Device for a fuel tank for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for a plastics petrol tank (5) for a motor vehicle. The device comprises a frame (10), an internal reinforcing element (11, 13) of a petrol system and a movable support means (12) of the component (11), the movable support means (12) being attached to the frame (10) and movable relative to the frame (10) between an initial configuration in which the reinforcing element (11, 13) is at a first distance, d1, from the frame (10) and a final configuration in which the reinforcing element (11, 13) is at a second distance, d2, from the frame (10), such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2, the frame (10) being provided with a means (16) for stopping the movement of the movable support means (12) when the movable support means (12) is in the final configuration.

Description

Device for fuel tank for motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of devices for plastic fuel tanks for motor vehicles and plastic tanks for motor vehicles containing such devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle comprising a frame, a component and at least one means for movable support of the component. Throughout the description herein, it is understood that the term "fuel" means "gasoline", i.e. a fuel according to standard EN228, composed of a mixture of light hydrocarbons, predominantly C7H 16 .

[0002] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0003] Conventionally, plastic fuel tanks for motor vehicles are obtained by extrusion-blow molding of a parison. The extruded parison is generally in tubular form, with most of the internal components of the fuel system of the fuel tank being inserted within it during the extrusion-blow molding process. Due to the complexity of the arrangement of the internal components, the latter are generally inserted using a device comprising a frame comprising these components as disclosed in document WO2022073964 A1.

[0004] However, this results in a limitation of the size of the device comprising the reinforcement inserted inside the tubular parison. Indeed, the extruded tubular parison generally has a defined diameter. This means that the device that can be inserted into the tubular parison must therefore be inscribed in a circle with a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular parison, which limits the positioning of the inserted components once the tank has been blown, the resulting tank having an internal cavity with dimensions greater than the internal diameter of the tubular parison.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] To this end, the invention aims to provide a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle comprising a frame comprising at least one component of a fuel system having easy insertion within a tubular parison during the manufacture of a plastic fuel tank.

[0007] The invention, in at least one of its embodiments, also aims to provide a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0008] Another objective of the invention, in at least one of its embodiments, is to implement a method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0010] According to the invention, such a device comprises at least one frame, a component of a fuel system and at least one means for movable support of the component of the fuel system, said means for movable support of the component of the fuel system being fixed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2, the frame being provided with a means for stopping the movement of the means for movable support of the component of the fuel system when the means for movable support of the component of the fuel system is in the final configuration.

[0011] According to the invention, the fuel system component is an internal reinforcement element, and the fuel is gasoline.

[0012] The general principle of the invention is based on the presence, on the one hand, of a movable support means which is fixed to the frame and movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system which it supports is at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2, and, on the other hand, on the presence on the frame of a means for stopping the movement of the movable support means of the component of the fuel system when the movable support means of the component of the fuel system is in the final configuration.

[0013] Thus, the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach to a device comprising a frame, a component of the fuel system and at least one means for movable support of the component of the fuel system, said means for movable support of the component being movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2, the frame being provided with a means for stopping the movement of the means for movable support of the component of the fuel system when the means for movable support of the component of the fuel system is in the final configuration.Such a device allows easy insertion within a tubular parison and leads to an increase in the production speed of the tanks by avoiding contact between the frame comprising the internal components of the fuel tank and the tubular parison. In addition, such a device also makes it possible to arrange the components of the fuel system within the fuel tank at the location most suited to the function they must perform, thus internal reinforcement elements can be arranged at the location subject to the most stress or valves of the ventilation system can be located at a location such that it reduces the loss of useful volume.

[0014] Finally, such a device makes it possible to reduce the number of interventions on the fuel tank after the extrusion-blow molding operation, such as, for example, the fixing of components of the fuel system which are very far from the frame, and thus to reduce the number and size of the openings to be provided in the wall of the tank in order to carry out such interventions, leading to a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions through said openings.

