Assembly for a plastic fuel tank of a vehicule

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for a plastic fuel tank of a vehicle, a plastic fuel tank comprising said assembly; a method of manufacturing said plastic fuel tank and a vehicle comprising said fuel tank. The assembly comprising the plastic fuel tank comprising a first carrier having a first coupling means; a second carrier having a second coupling means and a deformable link. The first carrier and second carrier are connected by the deformable link and the deformable link allowing movement of the first carrier and the second carrier relative to each other. The first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to receive an insertion pin so as to inhibit the movement of the first carrier and the second carrier relative to each other.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR A PLASTIC FUEL TANK OF A VEHICULEBackground of the invention

[0001] In the past, fuel tanks have been manufactured using materials such as steel. However, a demand for lighter weight vehicles has led to the development of plastic fuel tanks that decrease the vehicle’s weight and offer more design flexibility. Blow-moulding (BM) is a known method of manufacturing such plastic fuel tanks.

[0002] The BM process involves the extrusion of a thermoplastic molten material known as a parison between two mould halves that unitarily combine to form the desired shape of the plastic fuel tank to be produced. Each halve of the mould closes over the parison and the introduction of a pressurised gas into the parison allows the molten thermoplastic to expand within the mould, thereby providing the body of the plastic fuel tank. The documents WO2023031453.A1, EP2155469.A1, US2012006476.A1 and GB2559348.A disclose examples of implementation of the BM process.

[0003] Internal components of the fuel tank may be placed in the interior of the plastic fuel tank after the BM process through a formed opening. Alternatively, internal components of the plastic fuel tank may be inserted in the interior of the tank during the blow moulding process. The former process is disadvantageous in that it requires openings to be formed in the tank after the tank has been sealed, thereby increasing the overall manufacturing-time and compromising evaporative emission control. The latter method is more efficient as the internal components are inserted into the parison prior to the body of the plastic fuel tank being formed.

[0004] However, as the BM process uses heating and cooling to produce the body of the plastic fuel tank, thermal expansion and shrinking occurs, ultimately limiting the accurate placement of internal components within the body of the tank. As a result, quality issues arise in the finished product.

[0005] There is a demand for controlling the accuracy of components placed within a plastic fuel tank. There is a demand for a lighter-weight assembly that offers compliance to shrinking and thermal expansion of a plastic fuel tank during the manufacturing process, and more specifically during a BM process. Furthermore, there is a demand for a simplified manufacturing process.Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, an assembly for a plastic fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first carrier having a first coupling means, a second carrier having a second coupling means and a deformable link. The first carrier and the second carrier are connected by a deformable link, said deformable link allowing movement of the first carrier and the second carrier relative to each other. The first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to receive an insertion pin through the deformable link so as to inhibit the movement of the first carrier and the second carrier relative to each other.

[0008] The expression “deformable” may be understood as readily undergoing a change in shape in response to external stimuli such as, a change in temperature or imparted force.

[0009] The expression “carrier” may be understood as a supporting means for functional components of the plastic fuel tank. The functional components may be arranged on the carrier and may be introduced together with the carrier during the BM process.

[0010] The expression “functional components” may be understood as internal fuel tank components used for the operation of a plastic fuel tank, for example: valves, pumps, conduits, fuel noise-reducing means such as a baffle, reinforcement elements such as a pillar and other devices known in the art.

[0011] The expression “internal” in relation to a plastic fuel tank may be understood as defining the inside of a fuel tank.

[0012] Advantageously, the movement of the first carrier relative to the second carrier provides flexibility in the assembly, thereby reducing stress inside the plastic fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process through thermal expansion and shrinking. Moreover, as the first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to receive the insertion pin through the deformable link, this allows the assembly to be introduced to the plastic fuel tank in a simpler manner by reducing the flexibility of the assembly by inhibiting the movement of the first carrier relative to the second carrier. Preferably, the first coupling means is aligned with the second coupling means, this allows the insertion of a cylindrical insertion pin through the deformable link.

