Improved fixing device for tanks for high-pressure gas storage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device (30) for a tank (20) for housing high-pressure gas for an automobile. The device comprises a support (32) consisting of a single sheet metal element that is cut out and bent, having a receiving zone (34) defined by the edge of a cutout in the center of the sheet metal and configured to receive the end neck of a high-pressure gas tank, and a body (40) having two opposing reinforcing walls (42) obtained by bending the sheet metal, the two reinforcing walls (42) extending substantially along a plane that crosses the axis (X) along which the tank (20) extends. The fixing device further comprises a retaining flange (50) fixed to the support (32), the retaining flange (50) defining the boundary of a passage opening (52) configured to receive the end neck of the tank (20) between the receiving zone and the passage opening (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank for storing high-pressure gas, particularly a tank equipped on a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fixing device for a tank for storing high-pressure gas. The gas concerned here is, for example, natural gas, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, but not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Among the various functions of the above-mentioned tank are - storing high-pressure gas, i.e., mechanically withstanding the force exerted by the pressure of the gas, - providing a seal against the outside, - filling high-pressure gas using a solenoid valve attached to the longitudinal end of the tank, - supplying high-pressure gas using the same solenoid valve, - being fixed to a support structure, - withstanding the conditions during transportation and use, - withstanding harmful mechanical and thermal effects from the surrounding external environment, - withstanding the manufacturing conditions of the tank and the like.

[0003] These tanks can be attached to any fixed or mobile equipment (road vehicles, railway vehicles, marine vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft). High-pressure gas tanks are manufactured from metal materials and, more recently, from composite materials for weight gain and safety reasons.

[0004] When the tank is equipped on a motor vehicle, it is generally attached to an element such as a cross member via an end neck of the tank where a solenoid valve and other devices capable of supplying the gas inside can be attached. Therefore, a tank mounting device for connecting the end neck to the cross member is provided.

[0005] Conventional fastening devices are often formed from solid metal blocks, providing excellent strength, especially in the longitudinal axial direction of the tank during vehicle collisions. However, such fastening devices have the disadvantages of being heavy and making it difficult to adjust the play between the fastening device and the end neck of the tank.

[0006] From international publication 2021 / 151684, a hydrogen tank is described that is held to the frame of an automatic vehicle by a fixing device comprising a semicircular tongue-shaped body and an angle member that receives the neck of the tank. The angle member is screwed to a block element welded to the frame. Such fixing devices are difficult to manufacture because it is difficult to produce the angle member with sufficient precision to achieve a satisfactory connection with the tank, for reasons such as the receiving zone that receives the neck of the tank being defined only by bending a thin sheet metal.

[0007] Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 092827 describes a fixing element for securing the neck of a high-pressure tank, particularly a vehicle high-pressure tank. This fixing device comprises a mounting bracket fixed to the tank neck at the opening level, as well as a retaining element positioned between the neck and the opening. Such fixing devices have the disadvantage of low strength during vehicle collisions, especially collisions along the longitudinal axis of the tank. Also, positioning the tank neck in this fixing device is difficult.

[0008] Furthermore, German Patent Application Publication No. 102018122439 also provides information on high-pressure tanks, particularly high-pressure hydrogen tanks for automobiles. The tank is fixed to the vehicle body by at least one connecting plate extended by spacers bolted to a cross member. Such a fixing device has the disadvantage of not only having low strength in the event of a vehicle collision, especially a collision in the longitudinal axis direction of the tank, but also of the difficulty in positioning the tank neck in this fixing device.

