Tank for containing a pressurized gas

Abstract

This tank (2) for containing a pressurized gas comprises a liner (4) made of plastic material and having the general shape of a cylinder with a main axis (5), the liner (4) comprising a neck (6) surrounding an axial opening of the liner (4). The tank additionally comprises an end-piece (8) at least partially formed in the neck (6) of the liner (4), a reinforcement ring (14) provided for reinforcing the neck of the liner and being rigidly connected to and non-detachable from the neck (6) of the liner (4), and fastening means (24) for fastening the end-piece (8) to the ring (14) for reinforcing the neck of the liner.

Description

Tank intended to contain a gas under pressure

[0001] The invention relates to tanks intended to contain pressurized gases, in particular tanks installed in motor vehicles. The invention relates more specifically to a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas and to a method for manufacturing a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas. The gases in question are, for example, and not limited to, natural gas, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen.

[0002] The different functions of these tanks are:

[0003] - contain the gas under pressure, i.e. resist mechanically,

[0004] - ensure watertightness from the outside,

[0005] - ensure filling with pressurized gas, using a solenoid valve mounted on the nozzle,

[0006] - deliver the pressurized gas using the same solenoid valve mounted on the nozzle,

[0007] - attach to the supporting structure,

[0008] - withstand transport and use conditions,

[0009] - resist external environmental, mechanical and thermal aggressions,

[0010] - withstand the manufacturing conditions of the tanks.

[0011] These tanks can be mounted on any fixed or mobile equipment (vehicles on road, rail, sea, air, space). Pressurized gas tanks are made of metallic materials or, more recently, of composite materials, for reasons of weight saving and safety.

[0012] As for composite tanks, their sealing is generally achieved by installing a container called a "liner" capable of ensuring the container's sealing with respect to the contents. Depending on the tank manufacturer, liners are available in metallic or plastic materials.

[0013] The "plastic" type liner includes at least one opening for filling and emptying the tank. It is manufactured by injection or rotational molding or by extrusion-blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material (abbreviated as "thermodur") such as, for example, polyethylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyurethane, silicone, polyoxymethylene. Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymer material is loaded with reinforcing fibers to form a composite material. The reinforcing fibers are, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, aramid fibers, polymer fibers, silica fibers, polyethylene fibers, natural fibers, metal fibers, metal alloy fibers or ceramic fibers. These fibers make it possible to increase the resistance to deformation of the composite material.In a polymer material loaded with reinforcing fibers, the reinforcing fibers and the polymer material are entangled to form a single-piece material. Such a composite material is described by the Applicant in its French patent application No. 18 72197 filed on November 30, 2018 and published under No. 3,089,160.

[0014] Alternatively, the liner is manufactured by filament winding. An example of manufacturing a container by filament winding is described in patent document FR1431135A.

[0015] This liner is then covered with a liner reinforcement envelope made of composite material which will constitute the body of the tank, i.e. the resistant structure of the tank, which must be able to withstand the pressures exerted by the fluid contained in the tank (hereinafter referred to as "internal pressure"). The reinforcement envelope is generally not required to ensure the watertightness of the tank.

[0016] This reinforcement envelope is made up of:

[0017] - a reinforcement generally made up of fibers, for example continuous, of glass, carbon, basalt, or others such as silica fibers or even plant fibers,

[0018] - a resin which is either deposited at the same time as the fiber (filament winding process) or after the envelope has been made to constitute a dry “preform”. This dry preform is then consolidated in order to give it the necessary rigidity. This consolidation is carried out using a resin injection or by infiltration of this resin through the said preform (infusion process), or by means of vacuum resin impregnation.

[0019] Advantageously, the reinforcing shell is coated with one or more layers of a fire-retardant material, preferably an intumescent fire-retardant material such as, for example, a silicate or phosphate-based coating. Silicate and phosphate are intumescent agents which, after exposure to fire, expand and create an insulating barrier. This improves the heat and fire resistance of the tank.

[0020] In all cases, at the time of manufacturing the tank, a nozzle is assembled to seal the liner to allow filling and delivery of the fluid. This nozzle is generally made of metal (steel or aluminum). It is attached to a filling / emptying neck of the liner and has a collar for bearing against the liner. The nozzle also has a thread allowing a solenoid valve to be mounted on the nozzle. Such a nozzle is described in patent document US6230922. Document US 2011 / 220661 A1 also discloses a tank comprising such a nozzle.

[0021] When the reinforcing jacket is applied to the liner by a filament winding process, the liner is held by a robot arm or similar device at the tip. This can pose certain problems during the implementation of the filament winding process. It is recalled that the filament winding process consists of applying successive layers of fibers wound helically and circumferentially onto the liner. If the filament winding is carried out at a high speed, a significant torque is applied by the robot arm to the tip and to the connection between the tip and the liner, particularly during acceleration or deceleration phases that occur when applying layers of fibers wound along a helical trajectory.With a liner made of polyamide 6 (PA6), a conventional screw connection between the end piece and the liner generally allows a resistance to a maximum torque of between 200 and 400 Nm to be obtained; this resistance is lower with a liner made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In order to accelerate the manufacturing speed of the tank, it is necessary to increase the torque resistance of the connection between the end piece and the liner.

[0022] In order to increase this resistance, it is known to increase the axial span of the neck of the liner connected to the end piece, in order to increase the connection surface between the end piece and the neck of the liner. However, this results in an increase in the non-useful volume of the tank, i.e. the bulk of the tank is increased without increasing its capacity to store pressurized gas, at the neck of the liner, which is desirable to avoid due to the limited space available in the vehicle. To prevent the increase in the non-useful volume of the tank, it is known to change the shape of the liner so that the neck of the liner is axially offset towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank. It is also known to change the shape of the liner so that the neck of the liner extends towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank and not towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank.

