NOISE DAMPING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL TANK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a noise-reducing baffle for a vehicle fuel tank, a tank containing this baffle, and a method for installing the baffle in the tank. The tank is a tank containing a vehicle operating fluid, i.e., for example, fuel, urea solution, water, liquid hydrogen, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc. More particularly, the invention relates to a noise-reducing baffle comprising at least two panels.

[0002] We already know from document JP2005170084 of a noise-absorbing baffle comprising at least two panels.

[0003] Noise-dampening baffles are designed to reduce the sloshing noise associated with fluid waves that can be generated within the tank when the vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns. Such baffles are also known as anti-sloshing baffles in the industry. They have an anti-sloshing effect, meaning they limit the movement of the fluid within the tank. Hereafter, noise-dampening baffles, anti-sloshing baffles, and anti-sloshing baffles are all referred to as "baffles."

[0004] The noise-canceling baffles are fixed inside the tank to the upper or lower wall of the tank.

[0005] Typically, in the case of plastic tanks produced by blow molding, the noise baffle is inserted and secured inside the tank after its manufacture, through an opening made in the tank wall. For example, an opening is used through which a pumping module is inserted and secured inside the tank, and which is then closed with a base. However, this method of inserting a baffle into a tank is difficult to use for baffles with complex shapes. Indeed, in order to control evaporative losses, the dimensions of the opening in the tank and the number of such openings are kept to a minimum. This method of baffle insertion is therefore generally reserved for small baffles with simple shapes. If necessary, several simple, usually flat, baffles are inserted.

[0006] It is also known to incorporate the noise-reducing baffle into the tank during its manufacture by extruding and blow-molding a tubular parison around the baffle and then attaching it either before or after blowing. This method allows for the incorporation of complex baffles into the tank, such as baffles comprising at least two panels. However, this technique for manufacturing and installing baffles is complex and expensive. The complex-shaped baffles used in this technique are also heavier, which is a disadvantage for a component intended for use in a vehicle.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to provide a noise-canceling baffle comprising at least two panels, the insertion of which into the tank is simple and inexpensive.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a noise-reducing baffle for a reservoir in a motor vehicle intended to hold a fluid used in the vehicle's operation. The baffle: comprises at least two panels, and includes at least one hinge molded with the other parts of the baffle. The baffle is deformable between: an initial configuration in which the baffle is not bent along at least one hinge, a bent configuration in which the baffle is bent along at least one hinge, and a final configuration in which the baffle is unfolded along at least one hinge. so that, in folded configuration, the baffle can be inserted into the tank through an opening in the tank.

[0009] The invention is characterized in that the noise-canceling baffle further comprises: a first fixing means formed in the extension of a first panel, a second hinge separating the first panel from the first fixing means, and a second fixing means complementary to the first fixing means, formed in the extension of a second panel adjacent to the first panel, the first fixing means and the second fixing means being arranged so that when the first fixing means is bent towards the first panel so as to form with it an angle differing from 180°, and when the first panel and the second panel are in the final configuration, the first and second fixing means are automatically brought together to be fixed to each other.

[0010] In the invention, the expression "two panels" refers to two panels extending, in the final configuration, in planes different from each other. The term "panel" designates a part of the baffle capable of having an anti-bounce effect.

[0011] The hinge is molded along with the other baffle parts. It allows for relative angular movement of the two baffle parts it separates, precisely along the hinge's longitudinal axis, in a predefined position. Baffle parts are considered molded when they are produced together during the same molding process and form a single piece whose parts cannot be reversibly separated.

[0012] The term "final configuration" refers to the configuration that the baffle takes when it is installed in the tank after being unfolded.

[0013] A baffle is considered folded along the hinge when the angle formed between the two baffle sections separated by the hinge is smaller in the folded configuration than in the final configuration. Preferably, this angle is zero in the folded configuration, so the two baffle sections are folded against each other in the folded configuration. Similarly, in the initial configuration, this angle is larger than in the folded configuration. Preferably, this angle is a straight line in the initial configuration (approximately 180°).

[0014] It is therefore understood that in the folded configuration, the baffle according to the invention has one of its total dimensions reduced compared to this total dimension in the final configuration.

[0015] This solution thus provides a noise-reducing baffle with a complex shape that is easy to manufacture and install. The baffle is initially produced in a simple, flat shape, which can be manufactured inexpensively using plastic injection molding. The complex shape can then be achieved through bending after the injection molding process. Furthermore, thanks to the hinge, the baffle can be inserted through an opening in the tank, which is simpler and less expensive than inserting the baffle during the tank's manufacturing process.

