Assembly comprising a pouch for fuel tank

Abstract

An assembly comprising a bag (3) for a fuel tank, characterized in that the bag (3) is configured to have a first configuration in which the bag (3) is rolled up so as to impart it a first geometry having a first volume, and a second configuration in which the bag (3) is rolled up on itself so as to impart it a second geometry having a second volume. And a second configuration in which the bag (3) is deployed so as to impart it a second geometry having a second volume, the first volume being strictly smaller than the second volume, the assembly further comprising securing means configured to secure the assembly to an inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the control of the fuel vapor pressure in a fuel tank of a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine (also referred to as an "internal combustion engine"), particularly for a motor vehicle. A "motor vehicle" refers to any mobile device, particularly a vehicle on roads, railways, seas, air, or in space.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly including a bladder for a fuel tank of a vehicle having a heat engine.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an assembly according to the present invention, which includes a removable holding device.

[0004] The present invention also relates to an assembly according to the present invention, which includes an anti-slosh device.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, which includes a fuel tank and at least one assembly according to the present invention.

[0006] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one assembly according to the present invention in a fuel tank of a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a kit for manufacturing a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, which includes an anti-slosh device and at least one assembly according to the present invention.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having a heat engine, particularly a motor vehicle, which includes a fuel storage system according to the present invention.

[0009] The present invention is particularly applicable to hybrid vehicles. A hybrid vehicle refers to a vehicle equipped with a heat engine combined with one or more electric motors.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, which includes a fuel tank and at least one assembly according to the present invention.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine obtained by implementing the manufacturing method according to the present invention.

[0012] Finally, the present invention relates to an operating method of a fuel storage system according to the present invention.

[0013] The fuel stored in the fuel tank of a fuel storage system of a vehicle with a heat engine undergoes temperature fluctuations that mainly depend on the external temperature. Depending on the climate the vehicle experiences, the fuel temperature can vary significantly, especially if the vehicle is located outdoors while in motion and at a standstill. The increase in the temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank causes a certain amount of fuel to evaporate. Since the fuel tank defines a predetermined, enclosed, and sealed volume, the generation of fuel vapor causes the pressure in the gas phase within the fuel tank to rise. The high fuel vapor pressure generates mechanical stress on the walls of the fuel tank, which can damage the walls of the fuel tank and even pose a risk of explosion of the fuel tank if the pressure increase is not controlled. Background Art

[0014] In the prior art, for example, in the document WO2021 / 013940A1, it is known to place an inflatable bladder inside the fuel tank. The bladder is connected to an inlet and an outlet duct for air leaving the fuel tank and is capable of alternately supplying air to the bladder or discharging a portion of the air contained in the bladder. In this way, depending on the fluctuations in the amount of fuel vapor in the fuel tank, the bladder can expand or contract to change the available volume of the fuel vapor and thus limit the variation in fuel vapor pressure.

[0015] This bladder system does reduce the risk of facing pressure peaks in the fuel tank, but it gives rise to some problems. In fact, the relatively large volume of the bladder may be incompatible with the usually complex shape of the fuel tank, or conversely, may lead to the necessity to change the shape of the fuel tank so that it has an area with a shape and dimensions allowing the accommodation of the bladder. For example, for a 45 - liter fuel tank, the inflated bladder must have a volume of approximately 20 liters to have a significant beneficial effect, which requires a sufficiently large and unobstructed area inside the fuel tank to receive the bladder. Moreover, the large volume of the bladder makes it complex to introduce and fix it in the fuel tank during the manufacture of the fuel tank, which means an increase in the manufacturing cost and time of the fuel tank. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is in particular to solve the problems identified in the prior art by limiting the pressure rise of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank and by avoiding or alleviating the drawbacks brought about by the bladder of the prior art and its large volume.

[0017] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a component according to a first embodiment, which includes a bladder for a fuel tank, characterized in that the bladder is configured to have:

[0018] - a first configuration, in which the bladder rolls up on itself, preferably around an axis X, so as to give it a first geometric shape having a first volume, and

[0019] - A second configuration, in which the bladder is preferably deployed around axis X so as to impart to it a second geometry having a second volume,

[0020] said first volume being strictly less than said second volume,

[0021] The assembly further includes fixing means configured to fix the assembly to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0022] Thus, the large-volume bladder of the prior art is here replaced by a bladder having a reduced volume when being introduced and fixed into the fuel tank. This makes it possible to facilitate the introduction of the bladder into the interior of the fuel tank through an opening provided in the wall of the fuel tank (e.g., the filler neck of the fuel tank). In addition, by means of the fixing means, the bladder does not deploy anywhere in the fuel tank, but in a predetermined space of the fuel tank, and this space does not require changing the shape of the fuel tank to receive the bladder. The predetermined space is chosen such that the bladder can deploy unhindered in the fuel tank, and in the second configuration, the bladder does not interfere with the interior of the fuel tank, which might otherwise damage the bladder. Regarding the filler neck, the filler neck is used to introduce one or more components inside the fuel tank, such as a fuel pump installed at the bottom of the fuel tank. After the installation of the internal components of the fuel tank and before the fuel tank is put into use, the filler neck should be sealed. In one example, the filler neck has a diameter of 130 mm.