[0023] In both of the above cases, the axial dimension of the tank is reduced and therefore the tank's bulk. However, this comes with a drawback, in that it creates a concave area inside the tank around the base of the neck, generally called "dead volume". The presence of this concave area considerably complicates the process for measuring the mechanical strength of the tank, carried out according to Regulation No. 134 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) concerning uniform provisions for the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety requirements for hydrogen-powered vehicles, according to which pressurized fluid is injected inside the tank and the deformation of the tank is measured. After implementing this process, it is necessary to completely empty the tank of the fluid used.Emptying the concave area, which is difficult to access, is a particularly complex and time-consuming step, so it is preferable to avoid the presence of the concave area, or at least to reduce the volume of the concave area as much as possible. However, an increase in the axial span of the liner neck connected to the nozzle leads to an increase in the volume of the concave area.

[0024] Another solution to increase strength is to introduce glue between the nozzle and the liner, but this is a long operation that slows down the tank manufacturing process and is difficult to control.

[0025] An aim of the invention is to increase the torque strength of the connection between the end piece and the liner. Optimally, this increase in the torque strength of the connection between the end piece and the liner is achieved without increasing the bulk of the tank and without slowing down the tank manufacturing process.

[0026] To this end, the invention provides a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas comprising a plastic liner of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis, the liner comprising a neck surrounding an axial opening of the liner, the tank comprising: an end piece at least partially formed in and around the neck of the liner, a reinforcing ring for the neck of the liner integral and non-removable from the neck of the liner, and means for fixing, possibly removable, the end piece to the reinforcing ring for the neck of the liner,

[0027] so that the tip is in direct contact with the reinforcement ring and the neck of the liner.

[0028] The expression "a liner neck reinforcement ring integral with and irremovable from the liner neck" means that the liner neck reinforcement ring is coupled in a fixed and permanent manner to the liner neck.

[0029] Thus, the presence of the reinforcing ring, integral and non-removable with the liner neck, makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical connection between the end piece and the liner neck and thus to increase the torque resistance of this connection, which can exceed 500 Nm. In particular, the arrangement of the liner neck, the end piece and the reinforcing ring makes it possible to create a stack comprising, starting from the main axis of the tank and moving away from it radially and in an orderly manner: the end piece, the reinforcing ring, the liner neck and then the end piece again. This stack makes it possible to obtain a particularly strong and compact mechanical connection between the end piece and the liner neck. This makes it possible to carry out a rapid filament winding process involving significant acceleration and deceleration phases, and therefore to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing the tank.Furthermore, the presence of the means for fixing the end piece to the reinforcing ring of the liner neck means that the fixing of the various elements is done within the axial span of the liner neck and not outside it. In other words, the presence of the liner reinforcing ring and the fixing of the end piece to the reinforcing ring of the liner neck does not have the effect of increasing the axial size of the tank. Therefore, the non-useful volume of the tank is not increased in the case where the liner neck is oriented towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank, and the dead volume of the tank is not increased in the case where the liner neck is axially offset, or oriented, towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the neck of the liner extends towards the outside of an internal volume of the tank, and the reinforcing ring is at least partially formed in the neck of the liner, and the fixing means are located radially relative to the neck of the liner, inside the neck of the liner, so that the reinforcing ring is positioned between the neck of the liner and the end piece on the one hand, and the neck of the liner is positioned between the reinforcing ring and the end piece on the other hand.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas comprising a plastic liner of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis, the liner comprising a neck surrounding an axial opening of the liner and extending towards the interior of an internal volume of the tank, the tank comprising:

[0032] - a nozzle at least partially provided in the neck of the liner,

[0033] - a liner neck reinforcement ring, integral and non-removable from the liner neck, and

[0034] - means of fixing the end piece to the reinforcing ring of the liner neck.

[0035] Preferably, the reinforcing ring is at least partially formed around the neck of the liner, and the fixing means are located in an axial extension of the neck of the liner, respectively radially relative to the neck of the liner, in the direction of the internal volume of the tank, respectively inside the neck of the liner, so that the neck of the liner is positioned between the reinforcing ring and the end piece.

[0036] Preferably, the reinforcing ring is at least partially arranged around the neck of the liner, and in that the fixing means are located in an axial extension of the neck of the liner, respectively radially relative to the neck of the liner, in the direction of the internal volume of the reservoir, respectively inside the neck of the liner, so that the neck of the liner is positioned between the reinforcing ring and the end piece.

[0037] The invention can thus be implemented in several possible configurations for the liner, which contributes to making the invention easily implementable industrially.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck of the liner is overmolded onto the reinforcing ring. In the case where the neck of the liner is oriented towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank, the reinforcing ring is overmolded from the outside into the neck of the liner. In the case where the neck of the liner is oriented towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank, the reinforcing ring is overmolded from the inside around the neck of the liner.

[0039] The reinforcement ring is thus made integral and non-removable from the neck of the liner in a simple and effective manner.

[0040] Advantageously, the reinforcing ring is made from a material having a breaking stress or an elastic limit which is at least twice that of the material from which the liner is made.

[0041] This ensures that the reinforcement ring significantly increases the mechanical resistance of the liner neck.

[0042] Preferably, the reinforcement ring is made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, thermoplastic material or thermosetting material.

[0043] The reinforcement ring is thus made with relatively inexpensive and easily accessible materials.

[0044] Advantageously, the fixing means are configured to provide mechanical anchoring of the end piece to the reinforcement ring, for example by screwing or snap-fastening.

[0045] This ensures good mechanical fixing between the tip and the reinforcement ring, using simple and inexpensive means.

[0046] Advantageously, the reinforcing ring comprises a shoulder for cooperation with the end piece configured to receive an axial end of the end piece.

[0047] The reinforcing ring thus makes it possible to form an axial stop making it easier to position the end piece in relation to the reinforcing ring, and therefore to ensure good fixing between these two elements, with simple means not requiring an additional part specifically dedicated to this function.