[0013] Moreover, when the assembly is void of the insertion pin, the assembly can revert back to a flexible state. This allows a less complex manufacturing process. Furthermore, as the assembly is configured to receive the insertion pin through the deformable link, a more compact assembly is provided.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the first carrier and / or the second carrier may comprise at least one reinforcement element. The reinforcement element may comprise a first fusion means, and a second fusion means configured to be connected respectively to the top portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank and to the bottom portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank.

[0015] The expression “top portion” may be understood as defining a region of the internal plastic fuel tank that is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the assembly, above said assembly, and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least one reinforcement element.

[0016] The expression “bottom portion” may be understood as defining a region of the internal plastic fuel tank that is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the assembly, under said assembly, and is parallel to the top portion of the fuel tank.

[0017] The first fusion means and the second fusion means may be welding means. Advantageously, the at least one reinforcement element can absorb forces caused by external- or internal- forces imparted on the fuel tank.

[0018] The at least one reinforcement element may be hollow and generally of a cylindrical shape. The at least one reinforcement element may have a cross-section that varies over its length.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one reinforcement element, preferably the at least one reinforcement element of the first carrier, may comprise a receiving means configured to receive the insertion pin.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier and the second carrier each comprise one reinforcement element. Advantageously, the implementation of two reinforcement elements allows better absorption of external- and / or internal- forces imparted on the plastic fuel tank. This is particularly beneficial when the plastic fuel tank is a saddle tank configuration, having two pockets that require more reinforcement.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first carrier and / or the second carrier may comprise at least one baffle. Advantageously, the baffle reduces slosh noise occurring through an agglomeration of fluid waves inside the fuel tank. The baffle may be connected to the top and bottom portions of the fuel tank, thereby improving the stability of the plastic fuel tank.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one baffle is made of plastic material. More preferably, the plastic material may be the same material as that of the parison.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the baffle may comprise at least one perforation therein. Advantageously, the at least one perforation allows fuel to flow in the plastic fuel tank with minimum velocity, thereby improving a reduction in slosh noise and increasing the volume available in the tank for fuel.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the first carrier and / or the second carrier may comprise a plurality of horizontal ribs and a plurality of vertical ribs. Each of the plurality of horizontal ribs may lay longitudinally in a direction of a z-axis and spaced at predetermined distances in a direction of a y-axis. The term “rib” may be understood as a supporting member intended to provide structural reinforcement.

[0025] Each of the plurality of vertical ribs may lay on the y-axis and may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance on the z-axis. The plurality of vertical ribs may be superimposed over the plurality of horizontal ribs. The plurality of vertical ribs and horizontal ribs may therefore form a waffle-like structure.

[0026] The expression “horizontal” may be understood as defining the longitudinal direction of the assembly. The longitudinal direction of the assembly corresponds to the z-axis which is also the axis that the parison is extruded in during the BM process.

[0027] The expression “vertical” may be understood as defining the traverse direction of the assembly. The traverse direction of the assembly corresponds to the y-axis.

[0028] Advantageously, the plurality of horizontal ribs and the plurality of vertical ribs allows the assembly to have a reduced weight and allows an increase in the available volume inside the plastic fuel tank for fuel, without compromising the mechanical resistance of the assembly.

[0029] In a more preferred embodiment, the plurality of horizontal ribs of the first carrier may be connected to the at least one baffle and / or the at least one reinforcement element. The plurality of horizontal ribs and plurality of vertical ribs of the second carrier may be connected to the at least one baffle and / or at least one reinforcement element.

[0030] Most preferably, a portion of the plurality of vertical ribs and a portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs are arranged such that they form a crucifix that connects with the at least one baffle in the second carrier of the assembly. Particularly, the crucifix has an intersection wherein said intersection has the maximum surface area contact with the least one baffle. The plurality of vertical ribs and the plurality of horizontal ribs may also connect with the at least one reinforcement element in the first carrier of the assembly and / or the second carrier of the assembly.

[0031] Advantageously, such a crucifix configuration in connection with the at least one baffle, provides the baffle and carrier with improved mechanical resistance.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the first coupling means may comprise an inlet through-hole and an outlet through-hole along the z-axis. Advantageously, this allows the insertion pin to be entered into the carrier more easily. Furthermore, the second coupling means may comprise at least an inlet through-hole along the z-axis to receive the insertion pin.

