Plastic fuel tank for automobiles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic fuel tank (1) comprising a first wall (10) including an opening (100) configured to secure a fuel supply module, and a second wall (11) to which at least one face of a first end (20) of an internal reinforcing element (2) is fixed, wherein the vertical projection of the opening (100) defines a face on the second wall that at least partially covers the face of the first end of the internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall. The internal reinforcing element includes a second end (21) facing the opening, is configured to receive a storage pod of the fuel supply module, and includes at least one guide means (22) and at least one locking means (23) of the storage pod, and the first end and the second end are connected by at least one coupling element (24).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of plastic fuel tanks for motor vehicles and to motor vehicles comprising this type of tank. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic fuel tank for a motor vehicle comprising an internal reinforcing element configured to receive a storage pot of a fuel supply module therein. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Motor vehicle fuel tanks typically contain fuel in gaseous and liquid form. Under certain circumstances, such as when the temperature rises, pressure may build up inside the fuel tank and pose a hazard. It is known to use internal reinforcing elements in plastic fuel tanks for motor vehicles to suppress deformation of the tank that may occur due to phenomena such as positive or negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure caused by such temperature changes.

[0003] These internal reinforcing elements can be placed in predetermined positions inside the tank during tank manufacturing. Various shapes of internal reinforcing elements exist for suppressing deformation caused by this type of pressure change. Patent application WO2023008206A1 describes an example of a fuel tank including an internal reinforcing element for a plastic fuel tank. The internal reinforcing element disclosed herein comprises a plurality of struts that are mechanically interconnected to form an annular structure, the annular structure comprising at its center coupling means configured to increase its rigidity, and the tank comprises an opening in which a fuel pump can be arranged. U.S. Patent No. 8596249(B2) details another example of a fuel tank including an internal reinforcing element for a plastic fuel tank.

[0004] However, there are limitations to the ability of internal reinforcing elements to suppress tank deformation in the storage pot insertion area of ​​the fuel supply module. Furthermore, this type of tank requires protrusions to fix the storage pot inside the tank, but these protrusions complicate tank manufacturing and require a relatively large amount of material to obtain sufficient tank wall thickness after the stretching process to form the protrusions. Moreover, it is usually necessary to provide external reinforcing elements using sheet prepreg or prepreg material on the outside of the tank to be reinforced. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023008206 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8596249 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to eliminate these disadvantages of the prior art in particular.

[0007] More precisely, the object of the present invention is to provide an automotive plastic fuel tank with improved deformation resistance in the storage pot insertion area of ​​the fuel supply module, in at least one of its embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a plastic fuel tank for an automobile, comprising a first wall including an opening configured for securing a fuel supply module, and a second wall to which at least one face of the first end of an internal reinforcing element is fixed, wherein the first and second walls face each other, and the vertical projection of the opening configured for securing the fuel supply module defines a face on the second wall that at least partially covers the face of the first end of the internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall.

[0009] According to the present invention, a plastic fuel tank for automobiles is configured such that the second end of an internal reinforcing element faces toward an opening configured to secure a fuel supply module, the internal reinforcing element is configured to receive a storage pot of the fuel supply module therein, the internal reinforcing element includes at least one guiding means for inserting the storage pot of the fuel supply module into the tank, and at least one locking means for the storage pot of the fuel supply module, and the first and second ends of the internal reinforcing element are connected by at least one coupling element.

[0010] The fundamental principle of the present invention is based on the fact that an internal reinforcing element is configured to receive a storage pot of a fuel supply module therein, and includes a second end facing an opening configured to secure the fuel supply module, at least one guiding means for inserting the storage pot of the fuel supply module into the tank, and at least one locking means for the storage pot of the fuel supply module, wherein the first and second ends of the internal reinforcing element are connected by at least one coupling element.