[0048] Advantageously, the neck of the liner comprises a shoulder for cooperation with the end piece configured to receive an axial end of the end piece.

[0049] The neck of the liner thus makes it possible to form an axial stop to ensure the correct positioning of the tip in relation to the neck of the liner, with simple means not requiring an additional part specifically dedicated to this function.

[0050] Advantageously, the reinforcing ring comprises a shoulder for cooperation with the liner configured to receive a complementary shoulder provided on the liner, at the base of the neck.

[0051] This improves the mechanical anchoring of the reinforcement ring in the neck of the liner, with simple means that do not require an additional part specifically dedicated to this function. This improvement of the mechanical anchoring of the reinforcement ring in the neck of the liner makes it possible to increase the torque resistance of the connection between the end piece and the liner, which makes it possible to accelerate the speed of filament winding and therefore the manufacturing speed of the tank.

[0052] Advantageously, the end piece comprises an annular seal in watertight contact with the neck of the liner, the annular seal being housed in a cavity of the end piece. This ensures that the connection between the end piece and the neck of the liner is properly sealed.

[0053] Preferably, the cavity of the nozzle is closed by a ring to form a groove for housing the annular seal. Preferably, the ring is a removable ring. The ring makes it easier to install the annular seal between the nozzle and the neck of the liner.

[0054] Preferably, the annular seal is a radial seal surrounding the neck of the liner or surrounded by the neck of the liner.

[0055] The annular seal can thus be easily integrated into the tank regardless of the embodiment. Furthermore, a radial seal is preferred to an axial seal, which for example would be provided at an axial end of the liner neck, since the radial seal provides the tank with a “self-sealing” configuration. This configuration, also referred to as a “self-sealing arrangement,” is such that the increase in pressure inside the tank causes the compression of the annular seal to increase, which improves the seal. This is not the case in the presence of an axial seal.

[0056] Preferably, the reservoir comprises a first communication means configured to place an internal volume of the reservoir in fluid communication with a first cavity extending between, on the one hand, the end piece and, on the other hand, axial ends of the reinforcement ring and the neck of the liner.

[0057] Preferably, the reservoir comprises a second communication means configured to place the first cavity in fluid communication with a second cavity, or cavity of the nozzle, into which the annular seal extends.

[0058] By "fluid communication" is meant here that the pressurized gas contained in the tank can circulate freely between the internal volume, the first cavity and the second cavity thanks to the communication means so that the gas pressure is balanced between the internal volume, the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0059] When the tank is filled or emptied, the first and second cavities may have a pressure difference with the internal volume of the tank. This is particularly critical when emptying the tank, since the pressure inside the first and second cavities may remain higher than the pressure in the internal volume even after emptying is complete. This pressure increases the risk of pressurized gas leaking out of the tank. This occurs in particular when the pressure drops below 50 bar in the internal volume and at low temperatures; this phenomenon is amplified when the tank is emptied at a high flow rate. The communication means make it possible to balance the pressure in the first and second cavities with the pressure of the internal volume of the tank, which makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned problems.

[0060] Advantageously, the tank further comprises a sealed contact surface between the end piece and the neck of the liner. For example, the neck of the liner and the end piece each have a smooth surface together forming the sealed contact surface between the end piece and the neck of the liner. In another example, a layer of a gas-tight material constitutes the sealed contact surface between the end piece and the neck of the liner, for example, a layer of glue applied between the end piece and the neck of the liner.

[0061] The invention can thus be implemented in several possible configurations with regard to the sealing of the connection between the end piece and the neck of the liner, which contributes to making the invention easily adaptable industrially.

[0062] Advantageously, the reinforcement ring comprises, on its external radial surface:

[0063] - at least one through hole, and / or

[0064] - at least one axial groove, which extends from an axial end of the reinforcing ring to an axial position in line with the annular seal, and / or

[0065] - at least one peripheral groove configured to place the axial grooves in fluid communication with each other.

[0066] These through holes and grooves allow the gas contained in the tank to expand into a gap between the reinforcement ring and the neck of the liner. When the tank contains a pressurized gas, this helps to establish a pressure balance in this gap so as to apply pressure to the annular seal or the sealing contact surface, thus improving the tank's leaktightness.

[0067] Advantageously, the reinforcement ring comprises, on its external or internal radial surface, axial grooves.

[0068] This further improves the mechanical anchoring of the reinforcement ring in the neck of the liner.

[0069] Preferably, the reinforcing ring has, on the same surface as that comprising the axial grooves, a strip of uniform radius separating the axial grooves into two sets of axial grooves separated by the strip, and the annular seal is in leaktight support against a support zone of the neck of the liner in contact with the strip of the reinforcing ring integral and non-removable from the neck of the liner.

[0070] Indeed, the annular seal exerts a permanent contact pressure on the neck of the liner in order to maintain the tank's watertightness. This contact pressure tends to cause the material of the liner neck located in the support zone to flow. The presence of the strip makes it possible to homogenize the creep experienced by the support zone of the liner neck when the tank is in service. This reduces the risk of leakage due to creep and increases the tank's service life.

[0071] The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: manufacturing a liner of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis, the liner comprising a neck surrounding an axial opening of the liner and extending outwardly from an internal volume of the tank, fixing a reinforcing ring of the neck of the liner in the neck of the liner, inserting a nozzle at least partially into and around the neck of the liner, and fixing the nozzle to the reinforcing ring using fixing means located radially relative to the neck of the liner, inside the neck of the liner, so that the reinforcing ring is positioned between the neck of the liner and the nozzle on the one hand, and the neck of the liner is positioned between the reinforcing ring and the nozzle on the other hand.

