Assembly for a plastic fuel tank of a vehicle, plastic fuel tank, vehicle and method of manufacturing the plastic fuel tank

BR112025025426B1Active Publication Date: 2026-08-11OPMOBILITY C POWER BELGIUM RESEARCH
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Patent Information

Application Number
BR112025025426
Authority / Receiving Office
BR · BR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2026-08-11

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Description

1 / 17 ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, PLASTIC FUEL TANK, VEHICLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK Background of the invention

[0001] In the past, fuel tanks were manufactured from materials such as steel. However, the demand for lighter vehicles has led to the development of plastic fuel tanks that reduce vehicle weight and offer more design flexibility. Blow molding (BM) is a well-known method of manufacturing plastic fuel tanks.

[0002] The BM process involves extruding a molten thermoplastic material known as a preform between two mold halves that combine unitarily to form the desired shape of the plastic fuel tank to be produced. Each mold half closes over the preform, and the introduction of a pressurized gas into the preform allows the molten thermoplastic to expand within the mold, thus providing the body of the plastic fuel tank. Documents WO 2023031453,A1, EP 2155469,A1, US 2012006476,A1 and GB 2559348,A disclose examples of implementation of the BM process.

[0003] The internal components of the fuel tank can be placed inside the plastic fuel tank after the blow molding process through a formed opening. Alternatively, internal components of the plastic fuel tank can be inserted inside the tank during the blow molding process. The first process is disadvantageous because it requires openings to be made in the tank after the tank has been sealed, thus increasing the total manufacturing time and compromising the control of evaporative emissions. The latter method is more efficient because the internal components are inserted into the preform before the formation of the plastic fuel tank body.

[0004] However, since the BM process uses heating and cooling to produce the plastic fuel tank body, expansion occurs. Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 8 / 36 2 / 17 thermal and shrinkage, which ultimately limits the precise placement of internal components within the tank body. As a result, quality problems arise in the finished product.

[0005] There is a demand to control the precision of the components placed inside a plastic fuel tank. There is a demand for a lighter assembly that offers compliance with the shrinkage and thermal expansion of a plastic fuel tank during the manufacturing process and, more specifically, during a BM process. In addition, there is a demand for a simplified manufacturing process. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, an assembly for a plastic fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first loader having a first coupling means, a second loader having a second coupling means, and a deformable link. The first loader and the second loader are connected by a deformable link, said deformable link allowing movement of the first loader and the second loader relative to each other. The first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to receive an insertion pin through the deformable link, so as to inhibit movement of the first loader and the second loader relative to each other.

[0008] The term deformable can be understood as something that easily undergoes a change in shape in response to external stimuli, such as a change in temperature or transmitted force.

[0009] The term loader can be understood as a means of supporting the functional components of the plastic fuel tank. The functional components can be arranged in the loader and can be introduced along with the loader during the BM process.

[0010] The expression functional components can be understood as Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 9 / 36 3 / 17 Internal components of the fuel tank used for the operation of a plastic fuel tank, for example: valves, pumps, conduits, fuel noise reduction means, such as a baffle, reinforcing elements, such as a pillar, and other devices known in the art.

[0011] The term "internal" in relation to a plastic fuel tank can be understood as defining the interior of a fuel tank.

[0012] Advantageously, the movement of the first loader relative to the second loader provides flexibility in the assembly, thus reducing stress within the plastic fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process through thermal expansion and shrinkage. Furthermore, since the first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to receive the insertion pin through the deformable link, this allows the assembly to be introduced into the plastic fuel tank more easily by reducing the assembly's flexibility by inhibiting the movement of the first loader relative to the second loader. Preferably, the first coupling means is aligned with the second coupling means, allowing the insertion of a cylindrical insertion pin through the deformable link.

[0013] Furthermore, when the assembly does not have the insertion pin, the assembly can revert to a flexible state. This allows for a less complex manufacturing process. Additionally, since the assembly is configured to receive the insertion pin through the deformable link, a more compact assembly is provided.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the first loader and / or the second loader may include at least one booster element. The booster element may comprise a first fusion means and a second fusion means configured to be connected, respectively, to the upper portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank and to the lower portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank.

