US3794203A - Thermoplastic lined hollow metal bodies and method - Google Patents
Thermoplastic lined hollow metal bodies and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3794203A US3794203A US00073446A US3794203DA US3794203A US 3794203 A US3794203 A US 3794203A US 00073446 A US00073446 A US 00073446A US 3794203D A US3794203D A US 3794203DA US 3794203 A US3794203 A US 3794203A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- metal
- vacuum
- thermoplastic
- thermoplastic sheet
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 53
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 53
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 title claims description 27
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 title claims description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 13
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011229 interlayer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005465 channeling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- 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
- B29C51/12—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 of articles having inserts or reinforcements
-
- 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
- B29C51/16—Lining or labelling
-
- 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
- B29C51/16—Lining or labelling
- B29C51/162—Lining or labelling of deep containers or boxes
-
- 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
- B29C51/30—Moulds
- B29C51/36—Moulds specially adapted for vacuum forming, Manufacture thereof
-
- 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
- B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
- B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B15/08—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal 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
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/18—Handling of layers or the laminate
- B32B38/1858—Handling of layers or the laminate using vacuum
Definitions
- ABSTRACT Fuel tank and other hollow metal bodies internally lined with a thermoplastic material wherein a heated sheet of the thermoplastic material is laid over the previously formed hollow metal body with the plastic sheet in engagement with the edge of said body and the sheet is deformed to correspond to the internal shape of said body by drawing a vacuum through a foraminous vacuum tubing-which remains entrapped between said sheet and body to become a part thereof and which includes the addition of porous and perme- .able bodies connected to the vacuum system for for- Qmation of said sheet liner with sections which extend from the metal body, and fuel tanks formed by the joinder of such lined body portions in sealed relation along the meeting edges of the plastic lining.
- This invention relates to metal bodies internally lined with thermoplastic film or sheet material and to the method for producing same and more particularly to fuel tanks or other hollow bodies produced by same.
- the invention is of particular interest to the art of forming plastic materials to desired shapes and to containers for shipment by rail, truck, river or boat.
- This method is encumbered by the need to drill vacuum opening with coresponding weakening of the metal component, increase in cost of production, and reduction in esthetic appearance.
- FIG. I is a sectional elevational view of a sheet of thermoplastic material of the type employed in the practice of this invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view of an intermediate porous and permeable body
- FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of an assembly of a shaped metal body with the elements of FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 14 is a sectional elevational view of a semi-tank I in which the plastic sheet is improved by hooping;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional elevational view of a hollow body'prepared in accordance with the practice of this invention in which the vacuum tube is in the form of a porous mass;
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of the body'shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a sectional elevational view of another embodiment of a device embodying features of this invention.
- the shaped metal body is first formed, a plastic sheet is placed on said body and deformed by heat in response to a vacuum provided in the space between both elements by means of a disposable vacuum tube with lateral openings located between both elements.
- thermoplastic sheet In a particular embodiment of this invention whereby it becomes possible to obtain positive stamping elements of the thermoplastic sheet, at least one intermediate porous and permeable body, such as a drilled profile or a block of thermosetting foam with open pores,
- the hollow body shown in FIG. 3 is obtained by stamping or molding a metal sheet to the shape of the hollow body 2.
- the hollow body is spanned by a preheated thermoplastic sheet 1, such as polyethylane, which engages the edges 21 of the hollow body after which a vacuum is drawn between the sheet 1 and the hollow metal body 2.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A'--A of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a vacuum tube employed in the practice of this invention
- FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of the assembly showing the vacuum tube located in a groove in the hollow metal-body;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view of a fuel tank prepared in accordance with the practice of this invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the formed sheet of FIG. 8
- FIG. 12 is a cross section of the sheet shown in FIG. 11;
- thermoplastic layer 10 lining the metal body.
- the sheet 1 or the inner surface of the hollow body or both may be coated with an adhesive to effect interbonding of the adjacent surfaces as the sheet is drawn into contact with the inner surfaces of the hollow metal body. Use is no longer made of the vacuum tube 3 since it becomes a part of the final assembly.