[0072] The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: manufacturing a liner of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis, the liner comprising a neck surrounding an axial opening of the liner and extending towards the inside of an internal volume of the tank, fixing a reinforcing ring of the neck of the liner around the neck of the liner, inserting a nozzle at least partially into the neck of the liner, and fixing the nozzle to the reinforcing ring using fixing means located in an axial extension of the neck of the liner, respectively radially relative to the neck of the liner, in the direction of the internal volume of the tank, respectively inside the neck of the liner, so that the neck of the liner is positioned between the reinforcing ring and the nozzle.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the liner is made of plastic and the step of fixing the reinforcing ring of the neck of the liner to the neck of the liner is a step of overmolding the neck of the liner onto the reinforcing ring during the step of manufacturing the liner. Brief description of the figures

[0074] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0075] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0076] Figures 2A and 2B are sectional views of the tank according to two alternative embodiments,

[0077] is a perspective view of a reinforcement ring included in the tank of the,

[0078] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are perspective views of reinforcing rings according to alternative embodiments of the invention,

[0079] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0080] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0081] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0082] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0083] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,

[0084] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a seventh embodiment of the invention,

[0085] Figures 11A, 11B and 11C are perspective views of reinforcing rings according to alternative embodiments of the invention,

[0086] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to an eighth embodiment of the invention,

[0087] is a sectional view of communication means of the reservoir of the, according to a first embodiment of these means,

[0088] is a sectional view of communication means of the reservoir of the, according to a second embodiment of these means,

[0089] is a sectional view of communication means of the reservoir of the, according to a third embodiment of these means, and

[0090] is a sectional view of a tank intended to contain a pressurized gas according to the state of the art.

[0091] A tank 2 is shown for containing a pressurized gas according to a first embodiment of the invention. The tank 2 comprises a liner 4 made of plastic material defining an internal volume of the tank 2 for receiving the pressurized gas. The liner 4 here has a central part of generally cylindrical or tubular shape, with reference to a main axis 5 of the tank 2, and two end parts, one of which is shown in the figure. The end part of the liner 4 shown comprises a neck 6 surrounding an axial opening of the liner connecting the internal volume of the tank with the external environment, the neck 6 here extending towards the outside of the internal volume. The liner 4 is manufactured by injection, rotational molding or extrusion blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer material, for example polyamide or polyethylene, and the thickness of the liner is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0092] The tank 2 comprises a nozzle 8 at least partially formed in and around the neck 6 of the liner 4. The nozzle 8 has a general shape with symmetry of revolution relative to the main axis 5. The nozzle 8 comprises a central part extending partially inside the neck 6 of the liner 4 and a peripheral part extending partially around the neck 6 of the liner 4 so that the neck 6 of the liner 4 is protected from the external environment by the nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 is a metal part, for example aluminum. The nozzle 8 is configured to receive a solenoid valve 9 allowing, alternately, to fill and empty the tank 2 of its gas.

[0093] The tank 2 comprises an annular seal 10 formed between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8 and housed inside a cavity of the end piece 8. The annular seal 10 is in sealed contact against the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8 so as to produce a sealed connection between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8, so that the pressurized gas cannot escape from the tank 2 through a gap between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8. The annular seal 10 is a radial seal surrounding the neck 6 of the liner 4. Figure 2A shows the configuration of the annular seal 10 in the tank 2 of the. Figure 2B shows a configuration of the annular seal 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. According to this variant, the cavity of the end piece 8 housing the annular seal 10 comprises a removable ring 12.By removing the removable ring 12, the annular seal 10 can easily be removed or placed in the cavity of the end piece 8, which makes it easier to mount the end piece 8 on the neck 6 of the liner 4.

[0094] The tank 2 comprises a reinforcing ring 14 having the function of reinforcing the neck 6 of the liner 4. The reinforcing ring 14 is integral and cannot be removed from the neck 6 of the liner 4 and, in the configuration of the, is arranged inside the neck 6 of the liner 4 so that the neck 6 of the liner 4 surrounds and encloses the reinforcing ring 14. A gap 7 may extend between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the reinforcing ring 14. In the example illustrated, the neck 6 of the liner 4 is overmolded onto the reinforcing ring 14 so that the reinforcing ring 14 is overmolded from the outside into the neck 6 of the liner 4. The reinforcing ring 14 is made of a material having a breaking stress or an elastic limit which is at least twice that of the material from which it is made. the liner 4. For this purpose, the reinforcing ring 14 can be made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, of thermoplastic material or of thermoset material.

[0095] The reinforcing ring 14 is shown in more detail in the figure. The reinforcing ring 14 extends in the axial direction over several millimeters, of the order of 5 to 50 mm. It has on its external surface, that is to say its surface in contact with the neck 6 of the liner 4, axial grooves 16 distributed regularly over its entire periphery. Here, the axial grooves 16 are dimensioned so that two axial grooves are separated by a space approximately equal to twice the thickness of an axial groove. The axial grooves 16 make it possible to improve the securing of the reinforcing ring 14 to the neck 6 of the liner 4 thanks to a form cooperation.

[0096] The reinforcing ring 14 comprises on its external surface, that is to say its surface in contact with the neck 6 of the liner 4, radial protuberances 18 distributed regularly around its periphery and flush with an axial end of the reinforcing ring 14. The radial protuberances 18 make it possible to improve the securing of the reinforcing ring 14 to the neck 6 of the liner 4 thanks to a penetration of the radial protuberances 18 into the neck 6 of the liner 4. The radial protuberances 18 have a length less than the thickness of the liner 4 to prevent the radial protuberances 18 from risking piercing the neck 6 of the liner 4. The axial position of the radial protuberances 18 not being decisive, they could be located elsewhere than at the axial end of the reinforcing ring 14.