[0011] Thus, the present invention is based on a completely new and progressive approach to a plastic fuel tank for automobiles, the tank comprising an internal reinforcing element fixed to its second wall, the internal reinforcing element configured to receive and lock a storage pod of a fuel supply module therein, the internal reinforcing element comprising at least one guiding means for inserting the storage pod of the fuel supply module into the tank, and at least one locking means for the storage pod of the fuel supply module.

[0012] The phrase "the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module" means that the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank, including the opening, and is free from any contact with the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank when the internal pressure of the automotive plastic fuel tank is equal to atmospheric pressure, that is, under these circumstances, the distance between the first wall of the tank and the second end of the internal reinforcing element is preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 150 to 350 mm. In other words, the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank, including the opening, and does not come into contact with the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank when the internal pressure of the automotive plastic fuel tank is equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0013] The expression "the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank, including the opening" means the fact that the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the opening, or the fact that the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank itself, preferably the fact that the second end of the internal reinforcing element faces the first wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank itself.

[0014] The statement "the internal reinforcing element is configured to receive the storage pod of the fuel supply module within it" means that the internal reinforcing element is configured to receive within it at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 75% of the height of the storage pod, where the height of the storage pod is measured from the second wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank. The internal reinforcing element configured to receive within it at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 75% of the height of the storage pod improves the guidance and locking of the storage pod of the fuel supply module.

[0015] Advantageously, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention includes a guide means for the storage pot of the fuel supply module, which includes at least one guide rib on a coupling element. Preferably, the guide rib is configured to be inserted into a recess in the storage pot.

[0016] Thus, the presence of guide ribs on the coupling element not only guides the storage pod of the fuel supply module during insertion, but also maintains the storage pod in place throughout the vehicle's lifecycle, in other words, when the tank is exposed to stresses caused by centrifugal or centripetal forces during cornering, acceleration, deceleration, and even the movement of fuel during vehicle movement. The guide ribs, configured to be inserted into the recess of the storage pod, ensure that the storage pod remains firmly in place even when subjected to these types of stresses.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the automotive plastic fuel tank has guide ribs that extend along the connecting elements, preferably to the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element.

[0018] Thus, guide ribs extending along the connecting element, preferably to the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element, reinforce the internal reinforcing element on the one hand, and on the other hand, effectively distribute stress caused by vehicle movement onto the guide ribs and the connecting element including them, and further onto any additional structure, such as a frame including the internal reinforcing element, where the additional structure includes a mechanical connecting element between the first and second walls, in the shape of a support column or a retaining member, welded to the first and second walls. The shape of the retaining member includes a wall with a hollowed-out center, and a portion of the wall includes a reinforcing rib. The wall of the retaining member may be flat or curved. The retaining member may have a structure in which a central part exhibits an annular cross-section having a first region that determines the main axis of the reinforcing element, the main axis passing perpendicular to the annular portion through the rotation center of the annular portion, and the central part preferably includes a rib network (referred to as a radial rib network) extending radially with respect to the main axis, and two axial ends located on both sides of the main axis direction of the central part, with each axial end exhibiting an elongated curved end face that fits within the cross-section of the central part and preferably has a second region smaller than the first region. In the case of a support column, it preferably has a cylindrical or diabolo shape, and the support column preferably consists of a central part mainly composed of a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), and metal, and both ends of the central part are overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0019] The expression "the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element" refers to the surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element that faces inward.

[0020] Advantageously, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention includes a locking means for the storage pot that comprises at least one locking rib on the inner surface of the first end of an internal reinforcing element.

[0021] Thus, by the locking means of the storage pot comprising at least one locking rib on the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element, on the one hand, the storage pot can be maintained in place during the life cycle of the vehicle, in other words, when the tank is exposed to stresses caused by centrifugal force or centripetal force during cornering, acceleration, deceleration, and even fuel movement during vehicle travel, and on the other hand, it can advantageously provide an alternative system to the locking system for the storage pot that uses the internal protrusion of the second wall. Said protrusion on the one hand complicates tank manufacture, and on the other hand, a relatively large amount of material is required for the tank wall to obtain a sufficient thickness after the stretching step for forming said protrusion. The expression "internal protrusion of the second wall" means the fact that the protrusion of the second wall extends into the interior of the tank. Furthermore, the at least one locking rib can increase the rigidity of the internal reinforcing element.