- the side wall 22 of the hollow body has acertain skin,- while the opposite wall 23 is formed with two zones, including a lower zone 231 which has no skin and an upper Zone 232 which has a mer having open pores, a metal profile, or a perforate plastic material. In the latter cases, the profile itself may form a branch of the vacuum tube.
- thermoplastic sheet When the vacuum is drawn through tube 3, the thermoplastic sheet is deformed and drawn to form the positive member 12 about the intermediate body 35.
- the vacuum tube 3 may be of various types. It can be circular in cross section, as shown in FIG. 3, or rectangular as shown in FIG. 6, or it can have a flattened portion with internal grooves 32 which prevent collapse, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or it can be formed with curved surfaces.
- the tube can be fabricated of rigid or flexible metal or plastic tubing.
- the tube may be formed with channels 33 into which the thermoplastic sheet 1 can penetrate. Further, it can have a plane surface 30 which is coatable with an adhesive 301, protected by a removable cover sheet 302, by virtue of the channeling 33, when this tube is laid.
- the tank comprises a lower member 4 and an upper member 5.
- the lower member comprises a metal shell 401 formed, as by stamping to the desired shape, a thermoplastic sheet 402, such as a high density polyethylene, heatshaped therein by means of vacuum tubes 41 comprising one or several connections 41 1 with at least one vacuum source.
- a thermoplastic sheet 402 such as a high density polyethylene, heatshaped therein by means of vacuum tubes 41 comprising one or several connections 41 1 with at least one vacuum source.
- Rigidification or stiffening members 42 are provided where the plastic is joined with the metal, and stiffening members 43 where the plastic is separated from the metal by an intermediate body 431 ofplastic foam having connected pores.
- the upper member may or may not be symmetrical in some details, with the lower shell. It also comprises a metal shell 501 in which a thermoplastic sheet 502 is heat-shaped by means of vacuum tubes 51 comprising one or several fittings 511 communicating with at least one vacuum source. stiffening members 52 are pro- I vided and placed into the extension of the members 42.
- the members 4 and include a'number of accessories.
- the lower member 4 embodies the drainage tube 44 serving as a sump, the emergency fuel tank 45 separated by a plastic wall 451 formed in the thermoplastic sheet 402 at the time of the deformation under the effect of the vacuum, thanks to a porous member with communicating pores (not shown), a lower part 46 in the form of a tranquilization vat, separated by a wall 461.
- the tubes 541 and 551 are introduced after having fastened the screen 552 which comprises a tapered top 5521 that facilitates the introduction of the tube 551. Both members are then brought together with contact first on the surface of the plastic joint 404-504, then, after welding or gluing, according to the latter,on the level of the metal joint 403503, which is welded in turn.
- This tank combines the advantages of the metal shell with those resulting from the presence of the thermoplastic coating, i.e., good mechanical characteristics (resistance to traction, compression, bending and singing), temperature resistance, thus easy evacuation of the heat, tightness with regard to gases, resistance to abrasion, ease of stamping under vacuum, sound and heat insulation, and resistance to corrosion.
- the entire tank assembly is of remarkable light weight.
- the tank is formed, as explained above, by assembly of two members 6 and 7 with the open ends against each other.
- the bottom of each of these members is bent, as shown for the bottom 61 of the member 6, so as to be concave on the outside.
- a plot or wall, such as 62 is provided, the upper end 621 of which extends beyond the upper surface 60.
- the vacuum tube is formed of a mass of foamed plastic in which the pores communicate at least in the direction of the progression of the vacuum.
- This foam obtained by grinding or cutting from larger blocks, can be reinforced by fibers, for example by non-flammable threads, glass fibers or wires.
- a metal member 91 is double-walled by a thermoplastic sheet 92 deformed under the action of the vacuum originating from the passage 911 and transmitted through the porous foam network and interlayer 93.
- FIG. 16 illustrates how the sheet 92 can embrace even the most complicated details of the metal part, although the latter does not inelude a porous foam interlayer.
- the vacuum is established slowly and progressively, but its action on the thermoplastic sheet is complete.