[0097] The reinforcing ring 14 comprises on its external surface, therefore on the same surface as that comprising the axial grooves 16, a strip 20 of uniform radius separating the axial grooves 16 into two sets of axial grooves separated by the strip 20. The annular seal 10, shown schematically, is in sealed support against a support zone of the neck 6 of the liner 4 in contact with the strip 20 of the reinforcing ring 14 integral and non-removable with the neck 6 of the liner 4 as shown in the. The presence of the strip 20 makes it possible to homogenize the creep undergone by the support zone of the neck 6 of the liner 4 when the tank 2 is in service.

[0098] Reinforcing rings 14a, 14b, 14c are shown according to alternative embodiments, the differences of which with the reinforcing ring 14 of the.

[0099] The reinforcing ring 14a of Figure 4A is devoid of radial protrusions. Furthermore, the strip 20 does not separate the axial grooves in the direction in which the axial grooves 16 pass through the strip 20.

[0100] The reinforcing ring 14b of Figure 4B is devoid of radial protrusions. Instead of these radial protrusions, the reinforcing ring 14b has radial notches 18' distributed regularly around its external surface. The radial notches 18' make it possible to improve the securing of the reinforcing ring 14 to the neck 6 of the liner 4 thanks to a penetration of the material of the liner 4 into the radial notches 18'. In addition, the strip 20 does not separate the axial grooves 16 in the direction where the axial grooves 16 pass through the strip 20.

[0101] The reinforcement ring 14c of Figure 4C is devoid of radial protrusions. Its outer surface has a denser set of axial grooves 16. Here, the axial grooves 16 are sized so that two axial grooves are separated by a space less than or equal to the thickness of one axial groove. Some of the axial grooves 16 extend onto an axial surface of the reinforcement ring 14.

[0102] The tank 2 comprises means 24 for fixing the end piece 8 to the reinforcing ring 14 configured to provide mechanical anchoring of the end piece 8 to the reinforcing ring 14. This is a mechanical anchoring by screwing, but according to an alternative embodiment, it is a mechanical anchoring by snap-fastening. An axial zone of length A is defined in which the entirety of the fixing means 24 and the neck 6 of the liner 4 extend. The length A corresponds to the increase in the axial size of the tank caused by the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the fixing means 24 in the configuration where the neck 6 extends towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank 2. The length A characterizes the ratio between the useful volume of the tank 2, that is to say its internal volume, and the size of the tank 2, linked in particular to the total volume of the tank 2. By reducing the length A, the increase in the size of the tank is reduced.It is observed on the lacquer according to the invention, the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the fixing means 24 extend radially relative to each other. In this way, the length A is not equal to the sum of the lengths along the main axis 5 of the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the fixing means 24, but is equal to the maximum of the lengths along the main axis 5 of the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the fixing means 24. When these two lengths are equal or substantially equal, as is the case in the present embodiment, the ratio between the mechanical strength of the fixing permitted by the fixing means 24 and the size of the tank 2 is optimized. The value of the length A is preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 10 mm.

[0103] Tank 2 is manufactured by a manufacturing process comprising the following steps. First, the liner 4 is manufactured, which is made by injection molding two shells forming two halves of the liner which are then welded together. The reinforcing ring 14 is fixed in the neck 6 of the liner 4, for example by overmolding the neck 6 of the liner 4 onto the reinforcing ring 14 during the manufacture of the liner 4. The end piece 8 is then inserted at least partially into and around the neck 6 of the liner 4. Finally, the end piece 8 is fixed to the reinforcing ring 14 using the fixing means 24 inside the neck 6 of the liner 4 so that the reinforcing ring 14 is positioned between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8 on the one hand, and the neck 6 of the liner 4 is positioned between the reinforcing ring 14 and the end piece 8 on the other hand. In particular, the end piece 8 is in direct contact with the reinforcing ring 14 and the neck 6 of the liner 4.

[0104] Tanks for containing a pressurized gas according to other embodiments of the invention will now be described. In the following, only what differentiates the tanks according to these embodiments from the tank 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described. Elements of these tanks similar to those of the tank 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention bear identical reference numerals.

[0105] A reservoir 102 is shown for containing a pressurized gas according to a second embodiment of the invention. The reservoir 102 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the reinforcing ring 14 comprises a shoulder 26 for cooperation with the end piece 8 configured to receive an axial end of the end piece 8. The shoulder 26 for cooperation with the end piece 8 thus forms an axial stop making it possible to facilitate the correct positioning of the end piece 8 relative to the reinforcing ring 14. For example, when the fixing means 24 form a screw fixing, the shoulder 26 for cooperation with the end piece 8 forms a screw stop for the end piece 8 relative to the reinforcing ring 14.

[0106] A reservoir 202 is shown for containing a pressurized gas according to a third embodiment of the invention. The reservoir 202 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the reinforcing ring 14 comprises a shoulder 28 for cooperation with the liner 4 configured to receive a complementary shoulder 30 provided on the liner 4, at the base of the neck 6. The shoulder 28 for cooperation with the liner 4 thus forms an axial stop making it possible to facilitate the correct positioning of the neck 6 of the liner 4, and more generally of the liner 4, relative to the reinforcing ring 14. In an advantageous embodiment, the shoulder 28 includes the radial protuberances or the radial notches as described above.

[0107] A reservoir 302 is shown for containing a pressurized gas according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The reservoir 302 differs from that of the first embodiment in that it combines the second and third embodiments of the invention. The reinforcing ring 14 comprises a shoulder 26 for cooperation with the end piece 8 configured to receive an axial end of the end piece 8, as well as a shoulder 28 for cooperation with the liner 4 configured to receive a complementary shoulder 30 provided on the liner 4, at the base of the neck 6. The operation of the shoulder 26 for cooperation with the end piece 8 and of the shoulder 28 for cooperation with the liner 4 are as described in the second and third embodiments of the invention.