[0022] Advantageously, the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element and / or the inner surface of the coupling element may comprise at least one rigidity-enhancing rib that does not cooperate with the guiding means or the locking means of the storage pot within the internal reinforcing element.

[0023] The expression "the inner surface of the coupling element" means the surface of the coupling element of the internal reinforcing element that faces the inner side of the internal reinforcing element. In other words, the inner surface of the coupling element is the surface of the coupling element configured to face the storage pot.

[0024] Advantageously, in the plastic fuel tank for motor vehicles according to the present invention, the coupling element comprises at least one thin plate, preferably of arcuate shape.

[0025] Thus, the thin-plate-shaped coupling element can define the insertion area of the storage pot in the reinforcing element, and can easily connect the first end and the second end. The arcuate thin plate makes it possible to provide a coupling element with improved rigidity.

[0026] According to a preferred form of the previous embodiment, in the tank, the coupling element comprises at least two arcuate thin plates, which are preferably in opposing positions.

[0027] Thus, the internal reinforcing element can be provided, which includes a connecting element comprising at least two arc-shaped thin plates, configured to increase rigidity and improve the tightening of the storage pot. Advantageously, the internal reinforcing element comprising two arc-shaped thin plates positioned opposite each other can improve the tightening of the cylindrical storage pot.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the above, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention includes an internal reinforcing element comprising at least one connecting element between at least two arc-shaped thin plates.

[0029] Thus, the presence of a connecting element between two arc-shaped thin plates increases the rigidity of the connecting element. Advantageously, the connecting element takes the shape of a reinforcing ring, and its size is larger than that of the storage pod. This type of reinforcing ring not only maintains the storage pod in place throughout the vehicle's lifecycle, but also suppresses deformation of the internal reinforcing element even when it is subjected to stress, such as pressure.

[0030] According to one preferred embodiment, the plastic fuel tank for automobiles according to the present invention has a ring shape at the first end. In this case, the locking means of the storage pot preferably includes at least one locking rib on the inner surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element, which has the shape of a radial rib and / or an arc-shaped rib relative to the ring shape.

[0031] The expression "radial ribs relative to the ring shape" refers to ribs provided along the radius of the circle that defines the outer portion of the ring shape.

[0032] The expression "arc-shaped rib relative to a ring shape" means an arc-shaped rib that fits within the ring shape.

[0033] Thus, the internal reinforcing element, including the first end having a ring shape, exhibits an optimal shape for receiving a cylindrical storage pot. Furthermore, such a ring shape allows the first end to have isotropic resistance to mechanical stress with respect to the surface of the second wall to which the first end contacts and is fixed.

[0034] Advantageously, the plastic fuel tank for automobiles includes coupling elements on the outer surface.

[0035] Thus, the presence of connecting means on the outer surface of the connecting element allows for the connection of internal reinforcing elements to additional structures, such as frames containing internal reinforcing elements, if such additional structures exist. These additional structures may further include mechanical connecting elements between the first and second walls, in the form of support columns or retaining members welded to the first and second walls of the automotive plastic fuel tank. The phrase "on the outer surface of the connecting element" means the surface of the connecting element opposite to the surface of the connecting element configured to face the storage pot.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the above, the plastic fuel tank for an automobile includes a tab-shaped fastening means for connecting.

[0037] Thus, a connecting means including a tab-shaped fastening means allows at least one mechanical connecting element between the first wall and the second wall to be connected to an internal reinforcing element, the mechanical connecting element having a column shape or retaining member shape welded to the first wall and the second wall. This also allows the internal reinforcing element and the mechanical connecting element to be integrated during the parison extrusion blow molding manufacturing process of automotive plastic fuel tanks.