[0015] The expression "an initial configuration in which the fuel system component is at a first distance, d1, from the armature and a final configuration in which the fuel system component is at a second distance, d2, from the armature, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2 » means that in the initial configuration, the armature and the component occupy a first peripheral volume V1, and that in the final configuration, the armature and the component occupy a second peripheral volume V2, and the peripheral volume V2 is greater than the peripheral volume V1. The distance d1 is inscribed in the volume V1 and the distance d2 is inscribed in the volume V2. In each configuration, the peripheral volume is delimited by the peripheral points of the armature and the component, that is to say the points of these furthest in a given direction, from the geometric center (C) of the device.In the preceding definition of the peripheral volume, depending on the shape of the device, in the case where the term "geometric center" of the device would present a difficulty to be defined for the skilled person, in particular in the case where there would be no center of symmetry or part generally assimilated to a center of symmetry of the device, the geometric center can be defined in the following way; a median longitudinal plane (X; Y) of the device is considered (i.e. a longitudinal plane generally cutting the device into two parts of similar volume) and the geometric center (C) is considered to be the middle of the largest segment (S) of the device in this median longitudinal plane. In the case where this last definition would still leave a difficulty for the skilled person to define the geometric center of the device, the geometric center is considered to correspond to the barycenter of the device.The distances d1 and d2 are the shortest distances between a main part of the armature and a peripheral point of the component according to a transverse plane (Y; Z) of the device.

[0016] It is understood that the initial configuration is the configuration for insertion into the tank and that the final configuration is the operating configuration. It is further understood that, in the initial configuration, the device has dimensions, in longitudinal planes (X: Y) of the device, perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z) of the tank and to the axis of the parison, allowing it to be inscribed in a circle with a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular parison. In the final configuration, the device has, in the same longitudinal planes (X: Y) of the device, dimensions allowing it to be positioned in the internal cavity of the tank.

[0017] The term "fuel system component" means a component selected from a vent line, a fuel line, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a quality sensor, a baffle, an internal reinforcement element or a valve such as a flapper, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV).

[0018] For the purposes of the invention, “internal” means an element located inside the internal volume of the tank, configured to be in contact with the gasoline contained in the tank.

[0019] The purpose of the internal reinforcement element is to increase the resistance of the tank to the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected during its life.

[0020] Preferably, the distance d1 and the distance d2 are measured along a longitudinal plane (X: Y) perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z) of the device, corresponding to the vertical axis of the internal cavity of the fuel tank, when the device is housed therein.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the movable support means of the component of the fuel system is movable in translation and / or in rotation relative to the frame. A combination of mobility in translation and in rotation relative to the frame is for example illustrated by a pantograph-type movement.

[0022] Thus, a means of movable support of the component of the fuel system movable in translation and / or in rotation relative to the frame makes it possible to obtain a good degree of freedom in the arrangement of the component of the fuel system within the tank and also makes it possible to take into account more easily the complexity of the shape of the fuel tank.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the previous mode, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the movable support means of the component of the fuel system is movable in rotation relative to the frame.

[0024] Thus, a means of movable support for the component of the fuel system which is movable in rotation relative to the armature makes it possible to avoid the use of a mechanically or electrically actuated device but to use gravity to cause the movement of the movable support means.

[0025] According to another object of the invention, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the component of the fuel system is selected from an internal reinforcement element, a valve and a sensor.

[0026] Thus, a component of the fuel system selected from an internal reinforcement element, a valve and a sensor allows, in the case of an internal reinforcement element, to place it at the location subject to the most stress, in the case of a valve, preferably a valve of the ventilation system, to locate it at a location such that it reduces the loss of useful volume, in the case of a sensor to carry out a measurement at a desired location. The internal reinforcement element is in the form of a column, preferably cylindrical, or in the form of a diabolo, as for example described in document EP2865553. The column may be rectilinear or have a curved shape, as for example described in document EP3878676. The reinforcement element may also comprise several of these columns, connected together by a connection means in the form of a connection rod for example.The internal reinforcing element may also be in the form of a retention member comprising a wall provided with a central recess, a portion of the wall comprising reinforcing ribs. The wall of the retention member may be flat or curved.It may also be in the form of a structure having a central portion having a cross section in the shape of a crown sector, defining a main axis of the reinforcing element and having a first area, the main axis passing through the center of rotation of the crown sector perpendicular to the crown sector, the central portion preferably comprising a network of ribs extending radially relative to the main axis, called a network of radial ribs, and two axial end portions located on either side of the central portion considering the main axis, each of the axial end portions having an end surface of oblong and curved shape, inscribed in the cross section of the central portion, having a second area preferably less than the first area.In the case of an internal reinforcement element in the form of a column or diabolo, the latter is preferably made up of a central part based on a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) and metal and the two ends of the central part being overmolded with high density polyethylene (HPDE). The sensor can be a level, temperature, pressure or quality sensor.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the frame comprises a means for locking the movable support means of the component of the fuel system so that the movable support means of the component of the fuel system is locked in the initial configuration.

