Automotive tank framework

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank framework (1) comprising at least one means (10) for fastening an internal reinforcing element (2) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the means (10) for fastening the internal reinforcing element (2) comprises at least one first structure (100) configured to at least partially restrain a first external part of the internal reinforcing element (2) and at least one second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround a second external part of the internal reinforcing element (2). The invention also relates to an assembly (4) obtained after fastening the internal reinforcing element (2) to the framework (1) and to a tank comprising the assembly (4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tanks made of plastic material for motor vehicles, more particularly to liquid fuel tanks.The present invention generally relates to a skeleton for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one means for fixing an internal reinforcing element of the tank.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a framework for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one means for fixing an internal reinforcing element of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle.

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly adapted to be fixed inside a plastics material tank for a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising the framework and at least one internal reinforcing element, and also to a plastics material tank for a motor vehicle including the assembly.The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a plastics material tank for a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0004] Fuel tanks made of plastic material obtained by extrusion blow moulding of parisons are subject to dimensional changes during their life cycle: firstly, due to cooling with shrinkage of the material that occurs immediately after leaving the mould, in particular due to over- or under-pressurisation of the contents during their use, due to thermal expansion during the life cycle and due to aging.

[0005] It is known to insert internal reinforcing elements into the tank during its manufacture, the purpose of which is to increase the tank's strength against the mechanical stresses to which a tank made of plastic material is subjected during its life cycle.

[0006] D1 discloses an assembly including a framework and its connecting elements to the tank wall, but the connecting elements are too weak to perform the function of internal reinforcement. The framework also has a structure that deforms in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle in which it is used, the transverse direction Y of the vehicle, and also in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle. Nevertheless, the assembly's ability to adapt to dimensional changes in the tank is very limited. Furthermore, the assembly's strength against compression and tension in the vertical direction of the vehicle is too low. D2 discloses an assembly similar to that of the above-mentioned document, but it suffers from the same problems with adaptability and strength. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US 2011 / 0226777 A1 [Patent Document 2] DE 10 2012 019334 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly with a framework for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, which further comprises at least one internal reinforcing element, which has an excellent ability to adapt to dimensional changes in the tank, in particular during its manufacture, and which is resistant to compression and stretching in the vertical direction Z relative to the vehicle.

[0010] More specifically, one of the objects of the invention is to provide, in at least one embodiment thereof, a framework comprising fixing means adapted to fix at least one internal reinforcing element, said framework and said at least one internal reinforcing element being able to form an assembly with a high capacity to adapt to dimensional changes in a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, in particular during the manufacture of the tank.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention, in at least one embodiment thereof, to provide a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle.

[0012] Another object of the invention, at least in one of its embodiments, is to carry out a method for manufacturing a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a shell for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one means for fixing an internal reinforcing element of the tank.

[0014] According to the invention, the means for fixing the internal reinforcing element comprises: at least one first structure configured to at least partially restrain a first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element; at least one second structure configured to at least partially surround, preferably constrain, a second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element; and Equipped with.

[0015] The basic principle of the invention relies on the presence of means for fixing an internal reinforcing element, which simultaneously allow at least partial restraint of a first outer part of the internal reinforcing element, centering the internal reinforcing element with respect to the framework and limiting the relative movement (essentially rotational movement) of the framework and the internal reinforcing element by means of at least one second structure configured to at least partially surround a second outer part of the internal reinforcing element, while also making it possible to obtain a connection between the internal reinforcing element and the framework with a certain degree of freedom of movement relative to each other.

[0016] The present invention is therefore based on a completely new and inventive approach to fastening means, which allows an assembly including a framework and at least one internal reinforcing element to adapt to dimensional changes in the tank and to reduce the stresses caused by the assembly's presence in the tank. Furthermore, the contact area between the framework and the internal reinforcing element can be increased by at least partially restraining the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element in an axis parallel to the welding surface of the internal reinforcing element to the tank by a first structure. This increase in surface area limits relative movement between the two parts in the two parallel axes, particularly relative to the welding surface. This interconnection, created between the internal reinforcing element and the framework by using a second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion, allows for centering of the two parts. This centering limits the allowable movement solely due to the at least partial restraint of the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element by the first structure. The framework thus achieves an indirect connection with the tank in a fixed positional relationship. Preferably, the second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element restrains said at least one second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element, thereby obtaining centering and good fixation.

