Frame for a tank of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame (1) for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one device (10) intended to fix an internal reinforcement element (2) of the tank, characterized in that the device (10) intended to fix the internal reinforcement element (2) comprises at least one first structure (100) configured to at least partially surround a first external portion of the internal reinforcement element (2), and at least one second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround a second external portion of the internal reinforcement element (2). The invention also relates to an assembly (4) obtained after fixing the internal reinforcement element (2) to the frame (1), and to a tank comprising such an assembly (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of plastic tanks for motor vehicles, in particular liquid fuel tanks. The present invention generally relates to a frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one device intended to fix internal reinforcement elements of the tank.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a frame for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one device intended to fix an internal reinforcement element of the plastic tank of the motor vehicle.

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the frame and at least one internal reinforcement element, the assembly being configured to be fixed in a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, and to a plastic tank of a motor vehicle comprising the assembly. The invention also relates to a method for producing a plastic tank of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Plastic fuel tanks obtained by parison extrusion-blow molding are subject to dimensional changes during use, which may be caused by cooling with shrinkage of the material immediately after demoulding, or during their use, in particular due to overpressure or underpressure of their contents, or by thermal expansion during use, or possibly due to their aging.

[0005] It is known to insert internal reinforcement elements into the tank during its manufacture. The purpose of these internal reinforcement elements is to increase the strength of the plastic tank against the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected during its use.

[0006] Thus, document US 2011 / 0226777 A1 discloses an assembly comprising a frame and connecting elements for connection to the tank wall, said connecting elements being of low rigidity and not ensuring the internal reinforcement function, said frame also comprising a structure capable of deforming in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle to which it is mounted, as well as in the vertical direction Z of said vehicle. However, the ability of this assembly to adapt to changes in tank dimensions is quite limited. Moreover, the compressive and tensile strength of this assembly in the vertical direction of the vehicle is too low. Document DE 10 2012 019334 A1 discloses an assembly similar to the above-mentioned document, but having the same adaptability and strength problems. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] To this end, the object of the present invention is to provide an assembly comprising a frame for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, the assembly also comprising at least one internal reinforcement element, the assembly having a greater ability to adapt to dimensional variations of the tank, in particular during its manufacture, and having compressive and tensile strength in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle.

[0009] More specifically, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the object of the present invention is to provide a frame including a fixing device configured to fix at least one internal reinforcement element, the frame and the at least one internal reinforcement element being able to form an assembly having a greater ability to adapt to dimensional changes of a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, especially during the manufacturing process of the tank.

[0010] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention also aims to provide a plastic tank for a motor vehicle.

[0011] In at least one embodiment of the invention, a further object of the invention is to implement a method for producing a plastic tank for a motor vehicle.

[0012] According to one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one device intended to fasten an internal reinforcement element of the tank.

[0013] According to the invention, the device intended to fix an internal reinforcement element comprises:

[0014] at least one first structure configured to at least partially enclose a first outer portion of the inner reinforcement element; and

[0015] At least one second structure is configured to at least partially surround, preferably closely enclose, a second outer portion of the inner reinforcement element.

[0016] The general idea of ​​the invention is to use means for fixing the internal reinforcement element, while at least partially enclosing a first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element, centering the internal reinforcement element relative to the framework, and limiting the relative movement of the framework and the internal reinforcement element, mainly rotation relative to each other, by means of at least one second structure configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcement element. However, the connection obtained by such fixing means also allows a certain freedom of relative movement between the internal reinforcement element and the framework.

[0017] Thus, the invention is based on a completely new and inventive fixing device which makes it possible to improve the ability of the assembly consisting of a skeleton and at least one internal reinforcement element to adapt to changes in the dimensions of the tank and allows to reduce the stresses generated by said assembly in the tank. Moreover, by means of a first structure, a first external portion of the internal reinforcement element is at least partially enclosed on an axis parallel to the welding surface of the internal reinforcement element on the tank, which allows to increase the contact surface of the skeleton and the internal reinforcement element. This surface increase thus limits the relative displacement between the two parts on two parallel axes, in particular relative to the welding surface. This interconnection established between the internal reinforcement element and the skeleton by using a second structure configured to at least partially surround the second external structure allows to ensure the centering of the two parts. This centering limits the movements that are only allowed by at least partially enclosing the first external portion of the internal reinforcement element through the first structure. The skeleton thus has an indirect connection with the tank and is in a constant position. Preferably, the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second external portion of the internal reinforcement element at least partially encloses said at least one second external portion, which allows to improve the centering and fixing.

