic thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon, and forming the film-molten plastic combination in the mold cavity into a compression molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.
- the compression molded fuel tank of the present invention comprises: a first and second section, each of which is a laminate of at least two dissimilar materials, wherein said sections are affixed together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed, hollow member with an internal cavity therein, and including an inlet to said cavity; wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer, and wherein each laminate is compression molded.
- the method for forming a compression molded fuel tank of the present invention comprises: compression molding first and second laminates for first and second sections of said fuel tank, each having at least two dissimilar materials, wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer; affixing said sections together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed hollow member with an internal cavity therein; and forming an inlet to said internal cavity.
- the inlet may be forward either before or after the sections are affixed together.
- a plastic film as for example a composite film, is placed on a mold cavity.
- the surface facing the cavity which will be the outer surface of the final molded tank, may be designed to dissipate electrical charge or sparking. Additionally it may be designed to add strength, fire retardancy and/or additional barrier properties to the finished tank.
- Its composition may be fibrous and/or a polymer film layer having fillers therein such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, synthetic polymer fibers, natural fibers and/or fire retardant additives.
- the surface of the film or composite film facing away from the cavity is designed to bond to a deposited molding resin and may also contribute to tank strength and barrier properties.
- Molding resin is distributed over the film surface by any melt delivery means, such as, for example, those shown in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669.
- the deposited molten resin bonds either by melt bonding to the surfacing film, chemically as to an adhesive or mechanically as to a surface mat.
- the heat from the molten resin conditions the film or composite film for forming.
- the molding resin is selected for its properties, which make it suitable for a fuel tank such as strength, toughness, barrier properties, etc.
- a two part plastic fuel tank is provided.
- the present tank may desirably have barrier layers to meet the vapor emission requirements and optional reinforcement for superior toughness.
- Multiple barrier layers of different barrier properties may be incorporated in the tank wall construction to prevent release of a variety of vapors such as for example, ethanol and aromatic components of gasoline.
- the tank is made in two parts for ease of placement of inserts without need for additional openings in the tank wall.
- Baffles, to minimize fluid flow and “sloshing” may optionally be molded into either or both halves.
- the two halves may be molded with rolled edges so that the outer film of each half can be bonded at the seam.
- the halves can be molded with a flange allowing the two inner surfaces to be bonded in final assembly.
- the two halves may be molded or machined with an interference fit for kinetic welding as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,500.
- FIG. 1 is a partly schematic view of the method of the present invention in an early stage of the preparation of the fuel tank of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel tank of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the fuel tank of the present invention, including a bonding area at a peripheral flange;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of the fuel tank of the present invention, including a bonding area at an internal flange;
- FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a further embodiment for connecting the fuel tank sections
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a further embodiment showing both fuel tank sections prepared in a single step
- FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a further embodiment similar to FIG. 6 showing molded-in components.
- FIGS. 8 - 13 are partial sectional views showing various embodiments of the layered wall structure of the fuel tank of the present invention.
- a plastic film or composite film is placed over a mold cavity, plastic material is deposited thereon, and the assembly compression molded to form a fuel tank section.
- a second fuel tank section similarly compression molded, is affixed to the first compression molded section at peripheral portions thereof. This forms a closed hollow member having an internal cavity therein, which is the fuel tank of the present invention.
- An inlet to the internal cavity is formed either before the sections are affixed together or after the sections are affixed together.
- a wide variety of films and molding resins can be used to meet the desired mechanical and barrier properties. These include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyamides, ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoropolymers, polyesters and copolymers or blends thereof. Tie layers or adhesives may be used to bond certain layers to each other.
- the initial film or composite film placed on the mold cavity may be an extruded layer or a film rolled onto or applied onto the mold cavity.
- One or more layers in the composite construction may be made conductive by the incorporation therein of conductive additions in order to reduce or eliminate static electricity build-up and possible sparking in the tank structure. This can be readily done and represents a considerable advantage.
- one or more layers may contain nano-composite clay particles or other fillers that improve barrier properties.
- Thin metal layers may be applied by vacuum deposition or sputtering to one or more film surfaces to add improved barrier properties. The barrier properties of these coatings may be reduced due to cracks in the coating as the films are stretched, but if so will still maintain significant barrier capability.
- a particularly interesting metal coating that may be used is a discontinuous, vapor deposited indium as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,672. This coating can be formed extensively while maintaining a uniform distribution of metal over the film surface.
- reinforcing materials may be used in the tank wall construction to improve strength and overall toughness.
- the reinforcing material may be in the form of fiber fillers in the molding resin (not practical for blow molding or thermoforming) or woven or non-woven fibers in the form of veils or mats.
- the veils or mats may be placed on the molding resin before the mold is closed to form the compression molded laminate.
- the structural reinforcing layer may contain natural or synthetic polymer fibers to include high density polyethylene, carbon fibers, metal fibers, glass fibers or any combination of two or more fibers. These may, for example, be placed on the molten resin and a second molten resin of the same polymer as the first, or a different polymer may be deposited thereover.