[0028] Thus, a means for locking the movable support means of the fuel system component when the movable support means of the fuel system component is in the initial configuration allows easier handling of the device when it is inserted into the tubular parison.

[0029] In one embodiment, the means for locking the movable support means in the initial configuration included in the frame is in the form of a first rib present on the frame. This first rib is capable of coming into counter-support with a second rib present on the movable support means. Thus in this embodiment, the device is locked in the initial configuration by direct interaction of a locking means of the frame with a locking means of the movable support means, which is a simple way of locking the component in the initial configuration.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the movable support means of the component of the fuel system comprises a central part, preferably in the form of a rod, a first end configured to interact with an insertion means such as an insertion rod for example and a second end provided with a means of attaching the component of the fuel system.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the frame comprises a receiving member configured to receive the insertion means such as an insertion rod for example.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first end of the movable support means is configured to interact with the insertion means such that removal of the insertion means causes the movable support means to move toward its initial configuration. Thus, removal of the insertion means automatically moves the movable support means toward its final configuration.

[0033] Optionally, the movable support means is configured so that the first end bears on a portion of the insertion means, such that upon removal of the insertion means, the movable support means is rotated using gravity.

[0034] Optionally, the movable support means is configured so that the first end is hooked to a portion of the insertion means such that the driving force of the withdrawal movement of the insertion means enables the movable support means to be moved, for example by rotation about a hinge-type mechanism.

[0035] Optionally, the first end of the movable support means is configured to be fixed to an actuator present on a portion of the insertion means such that the movable support means is set in motion by the driving force of the actuator during the withdrawal movement of the insertion means.

[0036] In one embodiment, the stopping means is in the form of a third rib present on the frame, and a fourth rib present on the movable support means is configured to abut the third rib. The stopping is carried out by deformation, like clipping, of the fourth rib. The movement of the movable support means relative to the frame can be carried out by rotation around a hinge-type mechanism.

[0037] Preferably, the frame is based on a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyketone (PK). The frame may also serve as a support for components of the fuel system such as ventilation and fuel lines, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a deflector, an internal reinforcement element or a valve such as a flap, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV). Preferably, the frame is in the form of a frame, preferably a one-piece frame. Preferably, the frame is in the form of a structure comprising at least four sides defining the periphery of the frame.

[0038] An object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0039] According to an advantageous implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, said method is such that it comprises at least the following steps: Extrusion of a tubular parison, Insertion of a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention within the tubular parison, said device being in an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from a frame, Deployment of the device from the initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from the frame to a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2.Stopping the deployment of the device when it reaches its final configuration using the stopping means present on the frame.

[0040] According to a preferred implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the step of inserting the device into the tubular parison is carried out using an insertion means such as an insertion rod.

[0041] According to a preferred implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the step of deploying the device is carried out by translation and / or rotation of a movable support means of the component of the fuel system relative to the frame. Preferably, the step of deploying the device is triggered when the insertion means is withdrawn, more preferably by withdrawing the insertion means. The expression "withdrawal of the insertion means" is intended to designate the retraction of the insertion means outside the parison, the insertion means not remaining in the tank obtained at the end of its manufacture. The insertion means is removed before blowing the parison giving the tank its final shape within the mold.

[0042] According to a preferred implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the step of deploying the device is carried out by rotating the movable support means of the component of the fuel system relative to the frame. Preferably, the rotation of the movable support means is carried out by gravity or by mechanical means when the insertion means is removed. When the rotation of the movable support means is carried out by gravity, the rotation is initiated under the effect of the weight of the movable support means and the component, when the insertion means is removed.Advantageously, the insertion means is an insertion rod provided with a retaining notch on which a part of the mobile support means is locked when the device is in the initial configuration; it is the withdrawal movement of the insertion rod which releases the mobile support means from the notch, causing it to rotate by gravity. Alternatively, the rotation of the mobile support means is carried out by mechanical means when the insertion means is withdrawn. Advantageously, the mechanical means consists of the insertion means provided with a means for clipping the mobile support means.