[0023] Advantageously, the bladder is manufactured in the deployed state, which is its initial shape. Also advantageously, the bladder is made of an elastic material, i.e., a flexible and deformable material, and it resumes its initial shape when no longer subjected to mechanical stress. This allows the bladder thus manufactured to be "rollable". The "rollable" property of the bladder corresponds to the ability of the bladder to switch from the deployed configuration to the rolled-up configuration and vice versa, without undergoing large plastic deformations like a roll-up mattress. In one example, the bladder is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Due to this feature, the bladder is not only deformable when it is deployed, but also deformable when it rolls up by itself. For example, in the first configuration, the bladder remains deformable in terms of torsion and / or bending.

[0024] Alternatively, the bladder is made of polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or in the form of a multilayer material comprising polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (PEHD), and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

[0025] Preferably, the polyethylene is high-density polyethylene (PEHD), and the polyamide is polyamide 6, 11, or 12 (PA6, PA11, or PA12).

[0026] Advantageously, the multilayer comprises an adhesive layer disposed between a polyethylene layer (PE), preferably a high-density polyethylene layer (PEHD), and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol layer (EVOH).

[0027] Thus, different materials can be selected to manufacture the bladder in order to endow it with a choice of properties, such as low cost, mechanical strength, flexibility, deformability or impermeability to fuel.

[0028] Furthermore, the fact that the bladder rolls up by itself into a first configuration makes it possible to introduce the bladder into the fuel tank after the manufacture of the fuel tank and not necessarily during the manufacture of the fuel tank, which simplifies the production line of the fuel tank.

[0029] Preferably, the first geometry is a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0030] Preferably, the second geometry is a substantially prismatic, cylindrical or spherical shape.

[0031] The second volume is proportional to the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. Advantageously, the second volume is 20% to 50% of the volume of fuel in which the bladder is immersed, and preferably, the second volume is 20% to 30% of the volume of fuel in which the bladder is immersed.

[0032] Thus, the dimensions of the bladder can be easily determined according to the specifications that the fuel tank must meet. In other words, the shape and volume of the bladder can be easily adjusted to take into account the structure of the fuel tank, which illustrates the flexibility of use of the present invention.

[0033] "Fuel" means hydrocarbons suitable for a heat engine. For a specific engine, the fuel can be based on alcohols, such as ethanol, bioethanol, butanol, methanol and their mixtures, such as mixtures with hydrocarbons.

[0034] "Tank" means a sealed container capable of storing fuel under various different use and environmental conditions. The tank according to the present invention comprises a wall (also called a housing) defining a hollow body. The tank wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall faces the inner space of the hollow body, while the outer wall faces the outer space of the hollow body. The hollow body according to the present invention is made of a metal or plastic material, preferably made of a plastic material. In the latter case, it contains at least one synthetic resin polymer that is solid under environmental conditions. The hollow body made of a plastic material is preferred because they have better elasticity and their greater ability to be formed into complex shapes.

[0035] The plastic hollow body can be made by any known processing method. One known implementation is the injection molding method. Extrusion blow molding and rotational molding processes are also known.

[0036] "Plastic" refers to a generally homogeneous material with a single-layer structure and a heterogeneous material with a multi-layer structure.

[0037] The hollow body advantageously contains at least one thermoplastic polymer, i.e., a polymer that melts or softens sufficiently under the influence of heat to allow it to be shaped.

[0038] The term "polymer" denotes homopolymers and copolymers (especially binary or ternary copolymers). Non-limiting examples of such copolymers are random distribution copolymers, sequence copolymers, block copolymers, and graft copolymers.

[0039] Any type of thermoplastic polymer or copolymer with a melting temperature below the decomposition temperature is suitable. Thermoplastic polymers with a melting range distributed over at least 10 degrees Celsius (10 °C) are particularly suitable. As an example of such a material, materials with a molecular weight polydispersity can be cited.

[0040] In particular, polyolefins, thermoplastic polyesters, polyketones, polyamides, and their copolymers can be used. Mixtures of polymers or copolymers can also be used, as well as mixtures of polymer materials with inorganic, organic, and / or natural fillers, such as but not limited to carbon, salts, and other inorganic derivatives, natural fibers, or polymeric fibers. Multilayer structures composed of stacked and joined layers containing at least one of the above polymers or copolymers can also be used.

[0041] A frequently used polymer is polyethylene. Excellent results have been obtained using high-density polyethylene (PEHD).

[0042] In one example, the hollow body includes a multilayer structure that includes at least one thermoplastic material layer and at least one additional layer, which can advantageously be composed of a liquid and / or gas barrier material. Preferably, the nature and thickness of the barrier layer are chosen to limit as much as possible the permeability of liquids and gases in contact with the tank wall. Preferably, this layer is based on a barrier material, i.e., a resin that is impermeable to fuel, such as EVOH (partially hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer). Alternatively, the hollow body can be subjected to a surface treatment (fluorination or sulfonation) with the aim of making it impermeable to fuel.