[0108] A reservoir 402 is shown intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The tank 402 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the neck 6' of the liner 4 extends towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 2 and in that the reinforcing ring 14, integral and non-removable with the neck 6' of the liner 4, is at least partially formed around the neck 6' of the liner 4. In the example illustrated, the neck 6' of the liner 4 is overmolded onto the reinforcing ring 14 so that the reinforcing ring 14 is overmolded from the inside around the neck 6' of the liner 4. The annular seal 10 is a radial seal which, here, is surrounded by the neck 6' of the liner 4. The configuration of the neck 6' of the liner 4 extending towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 402 generates the presence of a dead volume 32 in the internal volume as described in the preamble to this application.The fixing means 24 are located in an axial extension of the neck 6' of the liner 4 in the direction of the internal volume of the tank, so that the neck 6' of the liner 4 is positioned between the reinforcing ring 14 and the end piece 8. The reinforcing ring 14 is located at least partially around the neck 6' of the liner 4, and it is its internal surface, that is to say the surface in contact with the neck 6' of the liner 4, which may have axial grooves, a band, radial protuberances and / or radial notches as presented in the first embodiment and in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B and 4C.

[0109] The tank 402 is manufactured by a manufacturing method comprising the following steps. The liner 4 is first manufactured, this being produced by injection molding two shells forming two halves of the liner which are then welded together. The reinforcing ring 14 is fixed around the neck 6' of the liner 4, for example by overmolding the neck 6' of the liner 4 onto the reinforcing ring 14 during the manufacture of the liner 4. The end piece 8 is then inserted at least partially into the neck 6' of the liner 4. Finally, the end piece 8 is fixed to the reinforcing ring 14 using the fixing means 24 located in an axial extension of the neck 6' of the liner 4 in the direction of the internal volume of the tank 402, so that the neck 6' of the liner 4 is positioned between the reinforcing ring 14 and the end piece 8.

[0110] A reservoir 502 is shown intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The tank 502 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the neck 6' of the liner 4 extends towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 2 and in that the reinforcing ring 14, integral and non-removable with the neck 6' of the liner 4, is at least partially formed around the neck 6' of the liner 4. In the example illustrated, the neck 6' of the liner 4 is overmolded onto the reinforcing ring 14 so that the reinforcing ring 14 is overmolded from the inside around the neck 6' of the liner 4. The configuration of the neck 6' of the liner 4 extending towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 402 generates the presence of a dead volume 32 in the internal volume as described in the preamble of the present application.The fixing means 24 are located radially relative to the neck 6' of the liner 4 inside the neck 6' of the liner 4, so that the neck 6' of the liner 4 is positioned between the reinforcing ring 14 and the end piece 8. The reinforcing ring 14 is located at least partially around the neck 6' of the liner 4, and it is its internal surface, i.e. the surface in contact with the neck 6' of the liner 4, which may have axial grooves, a band, radial protuberances and / or radial notches as shown in the first embodiment and in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B and 4C.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the reinforcing ring 14 is in fact a double reinforcing ring 14d, 14e in which a first reinforcing ring 14d is arranged outside the neck 6' of the liner 4 so that the first reinforcing ring 14d surrounds and encloses the neck 6' of the liner 4 and a second reinforcing ring 14e carries the fixing means 24. The first reinforcing ring 14d is coaxial with the second reinforcing ring 14e and its inner radius is greater than the outer radius of the second reinforcing ring 14e so that an annular space is arranged between the first reinforcing ring 14d and the second reinforcing ring 14e. The first reinforcing ring 14d is connected to the second reinforcing ring 14e by a reinforcing core 15 in the form of a washer. The reinforcing core 15 has an outer radius corresponding to the outer radius of the first reinforcing ring 14d and an inner radius corresponding to the inner radius of the second reinforcing ring 14e.The annular space provided between the first reinforcing ring 14d and the second reinforcing ring 14e is provided to receive the neck 6' of the liner 4 and an axial end of the end piece 8 so that the neck 6' of the liner 4 is protected from the external environment by the end piece 8.

[0112] The tank 502 is manufactured by a manufacturing method comprising the following steps. The liner 4 is first manufactured, this being produced by injection molding two shells forming two halves of the liner which are then welded together. The reinforcing ring 14 is fixed around the neck 6' of the liner 4, for example by overmolding the neck 6' of the liner 4 onto the reinforcing ring 14 during the manufacture of the liner 4. The end piece 8 is then inserted at least partially into the neck 6' of the liner 4. Finally, the end piece 8 is fixed to the reinforcing ring 14 using the fixing means 24 located radially relative to the neck 6' of the liner 4 inside the neck 6' of the liner 4, so that the neck 6' of the liner 4 is positioned between the reinforcing ring 14 and the end piece 8.

[0113] A reservoir 602 is shown intended to contain a pressurized gas according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The tank 602 differs from that of the first embodiment in that it comprises a sealed contact surface 10' between the end piece 8 and the neck 6 of the liner 4, such that the pressurized gas cannot escape from the tank 2 through a gap between the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8. In the illustrated example, a layer of a gas-tight material constitutes the sealed contact surface 10' between the end piece 8 and the neck 6 of the liner 4, for example, a layer of glue applied between the end piece 8 and the neck 6 of the liner 4. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the neck 6 of the liner 4 and the end piece 8 each have a smooth bearing surface together forming the sealed contact surface 10' between the end piece 8 and the neck 6 of the liner 4.

[0114] Reinforcing rings 14d, 14e, 14f are shown according to alternative embodiments, the differences of which with the reinforcing ring 14 of the.

[0115] The reinforcing ring 14d of Figure 11A has through orifices 34 distributed regularly around the circumference of the reinforcing ring 14d. The orifices 34 here have a diameter of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm. These orifices 34 allow the pressurized gas contained in the tank to propagate into the gap 7 and thus facilitate the establishment of a pressure balance in this gap 7 with respect to the internal volume of the tank, so as to apply pressure to the annular seal or to the sealed contact surface. This improves the sealing of the tank, in an inexpensive manner.