[0033] Advantageously, this allows the insertion pin to be firmly positioned in the assembly, thereby further reducing the flexibility of the assembly during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the second coupling means may further comprise an outlet through-hole in addition to the inlet through-hole.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the inlet through-hole and the outlet through-hole of the first coupling means may be larger than the diameter of the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the deformable link may comprise a first strip, or may comprise a first strip and a second strip. The first strip and second strip may be identical or similarly shaped strips and connected in a face-to-face configuration.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, each strip is identical in shape to the other. The first strip is the mirror-image of the second strip along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry comprises an axis located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means.

[0037] In a more preferred embodiment, each strip is substantially of a V shape. As the first strip is the mirror-image of the second strip along a plane of symmetry and the plane of symmetry comprises an axis located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means, the first strip connects with the second strip at the largest width of the V.

[0038] In a most preferred embodiment, each of the first strip and the second strip are substantially of a V shape and the first strip comprises two strip elements and the second strip comprises two strip elements. Advantageously, the deformable link as such provides the assembly with a more reliable flexibility. In other embodiments, the first strip and / or the second strip has a shape selected from the group consisting of a V-shape, a S-shape, a N-shape, a M-shape, a C-shape, a U-shape and combinations thereof. These shapes also provide the deformable link and the assembly with a reliable flexibility. When the deformable link comprises a single strip, said single strip is preferably a S-shaped strip or a N-shaped strip having a through-hole for the insertion pin.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first carrier and the second carrier may be a unitary structure. The expression “unitary structure” may be understood as a single and uniform unit. Advantageously, this reduces the number of steps required to manufacture the assembly, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing time.

[0040] Preferably, the first carrier and the second carrier, the at least one baffle, the at least one reinforcement means and the at least one deformable link is a unitary structure. Alternatively, the first carrier and the second carrier may be separate and combinable via an assembling means.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first carrier and the second carrier of the assembly may comprise a connecting means configured to receive a ventilation line or a fuel line.

[0042] In a second aspect of the invention, a plastic fuel tank comprising the assembly as described above is provided.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic fuel tank may be of a saddle configuration.

[0044] In a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprising the plastic fuel tank as described above is provided.

[0045] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing the plastic fuel tank described above is provided. The method may comprise providing a parison; providing an insertion pin; coupling the assembly described in the aforementioned aspects with the insertion pin, inserting the assembly coupled to the insertion pin into the parison and blow-moulding the parison into a plastic fuel tank.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insertion pin may comprise a plurality of stepped portions on its surface in its longitudinal direction. The expression “stepped portion” may be understood as defining a protruding region of the insertion pin that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the pin. The stepped portions may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance from each other, said predetermined distance is dependent on the dimensions of the assembly and the dimensions of the plastic fuel tank to be assembled. Advantageously, the stepped portions allow for internal components to be seated at tailored positions in in the plastic fuel tank using a single insertion pin.

[0047] The first stepped portion of the insertion pin has a width substantially equal to or more than the diameter of the inlet through-hole of the first coupling means and the outlet through-hole of the first coupling means. Advantageously, as the stepped portions of the insertion pin are complementary to the coupling means of the assembly, rotation of the insertion pin is restricted, thereby preventing shaking and inaccurate placement of internal components in the plastic fuel tank.

[0048] The second stepped portion of the insertion pin may have a width substantially equal to or more than a diameter of the at least one inlet through-hole of the second coupling means. The second stepped portion of the insertion pin may be arranged in the assembly such that is has contact with the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means without entering the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means. Advantageously, this prevents the insertion pin from sliding in the assembly, thereby allowing the assembly to be more accurately positioned in the plastic fuel tank.

[0049] Advantageously, following the removal of the insertion pin, the assembly can revert back to a flexible state, providing a less complex manufacturing process.Brief description of the figures

[0050] Other features and advantages would appear by reading the following description, given as an illustrative and non-restrictive example, and with the annexed drawings in which:

[0051] illustrates an assembly for a plastic fuel tank according to the present disclosure.

[0052] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the deformation link in the assembly for the plastic fuel tank, according to the present disclosure.