[0009] Furthermore, the following documents are known: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 107120529, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020248874, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004075034, U.S. Patent No. 8915682, and Korean Published Patent No. 20180117968, which describe a fixing device for a tank for containing high-pressure gas for an automobile, comprising a receiving zone and a retaining flange, wherein the receiving zone and the retaining flange define a passage opening between them configured to receive the end neck of the tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 151684 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 092827 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018122439 Specification [Patent Document 4] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 107120529 Specification [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020248874 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004075034 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 8915682 [Patent Document 8] Korean Published Patent No. 20180117968 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a tank fixing device that is lightweight, possesses impact strength, is easy to manufacture, and allows for easy positioning of the end neck of the tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to a fixing device for a tank for containing high-pressure gas for an automobile, - A support comprising a single sheet metal element cut out and folded, having a receiving zone defined by the edge of a cutout in the center of the sheet metal and configured to receive the end neck of a high-pressure gas tank, and a main body comprising two opposing reinforcing walls obtained by folding the sheet metal, the two reinforcing walls extending substantially along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the tank extends, - A retaining flange fixed to a support, the retaining flange defining the boundary of a through opening configured to receive the end neck of a tank between the receiving zone and the boundary of the through opening. The subject is a fixing device characterized by comprising the following features.

[0013] The fixing device according to the present invention is particularly lightweight because the support is formed by a single sheet metal element that is cut out and bent, and a retaining flange. Excellent strength against impacts and external forces acting on the tank in the longitudinal direction is also obtained by the fact that the main body has two opposing reinforcing walls obtained by bending the sheet metal, and the reinforcing walls extend substantially along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on which the tank extends. The receiving zone for the end neck of the high-pressure gas tank can be precisely defined because the boundary of the receiving zone is defined by the edge of the cutout provided in the center of the sheet metal. This makes it easy to position the end neck in the fixing device without changing the simplicity of the manufacturing method. Furthermore, even if there is play, it can be filled by inserting an inserting element between the tank neck and the retaining flange, and the flexibility of this element also makes it easy to position the end neck.

[0014] To enhance the compactness and resistance to external forces of the fixing device, the reinforcing walls are connected to one another by receiving walls for the retaining flanges, which receive the means for fixing the retaining flanges to the main body.

[0015] Preferably, the passage opening comprises an annular receiving element, such as made of a polymeric material, configured to receive the end neck of the tank.

[0016] The annular receiving element is selected to block the longitudinal end of the tank, such as by preventing the end neck of the tank from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the tank, at the longitudinal end of the tank that comprises an on-tank valve (also referred to in English as an "on tank valve" or "OTV").

[0017] Alternatively, the annular receiving element is selected such that the longitudinal end of the tank is released and the end neck of the tank can slide and expand within the annular receiving element along the longitudinal axis of the tank without the tank being obstructed during filling of the tank, such as at the longitudinal end of the tank opposite the longitudinal end that comprises an on-tank valve.

[0018] According to a specific embodiment of the invention that enables improving the positioning of the annular receiving element, the annular receiving element comprises a protrusion, and the retaining flange comprises a groove configured to receive the protrusion.

[0019] The retaining flange is formed by a single sheet element that is cut out and bent, so as to further reduce the weight of the fixing device.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment of the invention that enables simplifying the manufacture of the fixing device, particularly the bending of the sheet, the reinforcing walls are substantially parallel to each other.

[0021] According to a specific embodiment of the invention that enables further simplifying the manufacture of the fixing device, particularly the bending of the sheet, the support portion has a U-shaped cross-section.

[0022] To increase the strength of the fixing device against external forces, the body further comprises a first pair of reinforcing legs obtained by bending the sheet, the reinforcing legs connecting the free ends of the reinforcing walls so as to close a part of the volume delimited by the two reinforcing walls.

[0023] To further enhance the strength of the fixing device against external forces, the main body is further provided with a second pair of reinforcing legs obtained by bending thin plates, by connecting the opposing faces of the reinforcing walls so as to enclose a portion of the volume whose boundary is defined by the two reinforcing walls, with each of the second pair of reinforcing legs facing two of the first pair of legs.

[0024] According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, which can simplify the manufacture of fixing devices, particularly the bending of thin sheets, the reinforcing legs are substantially parallel to each other.

[0025] According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, which can further simplify the manufacture of fixing devices, particularly the bending of thin sheets, the reinforcing leg extends substantially perpendicular to the reinforcing wall.

[0026] To further enhance the strength of the fixing device against external forces, the main body further comprises at least one tongue-shaped reinforcing component obtained by bending a thin sheet, which connects two opposing segments of the edge of a cutout provided in the thin sheet to close a portion of the volume whose boundary is defined by two reinforcing walls and a receiving zone.