[0018] The term "internal reinforcement element" refers to a structural element welded at both ends to the plastic tank to limit deformation of the tank when it is compressed.

[0019] The term "tank" refers to a sealed tank capable of storing liquid fuel under various conditions of use and environment. The tank according to the invention is made with a plastic wall, which generally has an inner face on its concave part and an outer face on its convex part. Preferably, the tank is a plastic tank for liquid fuel.

[0020] The term "first structure configured to at least partially surround the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element" means that a portion of the first structure contacts at least a portion of the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element and applies pressure to the latter.

[0021] The term "second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element" means that the second structure at least partially surrounds a portion of the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element without necessarily exerting pressure on the latter. In other words, the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element can be constrained in a space larger than its size, so that it can move in a limited manner within the second structure.

[0022] The term "second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element" means that a portion of the second structure contacts at least a portion of the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element and applies pressure to the latter.

[0023] Advantageously, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the first structure configured to at least partially surround the first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises at least one arm configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcement element.

[0024] Thus, the insertion of at least one arm of the first structure of the fixing device between two protrusions located on the first external part of the internal reinforcing element ensures that the frame is prevented from undergoing translational displacement relative to the internal reinforcing element. More specifically, this insertion prevents the frame from moving relative to the internal reinforcing element in a direction perpendicular to the welding surface of the internal reinforcing element to the plastic tank.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the above embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that the first structure configured to at least partially surround the first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element includes at least two arms, preferably the at least two arms are configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcement element.

[0026] Thus, the first structure including the two arm portions allows the stress to be dispersed over the two arm portions, thereby improving the mechanical strength against the stress received.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that when the at least two arms are located in the same plane, the first structure of the first outer part configured to at least partially surround the inner reinforcement element includes a material hollowing portion, which is located between the two arms and faces the inner reinforcement element when the inner reinforcement element is fixed to the frame.

[0028] Thus, this first structure with the hollowed-out portion between the two arms provides greater flexibility to the two arms, which allows an easier tightening of the internal reinforcement element.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the framework for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the at least one arm portion forms an arc.

[0030] The fixation achieved by the arm having a circular arc shape is thus close to the clamping by means of a clamp, in particular when the clamping is carried out on a cylindrical region of the inner reinforcement element.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that the first structure of the first outer part configured to at least partially enclose the inner reinforcing element comprises at least two arms, at least one of the two arms, preferably both arms, has an arc shape. Preferably, at least one of the two arms has an angle greater than 180°. More preferably, at least one arm has a hook shape. When the first structure configured to at least partially enclose the first outer part of the inner reinforcing element comprises at least two arms having an arc shape, these arms have an angle of at most 180° when they are located in the same enclosing plane, especially when the inner reinforcing element has a cylindrical enclosed area, and the angle of the arc depends on the material constituting the arm. This arrangement allows the inner reinforcing element to be enclosed more easily.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the skeleton for a plastic tank for motor vehicles according to the invention is such that at least one arm comprises, at its end, an excroissance, preferably oriented towards the inner portion of the arm intended to enclose at least one first portion of an inner reinforcing element.

[0033] Thus, the protrusion can limit the length of the arc while ensuring tight encirclement of the inner reinforcing element. Limiting the length of the arc can reduce the "material" stress when positioning the reinforcing element within the arm of the first structure (preferably between two arms).

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the at least one arm comprises a locking device configured to lock the fixation of the inner reinforcement element to the frame, for example in the form of a ramp.

[0035] Thereby, the locking device can ensure the fixation of the internal reinforcement element on the frame, which helps to improve the reliability of the fixation.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the second structure of the second outer portion configured to at least partially surround the inner reinforcement element comprises at least one arm, preferably at least two arms.