[0043] Advantageously, a local reference frame XYZ is associated with the bladder, which rolls up around axis X in a first configuration, unfolds around axis X in a second configuration, and the bladder is configured to have a third configuration in which the bladder is compressed along axis Y and / or Z in order to give the bladder a third geometry with a third volume that is greater than or equal to the first volume and strictly less than the second volume.

[0044] Thus, when the bladder works inside the fuel tank, the second configuration is the resting configuration of the bladder, and the third configuration is the working configuration of the bladder. In the working configuration of the bladder, the bladder deforms under the pressure inside the fuel tank. Preferably, the deformation of the bladder is the compression of the bladder along the axis Y and / or Z. Additionally, the deformation of the bladder can be the compression of the bladder along the axis X.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the first embodiment described above, characterized in that the component further comprises a detachable holding device for holding the bladder in the first configuration.

[0046] The removable holding device is, for example, an elastic band, a knotted string, a U-shaped clip, etc.

[0047] This allows ensuring the effective holding of the bladder in the first configuration and the easy release of the bladder.

[0048] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the first embodiment described above, characterized in that the fixing device comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a snap member, a locking member, a fitting member, an adhesive member, a fastening member, a clamping member, and a welding member, and the member is configured to fix the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0049] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the first embodiment described above, characterized in that the component further comprises an anti-slosh device.

[0050] The purpose of the anti-slosh device is to reduce the noise associated with the waves generated inside the fuel tank when the vehicle suddenly accelerates, brakes, or turns. Such a device is also referred to in English as an "anti-slosh baffle" or a "baffle".

[0051] In one embodiment, the anti-slosh device is made of plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0052] Advantageously, the anti-slosh device bears the fixing device.

[0053] Also advantageously, the anti-slosh device is provided with a handle to allow the manipulation of the anti-slosh device inside the fuel tank, especially to fix the anti-slosh device inside the fuel tank, for example, to the bottom of the fuel tank. For this purpose, the complementary part of the fixing device is configured to be arranged inside the fuel tank, for example, at the bottom of the fuel tank.

[0054] Preferably, the fixing device is integrally manufactured with the anti-slosh device. More preferably, the complementary part of the fixing device is welded to the bottom of the fuel tank.

[0055] Alternatively, the anti-slosh device is provided with a spring device. In this case, the anti-slosh device is made up of two parts which are movable relative to each other and are connected together by the spring device. The spring device is compressed to reduce the size of the anti-slosh device and facilitate its introduction into the fuel tank. The anti-slosh device is positioned at a predetermined position inside the fuel tank, such as the bottom of the fuel tank. The spring device is decompressed so that one movable part of the anti-slosh device abuts against the bottom wall of the fuel tank and the other movable part abuts against the wall opposite to the bottom wall of the fuel tank. In this latter position, the anti-slosh device is stuck between the bottom wall of the fuel tank and the wall opposite to the bottom wall of the fuel tank. This type of anti-slosh device is described in document WO2010 / 029103A1, which is also known in English as "spring-loaded baffle".

[0056] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the second embodiment, the component including a bladder for a fuel tank, characterized in that the bladder is configured to have:

[0057] - a first configuration, in which the bladder is compressed to impart a first geometry having a first volume to the bladder, and

[0058] - a second configuration, in which the bladder is decompressed to impart a second geometry having a second volume to the bladder,

[0059] the first volume being strictly less than the second volume,

[0060] the component further including an anti-slosh device.

[0061] By means of the anti-slosh device, the component not only allows limiting the pressure rise of fuel vapor in the fuel tank, but also allows attenuating the noise associated with the waves generated inside the fuel tank.

[0062] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the second embodiment as described above, characterized in that the component further includes fixing means configured to fix the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0063] By means of the fixing means, the bladder does not unfold anywhere in the fuel tank, but unfolds in a predetermined space in the fuel tank. The predetermined space is selected such that the bladder unfolds unobstructed in the fuel tank and, in the second configuration, the bladder does not interfere with the interior of the fuel tank, which could otherwise damage the bladder.

[0064] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the second embodiment as described above, characterized in that the fixing device includes a member selected from the group consisting of a snap member, a locking member, a fitting member, an adhesive member, a fastening member, a clamping member, and a welding member, and the member is configured to fix the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0065] According to the present invention, there is also provided a component according to the second embodiment as described above, characterized in that the bladder is configured to have a third configuration, in which the bladder is compressed to give the bladder a third geometry having a third volume, the third volume being greater than or equal to the first volume and strictly less than the second volume.

[0066] Therefore, when the bladder operates inside the fuel tank, the second configuration is the resting configuration of the bladder, and the third configuration is the operating configuration of the bladder. In the operating configuration of the bladder, the bladder deforms under the pressure inside the fuel tank.