- Films used in the tank construction of the present invention may be made by the blown film process, solvent casting, or by flat die extrusion, or by other means used in the art to make mono-layer and multi-layer films.
- thickness for each film will range from about 0.010′′ to about 0.050′′. It should be noted that films above 0.010′′ in thickness are usually referred to as sheets in industry.
- film is used in the present invention to define a material having a large two dimensional surface area relative to its “Z” direction thickness without regard to a particular limiting thickness.
- the molding resin will generally range from about 0.050′′ to about 0.40′′ in thickness for each molding resin layer.
- the fuel tank halves are formed by depositing a molten resin over a film that may be attached to a mold cavity or held in a frame and subsequently transported to the mold cavity.
- the resin may be a mono-layer, a co-extruded multi-layer, or a sequentially deposited multi-layer.
- Multi-layer molding resins may include tie layers to bond dissimilar resin layers together in the molding resin deposit. The deposited molten resin bonds to the film and heats the film for forming. The mold core is then closed to form the fuel tank section by compression molding.
- a barrier membrane which may be a composite film, may desirably be placed on the last resin deposited.
- One side of the membrane laminate may be designed to bond to the deposited molding resin and accordingly is placed with that side toward the molding resin.
- the top layer may be designed to be a primary barrier to loss of fuels and/or vapors stored in the tank. The selection of this layer will depend on the fuel to be stored among other things.
- Representative barrier layers include polyvinyl difluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylonitrile and other similar polymers, copolymers or blends of these or other materials that have excellent fuel barrier properties.
- inserts such as fuel gage components, valves, sensors, fuel pumps, etc. are desirably attached inside one or the other molded sections, and the two halves are bonded together.
- Baffles and certain inserts may be placed in the mold core prior to forming and bonded to a mold half as the mold is closed.
- sliders, gates and manifold runners in the core or cavity may be used to inject attachments such as a filler connection, bosses, baffles or other features.
- the injected polymer or molding resin is desirably selected to form a good bond to a fuel tank wall layer adjacent the mold surface.
- the two compression molded tank halves are then bonded together at a mating edge or flange.
- Bonding may be accomplished by any suitable means used in the plastics industry to bond two plastic parts together. Thus, bonding may be achieved by various heating means to achieve a melt bond or by the use of adhesives. If an edge flange is used as for providing a bonding site, it may also be drilled to provide attachment points for mounting the tank to a vehicle.
- the resultant article and the method for preparing same achieves considerable advantages.
- a multi-layer or composite tank is readily obtained with significant advantages over those obtained heretofore.
- the present invention enables the incorporation of various functional layers in one molding step, as well as the ability to integrate connections to the tank in the molding process or by efficient post mold operations.
- the process and article of the present invention is relatively low cost and has significant commercial value.
- FIG. 1 shows a mold 10 consisting of a female mold or cavity half 12 with mold cavity 12 a therein and core half 14 mounted on respective platens 16 and 18 .
- Mold cavity 12 a has a shape of the desired molded article, in this case one section of the fuel tank. At least one of the cavity half and core half is reciprocable in the direction of arrow 20 from an open to a closed position and from a closed to open position.
- An extruder/injection unit 22 having a nozzle 24 is arranged adjacent mold 10 to coact with a so-called coat hanger die 26 , which serves as a hot plastic delivery plate.
- a hold down and spacer frame 28 is aligned with cavity half 12 and holds plastic film 30 over cavity half 12 .
- the frame 28 is engageable with and detachable from cavity half 12 and is coupled with means to move same (not shown) towards and away from cavity half 12 independently of the reciprocal movement of core half 14 .
- a pair of lift cylinders 32 may be mounted on either platens 16 or 18 , with mounting on platen 16 being shown in FIG. 1.
- die 26 serves as a hot plastic delivery plate, depositing plastic 34 via slit opening 36 on the entire upper surface of film 30 .
- the extruder 22 and die 26 are reciprocable in the direction of arrow 38 towards and away from mold 10 .
- the blank or film 30 having been placed over the mold cavity 12 a and clamped down as by spacer frame 28 , the extruder 22 and die 26 are traversed over blank 30 and the desired layer of hot plastic 34 is deposited thereover.
- the thickness of the plastic layer is given by the speed of traverse, the output of the extruder and the dimensions of the die, all controlled in a conventional manner.
- the extruder is shut off and returned to its starting position.
- the speed of traverse and/or the output of the extruder could be variable.
- the positioning of the extruder in the X, Y and Z planes could be variable to vary the dimensions and/or configuration of the plastic layer.
- fluid pressure may be applied to mold cavity 12 a under blank 30 , as through channels 40 connected through a joint manifold 42 with pressure control means 44 .
- the fluid usually used is air, but may also be an inert gas if the material of blank 30 so requires.
- fluid pressure may be applied through channel 46 in cavity half 12 directly beneath film blank or film 30 in order to properly hold the film in place.
- a plurality of locations, or a continuous channel are provided around the circumference of the film directly beneath the film. Also, these may be valved separately from channels 46 or used instead of channels 40 .
- the extruder 22 and die 26 are moved away from between core 14 and cavity half 12 .