[0017] The expression "internal reinforcing elements" refers to structural elements welded to both ends of a tank made of plastic material in order to limit deformation of the tank when pressure is applied to the tank.

[0018] The term "tank" refers to a sealed tank capable of storing liquid fuel under various conditions of use and environment. The tank according to the invention is made of a plastic material wall and generally has an inner surface in its concave portion and an outer surface in its convex portion. Preferably, the tank is a plastic material tank for liquid fuel.

[0019] The phrase "a first structure configured to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element" means that a portion of the first structure contacts and exerts pressure on at least a portion of the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0020] A "second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element" means that the second structure at least partially encases, but does not necessarily exert pressure on, a portion of the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element, i.e., the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element is confined within a larger space, but has limited room to move within the second structure.

[0021] The phrase "a second structure configured to at least partially restrain the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element" means that a portion of the second structure contacts and exerts pressure against at least a portion of the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0022] Advantageously, the framework of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the first structure adapted to at least partially restrain the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least one arm adapted to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcing element.

[0023] Thus, by inserting at least one arm of the first structure of the fastening means between two projections on the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element, it is possible to prevent translational movements of the framework relative to the internal reinforcing element, more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the plane of welding of the internal reinforcing element to the plastics tank.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the above embodiment, the skeleton of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the first structure configured to at least partially restrain the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least two arms, preferably at least two arms configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcing element.

[0025] This allows the first structure having two arms to distribute stress to the two arms, thereby improving the mechanical strength against the stress that is applied.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the shell of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the first structure configured to at least partially restrain the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element has a cutout when the at least two arms are in the same plane, and the cutout is positioned between the two arms and facing the internal reinforcing element when the internal reinforcing element is fixed to the shell.

[0027] Therefore, this first structure with the gap between the two arms can be more easily restrained by the internal reinforcing element.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the framework of the tank made of plastic material according to the invention is such that at least one arm forms an arc of a circle.

[0029] The arc-shaped arms therefore provide a fixation similar to that achieved by a clip, and more particularly when the internal reinforcing element has a cylindrical zone, to which the restraint is applied.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the shell of the tank made of plastic material according to the invention is such that the first structure configured to restrain at least one first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least two arms, at least one of the two arms, preferably both arms, in the form of a circular arc. Preferably, at least one of the two arms has an angle of more than 180°. More preferably, at least one arm is hook-shaped. The first structure configured to restrain at least one first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least two arms in the form of a circular arc, which two arms form an angle of less than 180° when they are in the same restraining plane, more particularly when the internal reinforcing element has a cylindrical zone in which restraint takes place. However, the angle of the circular arc depends on the material from which the arms are made. This arrangement makes it easier to restrain the internal reinforcing element.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the framework of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that at least one arm is provided at its end with a hump, preferably pointing towards the inner part of the arm intended to restrain at least one first part of the internal reinforcing element.

[0032] The bumps thereby ensure the restraint of the internal reinforcing element, thereby reducing the arc length, which reduces the "material" constraints on the positioning of the reinforcing element in the arms of the first structure, preferably between the two arms.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the framework of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that at least one arm is provided with a locking means, for example in the form of a ramp, configured to lock the fixation of the internal reinforcing element to the framework.

[0034] Therefore, the locking means can ensure the fixation of the internal reinforcing element to the framework, contributing to improved fixation reliability.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the skeleton of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that the second structure, which is configured to at least partially surround the second outer part of the internal reinforcing element, comprises at least one arm, preferably at least two arms.

