Extrusion blow molding die, molding machine, and molding method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mold (1) for production by extrusion blow molding, comprising two parts (1a, 1b), the parts being at least one first section (3) having a first molding surface (11, 11a, 11b) including at least one primary bearing area (5a) configured to form, by compression, a fixation zone for at least one internal component (30) inside a parison (20), and a second section (4) having a second molding surface (12, 12a, 12b), the second section (4) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) being attached to the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1). The mold includes a second section (4) that moves relative to at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b), and at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b) that moves relative to the at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b) associated with a portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1), the at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b) having a third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) that includes at least one secondary support area (5b) configured to compressively reduce a predetermined volume within the parison (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold for extrusion blow molding a hollow body of a plastic tank for automobiles, and the tank includes at least one internal component that is fixed inside the parison during the molding of the hollow body. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mold including two parts including a plurality of sections that define a cavity of the mold including all forming surfaces for reproducing a predetermined shape of the hollow body to be manufactured inside.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a machine for extrusion blow molding a hollow body of a plastic tank for automobiles from a parison.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for extrusion blow molding a hollow body of a plastic tank for automobiles from a parison, and the tank includes at least one internal component that is fixed inside the parison during the molding of the hollow body.

Background Art

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the applicant describes a mold for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with an internal component. The mold cavity includes a plurality of movable rods, and a support surface is provided at the free end of each movable rod to locally push the molten parison into contact with a specific zone of the internal component and fix the internal component inside the parison by compression. Another example is described in Patent Document 2.

[0005] Since the support surface of the movable rod is limited in its cross section, more movable rods must be provided as the number of zones where the internal component should be fixed increases. The free end of the movable rod is typically about 4000 mm 2The support surface is such that it accounts for less than 2% of the total mold area. If there are six rods, it accounts for less than 12% of the total mold area. Similarly, if the internal component assembly contains more internal components, more movable rods must be provided. This is undesirable because it complicates the mold design and increases manufacturing costs.

[0006] Furthermore, as the applicant has confirmed, where the parison is pushed by the movable rod toward a specific zone of the internal component, the parison material stretches toward this fixed zone, resulting in a reduction in the thickness of the parison at the fixed point. This is undesirable because a reduction in the thickness of the material at the fixed point can lead to poor fixation of the internal component. Moreover, a reduction in thickness at the fixed point often coincides with another deformation: the undulation of the material around the fixed point. This is also undesirable because the more the tank deforms during manufacturing, the lower the mechanical durability of the resulting tank. The aforementioned risks naturally increase with an increase in the number of movable rods.

[0007] Furthermore, as the applicant has also confirmed, the movable rods are not included in the mold's cooling circuit, so increasing the number of movable rods impairs the uniformity of the mold's cooling temperature. If the uniformity of the mold's cooling temperature is impaired, there is a risk that the tank may deform during manufacturing, which is unsatisfactory.

[0008] Another drawback of the above-mentioned mold is that as the number of movable rods increases, the number of drive mechanisms for the movable rods also increases, which makes extrusion blow molding machines equipped with this type of mold more complex and larger.

[0009] Thus, it is understood that the manufacturing cost of a tank with one (or more) internal components increases with the number of movable rods required to secure the one or more internal components.

[0010] Incidentally, Patent Document 1 describes a method for manufacturing a "saddle tank" type fuel tank, which includes a recess (also called a "tunnel" in the tank) provided for the drive shaft of an automobile equipped with this type of tank to pass through. During the manufacture of this type of tank, a parison is compressed between two mold cavities to reduce a predetermined volume inside it, forming the recess of the saddle tank. The predetermined volume inside the parison is reduced during the closure of the mold having two mold cavities. In other words, the recess is necessarily formed simultaneously with the rest of the saddle tank. The simultaneous formation of the recess with the rest of the saddle tank is not always desirable, and this is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of flexibility in the manufacturing process. In fact, in Patent Document 1, the internal components are supported by a support, and this support must be retracted before the mold is completely closed in order to avoid interference between the mold and the support. Thus, in the manufacturing process described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to fix, for example, internal components located only at the top of the mold. This is because in this case, the mold must be closed over the support, which could damage the mold and / or the support. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 138869 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 2014 / 265052 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a mold that provides flexibility to the tank manufacturing process while ensuring the low cost and deformation-free manufacture of a tank containing one (or more) internal components, regardless of the number of internal component fixing points inside the parison, thereby eliminating the aforementioned inconveniences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a mold for extruding blow molding the hollow of an automotive plastic tank from a parison, wherein the tank includes at least one internal component fixed inside the parison during the molding of the hollow body, the mold includes two parts that are movable relative to each other, and when the two parts are closed to each other, an entire molding surface is defined inside for reproducing a predetermined shape of the hollow body to be manufactured, and at least one part of the mold, - A first section having a first molding surface of a first part of a hollow body to be manufactured, wherein the first molding surface includes at least one primary support region configured to form a fixing zone for at least one internal component within the parison by compression, - A second section having a second molding surface of a second part of a hollow body to be manufactured, wherein the second section of the mold portion moves relative to at least one first section attached to the mold portion between at least an intermediate closed position and a final closed position of the mold portion, - At least one third section having a third molding surface of a third part of a hollow body to be manufactured, wherein the third molding surface includes at least one secondary support region, and the at least one third section of the mold portion moves relative to at least one first section accompanying the mold portion between at least an intermediate position and a final position configured such that at least one secondary support region reduces a predetermined volume inside the parison by compression, and Includes.

[0014] According to the present invention, advantageously, the mold can secure one or more internal components without using multiple movable rods, and these movable rods are replaced by at least one first section of the mold having a sufficiently wide molding surface capable of simultaneously pressing parisons against multiple zones that secure one (or more) internal components.

[0015] In addition to cost advantages, the present invention prevents localized deformation of the parison material when the parison is brought into contact with the fixing zones, by having the first molding surface extend between various fixing zones with the interior of the parison of one (or more) internal components, i.e., by including various zones. This arrangement prevents a reduction in the thickness of the material in each fixing zone and avoids material warping around these fixing zones.

[0016] Another advantage of the mold according to the present invention is that it avoids the complexity and size increase of extrusion blow molding machines equipped with this type of mold, regardless of the number of fixed zones or the number of internal components of the finished tank.