[0037] Since the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer part of the internal reinforcement element comprises at least one arm, preferably at least two arms, the second structure is able to ensure guidance when the internal reinforcement element is arranged on the framework. Moreover, the second structure allows to ensure the maintenance of the internal reinforcement element relative to the vehicle in all directions X, Y and Z. The at least one arm, preferably the at least two arms, are preferably arranged on the second outer part of the internal reinforcement element, the second outer part being located at the end opposite to the first outer part of the internal reinforcement element, on which the arm is to be arranged, which is enclosed by the first structure. This advantageously allows to prevent the possibility of rotation of the internal reinforcement element around the rod.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the skeleton for the plastic tank of a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that at least one of the two arms (preferably the at least two arms) forms an arc. Preferably, at least one of the two arms has an angle greater than 180°. More preferably, at least one arm has a hook shape. When the second structure of the second outer part configured to at least partially surround the inner reinforcement element includes at least two arc-shaped arms, when these arms are located in the same enclosing plane, in particular when the inner reinforcement element has a cylindrical area for being partially surrounded, these arms have an angle of a maximum of 180°, and the angle of the arc depends on the material constituting the arm. This arrangement allows the inner reinforcement element to be surrounded more easily.

[0039] This arrangement can thus combine the mechanical holding function and the guiding function between the second structure and the inner reinforcement element.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the above embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the at least one arm of the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcement element is fixed to an extension, preferably in the form of a rod.

[0041] Thus, the use of this extension allows reducing the volume and the amount of material used.

[0042] The frame for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that the inner perimeter of the first structure configured to surround the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element is larger than the inner perimeter of the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element.

[0043] The inner circumference of the first structure configured to tightly surround the first outer part of the internal reinforcement element is greater than the inner circumference of the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer part of the internal reinforcement element, which allows the fixation of a reinforcement element having at least one area with a smaller cross-section, which is designed to break in the event of excessive mechanical actuation, and the fixation of the second structure is preferably located in this area.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that it comprises a deformable connection connecting the frame and the means intended to fix the internal reinforcement element, said connection being configured to be deformable so as to allow the frame and the means intended to fix the internal reinforcement element to be displaced relative to each other under the effect of a mechanical actuation external to the frame.

[0045] Thus, the deformable connection makes it possible to reduce stresses on the frame associated with temperature and pressure variations in the tank, which cause displacements of the internal reinforcement elements or of the internal reinforcement elements relative to each other, resulting in deformations. These displacements would generate stresses on the frame if no deformable connection was present on the frame and between the frame and one or more internal reinforcement elements. Preferably, the deformable connection allows deformation on an axis parallel to the surface of the internal reinforcement element welded to the tank.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the material on which the frame for the plastic tank of a motor vehicle according to the invention is based is selected from the group of materials consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK). Preferably, the frame is in the form of a single part.

[0047] The skeleton may also include support means for supporting components of the fuel tank, such as pumps, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors and valves, such as valves, valves of the rollover valve (ROV) type or filling limit vent valves (FLVV), or support means allowing the fixing of ventilation lines and fuel lines. The skeleton may also include or be used to support an oil baffle, which is also called an anti-noise baffle or an anti-sway baffle. Preferably, the components of the fuel tank, the ventilation lines and fuel lines and / or the oil baffle are fixed to the skeleton by "snapping". Thus, the "snapping" allows easy loading and unloading and fixing of the components of the fuel tank, the ventilation lines and fuel lines and / or the oil baffle on the skeleton.

[0048] According to a preferred variant, the frame for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle is such that it comprises a plurality of through holes. Preferably, the frame is also provided with reinforcement means, such as ribs.

[0049] Thus, the presence of through holes in the frame allows the liquid in the container to flow more easily.The presence of reinforcement means on the frame allows the frame to better withstand the stresses associated with fixing components on the frame or stresses generated by the tank comprising the frame.

[0050] According to a preferred variant, the frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle is such that it comprises a receiving element configured to receive an insertion device, such as a plunger used during the manufacture of the tank, in order to insert the assembly comprising the frame into the parison. The receiving element is advantageously in the form of a hole or a blind hole.