[0036] Therefore, a second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element and having at least one arm, preferably at least two arms, can guide the internal reinforcing element when positioning it on the framework. Such a second structure can also hold the internal reinforcing element in all X, Y, and Z directions relative to the vehicle. Preferably, the at least one arm, preferably at least two arms, is positioned at the second outer end of the internal reinforcing element, located at the end opposite the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element that must be positioned relative to the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element restrained by the first structure. This advantageously prevents the internal reinforcing element from rotating around the axle.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the skeleton of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the present invention has at least one of its two arms, preferably at least two of its arms, forming a circular arc. Preferably, at least one of the two arms has an angle of more than 180°. More preferably, at least one arm is hook-shaped. The second structure configured to at least partially surround at least one first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element has at least two arms in the form of a circular arc, which form an angle of less than 180° when they are in the same restraining plane, more particularly when the internal reinforcing element has a cylindrical zone in which partial surrounding takes place. However, the angle of the circular arc depends on the material from which the arms are made. Such an arrangement makes it easier to surround the internal reinforcing element.

[0038] Such an arrangement can therefore combine a guiding function and a mechanical retention function between the secondary structure and the internal reinforcing element.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, the framework of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is such that at least one arm of the second structure, which is adapted to at least partially surround the second part of the internal reinforcing element, is fixed to an extension, preferably in the form of a shaft.

[0040] The use of extensions in this manner can reduce the size and amount of material used.

[0041] The skeleton of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is such that a first structure configured to restrain a first outer portion of an internal reinforcing element has an inner periphery that is larger than the inner periphery of a second structure configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0042] A first structure having an inner periphery greater than the inner periphery of a second structure configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element and configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element then allows for fixation of the reinforcing element with at least one zone of weaker section adapted to fracture when subjected to excessive mechanical stress, and it is preferably in this zone that fixation of the second structure takes place.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the shell of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention has a deformable connecting member connecting the shell and the means for fastening the internal reinforcing elements, the connecting member being configured to deform under the action of mechanical stress from outside the shell in order to allow a relative movement between the shell and the means for fastening the internal reinforcing elements.

[0044] The deformable ties therefore make it possible to reduce the stresses on the framework, which are related to temperature and pressure changes inside the tank and which cause deformations due to the movement of the internal reinforcing elements or of the internal reinforcing elements relative to each other. These movements would generate stresses in the framework and therefore in the framework if there were no deformable ties between the framework and the internal reinforcing elements or between the internal reinforcing elements. Preferably, the deformable ties allow deformation of the internal reinforcing elements along an axis parallel to the welding plane with the tank.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the skeleton of the plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention is based on a material selected from the group of materials consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), and preferably has the form of a single molding.

[0046] The framework may also comprise support means for fuel tank components such as pumps, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and valves, roll-over valve (ROV) type valves, or fuel limiting vent valve (FLVV) type valves, or support means allowing the fixing of vent lines and fuel lines. The framework may also comprise or serve as a support for deflectors, also known as soundproof baffles or anti-slosh baffles. Preferably, the fuel tank components, vent and fuel lines and / or deflectors are fixed to the framework by "clipping", which allows for easy handling and fixing of the fuel tank components, vent and fuel lines and / or deflectors to the framework.

[0047] According to a preferred variant, the skeleton of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of through holes. Preferably, the skeleton further comprises means for strengthening rigidity, such as ribs.

[0048] The presence of the through holes thus makes it easier for the liquid contained in the tank to move.The presence of stiffening means in the skeleton allows the skeleton to better withstand stresses arising from the fastening of parts to the skeleton or stresses generated by the fuel tank comprising the skeleton.

[0049] According to a preferred variant, the skeleton of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle comprises a receiver adapted to receive an insertion means, such as an insertion rod, used to insert the assembly including the skeleton into the parison during the manufacture of the tank, such a receiver advantageously being in the form of a hole or a blind hole.

[0050] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising the shell of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the present invention and an internal reinforcing element. Preferably, the internal reinforcing element comprises at least one first portion adapted to be restrained by a first structure of the fastening means of the shell and at least one second portion adapted to be partially surrounded by a second structure of the fastening means of the shell, the first portion of the internal reinforcing element comprising at least two protrusions adapted to receive arms of the first structure of the fastening means of the shell. By inserting at least one arm of the first structure of the fastening means between the two protrusions on the internal reinforcing element, it is possible to ensure that translational movement of the shell relative to the internal reinforcing element is prevented. More specifically, this insertion prevents movement of the shell relative to the internal reinforcing element in a direction perpendicular to the welding surface of the internal reinforcing element to the tank. The protrusions are not located in areas of high stress, so that the internal reinforcing element is not weakened.