- the foam used includes a surface skin, it is suitable to effect the drilling of this skin mechanically to provide communica tion with the interior or body portion of the foam.
- the porous foam takes up only a small space 931 in contact with the vacuum source 911.
- the thermoplastic sheet is in contact with the metal member 91, both in the distal zone of the foam 931 and in the proximal zone of this foamv
- the porous mass may even be located outside the volume 90 present between the metal member 91 and the thermo-plastic sheet 921 prior to its deformation as shown in FIG. 18.
- the metal member 91 is then placed to form a joint on a support 94 made of natural or synthetic rubber, for example, wherein, below the passage of the vacuum 911, an opening is provided in the member 91 receiving the porous mass 932, surrounded by a sleeve 941, and positioned against the member 91 by a joint 942.
- Inserts such as 95, which may or may not be porous, may be placed into the space 90 to allow the sheet 921, after heat-shaping, to assume a shape different from that of the member 91.
- the sheet 921 is applied to the support 94 by means of a blankholder 943.
- a fuel tank comprising a lower member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, a vacuum tube trapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell, an upper member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, and a vacuum tube entrapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell of said upper member, said members being joined one to the other along their.
- each of the shell members being formed to concave shape
- each shell member being provided with an aligned intermediate wall extendng outwardly away from said bottom portions, the outer ends of said intermediate walls extending beyond the plane defined by said open end edges of said shells whereby, when the open ends of the shells are joined, said outer ends of said intermediate walls engage each other causing the walls to exert a stress which causes hooping of the plastic sheet by the metal.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Fuel tank and other hollow metal bodies internally lined with a thermoplastic material wherein a heated sheet of the thermoplastic material is laid over the previously formed hollow metal body with the plastic sheet in engagement with the edge of said body and the sheet is deformed to correspond to the internal shape of said body by drawing a vacuum through a foraminous vacuum tubing which remains entrapped between said sheet and body to become a part thereof and which includes the addition of porous and permeable bodies connected to the vacuum system for formation of said sheet liner with sections which extend from the metal body, and fuel tanks formed by the joinder of such lined body portions in sealed relation along the meeting edges of the plastic lining.
Description
United States Patent [191 Baumann [1.1 3,794,203 Feb.=26, 1974 [75] Inventor: Bernard Baumann, Paris, France [73] Assignee: CEGEDUR Societe de Transformation de LAluminium I PECHINEY, Paris, France 9 [22] Filed: Sept. 18, 1970 [21] Appl. Nol: 73,446
[ 30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept. 18, 1969 France 69.31788 [52] 11.5. CI. 220/5 A, 220/63 R [51] Int. Cl..... B65d 7/02, B65d 25/14, B65d 87/12 [58] Field of search 220/63 R, 5A, 63 R, 4 E, 4 C,
[56] References Cited 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,383,026 5/1968 Mc G ee 220/63 R X' 3,068,561 12/1962 Jones 4 220/63 R,- l,748,138 2/1930 McBride 220/5 A UX FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 137,843 7/1950 Australia 220/63 R 209,991 8/1957 Australia 220/5 A Primary Examiner--George E. Lowrance Attorney, Agent, or FirmHerman Hersh [57] ABSTRACT Fuel tank and other hollow metal bodies internally lined with a thermoplastic material wherein a heated sheet of the thermoplastic material is laid over the previously formed hollow metal body with the plastic sheet in engagement with the edge of said body and the sheet is deformed to correspond to the internal shape of said body by drawing a vacuum through a foraminous vacuum tubing-which remains entrapped between said sheet and body to become a part thereof and which includes the addition of porous and perme- .able bodies connected to the vacuum system for for- Qmation of said sheet liner with sections which extend from the metal body, and fuel tanks formed by the joinder of such lined body portions in sealed relation along the meeting edges of the plastic lining.
1 Claim, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEBZBIBH 3,794,203
saw u [if 7 IaZZ PATENTED FEBZS I974 SHEU 7 0F 7 This invention relates to metal bodies internally lined with thermoplastic film or sheet material and to the method for producing same and more particularly to fuel tanks or other hollow bodies produced by same. The invention is of particular interest to the art of forming plastic materials to desired shapes and to containers for shipment by rail, truck, river or boat.