[0067] According to the present invention, there is also provided a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, including:

[0068] - a fuel tank, and

[0069] - at least one component according to the foregoing component, the at least one component extending inside the fuel tank, and the fuel storage system being configured to store fuel inside the fuel tank and outside the bladder.

[0070] According to the present invention, the at least one component extends inside the fuel tank in any configuration of the bladder, whether it is the first configuration, the second configuration, or the third configuration.

[0071] In the case of a fuel storage system including at least one component according to the first embodiment as described above, the fuel storage system is characterized in that in the second configuration of the bladder, the bladder preferably unfolds in the fuel tank around the axis X.

[0072] Accordingly, the fuel storage system for a vehicle with a heat engine of the prior art is hereby replaced by a fuel storage system for a vehicle with a heat engine, which fuel storage system comprises at least one component, which component comprises a bladder having a reduced volume when it is introduced and fixed inside the fuel tank. The bladder is introduced inside the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank, which opening is hermetically closed before the fuel storage system is put into use. In one example, the above-mentioned opening is the filler neck of the fuel tank. The component may combine the bladder with a removable holding device for holding the bladder in the first configuration and / or with an anti-slosh device, the at least one component having a reduced volume when it is introduced and fixed inside the fuel tank. After the at least one component is introduced inside the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank, the opening is hermetically closed before the fuel storage system is put into use. In one example, the above-mentioned opening is the filler neck of the fuel tank.

[0073] The "fuel storage system for a vehicle with a heat engine", also known as the "fuel system", refers to any device incorporated in a vehicle with a heat engine and whose function is to store, purify, measure or convey fuel for supplying the heat engine. The fuel system comprises at least one fuel tank and pipes for supplying fuel to the heat engine. In a non-limiting manner, it may also include one or more of the following accessories: valves and pipes for ventilating the fuel tank, a filling pipe, a charcoal canister, a fuel filter, a fuel pump, a fuel tank gauge, an electrical connector, a closure cap, and any component through which liquid or gaseous fuel generally passes, such as a fuel vapor circulation pipe.

[0074] The fuel storage system according to the invention further comprises a ventilation pipe connecting the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the fuel tank. In the case where the material of the bladder is impermeable to fuel and fuel vapor, the connection to the exterior of the fuel tank leads to the atmosphere, so that the fuel storage system alternatively allows air to be supplied to the bladder or a part of the air contained in the bladder to be discharged. In the case where the material of the bladder is permeable to fuel and / or fuel vapor, the connection to the exterior of the fuel tank leads to a pipe for circulating fuel vapor towards the charcoal canister, so that the fuel storage system alternatively allows gas to be supplied to the bladder or a part of the gas contained in the bladder to be discharged to the charcoal canister. The gas supplied to the bladder is either air directly from the atmosphere or air passing through the charcoal canister.

[0075] Preferably, in the second configuration, when the fuel tank is full of fuel, the bladder is completely immersed in the fuel.

[0076] Advantageously, the fuel storage system further comprises at least one heat storage member extending inside the fuel tank, the heat storage member comprising a phase change material having a melting point between 18 °C and 40 °C, the phase change material being preferably selected from the following list: calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2·6H2O), octadecane (C 18 H 38 ), cyclohexanol (C6H 12 O), glycerol derivatives.

[0077] The at least one heat storage member is capable of absorbing heat, especially when the fuel has a temperature close to the melting point of the phase change material. In fact, since the melting reaction is endothermic, it consumes the heat of the fuel. The at least one heat storage member is thus capable of limiting the temperature rise of the fuel and thus limiting the generation of fuel vapors in the fuel tank. Due to this limitation of fuel vapor generation, the bladder can be sized with a smaller volume, such that the drawbacks associated with the volume of the bladder are reduced, especially the limitation of the effective volume of the tank. Thus, it can be understood that the combined effect of the at least one heat storage member and the bladder exceeds the effects provided by the at least one heat storage member and the bladder considered separately.

[0078] Advantageously, in the third configuration of the bladder, the bladder of the fuel storage system comprising the assembly according to the first embodiment as described above is compressed inside the fuel tank along the axis Y and / or Z.

[0079] This makes it possible to limit the increase in pressure inside the fuel tank by allowing fuel vapors to occupy the additional volume inside the fuel tank. The additional volume is provided by the bladder in its third configuration.

[0080] Furthermore, compressing the bladder inside the fuel tank along the axis Y and / or Z can more effectively reduce the volume of the bladder. In fact, when the maximum dimension of the bladder extends along the axis X, the compression of the walls of the bladder along the axis Y and / or Z provides less resistance to deformation than the compression of the bladder along the axis X.

[0081] According to the invention, there is also provided the use of at least one assembly consistent with the foregoing assembly in a fuel tank, the bladder being for limiting the increase in pressure inside the fuel tank in order to limit the mechanical stress on the fuel tank.

[0082] According to the invention, there is also provided a kit for manufacturing a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, the system comprising a fuel tank and at least one anti-slosh device extending inside the fuel tank, the kit being characterized in that it comprises at least one assembly consistent with the above assembly, the bladder being carried by the at least one anti-slosh device.