[0051] Preferably, the internal reinforcing element is in the form of a column, preferably a cylindrical or hourglass-shaped pillar. The internal reinforcing element can also be in the form of a retainer with a hollowed-out wall, with reinforcing ribs on part of the wall. The retainer wall can be flat or curved. The reinforcing element preferably has two sections overmolded at its ends with a material that can be welded to the tank wall. The internal reinforcing element preferably consists of a central section based on polyacetal (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) or metal, and two sections overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The internal reinforcing element preferably has a mechanically weakened zone that allows the element to break when subjected to high stresses resulting from forces applied to the tank. This mechanically weakened zone takes the form of at least one notch or a weaker section due to a thinned wall. The internal reinforcing element can have a hollow section, more particularly in its central section. This weakened zone preferably corresponds to the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0052] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plastic tank for a motor vehicle comprising an assembly of a plastic tank for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0053] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a tank made of plastic material for an automotive vehicle.

[0054] According to an advantageous implementation of the method for manufacturing a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention, the method comprises a step of fixing an internal reinforcing element according to the invention to the framework of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0055] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of an assembly of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of a means for fixing the internal reinforcing elements of a framework according to the invention; [Figure 3] 1 shows the connection of an internal reinforcing element with a framework according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an assembly 4 of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to the invention is presented, comprising a framework 1 and an internal reinforcing element 2. The framework 1 of the tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle comprises at least one means 10 for fixing the internal reinforcing element 2 to the tank. The framework 1 has a deformable connecting member 11 connecting the framework 1 and the means 10 for fixing the internal reinforcing element 2, the connecting member 11 being configured to deform under the action of mechanical stress from outside the framework 1 so as to allow relative movement between the framework 1 and the means 10 for fixing the internal reinforcing element 2. The framework 1 also comprises a receiving member 12 configured to receive an insertion means, such as an insertion rod, for inserting the assembly 4 into a parison during the manufacture of the tank. Such a receiving member 12 is advantageously in the form of a hole or a blind hole. The framework 1 is based on a material selected from the group of materials consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), and polyketone (PK). The framework 1 also comprises support means 3 for fuel tank components such as pumps, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and valves, roll-over valve (ROV) type valves, or fuel limiting vent valve (FLVV) type valves, or for fixing ventilation or fuel lines. The framework 1 also comprises a number of through-holes 13. Preferably, the framework 1 further comprises stiffening means such as ribs (not shown). The internal reinforcing element 2 is in the form of a cylindrical, preferably cylindrical or hourglass-shaped, post 21. The internal reinforcing element 2 can also be in the form of a retainer 20 with a centrally hollowed wall, part of which can be provided with reinforcing ribs. The retainer wall can be flat or curved. The reinforcing element 2 preferably comprises two parts, the ends of which are overmolded with a material that can be welded to the tank wall. The internal reinforcing element 2 preferably consists of a central part mainly made of polyacetal (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) or metal and two parts overmolded with high density polyethylene (HDPE).The internal reinforcing element preferably has a mechanically weak zone capable of causing the element to break when subjected to high stresses emanating from forces applied to the tank.