It is known in the prior art to produce composite structures having an outer metal layer and an inner plastic lining by first forming a metal sheet to desired shape, as by stamping, then deforming a heated thermoplastic sheet by use of the stamped metal sheet as a matrix. The heat shaping is usually achieved by creating a vacuum between the metal sheet and the plastic sheet through perforations extending through the metal sheet.
This method is encumbered by the need to drill vacuum opening with coresponding weakening of the metal component, increase in cost of production, and reduction in esthetic appearance.
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved method and means for production of metal bodies internally lined with thermoplastic material in which the production can be achieved in an efficient and economical manner without weakening or disfiguring the metal body and it is a related object to produce internally lined hollow bodies and more particularly internally lined fuel tanks. g
These and other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter appear, and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. I is a sectional elevational view of a sheet of thermoplastic material of the type employed in the practice of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view of an intermediate porous and permeable body;
FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of an assembly of a shaped metal body with the elements of FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 14 is a sectional elevational view of a semi-tank I in which the plastic sheet is improved by hooping;
FIG. 15 is a sectional elevational view of a hollow body'prepared in accordance with the practice of this invention in which the vacuum tube is in the form of a porous mass;
FIG. 16 is a plan view of the body'shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a sectional elevational view of another embodiment of a device embodying features of this invention; and
FIG. 18 is a sectional elevational view of a still further embodiment of this invention.
In accordance with the practice of this invention, the shaped metal body is first formed, a plastic sheet is placed on said body and deformed by heat in response to a vacuum provided in the space between both elements by means of a disposable vacuum tube with lateral openings located between both elements.
In a particular embodiment of this invention whereby it becomes possible to obtain positive stamping elements of the thermoplastic sheet, at least one intermediate porous and permeable body, such as a drilled profile or a block of thermosetting foam with open pores,
is interposed in the desired location between both elements and connected to the vacuum tube circuit.
Referring now to the drawings, the hollow body shown in FIG. 3 is obtained by stamping or molding a metal sheet to the shape of the hollow body 2. The hollow body is spanned by a preheated thermoplastic sheet 1, such as polyethylane, which engages the edges 21 of the hollow body after which a vacuum is drawn between the sheet 1 and the hollow metal body 2.
The vacuum is formed by 'means of a vacuum tube 3 having perforations 31. The vacuum tube 3 is located on the bottom of the hollow body and connected by tubing 39 to a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump. Under the effect of atmospheric pressure, outside the sheet, the latter is caused to deform as it is drawn down I to conform-to the inner wall of the hollow body to form FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A'--A of FIG. 5;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a vacuum tube employed in the practice of this invention; FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of the assembly showing the vacuum tube located in a groove in the hollow metal-body;
, FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view of a fuel tank prepared in accordance with the practice of this invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational'view showing the heat formed thermoplastic sheet of the lowershell;
FIG. 9 is a cross section of the formed sheet shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the formed sheet of FIG. 8
FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 of the heat formed sheet of the upper shell;
FIG. 12 is a cross section of the sheet shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the formed sheet of FIG. I I;
a thermoplastic layer 10 lining the metal body. The sheet 1 or the inner surface of the hollow body or both may be coated with an adhesive to effect interbonding of the adjacent surfaces as the sheet is drawn into contact with the inner surfaces of the hollow metal body. Use is no longer made of the vacuum tube 3 since it becomes a part of the final assembly.
It will be noted that the side wall 22 of the hollow body has acertain skin,- while the opposite wall 23 is formed with two zones, including a lower zone 231 which has no skin and an upper Zone 232 which has a mer having open pores, a metal profile, or a perforate plastic material. In the latter cases, the profile itself may form a branch of the vacuum tube.
When the vacuum is drawn through tube 3, the thermoplastic sheet is deformed and drawn to form the positive member 12 about the intermediate body 35.