[0017] Another advantage of the mold according to the present invention is that, by using at least one third section of the mold, a predetermined volume inside the parison can be reduced by compression independently of the mold closure. Thus, the deformation of the parison when reducing the predetermined volume inside the parison is controlled at the reduction point independently of the deformation of the parison at other points in the parison. This is particularly advantageous for molds used to extrude and blow-molde the hollow body of an automotive plastic "saddle tank" from a parison. In fact, the present invention eliminates the need to form the saddle tank recess simultaneously with the rest of the saddle tank. Thus, the deformation of the parison realized by the third section of the mold when forming the saddle tank recess is controlled at the recess-forming point independently of the deformation of the parison at other points in the parison. Furthermore, by fixing at least one internal component before forming the saddle tank recess, at least one internal component located only at the top of the mold can be fixed. In fact, by fixing at least one internal component, i.e., forming the tank recess with a time delay, the possibility of interference between the mold and the support of at least one internal component is eliminated.

[0018] The present invention may also include, individually or in combination, one or more of the following features:

[0019] The first molding surface of the mold portion includes a plurality of primary support regions, which are configured to simultaneously form multiple fixing zones for at least one of the internal components into the parison by compression. In this way, one or more internal components can be fixed by the first molding surface of the mold portion, and each internal component has a plurality of fixing zones. Furthermore, the first molding surface of the mold portion can be manufactured in a modular manner.

[0020] The first molding surface of a mold portion can be configured to extend along the circumscribing surface, which includes a primary support region associated with the mold portion. Thus, each portion including the first molding surface has a single surface facing the parison in the intermediate closed position, and each primary support region, distinct from the first molding surface, simultaneously secures the parison according to a predetermined number of fixing zones or all fixing zones of at least one of the internal components of the mold portion.

[0021] The circumscribing surface of the first molding surface of the mold portion may include a predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area of ​​at least one of the internal components associated with the mold portion in order to suppress material warping around each fixing zone. Thus, it is understood that the first molding surface includes a wider single surface around the fixing zone of at least one of the internal components so as not to cause significant irregularities near the fixing zone of at least one of the internal components into the parison. The predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area can be between 1 mm and 60 mm.

[0022] The circumscribed surface of the first forming surface of at least one part of the mold is 15% or more of the total forming surface. According to this embodiment, that is, when only one part of the mold or both parts of the mold include at least one first section, it is immediately understood that the total ratio of at least one first section of the mold is 15% or more or 30% or more of the total forming surface respectively. Preferably, the circumscribed surface of the first forming surface of at least one part of the mold is 20% to 40% of the total forming surface. Depending on the embodiment, the circumscribed surface of the first forming surface of at least one part of the mold is, for example, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39% or 40% of the total forming surface.

[0023] The secondary support region or at least one secondary support region is configured to bring into contact two opposing support regions of the parison to locally weld them together when the third section of the part of the mold is in the final position. Thus, two opposing support regions of the parison can be locally and easily welded together as needed, for example, to locally strengthen the tank or to provide a soundproof partition. This local welding is sometimes referred to in English as "kiss off" or "kiss point". Preferably, each part of the mold includes at least one third section having at least one secondary support region, and the secondary support region is configured to press to locally weld together two opposing support regions of the parison therebetween when the respective third sections of each part of the mold are in the final position.

[0024] The third forming surface of the part of the mold includes a plurality of secondary support regions. Thus, the third forming surface of the part of the mold can be manufactured in a modular manner.

[0025] The third molding surface of the mold portion is configured such that the secondary support region simultaneously forms multiple fixing zones for at least one internal component into the parison by compression at a predetermined volume reduction point within the parison. In this way, one or more internal components can be fixed by the third molding surface of the mold portion, and each internal component has one or more fixing zones.

[0026] The third molding surface of the mold portion is configured such that the secondary support region simultaneously forms multiple fixing zones for the parison itself within the parison by compression at predetermined volume reduction points inside the parison. In this way, the third molding surface of the mold portion makes it possible to create a tank in which the walls are fixed internally to opposing walls.

[0027] At least one third section of the mold is divided into multiple subsections that are separated from each other, and each secondary support region is supported by one subsection of at least one third section. In this way, the multiple secondary support regions can be independent of each other.

[0028] At least one subsection of the third section moves relative to the intermediate and final positions. In this way, the deformation of the parison when reducing a predetermined volume inside the parison is better controlled at the point of reduction, and the elongation of the parison is also suppressed.

[0029] According to the first embodiment, each part of the mold may include at least one first section, a second section, and at least one third section. According to the second embodiment, only one of the parts of the mold may include at least one first section, a second section, and at least one third section. Typically, in the second embodiment, the first part of the mold may include at least one first section, a second section, and at least one third section, and the second part of the mold may include a single integrated section.

[0030] At least one first section of each part of the mold is preferably surrounded by a second section attached to the part of the mold in the final closed position. Thus, at least one of the internal components is completely enclosed within the hollow body.

[0031] At least one third section of each part of the mold is preferably surrounded by at least one first section attached to the part of the mold in the final closed position. This makes the mold more compact.

[0032] In the first embodiment, at least one first section of each part of the mold may include at least one primary support area configured to press the parison against the same at least one internal component in order to form at least two different fixing zones for the same at least one internal component for the purpose of fixing the same at least one internal component inside the parison when forming a hollow body. Thus, it is understood that at least one primary support area of ​​at least one first section of the first part of the mold may be aligned, i.e., vertically positioned, with at least a portion of the primary support area of ​​at least one first section of the second part of the mold in order to simultaneously fix two substantially opposing regions of the internal component in two different regions inside the parison. In this way, the first section of the mold acts like a vise that clamps the at least one internal component.

[0033] Regardless of the embodiment, at least one first section and / or third section of the mold portion may include at least one suction element for attracting the parison during the molding of the hollow body, such as in particular one of the primary and / or secondary support regions. Thus, the parison adheres firmly to the first and / or third molding surface, thus avoiding local deformation of the parison.

[0034] At least one first section and / or third section of the mold portion may include, whether or not it is at least one of the internal components, an element selected from gripping elements, heating elements, and combined gripping and heating elements for a part molded together with the first and / or third parts of the hollow body. In this way, the part can be joined to the first and / or third parts of the hollow body during the molding of the part. In one example, the gripping element is a gripper or suction element, and the heating element is an electric heater. In one example, the part is a metal fastener or fiber reinforcement. In another example, the heating element is a hydroheater.

[0035] At least one first section and / or third section of the mold can include a blowing tool for injecting pressurized gas into the parison. In one example, the blowing tool is a blowing needle. If a blowing tool is required, this arrangement eliminates the need to install the blowing tool in a second section of the mold, thus avoiding degradation of the evaporation and mechanical performance of the resulting tank, as well as an increased risk of deformation of the tank during manufacturing.