[0038] Advantageously, in the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention, internal reinforcing elements are welded to a second wall.

[0039] Thus, the internal reinforcing elements welded to the second wall allow for optimal reinforcement of the zone located beneath the fuel supply module, as seen from the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module.

[0040] Advantageously, the plastic fuel tank for automobiles according to the present invention includes a deformable portion at the first end. Preferably, the first end includes at least two deformable portions, the deformable portions being located opposite each other on the first end. If the first end is ring-shaped, a plurality of deformable portions can be provided at equal intervals on the first end. One or more deformable portions have an inverted U-shape, inverted V-shape, or inverted W-shape relative to the second wall. The expression “deformable portion” means that it is a portion of the first end that is configured to deform more easily than other portions that make up the first end.

[0041] Thus, the first end portion, which includes a deformable portion, can absorb the mechanical stress generated during the manufacturing process of a plastic fuel tank for automobiles by parison extrusion blow molding, particularly the mechanical stress caused by removal after blow molding.

[0042] According to one preferred embodiment, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention has an opening configured to secure a fuel supply module, the vertical projection of which surrounds or defines an equal surface on the second wall the surface of a first end of an internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall.

[0043] The expression "the vertical projection of the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall that encloses or is equal to the surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall" means that the vertical projection of the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall that completely covers the surface of the first end of the internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall.

[0044] Thus, an automotive plastic fuel tank in which the vertical projection of the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module surrounds or defines an equal surface on the second wall of the first end of an internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall has improved rigidity and resistance to mechanical stress.

[0045] According to an alternative embodiment of the previous embodiment, the vertical projection of the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall that fits inside the surface of the first end of an internal reinforcing element fixed to the second wall.

[0046] Advantageously, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention includes an internal reinforcing element comprising at least one stiffening rib on the outer surface of the connecting element. The height of the at least one stiffening rib from the surface of the outer surface of the connecting element can be varied depending on the longitudinal location of the stiffening rib.

[0047] Thus, the presence of at least one rigidity-enhancing rib on the outer surface of the connecting element improves the rigidity of the internal reinforcing element, particularly when the internal reinforcing element is incorporated into an additional structure such as a frame via the connecting means on the outer surface.

[0048] According to one preferred embodiment, the automotive plastic fuel tank according to the present invention comprises an internal reinforcing element primarily composed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal, and polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). More specifically, the outer surface of the first end includes a welding means made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The expression "the internal reinforcing element primarily composed of ~ material" means that the internal reinforcing element is composed of 50% by weight or more of the said material, preferably 75% by weight or more of the said material, and more preferably 95% by weight or more of the said material.

[0049] The present invention also relates to an automobile including the fuel tank described above.