[0083] Thus, a fuel tank equipped with at least one anti-slosh device can be easily converted into a fuel tank equipped with at least one anti-slosh device with a bladder carrying the components according to the present invention.

[0084] According to the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle having a thermal engine, which includes a fuel storage system consistent with one of the above systems.

[0085] There is also provided a method of manufacturing a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a thermal engine, including the following steps:

[0086] a) Manufacturing a fuel tank,

[0087] b) Manufacturing a bladder consistent with the above bladder,

[0088] c) Holding the bladder in a first configuration,

[0089] d) Introducing the bladder into the interior of the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank,

[0090] e) Fixing the bladder to the interior of the fuel tank so that the bladder extends inside the fuel tank,

[0091] f) Releasing the bladder so that the bladder is converted from the first configuration to a second configuration, such that in the second configuration, the bladder preferably unfolds inside the fuel tank around the axis X.

[0092] In one example, the step d) of introducing the bladder into the interior of the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank is manually performed by an operator.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the unfolded shape of the bladder is the initial shape of the bladder, i.e., its shape at the end of manufacturing. Further, by manufacturing the bladder with an elastic material, the deformation of the bladder (e.g., by rolling up the bladder itself) becomes reversible. In this case, the conversion from the first configuration to the second configuration is automatic. In fact, after releasing the bladder in step f), i.e., after removing the mechanical stress that forces the bladder to keep itself rolled up, the bladder unfolds by itself to fully or almost fully recover its initial shape. In the case where the bladder almost fully recovers its initial shape, the bladder can be helped to fully recover its initial shape by feeding a pressurized gas (e.g., pressurized air) into the bladder.

[0094] Advantageously, in the above method, the step e) of fixing the bladder to the interior of the fuel tank is performed by snapping, locking, fitting, gluing, fastening, clamping or welding the bladder to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0095] Preferably, the inner wall of the fuel tank is the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0096] Advantageously, in the above method, step c) of holding the bladder in the first configuration is carried out by means of a removable holding device.

[0097] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, comprising the following steps:

[0098] a) manufacturing a fuel tank,

[0099] b) manufacturing at least one component consistent with one of the above components,

[0100] c) holding the bladder in the first configuration,

[0101] d) introducing the at least one component into the interior of the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank,

[0102] e) fixing the at least one component within the fuel tank so that the at least one component extends within the fuel tank,

[0103] f) releasing the bladder so that the bladder converts from the first configuration to the second configuration inside the fuel tank.

[0104] In one example, step d) of introducing the at least one component into the interior of the fuel tank through an opening formed in the wall of the fuel tank is carried out manually by an operator.

[0105] In the case where the fuel storage system includes at least one component according to the first embodiment as described above, step f) of releasing the bladder to convert it from the first configuration to the second configuration is carried out such that, in the second configuration, the bladder preferably unfolds within the fuel tank around axis X.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the unfolded shape of the bladder is the initial shape of the bladder, i.e., its shape at the end of manufacture. Furthermore, by manufacturing the bladder from an elastic material, the deformation of the bladder (e.g., by rolling up the bladder itself) becomes reversible. In this case, the conversion from the first configuration to the second configuration is automatic. In fact, after releasing the bladder in step f), i.e., after removing the mechanical stress that forced the bladder to remain rolled up, the bladder unfolds by itself to fully or almost fully recover its initial shape. In the case where the bladder almost fully recovers its initial shape, the bladder can be helped to fully recover its initial shape by delivering a pressurized gas (e.g., pressurized air) into the bladder.

[0107] Advantageously, in the above method, step e) of fixing the at least one component inside the fuel tank is carried out by snapping, locking, fitting, gluing, fastening, clamping or welding the at least one component to the inner wall of the fuel tank.

[0108] Preferably, the inner wall of the fuel tank is the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0109] Preferably, when fastening the at least one component to the bottom wall of the fuel tank, the fastening is achieved by means of the spring device as described above, such that the at least one component is clamped between the bottom wall of the fuel tank and the wall opposite to the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0110] Advantageously, in the above method, step c) of holding the bladder in the first configuration is performed by means of a detachable holding device.

[0111] According to the present invention, there is also provided a fuel storage system for a vehicle having a heat engine, characterized in that the fuel storage system is obtained by implementing the above manufacturing method.

[0112] Finally, according to the present invention, there is provided an operating method of a fuel storage system consistent with one of the above systems, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: deforming the bladder in response to an increase in pressure inside the fuel tank to switch from the second configuration to the third configuration.

[0113] The step of deforming the bladder to switch from the second configuration to the third configuration is performed only by an increase in pressure inside the fuel tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearly apparent from the following description given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0115] - Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of a fuel storage system according to the present invention, in which the bladder is shown in the second configuration;

[0116] - Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 in which the bladder is shown in the first configuration;

[0117] - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 in which the bladder is shown at the start of its connection to the fuel tank;

[0118] - Figures 4 to 13 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank of

[0119] - Figure 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a heat engine according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] In the different figures, the same or similar elements have the same reference signs, which may be accompanied by subscripts. Accordingly, the description of their structure and function is not repeated systematically.