[0036] At least one first section and / or third section of the mold may include a first cooling device for cooling the first and / or third portion of the hollow body. This prevents deformation of the first and / or third portion of the hollow body during manufacturing.

[0037] The second section of the mold may include a second cooling device for cooling the second part of the hollow body. This prevents deformation of the second part of the hollow body during manufacturing.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second cooling devices are included in the same cooling circuit. This allows the mold temperature to be kept uniform.

[0039] At least one first section and / or third section of the mold may include multiple first sections and / or third sections to enhance the modularity of the mold.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a machine for extruding and blow molding the hollow body of an automotive plastic tank from a parison, characterized in that the molding machine includes a mold as described above. Thus the molding machine enjoys all the advantages of this mold.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for extrude-blow molding a hollow body of an automotive plastic tank from a parison, wherein the tank includes at least one internal component fixed inside the parison during the molding of the hollow body, and the method comprises the following steps, namely: a) A step of inserting at least one internal component and a molten parison into a two-part open mold such that at least one internal component is surrounded by the parison, wherein at least one part of the mold includes at least one first section, a second section and at least one third section, each defining a first molding surface, a second molding surface and a third molding surface of the entire molding surface of the mold, respectively. b) A step of moving at least one first section of a mold portion such that the mold is in an intermediate closed position where at least one first section of the mold portion presses the parison against at least one internal component, wherein the first molding surface is configured to simultaneously form a plurality of fixing zones for at least one internal component within the parison by compression, c) A step of moving a second section of the mold part relative to at least one first section of the mold part such that the two parts of the mold close together and the mold is in a final closed position that defines the entire molding surface inside which reproduces a predetermined shape of the hollow body to be manufactured, d) Moving at least one third section of a mold part relative to at least one first section of a mold part such that at least one third section is positioned where the third molding surface presses against the parison to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison, e) A step of blowing in the parison by pressing the parison against the entire molding surface of the mold using pressurized gas, f) The process of opening the mold to remove the manufactured hollow body. It is characterized by including.

[0042] Each of steps a) to f) of the molding method according to the present invention is preferably carried out continuously.

[0043] The molding method according to the present invention preferably uses an extruded parison. According to the present invention, each internal component is surrounded by a parison by extruding the parison around each internal component or by inserting each internal component into the parison. When internal components are inserted into a parison, the parison is guided into an open mold using a robot.

[0044] Extruded parisons can be stretched to allow insertion of internal components without the risk of collision with the parison, which can be done with appropriate equipment. In one example, the molding method according to the present invention uses a tool capable of stretching the parison to keep it open, such as the type shown in reference numeral 6 in Patent Document 1. This tool could be a gripper, clip, or clasp that can grasp both edges of the parison and hold them apart. This tool can be operated by a robot.

[0045] The present invention may also include one or more of the following features, which may be adopted individually or in combination.

[0046] Preferably, pressurized gas is injected into the parison between steps a) and b) to perform pre-blowing of the parison. This type of gas injection can be carried out according to step b) of Patent Document 1, particularly for the purpose of expanding the parison while ensuring uniform thickness. Gas injection at a lower pressure than that in step e) can be carried out by various methods known to those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, gas injection for pre-blowing can be carried out by a blowing tool used to carry out step e), a dedicated tool mounted on the mold, a hollow support rod of an internal component, or a nozzle included in the parison's extrusion head.

[0047] In step b), at least one of the internal components can be fixed inside the parison by welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, at least one third section of the mold portion is divided into a plurality of subsections that move toward each other between an intermediate position and a final position, the third molding surface includes a plurality of secondary support regions, each secondary support region being supported by a subsection of at least one third section. This arrangement guides each secondary support region to contact the parison at the intermediate position, thereby preventing unexpected stretching at points where the parison expands, for example, during the pre-blowing process and compresses a predetermined volume inside the parison. Furthermore, each secondary support region is guided to the final position, where the predetermined volume inside the parison can be compressed. Thus, the deformation and stretching of the parison when the predetermined volume inside the parison is reduced is better controlled at the compression points.

[0049] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is provided for reference only and not limited to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is a partial side perspective view of a mold according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the open position. [Figure 2] This is a partial side perspective view of a mold according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate closed position. [Figure 3] This is a front view of a portion of the mold according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a portion of the mold according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the open position. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold according to the present invention, showing the suction element. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold according to the present invention, showing the blowing tool. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold according to the present invention, showing a gripping element in a non-operating state. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold according to the present invention, showing the gripping element in operation. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a mold according to the present invention, showing a combined element of gripping and electric heating in a non-operating state. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of a part of the mold according to the present invention, showing a combined element of non-operating gripping and oil heating. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold according to the present invention, showing a cooling device. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 19] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 22] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 23] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 24] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 25] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the mold according to the present invention, which is in a continuously changing position. [Figure 26] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment in the final position, showing a cross-section passing through the localized weld portion of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment in the final position, showing a cross-section passing through the localized weld portion of the mold according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] In each drawing, identical or similar elements are given the same reference numeral, with subscripts added as needed. Therefore, descriptions of their structure or function are not automatically repeated.

[0052] Throughout the following, direction refers to the direction of each drawing. In particular, the terms “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” and “backward” are generally understood to refer to the direction indicated by each drawing.

[0053] A "tank" refers to a sealed tank capable of storing fluids under various changing operating and environmental conditions. The tank manufactured using the mold according to the present invention is realized with walls made of plastic material. The tank walls have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is the surface facing the internal volume of the tank, while the outer surface is the surface facing the external volume of the tank.

[0054] "Plastic materials" refer to any material containing at least one synthetic resin polymer. All types of plastic materials may be suitable. Particularly suitable plastic materials belong to the category of thermoplastic materials.

[0055] "Thermoplastic materials" refers to all thermoplastic polymers, including thermoplastic elastomers and mixtures thereof. The term "polymer" refers to both homopolymers and copolymers (particularly binary or ternary). Non-exclusive examples of this type of copolymer include random copolymers, sequence copolymers, block copolymers, and graft copolymers.

[0056] Any type of thermoplastic polymer or thermoplastic copolymer with a melting point below its thermal decomposition temperature is suitable. Synthetic thermoplastic materials with a melting range of 10 degrees Celsius (10°C) or higher are particularly suitable. Examples of this type of material include those exhibiting polydispersity in molecular weight.