[0027] To facilitate the attachment of the fixing device to the automatic vehicle, the main body further comprises a fixing seat having at least one fixing hole for receiving the fixing means of the fixing device to the fixing cross member of the automatic vehicle.

[0028] To facilitate the attachment of the fixing device to the automatic vehicle and the manufacture of the fixing device, particularly the bending of thin sheets, the fixing seat is obtained by bending the extended portion of the first pair of reinforcing legs, and it is preferable that the bending is performed at 90°.

[0029] According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, which simplifies the structure of the fixing device and enables different methods of integration into an automated vehicle, the support walls are configured to receive the fixing cross members of the automated vehicle between them.

[0030] To simplify the attachment of the fixing device to the automatic vehicle, at least one of the two reinforcing walls is provided with at least one fixing hole for receiving fixing means for the fixing device to the cross member for fixing the automatic vehicle.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a tank for housing high-pressure gas for an automobile, characterized by being equipped with a fixing device according to the present invention.

[0032] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is presented primarily as an example, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a tank for storing high-pressure gas, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a fixing device to an automatic vehicle that is fixed to the cross member of the automatic vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fixing device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the support portion of the fixing device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the support section. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a side view of the original thin plate from which the support section was manufactured. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the retaining flange of the fixing device. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the annular receiving element of the fixing device. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a fixing device to an automatic vehicle, which is fixed to the cross member of an automatic vehicle, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support portion of the fixing device. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the support section. [Figure 11] Figure 8 is a side view of the original thin plate from which the support part was manufactured. [Figure 12]This is a perspective view of a fixing device for an automatic vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in a state where an annular receiving element is absent. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the fixing device to an automatic vehicle, with an annular receiving element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Figure 1 shows a tank 20 for containing high-pressure gas equipped with a fixing device 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tank 20 here has an overall cylindrical or tubular shape, or a central cylinder 22, extending along the longitudinal axis X of the orthonormal frame XYZ shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 8 to 10.

[0035] The tank 20 is provided with end necks 24 at each of the longitudinal ends of its cylinder 22. The end necks 24 are cylindrical or tubular and protrude from the cylinder 22, and therefore their cross-section (a cross-section parallel to the plane YZ) is circular. The end necks 24 can be connected to functional elements, such as solenoid valves (known as "on-tank valves"), which can supply gas to the outside of the tank 20 through the end necks 24.

[0036] Although the tank 20 is mounted on an automobile, only the two fixing cross members 26 of that vehicle are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8. The fixing cross members 26 can connect and secure the tank 20 to the rest of the vehicle.

[0037] The fixing cross member 26 is an elongated element, having a rectangular cross-section, and is a hollow beam extending approximately parallel to the axis Y which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the tank.

[0038] In modified forms not shown, the fixing cross member 26 has a different cross-sectional shape, such as a circle, and therefore the overall shape is cylindrical or tubular.

[0039] The tank 20 is secured at each of the longitudinal ends of the fixing cross member 26 via the respective end necks 24.

[0040] Therefore, each end neck 24 is received by a fixing device 30 that connects and fixes the tank 20 to a fixing cross member 26.

[0041] The fixing device 30, shown in more detail in Figure 2, includes a support section 32 made of a single-element thin sheet metal 32S (called "sheet metal" in English) that has been cut and folded for the purpose of reducing the weight of the structure. The thin sheet metal element 32S before folding is shown in Figure 5. This figure shows the folding lines 33, etc.

[0042] The support portion 32 of the fixing device 30 has a receiving zone 34 whose boundary is defined by the edge portion 38 of the cutout portion 36 provided in the center of the thin plate 32S.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the cutout portion 36 is approximately elliptical, more precisely forming a Cassini ellipse. More precisely, the cutout portion 36 is divided into a continuous series of parallel, straight edges 38R, each connected at its free end by a semicircular edge 38C, giving it a continuous edge 38.

[0044] In this first embodiment, the thin plate 32S is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal axis passing through the horizontal axis of symmetry of the cutout portion 36, and a horizontal axis passing through the midpoint of the straight edge portion 38R. The thin plate 32S is also symmetrical with respect to a vertical central axis passing through the vertical axis of symmetry of the cutout portion 36.