- the resultant laminate of film 30 and deposited plastic 34 is then compression molded by interaction of core 14 and cavity half 12 to form the resultant compression molded fuel tank section. This represents one section of the fuel tank.
- a second section of the fuel tank is then prepared and the two sections assembled together to form the fuel tank 50 as shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 1 is representative only and a wide variety of alternate procedures may be utilized to form the compression molded fuel tank halves. For example, those procedures described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669 may be readily employed.
- the laminate of film 30 and plastic 34 may be formed at a separate location and brought to mold 10 after assembling the film and plastic.
- a preformed plastic sheet may be used instead of a deposited hot plastic as shown in FIG. 1. If this procedure is employed, the laminate or assembly is desirably heated prior to compression molding.
- the deposited resin may be a mono-layer as shown in FIG. 1, a co-extruded multi-layer or a sequentially deposited multi-layer.
- Multi-layer molding resins may include tie layers or adhesive layers to bond dissimilar resin layers together in the molding resin deposit. The deposited molten resin would bond to the film and heat the film for forming.
- any desired inserts or other components may be attached inside one or both mold halves and the mold halves bonded together as shown in FIG. 2 to form the fuel tank of the present invention.
- Inlet 52 is provided to the internal cavity of the fuel tank. Desirably, the fuel tank sections 54 , 56 are adhered together along a peripheral flange 58 .
- each section 60 , 62 is turned inwardly to form an inwardly directed flange 64 .
- the inwardly directed flange is then bonded together as by any of the aforesaid methods to form a bonded fuel tank 66 as shown in FIG. 4.
- each section may be shaped to form shaped portions 68 , 70 , which are then engaged together and welded as by kinetic welding.
- layer 72 represents the film layer
- layer 74 represents the deposited resin layer.
- the two fuel tank sections 76 , 78 may be formed in a single step using two adjacent mold cavities. If desired, the two halves 76 , 78 may be joined together by plastic hinge 80 , resulting in reduction of the necessary sealing to the remaining three edges.
- a baffle 82 may be bonded to one or both sections after compression molding. The baffles may be made of the same polymer as the innermost wall surface, or of a different material.
- FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 are partly schematic and each of the mold sections is a laminate similar to the depiction of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing the molded-in hinge 80 of components 76 and 78 .
- further components may be provided in the fuel tank prior to assembling same.
- baffles 82 , fuel pump 84 and/or fuel level sensor 86 may be provided within the fuel tank prior to assembly.
- other desired components may readily be provided within the fuel tank.
- FIGS. 8 - 13 show a variety of different wall structures which may be readily prepared in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention contemplates a wide variety of different components for the film layer and for the molding resins. Representative materials are listed below, and these may be combined in any desired and convenient manner.
- layer 90 is a high density polyethylene film
- layer 92 is a polyamide molding resin, with the film being corona treated to aid in bonding.
- FIG. 9 shows a high density polyethylene film 94 , tie layer or adhesive layer 96 and a polyamide molding resin 98 .
- FIG. 10 shows a multi-layer film including high density polyethylene 100 , a tie layer or adhesive layer 102 and a polyamide film layer 104 .
- the molding resin is a polyamide 106 .
- FIG. 11 also shows a multi-layer film component including high density polyethylene 108 , a tie layer or adhesive layer 110 , a polyamide film layer 112 , a further tie or adhesive layer 114 , and a further high density polyethylene film layer 116 .
- the molding resin 118 is high density polyethylene.
- FIG. 12 shows a multi-layer film component provided on both sides of the deposited resin.
- the outside film layers include high density polyethylene film 120 , a tie layer or adhesive layer 122 , an EVOH layer 124 , and a further tie or adhesive layer 126 .
- the deposited molding resin is high density polyethylene 128 .
- the opposed or inner side of the assembly includes high density polyethylene film 130 , a tie or adhesive layer 132 , a polyamide film layer 134 , a further tie layer 136 and a further high density polyethylene film layer 138 .
- the embodiment of FIG. 13 shows multi-layer films on both sides of the deposited resin.
- the outside film laminate includes high density polyethylene film 140 , a tie or adhesive layer 142 , a polyamide film layer 144 , a further tie or adhesive layer 146 and a further high density polyethylene film layer 148 .
- the deposited molding resin may be high density polyethylene 150 .
- the inner film may include a tie layer 152 and a polypropylene film 154 .
- FIGS. 8 - 13 are partly schematic for purposes of illustration and actual thicknesses of the various layers are not to scale. It can be readily seen that a wide variety of different components may readily be prepared to provide a wide variety of different properties depending upon the particular requirements.
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Abstract
The compression molded fuel tank includes a first and second section, each of which is a laminate of at least two dissimilar materials. The sections are affixed together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed, hollow member with an internal cavity therein, and including an inlet to the internal cavity. The laminate of each section is a compression molded laminate and includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/268,161, filed Feb. 12, 2001.
- The present invention relates to an improved composite tank and method for preparing same, particularly a fuel tank as for automobiles or other fuel storage tanks.