[0016] Furthermore, since the baffle consists of at least two panels, this reduces the number of baffles required in the tank and, in some cases, the number of openings in the tank. A single baffle may suffice, whereas two flat baffles might have been necessary to achieve adequate noise reduction. Compared to a system of two flat baffles, the number of fixing points is reduced because the two panels are bonded together, and in some cases, the number of openings in the tank is also reduced. Thus, the number of ways to attach the baffle to the tank wall, the number of cutting and welding operations, and the number of tank openings are reduced, and assembly within the tank is simplified, resulting in shorter production times, lower production costs, and reduced evaporative losses.

[0017] Preferably, the other overall dimensions of the baffle, different from the reduced dimension in the folded configuration, remain unchanged between the folded and final configurations. Indeed, when inserted into the tank, the baffle must present a cross-section at the tank opening where none of the dimensions exceeds those of the opening, and also, in the folded configuration, its other dimension must not be increased. This facilitates and improves insertion and installation into the tank.

[0018] Preferably, the hinge extends in the height of the baffle, that is to say in a direction of the baffle substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower walls of the tank, which are respectively the wall furthest from the ground and the closest to the ground when the tank is inserted into the vehicle.

[0019] Advantageously, the baffle according to the invention is molded by plastic injection. This is a simple, fast, and inexpensive manufacturing technique. If more complex shapes were required, for example, in the case of a large and / or complexly shaped tank, it would be more advantageous to install several baffles according to the invention, each with a simpler shape.

[0020] Advantageously, the hinge is formed by a reduction in the thickness of the baffle wall on the side opposite the side where the angle is decreased to achieve its folded configuration. This allows, when the angle formed between the two baffle parts is zero in the folded configuration, achieving the folded configuration without material interference between the two baffle parts. Alternatively, when the angle formed between the two baffle parts is not zero in the folded configuration, the hinge is formed by a reduction in the thickness of the baffle wall, either on the side where the angle is decreased to achieve its folded configuration, on the side opposite the side where the angle is decreased to achieve its folded configuration, or on both sides of the baffle wall.

[0021] The baffle is advantageously made of a material capable of withstanding at least one folding and unfolding, as well as the vehicle's operating fluid contained in the reservoir. For this purpose, a polyamide such as PA66 and PA6, polyethylene, or polypropylene can, for example, be chosen.

[0022] Depending on other optional features of the noise-canceling baffle, purchased individually or in combination: At least one hinge separates two adjacent panels. Thus, starting with a baffle manufactured in a simple shape, for example, a flat shape, two sets of panels can be folded against each other, or two sets of panels can each be folded over a central set of panels, to facilitate the insertion of the baffle through the tank opening. A set of panels comprises at least one panel, or a minimum of two adjacent panels. In this embodiment, the angle formed between the two parts separated by the hinge is larger in the initial configuration than in the final configuration. At least one hinge separates two adjacent parts of the same panel.This is particularly advantageous for a baffle whose panels form a closed structure, such as a parallelepiped, because it allows at least two panels of a baffle to be brought closer together by folding a third panel or by folding two other panels. In this embodiment, the angle formed between the two parts separated by the hinge is identical in the initial and final configurations.

[0023] In one embodiment, the baffle is molded in its initial configuration. This eliminates the need for a closing step in the structure.

[0024] In another embodiment, the baffle is manufactured in a simple form; for example, the baffle is molded in a flat shape. To obtain the baffle in its initial configuration, the flat shape is folded along dividing lines between two adjacent baffle panels. If necessary to obtain a closed structure, two opposite ends of the flat shape are joined together at joining elements. The baffle therefore includes, at two opposite ends, joining elements adapted to cooperate with each other to engage the assembly. Preferably, the joining elements have complementary shapes adapted to cooperate with each other to engage the assembly. The assembly is thus achieved in such a way as to obtain a closed structure. A "closed structure" is understood to be a structure entirely delimited by panels as defined in the invention. The angle, differing from 180°, is approximately 90°. This prevents relative movement of the baffle panels, locking it in its final configuration. This also reduces the number of baffle attachment points to the tank wall. At least one panel includes a component for attaching the baffle to a tank wall. Preferably, this wall is the upper wall of the tank. It can also be the lower wall of the tank.

[0025] The invention also relates to a reservoir for a motor vehicle intended to hold a vehicle operating fluid, comprising a noise-reducing baffle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle is in its final configuration. It is understood that the reservoir has an opening allowing the introduction of the noise-reducing baffle in its folded configuration.