[0045] The receiving zone 34 is configured to receive the end neck 24 of the high-pressure gas tank. Preferably, the edge 38 of the cutout forming the receiving zone 34 has a shape that complements the shape of the end neck 24 of the tank that the edge 38 receives.

[0046] In this first embodiment of the present invention, the receiving zone 34 is more specifically formed by a semicircular edge 38C that receives the end neck 24. The semicircular shape is selected to complement the circular shape of the end neck 24.

[0047] As can be seen in more detail in Figures 3 and 4, the support portion 32 further comprises a main body 40 having two opposing reinforcing walls 42 obtained by bending a thin plate 32S.

[0048] The reinforcing wall 42 extends approximately along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X along which the tank extends, that is, a plane parallel to the plane YZ in the figure.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the reinforcing walls 42 are approximately parallel to each other in order to simplify the manufacturing of the fixing device 30, particularly the bending of the thin sheet 32S. More specifically, the reinforcing walls 42 are symmetrical with respect to a central plane parallel to the plane YZ.

[0050] In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4, each reinforcing wall 42 is provided with an upper section 42T (called the "top section") which has a nearly flat cutout 36.

[0051] This upper section 42T extends away from the cutout 36 by a nearly flat intermediate section 42M that is oblique to the upper section 42T, so as to move away from the fixing cross member 26.

[0052] In fact, in this first embodiment, the support walls 42 are configured to receive the fixing cross members 26 between them. Also, the spacing of the upper sections 42T is smaller than the width of the fixing cross members 26, and the intermediate sections 42M need to spread out away from the fixing cross members 26.

[0053] In other words, the intermediate section 42M allows the support portion 32 to straddle the fixing cross member 26, which is the fixing target of the fixing device 30. Therefore, the intermediate sections 42M of each reinforcing wall 42 extend in opposite directions, that is, they spread out from each other.

[0054] Each intermediate section 42M extends away from the cutout 36 by a nearly flat lower section 42B (called the "bottom section") which has a free end of the support wall 42.

[0055] The lower section 42B is, more specifically, parallel to the front wall 26F of the fixed cross member 26. In other words, the front wall 26F of the fixed cross member 26 extends in a plane parallel to the plane YZ.

[0056] Here, the lower section 42B extends to both sides of the fixing cross member 26. Therefore, the spacing between the lower sections 42B is wider than the width of the fixing cross member 26.

[0057] Furthermore, the lower section 42B is pressed against the front wall 26F of the fixing cross member 26. Since the fixing cross member 26 has a rectangular cross section, the lower section 42B is flat here and parallel to the upper section 42T. The lower section 42B is also parallel to the upper section 42T.

[0058] For fixing the fixing device 30 to the fixing cross member 26, at least one of the two reinforcing walls 42 is provided with a fixing hole 44 for receiving fixing means (not shown in Figures 1 to 7) for fixing the fixing device 30 to the fixing cross member 26.

[0059] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 7, the fixing holes 44 are provided in the lower section 42B.

[0060] Therefore, each lower section 42B is provided with a pair of fixing holes 44 through which fastening means such as screws or rivets (not shown in Figure 2) can be passed. Naturally, the number of fixing holes 44 provided in each lower section 42B may vary.

[0061] The means for fixing the fixing device 30 to the fixing cross member 26 is configured to cooperate with the front wall 26F of the fixing cross member 26.

[0062] The reinforcing walls 42 are connected to each other by receiving walls 46, in which case the receiving walls 46 are divided into two wall sections, the left receiving wall 46L and the right receiving wall 46R, on each side of the receiving zone 34, and more specifically, they connect the upper section 42T of the reinforcing wall.

[0063] The receiving wall 46 is nearly flat and extends almost perpendicular to the upper section 42T, more specifically in a plane parallel to the plane XY.

[0064] Therefore, the main body 40 of the support section has a U-shaped cross-section in a cross-section parallel to the plane XZ.