[0050] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following preferred embodiment, which is described below not limitingly as merely an illustrative example, and the accompanying drawings below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a plastic fuel tank for automobiles according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an overhead view of a plastic fuel tank for automobiles, the tank further including a mechanical connecting element between a first wall and a second wall and additional structures. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the internal reinforcing elements inside an automotive plastic fuel tank and their position as seen through the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an overhead view of the reinforcing element, seen from a slightly shifted angle. [Figure 5] This shows the internal reinforcement element itself. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the internal reinforcing elements from a different perspective. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] An embodiment of the automotive plastic fuel tank 1 according to the present invention is shown with reference to Figure 1. The automotive plastic fuel tank 1 includes a first wall 10 including an opening (not shown) configured to secure a fuel supply module, and a second wall 11 to which at least one face of a first end 20 of an internal reinforcing element 2 is fixed. The first end 20 is preferably fixed to the second wall 11 by welding. The first end 20 has a ring shape and includes two deformable portions 201 distributed at equal intervals on the first end 20, in other words, the deformable portions 201 are positioned opposite each other on the first end 20. These deformable portions 201 are in an inverted U shape relative to the second wall 11. The internal reinforcing element 2 is located inside the tank 1 and is shown in transparency. The first wall 10 and the second wall 11 of the automotive plastic fuel tank 1 are opposite each other. The automotive plastic fuel tank 1 has a surface on the second wall 11 such that the vertical projection of the opening configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall 11 that at least partially covers the surface of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 fixed to the second wall 11. The second end 21 of the internal reinforcing element 2 faces the opening (not shown) configured to secure the fuel supply module, and the internal reinforcing element 2 is configured to receive the storage pod of the fuel supply module therein. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one guiding means 22 for inserting the storage pod of the fuel supply module into the tank, the guiding means 22 for the storage pod of the fuel supply module includes at least one guide rib 220 on the coupling element 24, the guide rib 220 extending along the coupling element 24 to the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element further includes at least one locking means 23 of the storage pod of the fuel supply module, the locking means 23 of the storage pod includes at least one locking rib 230 on the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The first end 20 and the second end 21 of the internal reinforcing element 2 are connected by at least one connecting element 24. The connecting element 24 includes at least two arc-shaped fins 240 at opposing positions, and the two arc-shaped fins 240 are connected by a connecting element 25.The internal reinforcing element 2 includes a connecting means 241 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24, and this connecting means 241 includes a tab 2411-shaped fastening means 2410. The internal reinforcing element 2 includes at least one stiffening rib 243 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. The internal reinforcing element 2 is mainly composed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metals, and polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0053] Figure 2 is an overhead view of the automotive plastic fuel tank 1 shown in Figure 1, the tank further including a mechanical connecting element 4 between a first wall 10 and a second wall 11, and an additional structure 3. That is, the automotive plastic fuel tank 1 includes a first wall 10 including an opening 100 configured to secure a fuel supply module, and a second wall 11 to which at least one face of the first end 20 of an internal reinforcing element 2 is fixed. The first end 20 is fixed to the second wall 11 by welding. The internal reinforcing element 2 is located inside the tank 1 and is shown in perspective. The first wall 10 and the second wall 11 of the automotive plastic fuel tank 1 are opposite each other. The vertical projection of the opening 100 configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a face on the second wall 11 that surrounds the face of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 fixed to the second wall 11. The second end 21 of the internal reinforcing element 2 faces toward the opening 100 configured to secure the fuel supply module, and the internal reinforcing element 2 is configured to receive the fuel supply module's storage pod therein. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one guide means 22 for inserting the fuel supply module's storage pod into the tank, the guide means 22 for the fuel supply module's storage pod including at least one guide rib 220 on a coupling element 24 that mechanically connects the first end 20 and the second end 21, the guide rib 220 extending along the coupling element 24 to the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one locking means 23 for the fuel supply module's storage pod, the locking means 23 for the storage pod including at least one lock rib 230 on the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 includes a connecting means 241 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24, and this connecting means 241 includes a tab-shaped fastener. The internal reinforcing element 2 includes at least one rigid reinforcing rib on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. The mechanical connecting element 4 between the first wall 10 and the second wall 11 has the shape of a column 41 or a retaining member 40 welded to the first wall and the second wall. The shape of the retaining member 40 includes a wall with a hollowed-out center, and a portion of the wall includes a reinforcing rib. The wall of the retaining member may be flat or curved.The retaining member 40 may have a structure in which a central part exhibits an annular cross-section having a first region that determines the main axis of the reinforcing element, the main axis passing perpendicular to the annular portion through the rotation center of the annular portion, and the central part preferably includes a rib network (referred to as a radial rib network) extending radially with respect to the main axis, and two axial ends located on both sides of the main axis direction of the central part, with each axial end exhibiting an elongated curved end face that fits within the cross-section of the central part and preferably has a second region smaller than the first region. In the case of the support column 41, it preferably has a cylindrical or diabolo shape, and the support column preferably consists of a central part mainly composed of a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), and metal, and both ends of the central part are overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The mechanical connecting element 4 may be directly fixed to the internal reinforcing element 2 by connecting means 241 located on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24, and / or mechanically connected to the internal reinforcing element by an additional structure 3, which has the shape of a frame 6 including the internal reinforcing element 2 and the mechanical connecting element 4. The opening 100 configured to secure the fuel supply module includes a fixing flange 5.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the internal reinforcing element 2 shown inside the automotive plastic fuel tank in Figure 2, and its position as seen from the opening 100, where the internal reinforcing element 2 is configured to receive the storage pot of the fuel supply module. The opening 100, configured to secure the fuel supply module, includes a fixing flange 5. The internal reinforcing element includes a first end 20 that is welded to the wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank. The first end 20 has a ring shape and includes two deformable portions 201 that are evenly spaced on the first end 20, in other words, the deformable portions 201 are positioned opposite each other on the first end 20. These deformable portions 201 form an inverted U shape with respect to the wall. The internal reinforcing element 2 includes a second end 21 that faces the opening 100, configured to secure the fuel supply module. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one guide means 22 for inserting the fuel supply module's storage pot into the tank, the guide means 22 for the fuel supply module's storage pot including at least one guide rib 220 on the coupling element 24, the guide rib 220 extending along the coupling element 24 to the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The coupling element 24 connects the first end 20 and the second end 21 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one locking means 23 for the fuel supply module's storage pot, the locking means 23 for the storage pot including at least one locking rib 230 on the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The coupling element 24 includes at least two arc-shaped fins 240 in opposing positions, the two arc-shaped fins 240 being connected by a connecting element 25. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes connecting means 241 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. The connecting means 241 can fix a mechanical connecting element 4 having the shape of a retaining member 40 welded to two opposing walls of the tank, the first wall including an opening 100 configured to secure a fuel supply module, and the second wall to which the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 is welded. The mechanical connecting element has the shape of a retaining member 40. The shape of the retaining member 40 includes a wall with a central cutout, and part of the wall includes reinforcing ribs. The wall of the retaining member may be flat or curved.The retaining member 40 may also have a structure in which a central part exhibits an annular cross-section having a first region that determines the main axis of the reinforcing element, the main axis passing perpendicular to the annular portion through the rotation center of the annular portion, and the central part preferably includes a rib network (referred to as a radial rib network) extending radially with respect to the main axis, and two axial ends located on both sides of the main axis direction of the central part, each axial end exhibiting an elongated curved end face that fits within the cross-section of the central part and preferably has a second region smaller than the first region. It is confirmed that the vertical projection of the opening 100 configured to fix the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall that at least partially covers the surface of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 fixed to the second wall. More specifically, the vertical projection of the opening 100 configured to fix the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall that surrounds or is equal to the surface of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 fixed to the second wall.