[0026] As an optional feature, the baffle is attached to a tank wall, and advantageously, the baffle hinge is perpendicular to that wall. This hinge orientation, perpendicular to the tank wall to which the baffle is attached, allows for baffles with a wide variety of final configurations, with varying angles between the panels. For example, baffles thus obtained can have Z, H, Y, T, or I-shaped structures.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for installing a noise-reducing baffle as described above. The installation method comprises the following steps: The baffle is folded along at least one hinge, the baffle is inserted in its folded configuration into the reservoir through an opening in the latter, and the baffle is unfolded along at least one hinge so that the baffle is in its final configuration.

[0028] Such a process is simple and quick, not requiring complex equipment or additional parts to move the baffle from its initial configuration to its folded configuration and then to its final configuration.

[0029] According to an optional feature, the process further includes a subsequent step of attaching the baffle to at least one wall of the tank. Attachment can be achieved by gluing, riveting, screwing, riveting, or any other fastening technique commonly used by those skilled in the art. Brief description of the figures

[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the attached drawings in which: there figure 1 is a transparent perspective view of a motor vehicle's fuel tank comprising a noise-reducing baffle according to a first embodiment of the invention; the figure 2is a front view of the baffle shown on the figure 1 , in its initial configuration; the figure 3 is a perspective view of the baffle shown on the figure 1 , in its folded configuration; the figure 4 is a perspective view of the baffle shown on the figure 1 represented in an intermediate configuration between its folded and final configurations; the figure 5 is a perspective view of the baffle shown on the figure 1 , in its final configuration; the figure 6 is a schematic view of the reservoir of the figure 1 into which the baffle is inserted in a folded configuration; the figure 7 is a front view of a noise-reducing baffle according to a second embodiment of the invention, in its initial configuration; the figure 8 is a perspective view of the baffle shown on the figure 7 , in its folded configuration; the Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of the baffle shown on the figure 7 , in intermediate configurations between its folded configuration and its final configuration; the figure 11 is a perspective view of the baffle shown on the figure 7 , in its final configuration; the figure 12 is a top view of the baffle shown on the figure 7 , in its folded configuration; the figure 13 is a top view of the baffle shown on the figure 7 represented in an intermediate configuration between its folded and final configurations; the figure 14 is a top view of the baffle shown on the figure 7 , in its final configuration; the figures 15 to 22 are transparent top views of examples of motor vehicle tanks according to the invention. Detailed description

[0031] We have represented on the figures 1 to 6 a noise-canceling baffle according to a first embodiment of the invention, designated by general reference 1. In the figure 1Baffle 1 is shown inside a reservoir 3 of a motor vehicle. Reservoir 3 is designed to hold a fluid used in the vehicle's operation. Baffle 1 is molded. It comprises at least two panels, here three panels 13, 15, and 17, and at least one hinge, here two hinges 19. The baffle 1 also comprises two first fastening means 151 formed as extensions of the first panel 15 and a second hinge 1511 separating the first panel 15 from each first fastening means 151. Two second fastening means 131, complementary to the first fastening means 151, are formed, one as an extension of a second panel 13 adjacent to the first panel 15, the other as an extension of a second panel 17 adjacent to the first panel 15. Finally, the baffle 1 comprises three fastening elements 18 for securing the baffle 1 to the upper wall of the tank 3. The baffle 1 is deformable between: an initial configuration ( figure 2 ) in which the baffle 1 is not folded along the hinges 19, a folded configuration ( figure 3 ) in which the baffle 1 is folded along the hinges 19, and a final configuration ( figure 5 ) in which the baffle 1 is unfolded along the hinges 19.

[0032] In the final configuration, panels 13, 15, and 17 extend in planes different from one another. Each of these panels is capable of providing an anti-swaying effect. Hinge 19 allows for a relative angular displacement of two baffle sections—here, two panels 13 versus 15, and 15 versus 17—which it separates, precisely along the longitudinal axis of the hinge, into a predefined position. The angle α formed between the two baffle sections separated by hinge 19 is shown in figure 5The space between panels 13 and 15 is smaller in the folded configuration than in the final configuration. Hinge 19 is formed by a reduction in the thickness of the baffle wall on the side opposite the side where angle α is decreased to achieve its folded configuration. On the figure 2 , we understand that the baffle wall has its thickness reduced on the side opposite the side shown, to form the hinges 19.

[0033] There figure 4 represents baffle 1 in an intermediate configuration between its folded and final configurations. The angle α is smaller than in the final configuration. In the initial configuration, the angle α is larger than in the folded configuration.