[0065] The fixing device 30 further comprises a retaining flange 50 fixed to the support portion 32. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the receiving wall 46 receives the fixing means of the retaining flange 50 on the main body 40 of the support portion.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 2, the receiving zone 34 and the retaining flange 50 define the boundary between them of the through opening 52, which is configured to receive the end neck 24 of the tank. Since the end neck 24 is circular here, the through opening 52 has a circular cross-section here.

[0067] The passage opening 52 extends radially within a plane substantially parallel to the plane YZ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the tank 20. Within this plane, the passage opening 52 is defined on the one hand by the retaining flange 50 and on the other hand by the receiving zone 34 of the support portion 32. In the direction of the longitudinal axis X, the passage opening 52 is defined by the reinforcing wall 42 of the support portion body.

[0068] The retaining flange 50 is shown separately in Figure 6. Preferably, so that the fixing device 30 is even lighter, the fixing device 30 consists of a single sheet of material that is cut out and folded, and as shown in the example, is a substantially rectangular sheet of material whose longitudinal dimension is much greater than its transverse dimension.

[0069] The retaining flange 50 is a central arch 53 having a shape complementary to the end neck 24 of the tank, and for this purpose, it is specifically provided with a central arch 53 which is a semicircular arch. The diameter of this central arch 53 is selected to be approximately the same as the diameter of the semicircular edge 38C of the cutout 36, so as to form a circular passage opening that can properly fasten the end neck 24.

[0070] The retaining flange 50 further comprises two retaining plates 54 on either side of the central arch 53. The retaining plates 54 are bounded to the central arch 53 by shoulders that form the bends of the thin sheet metal created by the retaining flange 50.

[0071] The retaining clip 54 is fixed to the receiving wall 46 of the main body 40. In order to maximize the contact area, the retaining clip is almost flat here, as is the receiving wall 46.

[0072] Each retaining plate 54 is provided with a retaining hole 56 through which the fixing means 57 of the retaining flange 50 can pass through the retaining wall 46. Although not shown in Figure 2, the fixing means 57 shown in Figure 8 is a screw in this case. In unillustrated variations, it could also be a rivet.

[0073] As can be seen particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the receiving wall 46 is provided with corresponding receiving holes 58 through which the fixing means 57 can pass (shown in Figure 3, but not in Figure 5). The number of retaining holes 56 and receiving holes 58 can, of course, vary, but it is preferable that the number of retaining holes 56 corresponds to the number of receiving holes 58, and vice versa.

[0074] Preferably, an annular receiving element 60 made of a polymer material or the like is placed in the passage opening 52, configured to receive the end neck 24 of the tank.

[0075] The annular support element 60 is selected to block one of the longitudinal ends of the tank 20, such as the longitudinal end of the tank 20 equipped with a solenoid valve, in particular by preventing the end neck 24 of the tank from rotating around the longitudinal axis X of the tank 20.

[0076] Alternatively, the annular support element 60 is selected so that when the tank is filled, the tank 20 can expand without any constraint along its longitudinal axis X by freeing one of the longitudinal ends of the tank 20, for example, the longitudinal end of the tank 20 opposite to the longitudinal end of the tank 20 equipped with a solenoid valve, so that the end neck 24 of the tank can slide within the annular support element 60.

[0077] The annular receiving element 60 comprises, more specifically, a strip-shaped element 62 with a width corresponding to the width of the retaining flange 50. Optionally, due to the function of the annular receiving element 60, the strip-shaped element 62 has its respective edges extended at their free edges by a rim 64 that forms the annular shoulder of the strip-shaped element 62. In this case, each rim 64 covers the semicircular edge 38C of the cutout 36 and the free edge of the central arch 53 of the retaining flange 50.

[0078] Preferably, the annular receiving element 60 is provided with one or more slits 66 to facilitate its insertion into the through opening 52, and as can be seen in Figure 7 and other figures, it may be particularly divided into two semicircular portions 68.

[0079] Next, a second embodiment of the fixing device 30 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. In the following, only elements that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0080] The support portion 32 is also obtained from a single thin sheet 32S that has been cut out and folded. The thin sheet element 32S before folding is shown in Figure 11.