[0058] 2 shows a means 10 for fixing an internal reinforcing element of a tank to a framework 1. The means 10 comprises at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially restrain a first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element and a second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises two arms 1000 in the form of arcs configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcing element, each arm 1000 comprising a knob 1002 at its end facing towards the inner portion of the arm 1000. The two arms 1000 in the form of arcs have an angle of less than 180° when they are in the same restraining plane. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least one arm 1010 in the form of an arc fixed to an extension 1011 in the form of an axial rod 10110. The arc-shaped arm 1010 has an angle of more than 180°. It can be seen that the first structure 100 configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element has an inner perimeter that is larger than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows the connection of an internal reinforcing element 2 according to the invention to a framework 1, forming part of an assembly 4 of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle. The connection is made using a means 10 comprising at least one first structure 100 adapted to at least partially restrain a first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element and at least one second structure 101 adapted to at least partially surround a second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2. The first structure 100 adapted to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises two arc-shaped arms 1000 adapted to be inserted between two protrusions 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2, each arm 1000 comprising a knob at its end point facing the inner portion of the arm 1000. The two arc-shaped arms 1000 form an angle of less than 180°. The second structure 101 adapted to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2 comprises at least one arc-shaped arm 1010 fixed to an extension in the form of a shaft. The arc-shaped arm 1010 has an angle of more than 180°. It can be seen that the first structure 100, configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2, has an inner perimeter greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101, configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 has an hourglass shape 21, with two sections at its ends overmolded with a material that can be welded to the tank wall. The internal reinforcing element 2 preferably consists of a central section 24 based on polyacetal (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA), or metal, and two sections overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 22, 23. The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises a mechanically weakened zone that can cause the element to break when subjected to high stresses due to forces applied to the tank. This weakened zone preferably corresponds to the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2.

[0060] 4 shows a means 10 for fixing an internal reinforcing element of a tank to a framework 1 according to a variant embodiment of the invention. The means 10 comprises at least one first structure 100 configured to at least partially restrain a first outer part of the internal reinforcing element and a second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround a second outer part of the internal reinforcing element. The first structure 100 configured to at least partially restrain the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element comprises two arms 1000 in the form of arcs configured to be inserted between two protrusions of the internal reinforcing element, each arm 1000 comprising a knob 1002 at its end facing towards the inner part of the arm 1000. The two arms 1000 in the form of arcs form an angle of less than 180° when they are in the same restraining plane. The second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element comprises at least one arm 1010 in the form of an arc fixed to an extension 1011 in the form of an axial rod 10110. The arc-shaped arm 1010 has an angle of more than 180°. The first structure 100 configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element has an inner perimeter that is larger than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101 configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element.

[0061] Each of the arms 1000 has a free end adjacent to a corresponding bump 1002 and two opposing base ends separated by a recess 1001. Each of the two arms 1000 has a locking means 1015 on its upper surface configured to lock the internal reinforcing element 1 to the framework 1. In each arm, the locking means 1015 takes the form of a linear slope extending over a longitudinal portion of the arm, e.g., less than 50% of the arm length, here about 25% of the arm length in the embodiment of FIG. 4. The slope has a low point flush with the upper surface of the arm, flush with a portion of the free end of the arm, and an apex spaced from the end of the arm. Each of the two arms 1000 further has a stop 1016 spaced from the slope, opposite the apex of the slope forming the locking means 1015.

[0062] 5 shows a connection between an internal reinforcing element 2 and a first framework 1 according to a variant embodiment of the invention, forming part of an assembly 4 of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, and implemented by a means 10 for fixing the internal reinforcing element of the tank to the framework 1 of FIG. 4. The connection is made using a means 10 comprising at least one first structure 100 adapted to at least partially restrain a first outer part of the internal reinforcing element and at least one second structure 101 adapted to at least partially surround a second outer part of the internal reinforcing element 2. The first structure 100 adapted to at least partially restrain the first outer part of the internal reinforcing element comprises two arc-shaped arms 1000 adapted to be inserted between two protrusions 20 of the internal reinforcing element 2, each arm 1000 having a knob at its end facing towards the inner part of the arm 1000. The two arc-shaped arms 1000 have an angle of less than 180°. The second structure 101, which is configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2, comprises at least one arm 1010 in the form of an arc fixed to an extension in the form of a shaft. The arc-shaped arm 1010 has an angle of more than 180°. The first structure 100, which is configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2, has an inner perimeter that is greater than the inner perimeter of the second structure 101, which is configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element 2. The internal reinforcing element 2 is hourglass-shaped 21, with two sections at its ends overmolded with a material that can be welded to the tank wall. The internal reinforcing element 2 preferably consists of a central section 24 based on polyacetal (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyketone (PK), polyamide (PA) or metal and two sections overmolded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 22, 23. The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises a mechanically weakened zone capable of causing the element to break when subjected to high stresses as a result of forces applied to the tank, this zone of weakness preferably corresponding to the second outer part of the internal reinforcing element 2.