[0051] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising a frame for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the present invention and an internal reinforcement element. Preferably, the internal reinforcement element comprises at least one first portion intended to be tightly surrounded by a first structure of a fixing device, and at least one second portion configured to be at least partially surrounded by a second structure of the fixing device of the frame, and the first portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises at least two protrusions for inserting an arm of the first structure of the fixing device of the frame. Inserting at least one arm of the first structure of the fixing device between two protrusions on the internal reinforcement element ensures that a translational displacement of the frame relative to the internal reinforcement element is prevented. More specifically, this insertion makes it possible to prevent the frame from moving relative to the internal reinforcement element in a direction perpendicular to the welding surface of the internal reinforcement element on the tank. The protrusions are not located in high stress positions and therefore do not weaken the internal reinforcement element.

[0052] Preferably, the internal reinforcement element is in the form of a column, preferably a column of cylindrical or hourglass shape. The internal reinforcement element may also be in the form of a holder comprising a wall provided with a central hollowing-out, a part of which comprises a reinforcement rib. The wall of the holder may be flat or curved. The reinforcement element preferably comprises two parts at the two ends, which are overmoulded with a material capable of being welded to the wall of the tank. The internal reinforcement element preferably consists of a central part based on polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal and two parts overmoulded with high density polyethylene (HDPE). The internal reinforcement element preferably comprises a mechanically weak area, which enables the element to break when the element is subjected to high stresses originating from the forces applied to the tank. The mechanically weak area may be in the form of a smaller cross section on the wall, at least one recess, or a smaller thickness. The internal reinforcement element may comprise a hollow part, in particular in the central part of the reinforcement element. The weak area preferably corresponds to a second outer part of the internal reinforcement element.

[0053] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, which includes the assembly for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

[0054] The invention is also based on the object of providing a method for producing a plastic tank for a motor vehicle.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, the method comprises the step of fastening an internal reinforcement element according to the invention to a frame according to the invention for a plastic tank tank for a motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment provided as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] · Figure 1 An assembly according to the invention for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle is shown;

[0058] · Figure 2 The device intended to fix the internal reinforcement elements of the skeleton according to the invention is shown;

[0059] · Figure 3 shows the connection between the internal reinforcement element and the frame according to the invention;

[0060] · Figure 4 A device for fixing the internal reinforcement element of a tank to a frame is shown according to an embodiment variant of the invention;

[0061] · Figure 5 The connection between the frame and the inner reinforcement element according to an embodiment variant of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference Figure 1An embodiment of an assembly 4 for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is shown, comprising a frame 1 and an internal reinforcement element 2. The frame 1 for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle comprises at least one device 10 intended to fix the internal reinforcement element 2 to the tank. The frame 1 comprises a deformable connection 11 connecting the frame 1 and the device intended to fix the internal reinforcement element 2, said connection 11 being deformable so as to allow the frame 1 and the device 10 intended to fix the internal reinforcement element 2 to be displaced relative to each other under the effect of mechanical stresses external to the frame 1. The frame 1 also comprises a receiving element 12 configured to receive an insertion device, such as a plunger, which is used, for example, to insert the assembly 4 into a parison during the manufacture of the tank. The receiving element 12 is advantageously in the form of a hole or a blind hole. The material on which the frame 1 is based is selected from the group of materials constituted by high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK). The skeleton 1 also includes support means 3 for supporting components of the fuel tank, such as pumps, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and valves, such as valves, valves of the rollover valve (ROV) type, or valves of the filling limit venting valve (FLVV) type, or support means 3 allowing the fixing of ventilation lines and fuel lines. The skeleton 1 also includes a plurality of through holes 13. Preferably, the skeleton 1 is also provided with reinforcement means, such as ribs not shown. The internal reinforcement element 2 is in the form of a columnar column, preferably cylindrical, or in the shape of an hourglass. The internal reinforcement element 2 can also be in the form of a holder comprising a hollowed-out wall, the wall being provided with a central hollowing-out, a portion of the wall comprising reinforcement ribs. The wall of the holder can be flat or curved. Preferably, the reinforcement element 2 comprises at its two ends two parts overmolded by a material capable of being welded to the wall of the tank. The internal reinforcement element 2 is preferably composed of a central part based on polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal and two parts overmoulded with high density polyethylene (HDPE). The internal reinforcement element preferably comprises a mechanically weak area capable of causing the element to break when it is subjected to high stresses resulting from the forces to which the tank is subjected.