[0121] In the following, the orientation is the orientation in the figures. In particular, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "above", "below", "forward" and "backward" are generally understood with respect to the direction of representation of the figures.

[0122] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main constituent elements of a fuel storage system 1 according to the invention are shown.

[0123] The main constituent elements of the fuel storage system 1 include a fuel tank 2 and a bladder 3.

[0124] The fuel tank 2, which is generally made of plastic material, is configured to store, inside the fuel tank 2 and outside the bladder 3, the fuel used by a vehicle having a heat engine, in particular the fuel for its propulsion. The fuel tank 2 includes a wall defining a hollow body that delimits an internal volume in which the fuel is stored in liquid form and in gaseous form, the distribution of which depends in particular on the pressure and temperature conditions inside the fuel tank 2. The fuel tank generally includes a filling pipe allowing the fuel tank to be filled with fuel, a ventilation pipe allowing the discharge of fuel vapors under certain conditions, and an injection pipe allowing the fuel to be conveyed to the engine of a vehicle having a heat engine. These three pipes are well known in the prior art and are therefore not shown in the figures and will not be described further below.

[0125] The bladder 3 includes an elastically deformable wall that allows the bladder 3 to unfold and roll up without undergoing plastic deformation. Here, the bladder is made of an elastic material (i.e., a flexible, deformable material) in the unfolded state, which is its initial shape, and it resumes its initial shape when no longer subjected to mechanical stress. In one example, the bladder is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0126] In another example, the bladder is made of polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or in the form of a multilayer including polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Preferably, the polyethylene is high-density polyethylene (PEHD), the polyamide is polyamide 6, 11 or 12 (PA6, PA11 or PA12), and the multilayer includes an adhesive layer arranged between the high-density polyethylene layer and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol layer. Advantageously, the multilayer includes an adhesive layer arranged between the polyethylene layer (PE), preferably the high-density polyethylene layer (PEHD), and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol layer (EVOH).

[0127] According to the present invention, the bladder 3 is configured to have a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the bladder 3 rolls up on itself about an axis X so as to give the bladder 3 a first geometry having a first volume (see Figure 2 ). In the example shown, the first geometry is a substantially cylindrical shape. In the second configuration, the bladder 3 unfolds about the axis X so as to give the bladder 3 a second geometry having a second volume (see Figure 1 ). In the example shown, the second geometry is a substantially prismatic shape. Alternatively, the second geometry is a generally cylindrical or spherical shape (not shown). In all cases, the first volume is strictly less than the second volume.

[0128] In practice, the second volume is proportional to the volume of fuel in the fuel tank 2. Advantageously, the second volume is between 20% and 50% of the volume of fuel in which the bladder 3 is immersed, preferably, the second volume is between 20% and 30% of the volume of fuel in which the bladder 3 is immersed.

[0129] The maximum volume of the bladder 3 is selected according to the volume and shape of the fuel tank 2, and the proposed range of values can be applied to fuel tanks of certain types of motor vehicles.

[0130] The axis X belongs to the local reference system XYZ associated with the bladder 3. The bladder 3 is configured to have a third configuration. In the third configuration, the bladder 3 is compressed along the axis Y and / or Z so as to give it a third geometry having a third volume (not shown). The third volume is greater than or equal to the first volume and strictly less than the second volume.

[0131] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the bladder 3 has not yet been connected to the fuel tank 2.

[0132] Figure 3 shows the start of the introduction of the bladder 3 into the interior of the fuel tank 2 through the opening 6, that is to say, the start of the connection of the bladder 3 to the fuel tank 2. The opening 6 is the filler neck of the fuel tank.

[0133] Figures 4 to 13 shows different successive positions of the bladder 3 in the fuel tank 2 up to the final position (i.e., the position where the connection of the bladder 3 to the fuel tank 2 is completed).

[0134] As in Figure 11 and Figure 12As can be seen, the bladder 3 is part of a component that also includes fixing means configured to fasten the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank 2. The fixing means includes a member selected from the group consisting of a snap member, a latch member, a fitting member, an adhesive member, a fastening member, a clamping member, and a welding member, which is configured to fix the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank 2. The component also includes a removable retaining means 4 (here a string with a knot) for holding the bladder 3 in a first configuration and an anti-sway means 5 for carrying the bladder 3. In one example, the anti-sway means 5 is made of plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0135] As an alternative to the string with a knot, the removable retaining means 4 is an elastic band or a clip, such as a U-shaped clip (not shown).