- Metal tanks made to contain fuels or other vaporous liquids, as for automobiles, trucks and other applications, are heavy and difficult to shape for best space efficiency, especially for small cars. Further, metal fuel tanks are at risk for explosion under certain crash conditions due to vapor build up in the rigid tank. Toyota reports the use of a multi-layer polyolefin/polyamide bladder inside a steel tank to minimize vapor build up in an empty tank, see SAE Technical Paper 2001-01-1120. In recent years all plastic fuel tanks have been made by blow molding and thick sheet thermoforming. As reported in Plastics Engineering (December 2000 p. 42), Volkswagen uses a five layer-high density polyethylene (HDPE), adhesive, nylon, adhesive, HDPE construction to make blow molded fuel tanks for certain vehicles. The blow molding process, while efficient, is limited for placement of inserts and devices such as fuel gauges and pumps, inside the blow molded tank. Access holes must be cut into the tank wall for placement of these inserts, thus increasing the points for vapor emission. This limitation can be overcome by thermoforming two plastic sheets into tank halves, placing the inserts in one half and bonding the two halves together. Kiefel Technologies, Hampton, N.H., reports the use of a thermoformed five layer sheet—HDPE, adhesive, ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH), adhesive, HDPE—to make a fuel tank in a plug assist thermoforming process, see Modern Plastics, April 2000 p. 10. The resulting tank is reported to reduce weight by 30% to 40%. In the thermoforming process, a sheet of plastic is first made as by extrusion or multi-layer extrusion. The extruded sheet represents an inventory item that requires material handling for the next step. The sheet is then reheated to a flowable state for thermoforming. This heat cycle consumes energy and contributes to possible polymer degradation.
- Plastic tanks, in general, have a safety advantage over the metal tanks they replace. In the event of a fire, a plastic tank melts and releases fuel, but it does not explode, as would a steel tank. Even so plastic tanks are more subject to puncture. What is needed is a plastic tank with improved puncture resistance and with improved production efficiency over state of the art plastic tanks.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669 for PROCESS FOR PREPARING A MOLDED ARTICLE, By Emery I. Valyi (deceased), Arthur K. Delusky, Thomas M. Ellison and Herbert Rees, Patented Oct. 17, 2000, teaches the preparation of a molded article by placing a film over a mold cavity, depositing molten plastic thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon, and forming the film-molten plastic combination in the mold cavity into a compression molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.
- It would be highly desirable to prepare a composite fuel tank as aforesaid using a film-molten plastic combination, which tank overcomes prior difficulties.
- It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide a composite fuel tank and method for obtaining same.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tank as aforesaid which is simple and easily prepared and which is highly advantageous.
- Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
- In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects and advantages are readily obtained.
- The compression molded fuel tank of the present invention comprises: a first and second section, each of which is a laminate of at least two dissimilar materials, wherein said sections are affixed together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed, hollow member with an internal cavity therein, and including an inlet to said cavity; wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer, and wherein each laminate is compression molded.
- The method for forming a compression molded fuel tank of the present invention comprises: compression molding first and second laminates for first and second sections of said fuel tank, each having at least two dissimilar materials, wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer; affixing said sections together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed hollow member with an internal cavity therein; and forming an inlet to said internal cavity.
- The inlet may be forward either before or after the sections are affixed together.
- In accordance with the present invention, a plastic film, as for example a composite film, is placed on a mold cavity. The surface facing the cavity, which will be the outer surface of the final molded tank, may be designed to dissipate electrical charge or sparking. Additionally it may be designed to add strength, fire retardancy and/or additional barrier properties to the finished tank. Its composition may be fibrous and/or a polymer film layer having fillers therein such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, synthetic polymer fibers, natural fibers and/or fire retardant additives.
- The surface of the film or composite film facing away from the cavity is designed to bond to a deposited molding resin and may also contribute to tank strength and barrier properties.
- Molding resin is distributed over the film surface by any melt delivery means, such as, for example, those shown in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669. The deposited molten resin bonds either by melt bonding to the surfacing film, chemically as to an adhesive or mechanically as to a surface mat. The heat from the molten resin conditions the film or composite film for forming. The molding resin is selected for its properties, which make it suitable for a fuel tank such as strength, toughness, barrier properties, etc.
- Thus, in accordance with the present invention a two part plastic fuel tank is provided. The present tank may desirably have barrier layers to meet the vapor emission requirements and optional reinforcement for superior toughness. Multiple barrier layers of different barrier properties may be incorporated in the tank wall construction to prevent release of a variety of vapors such as for example, ethanol and aromatic components of gasoline. The tank is made in two parts for ease of placement of inserts without need for additional openings in the tank wall. Baffles, to minimize fluid flow and “sloshing” may optionally be molded into either or both halves. The two halves may be molded with rolled edges so that the outer film of each half can be bonded at the seam. Alternatively, the halves can be molded with a flange allowing the two inner surfaces to be bonded in final assembly. As a further alternative, the two halves may be molded or machined with an interference fit for kinetic welding as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,500.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
- The present invention will be more readily understood from a consideration of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a partly schematic view of the method of the present invention in an early stage of the preparation of the fuel tank of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel tank of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the fuel tank of the present invention, including a bonding area at a peripheral flange;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of the fuel tank of the present invention, including a bonding area at an internal flange;
- FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a further embodiment for connecting the fuel tank sections;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a further embodiment showing both fuel tank sections prepared in a single step;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a further embodiment similar to FIG. 6 showing molded-in components; and
- FIGS.8-13 are partial sectional views showing various embodiments of the layered wall structure of the fuel tank of the present invention.