[0063] Figure 2A device 10 is shown intended to fix an internal reinforcement element of a tank to a frame 1. The device comprises at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround a first external portion of the internal reinforcement element, and at least one second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround a second external portion of the internal reinforcement element. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround the first external portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises two arms 1000 configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcement element, the two arms 1000 being in the shape of an arc of a circle and each arm comprising at its end a protrusion 1002 directed towards the internal portion of the arm 1000. When the two arc-shaped arms 1000 are located in the same enclosure plane, their angle is at most 180°. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second external portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises at least one arc-shaped arm 1010 fixed to an extension 1011 in the form of a rod 10110. The angle of the arc-shaped arm 1010 is greater than 180°. It is noted that the inner perimeter of the first structure 100 configured to surround the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element is greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element.

[0064] Figure 3The connection between an internal reinforcement element 2 and a frame 1 according to the invention, which forms part of an assembly 4 for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, is shown. The connection is implemented by means of a device 10, which comprises at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround a first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element, and at least one second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcement element 2. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround the first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises two arms 1000 configured to be inserted between two protrusions 20 of the internal reinforcement element 2, the two arms 1000 being in the shape of circular arcs and each arm comprising a protrusion at its end, which protrusion faces the inner portion of the arm 1000. The two circular arc-shaped arms 1000 have an angle of at most 180°. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcement element 2 comprises at least one circular arc-shaped arm 1010, which is fixed to an extension in the form of a rod. The angle of the circular arc-shaped arm 1010 is greater than 180°. It is noted that the inner perimeter of the first structure 100 configured to enclose the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2 is greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 is shaped like an hourglass 21, which comprises, at its two ends, two parts overmolded with a material capable of being welded to the wall of the tank. The internal reinforcing element 2 is preferably composed of a central part 24 based on polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal and two parts 22, 23 overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises a mechanically weak area capable of causing the element to break when subjected to high stresses resulting from the forces applied to the tank. This weak area preferably corresponds to the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2.

[0065] Figure 4A device 10 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, intended to fix the internal reinforcement element of the tank to the frame 1. The device 10 comprises at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround a first external portion of the internal reinforcement element, and at least one second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround a second external portion of the internal reinforcement element. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround the first external portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises two arms 1000 configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcement element, the two arms 1000 being in the shape of an arc of a circle and each arm comprising at its end a protrusion 1002 directed towards the internal portion of the arm 1000. When the two arc-shaped arms 1000 are located in the same enclosing plane, their included angle is at most 180°. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second external portion of the internal reinforcement element comprises at least one arc-shaped arm 1010 fixed to an extension 1011 in the form of a rod 10110. The angle of the arc-shaped arm portion 1010 is greater than 180°. The inner perimeter of the first structure 100 configured to surround the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element is greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element.

[0066] Each arm 1000 has a free end and a base end located next to the corresponding protrusion 1002, the base ends of the two arms facing each other and separated from each other by the material hollowing 1001. Each arm 1000 has a locking device 1015 on its upper surface, which is configured to lock the fixation of the internal reinforcement element on the frame 1. On each arm, the locking device 1015 extends in a straight slope over part of the length of the arm, for example less than 50% of the arm length, here less than 100%. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the slope extends over about 25% of the length of the arm. The low point of the slope is flush with the upper surface of the arm and with the free end portion of the arm, and the apex of the slope is at a distance from the end portion of the arm. Each arm 1000 also includes a stopper 1016, which is located opposite the apex of the slope forming the locking device 1015 and at a distance from the slope.

[0067] Figure 5 The connection between a frame 1 and an internal reinforcement element 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, the frame forming part of an assembly 4 for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle using a method for fixing the internal reinforcement element of the tank to the Figure 4The device 10 on the skeleton 1 of the present invention. The connection is achieved by the device 10, which includes at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround the first outer part of the internal reinforcement element and at least one second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer part of the internal reinforcement element 2. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially surround the first outer part of the internal reinforcement element 2 includes two arms 1000 configured to be inserted between two protrusions 20 of the internal reinforcement element 2, the two arms 1000 are in the shape of circular arcs, and each arm includes a protrusion at its end, which is directed to the inner part of the arm 1000. The angle formed by the two circular arc arms 1000 is at most 180°. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer part of the internal reinforcement element 2 includes at least one circular arc arm 1010, which is fixed to an extension in the form of a rod. The angle of the circular arc arm 1010 is greater than 180°. The first structure 100 configured to enclose the first external part of the internal reinforcing element 2 has an internal perimeter greater than the internal perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second external part of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 is shaped like an hourglass 21, which comprises at its two ends two parts overmolded with a material capable of being welded to the wall of the tank. The internal reinforcing element 2 is preferably composed of a central part 24 based on polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal and two parts 22, 23 overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises a mechanically weak area capable of causing the element to break when subjected to high stresses resulting from the forces applied to the tank. This weak area preferably corresponds to the second external part of the internal reinforcing element 2.