[0136] Figures 1 to 13 Steps of a method for manufacturing a fuel storage system 1 for a thermal engine vehicle including the above component are also shown. The method includes the following steps:

[0137] a) manufacturing the fuel tank 2 ( Figure 1 the manufactured fuel tank 2 is shown),

[0138] b) manufacturing the above component ( Figure 1 the manufactured above component is shown),

[0139] c) holding the bladder 3 in a first configuration ( Figure 2 the above component with the bladder 3 held in a first configuration is shown),

[0140] d) introducing the component inside the fuel tank 2 ( Figures 3 to 11 different steps of introducing the above component inside the fuel tank 2 are shown, where the bladder 3 is held in a first configuration), the introduction of the above component is achieved through an opening 6 formed in the wall 7 of the fuel tank 2 (see Figure 11 ),

[0141] e) fixing the component inside the fuel tank 2 such that the component extends inside the fuel tank 2 ( Figure 12 the above component in a fixed position is shown),

[0142] f) releasing the bladder 3 so that it switches from the first configuration to a second configuration such that in the second configuration, the bladder 3 unfolds inside the fuel tank 2 around an axis X ( Figure 13 is shown after the bladder unfolds inside the fuel tank 2 around the axis X).

[0143] The material interference between the above component and the opening 6 is at Figures 3 to 10As can be seen, these interferences are due to the bending deformation of the component, which is not shown in these figures. In fact, in the fuel tank 2 as shown in the figure, the above-mentioned component needs to be bent through the opening 6.

[0144] Step c) of holding the bladder 3 in the first configuration is carried out by means of a removable holding device 4, where the holding device 4 is a string with a knot.

[0145] Step e) of fixing the component inside the fuel tank 2 is carried out by means of a fixing device, which here includes a snap member 8 for snapping the component onto the inner wall of the fuel tank 2 ( Figure 11 The component before snapping is shown in Figure 12 and the component after snapping is shown in

[0146] In the example shown, the snap member 8 is the concave part of the snap. The concave part of the snap is carried by an anti-slosh device 5, which also includes a handle 9 that facilitates the manipulation of the anti-slosh device 5 inside the fuel tank 2, especially for fixing the anti-slosh device 5 to the bottom of the fuel tank 2 by clamping. For this purpose, the convex part of the snap is arranged at the bottom of the fuel tank 2. Preferably, the concave part of the snap is integrally manufactured with the anti-slosh device 5, and the convex part of the snap is welded to the bottom of the fuel tank 2.

[0147] As an alternative to the fixing device including the snap member 8, the fixing of the component inside the fuel tank 2 is achieved by means of the following fixing device: the fixing device includes members for locking, fitting, gluing, fastening, clamping or welding the component to the inner wall of the fuel tank 2 (the device is not shown).

[0148] Here, step f) of releasing the bladder 3 includes untying the string.

[0149] Figure 13 Shown is a fuel storage system 1 for a vehicle with a heat engine obtained by implementing the above manufacturing method, which system includes a fuel tank 2 and the above-mentioned component. The above-mentioned component extends inside the fuel tank 2. In the second configuration, the bladder 3 unfolds around the axis X inside the fuel tank 2. In the third configuration, the bladder 3 is compressed along the axis Y and / or Z inside the fuel tank 2 (this configuration is not shown).

[0150] The bladder 3 is used in the fuel tank 2 of a fuel storage system 1 of a vehicle with a heat engine to limit the pressure increase inside the fuel tank 2.

[0151] In fact, when the temperature of the fuel contained in the fuel tank 2 increases, for example when the external temperature becomes higher than the temperature of the fuel, a part of the fuel evaporates, which generates fuel vapor in the fuel tank 2. Since the fuel tank 2 defines a closed and sealed space, the increase in the amount of fuel vapor causes an increase in the pressure of the gas phase inside the fuel tank 2. Now, how the fuel storage system 1 according to the present invention can limit such a pressure increase will be described.

[0152] The bladder 3 is compressed under the action of the pressure of the gas phase inside the fuel tank 2. Since the wall of the bladder 3 is deformable, an equilibrium of the stress applied to the wall of the bladder 3 is established, which causes all or part of the air contained in the bladder 3 to be discharged through the ventilation duct 10. The ventilation duct 10 is connected to the bladder 3 on the one hand via a first connector of the ventilation duct 10, more precisely, to the internal space of the bladder 3, and on the other hand is connected to the outside of the fuel tank 2 via a second connector 11 of the ventilation duct 10. In this way, the volume of the bladder 3 extending in the fuel tank 2 decreases, and the volume occupied by the fuel vapor increases, which causes the fuel vapor pressure to decrease. When the fuel temperature finally decreases, for example when the external temperature becomes lower than the fuel temperature, a part of the fuel vapor condenses. The amount of fuel vapor in the fuel tank 2 thus decreases, and the fuel vapor pressure also decreases. A new equilibrium of the stress on the wall of the bladder 3 is established, which causes the bladder 3 to be filled through the ventilation duct 10 and increases the volume of the bladder 3 extending in the fuel tank 2. Although the ventilation duct 10 is not shown in all the figures, the ventilation duct 10 is connected to the bladder 3 before the bladder 3 is introduced inside the fuel tank 2. The ventilation duct 10 is made of a flexible material that allows the ventilation duct to deform together with the bladder 3 when it is introduced inside the fuel tank 2.