[0057] In particular, polyolefins, thermoplastic polyesters, polyketones, polyamides, and copolymers thereof can be used. Mixtures of polymers or copolymers, as well as mixtures of polymer materials with inorganic, organic, and / or natural additives such as, for example, carbon, salts, and other inorganic derivatives, natural fibers, or polymer fibers, can also be used. It is also possible to use a multilayer structure consisting of an integrated laminate containing at least one of the above polymers or copolymers.

[0058] A commonly used polymer is polyethylene. Excellent results have been obtained when using high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0059] In one example, a tank manufactured by a mold according to the present invention is a fuel tank comprising a multilayer structure including at least one thermoplastic material layer and at least one additional layer, preferably consisting of a liquid barrier material and / or a gas barrier material. Preferably, the type and thickness of the barrier layer are selected to minimize the permeability of liquids and gases in contact with the tank wall. Preferably, this layer is primarily composed of a barrier material, i.e., a fuel-impermeable resin such as EVOH (partially hydrolyzed ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer). Alternatively, the tank can be subjected to surface treatment (fluorination or sulfonation) to impart fuel impermeability.

[0060] A "parison" is a substantially cylindrical, one-piece preform that is typically extruded. After molding, i.e., after the molten parison is shaped and sized using a mold to obtain the tank, it is used to form the walls of the tank.

[0061] "Internal components" are components that perform functions within a tank, such as air supply, reinforcement, fluid pumping, fluid level measurement, and noise reduction caused by fluid waves within the tank. For example, an internal component might be a reinforcing column connecting two opposing sides of the tank's inner surface.

[0062] The "first section," "second section," and "third section" of the mold refer to the first, second, and third molding elements, respectively, located in at least one part of the mold.

[0063] "First molding surface" refers to the inner surface of at least one first section of the mold that defines the molding space for a first part of the hollow body. This inner surface includes the bottom and any protruding portions from the bottom.

[0064] The "second molding surface" refers to the inner surface of the second section of the mold that defines the molding space for the second part of the hollow body. This inner surface includes the bottom and the portion protruding from the bottom.

[0065] The "third molding surface" refers to the inner surface of the third section of the mold that defines the molding space for the third part of the hollow body. This inner surface includes the bottom and any protruding portions from the bottom.

[0066] "The first molded surface accounts for 15% or more of the total molded surface" means that the first molded surface area accounts for 15% or more of the total molded surface area, and is strictly less than 100% of the total molded surface area.

[0067] Advantageously, the sum of the molding surfaces of the two parts of the mold is equal to the total molding surface of the mold. Thus, these two parts of the mold are sufficient to manufacture the entire hollow body of the tank.

[0068] "Plastic welding" refers to the entire technique used to weld two parts made of thermoplastic material. An example of plastic welding involves applying pressure to each primary support area of ​​at least one first section of the mold, thereby creating contact pressure on the interface between the molten interior of the parison and the fixing zone of at least one of the internal components, provided that the materials of the internal components and the parison are suitable for welding. To facilitate plastic welding, the fixing zone of at least one of the internal components is preferably preheated to soften and melt.

[0069] "Riveting" refers to a general set of techniques used to secure internal components to a parison, particularly when the materials of the internal components and the parison are unsuitable for welding. These techniques involve compressing each primary support area of ​​at least one first section of the mold, causing a portion of the parison to creep into the hollow of the internal components. With riveting, once the parison hardens, the shape of the hollow prevents the components from coming out of the hardened parison. Examples of the hardened shape of the parison and the hollow of the components are shown in Figures 1 and 2 of International Publication No. 2007 / 090453, labeled with reference numerals 5 and 3, respectively.

[0070] "Mechanical fastening" refers to all techniques used to fasten internal components to a parison, particularly when the materials of the internal components and the parison are unsuitable for welding, and which involve compressing each primary support area of ​​at least one first section of the mold so that a portion of the internal components creeps into the parison. Mechanical fastening prevents the internal components from coming out of the hardened parison due to the shape of the internal components placed inside once the parison hardens. Examples of the hardened shape of the parison and the portion of the internal component that has entered are shown in Figure 10 of European Patent No. 1211196, labeled with reference numerals 116 and 102, respectively.

[0071] Unless otherwise noted, this specification uses extrusion blow-molded components that are conventionally known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, conventional components such as support members for internal components (e.g., rods), blowing means, parison manufacturing means, parison separation and guiding means around internal components, or parison sealing means for pre-blowing, as described in Patent Document 1 (see reference numerals 3, 6, 7 and 7' in particular), are not generally described in this specification.

[0072] The following embodiments are illustrative. While the specification refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference numeral relates to the same embodiment, or that each feature applies to only one embodiment. Individual features of the various embodiments can also be combined and / or interchangeable to provide other embodiments.

[0073] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be numbered, for example, the first element or the second element, the first parameter and the second parameter, or the first criterion and the second criterion. In this case, the numbering is merely for distinguishing and naming similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This numbering does not indicate that any element, parameter, or criterion is superior to others, and such names are easily interchangeable without deviating from the framework of this specification. This numbering does not indicate, for example, a chronological order for evaluating any of the criteria.

[0074] Figures 1 to 17 show only the first and second sections. The third section is shown in Figures 18 to 25.

[0075] Figures 1 and 2 show a mold 1 for extrusion blow molding a hollow body 10 of an automotive plastic tank from a parison 20, the tank including at least one internal component 30 that is fixed inside the parison during the molding of the hollow body. More specifically, Figure 1 shows the mold 1 in an open position, and Figure 2 shows the mold in an intermediate closed position. The hollow body 10 is obtained when the mold 1 is in the final closed position (shown in Figures 7 and 10), as described below.

[0076] The mold 1 includes two movable parts 1a and 1b (as shown in Figures 7 and 10), which, when closed together, define an entire molded surface or a cavity 2 inside for reproducing a predetermined shape of the hollow body 10 to be manufactured.

[0077] According to the present invention, at least one portion 1a, 1b of the mold 1 is - A first section 3, 3a, 3b having first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b of a first part of a hollow body 10 to be manufactured, wherein the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b include at least one primary support region 5a configured to form a fixing zone for at least one internal component 30 within the parison 20 by compression, - Second sections 4, 4a, 4b having second molding surfaces 12, 12a, 12b of the second part of the hollow body 10 to be manufactured Includes.

[0078] The second sections 4, 4a, and 4b of parts 1a and 1b of mold 1 move relative to at least one first section 3, 3a, and 3b associated with parts 1a and 1b of mold 1 between at least an intermediate closed position of parts 1a and 1b of mold 1 (shown in Figures 2, 6, and 9) and the final closed position of parts 1a and 1b of mold 1 (shown in Figures 7 and 10).