[0053] illustrates an example of a plurality of vertical ribs and a plurality of horizontal ribs in an assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0054] illustrates an insertion pin according to the present disclosure.

[0055] illustrates the coupling of the insertion pin with the assembly, according to the present disclosure.

[0056] illustrates a method of blow-moulding a plastic fuel tank according to the present disclosure.

[0057] FIGS. 6A to 6E are enlarged cross-sectional views of the deformation link in the assembly for the plastic fuel tank according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.Detailed description

[0058] The term “plastic” is understood as meaning a thermoplastic polymer. The term “polymer” may denote homopolymers and / or copolymers.

[0059] The expression “fuel tank” is understood as meaning a reservoir that is intended for the storing of fuel. The term “fuel” may refer to material in a liquid state and / or a gaseous state that may produce heat or power upon combustion.

[0060] shows an assembly 100 for a plastic fuel tank. The assembly is provided with a first carrier 110 and a second carrier 110’. The first carrier 110 and the second carrier 110’ are connected by a deformable link 120. The assembly 100 is longitudinally orientated along the z-axis, the z-axis corresponding to an extrusion direction of the parison.

[0061] The first carrier and the second carrier are each connected to one reinforcement elements 140, 140’.shows the first carrier 110 is connected to the reinforcement element 140 and the second carrier 110’ is connected to the reinforcement element 140’. The reinforcement elements 140, 140’ are longitudinally orientated along the y-axis.

[0062] Each reinforcement element comprises a first fusion means 132, 132’ and a second fusion means 134, 134’. The first fusion means 132, 132’ of each reinforcement element 140, 140’ is configured to attach to the top portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank. The second fusion means 134, 134’ of each reinforcement element 140, 140’ is configured to attach to the bottom portion of the inner surface of the fuel tank.

[0063] The expression “inner surface of the fuel tank” may be understood as defining the internal closed storage volume of the plastic fuel tank.

[0064] Each of the reinforcement elements 140, 140’ are hollow and have an identical configuration with a cross-section that varies over its length, such as a dumb-bell configuration.

[0065] The at least one reinforcement element 140, 140’ each comprise a first opening 136, 136’ and a second opening 138. The first opening 136, 136’ and the second opening 138 permitting fuel communication between the hollow part of the at least one reinforcement element 140, 140’ and the interior of the plastic fuel tank, thereby maximising the fuel capacity of the fuel tank while improving the mechanical resistance of the plastic fuel tank. The first opening 136 is in close proximity to the second fusion means 134, 134’ and the second opening 138 is in close proximity to the first fusion means 132.

[0066] The first carrier 110 of the assembly 100 comprises a first coupling means 171 and the second carrier 110’ comprises a second coupling means 172. The first coupling means 171 and the second coupling means 172 are configured to receive an insertion pin 300. The insertion pin 300 according to the present disclosure is multi-functional as it can be used to insert internal components into the plastic fuel tank and also inhibits the movement of the first carrier 110 and the second carrier 110’ relative to each other during the manufacture of the plastic fuel tank, thereby ensuring the accurate placement of components.

[0067] The first coupling means 171 comprises an inlet through-hole and an outlet through-hole along the z-axis. The second coupling means 172 comprises at least an inlet through-hole also along the z-axis. The linear arrangement of the first coupling means 171 and the second coupling means 172 allow the insertion pin 300 to be smoothly inserted and easily removed from the assembly 100. The diameter of the inlet through-hole and the outlet through-hole of the first coupling means 171 is larger than the diameter of the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means 172.

[0068] The first carrier 110 and the second carrier 110’ of the assembly 100 further comprise connecting means 161, 462 configured to receive a ventilation line or a fuel line (not shown).

[0069] shows an enlarged view of the deformable link 120 according to the assembly 100 shown in. The deformable link 120 has a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means 171 and second coupling means 172.

[0070] The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially of a V shape. As the first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry, σv, and said plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means 171 and second coupling means 172, the first strip 125 connects with the second strip 126 at the largest width of the V.

[0071] The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 each comprise two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124 providing optimal flexibility in the assembly 100.