- In accordance with the present invention, a plastic film or composite film is placed over a mold cavity, plastic material is deposited thereon, and the assembly compression molded to form a fuel tank section. A second fuel tank section similarly compression molded, is affixed to the first compression molded section at peripheral portions thereof. This forms a closed hollow member having an internal cavity therein, which is the fuel tank of the present invention. An inlet to the internal cavity is formed either before the sections are affixed together or after the sections are affixed together.
- A wide variety of films and molding resins can be used to meet the desired mechanical and barrier properties. These include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyamides, ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoropolymers, polyesters and copolymers or blends thereof. Tie layers or adhesives may be used to bond certain layers to each other. The initial film or composite film placed on the mold cavity may be an extruded layer or a film rolled onto or applied onto the mold cavity. One or more layers in the composite construction may be made conductive by the incorporation therein of conductive additions in order to reduce or eliminate static electricity build-up and possible sparking in the tank structure. This can be readily done and represents a considerable advantage. Similarly, one or more layers may contain nano-composite clay particles or other fillers that improve barrier properties. Thin metal layers may be applied by vacuum deposition or sputtering to one or more film surfaces to add improved barrier properties. The barrier properties of these coatings may be reduced due to cracks in the coating as the films are stretched, but if so will still maintain significant barrier capability.
- A particularly interesting metal coating that may be used is a discontinuous, vapor deposited indium as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,672. This coating can be formed extensively while maintaining a uniform distribution of metal over the film surface.
- In addition, reinforcing materials may be used in the tank wall construction to improve strength and overall toughness. The reinforcing material may be in the form of fiber fillers in the molding resin (not practical for blow molding or thermoforming) or woven or non-woven fibers in the form of veils or mats. The veils or mats may be placed on the molding resin before the mold is closed to form the compression molded laminate.
- Thus, the structural reinforcing layer may contain natural or synthetic polymer fibers to include high density polyethylene, carbon fibers, metal fibers, glass fibers or any combination of two or more fibers. These may, for example, be placed on the molten resin and a second molten resin of the same polymer as the first, or a different polymer may be deposited thereover.
- Other materials, such as those described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669, may also be used in the tank construction.
- Films used in the tank construction of the present invention may be made by the blown film process, solvent casting, or by flat die extrusion, or by other means used in the art to make mono-layer and multi-layer films. In general, thickness for each film will range from about 0.010″ to about 0.050″. It should be noted that films above 0.010″ in thickness are usually referred to as sheets in industry. However, the term “film” is used in the present invention to define a material having a large two dimensional surface area relative to its “Z” direction thickness without regard to a particular limiting thickness. The molding resin will generally range from about 0.050″ to about 0.40″ in thickness for each molding resin layer.
- The fuel tank halves are formed by depositing a molten resin over a film that may be attached to a mold cavity or held in a frame and subsequently transported to the mold cavity. The resin may be a mono-layer, a co-extruded multi-layer, or a sequentially deposited multi-layer. Multi-layer molding resins may include tie layers to bond dissimilar resin layers together in the molding resin deposit. The deposited molten resin bonds to the film and heats the film for forming. The mold core is then closed to form the fuel tank section by compression molding.
- A barrier membrane, which may be a composite film, may desirably be placed on the last resin deposited. One side of the membrane laminate may be designed to bond to the deposited molding resin and accordingly is placed with that side toward the molding resin. The top layer may be designed to be a primary barrier to loss of fuels and/or vapors stored in the tank. The selection of this layer will depend on the fuel to be stored among other things. Representative barrier layers include polyvinyl difluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylonitrile and other similar polymers, copolymers or blends of these or other materials that have excellent fuel barrier properties.
- After forming, inserts such as fuel gage components, valves, sensors, fuel pumps, etc. are desirably attached inside one or the other molded sections, and the two halves are bonded together. Baffles and certain inserts may be placed in the mold core prior to forming and bonded to a mold half as the mold is closed. In another alternative, once the mold is closed, sliders, gates and manifold runners in the core or cavity may be used to inject attachments such as a filler connection, bosses, baffles or other features. The injected polymer or molding resin is desirably selected to form a good bond to a fuel tank wall layer adjacent the mold surface.
- The two compression molded tank halves are then bonded together at a mating edge or flange. Bonding may be accomplished by any suitable means used in the plastics industry to bond two plastic parts together. Thus, bonding may be achieved by various heating means to achieve a melt bond or by the use of adhesives. If an edge flange is used as for providing a bonding site, it may also be drilled to provide attachment points for mounting the tank to a vehicle.