[0153] Therefore, when the bladder 3 operates inside the fuel tank 2, the bladder 3 deforms in response to the increase in pressure inside the fuel tank 2, resulting in the bladder 3 transitioning from a second configuration to a third configuration. The above deformation is part of the operating method of the above fuel storage system 1.

[0154] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the above components are replaced by a separate bladder 3. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the bladder 3 is coupled to one and / or the other of the detachable holding device 4 and the anti-sloshing device 5.

[0155] Finally, Figures 1 to 13 A kit for manufacturing the fuel storage system 1 of a vehicle having a thermal engine is shown. The fuel storage system 1 for a vehicle having a thermal engine includes a fuel tank 2 and an anti-sloshing device 5 extending inside the fuel tank 2. The kit includes the above components, and the bladder 3 is carried by the anti-sloshing device 5.

[0156] Figure 14Shows a vehicle 20 with a heat engine including the above fuel storage system 1.

[0157] List of reference numerals

[0158] 1: Fuel storage system

[0159] 2: Fuel tank

[0160] 3: Bladder

[0161] 4: Removable retaining device

[0162] 5: Anti-slosh device

[0163] 6: Opening

[0164] 7: Wall

[0165] 8: Snap

[0166] 9: Handle

[0167] 10: Ventilation duct

[0168] 11: Connector of the ventilation duct

[0169] 20: Vehicle.

Claims

1. A component including a bladder (3) for a fuel tank, characterized in that, The pouch (3) is configured to have: - A first configuration in which the pouch (3) rolls up on itself so as to assume a first geometric shape having a first volume; and - A second configuration in which the pouch (3) unfolds so as to assume a second geometric shape having a second volume, The first volume is strictly less than the second volume, and the assembly further includes fixing means configured to fix the assembly to the inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, A local reference frame XYZ is associated with the pouch (3), the pouch (3) rolls up around the axis X in the first configuration, the pouch (3) unfolds around the axis X in the second configuration, and the pouch (3) is configured to have a third configuration in which the pouch (3) is compressed along the axis Y and / or Z so as to assume a third geometric shape having a third volume, the third volume being greater than or equal to the first volume and strictly less than the second volume.

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fixing means includes a member selected from the group consisting of a snap member, a latch member, a fitting member, an adhesive member, a fastening member, a clamping member, and a welding member, the member being configured to fix the assembly to the inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

4. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The assembly further includes anti-sway means (5).

5. A component comprising a bladder (3) for a fuel tank, characterized in that, The pouch (3) is configured to have: - A first configuration in which the pouch (3) is compressed so that the pouch has a first geometric shape and a first volume; - A second configuration in which the pouch (3) is decompressed so that the pouch has a second geometric shape and a second volume, The first volume is strictly less than the second volume, and the assembly further includes anti-sway means (5).

6. The component according to claim 5, characterized in that The assembly further includes fixing means configured to fix the assembly to the inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

7. The component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing means includes a member selected from the group consisting of a snap member, a latch member, a fitting member, an adhesive member, a fastening member, a clamping member, and a welding member, the member being configured to fix the assembly to the inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

8. The component according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The pouch (3) is configured to have a third configuration in which the pouch (3) is compressed to assume a third geometric shape having a third volume, the third volume being greater than or equal to the first volume and strictly less than the second volume.

9. A fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, comprising: - A fuel tank (2), and - At least one assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the at least one assembly extending inside the fuel tank (2), the fuel storage system being configured to store fuel inside the fuel tank and outside the pouch (3).

10. The fuel storage system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The system further includes a ventilation duct (10) connecting the interior of the pouch (3) to the exterior of the fuel tank (2).

11. Use of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in a fuel tank (2) of a fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, the bladder (3) being for limiting an increase in pressure within the fuel tank (2).

12. A kit for manufacturing a fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, the system comprising a fuel tank (2) and at least one anti-slosh device (5) extending inside the fuel tank (2), characterized in that the kit comprises at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the bladder (3) being carried by the at least one anti-slosh device (5).

13. A vehicle (20) having a heat engine, comprising a fuel storage system (1) according to claim 9 or 10.

14. A method of manufacturing a fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing a fuel tank (2), b) manufacturing at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, c) holding the bladder (3) in the first configuration, d) introducing the at least one component into the interior of the fuel tank (2) through an opening (6) provided in a wall (7) of the fuel tank (2), e) fixing the at least one component inside the fuel tank (2) such that the at least one component extends inside the fuel tank (2), f) releasing the bladder (3) so that the bladder converts from the first configuration to the second configuration inside the fuel tank (2).

15. A method for manufacturing a fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, according to claim 14, wherein, The step e) of fixing the at least one component inside the fuel tank (2) is achieved by snapping (8), locking, fitting, gluing, fastening, clamping or welding the at least one component to the inner wall of the fuel tank (2).

16. A method for manufacturing a fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a thermal engine according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The step c) of holding the bladder (3) in the first configuration is achieved by a removable holding device (4).

17. A fuel storage system (1) for a vehicle having a heat engine, characterized in that, The fuel storage system is obtained by implementing the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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