[0015] The term upper portion can be understood as defining a region of the internal plastic fuel tank that is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the assembly, above said assembly, and is perpendicular to the direction Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 10 / 36 4 / 17 longitudinal of at least one reinforcing element.

[0016] The term lower portion can be understood as the definition of a region of the internal plastic fuel tank that is positioned longitudinally in the assembly, under said assembly, and is parallel to the upper portion of the fuel tank.

[0017] The first fusion medium and the second fusion medium may be welding media. Advantageously, at least one reinforcing element may absorb forces caused by external or internal forces transmitted to the fuel tank.

[0018] At least one reinforcing element may be hollow and generally cylindrical in shape. At least one reinforcing element may have a cross-section that varies along its length.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, at least one booster element, preferably at least one booster element of the first loader, may comprise a receiving means configured to receive the insertion pin.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second loaders each comprise a reinforcing element. Advantageously, the implementation of two reinforcing elements allows for better absorption of external and / or internal forces transmitted to the plastic fuel tank. This is particularly beneficial when the plastic fuel tank is a saddle tank configuration, with two compartments requiring more reinforcement.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the first loader and / or the second loader may comprise at least one deflector. Advantageously, the deflector reduces splash noise that occurs through an agglomeration of fluid waves within the fuel tank. The deflector may be connected to the upper and lower portions of the fuel tank, thereby improving the stability of the plastic fuel tank.

[0022] Preferably, at least one deflector is made of plastic material. More preferably, the plastic material can be the same material as that of the preform. Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 11 / 36 5 / 17

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the deflector may include at least one perforation. Advantageously, at least one perforation allows fuel to flow into the plastic fuel tank at a minimum speed, thus improving splash noise reduction and increasing the available fuel volume in the tank.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the first loader and / or the second loader may comprise a plurality of horizontal ribs and a plurality of vertical ribs. Each of the pluralities of horizontal ribs may be arranged longitudinally in the direction of a geometric axis ze separated at predetermined distances in the direction of a geometric axis y. The term rib may be understood as a supporting member intended to provide structural reinforcement.

[0025] Each of the pluralities of vertical ribs can be on the geometric axis y and can be separated by a predetermined distance on the geometric axis z. The plurality of vertical ribs can be superimposed on the plurality of horizontal ribs. The plurality of vertical ribs and horizontal ribs can therefore form a waffle-like structure.

[0026] The horizontal expression can be understood as defining the longitudinal direction of the assembly. The longitudinal direction of the assembly corresponds to the geometric axis z, which is also the geometric axis along which the preform is extruded during the BM process.

[0027] The vertical expression can be understood as defining the transversal direction of the set. The transversal direction of the set corresponds to the geometric y-axis.

[0028] Advantageously, the plurality of horizontal ribs and the plurality of vertical ribs allows the assembly to have a reduced weight and allows an increase in the available volume inside the plastic fuel tank for fuel, without compromising the mechanical strength of the assembly.

[0029] In a more preferred embodiment, the plurality of horizontal ribs of the first loader can be connected to at least one deflector and / or to the... Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 12 / 36 6 / 17 minus one reinforcing element. The plurality of horizontal ribs and the plurality of vertical ribs of the second loader can be connected to at least one deflector and / or at least one reinforcing element.

[0030] More preferably, a portion of the plurality of vertical ribs and a portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs are arranged so as to form a crucifix that connects with at least one deflector on the second loader of the assembly. In particular, the crucifix has an intersection wherein this intersection has the maximum contact surface area with at least one deflector. The plurality of vertical ribs and the plurality of horizontal ribs may also connect with at least one reinforcing element on the first loader of the assembly and / or on the second loader of the assembly.

[0031] Advantageously, this crucifix configuration in connection with at least one deflector provides the deflector and the loader with enhanced mechanical strength.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the first coupling means may include an inlet through hole and an outlet through hole along the geometric z-axis. Advantageously, this allows the insertion pin to be inserted into the charger more easily. Furthermore, the second coupling means may include at least one inlet through hole along the geometric z-axis to receive the insertion pin.