The vacuum tube 3 may be of various types. It can be circular in cross section, as shown in FIG. 3, or rectangular as shown in FIG. 6, or it can have a flattened portion with internal grooves 32 which prevent collapse, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or it can be formed with curved surfaces. The tube can be fabricated of rigid or flexible metal or plastic tubing.
The tube may be formed with channels 33 into which the thermoplastic sheet 1 can penetrate. Further, it can have a plane surface 30 which is coatable with an adhesive 301, protected by a removable cover sheet 302, by virtue of the channeling 33, when this tube is laid.
It is possible to provide grooves 25 in the inner walls of the hollow metal body 2, and particularly in the bottom of the latter, as at 24, and locate the vacuum tube 3 therein, as shown in FIG. 6.
The vacuum tube also may extend to the outside through the surface of a joint through an orifice provided in the wall, which serves as a passage of a tubular member forming part of the hollow body. It is then immobilized between the metal wall and the tubular member.
In the manner described, a hollow body is obtained which combines the advantages of the mechanical strength of metals with the advantages of resistance to corrosion and sound insulation of the plastic component.
This technique is particularly appropriate for building fuel tanks for railway vehicles or trucks. For this purpose two hollow bodies analogous to that just described are then used; they are sealed edge to edge in order to form a completely closed tank.
In the illustrated modification, the tank comprises a lower member 4 and an upper member 5.
The lower member comprises a metal shell 401 formed, as by stamping to the desired shape, a thermoplastic sheet 402, such as a high density polyethylene, heatshaped therein by means of vacuum tubes 41 comprising one or several connections 41 1 with at least one vacuum source. Rigidification or stiffening members 42 are provided where the plastic is joined with the metal, and stiffening members 43 where the plastic is separated from the metal by an intermediate body 431 ofplastic foam having connected pores.
The upper member, may or may not be symmetrical in some details, with the lower shell. It also comprises a metal shell 501 in which a thermoplastic sheet 502 is heat-shaped by means of vacuum tubes 51 comprising one or several fittings 511 communicating with at least one vacuum source. stiffening members 52 are pro- I vided and placed into the extension of the members 42.
The members 4 and include a'number of accessories. The lower member 4 embodies the drainage tube 44 serving as a sump, the emergency fuel tank 45 separated by a plastic wall 451 formed in the thermoplastic sheet 402 at the time of the deformation under the effect of the vacuum, thanks to a porous member with communicating pores (not shown), a lower part 46 in the form of a tranquilization vat, separated by a wall 461. The upper member 5 has a tubing 57 for feeding the tank with fuel, an upper part 56 of the tranquilization vat, separated by the wall 561, extending the wall 461 provided with a manhole 562 which can accommodate a fuel gauge (not shown), tranquilization walls 53 formed of thermoplastic sheet, a tubing 54 for a tube 541 for venting to the open air and a tubing 55 for passage of a tube 551 connected to the fuel feed pump of the motor of the vehicle on which the tank is mounted, said tube being provided with a screen 552 mounted at the entrance of the sump 44.
FIGS. 8 to 13 show additional details. To avoid unnecessary description and repetition, only the thermoplastic sheet is shown, without the inclusion of the metal shells, used as molds, and the vacuum tubes. The vacuum tubes and their fittings which connect the tubes to the vacuum source also have been omitted. The different tubings are heat formed grooves machined into the metal shells with the bottom of the tubings being milled or lathed. The mounting of the plastic tubes onto these tubes is achieved by methods known from prior art, such as welding or bonding with adhesive.
After separately heat-forming both members 3 and 4, as explained above, and after having proceeded with the machining of the details, the tubes 541 and 551 are introduced after having fastened the screen 552 which comprises a tapered top 5521 that facilitates the introduction of the tube 551. Both members are then brought together with contact first on the surface of the plastic joint 404-504, then, after welding or gluing, according to the latter,on the level of the metal joint 403503, which is welded in turn.