[0079] According to the present invention, advantageously, the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b of portions 1a, 1b of the mold 1 include a plurality of primary support regions 5a, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and the primary support regions 5a are configured to simultaneously form a plurality of fixing zones for at least one of the internal components 30 into the parison 20 by compression.

[0080] Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, and 11b of parts 1a and 1b of the mold 1 can be configured to extend along the circumscribing surface Sc (shown as a dotted line in Figure 3), which includes the primary support regions 5a of parts 1a and 1b of the mold 1, and furthermore, all primary support regions 5a associated with parts 1a and 1b of the mold 1. Of course, the circumscribing surface Sc shown as a dotted line in Figure 3 is merely an example, and the primary support regions 5a can be connected by curved segments without departing from the framework of the present invention, rather than by straight segments.

[0081] Thus, each portion 1a, 1b, including the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b, has a single surface facing the parison 20 in the intermediate closed position (shown in Figures 2, 6, and 9), and the parison 20 is simultaneously fixed according to a predetermined number of fixing zones or all the fixing zones of at least one of the internal components 30 of the portions 1a, 1b of the mold 1 by each primary support region 5a distinct from the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b.

[0082] The circumscribing surfaces Sc of each first molding surface 11, 11a, 11b may include a predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area 5a of at least one of the internal components 30 associated with a portion of the mold 1, in order to suppress material warping around each fixed zone. The predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area 5a can be from 1 mm to 60 mm. Of course, the predetermined margin distance is not necessarily constant for each primary support area 5a or between each primary support area. Figure 3 shows an example of a first surface 11, but its predetermined margin is not constant around another example of a circumscribing surface Sc shown by a dotted line, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0083] The circumscribing surfaces Sc of the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b of at least one portion 1a, 1b of mold 1 are preferably 15% or more of the total molding surface. According to this embodiment, that is, if only one portion 1a, 1b of mold 1 or both portions 1a, 1b of mold 1 include at least one first section 3, 3a, 3b, it is immediately understood that the combined proportion of at least one first section 3, 3a, 3b of mold 1 will be 15% or more or 30% or more of the total molding surface, respectively. Preferably, the circumscribing surfaces Sc of the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, 11b of the mold portions 1a, 1b are 20% to 40% of the total molding surface, i.e., 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40%.

[0084] Figures 5 to 7 show a machine 100 for extruding and blow molding a hollow body 10 of an automotive plastic tank from a parison 20. The molding machine 100 includes a mold 1 based on the first embodiment described above. Figure 5 shows the mold 1 in the open position (open mold 1), Figure 6 shows the mold in the intermediate closed position, and Figure 7 shows the mold in the final closed position.

[0085] In the intermediate closed position, at least one first section 3, 3a, 3b of mold 1 protrudes from the second section 4, 4a, 4b of mold 1. In the final closed position, the second section 4, 4a, 4b of mold 1 surrounds at least one first section 3, 3a, 3b of mold 1, which remains in the same position.

[0086] At least one first section 3, 3a, 3b of the mold 1 includes a primary support area 5a configured to press the parison 20 against the at least one internal component 30 in order to form at least two different fixing zones for the same at least one internal component 30, for the purpose of fixing at least one internal component 30 inside the parison 20 when the hollow body 10 is being molded.

[0087] Advantageously, each primary support region 5a is configured to allow welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening for the purpose of securing at least one of the internal components 30 inside the parison 20 during the forming of the hollow body 10. Thus, each primary support region may include geometry, mechanical features, and / or materials that facilitate welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening. As a non-limiting example, the primary support region 5a may include a plane made of a material with a higher melting point than the parison and the internal component's fastening zone, such that the compression of the primary support region forms at least one fastening zone by welding between the parison and the internal component's fastening zone. Of course, this primary support region may also additionally or alternatively include projections to facilitate riveting and / or cutouts to facilitate mechanical fastening.

[0088] A first part 1a of mold 1 includes at least one first section 3a of mold 1, and a second part 1b of mold 1 includes another at least one first section 3b of mold 1. At least one first section 3a of mold 1 moves relative to another at least one first section 3b of mold 1 between an open position and an intermediate closed position of mold 1. At least one first section 3a, 3b of each part 1a, 1b of mold 1 includes a first actuator 6 for moving from the open position to the intermediate closed position and in the reverse direction.

[0089] The first part 1a of mold 1 includes a second section 4a of mold 1, and the second part 1b of mold 1 includes another second section 4b of mold 1. The second sections 4a and 4b of mold 1 move relative to each other between an intermediate closed position and a final closed position of mold 1. Each of the second sections 4a and 4b of mold 1 includes a second actuator 7 for moving from the intermediate closed position to the final closed position and in the reverse direction.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 11, at least one first section 3 of the mold includes at least one suction element 14b in at least one primary support region 5a for sucking the parison 20 during molding of the hollow body 10. It can also be seen that the bottom of the first molding surface 11 also includes at least one suction element 14a. Furthermore, it can be seen that the multiple suction elements 14a are connected to each other and communicate with a suction device (not shown), such as a vacuum device, via a communication passage 14c. In this way, the parison 20 adheres firmly to the first molding surface 11, and local deformation of the parison 20 can be avoided.

[0091] In the examples shown in Figures 13 to 16, at least one first section 3 of the mold 1 includes an element selected from gripping elements 15, heating elements 16, 16' and composite elements of gripping 15 and heating 16, 16' of a part 31 molded together with the first part of the hollow body 10, whether or not it is at least one of the internal components 30, the gripping element may be, for example, a gripper 15a or a suction element. In the examples of Figures 13 and 14, the gripper 15a can be moved from an open position (Figure 13) to a closed position (Figure 14) using an actuator 15b to place the parison 20 over the part 31, as described, for example, in European Patent No. 3946905. In the example of Figure 15, the heating element 16 is an electric heater 16a, and in the example of Figure 16, the heating element 16' is a hydroheater 16' for locally heating at least the parison 20. In one example, the part 31 is a metal fastener or a fiber reinforcement.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 12, at least one first section 3 of the mold 1 includes a blowing tool 13 for injecting pressurized gas into the parison 20. As seen in Figure 12, the blowing tool 13 includes a blowing needle 13a that can penetrate the parison 20 to perform step d). It can also be seen that the blowing needle 13a is movably mounted to the first molding surface 11 using an actuator 13b for moving it from a position where it is housed in at least one first section 3 to a position where it protrudes from the bottom of the first molding surface 11, and in the reverse direction.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 17, at least one first section 3 and / or second section 4 of part 1a of the mold 1 includes a cooling device 17 for cooling a portion of the hollow body 10. At least one first section 3a of the mold 1 includes a cooling element 17a for cooling a first portion of the hollow body 10. The second section 4a of the mold 1 includes a cooling element 17b for cooling a second portion of the hollow body 10. Of course, the cooling elements 17a and 17b can be part of the same hydro circuit of the cooling device 17.