[0033] Advantageously, this allows the insertion pin to be firmly positioned in the assembly, which further reduces the flexibility of the assembly during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the second coupling means may also include an outlet through hole in addition to the inlet through hole.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the inlet passage hole and the outlet passage hole of the first coupling means may be larger than the diameter of the inlet passage hole of the second coupling means.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the deformable link can Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 13 / 36 7 / 17 may comprise a first strip, or it may comprise a first strip and a second strip. The first strip and the second strip may be identical or similarly shaped strips and connected in a face-to-face configuration.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, each strip is identical in shape to the other. The first strip is the mirror image of the second strip along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry comprises a geometric axis located along the through holes of the first coupling medium and the second coupling medium.

[0037] In a more preferred embodiment, each strip is substantially V-shaped. As the first strip is the mirror image of the second strip along a plane of symmetry, and the plane of symmetry comprises a geometric axis located along the through holes of the first coupling means and the second coupling means, the first strip connects with the second strip at the greater width of the V.

[0038] In a more preferred embodiment, each of the first strip and the second strip are substantially V-shaped, and the first strip comprises two strip elements and the second strip comprises two strip elements. Advantageously, the deformable connection as such provides the assembly with more reliable flexibility. In other embodiments, the first strip and / or the second strip have a shape selected from the group consisting of a V-shape, an S-shape, an N-shape, an M-shape, a C-shape, a U-shape, and combinations thereof. These shapes also provide the deformable connection and the assembly with reliable flexibility. When the deformable connection comprises a single strip, this single strip is preferably an S-shaped strip or an N-shaped strip with a through hole for the insertion pin.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the first charger and the second charger may be a unitary structure. The term unitary structure may be understood as a single, uniform unit. Advantageously, this reduces the number of steps required to manufacture the assembly, thereby reducing the total manufacturing time. Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 14 / 36 8 / 17

[0040] Preferably, the first loader and the second loader, at least one deflector, at least one reinforcement means and at least one deformable link are a unitary structure. Alternatively, the first loader and the second loader may be separate and combinable by means of an assembly means.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first charger and the second charger of the assembly may comprise a connection means configured to receive a ventilation line or a fuel line.

[0042] In a second aspect of the invention, a plastic fuel tank is provided comprising the assembly as described above.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic fuel tank may have a saddle configuration.

[0044] In a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided comprising the plastic fuel tank as described above.

[0045] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing the plastic fuel tank described above is provided. The method may include providing a preform; providing an insertion pin; coupling the assembly described in the aspects mentioned above to the insertion pin; inserting the assembly coupled to the insertion pin into the preform; and blow-molding the preform into a plastic fuel tank.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion pin may comprise a plurality of stepped portions on its surface in its longitudinal direction. The term stepped portion may be understood as defining a salient region of the insertion pin that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal geometric axis of the pin. The stepped portions may be separated by a predetermined distance from each other, this predetermined distance depending on the dimensions of the assembly and the dimensions of the plastic fuel tank to be mounted. Advantageously, the stepped portions allow the internal components to be seated in customized positions in the plastic fuel tank using a single insertion pin. Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 15 / 36 9 / 17 insertion.

[0047] The first stepped portion of the insertion pin has a width substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the inlet hole of the first coupling means and the outlet hole of the first coupling means. Advantageously, as the stepped portions of the insertion pin are complementary to the coupling means of the assembly, the rotation of the insertion pin is restricted, thus preventing agitation and inaccurate placement of the internal components in the plastic fuel tank.

[0048] The second stepped portion of the insertion pin may have a width substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of at least one inlet passage hole of the second coupling means. The second stepped portion of the insertion pin may be arranged in the assembly so that it contacts the inlet hole of the second coupling means without entering the inlet hole of the second coupling means. Advantageously, this prevents the insertion pin from slipping in the assembly, thus allowing the assembly to be positioned more precisely in the plastic fuel tank.

[0049] Advantageously, after removing the insertion pin, the assembly can return to a flexible state, thus providing a less complex manufacturing process. Brief description of the Figures

[0050] Other features and advantages would appear by reading the following description, given as an illustrative and not restrictive example, and with the attached drawings in which:

[0051] Figure 1A illustrates an assembly for a plastic fuel tank according to the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the deformation connection in the assembly for the plastic fuel tank, according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a plurality of vertical ribs and a plurality of horizontal ribs in an assembly according to the present Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 16 / 36 10 / 17 revelation.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates an insertion pin according to the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates the coupling of the insertion pin with the assembly, according to the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates a blow molding method for a plastic fuel tank according to the present disclosure.