[0116] The reinforcing ring 14e of Figure 11B has, on its external surface, axial grooves 36 distributed regularly around the circumference of the reinforcing ring 14e. The axial grooves 36 all extend from one axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e to the other axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the axial grooves 36 each extend from one axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e to an axial position in line with the annular seal 10, in other words the axial grooves 36 only open at one axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e. The axial grooves 36 here have a width of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm.The axial grooves 36 have the same function as the orifices 34 of the reinforcing ring 14d of FIG. 11A, in that the axial grooves 36 allow the pressurized gas contained in the tank to propagate into the gap 7 and thus facilitate the establishment of a pressure balance in this gap with respect to the internal volume of the tank, so as to apply pressure to the annular seal or to the sealing contact surface. This improves the sealing of the tank.

[0117] The reinforcing ring 14f of Figure 11C has, on its external surface, axial grooves 36 distributed regularly over the circumference of the reinforcing ring 14e which all extend from one axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e to the other axial end of the reinforcing ring 14e, in a similar manner to the grooves of the reinforcing ring 14e of Figure 11B. The reinforcing ring 14f also has, on its external surface, a peripheral groove 36' extending radially over the entire circumference of the reinforcing ring. The peripheral groove 36' here has a width of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm. The peripheral groove 36' makes it possible in particular to promote pressure homogeneity in the gap 7 by placing the axial grooves 36 in fluid communication with each other.

[0118] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing ring may comprise both through-holes and grooves as defined above.

[0119] A reservoir 702 is shown for containing a pressurized gas according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The reservoir 702 differs from that of the first embodiment in that it has a first cavity 38 extending between, on the one hand, the end piece 8 and, on the other hand, axial ends of the reinforcing ring 14 and the neck 6 of the liner 4, and in that it has a second cavity 40, formed in the end piece 8 corresponding to the cavity of the end piece shown in relation to the, in which the annular seal 10 extends.

[0120] When the reservoir 702 is filled or emptied, the first and second cavities 38, 40 may have a pressure difference with an internal volume 42 of the reservoir. This is particularly critical when the reservoir 702 is emptied, since the pressure inside the first and second cavities 38, 40 may remain higher than the pressure in the internal volume 42 even after emptying is complete. This pressure increases the risks of pressurized gas leaking out of the reservoir 702. This is particularly evident when the pressure drops below 50 bar in the internal volume and at low temperatures; this phenomenon is amplified when the reservoir 702 is emptied at a high flow rate. To overcome these problems, the reservoir 702 comprises means configured to place the first and second cavities 38, 40 in fluid communication with the internal volume 42. These means are referred to as the first communication means 44 and the second communication means 45 in the following.The first communication means 44 is located upstream of the first cavity 38 while the second communication means 45 is located downstream of the first cavity 38. The terms upstream and downstream are used according to the direction of circulation of the pressurized gases leaking out of the tank.

[0121] A first embodiment of the communication means 44 and 45 is shown in which these means are formed by open channels provided in the end piece 8.

[0122] A second embodiment of the communication means 44 and 45 is shown in which these means are formed by channels drilled in the end piece 8, according to two alternative configurations.

[0123] A third embodiment of the communication means 44 and 45 is shown in which these means are formed by open channels provided in the neck 6 of the liner 4 and in the reinforcing ring 14.

[0124] In a fourth embodiment (not shown), at least one channel is formed in the neck 6 of the liner 4 to put the volume 40 in fluid communication with the internal volume 42 of the tank.

[0125] A tank 3 is shown intended to contain a pressurized gas according to the state of the art. The tank 3 comprises a liner 104 made of plastic material defining an internal volume of the tank 3 intended to receive the pressurized gas. The liner 104 here has a central part of generally cylindrical or tubular shape, with reference to a main axis 105 of the tank 3, and two end parts, one of which is shown in the figure. The end part of the liner 104 shown comprises a neck 106 surrounding an axial opening of the liner connecting the internal volume of the tank with the external environment. The neck 106 here extends towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank 3 and has an axial offset towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 3.The configuration of the neck 106 of the liner 3 axially offset towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank 3 generates the presence of a dead volume 132 in the internal volume as described in the preamble of the present application.

[0126] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. In particular, the embodiments of the invention relating to a tank in which the neck of the liner is oriented towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank are also applicable to a tank in which the neck of the liner is oriented towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank. And conversely, the embodiments of the invention relating to a tank in which the neck of the liner is oriented towards the outside of the internal volume of the tank are also applicable to a tank in which the neck of the liner is oriented towards the inside of the internal volume of the tank. In general, it is possible to combine the different embodiments with each other, in particular with regard to the configuration of the neck of the liner, the removable ring, the reinforcing ring and the presence of the cooperation shoulders. List of references

[0127] 2; 3; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702: tank intended to contain a pressurized gas4; 104: liner5; 105: main axis6; 6'; 106: neck7: gap8: end piece9: solenoid valve10: annular seal10': sealed contact surface between the end piece and the neck12: removable ring14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f: reinforcing ring15: reinforcing core16: axial groove18: radial protuberance18': radial notch20: band24: fixing means26: shoulder for cooperation with the end piece28: shoulder for cooperation with the liner30: complementary shoulder32; 132: dead volume34: through orifice36: axial groove36': peripheral groove38: first cavity40: second cavity42: internal volume of the tank44: first means of communication45: second means of communication