[0072] As shown in, the first carrier 110 and the second carrier 110’ are each provided with a plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ and a plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202’, 202’’, 202’’’.

[0073] Each of the plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ are spaced at a predetermined distance apart and layered in the direction of the y-axis. Additionally, each of the plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202’, 202’’, 202’’’ are spaced at a predetermined distance apart and layered in the longitudinal direction of the assembly 100. The plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202’, 202’’, 202’’’ and plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ are superimposed on each other, forming for example a waffle-like structure.

[0074] In, the plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ of the first carrier 110 of the assembly 100 are connected to at least one reinforcement element 140. The plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ and the plurality of vertical ribs 202, 202’, 202’’, 202’’’ of the second carrier 110’ of the assembly 100 are connected to at least one baffle 150. The plurality of horizontal ribs 204, 204’, 204’’, 204’’’ of the second carrier of the assembly 100 is additionally connected to at least one reinforcement element 140’.

[0075] shows an insertion pin 300 according to the present disclosure. The insertion pin 300 comprises a fixing portion 363 and a plurality of stepped portions 362, 361 on its surface in its longitudinal direction. The stepped portions 362, 361 may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance L1, L2 from each other, said predetermined distance is based on the dimensions of the assembly 100 and dimensions of the plastic fuel tank to be manufactured.

[0076] The width W3 of the fixing portion 363 is less than the width W2 of the second stepped portion 362. The width W2 of the second stepped portion 362 is less than the width W1 of the first stepped portion 361. The stepped portions 361, 362 allow for internal components to be seated at a specific location on the insertion pin 300. The narrower width of the fixing portion 363 allows the insertion pin 300 to enter the assembly 100 with ease.

[0077] shows an assembly-coupled-with-insertion pin 400, according to the disclosure. On coupling the insertion pin 300 with the assembly 100, the fixing portion 363 enters the assembly 100 first. The second stepped portion 362 of the insertion pin 300 is arranged in the assembly 100 such that is seated in the deformation link 120 and has contact with the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means 172 without entering the inlet through-hole of the second coupling means 172. The first stepped portion 361 of the insertion pin 300 is seated in the first carrier 110 of the assembly 100.

[0078] The first stepped portion 361 of the insertion pin 300 has a width W1 substantially equal to or more than the diameter of the inlet through-hole and the diameter of the outlet through-hole of the first coupling means 171. The second stepped portion 362 of the insertion pin 300 has a width W2 substantially equal to or more than the diameter of the at least one inlet through-hole of the second coupling means 172.

[0079] As described in, the first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry, σv. Each of the first strip 125 and the second strip 126 comprise two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124. As shown in, the insertion pin 300 is arranged in the assembly 100 along the z-axis and between the first strip 125 and the second strip 126 of the deformation link 120.

[0080] shows a method of blow-moulding a plastic fuel tank 580 according to the present disclosure. In step S-501, the assembly 100 is loaded onto the insertion pin 300 and the mould halves 512, 512’ are in an open state. The insertion pin 300 linearly penetrates the first carrier 110 and the second carrier 110’ through the deformation means 120, forming the assembly-coupled-insertion-with-insertion-with-insertion pin 400.

[0081] In step S-502, a parison 530 is provided between the two mould halves 512, 512’. The parison 530 extends on the z-axis throughout the length of the mould halves 512, 512’ to ensure the parison has surface contact with each mould half 512’ 512’.

[0082] As shown in S-503, the assembly-coupled-insertion-with-insertion pin 400 is introduced into the parison 530 and a pre-blowing occurs, wherein pressurised air enters the parison 530. Pre-blowing the parison encourages improved surface contact between the parison 530 and the mould halves 512, 512’.

[0083] Step S-504 and S-505 shows an intermediate closing of the mould halves 512, 512’ before a full closure of the mould halves 512, 512’ at step S-506. At step S-507, the insertion pin 300 is removed from the parison 530, leaving the assembly 100 accurately positioned within said parison 530. After a final introduction of pressurised air into parison 530, the plastic fuel tank 580 is formed. The surfaces of the mould halves 512, 512’ bring the plastic fuel tank to a lower temperature, in order to rigidify the plastic fuel tank 580 before returning the mould halves 512, 512’ to an open state. The plastic fuel tank 580 is removed from the BM apparatus.