- The resultant article and the method for preparing same achieves considerable advantages. A multi-layer or composite tank is readily obtained with significant advantages over those obtained heretofore. Moreover, the present invention enables the incorporation of various functional layers in one molding step, as well as the ability to integrate connections to the tank in the molding process or by efficient post mold operations. Still further, the process and article of the present invention is relatively low cost and has significant commercial value.
- Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
mold 10 consisting of a female mold orcavity half 12 with mold cavity 12 a therein andcore half 14 mounted onrespective platens arrow 20 from an open to a closed position and from a closed to open position. - An extruder/
injection unit 22 having anozzle 24 is arrangedadjacent mold 10 to coact with a so-called coat hanger die 26, which serves as a hot plastic delivery plate. - A hold down and
spacer frame 28 is aligned withcavity half 12 and holdsplastic film 30 overcavity half 12. Theframe 28 is engageable with and detachable fromcavity half 12 and is coupled with means to move same (not shown) towards and away fromcavity half 12 independently of the reciprocal movement ofcore half 14. Thus, a pair oflift cylinders 32 may be mounted on eitherplatens platen 16 being shown in FIG. 1. - Thus, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1, die26 serves as a hot plastic delivery plate, depositing
plastic 34 via slit opening 36 on the entire upper surface offilm 30. Theextruder 22 and die 26 are reciprocable in the direction ofarrow 38 towards and away frommold 10. In operation, the blank orfilm 30 having been placed over the mold cavity 12 a and clamped down as byspacer frame 28, theextruder 22 and die 26 are traversed over blank 30 and the desired layer ofhot plastic 34 is deposited thereover. The thickness of the plastic layer is given by the speed of traverse, the output of the extruder and the dimensions of the die, all controlled in a conventional manner. At the end of the traverse, the extruder is shut off and returned to its starting position. One may provide an extruder with width and/or thickness control to control the thickness and/or width of the plastic layer. The speed of traverse and/or the output of the extruder could be variable. The positioning of the extruder in the X, Y and Z planes could be variable to vary the dimensions and/or configuration of the plastic layer. - If desired, fluid pressure may be applied to mold cavity12 a under blank 30, as through
channels 40 connected through ajoint manifold 42 with pressure control means 44. The fluid usually used is air, but may also be an inert gas if the material of blank 30 so requires. Alternatively, fluid pressure may be applied throughchannel 46 incavity half 12 directly beneath film blank orfilm 30 in order to properly hold the film in place. Preferably, a plurality of locations, or a continuous channel, are provided around the circumference of the film directly beneath the film. Also, these may be valved separately fromchannels 46 or used instead ofchannels 40. - After deposition of hot plastic34 on
film 30, theextruder 22 and die 26 are moved away from betweencore 14 andcavity half 12. The resultant laminate offilm 30 and depositedplastic 34 is then compression molded by interaction ofcore 14 andcavity half 12 to form the resultant compression molded fuel tank section. This represents one section of the fuel tank. A second section of the fuel tank is then prepared and the two sections assembled together to form thefuel tank 50 as shown in FIG. 2. - The embodiment of FIG. 1 is representative only and a wide variety of alternate procedures may be utilized to form the compression molded fuel tank halves. For example, those procedures described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,669 may be readily employed. Alternatively, the laminate of
film 30 and plastic 34 may be formed at a separate location and brought to mold 10 after assembling the film and plastic. As a further alternative, a preformed plastic sheet may be used instead of a deposited hot plastic as shown in FIG. 1. If this procedure is employed, the laminate or assembly is desirably heated prior to compression molding. - If desired, the deposited resin may be a mono-layer as shown in FIG. 1, a co-extruded multi-layer or a sequentially deposited multi-layer. Multi-layer molding resins may include tie layers or adhesive layers to bond dissimilar resin layers together in the molding resin deposit. The deposited molten resin would bond to the film and heat the film for forming. After the part is formed, any desired inserts or other components may be attached inside one or both mold halves and the mold halves bonded together as shown in FIG. 2 to form the fuel tank of the present invention.
Inlet 52 is provided to the internal cavity of the fuel tank. Desirably, thefuel tank sections peripheral flange 58. This may be done by welding or adhesives and/or separate connecting members. This is clearly shown in FIG. 3. As a further embodiment shown in FIG. 4, edge portions of eachsection flange 64. The inwardly directed flange is then bonded together as by any of the aforesaid methods to form a bondedfuel tank 66 as shown in FIG. 4. - As a further alternative shown in FIG. 5, the edge portions of each section may be shaped to form shaped
portions layer 72 represents the film layer, andlayer 74 represents the deposited resin layer. As a further alternative shown in FIG. 6, the twofuel tank sections halves plastic hinge 80, resulting in reduction of the necessary sealing to the remaining three edges. If desired, abaffle 82 may be bonded to one or both sections after compression molding. The baffles may be made of the same polymer as the innermost wall surface, or of a different material. - It is, of course, appreciated that the depictions in FIGS. 3, 4 and6 are partly schematic and each of the mold sections is a laminate similar to the depiction of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing the molded-in
hinge 80 ofcomponents fuel pump 84 and/orfuel level sensor 86 may be provided within the fuel tank prior to assembly. Alternatively, other desired components may readily be provided within the fuel tank. - FIGS.8-13 show a variety of different wall structures which may be readily prepared in accordance with the present invention. For example, the present invention contemplates a wide variety of different components for the film layer and for the molding resins. Representative materials are listed below, and these may be combined in any desired and convenient manner.