[0034] The hinge 19 extends up the height of the baffle 1 when the latter is installed in the tank 3.

[0035] As illustrated on the figures 2 to 5In its folded configuration, baffle 1 has one of its overall dimensions, here its overall width It, reduced compared to its overall width in the final configuration. In its folded configuration, its overall width is not increased compared to its overall width in the final configuration.

[0036] In folded configuration, the baffle 1 can be inserted into the reservoir 3 through an opening 31 in the latter.

[0037] A first fastening means 151 and a second fastening means 131 are arranged so that when the first fastening means 151 is bent towards the first panel 15 so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with it, and when the first panel 15 and the second panel 13 or 17 are in the final configuration ( figure 5), the first 151 and second 131 fastening means are automatically brought together to be fixed to each other. In this embodiment, the means 151 is a bracket with a slot to allow the means 131, which is a lug, to slide.

[0038] Baffle 1 is injection-molded in a flat shape, shown in the figure 2 .

[0039] Its installation in the vehicle's tank 3 is carried out as follows. The baffle 1 is folded along at least one hinge 19, and ( figure 6 ) the baffle 1 in folded configuration in the reservoir 3 through the opening 31, then the baffle 1 is unfolded along at least one hinge 19 so that the baffle 1 is in its final configuration.

[0040] In this embodiment, before, after, or simultaneously with the folding to obtain the folded configuration, the first fastening means 151 are folded towards the first panel 15 so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with it, as can be seen for example on the figure 3 When the first panel 15 and the second panels 13, 17 are in their final configuration, the first fastening means 151 and the second fastening means 131 are automatically brought together to be secured to each other. Subsequently, the baffle 1 is fixed to at least one wall of the tank 3, specifically to the upper wall of the tank, by means of the fastening elements 18.

[0041] THE figures 15 to 22 They show various examples of tanks illustrating the first embodiment of the invention. In these examples, identical components bear the same reference numbers. figures 15 to 17 represent fuel tanks. figures 18 to 22 represent urea solution tanks for SCR systems. In each figure, the arrow illustrates the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In these examples, when baffle 1 comprises more than three panels 13, 15, 17, the excess panels are designated 14. In the figures 15 to 17 Opening 31 is the one through which a fuel pumping module is inserted and fixed inside the tank. In the figures 18 to 22The opening 31 is the one through which a urea solution pumping module is introduced and fixed inside the tank. In these examples, at least one panel includes a baffle 1 fixing element 18 to a tank wall shown in each figure. The hinges 19 are perpendicular to said wall. This orientation of the hinges 19, perpendicular to the tank wall, allows for baffles with very varied final configurations, with varying angles between the panels, as illustrated by the different examples shown. For example, on the figure 21 a Z-shaped structure.

[0042] We have represented with reference to figures 7 to 14A baffle 40 conforming to a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the first embodiment, and the identical components bear the same reference numbers. The baffle 40 comprises four panels 41, 43, 45, and 47.

[0043] In the variant of this embodiment represented in figures 7 to 14 The 40cm baffle is manufactured in a flat shape as shown in the figure 7The panel 41 is obtained by assembling parts 41A and 41B, each constituting one end of the flat shape, which are joined together at joining elements 41A1 and 41B1. In the embodiment shown, the joining elements 41A1 and 41B1 comprise complementary shapes such as a set of male and female elements capable of cooperating to engage the assembly. Preferably, the male elements are elastic tabs and the female elements are notches. To obtain the baffle in its initial configuration (visible in the Figures 11 And 14 ), starting from the flat shape, the flat shape is folded along dividing lines 48 between panels 41, 43, 45 and 47. The Figures 11 And 14 also represent the baffle in its final configuration.

[0044] In an unshown variant, the baffle is molded in its original configuration.

[0045] The first fastening means 151 are four in number. Each is formed as an extension of a first panel 41 or 45. The second fastening means 131 are four in number. Each is formed as an extension of a second panel 43 or 47. The hinge 19 allows a relative angular displacement of two parts of the baffle, here two adjacent parts 43A, 43B and 47A, 47B of the same panel 43 or 47, which it separates, precisely along the longitudinal axis of the hinge 19, in a predefined position. In this embodiment, the angle α formed between the two baffle parts that the hinge 19 separates, illustrated in the figures between parts 47A and 47B, is identical in the initial and final configurations (both shown in the figures). Figures 11 And 14 ).

[0046] In the final configuration, panels 41, 43, 45, and 47 extend in different planes. Each of these panels provides an anti-swaying effect. Hinge 19 extends along the height of baffle 40 when the latter is installed in the tank.