[0043] According to a preferred implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the step of deploying the device from the initial configuration to the final configuration is carried out by translation of the movable support means of the component relative to the frame. Preferably, the translation of the movable support means is carried out by mechanical means during the removal of the insertion means. The mechanical means consists of the insertion means and a means for guiding the movable support means. Alternatively, the mechanical means consists of a transverse actuator.

[0044] According to a preferred implementation of the method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the method comprises a step of locking the movable support means when the device is in the final position. This locking step can be carried out using the stop means present on the frame.

[0045] Another object of the invention is to provide a plastic tank for a motor vehicle comprising a device for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:lapresents a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention in the initial configuration,ladescribes a means for blocking a mobile support means of a device according to the invention when the device is in the initial configuration,laillustrates a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention in the final configuration,lapresents a means for stopping the movement of the mobile support means of a device according to the invention when the device is in the final configuration,laillustrates a first alternative to the means for locking the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in lawhen the device is in the initial configuration,ladescribes a second alternative to the means for locking the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in lawhen the device is in the initial configuration,ladescribes a third alternative to the means for locking the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in lawhen the device is in the initial configuration.ladescribes a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention in the initial configuration,Ladescribes a device for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention in the final configuration,Describes a fourth alternative to the means of locking the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in the figure when the device is in the initial configuration. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate respectively the step of inserting the device in the initial configuration within the tubular parison and the device in the final configuration within the plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle.

[0047] The present invention is an embodiment of a device 1 for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention. The device comprises at least one frame 10, a component 11 of a fuel system and at least one movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system, said movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system being fixed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2. The device has a longitudinal direction along a plane (X: Y) and a height along the Z axis.Since the device shown in is asymmetrical, a geometric center (C) of the device has been represented in a median longitudinal plane (X: Y) of the device (i.e. a longitudinal plane generally cutting the device into two parts of similar volume). The geometric center (C) is the middle of the largest segment (S) of the device in this median longitudinal plane. A peripheral volume (V1, V2) has been represented which is delimited by the peripheral points of the frame and the component, i.e. the points of these furthest in a given direction, from the geometric center (C) of the device. In the initial configuration (), the frame and the component occupy a first peripheral volume V1, and in the final configuration (), the frame and the component occupy a second peripheral volume V2, and the peripheral volume V2 is greater than the peripheral volume V1. The distance d1 is inscribed in the volume V1 and the distance d2 is inscribed in the volume V2.The distances d1 and d2 are the shortest distances between a main part of the frame and a peripheral point of the component along a transverse plane (Y; Z) of the device. The device shown in is in the initial configuration. The frame 10 is provided with a means (not shown) for stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the final configuration. The frame 10 is also provided with a means (not shown) for blocking the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the initial configuration.The component 11 of the fuel system is an internal reinforcement element 13 in the form of a diabolo 130 consisting of a central part based on a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) and metal, the two ends of the central part being overmolded with high density polyethylene (HPDE). The reinforcement 10 is in the form of a frame made of a material selected from polyethylene (PE), preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyketone (PK).The frame 10 also serves as a support for components of the fuel system such as ventilation lines, fuel lines, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a quality sensor, a deflector, an internal reinforcement element 13 or a valve such as a flap, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) type valve or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) type valve. The frame 10 also comprises a receiving member 14 configured to receive an insertion means such as an insertion rod for example. This receiving member 14 is preferably in the form of a sheath configured to allow the insertion means to slide.

[0048] The present invention relates to an embodiment of a locking means 15 for the movable support means 12 of the fuel system component when the movable support means 12 of the fuel system component is in the initial configuration. The locking means 15 is in the form of a first rib 150 present on the frame 10 in counter-support of a second rib 151 present on the movable support means 12.