This tank combines the advantages of the metal shell with those resulting from the presence of the thermoplastic coating, i.e., good mechanical characteristics (resistance to traction, compression, bending and singing), temperature resistance, thus easy evacuation of the heat, tightness with regard to gases, resistance to abrasion, ease of stamping under vacuum, sound and heat insulation, and resistance to corrosion.
When the metal shell is built of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the entire tank assembly is of remarkable light weight.
According to an improvement illustrated in FIG. 14,
the tank is formed, as explained above, by assembly of two members 6 and 7 with the open ends against each other. The bottom of each of these members is bent, as shown for the bottom 61 of the member 6, so as to be concave on the outside. In the central area of each of the members, a plot or wall, such as 62, is provided, the upper end 621 of which extends beyond the upper surface 60. When both members 6 and 7 are assembled, the upper end 621 comes in contact with the corresponding member of part 7, bringing about the exertion of a stress so that the assembly can be accomplished. The result is that the outer metal wall on the sidewalls 63 and 64 exerts a stress on the inner plastic sheet corresponding to a veritable hooping of the latter by the metal.
According to another method of the embodiment of the invention, the vacuum tube is formed of a mass of foamed plastic in which the pores communicate at least in the direction of the progression of the vacuum. This foam, obtained by grinding or cutting from larger blocks, can be reinforced by fibers, for example by non-flammable threads, glass fibers or wires.
In the example shown in FIG. 15, a metal member 91 is double-walled by a thermoplastic sheet 92 deformed under the action of the vacuum originating from the passage 911 and transmitted through the porous foam network and interlayer 93. FIG. 16 illustrates how the sheet 92 can embrace even the most complicated details of the metal part, although the latter does not inelude a porous foam interlayer. The vacuum is established slowly and progressively, but its action on the thermoplastic sheet is complete. When the foam used includes a surface skin, it is suitable to effect the drilling of this skin mechanically to provide communica tion with the interior or body portion of the foam.
In the example shown in FIG. 17, the porous foam takes up only a small space 931 in contact with the vacuum source 911. The thermoplastic sheet is in contact with the metal member 91, both in the distal zone of the foam 931 and in the proximal zone of this foamv The porous mass may even be located outside the volume 90 present between the metal member 91 and the thermo-plastic sheet 921 prior to its deformation as shown in FIG. 18. The metal member 91 is then placed to form a joint on a support 94 made of natural or synthetic rubber, for example, wherein, below the passage of the vacuum 911, an opening is provided in the member 91 receiving the porous mass 932, surrounded by a sleeve 941, and positioned against the member 91 by a joint 942. Inserts, such as 95, which may or may not be porous, may be placed into the space 90 to allow the sheet 921, after heat-shaping, to assume a shape different from that of the member 91. The sheet 921 is applied to the support 94 by means of a blankholder 943.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that there is provided a simple and efficient means and method for such members to provide a fluidand vapor-tight tank or container for the storage and transportation of liquids or vapors, such as a fuel tank or the like.
It will be understood that changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement, without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the following claims:
I claim:
l. A fuel tank comprising a lower member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, a vacuum tube trapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell, an upper member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, and a vacuum tube entrapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell of said upper member, said members being joined one to the other along their. edges at their open ends, the bottom portion of each of the shell members being formed to concave shape, each shell member being provided with an aligned intermediate wall extendng outwardly away from said bottom portions, the outer ends of said intermediate walls extending beyond the plane defined by said open end edges of said shells whereby, when the open ends of the shells are joined, said outer ends of said intermediate walls engage each other causing the walls to exert a stress which causes hooping of the plastic sheet by the metal.