[0047] As illustrated on the figures 8 to 11 , in the folded configuration ( figure 8 ), the baffle 40 presents one of its total dimensions, here its total width It, reduced compared to its total width in the final configuration ( figure 11 In its folded configuration, its total length is not increased compared to its total length in its final configuration. In this embodiment, the overall dimensions of the baffle, which differ from those reduced in the folded configuration, remain unchanged between the folded and final configurations.

[0048] A first fastening means 151 and a second fastening means 131 are arranged so that when the first fastening means 151 is bent towards the first panel 41, 45 so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with it, and when the first panel 41, 45 and the second panel 43, 47 are in the final configuration ( figure 11 ), the first 151 and second 131 means of fixation are automatically brought together to be fixed to each other.

[0049] In this embodiment, before, after, or simultaneously with the folding to obtain the folded configuration, the first fastening means 151 are folded towards the first panel 41 or 45 so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with it, as can be seen for example on the Figure 10. When the first panel 41, 45 and the second panel 43, 47 are in the final configuration, the first fixing means 151 and the second fixing means 131 are automatically brought together to be fixed to each other.

[0050] Although in the illustrated embodiments the angle α is flat in the initial configuration and zero in the folded configuration, it is possible to use other angles.

Claims

1. Anti-noise baffle (1, 40) for a tank (3) of a motor vehicle intended to receive a vehicle operating fluid, in which the baffle (1, 40): - includes at least two panels (13, 15, 17, 41, 43, 45, 47), - includes at least one hinge (19) from molding with the other parts of the baffle (1, 40), the baffle (1, 40) being deformable between: - an initial configuration in which the baffle (1, 40) is not bent along the at least one hinge (19), - a folded configuration in which the baffle (1, 40) is bent along the at least one hinge (19), and - a final configuration in which the baffle (1, 40) is unfolded along the at least one hinge (19), so that, in the folded configuration, the baffle (1, 40) can be inserted into the tank (3) through an opening (31) of the tank, characterized in that the anti-noise baffle (1, 40) also comprises: - a first means of attachment (151) formed as an extension of a first panel (15, 41, 45), - a second hinge (1511) separating the first panel (15, 41, 45) from the first means of attachment (151), and - a second means of attachment (131) complementary to the first means of attachment (151), formed as an extension of a second panel (13, 17, 43, 47) adjacent to the first panel (15, 41, 45), the first means of attachment (151) and the second means of attachment (131) being arranged in such a way that when the first means of attachment (151) is bent towards the first panel (15), 41, 45) so as to form an angle with the latter differing by 180°, and when the first panel (15, 41, 45) and the second panel (13, 17, 43, 47) are in the final configuration, the first (151) and second (131) means of attachment are automatically brought together to be attached to each other.

2. Anti-noise baffle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one hinge (19) separates two adjacent panels (15, 13, 17) from each other.

3. Anti-noise baffle (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one hinge (19) separates two adjacent parts (43A, 43B, 47A, 47B) of a same panel (43, 47).

4. Anti-noise baffle according to the preceding claim, wherein the baffle is molded into its original configuration.

5. Anti-noise baffle (40) according to claim 3, wherein the baffle (40) is molded into a flat shape.

6. Anti-noise baffle (1, 40) according to the preceding claim or claim 2, wherein the baffle (1, 40) comprises at two opposite ends connecting elements (41A1, 41B1) capable of cooperating with each other in initiating the assembly, the connecting elements (41A1, 41B1) are preferably provided with complementary shapes capable of cooperating with each other.

7. Anti-noise baffle (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle differing from 180° is about 90°.

8. Anti-noise baffle (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one panel (13, 15, 17, 41, 45) comprises a member (18) for securing the baffle (1, 40) to a wall of the tank (3).

9. A tank (3) of a motor vehicle for receiving a vehicle operating fluid comprising an anti-noise baffle (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (1, 40) is in its final configuration.

10. A tank (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the baffle (1, 40) is attached to a wall of the tank and the at least one hinge (19) is perpendicular to said wall.

11. A method for installing an anti-noise baffle (1, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the following steps: - the baffle (1, 40) is bent along the at least one hinge (19), - the baffle (1, 40) is inserted in a bent configuration into the tank (3) through an opening (31) of the latter, - the baffle (1, 40) is unfolded along the at least one hinge (19) so that the baffle (1, 40) is in final configuration.

12. A method according to the preceding claim, further comprising a further step of attaching the baffle (1, 40) to at least one wall of the tank (3).