[0068] The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises two wings 25 coupled to the internal reinforcing element, each of which comprises an angle and a plate extending radially relative to the internal reinforcing element. When the internal reinforcing element 2 is inserted into the device 10, the wings 25 slide on the ramps provided on the two arms 1000 and forming the locking means 1015 until the apex of the ramp is reached. The wings 25 then fall into the space between the locking means 1015 and the stop 1016. The shape of the ramp locks the internal reinforcing element 2 in a fixed position in the device 10, ensuring a firm fixation of the internal reinforcing element on the frame.

Claims

1. A frame (1) for a plastic tank of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one device (10) intended to fix an internal reinforcement element (2) of the tank, characterized in that The device (10) intended to fix the internal reinforcement element (2) comprises: at least one first structure (100) configured to at least partially enclose a first outer portion of the inner reinforcement element (2); and at least one second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of said inner reinforcing element (2), The inner perimeter of the first structure (100) configured to closely surround the first outer portion of the inner reinforcing element (2) is greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the inner reinforcing element (2).

2. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first structure (100) configured to at least partially surround a first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element (2) includes at least one arm (1000) configured to be inserted between two protrusions (20) of the internal reinforcement element (2).

3. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first structure (100) configured to at least partially enclose a first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element (2) comprises at least two arms (1000).

4. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The at least two arm portions (1000) are configured to be inserted between two protrusions (20) of the internal reinforcement element (2).

5. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The first structure (100) configured to at least partially surround the first outer portion of the internal reinforcement element (2) when the at least two arms (1000) are located in the same plane includes a material hollow portion (1001), the material hollow portion (1001) being located between the two arms (1000) and facing the internal reinforcement element (2) when the internal reinforcement element (2) is fixed to the skeleton (1).

6. A frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The at least one arm portion (1000) forms an arc.

7. A frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: At least one arm (1000) comprises, at its end, a protrusion (1002) directed towards an inner portion of the arm (1000) intended to enclose at least one first portion of the inner reinforcing element (2).

8. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The at least one arm comprises a locking device (1015) configured to lock the fixation of the internal reinforcement element (2) to the frame (1).

9. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The locking device (1015) is in the form of a ramp.

10. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcement element (2) comprises at least one arm portion (1010).

11. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one arm portion (1010) forms an arc.

12. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The second structure (101) comprises at least two arm portions (1010), and the at least two arm portions (1010) form an arc.

13. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one arm portion (1010) is fixed on the extension portion (1011).

14. The frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The extension is in the form of a rod (10110).

15. A frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a deformable connection (11) connecting the frame (1) and the device (10) intended to fix the internal reinforcement element (2), the connection (11) being configured to be deformable so as to allow the frame (1) and the device (10) intended to fix the internal reinforcement element (2) to be displaced relative to each other under the action of a mechanical actuation external to the frame (1).

16. An assembly (4) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame (1) for a tank for a motor vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 and an internal reinforcement element (2).

17. Assembly (4) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 16, wherein: The internal reinforcement element (2) comprises at least one first portion intended to be tightly surrounded by a first structure (100) of a fixing device (10) of the skeleton (1), and at least one second portion constructed to be at least partially surrounded by a second structure (101) of the fixing device (10) of the skeleton (1), and wherein the first portion of the internal reinforcement element (2) comprises at least two protrusions (20) for inserting an arm portion (1000) of the first structure (100) of the fixing device (10) of the skeleton (1).

18. A plastic tank for a motor vehicle, comprising the assembly (4) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 16 to 17.

19. A method for manufacturing a plastic tank for a motor vehicle, comprising the step of fixing an internal reinforcement element (2) to a frame (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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