- I. Representative Mono-Layer Films
- A. High Density Polyethylene
- B. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer
- C. Polypropylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer
- D. Polyamide
- II. Representative Multi-Layer Films
- A. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/Polyamide
- B. Polypropylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/Polyamide
- C. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/Polyamide/Tie or Adhesive Layer/High Density Polyethylene
- D. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/EVOH/Tie or Adhesive Layer
- E. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/EVOH/Tie or Adhesive Layer/High Density Polyethylene
- F. High Density Polyethylene/Tie or Adhesive Layer/EVOH/Tie or Adhesive Layer/Polyamide
- III. Representative Molding Resins
- A. High Density Polyethylene
- B. Polypropylene
- C. Polyamide
- Thus, referring to FIG. 8,
layer 90 is a high density polyethylene film, andlayer 92 is a polyamide molding resin, with the film being corona treated to aid in bonding. FIG. 9 shows a highdensity polyethylene film 94, tie layer oradhesive layer 96 and apolyamide molding resin 98. FIG. 10 shows a multi-layer film includinghigh density polyethylene 100, a tie layer oradhesive layer 102 and apolyamide film layer 104. The molding resin is apolyamide 106. - FIG. 11 also shows a multi-layer film component including
high density polyethylene 108, a tie layer oradhesive layer 110, apolyamide film layer 112, a further tie oradhesive layer 114, and a further high densitypolyethylene film layer 116. Themolding resin 118 is high density polyethylene. - FIG. 12 shows a multi-layer film component provided on both sides of the deposited resin. Thus, referring to FIG. 12, the outside film layers include high
density polyethylene film 120, a tie layer oradhesive layer 122, anEVOH layer 124, and a further tie oradhesive layer 126. The deposited molding resin ishigh density polyethylene 128. The opposed or inner side of the assembly includes highdensity polyethylene film 130, a tie oradhesive layer 132, apolyamide film layer 134, afurther tie layer 136 and a further high densitypolyethylene film layer 138. - The embodiment of FIG. 13 shows multi-layer films on both sides of the deposited resin. Thus, the outside film laminate includes high
density polyethylene film 140, a tie oradhesive layer 142, apolyamide film layer 144, a further tie oradhesive layer 146 and a further high densitypolyethylene film layer 148. The deposited molding resin may behigh density polyethylene 150. The inner film may include atie layer 152 and apolypropylene film 154. - Any desired combination of the foregoing components or others may readily be employed based on desired results. Naturally, FIGS.8-13 are partly schematic for purposes of illustration and actual thicknesses of the various layers are not to scale. It can be readily seen that a wide variety of different components may readily be prepared to provide a wide variety of different properties depending upon the particular requirements.
- It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass all such modifications which are within its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A compression molded fuel tank, which comprises: a first and second section, each of which is a laminate of at least two dissimilar materials, wherein said sections are affixed together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed, hollow member with an internal cavity therein, and including an inlet to said cavity; wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer, and wherein each laminate is a compression molded laminate.
2. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein each section includes a peripheral flange, and wherein said sections are affixed together at said peripheral flanges.
3. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein said compression molded sections include a connecting portion therebetween.
4. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including at least one baffle within the closed, hollow member.
5. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including at least one of a fuel pump and a fuel level sensor within the closed, hollow member.
6. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein the film is a mono-layer film.
7. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein the film is a multi-layer film.
8. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 6 , wherein the film is one of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyamide.
9. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 7 , wherein the multi-layer film is one of (1) high density polyethylene-polyamide, (2) polypropylene-polyamide, (3) high density polyethylene-polyamide-high density polyethylene, (4) high density polyethylene-ethylvinyl alcohol, (5) high density polyethylene-ethylvinyl alcohol-high density polyethylene, and (6) high density polyethylene-ethylvinyl alcohol-polyamide.
10. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including at least two inner plastic layers.
11. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein said inner plastic layer is at least one of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide.
12. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including reinforcing materials in each section.
13. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including conductive additives to each section to reduce static electricity build-up.
14. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein each section has barrier properties.
15. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , wherein the film has a thickness of from about 0.010 inch to 0.050 inch, and the plastic layer has a thickness of from about 0.050 inch to 0.40 inch.
16. A compression molded fuel tank according to claim 1 , including a barrier layer on the plastic layer.
17. A method for forming a compression molded fuel tank, which comprises: compression molding first and second laminates for first and second sections of said fuel tank, each having at least two dissimilar materials, wherein the laminate of each section includes an outer plastic film layer and an inner plastic layer; affixing said sections together at peripheral portions thereof to form a closed hollow member with an internal cavity therein; and forming an inlet to said internal cavity.