[0057] Figures 6A to 6E are enlarged cross-sectional views of the deformation link in the plastic fuel tank assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0058] The term plastic is understood to mean a thermoplastic polymer. The term polymer can designate homopolymers and / or copolymers.

[0059] A fuel tank is understood to be a reservoir intended for the storage of fuel. The term fuel may refer to material in a liquid and / or gaseous state that can produce heat or energy after combustion.

[0060] Figure 1A shows an assembly 100 for a plastic fuel tank. The assembly has a first loader 110 and a second loader 110'. The first loader 110 and the second loader 110' are connected by a deformable link 120. The assembly 100 is oriented longitudinally along the geometric axis z, where the geometric axis z corresponds to an extrusion direction of the preform.

[0061] The first loader and the second loader are each connected to a reinforcement element 140, 140'. Figure 1A shows that the first loader 110 is connected to reinforcement element 140 and the second loader 110' is connected to reinforcement element 140'. The reinforcement elements 140, 140' are oriented longitudinally along the geometric y-axis.

[0062] Each reinforcing element comprises a first fusion means 132, 132' and a second fusion means 134, 134'. The first fusion means 132, 132' of each reinforcing element 140, 140' is configured to be fixed in the portion Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 17 / 36 11 / 17 upper part of the inner surface of the fuel tank. The second fusion means 134, 134' of each reinforcing element 140, 140' is configured to attach to the lower portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank.

[0063] The expression interior surface of the fuel tank can be understood as defining the closed internal storage volume of the plastic fuel tank.

[0064] Each of the 140, 140' reinforcing elements is hollow and has an identical configuration with a cross-section that varies along its length, like a dumbbell configuration.

[0065] At least one reinforcing element 140, 140' comprises each a first opening 136, 136' and a second opening 138. The first opening 136, 136' and the second opening 138 allow fuel communication between the hollow part of at least one reinforcing element 140, 140' and the interior of the plastic fuel tank, thus maximizing the fuel capacity of the fuel tank while improving the mechanical strength of the plastic fuel tank. The first opening 136 is in close proximity to the second fusion medium 134, 134' and the second opening 138 is in close proximity to the first fusion medium 132.

[0066] The first loader 110 of the assembly 100 comprises a first coupling means 171 and the second loader 110' comprises a second coupling means 172. The first coupling means 171 and the second coupling means 172 are configured to receive an insertion pin 300. The insertion pin 300 according to the present disclosure is multifunctional, as it can be used to insert internal components into the plastic fuel tank and also inhibits the movement of the first loader 110 and the second loader 110' relative to each other during the manufacture of the plastic fuel tank, thus ensuring the precise placement of the components.

[0067] The first coupling means 171 comprises an inlet passage hole and an outlet passage hole along the geometric z-axis. The second coupling means 172 comprises at least one Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 18 / 36 12 / 17 inlet through hole also along the geometric z-axis. The linear arrangement of the first coupling means 171 and the second coupling means 172 allows the insertion pin 300 to be smoothly inserted and easily removed from the assembly 100. The diameter of the inlet through hole and the outlet through hole of the first coupling means 171 is larger than the diameter of the inlet through hole of the second coupling means 172.

[0068] The first charger 110 and the second charger 110' of the assembly 100 further comprise the connection means 161, 462 configured to receive a ventilation line or a fuel line (not shown).

[0069] Figure 1B shows an enlarged view of the deformable link 120 according to the assembly 100 shown in Figure 1A. The deformable link 120 has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling means 171 and the second coupling means 172.

[0070] The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially V-shaped. Since the first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry, σν, and this plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling medium 171 and the second coupling medium 172, the first strip 125 connects with the second strip 126 at the greatest width of the V.

[0071] The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 each comprise two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124, which provides ideal flexibility in the set 100.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the first loader 110 and the second loader 110' are both provided with a plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' and a plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202', 202'', 202'''.