[0049] The illustrates the device 1 for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle shown in the. The device comprises at least one frame 10, a component 11 of a fuel system and at least one movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system, said movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system being fixed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2. The device shown in the is in the final configuration.The frame 10 is provided with a means (not shown) for stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the final configuration. The frame 10 is also provided with a means (not shown) for blocking the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the initial configuration. The component 11 of the fuel system is an internal reinforcement element 13 in the form of a diabolo 130 consisting of a central part based on a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) and metal, the two ends of the central part being overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HPDE).The frame 10 is in the form of a frame made of a material chosen from polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyketone (PK). The frame 10 also serves as a support for components of the fuel system such as ventilation lines of the fuel lines, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a quality sensor, a deflector, an internal reinforcement element 13 or a valve such as a flap, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) type valve or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) type valve. The frame 10 also comprises a receiving member 14 configured to receive an insertion means such as an insertion rod for example. This receiving member 14 is preferably in the form of a sheath configured to allow the insertion means to slide.

[0050] The present invention relates to an embodiment of a means 16 for stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the fuel system component when the movable support means 12 of the fuel system component is in the final configuration. The stopping means 16 is in the form of a third rib 161 present on the frame 10 on which a fourth rib 160 present on the movable support means 12 abuts. The stopping is carried out by deformation, like clipping, of the fourth rib 160. The movement of the movable support means 12 relative to the frame is carried out by rotation around a hinge-type mechanism 17.

[0051] Illustrates a first alternative to the locking means of the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in FIG. 1 when the movable support means of the component is in the initial configuration. According to this first alternative, the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system comprises a central portion 120, preferably in the form of a rod, a first end 121 configured to interact with an insertion means 2 such as an insertion rod for example and a second end (not shown) provided with a means for attaching the fuel system component. The first end 121 of the movable support means 12 is in the form of a rod-shaped extension of the central portion 120 of the movable support means 12, the first end 121 and the central portion 120 forming an angle of 90°.The first end 121 bears on a part 20 of the insertion means 2, said insertion means 2 being introduced into the receiving member 14 of the frame 10, the receiving member being in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is able to slide. Such an arrangement of the first end 121 on the insertion means allows rotation of the mobile support means using gravity when the insertion means is withdrawn.

[0052] Lapresents a second alternative to the means for locking the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in lawhen the movable support means of the component is in the initial configuration. In this second alternative, the first end 121 of the movable support means 12 bears on the insertion means 2, said insertion means 2 being introduced into the receiving member 14 of the frame 10. The receiving member is in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is capable of sliding. The part 20 of the insertion member 2 on which the first end 121 of the movable support means 12 bears is in the form of a recess 200. Such an arrangement of the first end 121 on the insertion means allows rotation of the movable support means using gravity when the insertion means is removed.The presence of the recess 200 makes it possible to ensure more rigid positioning of the mobile support means 12 when the device 1 is in its initial configuration.

[0053] Ladescribes a third alternative to the locking means of the movable support means of the component of the fuel system presented in lawhen the movable support means of the component is in the initial configuration. According to this third alternative, the movable support means 12 comprises a central portion 120, a first end 121 configured to interact with an insertion means 2 and a second end 122 provided with a means (not shown) for attaching the component 11 of the fuel system. The first end 121 of the movable support means 12 is in the form of a rod-shaped extension of the central portion 120 of the movable support means 12, the first end 121 and the central portion 120 forming an angle less than or equal to 90°. The first end 121 is hooked onto a portion 20 of the insertion means 2 by clipping.The insertion means 2 is introduced into the receiving member 14 of the frame 10, the receiving member 14 being in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is able to slide. The movable support means 12 is set in motion by the driving force of the withdrawal movement of the insertion means 2. It is observed that in this case, the movement is a rotational movement around a hinge-type mechanism 17, this rotation resulting from an actuating mechanism of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 leads to an elevation of the component 11 relative to its initial position within the device.