[0055] Figure 4 is an overhead view of the reinforcing element shown in Figure 3, viewed from a slightly shifted angle. It can be seen that there is at least one rigidity-reinforcing rib 243 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. Figure 4 also shows in detail the connecting means 241 on the outer surface of the connecting element 24, which includes a tab-shaped fastening means 2410.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show the internal reinforcing element 2, configured to receive the fuel supply module's storage pod, from two different viewpoints. The internal reinforcing element is found to include a first end 20 that is welded to the wall of the automotive plastic fuel tank. The first end 20 has a ring shape and includes two deformable portions 201 that are evenly spaced on the first end 20, in other words, the deformable portions 201 are positioned opposite each other on the first end 20. These deformable portions 201 form an inverted U-shape with respect to the wall. The internal reinforcing element 2 includes a second end 21 that faces an opening configured to secure the fuel supply module to the automotive plastic fuel tank. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one guide means 22 for inserting the fuel supply module's storage pot into the tank, the guide means 22 for the fuel supply module's storage pot including at least one guide rib 220 on the coupling element 24, the guide rib 220 extending along the coupling element 24 to the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The coupling element 24 connects the first end 20 and the second end 21 of the internal reinforcing element 2 to each other. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one locking means 23 for the fuel supply module's storage pot, the locking means 23 for the storage pot including at least one locking rib 230 on the inner surface 200 of the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2. The coupling element 24 includes at least two arc-shaped fins 240 in opposing positions, the two arc-shaped fins 240 being connected by a connecting element 25. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes connecting means 241 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. The connecting means 241 can secure a mechanical connecting element having the shape of a retaining member welded to two opposing walls of the tank, the first wall including an opening configured to secure a fuel supply module, and the second wall to which the first end 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2 is welded. The connecting means 241 includes a tab 2411 shaped fastening means 2410. The internal reinforcing element 2 further includes at least one rigidity-enhancing rib 243 on the outer surface 242 of the connecting element 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Plastic fuel tank for automobiles 2 Internal reinforcement elements 3 Additional structure 4 Mechanical connection elements 5 Fixed flange 6 frames 10. The First Wall 11. The Second Wall 20 First end 21 Second end 22 Guidance methods 23 Locking mechanism 24 connecting elements 25 Connected elements 40 Retaining member 41 Post 100 opening 200 Inner self 201 Deformable parts 220 Guide Ribs 230 Rock Rib 240 thin plate 241 Connection means 242 Exterior 243 Rigidity-enhancing ribs 2410 Fastening means 2411 tabs