[0073] Each of the pluralities of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' are separated by a predetermined distance and arranged in layers in the direction Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 19 / 36 13 / 17 of the geometric y-axis. Furthermore, each of the pluralities of vertical ribs 202, 202', 202'', 202''' are separated by a predetermined distance and arranged in layers in the longitudinal direction of the set 100. The plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202', 202'', 202''' and the plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' are superimposed on each other, so as to form, for example, a waffle-like structure.

[0074] In Figure 2, the plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' of the first loader 110 of the assembly 100 is connected to at least one reinforcement element 140. The plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' and the plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202', 202'', 202''' of the second loader 110' of the assembly 100 are connected to at least one deflector 150. The plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204', 204'', 204''' of the second loader of the assembly 100 is additionally connected to at least one reinforcement element 140'.

[0075] Figure 3 shows an insertion pin 300 according to the present disclosure. The insertion pin 300 comprises a fastening portion 363 and a plurality of stepped portions 362, 361 on its surface in its longitudinal direction. The stepped portions 362, 361 can be separated by a predetermined distance L1, L2 from each other, said predetermined distance being based on the dimensions of the assembly 100 and the dimensions of the plastic fuel tank to be manufactured.

[0076] The width W3 of the fastening portion 363 is less than the width W2 of the second stepped portion 362. The width W2 of the second stepped portion 362 is less than the width W1 of the first stepped portion 361. The stepped portions 361, 362 allow the internal components to be seated in a specific location on the insertion pin 300. The narrower width of the fastening portion 363 allows the insertion pin 300 to enter the assembly 100 easily.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a coupled assembly with insertion pin 400, according to the disclosure. When coupling insertion pin 300 with assembly 100, the Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 20 / 36 14 / 17 fastening portion 363 enters assembly 100 first. The second stepped portion 362 of the insertion pin 300 is arranged in assembly 100 so that it is seated in the deformation linkage 120 and has contact with the entry hole of the second coupling means 172 without entering the entry hole of the second coupling means 172. The first stepped portion 361 of the insertion pin 300 is seated in the first loader 110 of assembly 100.

[0078] The first stepped portion 361 of the insertion pin 300 has a width W1 substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the inlet passage hole and the diameter of the outlet passage hole of the first coupling means 171. The second stepped portion 362 of the insertion pin 300 has a width W2 substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of at least one inlet hole of the second coupling means 172.

[0079] As described in Figure 1B, the first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry, σν. Each of the first strips 125 and the second strip 126 comprises two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124. As shown in Figure 4, the insertion pin 300 is arranged in the assembly 100 along the geometric axis ze between the first strip 125 and the second strip 126 of the deformation link 120.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a blow molding method for a plastic fuel tank 580 according to the present disclosure. In step S-501, the assembly 100 is loaded onto the insertion pin 300 and the mold halves 512, 512' are in the open state. The insertion pin 300 linearly penetrates the first loader 110 and the second loader 110' through the deformation medium 120, which forms the coupled assembly with insertion pin 400.

[0081] In step S-502, a preform 530 is provided between the two mold halves 512, 512'. The preform 530 extends along the geometric z-axis for the entire length of the mold halves 512, 512' to ensure that the preform has surface contact with each mold half 512' 512'.

[0082] As shown in S-503, the mated assembly with insertion pin 400 is introduced into the preform 530 and a pre-blowing occurs, in which Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 21 / 36 15 / 17 Pressurized air enters preform 530. Pre-blowing of the preform encourages better surface contact between preform 530 and the mold halves 512, 512'.

[0083] Steps S-504 and S-505 show an intermediate closure of the mold halves 512, 512' before a complete closure of the mold halves 512, 512' in step S-506. In step S-507, the insertion pin 300 is removed from the preform 530, so as to leave the assembly 100 precisely positioned within said preform 530. After a final introduction of pressurized air into the preform 530, the plastic fuel tank 580 is formed. The surfaces of the mold halves 512, 512' bring the plastic fuel tank to a lower temperature in order to harden the plastic fuel tank 580 before returning the mold halves 512, 512' to the open state. The plastic fuel tank 580 is removed from the BM apparatus.