[0054] The present invention is an embodiment of a device 1 for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the device 1 being assembled on an insertion means 2. The device comprises at least one frame 10, a component 11 of a fuel system and at least one movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system, said movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system being fixed on the frame and movable relative to the frame between an initial configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a first distance, d1, from the frame and a final configuration in which the component of the fuel system is at a second distance, d2, from the frame, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2. The device presented in the is in the initial configuration.The frame 10 is provided with a means (not shown) for stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the final configuration. The component 11 of the fuel system is an internal reinforcing element 13 in the form of a diabolo 130 consisting of a central part based on a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) and metal, the two ends of the central part being overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HPDE). The frame 10 is in the form of a frame made of a material selected from polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyketone (PK).The frame 10 also serves as a support for components of the fuel system such as ventilation lines, fuel lines, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a quality sensor, a deflector, an internal reinforcement element 13 or a valve such as a flap, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) type valve or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) type valve. The frame 10 also comprises a receiving member 14 configured to receive an insertion means 2 such as an insertion rod for example. This receiving member 14 is preferably in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is able to slide.The movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system comprises a central portion 120 in the form of a rod, a first end 121 configured to interact with the insertion means 2 such as an insertion rod for example and a second end 122 provided with an attachment means 1220 of the component of the fuel system. The central part 120 of the mobile support means 12 slides in a guide member 18 present on the frame 10. This sliding of the central part 120 within the frame 10 induces a translational movement of the mobile support means 12 relative to the frame 10. The translational movement is caused by the withdrawal movement of the insertion means 2 by interaction between the first end 121 of the mobile support means 12 and a part 20 of the insertion means 2. It is the shape of the part 20 of the insertion means 2 which ensures the movement of the mobile support means 12.

[0055] The device 1 for a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle is shown in the final position. The device comprises at least one frame-shaped armature 10, a component 11 of a fuel system and at least one movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system, said movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system being fixed to the armature and movable relative to the armature. The armature 10 is provided with a means (not shown) for stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system when the movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system is in the final configuration.The component 11 of the fuel system is an internal reinforcement element 13 in the form of a diabolo 130 consisting of a central part based on a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) and metal, the two ends of the central part being overmolded with high density polyethylene (HPDE). The reinforcement 10 is in the form of a frame made of a material selected from polyethylene (PE), preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyketone (PK).The frame 10 also serves as a support for components of the fuel system such as ventilation lines, fuel lines, a pump, a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a quality sensor, a deflector, an internal reinforcement element 13 or a valve such as a flap, a Roll Over Valve (ROV) type valve or a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) type valve. The frame 10 also comprises a receiving member 14 configured to receive an insertion means 2 such as an insertion rod for example. This receiving member 14 is preferably in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is able to slide.The movable support means 12 of the component 11 of the fuel system comprises a central portion 120 in the form of a rod, a first end 121 configured to interact with the insertion means 2 such as an insertion rod for example and a second end 122 provided with a fixing means 1220 of the component of the fuel system.

[0056] Illustrates a fourth alternative to the locking means of the movable support means of the fuel system component shown in FIG. 1 when the movable support means of the component is in the initial configuration. According to this fourth alternative, the movable support means 12 comprises a central portion 120, a first end 121 configured to interact with an insertion means 2 and a second end 122 provided with a means 1220 for attaching the component 11 of the fuel system. The first end 121 of the movable support means 12 is in the form of a rod-shaped extension of the central portion 120 of the movable support means 12, the first end 121 and the central portion 120 forming an angle of 180°. The first end 121 is fixed to an actuator 21 present on the portion 20 of the insertion means 2.The insertion means 2 is introduced into the receiving member 14 of the armature 10, the receiving member 14 being in the form of a sheath in which the insertion means 2 is able to slide. The movable support means 12 is set in motion by the driving force of the actuator 21 during the withdrawal movement of the insertion means 2. It is observed that in this case the movement is a translational movement, the central part 120 sliding in a guide member 18 present on the armature 10.