[0081] On the other hand, in this second embodiment, the reinforcing wall 42 does not have three sections: upper, middle, and lower, but has only one nearly flat section. In fact, in this second embodiment, there is no need to provide a flared section such as the middle section 42M, because the support portion 32 does not straddle the fixing cross member 26. This is because, as will be seen later, in the second embodiment, the support portion 32 is not fixed to the front wall 26F of the fixing cross member, but to the upper wall 26T that connects the two front walls 26F, that is, the upper wall 26T of the fixing cross member that is parallel to the plane XY.

[0082] Nevertheless, the reinforcing walls 42 are connected to each other by the left receiving wall 46L and the right receiving wall 46R, as in the first embodiment.

[0083] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the central part of the thin plate 32S is provided with a cutout portion 36 having parallel straight edges 38R connected at their respective free ends by semicircular edges 38C, and the cutout portion 36 having a shape similar to Cassini's ellipse.

[0084] On the other hand, in order to increase the strength of the fixing device 30 against external forces, in this second embodiment, the main body 40 further comprises a first pair of reinforcing legs 70 obtained by bending thin sheets of metal, which connect the respective free ends of the reinforcing walls 42 and close off a portion of the volume defined by the two reinforcing walls 42. More specifically, the reinforcing legs 70 connect the free ends of the reinforcing walls 42 that extend along direction Y.

[0085] Here, the reinforcing leg 70 is defined by a roughly rectangular edge.

[0086] As can be seen in particular in Figure 11, each of the first pair of reinforcing legs 70 is connected to the left receiving wall 46L and the right receiving wall 46R, respectively, by the left connecting wall 71L and the right connecting wall 71R, which are narrower than the reinforcing legs 70.

[0087] In variant configurations not shown, the first pair of reinforcing legs 70 are welded to the free ends of the reinforcing wall 42.

[0088] To simplify the manufacturing of the fixing device 30, particularly the bending of the thin sheet metal 32S, the reinforcing legs 70 are arranged to be approximately parallel to each other.

[0089] In this specific embodiment, the reinforcing legs 70 extend substantially perpendicular to the reinforcing wall 42. Therefore, in this particular case, each reinforcing leg 70 extends in a plane parallel to plane XZ.

[0090] Therefore, the volume defined by the first pair of reinforcing legs 70, reinforcing wall 42, and receiving wall 46 is, in this case, approximately a parallelepiped.

[0091] To further enhance the strength of the fixing device against external forces, in this second embodiment, the main body 40 further comprises a second pair of reinforcing legs 72 obtained by bending a thin plate 32S, the second pair of reinforcing legs 72 connecting the opposing faces of the two reinforcing walls 42 and closing off a portion of the volume defined by the two reinforcing walls 42.

[0092] The second pair of reinforcing legs 72 are positioned two to each other opposite the first pair of reinforcing legs 70, and are particularly located on both sides of the support zone 34. Preferably, the second pair of reinforcing legs 72 are parallel to the first pair of reinforcing legs 70. In this particular case, the second pair of reinforcing legs 72 each extend in a plane parallel to plane XZ.

[0093] Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 10, the second pair of reinforcing legs 72 are located within the volume defined by the first reinforcing legs 70, the receiving wall 46, and the reinforcing wall 42. This increases the strength of the fixing device 30 against external forces applied in the direction of the longitudinal axis X.

[0094] To further enhance the strength of the fixing device 30 against external forces, in this second embodiment, the main body 40 further comprises a tongue-shaped reinforcing component 74 obtained by bending a thin plate 32S, which connects two opposing segments of the edge 38 of a cutout 36 provided in the thin plate 32S, thereby closing off a portion of the volume defined by the two reinforcing walls 42 and the receiving zone 34.

[0095] In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 11, the main body 40 is provided with two tongue-shaped reinforcing components 74. More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 9, the tongue-shaped reinforcing components connect the two semicircular edges 38C so as to fill the space between the two reinforcing walls 42 at the receiving zone 34 level.