[0084] Figures 6A to 6E are enlarged cross-sectional views of the 120 strain links for the assembly shown in Figure 1A according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The deformable link 120 of Figure 6A has a first strip 125, but no second strip. The first strip 125 is substantially S-shaped.

[0086] The deformable link 120 of Figure 6B has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip under translation along the geometric Y-axis. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially N-shaped.

[0087] The deformable linkage 120 of Figure 6C has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 each comprise two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124, which provides ideal flexibility in the assembly. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling medium and the second coupling medium. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially M-shaped, i.e., each strip element of the first strip 125 and the second strip 126 is Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 22 / 36 16 / 17 substantially M-shaped. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling medium and the second coupling medium.

[0088] The deformable linkage 120 of Figure 6D has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling medium and the second coupling medium. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially C-shaped.

[0089] The deformable linkage 120 of Figure 6E has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through holes of the first coupling medium and the second coupling medium. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially U-shaped. LIST OF REFERENCES

[0090] 100: set

[0091] 110: first charger

[0092] 110': second charger

[0093] 120: deformable connection

[0094] 121, 122: strip elements included in the first strip

[0095] 123, 124: strip elements included in the second strip

[0096] 125: first strip

[0097] 126: second strip

[0098] 131, 131': early means of fusion

[0099] 132, 132': second means of fusion

[0100] 136, 136': first opening

[0101] 138: second opening

[0102] 140, 140': reinforcement element Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 23 / 36 17 / 17

[0103]

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107]

[0108]

[0109]

[0110]

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] 150: deflector 161, 462: connecting means 171: first coupling means 172: second coupling means 202, 202': plurality of vertical ribs 204, 204': plurality of horizontal ribs 300: insertion pin 361, 362, 363: stepped portions 400: coupled assembly with insertion pin 512, 512': mold halves 530: preform 580: plastic fuel tank Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 24 / 36

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Assembly (100) for a plastic fuel tank (580) of a vehicle comprising: - a first loader (110) with a first coupling means (171), - a second loader (110') with a second coupling means (172), - a deformable link (120), wherein the first loader (110) and the second loader (110') are connected by the deformable link (120), wherein the deformable link (120) allows movement of the first loader (110) and the second loader (110') relative to each other, and wherein the first coupling means (171) and the second coupling means (172) are configured to receive an insertion pin (300), the assembly (100) characterized in that said insertion pin (300) is received through the deformable link (120) so as to inhibit the movement of the first charger (110) and the second charger (110') in relation to each other.

2. Assembly (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first loader (110) and / or the second loader (110') comprises at least one reinforcing element (140, 140').

3. Assembly (100), according to claim 2, characterized in that the first loader (110) and the second loader (110') each comprise a reinforcing element (140, 140').

4. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first loader (110) and / or the second loader (110') comprise at least one deflector (150).

5. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first loader (110) and / or the second loader (110') comprise a plurality of ribs (202, 202', 204, 204').

6. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 25 / 36 2 / 3 characterized in that the first coupling means (171) comprises an inlet through hole and an outlet through hole along a geometric axis (z).

7. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second coupling means (172) comprises an inlet through hole along a geometric axis (z).

8. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the deformable link (120) comprises a first strip (125).

9. Assembly (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that the deformable link (120) comprises a second strip (126).

10. Set (100), according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the first strip (125) and / or the second strip (126) have a shape selected from the group consisting of a V shape, an S shape, an N shape, an M shape, a C shape, a U shape and combinations thereof.

11. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first loader (110) and the second loader (110') are a unitary structure.

12. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that at least one reinforcing element (140, 140') comprises a through hole configured to receive the insertion pin (300).

13. Plastic fuel tank (580) characterized by the suit comprising the assembly (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Plastic fuel tank (580), according to claim 13, characterized in that the plastic fuel tank (580) has a saddle configuration.

15. Vehicle characterized in that it comprises the plastic fuel tank (580), as defined in either of claims 13 or 14.

16. Method for manufacturing the plastic fuel tank (580), as defined in any one of claims 13 or 14, by blow molding, wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - providing a preform (530), - providing an insertion pin (300), - coupling the assembly (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, with the insertion pin (300), - blow molding the preform (530). Petition 870260065540, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p. 27 / 36