[0057] Figures 11 and 12 respectively illustrate the step of inserting the device in initial configuration within the tubular parison and the device in final configuration within the tank. The distances d1 and d2 extend in a longitudinal plane (X: Y) of the device, relative to an axis L parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the device located in the longitudinal plane (X: Y). The shows the device according to the invention in initial configuration, the insertion means is not shown, said device 1 is inserted within a tubular parison 3 extruded using an extrusion head 4, said device being in an initial configuration in which a component 11 of a fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from a frame 10. The outline of the final tank 5 within which the device 1 is placed is indicated for information. The shows the tank 5 obtained in which the device 1 is located in the final position.The component 11 of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame 10, such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2. This final configuration is achieved by stopping the movement of the movable support means 12 of the component 11 by a stopping means present on the frame 10. The method described in figures 11 and 12 makes it possible to solve the problem linked to the size of the device inserted within the tubular parison relative to the diameter of the extruded parison. Indeed, the extruded tubular parison has a defined diameter. Due to the extrusion constraints, the shape of the parison can change and therefore its diameter.As a result, the device that can be inserted into the tubular parison must therefore be inscribed in a circle with a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular parison, which limits the positioning of the inserted components once the tank has been blown, the resulting tank having an internal cavity with dimensions greater than the internal diameter of the tubular parison. The device according to the invention makes it possible to solve this reduction in diameter by avoiding the use of devices with smaller dimensions in order to have a safety clearance between the inserted device and the tubular parison, thus reducing the permitted dimensions of the inserted device (for example: to 120 mm). Consequently, the inserted device according to the invention makes it possible to meet the product's performance. For pressure tanks, the internal reinforcement elements are placed in the right place.For the ventilation system, the valves are located in a place such that it does not cause any loss of useful volume.

Claims

Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises - at least one frame (10), - a component (11) of a fuel system and - at least one movable support means (12) for the component (11) of the fuel system, said movable support means (12) for the component (11) of the fuel system being fixed to the frame (10) and movable relative to the frame (10) between an initial configuration in which the component (11) of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from the frame (10) and a final configuration in which the component (11) of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame (10), such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2,the frame (10) being provided with a means (16) for stopping the movement of the movable support means (12) of the component (11) of the fuel system when the movable support means (12) of the component (11) of the fuel system is in the final configuration, the fuel being gasoline, and the component (11) of the fuel system being an internal reinforcement element (13)., Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, such that the movable support means (12) of the component of the fuel system is movable in translation and / or in rotation relative to the frame (10). Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, such that the movable support means (12) of the component of the fuel system is movable in rotation relative to the frame (10). Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the frame (10) comprises a locking means (15, 150) for the movable support means (12) of the component (11) of the fuel system so that the movable support means (12) of the component (11) is locked in the initial configuration. Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the movable support means (12) of the component (11) of the fuel system comprises a central part (120), preferably in the form of a rod, a first end (121) configured to interact with an insertion means (2) such as an insertion rod for example and a second end (122) provided with an attachment means (1220) of the component (11) of the fuel system. Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, in which the first end (121) of the movable support means (12) is configured to interact with the insertion means (2) so that the withdrawal of the insertion means (2) causes the movable support means (12) to move towards its final configuration. Device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the frame (10) comprises a receiving member (14) configured to receive an insertion means (2) such as an insertion rod for example. A method of manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle, such that it comprises at least the following steps:Extrusion of a tubular parison (3),Insertion of a device (1) for a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7 within the tubular parison (3), said device (1) being in an initial configuration in which the component (11) of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from a frame (10),Deployment of the device (1) from the initial configuration in which the component (11) of the fuel system is located at a first distance, d1, from the frame (10) to a final configuration in which the component (11) of the fuel system is located at a second distance, d2, from the frame (10), such that the first distance, d1, is less than the second distance, d2.Stopping the deployment of the device (1) when the latter reaches its final configuration using the stopping means (16) present on the frame (10). Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, such that the step of inserting the device (1) into the tubular parison (3) is carried out using an insertion means (2) such as an insertion rod. Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 8 to 9, such that the step of deploying the device (1) from the initial configuration to the final configuration is carried out upon removal of the insertion means (2). Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 8 to 10, such that the step of deploying the device (1) from the initial configuration to the final configuration is carried out by rotating a movable support means (12) of the component (11) relative to the frame (10). Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 8 to 11, such that the step of deploying the device (1) from the initial configuration to the final configuration is carried out by translation of the movable support means (12) of the component (11) relative to the frame (10). A method of manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, such that the rotation of the movable support means (12) is carried out by gravity or by mechanical means upon removal of the insertion means (2). Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle according to claim 12, such that the translation of the movable support means (12) is carried out by mechanical means when removing the insertion means (2). Plastic fuel tank (5) for a motor vehicle comprising a device (1) for a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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