Claims

Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 602; 702) intended to contain a pressurized gas comprising a liner (4) made of plastic material of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis (5), the liner (4) comprising a neck (6) surrounding an axial opening of the liner (4), characterized in that it comprises: an end piece (8) at least partially formed in and around the neck (6) of the liner (4), a reinforcing ring (14) of the neck of the liner integral and non-removable from the neck (6) of the liner (4), and means (24) for fixing the end piece (8) to the reinforcing ring (14) of the neck (6) of the liner (4), so that the end piece (8) is in direct contact with the reinforcing ring (14) and the neck (6) of the liner (4). Tank (402; 502) intended to contain a pressurized gas comprising a liner (4) made of plastic material of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis (5), the liner (4) comprising a neck (6') surrounding an axial opening of the liner (4) and extending towards the inside of an internal volume of the tank, characterized in that it comprises: an end piece (8) at least partially formed in the neck (6') of the liner (4), a reinforcing ring (14) of the neck of the liner integral and non-removable from the neck (6') of the liner (4), and means (24) for fixing the end piece (8) to the reinforcing ring (14) of the neck (6') of the liner (4). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 602; 702) according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck (6) of the liner (4) extends towards the outside of an internal volume of the tank, and in that the reinforcing ring (14) is at least partially formed in the neck (6) of the liner (4), and in that the fixing means (24) are located radially relative to the neck (6) of the liner (4), inside the neck (6) of the liner (4), so that the reinforcing ring (14) is positioned between the neck (6) of the liner (4) and the end piece (8) on the one hand, and the neck (6) of the liner (4) is positioned between the reinforcing ring (14) and the end piece (8) on the other hand. Tank (402; 502) according to claim 2, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) is at least partially formed around the neck (6') of the liner (4), and in that the fixing means (24) are located in an axial extension of the neck (6') of the liner (4), respectively radially relative to the neck (6') of the liner (4), in the direction of the internal volume of the tank, respectively inside the neck (6') of the liner (4), so that the neck (6') of the liner (4) is positioned between the reinforcing ring (14) and the end piece (8). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4) is overmolded onto the reinforcing ring (14). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) is made of a material having a breaking stress or an elastic limit which is at least twice that of the material from which the liner (4) is made. Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) is made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, thermoplastic material or thermosetting material. Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (24) are configured to provide mechanical anchoring of the end piece (8) to the reinforcing ring (14), for example by screwing or by snap-fastening. Tank (102; 302) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) comprises a shoulder (26) for cooperation with the end piece (8) configured to receive an axial end of the end piece (8). Tank (202; 302) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) comprises a shoulder (28) for cooperation with the liner (4) configured to receive a complementary shoulder (30) provided on the liner (4), at the base of the neck (6). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end piece (8) comprises an annular seal (10) in leaktight contact against the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4), the annular seal (10) being housed in a cavity of the end piece (8). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cavity of the end piece (8) is closed by a ring in order to form a groove for housing the annular seal (10), preferably the ring is a removable ring (12). Tank (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the annular seal (10) is a radial seal surrounding the neck (6) of the liner (4) or surrounded by the neck (6') of the liner (4). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first communication means (44) configured to put an internal volume (42) of the tank in fluid communication with a first cavity (38) extending between, on the one hand, the end piece (8) and, on the other hand, axial ends of the reinforcing ring (14) and the neck (6) of the liner (4). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second communication means (45) configured to put the first cavity (38) in fluid communication with a second cavity (40), or cavity of the nozzle, in which the annular seal (10) extends. Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a sealed contact surface (10') between the end piece (8) and the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reinforcing ring (14) comprises, on its external radial surface: - at least one through-orifice (34), and / or - at least one axial groove (36), which extends from an axial end of the reinforcing ring (14) to an axial position in line with the annular seal (10), and / or - at least one peripheral groove (36') configured to put the axial grooves (36) in fluid communication with each other. Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) comprises, on its external or internal radial surface, axial grooves (16). Tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602; 702) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (14) has, on the same surface as that comprising the axial grooves (16), a strip (20) of uniform radius separating the axial grooves (16) into two sets of axial grooves separated by the strip (20), and in that the annular seal (10) is in leaktight abutment against a bearing zone of the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4) in contact with the strip (20) of the reinforcing ring (14) integral and non-removable from the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4). A method of manufacturing a tank (2; 102; 202; 302; 602; 702) intended to contain a pressurized gas, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:manufacturing a liner (4) of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis (5), the liner (4) comprising a neck (6) surrounding an axial opening of the liner (4) and extending towards the outside of an internal volume of the tank,fixing a reinforcing ring (14) of the neck of the liner in the neck (6) of the liner (4),inserting a nozzle (8) at least partially into and around the neck (6) of the liner (4), andfixing the nozzle (8) to the reinforcing ring (14) using fixing means (24) located radially relative to the neck (6) of the liner (4), inside the neck (6) of the liner (4), so that the reinforcing ring (14) is positioned between the neck (6) of the liner (4) and the end piece (8) on the one hand, and the neck (6) of the liner (4) is positioned between the reinforcing ring (14) and the end piece (8) on the other hand. A method of manufacturing a tank (402; 502) intended to contain a pressurized gas, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:manufacturing a liner (4) of generally cylindrical shape having a main axis (5), the liner (4) comprising a neck (6') surrounding an axial opening of the liner (4) and extending towards the inside of an internal volume of the tank,fixing a reinforcing ring (14) of the neck of the liner around the neck (6') of the liner (4),inserting a nozzle (8) at least partially into the neck (6') of the liner (4), andfixing the nozzle (8) to the reinforcing ring (14) using fixing means (24) located in an axial extension of the neck of the liner, respectively radially relative to the neck (6') of the liner (4), in the direction of the internal volume of the tank, respectively inside the neck (6') of the liner (4), so that the neck (6') of the liner (4) is positioned between the reinforcing ring (14) and the end piece (8). Method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, characterized in that the liner (4) is made of plastic material and the step of fixing the reinforcing ring (14) of the neck of the liner to the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4) is a step of overmolding the neck (6; 6') of the liner (4) onto the reinforcing ring (14) during the step of manufacturing the liner (4).

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