[0084] Figs. 6A to 6E are enlarged cross-sectional views of deformation links 120 for the assembly shown inaccording to other embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The deformable link 120 ofhas a first strip 125 but does not have a second strip. The first strip 125 is substantially of a S shape.

[0086] The deformable link 120 ofhas a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the image of the second strip under a translation along the Y axis. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially of a N shape.

[0087] The deformable link 120 ofhas a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 each comprise two strip elements 121, 122, 123, 124 providing optimal flexibility in the assembly. The first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially of a M shape, i.e. each strip element of the first strip 125 and of the second strip 126 is substantially of a M shape. The first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means.

[0088] The deformable link 120 ofhas a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially of a C shape.

[0089] The deformable link 120 ofhas a first strip 125 and a second strip 126. The first strip 125 is the mirror-image of the second strip 126 along a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry is located along the through-holes of the first coupling means and second coupling means. The first strip 125 and the second strip 126 are substantially of a U shape.List of references

[0090] 100: assembly

[0091] 110: first carrier

[0092] 110’: second carrier

[0093] 120: deformable link

[0094] 121, 122: strip elements comprised in the first strip

[0095] 123, 124: strip elements comprised in the second strip

[0096] 125: first strip

[0097] 126: second strip

[0098] 131, 131’: first fusion means

[0099] 132, 132’: second fusion means

[0100] 136, 136’: first opening

[0101] 138: second opening

[0102] 140, 140’: reinforcement element

[0103] 150: baffle

[0104] 161, 462: connecting means

[0105] 171: first coupling means

[0106] 172: second coupling means

[0107] 202, 202': plurality of vertical ribs

[0108] 204, 204’: plurality of horizontal ribs

[0109] 300: insertion pin

[0110] 361, 362, 363: stepped portions

[0111] 400: assembly-coupled-with-insertion pin

[0112] 512, 512’: mould halves

[0113] 530: parison

[0114] 580: plastic fuel tank

Claims

An assembly (100) for a plastic fuel tank (580) of a vehicle comprising:a first carrier (110) having a first coupling means (171),a second carrier (110’) having a second coupling means (172),a deformable link (120),wherein the first carrier (110) and second carrier (110’) are connected by the deformable link (120), the deformable link (120) allowing movement of the first carrier (110) and the second carrier (110’) relative to each other, andwherein the first coupling means (171) and the second coupling means (172) are configured to receive an insertion pin (300) through the deformable link (120) so as to inhibit the movement of the first carrier (110) and the second carrier (110’) relative to each other.The assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first carrier (110) and / or the second carrier (110’) comprises at least one reinforcement element (140, 140’).The assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first carrier (110) and the second carrier (110’) each comprise one reinforcement element (140, 140’).The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first carrier (110) and / or the second carrier (110’) comprises at least one baffle (150).The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first carrier (110) and / or the second carrier (110’) comprises a plurality of ribs (202, 202’, 204, 204’).The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling means (171) comprises an inlet through-hole and an outlet through-hole along an axis (z).The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling means (172) comprises an inlet through-hole along an axis (z).The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable link (120) comprises a first strip (125).The assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the deformable link (120) comprises a second strip (126).The assembly (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first strip (125) and / or the second strip (126) has a shape selected from the group consisting of a V-shape, a S-shape, a N-shape, a M-shape, a C-shape, a U-shape and combinations thereof.The assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first carrier (110) and the second carrier (110’) is a unitary structure.The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the at least one reinforcement element (140, 140’) comprises a through-hole configured to receive the insertion pin (300).A plastic fuel tank (580) comprising the assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.The plastic fuel tank (580) according to claim 13, wherein the plastic fuel tank (580) is a saddle configuration.A vehicle comprising the plastic fuel tank (580) according to claim 13 or 14.A method of manufacturing the plastic fuel tank (580) according to claim 13 or 14 by blow-moulding, the method comprising the steps of:providing a parison (530),providing an insertion pin (300),coupling the assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 with the insertion pin (300),blow-moulding the parison (530).

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