[0063] The internal reinforcing element 2 comprises two fins 25, each of which comprises an angle and a flat plate extending radially relative to the internal reinforcing element and integral with it. When the internal reinforcing element 2 is inserted into the means 10, the fins 25 slide up the slopes of the locking means 1015 on the two arms 1000 until they reach the top of the slope. The fins 25 then fall into the space between the locking means 1015 and the stop 1016. The shape of the slopes prevents the internal reinforcing element 2 from being locked in the means 10, thereby allowing the internal reinforcing element to be firmly fixed to the framework. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Framework 2 Internal reinforcement elements 3 Support means 4 Assembly 10 means 12 Receptacle 20 protrusions 24 Center part 100 First Structure 101 Second Structure 1000, 1010 Arm 1002 Cobb 10110 Axial rod 1001 Hollowed out part

Claims

1. A skeleton (1) for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, the skeleton (1) comprising at least one means (10) for fixing an internal reinforcing element (2) of the tank, the internal reinforcing element (2) having a cylindrical shape with at least a first outer portion with a first diameter and a second outer portion with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the first outer portion and the second outer portion each having a shape including at least a partially circular arc portion, the means (10) for fixing the internal reinforcing element (2) comprising: at least one first structure (100) configured to at least partially restrain said first outer portion of said internal reinforcing element (2); at least one second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2); a deformable connecting member (11) connecting the framework (1) and the means (10) comprising the at least one first structure (100) and the at least one second structure (101), the first structure (100) and the second structure (101) being attached to the connecting member (11) at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction of the internal reinforcing element (2); Equipped with the first structure (100) configured to restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2) has an inner perimeter that is greater than an inner perimeter of the second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2); each of the first structure (100) and the second structure (101) having an arcuate portion configured to fit into the arcuate portions of the first outer portion and the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2); The internal reinforcing element (2) has two protrusions (20) protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the internal reinforcing element (2), The first structure (100) configured to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2) comprises at least one arm (1000) configured to be inserted circumferentially between the two protrusions (20). A tank framework (1) made of plastic material for motor vehicles, characterized in that:

2. 2. The skeleton (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first structure (100) configured to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2) comprises at least two arms (1000) configured to be inserted between two protrusions (20) of the internal reinforcing element (2).

3. 3. The framework (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the first structure (100) configured to at least partially restrain the first outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2) has a cutout (1001) that is positioned facing the internal reinforcing element (2) between two arms (1000) when the internal reinforcing element (2) is fixed to the framework (1).

4. 4. The skeleton (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein at least one arm (1000) comprises a bump (1002) at its end, said bump (1002) facing towards an inner part of said arm (1000) adapted to restrain at least one first part of said internal reinforcing element (2).

5. 4. The framework (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises a locking means (1015), the locking means (1015) having a sloped shape configured to lock the fixation of the internal reinforcing element (2) to the framework (1).

6. 4. The skeleton (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second structure (101) configured to at least partially surround the second outer portion of the internal reinforcing element (2) comprises at least one arm (1010).

7. 6. The framework (1) for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said at least one arm (1010) is arcuate.

8. 6. The framework (1) for a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said at least one arm (1010) is fixed to an extension (1011) in the form of an axle (10110).

9. A framework (1) for a tank made of plastic material for an automotive vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting material (11) is configured to deform under the action of mechanical stress from outside the framework (1) so as to enable relative movement between the framework (1) and the means (10) for fixing the internal reinforcing element (2).

10. Assembly (4) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising a skeleton (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an internal reinforcing element (2).

11. A plastics tank for a motor vehicle comprising an assembly (4) for a plastics tank for a motor vehicle according to claim 10.

12. A method for manufacturing a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle, comprising the step of fixing an internal reinforcing element (2) to the framework (1) of a tank made of plastic material for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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