Claims (1)
1. A fuel tank comprising a lower member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, a vacuum tube trapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell, an upper member formed of a metal shell defining side and bottom walls, and being internally lined with a thermoplastic sheet, and a vacuum tube entrapped between the thermoplastic sheet and the metal shell of said upper member, said members being joined one to the other along their edges at their open ends, the bottom portion of each of the shell members being formed to concave shape, each shell member being provided with an aligned intermediate wall extendng outwardly away from said bottom portions, the outer ends of said intermediate walls extending beyond the plane defined by said open end edges of said shells whereby, when the open ends of the shells are joined, said outer ends of said intermediate walls engage each other causing the walls to exert a stress which causes hooping of the plastic sheet by the metal.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR6931788A FR2058621A5 (en) | 1969-09-18 | 1969-09-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3794203A true US3794203A (en) | 1974-02-26 |
Family
ID=9040264
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00073446A Expired - Lifetime US3794203A (en) | 1969-09-18 | 1970-09-18 | Thermoplastic lined hollow metal bodies and method |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3794203A (en) |
DE (1) | DE2046013C3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES383724A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2058621A5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1305804A (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3912107A (en) * | 1971-04-26 | 1975-10-14 | Cegedur | Mobile liquid storage tanks |
US4432180A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1984-02-21 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US4454697A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1984-06-19 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US4518091A (en) * | 1979-12-12 | 1985-05-21 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle fuel tank |
US4525969A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1985-07-02 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US5850933A (en) * | 1991-09-17 | 1998-12-22 | Pazik; John A. | Molded gas tank with internal baffle |
US20050284872A1 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2005-12-29 | Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme) | Method of manufacturing a tank of thermoplastic material including a portion in relief for mounting an attachment, and a tank manufactured thereby |
US20060060169A1 (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-03-23 | Adam Leslie | Fuel tank for a vehicle |
US20100200700A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2010-08-12 | Airbus Operations Limited | Tanks for contaning a fluid within a chamber |
CN102105320A (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2011-06-22 | 阿卢泰克有限公司 | Tank for working fluids of motor vehicles |
FR2997892A1 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2014-05-16 | Visteon Global Tech Inc | Method for manufacturing dashboard body of car, involves closing mold under application of heat and pressure on face of sheet on level of region of sheet, and removing part provided with colored print after opening mold |
US20190009233A1 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2019-01-10 | Ehud FURMAN | Internal shield system for fluids and solids processing devices and uses thereof |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2916844A1 (en) * | 1979-04-26 | 1980-11-06 | Daimler Benz Ag | METHOD FOR PRODUCING VACUUM VESSELS AND VACUUM VESSELS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
DE8031200U1 (en) * | 1980-11-24 | 1981-04-02 | Arts und Specials Kunsthandelsgesellschaft mbH, 7000 Stuttgart | PASS-TUB INSERT FOR BATHTUBS, SHOWER BASINS AND WASHING WASHERS |
FR2495545A1 (en) * | 1980-12-05 | 1982-06-11 | Goodyear Aerospace Corp | Fabric reinforced composite for making container - and nonionic surfactant as stabilisers |
DE3108571C2 (en) * | 1981-03-06 | 1985-08-29 | Paul Kiefel Gmbh, 8228 Freilassing | Method for producing a composite body consisting of a carrier and a cover layer arranged on the carrier, as well as a device for carrying out the method |
DE3629530A1 (en) * | 1986-09-01 | 1988-03-10 | Schuetz Werke Gmbh Co Kg | Process for producing a surf sailboard (windsurf board) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1748138A (en) * | 1927-02-10 | 1930-02-25 | American Car & Foundry Co | Container for liquids or gases under pressure and method of making the same |
US3068561A (en) * | 1957-11-20 | 1962-12-18 | Wayne W Jones | Method of installing a flexible tank liner |
US3383026A (en) * | 1965-06-17 | 1968-05-14 | Fmc Corp | Lined container |
-
1969
- 1969-09-18 FR FR6931788A patent/FR2058621A5/fr not_active Expired
-
1970
- 1970-09-17 GB GB4442770A patent/GB1305804A/en not_active Expired
- 1970-09-17 DE DE2046013A patent/DE2046013C3/en not_active Expired