18. A method according to claim 17 , including affixing said sections together at a peripheral flange of each section.
19. A method according to claim 17 , including providing that the film is one of a mono-layer film and a multi-layer film.
20. A method according to claim 12 , including providing at least two inner plastic layers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/714,108 US20040096611A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2003-11-14 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US26816101P | 2001-02-12 | 2001-02-12 | |
US10/056,374 US20020110658A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2002-01-23 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
US10/714,108 US20040096611A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2003-11-14 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/056,374 Division US20020110658A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2002-01-23 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040096611A1 true US20040096611A1 (en) | 2004-05-20 |
Family
ID=26735274
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/056,374 Abandoned US20020110658A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2002-01-23 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
US10/714,108 Abandoned US20040096611A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2003-11-14 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/056,374 Abandoned US20020110658A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2002-01-23 | Composite tank and method for preparing same |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US20020110658A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002064436A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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US20060042749A1 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2006-03-02 | Ryuji Ideno | Process of producing hollow shaped articles |
US20090133762A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel tank |
EP2067648A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2009-06-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fuel tank and method for producing the same |
DE102013004929A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-25 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | The working fluid container |
US9950616B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2018-04-24 | Jeffrey Yager | Deployable fuel tank baffle and fuel tank system |
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US6770230B2 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2004-08-03 | The University Of Massachusetts | Surface finishing compression molding with multi-layer extrusion |
DE10242956B4 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2004-07-15 | Protechna S.A. | Transport and storage container for liquids and method for manufacturing the plastic inner container of the transport and storage container |
US7263403B2 (en) * | 2004-05-25 | 2007-08-28 | Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. | Retinal prosthesis |
US8146744B2 (en) * | 2005-06-10 | 2012-04-03 | Mattel, Inc. | Blister pack assemblies with lenticular lenses |
ES2253127B1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2007-04-01 | Marketing Active Sport Markets, S.L. | FUEL TANK FOR VEHICLES. |
JP4575335B2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2010-11-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel tank |
DE102008030318A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2009-12-31 | Ti Automotive Technology Center Gmbh | Process for producing a plastic container |
EP2141000B1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2014-02-26 | TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH | Method of manufacturing an article and apparatus therefore |
US20120074028A1 (en) * | 2009-06-08 | 2012-03-29 | Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme) | Fuel tank or filler pipe for this tank |
WO2011020582A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-02-24 | Basell Polyolefine Gmbh | Plastic fuel container for motor bikes or automotive hybrid cars |
US8721956B2 (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2014-05-13 | Ti Automotive Technology Center Gmbh | Method of forming a fluid receptacle |
FR2965757A1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2012-04-13 | Inergy Automotive Systems Res | FUEL TANK OF PLASTIC MATERIAL |
DE102011113845A1 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2013-03-21 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | Operating fluid container for a motor vehicle |
DE102013203085A1 (en) | 2013-02-25 | 2014-08-28 | Ti Automotive Technology Center Gmbh | blow molding |
DE102013004931A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-25 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for producing a fuel tank and fuel tank |
JP2015085669A (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2015-05-07 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Method and apparatus for producing resin molding |
JP6576862B2 (en) * | 2016-03-16 | 2019-09-18 | 東芝メモリ株式会社 | Transfer molding equipment |
IL273373B (en) * | 2020-03-17 | 2021-05-31 | Israel Aerospace Ind Ltd | Fuel tank |
EP3936361B1 (en) * | 2020-07-09 | 2023-04-26 | Magna Energy Storage Systems GesmbH | Fuel tank device |
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US6132669A (en) * | 1997-08-14 | 2000-10-17 | The Elizabeth And Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc. | Process for preparing a molded article |
US6395357B1 (en) * | 1999-12-18 | 2002-05-28 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Fuel permeation barrier fuel tank |
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Cited By (13)
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EP1637310A1 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2006-03-22 | Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. | Process of producing hollow shaped articles |
US7387699B2 (en) | 2004-08-27 | 2008-06-17 | Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. | Process of producing hollow shaped articles |
US20060042749A1 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2006-03-02 | Ryuji Ideno | Process of producing hollow shaped articles |
US8334032B2 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2012-12-18 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fuel tank and method for producing the same |
EP2067648A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2009-06-10 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fuel tank and method for producing the same |
US20100035004A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2010-02-11 | Takeshi Inaba | Fuel tank and method for producing the same |
EP2067648A4 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2012-01-25 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Fuel tank and method for producing the same |
US20090133762A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel tank |
US8590565B2 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2013-11-26 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel tank |
US9950616B2 (en) | 2010-12-03 | 2018-04-24 | Jeffrey Yager | Deployable fuel tank baffle and fuel tank system |
DE102013004929A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-25 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | The working fluid container |
DE102013004929B4 (en) | 2013-03-22 | 2018-07-12 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | The working fluid container |
US10035416B2 (en) | 2013-03-22 | 2018-07-31 | Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg | Operating-fluid container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2002064436A3 (en) | 2002-10-10 |
US20020110658A1 (en) | 2002-08-15 |
WO2002064436A2 (en) | 2002-08-22 |
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