[0096] As can be seen in Figure 11, before the thin sheet 32S is bent, the tongue-shaped reinforcing members 74 extend obliquely to the first reinforcing leg 70, forming an angle of approximately 45° with the edge 38R of the cutout 36. The two tongue-shaped reinforcing members 74 preferably protrude from the edge 38C so as to be axially symmetric with respect to the receiving zone 34, so as to more tightly fill the space between the two reinforcing walls 42 at the receiving zone 34 level. It should be noted that in variants not shown, only a single tongue-shaped reinforcing member 74 may be provided, or more than two tongue-shaped reinforcing members 74, for example, three or four tongue-shaped reinforcing members 74 may be provided.

[0097] In this second embodiment, as can be seen particularly in Figure 8, the main body 40 includes a fixing seat 76 having at least one fixing hole 78 for receiving the fixing means 80 of the fixing device 30 to the fixing cross member 26. The fixing means 80 of the fixing device 30 to the fixing cross member 26 is a screw here, but could also be a rivet or the like.

[0098] The fixed seat 76 is obtained by bending the extended portion of the first pair of reinforcing legs 70, preferably by 90°.

[0099] In this second embodiment, the receiving zone 34 of the end neck 24 of the tank is formed by the semicircular edge 38C of the cutout and the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74. In an unillustrated variant of this second embodiment, the support 32 does not have the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74, and the receiving zone is formed by the semicircular edge 38C of the cutout.

[0100] Next, a third embodiment of the fixing device 30 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The components of the third embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment, except for the retaining flange 50, the annular receiving element 60, and the tongue-shaped reinforcing component 74.

[0101] In fact, as can be seen in Figure 12, the retaining flange 50 has a groove 51, such as a through groove, in the semicircular center. The groove 51 here forms an arc and is approximately parallel to the edge of the retaining flange 50.

[0102] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the main body 40 has only one tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74, which has a shape complementary to the shape of the retaining flange 50 that together forms a ring for tightening the end neck 24 of the tank 20. A groove 75, such as a through groove, is provided in the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74. Here, the groove 75 forms an arc that is substantially parallel to both the edge of the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74 and the edge of the retaining flange 50. Preferably, the groove 75 of the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74 and the groove 51 of the retaining flange 50 have similar dimensions and shapes.

[0103] As can be seen in Figure 13, the groove 51 of the retaining flange 50 and the groove 75 of the tongue-shaped reinforcing part 74 are configured to receive the projections 69 of the annular receiving element 60, respectively. The projections 69 are here manufactured integrally with the annular receiving element 60. In this example, the annular receiving element 60 is composed of two semicircular portions 68, each of which has a projection 69, preferably an integral part with each semicircular portion 68. In a variant not shown, the annular receiving element 60 is an integral part and comprises two projections 69 arranged diametrically opposite each other around the annular receiving element 60.

[0104] Each projection 69 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the tank, which corresponds to the Z-axis in the example shown in the drawing. In the example shown in Figure 13, each projection 69 is inserted into the grooves 51, 75 and comprises a base portion 69b extending from one end to the other, and a central portion 69c that extends from the base portion 69b in the direction of extension of the projection 69 (in this case, the Z-axis direction).

[0105] Each projection 69 is equipped with a ratchet-type elastic leg 69p formed by a cutout in the projection 69. The ratchet-type elastic leg 69p ratchet-type into grooves 51 and 75 into which the projection 69 is inserted. In the example shown in Figure 13, the ratchet-type elastic leg 69p is supported by the central portion 69c of the projection 69.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and other embodiments may become obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, it may be possible to fix the fixing device 30 to the upper wall 26T of the fixing cross member in the first embodiment, or to fix the fixing device 30 to the front wall 26F of the fixing cross member in the second embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 20 tanks 22 Tank cylinders 24 End neck of the tank 26 Tank mounting cross member Front wall of the 26th floor cross member 26T Crossmember Upper Wall 30 Tank fixing device 32 Support part of the fixing device 32S Thin plate of the support part 33. Folding lines of thin sheets 34 Acceptance Zones 36 Cutout section of thin sheet 38 Edge of the cut-out section 38C Semicircular edge of the cut-out section 38R Straight edge of the cut-out section 40 Support body 42 Reinforcement wall of the support body 42B Lower section of the reinforced wall 42M Reinforcement wall intermediate section 42T Upper section of the reinforced wall 44 Mounting holes for the main unit 46 Receiving wall 46L Left receiving wall 46R Right receiving wall 50 retaining flange 51 Groove 52 Passage opening 53 Central Arch 54 Presser foot 56 retaining hole 57 Flange fixing means 58 Receiving holes 60 Ring-shaped support element 62 Ring-shaped elements 64 Circular element rim 66 Annular element slit 68 Semicircular portion of ring element 69 Protrusions of the ring-shaped receiving element 69b Base of the projection 69c Central part of the projection 69p Ratchet-type elastic legs 70 First pair of reinforcing legs 71L Left connecting wall 71R Right connecting wall 72 Second pair of reinforcing legs 74 Tongue-shaped reinforcing parts 75 Groove 76 Fixed seat 78 fixing hole 80 means of fixing to the cross member