[0094] Figures 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of mold 1. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a second portion 1b of mold 1 forms an integrated section 8. In other words, the integrated section 8 in Figures 8 to 10 replaces at least one first section 3b and a second section 4b of portion 1b of mold 1 compared to the first embodiment in Figures 5 to 7. This simplifies mold 1 by reducing the number of parts required to construct it.

[0095] Figures 18 to 21 show a third embodiment of mold 1. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that mold 1 is a mold used to extrude and blow mold a hollow body 10 of a plastic "saddle tank" for automobiles from a parison 20.

[0096] Part 1a of the mold 1 includes at least one third section 18, 18a having a third molding surface 19, 19a of a third part of the hollow body 10 to be manufactured. The third molding surface 19, 19a includes at least one secondary support region 5b. At least one third section 18, 18a of part 1a of the mold 1 moves relative to at least one first section 3, 3a attached to part 1a of the mold 1, between an intermediate position and a final position. In the final position, at least one secondary support region 5b is configured to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison 20 by compression.

[0097] In each example shown in Figures 18 to 25, the third molding surfaces 19, 19a of part 1a of mold 1 include a plurality of secondary support regions 5b. In these examples, part 1a of the first mold 1 includes at least one first section 3a, a second section 4a, and at least one third section 18a, while part 1b of mold 1 includes the second section 4b, as well as a single integrated section combining at least one first section 3b and at least one third section 18b.

[0098] Figures 18 to 21 also show parts of a machine 100 for extruding blow molding a hollow body 10 of an automotive plastic saddle tank from a parison 20. The molding machine 100 includes a mold 1 based on the third embodiment described above. Figure 18 shows the mold 1 in an open position (open mold 1), Figure 19 shows the mold 1 in an intermediate closed position, and Figure 20 shows the mold 1 in a final closed position. Figure 20 also shows at least one third section 18 of part 1a of the mold 1 in the intermediate position, and Figure 21 shows at least one third section 18 of part 1a of the mold 1 in the final position.

[0099] In the example shown above, the second sections 4, 4a, and 4b of mold 1 surround at least one first section 3, 3a, and 3b of mold 1 at the final closed position of parts 1a, and at least one first section 3, 3a, and 3b of mold 1 surrounds at least one third section 18, 18a, and 18b, so that the first molding surfaces 11, 11a, and 11b, the second molding surfaces 12, 12a, and 12b, and the third molding surfaces 19, 19a, and 19b combine to form the entire molding surface or cavity 2.

[0100] Figures 18 to 21 also show an extrusion blow molding method for a hollow body 10 of an automotive plastic saddle tank using a parison 20, the saddle tank including at least one internal component 30 fixed inside the parison 20 during molding of the hollow body 10, the method preferably involves the following steps carried out sequentially, namely a) A step of inserting at least one internal component 30 and a molten parison 20 into an open mold 1 consisting of two parts 1a and 1b such that at least one internal component 30 is surrounded by the parison 20, wherein at least one part 1a and 1b of the mold 1 includes at least one first section 3, a second section 4, and at least one third section 18, which internally define a first molding surface 11, a second molding surface 12, and a third molding surface 19 of the entire molding surface of the mold 1, respectively. b) A step of moving at least one first section 3 of portions 1a, 1b of mold 1 such that the mold 1 is in an intermediate closed position where at least one first section 3 presses the parison 20 against at least one internal component 30, wherein the first molding surface 11 is configured to simultaneously form multiple fixing zones for at least one internal component 30 into the parison 20 by compression, c) A step of moving the second section 4 of part 1a, 1b of part 1a, 1b of mold 1 relative to at least one first section 3 of part 1a, 1b of mold 1 such that the two parts 1a, 1b of mold 1 are closed and mold 1 is in a final closed position that defines the entire molding surface inside that reproduces a predetermined shape of the hollow body 10 to be manufactured, d) Moving at least one third section 18 of part 1a, 1b of mold 1 relative to at least one first section 3 of part 1a, 1b of mold 1 such that at least one third section 18 is positioned where the third molding surface 19 presses the parison 20 to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison 20, e) A step of pressing the parison 20 against the entire molding surface of the mold 1 using pressurized gas to blow in the parison 20, f) The step of opening the mold 1 to remove the manufactured hollow body 10. Includes.

[0101] Preferably, pressurized gas is injected into the parison 20 between steps a) and b) to perform pre-blowing of the parison 20. This type of gas injection can be carried out according to step b) of Patent Document 1, in particular to expand the parison while ensuring uniform thickness. Gas injection at a lower pressure than that in step e) can be carried out by various methods known to those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, gas injection for pre-blowing can be carried out by a blowing tool used to carry out step e), a dedicated tool mounted on the mold, a hollow support rod of an internal component, or a nozzle included in the parison's extrusion head.

[0102] Advantageously, in step b), at least one of the internal components 30 is fixed inside the parison 20 by welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening.

[0103] The blowing in step e) is carried out at the final closed position of mold 1 with a blowing pressure of approximately 10 bar (1 MPa).

[0104] Preferably, at least one third section 18 of parts 1a, 1b of the mold 1 is divided into a plurality of subsections that move with respect to each other between an intermediate position and a final position, and the third molding surface 19 includes a plurality of secondary support regions 5b, each secondary support region 5b being supported by at least one subsection of the third section 18.

[0105] Figures 22 to 25 show a fourth embodiment of the mold 1. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that at least one third section 18, 18a of part 1a of the mold 1 is divided into a plurality of subsections that are separated from each other, and each secondary support area 5b is supported by a subsection of at least one third section 18, 18a of part 1a of the mold 1.

[0106] According to the present invention, advantageously, a subsection of at least one third section 18, 18a of part 1a of the mold 1 moves relative to each other between an intermediate position and a final position.