- 1970-09-17 ES ES383724A patent/ES383724A1/en not_active Expired
- 1970-09-18 US US00073446A patent/US3794203A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1748138A (en) * | 1927-02-10 | 1930-02-25 | American Car & Foundry Co | Container for liquids or gases under pressure and method of making the same |
US3068561A (en) * | 1957-11-20 | 1962-12-18 | Wayne W Jones | Method of installing a flexible tank liner |
US3383026A (en) * | 1965-06-17 | 1968-05-14 | Fmc Corp | Lined container |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3912107A (en) * | 1971-04-26 | 1975-10-14 | Cegedur | Mobile liquid storage tanks |
US4518091A (en) * | 1979-12-12 | 1985-05-21 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle fuel tank |
US4432180A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1984-02-21 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US4454697A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1984-06-19 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US4525969A (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1985-07-02 | Dyar Harrison G | Thermal insulating system particularly adapted for building construction |
US5850933A (en) * | 1991-09-17 | 1998-12-22 | Pazik; John A. | Molded gas tank with internal baffle |
US20050284872A1 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2005-12-29 | Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme) | Method of manufacturing a tank of thermoplastic material including a portion in relief for mounting an attachment, and a tank manufactured thereby |
US20060060169A1 (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-03-23 | Adam Leslie | Fuel tank for a vehicle |
US20100200700A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2010-08-12 | Airbus Operations Limited | Tanks for contaning a fluid within a chamber |
US8881924B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-11-11 | Airbus Operations Limited | Tanks for containing a fluid within a chamber |
CN102105320A (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2011-06-22 | 阿卢泰克有限公司 | Tank for working fluids of motor vehicles |
US20110179776A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2011-07-28 | Alutech Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Tank for Working Fluids of Motor Vehicles |
FR2997892A1 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2014-05-16 | Visteon Global Tech Inc | Method for manufacturing dashboard body of car, involves closing mold under application of heat and pressure on face of sheet on level of region of sheet, and removing part provided with colored print after opening mold |
US20190009233A1 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2019-01-10 | Ehud FURMAN | Internal shield system for fluids and solids processing devices and uses thereof |
US11110418B2 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2021-09-07 | Kiinns Foodtech Ltd. | Internal shield system for fluids and solids processing devices and uses thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES383724A1 (en) | 1974-06-01 |
DE2046013A1 (en) | 1971-04-15 |
FR2058621A5 (en) | 1971-05-28 |
DE2046013B2 (en) | 1973-03-01 |
DE2046013C3 (en) | 1973-09-20 |
GB1305804A (en) | 1973-02-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US3794203A (en) | Thermoplastic lined hollow metal bodies and method | |
US3827130A (en) | Method of making thermoplastic lined metal bodies | |
US11713187B2 (en) | Articles of composite construction and methods of manufacture thereof | |
US3028284A (en) | Molding method for plastic bodies | |
US5527411A (en) | Insulating modular panels incorporating vacuum insulation panels and methods for manufacturing | |
JP3191153B2 (en) | Method of filling double-walled space of double-walled tube and double-walled tube filled with double-walled space | |
DE2932375C2 (en) | Method of manufacturing a packaging container | |
KR940004801B1 (en) | Composite structure having sections extending in different directions | |
US3084973A (en) | Molded shell trailer bodies | |
GR70264B (en) | ||
US3163435A (en) | Transport tank | |
JPS6344533B2 (en) | ||
JP2002505220A (en) | Fuel tank with built-in heat shield | |
KR20030071555A (en) | Lightweight constructional element with external ribbing | |
CN103402849B (en) | For the component of guideway vehicle | |
US4911876A (en) | Method of forming an integral fiber reinforced structure | |
JPS59145687A (en) | Sailing type surfboard and manufacture thereof | |
JPH0285155A (en) | Tank with buried conduit with flange | |
GB1379617A (en) | Method of making mobile tanks for liqudis and the tanks obtained by this method | |
US4043022A (en) | Method of manufacturing double-structure sound absorbing wall for motor vehicle | |
EP0053157B1 (en) | Method of making boathulls, vehicle bodies, containers and similar shell structures, and a tube lattice for use in making such structures | |
CA1078312A (en) | Storage tank structure for the carriage of liquids | |
JPS59100032A (en) | Bumper for vehicle and method of producing same | |
JPS608173A (en) | Truck body and manufacture thereof | |
DE3428191A1 (en) | Process for producing a pressure-resistant packaging container |