Claims

1. A fixing device (30) for a tank (20) for containing high-pressure gas for an automobile, - A support portion (32) consisting of a single thin plate element (32S) that is cut out and bent, having a receiving zone (34) whose boundary is defined by the edge (38) of a cutout portion (36) provided in the center of the thin plate (32S) and configured to receive the end neck (24) of a high-pressure gas tank, and a main body (40) having two opposing reinforcing walls (42) obtained by bending the thin plate (32S), the two reinforcing walls (42) extending substantially along a plane perpendicular to the axis (X) along which the tank (20) extends, - A retaining flange (50) fixed to the support portion (32), the retaining flange (50) defining the boundary of the through opening (52) configured to receive the end neck (24) of the tank (20) between the receiving zone (34) and the support portion (32). A fixing device (30) characterized by comprising:

2. The fixing device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing walls (42) are connected to each other by receiving walls (46) of the retaining flange (50) for receiving fixing means (57) of the retaining flange (50) to the main body (40).

3. The fixing device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passage opening (52) comprises an annular receiving element (60) made of a polymer material or the like, configured to receive the end neck (24) of the tank (20).

4. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining flange (50) consists of a single thin plate element that has been cut out and bent.

5. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing walls (42) are substantially parallel to each other.

6. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body (40) further comprises a first pair of reinforcing legs (70) obtained by bending the thin plate (32S), the reinforcing legs (70) connecting the free ends of the reinforcing walls (42) so as to close off a portion of the volume defined by the two reinforcing walls (42).

7. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main body (40) further comprises a second pair of reinforcing legs (72) obtained by bending the thin plate (32S), the reinforcing legs (72) connecting opposing surfaces of the reinforcing walls (42) so as to close off a portion of the volume defined by the boundary of the two reinforcing walls (42), and the second pair of reinforcing legs (72) are opposite to each of the first pair of reinforcing legs (70).

8. The fixing device (30) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the reinforcing legs (70, 72) are substantially parallel to each other.

9. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the reinforcing legs (70, 72) extend substantially perpendicular to the reinforcing wall (42).

10. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main body (40) further comprises at least one tongue-shaped reinforcing part (74) obtained by bending the thin plate (32S), the tongue-shaped reinforcing part (74) connecting two opposing segments (38C) of the edge portion (38) of the cutout portion (36) provided in the thin plate (32S) to close a portion of the volume whose boundary is defined by two reinforcing walls (42) and the receiving zone (34).

11. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body (40) further comprises a fixing seat (76) having at least one fixing hole (78) for receiving the fixing means (80) of the fixing device (30) to the fixing cross member (26) of the automatic vehicle.

12. A fixing device (30) combining any one of claims 6 to 10 and claim 11, wherein the fixing base (76) is obtained by bending, preferably by 90°, the extended portion of the first pair of reinforcing legs (70).

13. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support wall (42) is configured to receive the fixing cross members (26) of the automatic vehicle between them.

14. The fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the two reinforcing walls (42) is provided with at least one fixing hole (44) for receiving the fixing means of the fixing device (30) to the fixing cross member (26) of the automatic vehicle.

15. A tank (20) for storing high-pressure gas for an automobile, characterized by comprising a fixing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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