[0107] Figures 26 and 27, showing the mold 1 in its final position, illustrate a fifth embodiment of the mold 1. The fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the secondary support region 5b is configured to bring two opposing support regions of the parison 20 into contact with each other for local welding when the third sections 18, 18a, 18b of parts 1a, 1b of the mold 1 are in their final position. This local weld 22 is sometimes referred to as a "kiss off" or "kiss point" and can, for example, locally reinforce a hollow body. More specifically, according to this particular embodiment, each of the 1 parts 1a, 1b of the mold includes at least one secondary support region 5b, which is configured to press two opposing support regions of the parison 20 between them for local welding when the third sections 18a, 18b of each of the 1 parts 1a, 1b of the mold 1 are in their final position. In this way, a local weld 22 capable of reinforcing a hollow body can be easily formed. It is understood that the secondary support region 5b has a special shape that allows two opposing support regions of the parison 20 to come into contact in order to enable local welding 22. This shape varies depending on the embodiment, for example, according to the desired contact surface between the two opposing support regions of the parison 20.

[0108] Figures 26 and 27 show a cross-section of the mold 1 in its final position, passing through the local weld 22. In this case, it is confirmed that the local weld 22 locally connects both walls of the parison 20 that form the upper and lower walls of the hollow body 10.

[0109] Figure 27 also shows the internal component 30 to be fixed. In this example, the internal component 30 includes a fuel line 33 connecting two opposing parts of the internal component 30. Note that the fuel line 33 is located on a different plane parallel to the cross-section passing through the local weld 22.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and variations described herein, and other embodiments and variations will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art. In other words, the embodiments described above are illustrative. Although the specification refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference numeral relates to the same embodiment or that each feature applies to only one embodiment. Individual features of the various embodiments can also be combined and / or interchangeable to provide other embodiments. Not limitingly, in a second embodiment, to further simplify the molding machine 100, it is conceivable to use only one actuator 7 to move the second section 4a to the integrated section 8 (i.e., immovable). Similarly, although Figures 1 to 17 show the presence of only one first section 3a, 3b of parts 1a, 1b of mold 1, it is conceivable that at least one first section 3a, 3b of mold 1 includes multiple first sections 3a, 3b, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 first sections 3a, 3b. [Additional note 1] A mold (1) for extrude blow molding a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank from a parison (20), wherein the tank includes at least one internal component (30) that is fixed inside the parison (20) when the hollow body (10) is being molded, and the mold (1) includes two parts (1a, 1b) that are movable relative to each other, and when the parts are closed relative to each other, an entire molding surface is defined inside for reproducing a predetermined shape of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, and at least one of the parts (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is, - A first section (3, 3a, 3b) having first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of a first portion of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) include at least one primary support region (5a) configured to form a fixing zone for at least one internal component (30) inside the parison (20) by compression, - A second section (4, 4a, 4b) having a second molding surface (12, 12a, 12b) of a second part of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the second section (4, 4a, 4b) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) between at least an intermediate closed position and a final closed position of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1), -At least one third section (18, 18a, 18b) having a third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) of the third portion of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) includes at least one secondary support region (5b), and at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) between at least an intermediate position and a final position in which at least one of the secondary support regions (5b) is configured to compress and reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison (20), and A mold that includes a mold. [Additional note 2] The mold according to Appendix 1, wherein the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) are configured to extend along the circumscribing surface including the primary support region (5a) associated with the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1). [Additional note 3] The mold according to Appendix 2, wherein the circumscribing surfaces of the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) include a predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area (5a) of at least one of the internal components (30) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) in order to suppress material warping around each fixing zone. [Additional note 4] The mold according to Appendix 3, wherein the predetermined margin distance around at least the fixed zone is between 1 mm and 60 mm. [Additional note 5] The mold according to any one of the appendices 2 to 4, wherein the circumscribing surface of the first molding surface (11, 11a, 11b) of at least one portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is 15% or more of the total molding surface. [Additional note 6] The mold according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the secondary support region (5b) or at least one of the secondary support regions (5b) is configured to bring two opposing support regions of the parison (20) into contact for local welding when the third section (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is in its final position. [Additional note 7] The mold according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes a plurality of secondary support regions (5b). [Additional note 8] The mold according to Appendix 7, wherein at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is divided into a plurality of subsections that are separated from each other, and each secondary support area (5b) is supported by one subsection of at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1). [Additional note 9] The mold according to appendix 8, wherein the subsection of at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to each other between the intermediate position and the final position. [Additional Note 10] The mold according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein each part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b), a second section (4, 4a, 4b), and at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b). [Additional Note 11] The mold according to appendix 10, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) of the mold (1) of each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one primary support region (5a) configured to press the parison (20) against the same at least one internal component (30) for the purpose of fixing the same at least one internal component (30) inside the parison (20) when the hollow body (10) is being formed. [Additional Note 12] The mold according to any one of the portions (1a, 1b) of the mold (1), wherein only one of them includes at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b), a second section (4, 4a, 4b), and at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b). [Additional Note 13] The mold according to any one of appendices 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) of the mold (1) in each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is surrounded in the final closed position by the second sections (4, 4a, 4b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1). [Additional Note 14] The mold according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the mold (1) in each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is surrounded by at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) in the final closed position. [Additional Note 15] The mold according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) and / or the third section (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) comprises a plurality of first sections (3, 3a, 3b) and / or third sections (18, 18a, 18b). [Additional Note 16] A machine for extrude blow molding a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank from a parison, characterized by including a mold (1) as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 15. [Additional Note 17] An extrusion blow molding method for a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank using a parison (20), wherein the tank includes at least one internal component (30) that is fixed inside the parison (20) during the molding of the hollow body (10), and the method comprises the following steps, namely: a) A step of inserting at least one internal component (30) and the molten parison (20) into an open mold (1) consisting of two parts (1a, 1b) such that at least one internal component (30) is surrounded by the parison (20), wherein at least one part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one first section (3), a second section (4), and at least one third section (18), which internally define a first molding surface (11), a second molding surface (12), and a third molding surface (19) of the entire molding surface of the mold (1), respectively. b) A step of moving at least one of the first sections (3) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that the mold (1) is in an intermediate closed position where the parison (20) is pressed against at least one of the internal components (30), the first molding surface (11) is configured to form a plurality of fixing zones for at least one of the internal components (30) into the parison (20) by compression, c) A step of moving the second section (4) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) relative to at least one of the first section (3) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that the two parts (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) are closed and the mold (1) is in a final closed position that defines the entire molding surface inside which reproduces a predetermined shape of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, d) Moving at least one of the third sections (18) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that at least one of the third sections (18) is positioned so that the third molding surface (19) presses against the parison (20) to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison (20), e) A step of pressing the parison (20) against the entire molding surface of the mold (1) using pressurized gas to blow in the parison (20), f) The step of opening the mold (1) to remove the manufactured hollow body (10) A method characterized by including the following. [Additional Note 18] The molding method according to Appendix 17, wherein pressurized gas is injected into the parison (20) between step a) and step b) in order to perform pre-blowing of the parison (20). [Additional Note 19] The molding method according to appendix 17 or 18, wherein in step b), at least one of the internal components (30) is fixed inside the parison (20) by welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Mold 1a First part of the mold 1b Second part of the mold 2. Cavity of the mold 3, 3a, 3b First section of the mold 4, 4a, 4b Second section of the mold 5a Primary bearing area 5b Secondary bearing area 6. First actuator 7. Second actuator 8. Integrated Section 9. Support plate 10 Hollow body 11, 11a, 11b First molding surface 12, 12a, 12b Second molding surface 13. Recording Tools 13a Insufflation needle 13b Actuator of the injection needle 14 Suction element 14a Bottom suction element 14b Attraction element of primary support region 5a 14c Communication channel to the suction device 15 Gripping elements 15a Grippa 15b Actuator 16, 16´ heating element 16a Electric heater 16b Hydroheater 17 Cooling device 17a Cooling element of Section 3a of the first section 17b Cooling elements of Section 4a, Section 2 18, 18a, 18b Third section of the mold 19, 19a, 19b Third molding surface 20 Parisons 21. Moving parts of the lower sealing device of the parison 22 Localized welding 30 Internal Components 31 parts 32 Support rods for internal components 33 Fuel line 100 Extrusion blow molding machine, machine that performs extrusion blow molding.