Claims

1. A plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) comprising a first wall (10) including an opening (100) configured to secure a fuel supply module, and a second wall (11) to which at least one face of a first end (20) of an internal reinforcing element (2) is fixed, wherein the first wall (10) and the second wall (11) face each other, and the vertical projection of the opening (100) configured to secure the fuel supply module defines a surface on the second wall (11) that at least partially covers the face of the first end (20) of the internal reinforcing element (2) fixed to the second wall (11), wherein the second end ( A plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1), characterized in that 21) faces toward the opening (100) configured to fix the fuel supply module, and the internal reinforcing element (2) is configured to receive the storage pot of the fuel supply module therein, and the internal reinforcing element (2) includes at least one guiding means (22) for inserting the storage pot of the fuel supply module into the tank and at least one locking means (23) for the storage pot of the fuel supply module, and the first end (20) and the second end (21) of the internal reinforcing element (2) are connected by at least one coupling element (24).

2. The automotive plastic fuel tank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide means (22) of the storage pot of the fuel supply module includes at least one guide rib (220) on the coupling element (24).

3. The plastic fuel tank (1) for automobiles according to claim 2, wherein the guide rib (220) extends along the connecting element (24), preferably to the inner surface (200) of the first end (20) of the internal reinforcing element (2).

4. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking means (23) of the storage pot includes at least one locking rib (230) on the inner surface (200) of the first end (20) of the internal reinforcing element (2).

5. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting element (24) preferably includes at least one thin plate (240) having an arc shape.

6. The plastic fuel tank (1) for an automobile according to claim 5, wherein the connecting element (24) preferably includes at least two arc-shaped thin plates (240) that are positioned opposite each other.

7. The plastic fuel tank (1) for automobiles according to claim 6, wherein the internal reinforcing element (2) includes at least one connecting element (25) between the at least two arc-shaped thin plates (240).

8. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first end (20) is ring-shaped.

9. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting element (24) includes a connecting means (241) on its outer surface (242).

10. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to claim 9, wherein the connecting means (241) includes a tab-shaped fastening means (2410).

11. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the internal reinforcing element (2) is welded to the second wall (11).

12. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first end portion (20) includes a deformable portion (201).

13. The plastic fuel tank (1) for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vertical projection of the opening (100) configured to secure the fuel supply module surrounds the surface of the first end (20) of the internal reinforcing element (2) fixed to the second wall (11), or defines an equal surface on the second wall (11).

14. The plastic fuel tank for automobiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the internal reinforcing element (2) includes at least one rigidity-enhancing rib (243) on the outer surface (242) of the connecting element (24).

15. The plastic fuel tank (1) for automobiles according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the internal reinforcing element (2) is mainly composed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), metal, and polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

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