Claims

1. A mold (1) for extrude blow molding a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank from a parison (20), wherein the tank includes at least one internal component (30) that is fixed inside the parison (20) when the hollow body (10) is molded, and the mold (1) includes two parts (1a, 1b) that are movable relative to each other, and when the parts are closed to each other, an entire molding surface is defined inside for reproducing a predetermined shape of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, and at least one of the parts (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is, - A first section (3, 3a, 3b) having first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of a first portion of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) include at least one primary support region (5a) configured to compress and form a fixing zone for at least one internal component (30) inside the parison (20), - A second section (4, 4a, 4b) having a second molding surface (12, 12a, 12b) of a second part of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the second section (4, 4a, 4b) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) between at least an intermediate closed position and a final closed position of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1), - At least one third section (18, 18a, 18b) having a third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) of the third portion of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, wherein the third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) includes at least one secondary support region (5b), and at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) between at least an intermediate position and a final position in which at least one of the secondary support regions (5b) is configured to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison (20) by compression, and A mold that includes a mold.

2. The mold according to claim 1, wherein the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) are configured to extend along the circumscribing surface that encloses the primary support region (5a) associated with the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1).

3. The mold according to claim 2, wherein the circumscribing surfaces of the first molding surfaces (11, 11a, 11b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) include a predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support area (5a) of at least one of the internal components (30) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) in order to suppress material warping around each fixing zone.

4. The mold according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined margin distance at least around the primary support region (5a) is between 1 mm and 60 mm.

5. The mold according to claim 2, wherein the circumscribing surface of the first molding surface (11, 11a, 11b) of at least one portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is 15% or more of the total molding surface.

6. The mold according to claim 1, wherein the secondary support region (5b) or at least one of the secondary support regions (5b) is configured to bring two opposing regions of the parison (20) into contact for local welding when the third section (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is in its final position.

7. The mold according to claim 1, wherein the third molding surface (19, 19a, 19b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes a plurality of secondary support regions (5b).

8. The mold according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is divided into a plurality of subsections that are separated from each other, and each secondary support area (5b) is supported by one subsection of at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1).

9. The mold according to claim 8, wherein the subsection of at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) moves relative to the intermediate position and the final position.

10. The mold according to claim 1, wherein each part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b), a second section (4, 4a, 4b), and at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b).

11. The mold according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) of each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one primary support region (5a) configured to press the parison (20) against the same at least one internal component (30) in order to form at least two different fixing zones for the same at least one internal component (30) for the purpose of fixing the same at least one internal component (30) inside the parison (20) when the hollow body (10) is being molded.

12. The mold according to claim 1, wherein only one of the portions (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one first section (3, 3a, 3b), a second section (4, 4a, 4b), and at least one third section (18, 18a, 18b).

13. The mold according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) of each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is surrounded by the second sections (4, 4a, 4b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) in the final closed position.

14. The mold according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the third sections (18, 18a, 18b) of each portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) is surrounded by at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) attached to the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) in the final closed position.

15. The mold according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sections (3, 3a, 3b) and / or the third section (18, 18a, 18b) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) comprises a plurality of first sections (3, 3a, 3b) and / or third sections (18, 18a, 18b).

16. A machine for extrude blow molding a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank from a parison, characterized by including a mold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An extrusion blow molding method for a hollow body (10) of an automotive plastic tank using a parison (20), wherein the tank includes at least one internal component (30) that is fixed inside the parison (20) during the molding of the hollow body (10), and the method comprises the following steps, namely: a) A step of inserting at least one internal component (30) and the molten parison (20) into an open mold (1) consisting of two parts (1a, 1b) such that at least one internal component (30) is surrounded by the parison (20), wherein at least one part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) includes at least one first section (3), a second section (4), and at least one third section (18), which internally define a first molding surface (11), a second molding surface (12), and a third molding surface (19) of the entire molding surface of the mold (1), respectively. b) A step of moving at least one of the first sections (3) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that the mold (1) is in an intermediate closed position where the parison (20) is pressed against at least one of the internal components (30), the first molding surface (11) is configured to form a plurality of fixing zones for at least one of the internal components (30) into the parison (20) by compression, c) A step of moving the second section (4) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) relative to at least one of the first section (3) of the part (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that the two parts (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) are closed and the mold (1) is in a final closed position that defines the entire molding surface inside which reproduces a predetermined shape of the hollow body (10) to be manufactured, d) Moving at least one of the third sections (18) of the portion (1a, 1b) of the mold (1) such that at least one of the third sections (18) is positioned so that the third molding surface (19) presses against the parison (20) in order to reduce a predetermined volume inside the parison (20), e) A step of pressing the parison (20) against the entire molding surface of the mold (1) using pressurized gas to blow in the parison (20), f) The step of opening the mold (1) to remove the manufactured hollow body (10) A method characterized by including the following.

18. The molding method according to claim 17, wherein pressurized gas is injected into the parison (20) between step a) and step b) in order to perform pre-blowing of the parison (20).

19. The molding method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein in step b), at least one of the internal components (30) is fixed inside the parison (20) by welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening.

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